Rainy Sunday

Bike - 2 hrs, 20 minutes on trainer

Woke to rain, so it was an indoor recovery ride extravaganza with Coach Troy. I slogged through Aero Base Builders 1 and 6, and my legs were really beat. It was probably divine intervention that kept me indoors and forced to pay attention to my effort level today. 

The rain sputtered to occasional mist by dog walking time, so I was able to get all three out for their usual jaunts. 

Will be taking it easy today, preparing for tomorrow's return to work. Breaks are nice but too short lived. Back to the routine....

Fried

Bike Miles - 44

Swim - 2,500/73 mins

I need a vacation to rest up after my vacation!

Today, it was a bit chilly but not cold. About 61 degrees with a brisk wind. Unfortunately, as I was heading up to the turn around on my first circuit, the bald goon and his meaty monster of a dog were up ahead. I turned around and ended up varying my route a bit so that I would not encounter them. Success! They were gone by the time I headed back that way. As a consequence of changing things up, I ended up doing an extra mile. Legs were a little tired.

The pool seemed a little more crowded than usual and my buddy showed up. Therefore, I ended up sharing the lane with him, just like a weekday. He's not a consistent Saturday swimmer. Anyway, he left after about 35 minutes and I had the lap to myself until my final 20 laps. It was fine--the guy was a polite swimmer.  Have to admit to being tired for most of the swim, particularly my legs. That always makes me feel like I'm sinking, so I end up kicking more and making it worse. LOL. Determination got me through 100 laps, even though I initially was going to stop at 60, then 80, then 90. Since I don't plan to swim tomorrow, I wanted to do a long swim.

The sky was really cloudy, almost threatening, when I walked the girls. They took it easy on me, probably sensing that I was wiped out. It feels very fall-like outside with the cool temps and breeze. Rain is promised for later today into tonight and Sunday morning. 

Showery Friday

Bike - 1 hr, 45 mins/trainer

Swim - 2,000/1 hour

Woke to drizzle and rain on the radar, so I decided to do a couple Spinervals (Lean & Mean and Recharge).  For many reasons, I'm no longer determined to get in outdoor miles when the weather conditions aren't that great. It's also good to shake it up a little bit with some trainer miles. Looks like I'll probably be back inside on Sunday morning because some more rain is headed our way.

My swim went pretty well for the first 60 laps, then I got decidedly tired. I went from feeling buoyant to rock-like, probably because my legs were fried. Since it wasn't too crowded, I slogged it out to 80 laps. Started out the swim with the wild haired guy -- my usual lane partner -- and he left after 40 minutes, which is his usual swim time. I had the lane to myself for about 10 minutes, then some guy who was too fast for the slow lane joined me. Not a big deal, as he kept to his side and wasn't a sloppy swimmer. As I was leaving, another young man who appeared to be fast (big shoulders/chest) asked if he could have my side of the lane. I don't know why these folks don't go in the medium lanes. Since I was leaving, who cares? And best of all, bikini girl didn't show up today. She must be a Monday/Wednesday swimmer and once I get back to my workday swim schedule, I shouldn't encounter her since I'll be doing 60 laps at most....

No dog walking this morning because it continues to rain. Perhaps if it clears up, I'll get them out this afternoon. Hopefully... 

Brian is at an offsite today, so I'll have the day to myself. Plan to read, nap, take it easy. 

Summer-like Thursday

Bike Miles - 36

Swim - 2,250/67 mins

Because there were showers predicted, I wasn't sure that I'd be riding outside. There was some rain on the radar but it looked like it passed through already. Pumped up the tires on the beater bike and headed out. There was dry pavement near the house but a half mile away, the roads were wet, with puddles. Same sort of conditions on the trail. Wet north of 50, dry south.  I saw a skunk, a first ever. He crossed the trail in front of me, so I was praying he wouldn't get scared and spray me. Whew, made it past him without incident. It was very warm out---75 degrees---and humid. There were some patches of fog where the pavement was wet.

It wasn't that busy at the pool so I had my favorite lane to myself for about 75% of my swim. Started out feeling pretty darn good but by the end, my shoulders were sore and I was tired. Decided to slog it out to 90 laps but not push it to 100. Since I do my long swim on Saturday, I didn't want to overdo today. I love working to the point of soreness---means I'm getting stronger!

