Running Commentary

Kicking off the long weekend

Boy, am I beat. We had another couple over for dinner tonight which is rare during the week. Of course, tomorrow isn't a real work day, so it's not too bad, but it's a lot more planning and organization than I usually have to worry about on a Thursday night! All went well though and we had a nice time. Our guests even left behind a caramel chocolate cake--score!

I had a hard time waking up this morning and I decided just to hop on the bike rather than divide my time between running and biking. I wanted to watch the last episode of Season 2 of "Brothers & Sisters," even though I will have to wait a long time to get the DVD of the season that just ended. It was a good episode and I have been very successful at avoiding any current news about the show so I am in good shape for the release of the next installment, whenever that may be. I don't remember too much about my spin so it must have been pretty decent.

I had heard that we were going to get out of work early today and looked forward to it all day, but I wasn't able to leave until close to 4:30 because I was finishing something up. There wasn't really enough time to go to the gym and lift before I had to get ready for dinner so I went home and did a bit more biking while watching a "Jon & Kate Plus 8" retrospective on the previous ten years.

That brings me up to date and I am going up to bed.

Short week that feels long

I was really tired when I finally dragged my butt out of bed this morning. It took me a little while to mentally wake up and decide whether today was meant to be a running or biking day. I did a little of both, but mostly running. I did a very hilly route and focused on my form to make sure that I wasn't getting lazy and forgetting what I was supposed to be doing. It was slow goings at first, but I ended up finishing feeling pretty strong. My knee/leg didn't bother me during the run much but as usual was a bit sore later. The post-run biking that I did was easy; I didn't even get out of the saddle while pedaling along to last night's "Tori and Dean."

Matt and I both worked from home today for a couple of hours while we had our handyman fixing some things. I'm glad to be able to cross some of those "to fix" items off my list. Even though I didn't get to the office until around noon, my day seemed long. I think it was just in comparison to the past couple of weeks, which were ridiculously packed. The office has been quiet this week with a lot of people on vacation and I'm sure it will be silent tomorrow.

The gym was also pretty quiet. I rushed around trying to be quick and left at the same time I always do. I had a bunch of errands to do so I was trying to save time. But we're all settled at home now...just in time for bed.

Take me out to the ball game

Today was a one-workout day because we had an evening company outing to a Frederick Keys game, the first minor-league baseball game I've even been to. It took a long time to get there (traffic) and we are home later than usual on a "school night," but it was a lot of fun to hang out with work friends outside of work, especially because today was the end of a rather stressful project a bunch of us have been working on. Matt came with me to the game so there was much socializing to be done.

I knew I would be busy tonight so I tried to squeeze in a slightly longer spin this morning. I got a few extra minutes, but (as usual) not quite as many minutes as I wanted. I think I forgot to turn up the a/c in the basement--or else I was working harder than usual--because I was really working up quite a sweat. My knee did not bother me on the bike but I did have my usual few twinges every so often walking around.

While we were at the game tonight, we got the great news that friends of ours who have been seeking to adopt are now parents of a newborn girl. We are so happy for them!

Perspective

When I was about to leave for work this morning, I was in a pretty good mood--I had a decent run (although I would have some discomfort walking around the rest of the day), and even had a few extra minutes to bike before I had to get in the shower. Then I checked my email and saw a note from my co-worker that the woman who had died in the tree-falling accident that I ran by on Saturday had been a close friend of hers. I talked to her about it later at work (she came in for a few hours) and it just reminded me how things can really change in an instant. I tried to remember that when I got down later in the day realizing that my knee was bothering me a bit.

At the gym tonight, one of the trainers who knows me mentioned that she had seen me "running or doing whatever it was I as doing" this morning. I'm sure she didn't mean anything by it but I wondered whether she thought I was walking because I was so slow? I think it was just a weird comment.

My grandfather in Boston had minor surgery today and everything went well. I was glad to hear the news. It put a positive spin on a strange day.

Another weekend ends

I'm glad to say that this weekend actually felt pretty long. I got a bunch of little things accomplished, got to watch a lot of track and caught up with a friend I hadn't seen in awhile, among other things. I started the day out on the bike, although I had intended to run. I just felt like my knee was a little tight when I woke up and felt strangely in the mood to sit on the bike instead of heading outside. My knee didn't end up bothering me and I actually had a good, hard workout--and caught up on some "Brothers & Sisters" and a new show that might be my most embarrassing one yet. It's an ABC Family show about aspiring gymnasts--clearly aimed at a much younger audience, but how can you turn off a show that stars Candace Cameron? I don't think I've seen her in anything since her "Full House" days.

