Tough day today. Not physically, but mentally for sure. I'm travelling this coming Friday, and I believe because of the stress I get from travel, and making sure I get everything done that needs to be done before my trip, I struggled to be motivated for training today. If based completely on percieved effort, I would have bagged the day. But, because all the numbers were where they were suppossed to be (pace, HR, etc.), I decided to just suck it up and get it done. This is one of the few times I've truly been thankful to have so many "gadgets" involved in my training:). I usually leave the numbers to my coach, but today it was nice to see that all the "crap feeling" was just in my head and doesn't mean that my fitness is necessarily being compromised. There are going to be good days and bad days. Luckily, for me, the good ones far outweigh the bad ones:)
Tomorrow is back in the pool and on the bike. While recently I've had trouble getting psyched up for runs, I never have a problem getting out on the bike. And even swimming has been a bunch of fun lately. The weather is suppossed to be terrific as well, so I'm hoping that will have an positive effect on me too! We'll see!:)
This is our new blog detailing our daily adventures, mountain bike racing, endurance sports, and maybe even some cooking (that's Anne's domain!). We will share our experiences with life, training, and most importantly, being a team-both in marriage and in our sport.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Funny how things change...
Just going through some old pics and came across this old headshot from my acting/modeling days. Amazing how life changes in so many ways. A few years back I was persuing an acting and modeling career in New York City. I was doing the whole casting call, audition circut and having a blast doing it. I really had some great experiences, met some great people, and got to live some of the "glamor life" for a little bit:). I even got to hang out on the set of a tv show I was filming with James Cameron for a night! Nothing like standing out on a street corner for 6 hours in the middle of Los Angeles with a super famous director while people run around you with cameras! In case you forgot who James Cameron is, he directed that Titanic movie and most recently Avatar-he's kind of a big deal:). Anyway, I was just having some fun reminiscing about those times. Honestly feels like a lifetime ago and not just a few years. Maybe I'll pursue it again one of these days...
Great weekend...
Had a great weekend of training. I was too tired from yesterday to post anything last night, but I'm feeling back to normal again now, so that's good:).
Got in a good bike and a spectacular run yesterday afternoon. I spent the majority of the morning and early afternoon working in the yard, moving leaves, rocks, weeds, and dirt from across the yard to the woods. It was a lot of hard work and definitely took a toll on my training later in the day.
On the bike I had nothing to start with. The session really didn't call for much of an effort, just mainly and endurance-based ride with some strengthwork mixed in, so that worked in my favor. By the end I wouldn't say I was re-energized, but I certainly had a bit more energy. Nonetheless, I wanted to do ANYTHING but go out for the run planned. I HTFU'd and got out anyway.
Run was nothing short of excellent. You know you're legs are getting to where they should be when you're tired and you "fast" pace of a month ago is now a jog:). Happy days!
Today has been mostly a rest day with the exception of some strengthwork. Though I love nothing more than being out riding, running, and swimming, it's nice not to have a workout in those three disciplines hanging over my head. I'm always excited to train, but today it was nice to just sort of lay back and chill out for a bit. Spent some time with Lucky and got some cleaning done. Good day all around! Tomorrow it's back to work for a swim and bike. This week will hopefully fly by as I'll be away for a bit starting Friday. Can't wait for that!!!!!!! :) :) :)
Got in a good bike and a spectacular run yesterday afternoon. I spent the majority of the morning and early afternoon working in the yard, moving leaves, rocks, weeds, and dirt from across the yard to the woods. It was a lot of hard work and definitely took a toll on my training later in the day.
On the bike I had nothing to start with. The session really didn't call for much of an effort, just mainly and endurance-based ride with some strengthwork mixed in, so that worked in my favor. By the end I wouldn't say I was re-energized, but I certainly had a bit more energy. Nonetheless, I wanted to do ANYTHING but go out for the run planned. I HTFU'd and got out anyway.
Run was nothing short of excellent. You know you're legs are getting to where they should be when you're tired and you "fast" pace of a month ago is now a jog:). Happy days!