The girls were panting away during their walks because of the warmth/humidity. It is promising to be a mostly cloudy day with peaks of sun. 

While my bruises are very colorful, the soreness has pretty much dissipated, thank God.

Yesterday, Brian and I went to the Tidal Basin for a walk before he went in to the office for a meeting. Haven't been there for awhile, so it was nice. After a pizza lunch, he left and I took a two hour nap!  How am I going to go back to work and make it through the day without taking my nap?  LOL!! 

First Full Day of Fall

Bike Miles - 36

Swim - 2,000/55 mins

Who would have guessed this first day of fall would have the warmest morning in several weeks. Had a nice bike ride---dry, comfortable, felt good. My bruises are healing nicely.

I decided to focus on taking it slow during my swim, and as a consequence, had a good one. Felt buoyant, unlike yesterday--I think the difference was ensuring that I kept my core engaged and my head down. Started out splitting the lane with the wild haired guy, who is actually a nice fellow. He left after about 40 minutes and a lady joined me (she was fine but a bit faster than I). First 72 laps were good ,but Ms. Bikini-clad Too Fast for the Slow Lane plopped herself in the lane and asked if me and the other lady could swim circles so she could join us. I very pointedly told her that it was a SLOW lane (clearly marked) and in so many words, to respect that (I said I didn't want her lapping me).  I figured that I had only 8 laps to do til I reached my goal of 80 so it was ok.  The other lady apologized to me for being in the lane, as I was getting out of the pool. She was fine---gave me room & slowed down, even though I was jamming her up. Ms. Bikini also kept her distance, which was nice. I have to admit that if she does it again, I will insist that she go to a medium lane. She is simply too fast to hog a slow lane.  It's not fair to others.

Had a good time walking the girls after I got home. 

Autumn Equinox

Bike Miles - 36

Swim - 2,000/58 mins

It felt downright warmish out during my early morning bike ride. Sixty-four degrees and very humid. Thank goodness, a very peaceful, non-eventful ride. No cur and big bald goon sightings!  Right leg and left knee still bruised and sore, but improving.

My bruises didn't impact my swimming, but I was feeling a little like a rock today. LOL.  The pool was full but I was able to split a lane the entire time, instead of having to swim circles with two others. Consequently, I slogged out 80 laps. Next week, it's back to work and I won't be able to spend an hour swimming on the weekdays. 

Legs felt fine on the dog walks, too. Brian went in to work late, so he came with me on Margot's walk.  

After my shower, I found a hereto undiscovered bruise on the back of my left calf from the dog wreck.

Yesterday, Brian and I went to the Pentagon Memorial (he came home around 10:00 yesterday, which was a nice surprise). No surprise, I started to cry, remembering 9/11 and all that loss. The memorial is very understated and a good tribute. 

We also did a test run of my new commute, which shouldn't be bad at all.  Brian was so sweet---he got me a parking pass for the garage, so I will be ready to go Monday. I should regain about an hour or more of daily "me" time lost during that awful commute to Dulles.  Have the option to metro, too, if there's snow or I don't feel like driving.

Rain is coming, unfortunately. Gives me a good excuse to read and take it easy. 

Sunny Monday Morning

Bike Miles - 36

Swim - 2,000/57 mins

Yesterday, the bruises I sustained in the "cur" wipeout were very sore, so I iced them and took advil to reduce the swelling. Had a restless night's sleep, mainly worrying about encountering the dude and the cur again this morning.

When I got up, I was feeling better in terms of the soreness. I was able to pound out a relatively gentle 36 mile ride, and I was mindful not to push it. I was approaching the end of my last circuit, I saw the cur and his owner, the bald jerk, off to the side of the trail. He kept the cur off the trail until I cleared the area, thank God. For the rest of the ride, I was praying that I didn't encounter them again, particularly on the killer hill.  I knew I'd have to dismount or go by the dog, keeping my fingers crossed that he didn't lunge at me (there is no grass to cushion a landing there---macadam and concrete.  My prayers were answered and I didn't see them.  The jerk is going out later now, so I'm pretty sure he'll start meeting up with bike commuters. I think he would find one of those men less understanding and forgiving about his lunging dog than I had been....

