Training Update II

Well...after the cruise let's just say that it was hard to get into the swing of things. Yes, I did my ride the day after I got back, then had to take Wednesday and Thursday off. I swam on Friday and did doubles on both Saturday and Sunday.


Saturday was actually a lesson for me. A lesson of limits. I made plans to meet Yoga Zen Babe down at Brushy Creek for a run and kayak, but decided to ride there and back since I needed to get my cycling in for the day. So I took off at 8:30ish rode to Brushy Creek, which is about 9 miles from my house, short ride really. I met YZB, locked up my bike and ran for 15 minutes, that's all I had to do for the day, then we rented our kayaks and went out for an hour. Now, something really cool happened that day. I was actually comfortable enough with my body (or hot enough) that I kayaked in my shorts and sports bra, that's right folks, shirtless! It was super hot out and humid, gotta love the Texas summers. The kayaking felt really challenging, more so than usual. The water was lower and maybe the current stronger, whatever it was I was tired when I got back on my bike to ride the 9 miles home. My ride on the way back started on an uphill, lovely. But I ride this road several times a week and know what is coming and how to prepare for it.


I was drinking my water like I should, I had my Hammer Gel like I should have, but I was just tired. I've said this before, but you have to be super alert when you're riding, especially on a busy road where the speed limit is 60mph. I made it home and decided to ride up on my lawn, less distance to carry my bike once I got off (that was my thought process). So I clipped out of my right side no problem, but when I tried to clip out of the left side my foot wouldn't budge, I knew it before it happened and I fell over. Just tipped on over. The bad part? Well, my left foot was still clipped in and I fell on a hill (lucky for me it was in grass) so the bike came down hard on my left leg, I think it was the seat that actually hit my leg. Now I have these beautiful badges to show:
Last Sunday:

And today:

Pretty huh? The good news is that it is superficial and I didn't have to have a Doppler (this is the clot leg, nice touch). The bad news is that it's going to take FOREVER to go away since my body's circulation system sucks ass and doesn't absorb the blood as fast as I'd like.

I signed up for a swim clinic as well, since my swimming is less than stellar. That is kickin my booty this week. Nothing else to really report. But if I think of something you know I'll be posting! Have a great LONG weekend everyone! Tomorrow...a trip down memory lane to honor my BFF Hoe.

Ah yes...the cruise!

Finally. Yes, I'm finally sitting down to relive and write about the cruise. It was awesome of course, how could it not be? Best friend, ocean, books, booze...fabulous!

Thursday was the only day that I really overate, and that was when Legs took me to lunch in Galveston BEFORE we got on the boat. We had a grand 'ol time getting lost in the city of Galveston thanks to me not knowing the area and being fascinated with her iPhone. But, we made it to the restaurant where I indulged in a tiger shrimp Asiago Alfredo over angel hair, scalloped potatoes and a piece (very generous piece) of pecan pie. It was delish. After that feast we headed to the ship terminal where we had to drop off our luggage, park and and then get on the ship! We were one of the last people to get there which actually was nice! The line moved quickly as most people were already on the boat. And bonus...we took a great boarding shot getting on to the boat!

We stood at the front of the ship (I'm not up with my boating terminology) until we got out of the bay and into the gulf. We kept waiting for the boat to go faster, but we never felt it happen. We explored the boat, got our first drink and then got ready for dinner. First we decided to get a picture taken and the dude must have thought that we were "together" because the poses were very intimate for two girlfriends. (Needless to say, we didn't purchase the pics.) Now, on a ship you have two seatings and if you don't have a big party you get to sit with other people. Our table was the two of us, this Indian couple that were to be married in December and this couple from Arkansas that were getting a divorce. Hmmm...interesting. Legs and I kept trying to make conversation but really ended up talking to ourselves. We drank a little that night and stopped by this piano bar on the ship, very cool. But we turned in early since we were both exhausted from the day of travel.