Today has been mostly a rest day with the exception of some strengthwork. Though I love nothing more than being out riding, running, and swimming, it's nice not to have a workout in those three disciplines hanging over my head. I'm always excited to train, but today it was nice to just sort of lay back and chill out for a bit. Spent some time with Lucky and got some cleaning done. Good day all around! Tomorrow it's back to work for a swim and bike. This week will hopefully fly by as I'll be away for a bit starting Friday. Can't wait for that!!!!!!! :) :) :)
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Bike, Brick Run
Great day of training. Working with power on the bike is like a whole new ballgame. I'm enjoying every second of it. I'm still learning a bit, and it's taking time to get the hang of what different watts feel like (i.e. 250 vs. 350), but it certainly made my ride go by quickly today.
It was a beautiful sunny day today. A bit windy, but I've actually come to like the wind-not the type that knocks you off your bike from the side of a mountain, but gusts of 30mph don't really bother me much anymore...I must be getting stronger:).
The run was the run. It hurt. Had to get right into it after the bike and my legs, as always, felt heavy even though I ran strong. I tend to run fast off the bike, and I think I'm getting good at being a "tired" runner. Seems like that'll be a good thing being that I'm a triathlete and all:).
I played a bit with nutrition on the bike today. In the past I've always sort of winged it. I'm not one to measure out every calorie I take in, but I'm starting to see the value in a bit of planning on that regard. I think I hit the nail on the head as far as nutrition is concerned, but I think hydration still leaves something to be desired. Carrying only one bottle on a hot day like today probably wasn't a good idea. I did stop for a Coke at a gas station, but I think the High Fructose Corn Syrup in that made my stomach do some funny things once I got to the run. I got the same type of abdominal cramps as the other day on my longer run. Although I ran faster today, I don't believe the issue is pace-driven. It's definately a nutrition thing I've gotta figure out.
Tomorrow is a bit more of the same. A bike and run to end the week strong. I'm really excited about quite a few things right now...more on those to come!:) I've gotta keep my 2 readers on the edge of their seats!!! Hahaha:)
It was a beautiful sunny day today. A bit windy, but I've actually come to like the wind-not the type that knocks you off your bike from the side of a mountain, but gusts of 30mph don't really bother me much anymore...I must be getting stronger:).
The run was the run. It hurt. Had to get right into it after the bike and my legs, as always, felt heavy even though I ran strong. I tend to run fast off the bike, and I think I'm getting good at being a "tired" runner. Seems like that'll be a good thing being that I'm a triathlete and all:).
I played a bit with nutrition on the bike today. In the past I've always sort of winged it. I'm not one to measure out every calorie I take in, but I'm starting to see the value in a bit of planning on that regard. I think I hit the nail on the head as far as nutrition is concerned, but I think hydration still leaves something to be desired. Carrying only one bottle on a hot day like today probably wasn't a good idea. I did stop for a Coke at a gas station, but I think the High Fructose Corn Syrup in that made my stomach do some funny things once I got to the run. I got the same type of abdominal cramps as the other day on my longer run. Although I ran faster today, I don't believe the issue is pace-driven. It's definately a nutrition thing I've gotta figure out.
Tomorrow is a bit more of the same. A bike and run to end the week strong. I'm really excited about quite a few things right now...more on those to come!:) I've gotta keep my 2 readers on the edge of their seats!!! Hahaha:)
Friday, May 14, 2010
Bike Test!!!
So I've finally entered into the future with a new PowerTap power meter. And it's not good enough just to have it on my bike, but I actually have to use the damn thing! After a little bit of frustration to getting going with it, I managed to finally get to work out on the roads today.
I'm convinced that the "P" and the "T" in PowerTap stand for Painful Tourture. This hurt. Funny thing is that I have no ideas if the numbers are good or if they're bad. I was told to give my best effort and that's what I did. I'm not a numbers guy, so I'll leave that to the people who are. I'm kinda like a horse, I just do what I'm told:). That's what we hire coaches for:)
Have to say that between running too hard yesterday and working hard on the bike today I'm kinda shelled. Nothing that a good night's sleep won't fix, but tired nonetheless. I'll sleep well tonight for sure.
Tomorrow is back on the bike with some all new training numbers to follow. Looking forward to being occupied by numbers for my long ride tomorrow instead of abscently staring off down the road when I ride:).
I'm convinced that the "P" and the "T" in PowerTap stand for Painful Tourture. This hurt. Funny thing is that I have no ideas if the numbers are good or if they're bad. I was told to give my best effort and that's what I did. I'm not a numbers guy, so I'll leave that to the people who are. I'm kinda like a horse, I just do what I'm told:). That's what we hire coaches for:)
Have to say that between running too hard yesterday and working hard on the bike today I'm kinda shelled. Nothing that a good night's sleep won't fix, but tired nonetheless. I'll sleep well tonight for sure.