Got off the bike and the tender area at the top/back of my right leg was very sore again. Also, the bruising on my calves and left knee are pretty spectacular.  Took some advil, which hopefully will reduce the swelling.

My swim was OK. I think my bike accident really knocked the bejezus out of my body because my inner thighs were simply wiped out when I was doing breast stroke.  It didn't impact me at all during freestyle, despite the horrific leg/knee bruising.  Still, it wasn't crowded - a nice surprise - so I took advantage and did 80 laps. Got really cold by the end of the swim. When I initially came into the deck area before swimming, I noticed it was not as warm/humid as usual (the water is always a little cool but even if you get cold in the water, the warm deck area warms you up when you get out). Went through the icebox of a hall into a not-so-warm locker room where I dried off and put on dry clothes. Ended up having the shivers---chattering teeth, shaking.  I had to turn the heater on high in the car and sit a few minutes before I could drive. My legs were quivering so much that there was no way I could have worked the clutch!  

Came home and walked the girls. Legs felt pretty good but I decided not to do my planned leg weight workout today. Instead, I did shoulders and back. 

Will be icing, applying arnica gels, and advil'ing again today.  I'm on the mend, thank goodness. It could have been so much worse.

Two of my Favorite Things

Spill

Bike Miles - 36

Well, it was a very cool ride this morning. First time this season where I had chilled extremities despite wearing winter shoes and thicker gloves. Not cold cold, but chilly. As I was on the final miles of my fourth circuit, I saw the guy with his rottweiler walking ahead, up the trail a ways. Kinda odd. He's usually out very early, not so close to dawn. I thought about turning around and avoiding them, but decided that it was dark enough that he'd see my headlight and move himself & cujo out of the way (he blasts an ipod, the fool, so he never hears my verbal warnings). Pass him without incident and head up to circle back for my final circuit.

As I'm climbing the hill after I turn around, I see he and cujo running up the hill, so I aim my headlight off to the side to keep from blinding them. As we both get to the crest, Cujo lunges at me, I hit him, and I go down in the grass. Thank GOD I hit the grass. The guy was stunned. Asks if I'm ok, apologizes, yells at the dog, tells me that the dog "gets excited," etc. I can't remember if he was holding the leash when the dog did it or not; however, he was NOT paying attention. I get up, notice my right leg (groin area where the saddle speared into me) hurts, and check over my bike. Put the chain back on, and it seems ok otherwise.  He keeps asking if I'm ok and apologizing, but to be honest, he seemed a little out of it (stoned, probably). Offered me the use of his cell phone. I told him I was ok and I'd call my husband on my own phone if I needed.  So I left, got on the bike, and decided to bag it, return home. Didn't want to risk a critical failure if the bike has damage I couldn't see. Plus, I didn't want to push it physically. As I was nearing the turn off to the trail home, I encountered another cyclist and warned him of the danger ahead.

I hope this guy has learned his lesson. However if I ever see them in the future, I will either dismount and wait for them to pass or I will turn around to avoid an encounter. 

I seem to be ok. Bruised, particularly in my upper right thigh (groin to around the back).  My left knee is bruised and sore.  My calves are really bruised too.  

Was able to walk the girls without any trouble. I have full range of motion and I didn't break any bones. Will be Advil'ing, icing, and applying arnica gel today.  I anticipate being able to ride and swim tomorrow, so long as I take it easy.

Scrumptious Saturday

Bike Miles - 43

Swim - 2,500/75 mins

Not as chilly this morning as I expected. A nice, peaceful early morning bike ride on the Seven. Taking advantage of the dry pavement!

We early birds at the pool had to wait past opening time to get in because the morning manager didn't show up. Apparently, he hurt his ankle yesterday and they didn't schedule anyone to fill in for him. The lifeguard was there but she didn't have a key. Luckily, she called one of the other managers, who raced down. Got in the pool about eight minutes past the regular time. Shared the lane for my final twenty laps, but mostly, had it to myself. I slogged out 100 laps this morning and felt pretty good. Got into my rhythm. 

The cool front blew in as I was walking the girls. A nice refreshing breeze and a cloud-free, sunny sky. Very nice.