I spent the next few hours hanging out with my friend from grad school who was in town for a Monday meeting. We had brunch (I made waffles) and took a walk in the shopping area closest to our neighborhood. It was a really nice time and great to catch up with her. I did some errands after that and then decided (just as it started to rain actually) to jog up to the gym to lift because I've got a couple of evening commitments this week and will have to stray from my usual routine. My knee behaved on the run there and back and the gym was nice and empty. So I got one lifting session for the week under my belt already, which feels good.

With all my activities today (watching track was in there, of course), I haven't had time to read the paper yet, so I'm off to do that.

Wishing for something better

Even though I sort of hit the wall on my run last Saturday, my knee didn't bother me (Sunday either) and I thought I had turned a corner. I can't call today's run bad--I did get into a rhythm after a couple of miles and didn't have two much discomfort--but my knee's been sore the rest of the day, mostly going down stairs. It's really a shame, because the weather was great for June in D.C. (no humidity) and I did the same loop I did last Saturday only in reverse. I ran along Connecticut Ave. for a couple of miles and noticed lots of tree work at a major intersection. I didn't think much of it until I got home and read in the paper that a woman and a child in a van had been killed by a falling tree in that intersection last night during a brief, but violent storm that we had (high winds, hail, the usual summer t-storm). The woman had been driving a carpool, it seems, and all of the other kids in her van survived, thankfully. What a week for tragic news.

I'd say that the last 2 miles of my run (I ran for just over an hour) were probably the best today, which is why I was surprised when I had so much discomfort later in the day. I did bike when I got home, but not for too long and very easily. I iced for a bit in the afternoon, figuring it couldn't hurt.

Matt was at the office for a few hours today and I met him up in Bethesda tonight for dinner. I spent the day doing a major house cleaning and then working on the photo slideshow for my sister's rehearsal dinner. I should have spent more time outside since it was actually bearable for once, but the bugs in our hood are unbearable.

I am getting ready to watch my DVR'd coverage of USAs from tonight. I am appalled at what happened in the steeple trials with the water jump--that is so dangerous! I knew something happened to Nicole Bush as soon as I saw her get up after stumbling and it's amazing that she apparently finished the race on a broken ankle...wow. It seems that every night so far has had some drama and I look forward to seeing what tonight brings.

Friday is me day

I feel somewhat slacker-ish today after only spinning (and not for that long) this morning, but I'm trying not to be so hard on myself. I stayed up too late watching the women's 10K at USAs last night (thanks, Flotrack!) but it was worth it...I've also had a pretty stressful work week. So I'm making an effort to cut myself some slack rather than blaming myself for slacking!

My ride this morning was also frustrating because the A/V connection between my computer (aka DVD player) and TV wasn't working. I haven't investigated it fully to see whether it is the plug or the TV or what. But it prevented me from watching "Brothers & Sisters," which was annoying. I did occupy myself with "Weeds" and "Tori & Dean" (why do all my shows have ampersands in the titles?). My knee felt better than it did yesterday, although I had a couple of twinges walking around.

I'm excited to catch up on all the elite athlete interviews on Flotrack tonight (such a nerd) and watch all the coverage on TV tomorrow and Sunday. Happy weekend to all!

Another day flies by

I have a bit of work to do tonight, so this will be quick. It's been one of those weeks! I had a decent workout on the bike this morning, although I can't say I was all that satisfied with my entertainment. "Brothers & Sisters" was good, but then I cued up the premiere of the new season of "Real World" and I couldn't even get through it! I might try to finish it at some point, but it doesn't seem likely. The locale this season? Cancun. That is definitely part of the problem. How real is that?

My knee didn't really bother me on the bike today, but it is still catching/pinching a bit compared to how it was a few days ago. Foam rolling doesn't seem to make as much of a difference as it did a few days ago, either. Weird. I walked to work this morning because Matt needed the car this morning, and I really had to book it to get there in time for a call. It was about 35 minutes door to door and my knee ached a bit off and on. By the time I got to the office, I was soaked. Luckily we have a new shower in our suite so I was able to clean myself up.

I had limited time at the gym tonight but luckily it was really empty. I flew from one thing to another without anyone getting in my way. I think everyone must be home mourning Michael Jackson or watching the NBA draft...