Tomorrow is back on the bike with some all new training numbers to follow. Looking forward to being occupied by numbers for my long ride tomorrow instead of abscently staring off down the road when I ride:).
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Swim, Run
Another swim and run today.
Great, but hard swim today. Any time you're lucky enough to have a coach on the pool deck and you're scheduled for hard intervals, you know you're gonna get your money's worth. It was tough, but in a great way. Not to mention the fact that if you're stroke starts to get sloppy, you have somebody to kick your butt back into gear:).
For the run I felt great. No silly cramps today (and no chocolate covered strawberries either!). However, I have to be a bit more disciplined as I ran a little too hard when I was suppossed to take it easier. It was only 15-20 seconds faster than the intended pace, but over distance that kinda adds up. I get carried away sometimes and it'll hurt me in the long run. The easy days will be too hard and the hard days won't be hard enough. I'm trying though!!!:)
Tomorrow is a tough day on the bike. Nothing long, but just hard. Kinda scared about it:). I think I get more nervous the night before big workout days than I do before races...well, maybe I get nervous for both:) hahaha! Anyway, it's gonna be a chance to use my new power meter and set up some numbers from which to base future workouts on. The weather is supposed to be crap, so I'm crossing my fingers that the rain will hold out! I only need 90 minutes!!!!:)
Great, but hard swim today. Any time you're lucky enough to have a coach on the pool deck and you're scheduled for hard intervals, you know you're gonna get your money's worth. It was tough, but in a great way. Not to mention the fact that if you're stroke starts to get sloppy, you have somebody to kick your butt back into gear:).
For the run I felt great. No silly cramps today (and no chocolate covered strawberries either!). However, I have to be a bit more disciplined as I ran a little too hard when I was suppossed to take it easier. It was only 15-20 seconds faster than the intended pace, but over distance that kinda adds up. I get carried away sometimes and it'll hurt me in the long run. The easy days will be too hard and the hard days won't be hard enough. I'm trying though!!!:)
Tomorrow is a tough day on the bike. Nothing long, but just hard. Kinda scared about it:). I think I get more nervous the night before big workout days than I do before races...well, maybe I get nervous for both:) hahaha! Anyway, it's gonna be a chance to use my new power meter and set up some numbers from which to base future workouts on. The weather is supposed to be crap, so I'm crossing my fingers that the rain will hold out! I only need 90 minutes!!!!:)
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Swim, Run, Power Meter!!!!!
Exciting day today. Had some ups and downs, but mostly ups!:) Got a great swim in this afternoon. It was endurance based and one of the longer swims that I've done all year. My swimming is really becoming so much better it baffles me. I'm so excited to get in the water for my first triathlon of the year I can hardley wait. What was a huge limiting factor for me in the past has become something that I no longer have to worry so much about. It's taken some hard work, but I'm happy with the direction it's headed.
Funny thing about the swim came at the end. When I was cooling down, my leg cramped up aweful! One of those cramps that wakes you up in the middle of the night practically in tears! And during the "cool down" no less! Had to stand on the wall for 10 minutes until it worked it's way out. The girl in the lane next to me asked if I needed help. Keep in mind she was all of about 4 feet 11 inches. Defintitely would have looked funny if this tiny girl was helping me get out of the pool so I declined with a smile:).
A few hours after the swim, and after I was done with work I headed out for a run. Nothing big, just an easy, longish (at least for me at this point with my injury) run. Should have been simple. Well, at about 45 minutes in, my stomach decided to go against me. Let's just say that I left for the run wearing gloves and came home without them. If that doesn't make it clear enough, imagine a bathroom break, just without the bathroom. Yeah, not one of my finer moments. So anyway, after all was taken care of on that end, I started runnning again, only to get one of the worst abdominal cramps I've ever had. Usually these things just work themselves out, but this one was with me for the rest of my run. Had to stop at least half a dozen times, and by the end of the run, I was stopping ever 100 meters. What should have been a 90 minute run without stops was made into a 2 hour death march. And the ironic thing was that my legs felt fantastic almost the entire time. Must have been the few chocolate covered strawberries I ate beforehand...won't make that mistake again!!!