Friday was a water drinking day for me, and we got out early and sunned and read and did that over and over again. And because we're LAME we were up at 6:29am. We did beat the crowd to breakfast (on the back of the ship looking at the wake) where we had pastries, fruit and coffee. Spa appointments were at 8am, pool deck by 10am! The formal dinner was that evening, we skipped the pictures this time. My dress was too low for any weird pictures. I dined on Lobster and shrimp and had the chocolate molten cake, which I only had half. Yeah me. We were going to try and stay up for the comedy show at 11pm, but found out that it was starting at 12am and we were tried so we went back to our room and read. Haha, I know, we're lame and old and we're very okay with that!!

Saturday was the day. Yep, the day of silliness, the day where we pretend that we're 18 again, the day that we went to Cozumel. We waited for everyone to get off the boat and run off to their excursions. We just wanted 2 things in Cozumel - 1. Guacamole with the thick Mexican chips and 2. A great margarita. We finally found both at Pancho's, which was in the port plaza and had live music on the patio where we sat. The margarita was the fishbowl kind and they don't skimp on the Te-kill-ya. After our little lunch we headed back through the plaza and stopped at some shops to get some souvenirs for Legs' boys. I got to use my Mexican bartering skills (born with them...yep!) and we documented ourselves getting back on to the boat since the last time we went on a cruise we couldn't remember getting back on. Hmmm... Anyway, we were back on the boat before most people and found a spot by the adult pool with margs in hand. We met some ladies in the pool (they were sisters) and chatted with them and every time the waiters came by we ordered another margarita. One an hour...every hour....there is a picture with our last margaritas (we think) and my hand with it open to five...so we believe that we consumed 5 margs, but we really don't know.

Other things we don't know....what we were talking about when I had a "I love you man" teary moment. I do believe it had something to do with if Legs passed on that I would of course take care of her kids, and other stuff that I really don't remember. HOW EMBARRASSING! But, whatever, I was drunk. We have no idea who took the most unflattering pictures of us (full body shot, not posed, post margs, bloated...etc.), no idea how long we were on the deck (although we do remember seeing the sunset and have pics), and most importantly...no idea how we got back to our room or at what time. :) I awoke in my bed, in my bikini bottoms and top with a tank top on, no cover up on the bottom. Looked over at Legs who was in her bed and I said, "What time is it?" She said, "Uh....midnight" as she went back to her book. I said, "What happened?" She said, "I don't know, but I took a shower...I think...my hair is clean. Oh, and I threw up." "Really??" I asked. "Yep." HAHA, so we ordered room service and ate grilled cheese sandwiches in bed at 1am.

Needless to say...Sunday was another water only day. We met up with the ladies who we were chatting with in the pool and they asked what happened to us (we were going to do bar trivia and have dinner) and told them that we had no idea. More reading, more sunning. I finished my incredibly sad, but wonderful, book and started on the next. We did make it the show, dinner and even the piano bar for our last night. AND we even stopped by the disco, which we quickly decided wasn't for us and retired at 1 or 2am!! Finally we made it past midnight out of our room! Oh, but funny thing, while in the piano bar we decided to have a glass of wine. It went down okay. However these girls on the other side of the bar decided to do a tequila shot and just looking at it turned our stomachs. So, one glass of wine was it for us!

Monday was craziness. The boat was late docking and I had a noon flight to catch. Originally we were supposed to get off the boat at 8:30am, but we ended up getting off the ship at 10:15am, we raced to the car and pulled out of the lot at 10:40 and by some miracle made it to Hobby airport at 11:15!!! Amazing. Legs has some skill behind the wheel and we had to go the speed limit the WHOLE time because the cops knew that the boat was late and that people would be speeding along the causeway. I got to the terminal, out of breath thinking that I would just make it and it turned out that they held the plane because the ship was late. Seriously? Oh well, I just read some more.

Overall it was a fantastic trip. I could have gone one more day on the boat and away from work, but I'll take what I can get and the time with my Legs was fabulous.

And no...I didn't exercise at all, unless you count going up and down the stairs. So now we're back on track and will lead to my next blog.

Back in the saddle again...

Literally, back in the saddle as I rode in on my bike today. I have to complete an hour ride after work today in the 102 degree weather. Can't.Wait.Really.