Cloudy Friday

Bike Miles - 36

Swim - 1,750/47 mins

Since I had a 2.5 hour nap yesterday, I had a little bit of trouble falling and staying asleep. Woke up feeling OK, though. Nice bike ride---it was dry and there was no fog.

Swim was fine but I wasn't into the groove this morning. Ended up doing 70 laps, which is fine since I intend to swim an hour or more tomorrow. If some bikini-wearing young chick hadn't dropped herself in the lane, I would have gone for 80. However. I was already splitting the lane with someone who should have been in a medium lane and this girl looked like she was going to be too fast for the slow lane as well. Rather than deal with having to watch out for both of them lapping me and/or doing flip turns on top of me while swimming circles, I decided fate intervened and ended it at 70.  If that happens again and I'm under my goal for the day, I will tell the person(s) that it is a slow lane and unless they can keep a slow pace, to please move to a faster lane. Today, I was satisfied with doing my regular 60 and consider the extra ten laps a bonus.

When I got outside, it was misting. Unexpected. Luckily, a quick mover, as by the time I got home, it almost stopped. Took the girls on their walks and had a good time. A whole day unscheduled with no commitments.  I love it!  

Finally Done!

Monday 

Bike Miles - 36

Swim - 1,500/42 mins

Tuesday

Bike Miles - 36

Swim - 1, 500/42 mins

Wednesday

Bike Miles - 36

Swim - 1,500/40 mins

Thursday

Bike Miles - 36

Swim - 2,000/55 min

My last day was yesterday, and I was so happy I could have spit sparks!  My female coworker (of course) got me flowers and a card, which the Staff signed.  She told me that our boss wanted nothing to do with it, which doesn't surprise me. But it's over, done, finished. One of the many lessons I take away from this assignment was how NOT to manage a Staff.  Although, I already am a much better mentor/supervisor/manager than that boss, but it never ceases to amaze me how unprofessional some senior managers act in the workplace. He is proof that having expensive Italian shoes and going on pricey vacations does not give one class.  

Went to the new office to take my stuff down. Wow. THE CITY. Love it. Not sure if I'm going to drive or take metro yet. Parking is pretty dear, but I had been paying out the wazoo for tolls and gas to commute way out at Dulles. It probably would be a wash. Coworkers seem nice but the work environment is a fix of officers from other places. Will be interesting. Boss mentioned that she anticipates that "a couple" of us will remain in Crystal City because there isn't enough space for everyone in Tysons. Maybe I'll volunteer to stay....  we'll play that one by ear. :-)

I'm on leave now until I start the new assignment on the 28th.

Has been a good bike week and rain that was predicted Wednesday and today didn't materialize. It was wet on Wednesday morning, though, so I ended up having to clean off the beater bike when I got home. The fog made it tough going at times, particularly since I had to watch out for crazy trail-crossing rabbits. On Tuesday, I had a mechanical issue with my Eclipse on my way home at the end of my ride. A bad case of chain suck. So it's at the doctor's getting an overhaul and new tires. I've ridden it a lot this summer so it deserves some TLC.  I love that bike.

Time in the pool has been good, too. Have had a good bit of energy and it hasn't been too crowded. Since I'm off, I swam 80 laps this morning. One of the regulars told me that it might get a little more crowded next week when the last-remaining outdoor pool closes. Hopefully, those will be "later" swimmers and no early birds.

I'm going to take it easy during my leave. Brian can't take much time off, so I'll have plenty of "me" time for doing whatever I please!

Sunday

Bike Miles - 43

It must have rained shortly before I went out to ride because the pavement was wet. Not overly so, but damp enough to indicate that a short shower had passed through. It was neat watching the clouds scurry east, leaving a completely clear, starry sky in their wake.  Gorgeous. It was humid but cooler with a nice breeze. Felt strong but gave myself a break on the hills.

The girls enjoyed their walks. Maeve stitches/staples are healing but look creepy! She's dealing well with them.

Chores to do today and just want to take it easy.

Coolness

Bike Miles - 43

Swim - 2,500/70 mins

A nice refreshing wind made my bike ride enjoyable yet challenging. The air had that fresh smell--guess yesterday's rain washed everything clean. The pavement was dry, so I was able to ride my Eclipse (always a treat). It was in the low sixties but felt cooler.