Not all bad

Once I finally dragged my tired self out of bed, I really felt pretty good on my run today, in the grand scheme of things. Legs were moving, I passed a couple of walkers, and my knee wasn't really bothering me. Things just didn't feel as smooth as they have recently--as I mentioned on Sat., being sore for once meant things were working/muscles were engaging properly. When I don't feel "smooth," I am probably favoring my good leg, although subconsciously of course. So that was weighing on my mind as I did an out-and-back loop on the Capital Crescent Trail towards Georgetown. I always forget that it it subtly downhill on the way out and just the opposite on the way back. There was an annoying guy who kept sprinting to pass me and then stopping to walk. He did it over and over until I finally summoned up some of the old Becky and got past him for good (mostly because I was about to get off the trail). No matter what speed I'm going, that type of competitive behavior is super annoying.

My run took up the majority of the time I had for working out this morning so I foam-rolled, did my abs and got in the shower without any biking. Until this afternoon, of course, when I rode the stationary bike at the gym and tried desperately to finish my already-overdue book (I have two more waiting that I am trying to plow through because they can no longer be renewed). I only have a few pages left but of course that's another day's fine. It's still cheaper than buying the book.

I think I am going to be sore from today's lifting session although I'm not sure what particular routine to blame. I just have that feeling in my arms.

Matt spent the day in New York today and is on his way home. I already warned him that chances are slim that I will be awake when he gets here!

A decent outing

I got out for a run this morning and it was really nice out. I am always pleasantly surprised when it isn't stiflingly humid out in the summer. I felt like I was moving better than I felt during the weekend, but I had a couple of knee twinges as I made my way through the Kenwood and Edgemoor neighborhoods of Bethesda. Plenty of beautiful houses to distract me as well as my iPod. I'm sure it was a function of the direction I ran on the bike path for the last mile or so of the run, but I did not get passed by anyone except bikers today, and that I was happy about. (I'm not sure I passed anyone except walkers, though.)

I rushed home to get a little time on the bike to watch last night's "Jon & Kate Plus 8" so I could see the now-infamous divorce episode. But somehow my DVR didn't pick up on the fact that it was an hour and not a half-hour, so I missed the key part. But the tabloids and my office roomie filled me in later. Phew.

Tonight I met a friend for dinner, so didn't go to the gym. I spent a few minutes waiting outside the restaurant and saw tons of happy-go-lucky runners streaming by, without a care in the world (or at least that's how it seems). Even on a day when I have a decent run, I am still a bit bitter--but I'm working on it.

Watching a tragedy unfold

I don't usually check my email between the time I leave work and get to the gym, but for some reason I looked tonight before putting my phone in my locker. I saw an email from a co-worker about a Metro crash and then a message from Matt's mom confirming that neither of us was on one of the trains that crashed. I confirmed that we were both fine and then brought my headphones with me to the bike because I knew I'd be watching TV instead of trying to finish my book. Things were still unfolding at that point and it was pretty terrible to see all of the wreckage and hear the newscasters sounding really freaked out. I wasn't on the bike all that long but the news was on around the gym so I kept up to date while I lifted, too (and that was all anyone was talking about). I guess it's good that more people weren't hurt or killed in such a violent crash...but it sure is unsettling. I had several messages and calls when I got back to my locker--locals know it would be rare for me to be on that side of the Red Line, but my family doesn't necessarily know the ins and outs of the Metro map. So tonight was certainly a different kind of gym experience, sadly.

The earlier part of my day didn't have nearly as much excitement. I planned to cross-train today, although I could tell by the cloudless sky when I woke up that it was pretty nice out. I finished the second-to-last DVD installment of "Brothers & Sisters"--I think I only have one more before I am up to the season that just finished, which means it will be a while before it comes out on DVD. Don't worry, there's plenty more on my DVR. I can't even remember what else I watched today. But my knee didn't really bother me and I was able to do all of my usual hill intervals with no ill effects, just tiredness.

I haven't even watched tonight's big "Jon & Kate Plus 8" yet but I already heard on the radio that J&K filed for divorce. I find it depressing because I just recently watched some of the shows from several years ago and they seemed just like any other couple with the usual challenges (and all those kids). The fame unraveled them, I guess. Sad.

Once again it is almost 11 and I am not in bed yet. And I wonder why I am tired in the morning?

Slow but steady

I haven't been sore from a run in a really long time. I don't know if my quads are finally engaging or what (which would be a good thing) but going down the stairs this morning was a bit painful. But as long as my knee didn't hurt (or my toe), I decided to try running again. I knew I didn't want to go as "long" as yesterday, though, so I headed out for one of my neighborhood loops.