The cruise was AWESOME!!! Great times were had. I actually have to work today (which sucks) so I'll have to write my cruise review later! I only gained 2 lbs though, very, very happy about that. Have a great day everyone!

Keep on Rockin!

Cruise Time and bra shopping...

The day is here, time to cruise baby! I'm up at 5:30am so I can go over my pack job, make sure I have the essentials. Of course I'm totally PMSing this week - sore boobs, bloated, can't sleep....all the good stuff. Yesterday to prepare I had to go find a strapless bra....let me share.

There are three things that I really dislike shopping for: Jeans, Swimsuits and Bras. Jeans - only because I have tree trunk thighs (yes, I know that those thighs power me along on bike rides, swims and runs...) and a shapely Mexican booty. It's hard to find something that fits, and I have to try on pair after pair. Swimsuits - well, I really don't know anyone who enjoys trying on swim suits?? Especially if you go to the store to do it, the fluorescent lights just accentuate any flaw that you might have and if the lights miss it the wiggity wacked mirrors will do the rest. And then there is bra shopping.

Okay, so years ago I was properly fitted for a bra (which I think EVERY mother should do for her daughter when she starts really needing a bra) and found out that I was wearing the wrong size...by a long shot. I was a 34DDD and wearing a 36D. Now, since then I've had a breast reduction and now I am a 34DD. (I'm sure you thinking WHAT, why'd you have the surgery. But, that is another story for another blog. We'll just say that between them growing back and a egotistical Dr who made me "proportional" (see Mexican booty above) that's where I ended up.) I have my favorite brand of bra, Wacoal. You put one on and you FEEL the difference....anyway, back to bra shopping. I went into Macy's to find a Wacoal strapless bra that I had seen on the web, with a notation that it was in stores. They had two in stock and none were my size. So the lady tried to find me something...

She tells me that if I go up in band size that it should fit the cup. DON'T believe this people. It's not true. Yes, it will technically stay on, however it will be ill fitting and you'll be uncomfortable. Think about it, extra inches around the band doesn't mean that your boobs are going to be less full?? Anyway, my size is not "normal" so we went from brand to brand. I finally settle on this Fiona bra, in the incorrect size. The bra can stand up on it's own and has padding....what.the.eff??? Padding in a D - DD bra? No joke. Just to give you a little lift. Yeah, nice. Just think though, if I fall off the boat I'll have my own personal flotation device! But seriously, there is nothing like trying on a bra when your pms-ing: Sore boobs? Check! Bloated? Check! Boobs larger than normal? Check, Check!

Back to the fun though, cruise time! Cruise time! I've over packed. It looks like I'm leaving for two weeks but seriously I didn't know what to bring and I fear I'm still missing stuff. I figure I can buy it, albeit overprice, on the boat.

So farewell for the weekend Peeps. I will be giving you a full report when I get back. Stay cool on Rock On!

Splash and Dash baby!

Okay, so the title sounds a lot more fun than what it actually is... Today I participated in my first 'Splash and Dash' which is a 'race' where you swim 750m and then run 2 miles...at 6pm...in Austin, TX where the temp was 101 degrees. Yep, fun stuff baby.

The Rockstar Friend of the Week Award goes to...(drum roll)....Midwest Girl! She got suckered into doing this with me. I sent her an email with the link saying something like, "This looks fun...you interested?" And knowing MWG it was just enough of a push and of course she said YES! Now, come race day (today) she is PMSing and cramping, but she still picked me up and was a trooper. She gave me tips, told me what to pack, found our transition spot...the whole works!

Now, I've been training so I know I can make it around the Quarry (it is an old Limestone Quarry that they filled with water...leaves your skin feeling...well, not so soft) and I know I can run more than 2 miles. So I wasn't worried about the distance. I was super freaked by the thought of swimming with 100 people, by the thought of getting kicked in the head, by the thought of kicking someone else in the head, and lastly...by the thought of coming in last. :) Oh, I know it's all in fun, these little races, but the competitive part of me wasn't listening to that noise. I know I'm not a strong swimmer (or runner for that matter) but I really, really, REALLY didn't want to come in last.