I got to the pool when it opened and wonderful, not crowded. I was able to get my favorite lane and have it all to myself the entire time. An otherwise decent swim but some temporary issues with my goggles' seal provided a minor annoyance. I tightened the strap and all was well. Able to get in 100 laps and felt decently strong. Hopefully, Saturdays will be quiet at the pool.

Poor Maeve had her "easy button" removed last night and Dr. House, at Maeve's request, took off her wart, too. Now she had frankenstein staples/stitches down her forehead! The vet had no idea what the lump could be, as it was hard and bigger than expected. Off to pathology. She thinks it looks benign but we won't know anything until the lab results are back.

Getting my hair cut/colored today. It's too long and is driving me nuts. Rediscovering how much easier it is to have short hair was a blessing.

Rainy Friday

Bike - 1 hr, 45 mins (trainer)

Swim - 1,500/42 mins

Woke to rain, so I spent some time on the trainer, doing Spinervals (ABB6 and Recovery/Technique). Felt much restored after a good night's sleep and the three-hour nap yesterday. 

Had a very good swim. It wasn't crowded, so it was just me and the older guy sharing the bulkhead lane. He told me that after I left on Thursday, another guy got in the lane. A fast swimmer, like the first guy who joined us. He had to stop every time he reached the end of the pool because he had to watch where they were, they kept lapping him, etc. The lane is clearly marked "slow" so neither of us was sure why they came into "our" lane. Anyway, they likely were from Yorktown, just using the pool since theirs was closed for the day.

More b-s from the boss at work. It's ok. He's taken all of my work off of me, so I have two and a half days to pack up next week. Maybe I'll spend the afternoons at Headquarters since I'm just sitting around with nothing to do.

TGIF. 

3.5 more days...

Wednesday

Bike Miles - 36

Swim - 1,500/42 mins

Thursday

Bike Miles 40

Swim - 1, 500/42 mins

I didn't sleep well either Tuesday or Wednesday night, so I'm taking the day off to try and relax. Maybe take a nap.

Wednesday I got caught in some rain during my bike ride. I was prepared, wearing my rain jacket and old Sidis, but none too pleased. Luckily, it never rained hard but was more the intermittent light showers/sprinkles. Of course, I had to clean up the beater bike when I got home because the pavement was very wet. I didn't wear my glasses and a bug flew in my eye (of course). Couldn't get it out. 

Had an OK swim on Wednesday, it was my first swim before work. It was pretty darn crowded but I was fortunate that I had to share the bulkhead lane with only one other person. I did 60 laps, then got showered, dressed, and headed off to Dulles. The traffic was a heavier in spots but aside from coming to a dead stop at the merge onto 28, not too bad. Made it there in about 30 minutes. Thank goodness this is just for my last few days working out there. Getting to my new office will be much quicker.

Aside from a few spits of drizzle, Thursday's bike ride was dry. Since I was going to stay home and got up earlier than planned, I rode a little farther than usual. Take advantage of being outside because rain is predicted for tomorrow morning.

I felt stronger during my swim this morning but decided to cap it at 60 laps. Had to share with two others today, as a young man joined me and the older guy with whom I shared yesterday (second day we shared the bulkhead lane---apparently, we've staked our territory!). My first experience swimming circles, which was something I dreaded. Actually ended up not being too bad, even though the young guy kept lapping both me and the old guy. In addition, he took his half out of the middle and did those dreaded flip turns. Well, I proved I could do it, which is a relief, because I really want to keep swimming. 

When I got home, I treated the girls to walks. Selfish motivation to do so, though. Tire them out so I can rest!

Rainy Tuesday - Six More Days

Bike - 1 hr, 40 mins on Trainer

Woke to rain. Looks like it's going to stick around for at least the next two days. Ended up doing Spinervals--Big Gear Strength and Zoot Challenge---which are a couple of my favorites.

The pool is closed today, so no swimming.

Went to put on a pair of slacks to wear to work today. Haven't worn them since June. Too big.  Hopefully, this is a stress-related weight loss and once things settle down with the new job, I'll gain back five pounds. I definitely do not need to be losing weight.

