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September 11, 2008
Brain Freeze
Usually I reserve the term "brain freeze" for that feeling you get when you eat something really cold (ice cream) too quickly and your brain revolts with waves of pain. But today I discovered a new definition. Similiar yet different.
Brain freeze now also occurs when one rides their bike in 50 degree weather with wet hair down a big hill at around 30 mph. The result is the same - brain revolt and waves of pain. Just a different cause I suppose!
I don't know what the heck I was thinking but somehow I decided that riding in shorts, cycling shoes with no socks, long sleeve with cycling jersey over top and a helmet was going to be warm enough when it's 50 degrees outside. Note no mention of gloves. Probably adequate clothing when you are coming off a long winter and this is your first ride outside and 50 feels like an oven. But NOT the case when the coldest weather you've ridden in for the past 4 months is 70 degrees!
I was frozen solid! And searching for hills so I could ride up them and get warm. Only problem is, for every uphill there is a downhill... :) But I did survive just fine and the feeling has now come back into my hands and toes. Earlier in the morning while I was waiting for it to get light enough outside to ride, I swam (hence the wet hair) and ran. Running in 50 degrees is positively delightful. Must remember though, I usually don't run at speeds of 30 mph and therefore don't have to worry about windchills like on the bike!
Hmm...what else? I think I'm done with PT for my hamstring! I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow to be sure but at my PT appointment today the therapist was ready to release me. My hamstring is really hanging in there which is amazing considering how it felt a bit ago. The hip strengthening exercises that I do daily must really be helping. So now I will just continue to do those on my own, keep stretching the heck out of it and of course ice. Oh, and keep my fingers crossed too. ;)
And now for another blast from the past picture:
This one isn't from too long ago - I think 2004. This is my BFF Krista and I at the finish line of the Cleveland Marathon (those guys are taking our chips off I think). It was the 2nd marathon for both of us and we ran EVERY STEP of this one together. Even when I was hurting bad around 22 miles. Krista stayed with me and pulled me along. I have a picture of us doing the cheesey holding hands crossing the line thing. But that was one of my favorite all time race experiences. And that picture is one my all time favorites too and will forever sit on my bookcase! The actual day was pretty crappy. Cold and it POURED down rain for miles. (what can you say, it was May in Cleveland) But we both ran PRs - 3:11:09 to be exact!
Krista now has 2 children. And me? Umm...not so much. :) But she and O are planning a marathon comeback in Philly 2009!! I probably won't be able to do it as I would likely be coming off a long triathlon season at that point and the "M-word" is a big no-no from my coach's perspective. But of course I will be there cheering those guys on!
Posted by beth at September 11, 2008 3:07 PM
Comments
i am loving all of these pictures - it is so great to have them to look back on and reflect on the great moments you have had! that is a pretty impressive marathon and i am sure that you would easily be able to go out and do one again without much extra training since you are such a natural runner.
Posted by: kerrie at September 11, 2008 3:42 PM
I love the pics too, and I want to see the holding hands one! Good news on the hamstring, too.
Posted by: Danielle at September 11, 2008 5:16 PM
Nice pic ;-) And even nicer marathon time!! Sweet! Glad your hamstring is all better!
E
Posted by: E Swanson at September 11, 2008 8:27 PM
Eeks! Cold weather on the bike - NOT fun! Great news about the hamstring - I KNOW how great that feels! Well - maybe a marathon would be in the books if you trained for Ironman..... :)
Posted by: marit c-l at September 12, 2008 9:08 AM