The time came, I put on my swim cap, put on the goggles and wadded into the water, behind every person. They counted down...3....2....1...blast of the horn and we were off. It was insane, I couldn't get my breath, I sure as heck couldn't do my freestyle stroke! So the group split up between the accomplished swimmer and the stragglers, I was apart of the second group. :) But I made it around without stopping. I only drank a quarter of the quarry and no kicks to the head. As I approached land I hear this girl, "Swim in as far as you can" but I barely heard that because my swim cap comes over my ears. She kept repeating and I looked up and it was MWG! I thought, 'she waited for me??? NO WAY!' But it turned out that she got a really, really bad cramp and knew that she wouldn't make it so she swam back and was my race support. Which I have to say was pretty cool.

I got to the "transition area" (it was just a spot on the hill...which was rocky...in bare feet) and dried off quickly. Really I just squeezed the water out of my crotch. :) I don't need any kind of infection two days before my cruise, and it didn't help that I got waxed today. (whoops!) Anyway, I put my shoes on clumsily and took off....way.too.fast. I was about a quarter of a mile in and my throat felt like the desert. I forgot to take a swig of water. BIG mistake. The water station was on the other side of the quarry and once I got there I stopped, well walked, and drank my water. A co-worker of mine saw me (he was volunteering at the race) and cheered me on. I think I grunted back at him...not very lady like. MWG was at the lap marker and cheered me on. That was lap one, and there were two more like it. I actually high (or low) fived her at the second lap.

MWG was at the finish with my bag and most importantly my water bottle...oh, my dear water bottle how I love you. The whole experience was pretty good considering and I learned some things for next time. Yes, there will be a next time.

My stop watch said 47:44, 23 something on the swim, 2 min on the transition and 22 min on the run. Yeah.

AND...two more days until I am on a boat and sailing away with Legs!!!!!!

Training Update

I ran! 30 minutes in the humid, hot morning with very little shade. But I did it. Yeah. I missed Yoga Zen Babe this morning so we didn't get our kayaking in...that's a bummer. I hope we get some in before I leave. Plus I've missed her this week.

Now, off to shower. I made my grocery list, have to get to the store...maybe after my massage.

So far this week:
2x swimming, one in the pool, one open water swim
1x cycling, tomorrow will make 2
1x running, tomorrow will make 2

Next week? Monday cycle. Tuesday "splash and dash race" (swim 750m, run 2 miles). Wednesday Yoga, cycle, swim. Thursday run. Friday rest. Saturday run on ship. Sunday who knows...but at least I have a "plan."

Oh, if you get a chance, check out one of my favorite blogs. I love it because she's real, she's insightful and has this dark humor about her that I really dig. Just Julie Bean's Smoke Yourself Thin!. Two blogs ago she talks about intuitive eating. Good pointers.

Check ya later yo!

Flippin' Friday!!

We made it! Oh how wonderful it is to be Friday.

Training News - Tonight I am going to swim in open water for the first time. Not play in open water, but swim. Or at least attempt it. I have to get over the fear of biting fish and other icky things. A guy at work say, "You just can't think about it, just swim and you'll be okay." I'll try to follow his advice. This week has been better than last. So far 1 run, 1 swim (soon to be 2), no bike but I'll go on a long ride Sunday.

Cruise news - TWO weeks away...can you believe it? Called Legs last night and we're just so excited. I haven't lost any weight...drats. But you know what? I'm going on a boat with my BFF and she really doesn't give a rip if I have cellulite on my legs, why should I care? I mean the pics that we take will be censored and only the best ones kept. That's what I love about girlfriends. If you say, "Please shoot from here up" they get it. ;) HAHA!

Other news - Not much to report. Right now I'm being lazy and I'm going to be late to work. Next week I'm going to change my workouts to morning time, that is 7am (not this crazy ass 5am stuff), which means that I'll still roll in at 8:30a - 9a. I just won't get to watch GMA. No idea why I started watching it a couple of months ago, but I love it and it is a HUGE time waster in the morning. It seems everyone had happy birthdays, yippee!

Well, off to shower and then off to work. Woohoo. Can you feel the enthusiasm??