I've become the invisible woman at work. In my 22 year career, I've never had a boss who has acted so hostilely about someone being reassigned. He never asked me about the job, never discussed career ramifications of the new assignment, never wished me luck on the interview, and never congratulated me. Even though he knows that my last day is next Wednesday, he hasn't asked what I want for a going away (I want nothing, but that's beside point). I realize that he's completely selfish and cares only about himself, but this really sinks to a low.  Now I'm getting the silent treatment and most of my coworkers are acting the same way.  But it will be over soon, that's what I have to keep reminding myself. 

On the way home, I stopped and bought a winter membership at Tuckahoe. They have an indoor pool and a fitness room. It'll give me an alternative place to swim, in case it gets crazy busy at the HS pool.

Labor Day

Bike Miles - 43

Swim - 2,500/70 mins

Got my Alaris all ready to go our for the final summer ride and discovered wet pavement when I opened the door (no rain on radar, though). Very humid. Ended up trading out for the beater bike, which meant moving the headlights and pumping up the tires. Did it resignedly. I don't dig the beater bike. Apparently, a storm had passed through sometime overnight, leaving puddles, wet pavement, humidity, and a few minor patches of fog. Had a decent ride, though. 

My swim was great. Quite to my surprise, it wasn't that crowded and I had the bulkhead lane to myself.  I was able to get into a rhythm. 

I'm actually thinking about swimming early bird during my final 7 days in Policy and just gritting through the awful commute. Going in the afternoon will be a real PITA because I can't go directly from work---pool doesn't open until 4:30---and that will compress everything. In addition, I'm simply afraid it's going to be madness there, crowded. Since the pool is closed tomorrow, I don't have to decide until Wednesday. That mean six days of dealing with the increased traffic, if I commute later.  However, it means that I can sleep a bit later, particularly since I'm planning to cut back on my daily bike miles just a smidge.

It's a very cloudy and humid Labor Day. Feels like rain. Actually rain is predicted on and off for the entire week, which is a bummer. 

Rollie Poolie

Bike Miles - 43

After a nice, peaceful bike ride, I walked the girls. Margot apparently didn't want to go until she re-bonded with her sisters. I got her out of the crate and leashed her up. Got her outside and she first ran back toward the house. Persuaded her to come down the steps with me on to the road, although she kept right behind my feet (unsafe!). As we started down the road, she was crying more than usual and doing her serpentine routine. I dropped the leash in the midst of all the hand switching and off she went, turning around and heading back toward the hill.  Initially, I chased her but realized that I would never catch her and she would be too scared to wander off. Sure enough, she went up the steps and was waiting at the front door for me. 

We got inside and she went around, kissing and jumping on Maeve and Fiona.

After she settled down, we went back out and tried again. Margot did fine on her walk.  Her body is now too big for her head and she's fat. When she walks, her torso rollie-poolies back and forth like a big old sack of potatoes. A growing spurt is likely on the way.

Brian's going to the office for a few hours this morning, unfortunately. Don't think I'll swim. I need a day off from the pool and I'm not in the mood to deal with some of those senior citizens.

Holiday Weekend/Saturday

Bike Miles - 36

Swim - 2,500/70 mins

Morning ride brightly lit by a "corn moon."  The light was that blue-ish white and it was so bright that there were moon shadows all over. Seemed like a different landscape.  At the halfway point, I encountered this two very young fauns.  They didn't know what to make of me and my headlight---scurried off after giving me a good long look. They were so close I could have touched them. 

I wasn't sure how my swim was going to go because I was so zapped during yesterday's swim. I decided that I would be satisfied with at least 45 minutes in the pool.  Today, I was the first person to arrive and they let me into the pool area right away, instead of making me wait.  I claimed my lane but ended up switching to my favorite lane. Gave the pool nazi my original lane. For some reason, the three folks who arrived right at opening went to where I was, leaving the rest of the pool empty. The pool nazi was going to share with me, but I said, "why don't you have this one to yourself, I'll swim down there." 

When I got in the water, I was mindful of taking my time and focusing on my technique. Worked like a champ. While my technique progressively deteriorated as time passed, I was able to bang out 100 laps. Just as I was finishing my final lap, a lady asked if she could join me. She got the lane to herself, at least for awhile. The faster lanes were full.

