Big Day

I don't know which angle I should take for this post. It was an interesting training session this afternoon. Should I talk about my training partner today? My speed? What about my near crash? The fact that I did my first brick? I better just fill you in on all of it. Hey, lucky you!

My in-laws are visiting and Brian came home from work early, so we decided to go ride our bikes. We haven't ridden together since we were in San Francisco for that 20 miler, and our riding styles didn't click that day. Fortunately, this was a mere 8 miles (or 33 minutes) of togetherness. I led and he was right on my tail. I told him to back off because he was making me nervous. Then each time I tried to turn around to see if a car was behind me, all I could see was Brian. Which brings me to the next points to share.

We averaged 14.5 mph today. It would have been better if it hadn't been for the strong headwind as we were going west. What a challenge! My top speed going east was 18 mph so you know that wind created quite a resistance. But when I tried to turn around on the first lap, I had a little trouble with the U-turn.

I took that turn way too fast and I didn't have enough room to comfortably turn 180 degrees. Luckily there was a curb and I hopped off right in time. I blamed Brian for riding too close behind me and making me nervous, but I know it's because I was going too fast. Hey, training's not just about getting your body ready. It's also about learning to use the equipment and learning your body's limits. We both knew it was my own dumb fault and we were both laughing about it by the end of the ride.

Finally, this was my first brick--where you ride and then jump off your bike and start running. It doesn't sound like anything, but have you ever tried it? Do you know what your legs feel like after riding as fast as you can for 30 minutes? It's not easy to run. It feels really funky, and not in a good way. I ran for only 5 minutes, but in that time my legs never got back to normal. I'll try it again in a few days. The more I do it, the faster my legs will be able to adjust to the change in movement. Or so I've been told.

So, all in all, it was a good training session today! Maybe we'll run together in the morning.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Pizza

I've had this recipe bookmarked for a few months. The kids and I got around to baking it yesterday and we were all pleased with the results. Next time though, I think I'll stick the more traditional method of mixing. Because I'm convinced that's what they did to make theirs look the way it does. These instructions seem to go against everything that is sacred and holy about baking. Melt the butter completely? Normally, cookie recipes state to use room temperature butter, not melted butter. And I now know why--especially when it comes to chocolate chip cookies. Melted butter will melt your chocolate chips. Not that there's anything wrong with that; the chocolate ends up all through the pizza. But if you're looking for a puffier pizza and the chips to stay in their original form, don't melt the butter.

Our Garden

We decided to start our own garden. Thanks to a local nursery who sells these garden box kits, it couldn't be easier. Well, that's what they told me. And I believed them.

This photo was taken on Day 3, and I plan to show you the progress on a weekly basis. Expect a lot of dirt shots these first few weeks. Other than the teeny, tiny tomato plant and a few strawberry plants, we planted only seeds. Looking at the photo above and moving clockwise from top right, here's what we planted: tomato, strawberries, basil, carrots, zucchini, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos.

Mother Nature has blessed us with lots of rain since this garden was planted on Saturday. They say rain water is better than hose water so I'm very optimistic. Wish us luck!

An athlete. Who, me?

When is one considered an athlete? I've subscribed to the responsible, nerdy stereotype for so long that I just can't call myself an athlete. I'd like to be one, but I've never considered myself athletic. I am rather uncoordinated, slow, and not all that into sports. Do I even qualify?

Well...there was that 5K I ran on Saturday and the 14 mile bike ride I did yesterday.

So maybe I should call myself an athlete for however long it is that I can keep up with this. I know myself. My enthusiam can sometimes fade as fast as it appears. So, I better take the title while I can. I am Sara, and I am an athlete. Scratch that. Today, I sent in my registration for the Duathlon for the Cure so I am a duathlete!

My First Official Run

There I am! Looking for the finish.

My first 5K run really wasn't bad. Cardio agrees with me when I have a cold, and the entire time I was running I didn't cough. When I stopped...well, that's another story. But I'm sticking with my cold as the excuse for why I wasn't able to finish with a faster time.

Those of you who run probably don't think 3 miles is a big deal. It is to me, though. Remember, I've been running for only three months. It's challenging for me to run for 30 minutes and I had to run for longer than that today. 37:16 to be exact. My body felt fine; I just couldn't catch my breath so I had to slow down and walk three times. Some of that had to do with trying to keep up with the pack. Running in a race is a lot different than running solo around the neighborhood. When everyone takes off at the start, I was tempted to run faster. I checked the Garmin and I was going at a pace that I knew I wouldn't be able to maintain--11 minute miles--but when I slowed down to 12 minute miles, it seemed like everyone was passing me. And I have a huge fear of being last.

So, this was a good learning experience. Next time I'll start off at my own pace and probably pass the people who started out too fast. Also, I'm going to keep on with my training and see if I can push myself a little harder to increase my speed.

Here's a picture of Jill and me after the race.

Tomorrow's the Day

Well, all my training comes down to tomorrow morning. It's my first 5K run. I'm sick, and I have the feeling I'm not going to do well. Which really stinks because I've been training for three months and I really wanted to do well.

The last time I was timed in a 5K was in September of 1997. Michelle, my college roommate, and I walked the 5K portion of The Great Race in Pittsburgh. It took us 42 minutes. We are fast walkers and we ran the last part of the race because we were excited and it seemed like the thing to do. (Jennifer and I ran to the finish line of the half-marathon, too. There's just something about running over the line rather than walking over it.) Anyway, I'm planning on running the whole 3.1 miles tomorrow. Even if I average 14 minute miles and my pace from 1997 doesn't change at all. My goal is 11-12 minute miles, but seeing how this week is going, I should probably adjust my goal to something more attainable.

Who knows? Maybe I'll feel great in the morning and really fly out there. Don't hold your breath. I'll let you know how it goes.

Oh honestly...

I'm not going to sign up for any more fitness events if it means I have to get sick right before the event. My first 5K run on Saturday should be fun with a sinus infection. I guess the bright side is that I have a good excuse for why it will probably take me 40 minutes to finish.