Just Like a Fish

I have really turned a corner with swimming. I'll be honest, when this process started, I though I'd take to the pool easily- I love the water!

I was wrong. Swim proved to be the most challenging aspect of training from day one. But here at week 7, I'm loving it. I finally got my rhythm down and can actually breathe (big plus). I used to huff and puff after 50 meters but now, 200 is no biggie. I realize that's a drop in the bucket since I have to swim across a river to the tick of 1800 meters, but I feel more confident in reaching the shore now.

It's also very interesting to see what pops to mind while you're swimming. For example, the other day in the pool I started stroking to the tune of "Old McDonald Had a Farm." And at the same time was pondering swim caps in general. My Grandmother always wore one. She said it kept her hair nice (she had her hair set every Monday) and I believed her. But now I think she was just crazy because nothing about a swim cap keeps your hair nice. In fact, if I'd had my hair set, a pool would be the last place I'd venture.

Anyway, these little conversations with myself pull me through to the end of the lane. And hopefully, across a river.

Claire

Thank You, Billy Idol

I just ran for 60 minutes. It was difficult. But, it was alot more fun thanks to my friend Billy Idol.

Ever since Cindy Mancini ruined her mother's fringed suede outfit with a bottle of cheap red wine to the tune of 'Dancing With Myself," Billy Idol has held my heart.

I've gotten into the habit of wrapping up my runs with "Dancing With Myself" and it never fails me. No matter how tired I am, that intro gets me right back into my rhythm. As I stare out the YMCA window, focused on one tree for concentration, I imagine I'm with all my friends, out dancing, and our early 80s favorite comes on. We do the brat pack kick and sing all together. It's cheesy, but that little daydream really pulls you through mile six when you're about to vomit.

Claire

Almost There

A bike is going to be a reality in my life this week! So far, our garage sale has been quite a success and I'm 75% of the way toward my bike! Also, I have truly perfected my haggling skills and am considering a career in consignment management or a stint on "American Pickers."

That said, I'm EXHAUSTED. Planning to rise with the sun in the morrow to get in a quick run but I'm not making any promises. Perhaps I can do laps at the pool party I'm attending tomorrow night- I'm sure that would entertain the guests.

Claire

An Aerobic Day

Today, I worked out on my own. And I mean that very literally in that I was not able to run my 40 minutes today. No, instead, I was laboring at my parent's house, preparing to sell 10 years worth of accumulated stuff at an estate sale at their home this weekend. My mother is THRILLED to have me as her hired hand now that I've been working out. I lifted boxes, set up tables, stacked books, climbed stairs, taped sheets, covered tables and even mentally exhausted myself trying to determine what to ask for my Carebear lunchbox.

Don't misunderstand- I have something to gain as well. Proceeds I make from this sale will go toward my land bike! And, of course, remaining earnings from my stuff will go towards fundraising for Team Gage! Super excited to put years worth of junk towards something so positive. If you're interested in the sale, you can find details on Facebook tomorrow.

And, while I wasn't able to get my 40min run in, I did do a quick trot around my parent's neighborhood after dinner. This was great, because it felt good to run a little, but also a good lesson was learned: don't run after eating El Fenix enchiladas. Muy malo, folks. Muy malo.

Claire

Running (well, spinning) With the Devil.

OK. Tonight, one of Satan's minons led my spin class. The bulk of the work out was "in the saddle" (seated) and at at least a level 7 of resistance. Because some crazy switch has flicked in my head that has taken me to a whole new level of self-competition (or I've actually lost it) I did exactly what the red-headed demon at the front of the class told me to do.

I will say, said demon's playlist ruled. A little Blink 182, Greenday, and Bruce's "Badlands" - which would motivate anyone to trudge forward. Definitely found myself dancing my way up the last few hills.

The devil instructor teaches Tuesday nights and Sunday. I'll be seeing her Sunday. And I may bring my light-up AC/DC devil horns for class. Rock on.

Claire

For the Love of Shoes

It should be noted, that in my closet there are approximately 75 pairs of shoes. These are just the summer ones. 95% are heels. And I love them all. I remember when and where I purchased them. I remember the special occasions I've worn then to and, honestly, I have names for a few. It goes without saying that I love shoes. I've even given up "meals" to make some of them a reality in my life.

So, I cannot tell you the glee I experienced yesterday when I discovered that my new project, aka the triathlon, would entail shoe shopping. I've been in alot of pain the past few days. I hadn't purchased new running shoes yet, but honestly, until last Tuesday, I was doing fine in my five-year-old, red kicks. But no more. The ankles- my GOSH- the ankles have been killing me.

So yeaterday I popped on over to Luke's Locker and had an experience being fitted and buying my first fancy pair of runners that was seriously on par with buying my first pair of Jimmy Choos. It was fabulous.

The nice man working the shoe floor had me walk a little and then trot around- didn't even tell him what my problem was and he could just identify it right off. He immediately said, "oh, I bet your ankles are hurtin" and I obviously was impressed. He then asked how I made the decision on my last pair of shoes, as in, was I fitted. "No," I told him. "I picked them because they were red. And they looked vintage." Silence from the nice salesman.

We tried on several pairs and I learned about pronation (which I over-do apparently) and talked about ankle support. The ultimate result is a pair of cloud-weight Asaics that made this morning's 40 minute trot on the treadmill truly blissful. Best part: they're pink. I am in love! And my ankles are so happy!

Please visit my official Team In Training Page to learn about this amazing cause. Even though I'm in love with my shoes, this isn't about them. I"m training for all those friends and family members we all have who have been affected by Leukemia and Lymphoma and our team specifically is racing for a special little boy, Gage. Click here to hear about Team in Training and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

The Honeymoon is Over

Every relationship has a honeymoon phase. And it's a delightful phase. Everything is blissful and exciting and all that goodness. And then, the honeymoon ends, and you are resentful, and tired and generally irritated. And in this case, have incredibly sore ankles.

Yes, my honeymoon phase with the exercise has ended. And that's totally fine because now I'm really settling into the reality of the experience and getting in the trenches for real. And I have to say, it's hitting me hard. I am in dire need of new running shoes (which will be taken care of today). My ankles were hurting so badly last week I was CRAWLING around my apartment. My energy sucked, so I started to eat more heartily, so now I just feel fat and sore. I am sincerely hoping that is temporary.

Thankfully, I had a very good spin class today and it was nice to be back after the long weekend off. And I'm anxious to get back to the pool as I haven't been in the water (for a workout) in over a week.

I've been told, that typically, the best stuff comes after the honeymoon. The hard work pays off and you're left with a great outcome. I've never really made it that far but I have no plans to breakup with my training. However, therapy might be in order.

Claire