And the most exciting event of the day....I FINALLY got a power meter for my bike!!!! Really excited about this one and very thankful to the guys at Campus Bicycles(more on that in a minute). I'm excited to train with power because I really believe with the right guidence (and I've certainly got that) I'll be able to take my cycling to the next level. Although I was happy with my results this past weekend, I'm still certain I could have gone faster if I'd been training with a power meter. I'm intruiged by the "absoluteness" of power-the fact that it "is what it is". Nothing effects it except for what you're putting into the pedals. It'll be a blast to see how strong (or weak:) ) I am!
So the thankful for Campus Bicycles part....
My local shop, Campu Bicycles, have been great in hooking me up the last couple years. They've got the best mechanics on Long Island as far as I'm concerned, and really work with you to help in any way they can...and I mean ANY way. So, as I went in to pick up my power meter today, somehow I wound up locking my keys in the car-haven't done this in years! Luckily enough, being the great mechanic that he is, my buddy Nelson found a way to "break" into my car and save me from having to cancel an important appointment. I didn't ask any questions, but boy did he get in the car with ease...Hmmm..... hahaha! So thanks Campus Bikes, where you can not only get some great bike gear, but get you're car broken into for free!!! hahaha, all kidding aside, thanks guys for the help! Saved me in more ways than one!
So that was my day. Little up, little down, but that's the way it is. Looking forward tomorrow to another good swim (hosted by coach Kerry), and a long run. This will be the longest run I've done in quite a while so I'm a bit nervous about it. Haven't had any problems with injury or anything else, but it's always in the back of my mind. It'll be interesting to test the waters. Fingers crossed!!!
Funny thing about the swim came at the end. When I was cooling down, my leg cramped up aweful! One of those cramps that wakes you up in the middle of the night practically in tears! And during the "cool down" no less! Had to stand on the wall for 10 minutes until it worked it's way out. The girl in the lane next to me asked if I needed help. Keep in mind she was all of about 4 feet 11 inches. Defintitely would have looked funny if this tiny girl was helping me get out of the pool so I declined with a smile:).
A few hours after the swim, and after I was done with work I headed out for a run. Nothing big, just an easy, longish (at least for me at this point with my injury) run. Should have been simple. Well, at about 45 minutes in, my stomach decided to go against me. Let's just say that I left for the run wearing gloves and came home without them. If that doesn't make it clear enough, imagine a bathroom break, just without the bathroom. Yeah, not one of my finer moments. So anyway, after all was taken care of on that end, I started runnning again, only to get one of the worst abdominal cramps I've ever had. Usually these things just work themselves out, but this one was with me for the rest of my run. Had to stop at least half a dozen times, and by the end of the run, I was stopping ever 100 meters. What should have been a 90 minute run without stops was made into a 2 hour death march. And the ironic thing was that my legs felt fantastic almost the entire time. Must have been the few chocolate covered strawberries I ate beforehand...won't make that mistake again!!!
And the most exciting event of the day....I FINALLY got a power meter for my bike!!!! Really excited about this one and very thankful to the guys at Campus Bicycles(more on that in a minute). I'm excited to train with power because I really believe with the right guidence (and I've certainly got that) I'll be able to take my cycling to the next level. Although I was happy with my results this past weekend, I'm still certain I could have gone faster if I'd been training with a power meter. I'm intruiged by the "absoluteness" of power-the fact that it "is what it is". Nothing effects it except for what you're putting into the pedals. It'll be a blast to see how strong (or weak:) ) I am!
So the thankful for Campus Bicycles part....
My local shop, Campu Bicycles, have been great in hooking me up the last couple years. They've got the best mechanics on Long Island as far as I'm concerned, and really work with you to help in any way they can...and I mean ANY way. So, as I went in to pick up my power meter today, somehow I wound up locking my keys in the car-haven't done this in years! Luckily enough, being the great mechanic that he is, my buddy Nelson found a way to "break" into my car and save me from having to cancel an important appointment. I didn't ask any questions, but boy did he get in the car with ease...Hmmm..... hahaha! So thanks Campus Bikes, where you can not only get some great bike gear, but get you're car broken into for free!!! hahaha, all kidding aside, thanks guys for the help! Saved me in more ways than one!
So that was my day. Little up, little down, but that's the way it is. Looking forward tomorrow to another good swim (hosted by coach Kerry), and a long run. This will be the longest run I've done in quite a while so I'm a bit nervous about it. Haven't had any problems with injury or anything else, but it's always in the back of my mind. It'll be interesting to test the waters. Fingers crossed!!!
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