Got home, had some tea, then walked the beasts. Maeve was in a mood to pull, which challenged my tired shoulders & arms. Fiona was an angel, as was Margot. As we were heading down N. 20th Road, Max, the cranky old man of a GSD, came out to bark at us. His tether apparently was not secured because he followed us out into the road, barking in his hoarse old man dog tones. I picked up Margot, just in case he got any ideas, and said, go home, you're going to get hit by a car. As we headed off, he lost interest and went back in his yard.

Trying to adjust to progressive lenses as I type this. Feel a little seasick. But I have to do it.

TGIF - one more to go!

Bike Miles - 36

Swim - 2,000/1 hr.

After today, only one more Friday commuting all the way out there!  We got an early dismissal today---3 hrs!  I was able to head out at 11:30.

Another chilly bike ride. It looks like the really warm mornings are done for 2009. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is not indicative of a colder than normal fall, winter and spring, like last year.

Went directly to the pool from work. Admittedly, I was beat and it was tough to plow through 80 laps. It was like swimming in mud, I had no zip. Wasn't too crowded but for the first 20 minutes or so, I had to share w/one of those wacky pool joggers. This one didn't use a floatation device, which was simply incredible. Wearing a bikini. LOL.  Hopefully, I'll recover for tomorrow morning's swim. Next week, the pool is closed Tuesday so I'll have an enforced off day, which is good. I'm not sure if I'll go Sunday, either, because of the senior citizen factor.

Nice bright sunny day out. In the sun, it's quite warm, but the shady areas are very comfortable. 

Counting down the days!

Bike miles - 36

Swim - 2,500/75 minutes

The way I figure it, eight more days in this job. Eight more days to drive all the way out there to the worst of suburban sprawl....

Another nice morning to ride, although it was slightly warmer today.  Took it easy and did a lot of thinking. I'm anticipating a challenging day at work because of the boss (probably more frustrating than anything).  I might end up taking a couple hours of leave.

I went ahead and left 2 hrs early, going right to the pool. Although I had to share a lane with a guy for about 10 minutes, I was able to have my favorite lane to myself for the rest of my swim. I plodded out 100 laps but I was pretty darn beat. I kept remembering Coach Troy saying, you get stronger when you keep going and when it hurts. So that's what I did. I tried to focus on form, too. 

When I got home, I took the girls out back for a game of fetch. Only Maeve was interested in playing, though. It was Margot's first time out in the yard, so she was content to run around and explore. She was so good, came right inside when lured with a cookie!

Another Chilly Start

Bike Miles - 36

Swim - 2,250/65 mins

Another coldish start--58 degrees and bright full moon, stars. Lovely and brisk bike ride. I took it easy because I was a bit tired.

Still tired during my swim but wanted to take advantage of the pool being relatively quiet. Next week, the schedule changes because of the start of school, and I anticipate it being busier. I won't be able to even go until 16:30 (when I start the new assignment, I'll go before work, which I prefer anyway).

Chilly Start to September

Bike Miles -  36

Swim - 2,000/55 mins

It was a chilly, chilly morning ride. Fifty-eight degrees & low dew point. I had on knee warmers, a wind vest, cool weather gloves, and arm warmers. My feet got a little chilly despite wool socks!  As I was nearing the end of the ride, saw a little baby bunny hopping across the pavement. 

Got out to the car and discovered that the "low tire pressure" indicator was lit up. Stopped at the gas station but none of the tires were low. I thought it might be due to the cool overnight temps. Unfortunately, the light stayed on the entire way out and in the afternoon, on the way home. Stressed me out, which added to the discomfort of a pretty crappy day at work. Passive-aggressive boss. Well, hopefully, only another 9 days to get through in this assignment.

Got rid of the stress during a nice swim. Made it through most of the swim with having the lane to myself. As I was finishing up my last laps, some old woman --- dressed in a polyester competition type suit with a T-SHIRT! underneath it --- took half my lane without asking. I've seen her there before, several weeks ago, but she wasn't wearing the t-shirt then. Anyway, as I was nearing the end of the lane, she moved over in the corner, right in front of me. Just standing there, catching her breath, I guess. What a jerk. She said something to me but I couldn't hear her. Just turned around and finished my final two lanes. Well, at least I didn't have to deal with her during my entire swim.