The weather was better today--not nearly as humid and breezy. But my legs were completely dead. I was barely moving BUT I felt okay otherwise. It's weird to be relieved to just feel tired, but that's kind of how I felt. I was seriously dragging on the hills, but this time I got lucky and no one passed me.

I ran for about 45 minutes and then got home and hopped on the bike. I decided to try and get back into "Mad Men." I had been watching Season 2 until a few months ago and I am not sure why I stopped, exactly. I like it, it's just a really quiet show, with lots of quiet conversation--hard to watch on the bike. But I got into it today so I'll try and finish the season.

Matt and I did a couple of errands together this afternoon, then he went to his office for a few hours. I went, bravely, to Home Depot by myself to get a dehumidifier. Very exciting stuff.

The weather turned out really nice this evening. I hung out and read in the sun for about an hour, which is rarely comfortable in late June in D.C. I also did another very brief spin while watching coverage of today's ITU race here in D.C. (I'll finish tomorrow). I should have gone downtown to watch it live but I was too lazy.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there...I was lucky enough to have one dad, one grandfather, one father-in-law and one grandfather-in-law to call today.

Saved by the rain

I am getting used to waking up to torrential downpours. This one was strange, though, because at the same time I heard the rain, I also heard cheers and yelling from the swim meet at the pool around the corner. I guess they don't let a little rain stop them. I don't either, and was glad for the chance to be "hard-core" today as my toe was finally feeling better.

The rain was letting up by the time I left, but I figured it would come back because the humidity was just insane. (When I looked on Accuweather later, the "real feel" was 94, twenty degrees higher than the actual temperature.) So it was a bit uncomfortable, but my body was feeling good, other than an inability to run a normal pace when I hit any even minor hills today. I spent a good chunk of time on the Georgetown Branch Trail, which is shaded and dirt and flat, and it felt amazing when the rain started up again. Maybe it was the humidity, but I almost felt like I hit the wall when I still had a couple of miles left in the run (the sun was back out at this point). And although I hadn't seen too many other runners out, that was of course the point when a fit-looking woman zoomed right by me. Sigh.

But body-tiredness is fine by me, since that used to happen to the old me, too. I recovered pretty quickly when I got home and downed a whole bunch of water and Gatorade, and even felt like getting on the bike for another half-hour. But I found myself looking at my watch every minute so I knew I couldn't stay on any longer.

I must have been a little dehydrated from the workout because after cleaning up the house and making a dish to bring to our friends' house tonight, I was sound asleep on the couch. It was awesome to take a nap as I haven't had the chance in a few weeks. That's what I love about weekends.

Giving the toe another day

My toe was still pretty sore this morning--although better--so I decided in an unlikely Becky manner to give it just one more day of non-impact exercise before subjecting it to a run. It was really nice out this morning, making it an even more difficult decision. But I have learned in these past few years that sometimes an extra day really does make a difference. Let's hope that's true in this case.

So downstairs to the basement I went. Even though I didn't plan it this way, I think I did fewer hills and more high-cadence riding today. My toe didn't bother me much. I entertained myself with a typical array of shows including "Brothers & Sisters" and Tori and Dean's latest season. Good stuff.

Today was a busy Friday at work. I had lots of stuff planned and hardly any of it got done because I didn't have time. Oh, well. I am glad for the weekend, especially because we aren't traveling. Hope to catch up on a little work and a lot of around-the-house things.

Happy weekend to all!

Toe troubles

A few different factors conspired to make me change my mind on running today. I decided to bike first when the absolutely torrential rain woke both of us very early in the morning. I figured the chances of it continuing until it was time to run were slim, but I kept thinking about the puddles and cars splashing me and the bike was sounding better and better. (I am generally a fan of the rain, but today I wasn't in the mood.) Then, I got up and my toe was still hurting a lot. I think it is some irritation under the nail. I hope it's not an infection. Finally, Matt had to get to Union Station this morning and it continued to rain, so he asked me if I could drive him to the Metro.

So I got on the bike and it was a good decision. I jumped off for about 10 minutes to take Matt up to the Metro and then continued on my way. No major complaints about anything except that I forgot to put the air-conditioning on downstairs and it was hot and sticky. I felt pretty good otherwise.

We definitely had at least one more storm today, and there is probably another one on the way. I should just get used to it. Matt decided to take the train back tonight instead of the shuttle because of the storm-related flight potential, so I hope to see him at some point, although I may be sleeping when he gets home. I did my thing at the gym tonight and I am tired and looking forward to Friday...and hopefully some improvement with my pesky painful toe!