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December 28, 2006. 2007 is just around the corner. Deep thoughts, I know.

It's been kind of a weird year. Since I pretty much stopped blogging in May, we've moved to Brooklyn and I'm leaving my job. There's been a lot of real estate and work-related turmoil - we sold our place, almost bought another one, changed our minds, and moved into a rental instead. I changed jobs (at the same company), got a new boss, became ... disillusioned ... and am now on my way out. In addition, I basically stopped working out on any kind of regular schedule. Blah. Bleh. I don't want to make it sound too bad -- good times and fun were had, but maybe I was just hitting below my game. In retrospect, I'll call 2006 the "Year of Transition."

But 2005 was my self-appointed "Year of Fitness." I actually told people that, and it pretty much worked. After a lifetime of limited (to put it nicely) physical activity, I turned over a new leaf. I ran the New York City Marathon. I completed 2 and 1/3 (don't ask) triathlons. I bought a bike (actually 2). I learned to swim (thanks TI!). I ran bunches of races in Central Park. I lost fat (if not many pounds) and felt good. Training for triathlons (and running the NYC marathon) was this cool thing that I did.

So what's on the agenda for 2007?

For one thing, I need a name. And some goals. I'm thinking the "Year of Balance." I have some divergent goals, and I need to balance everything. I'd like to set a PR financially, but also on the road and in the pool. I'd like like to start a new job ... and a family. I'd like to have a fit body .. . and a clean house. You get the picture. Basically, I want it all.

From past experience, I can easily identify three keys to success:

1. Goal setting. I just get more done when I have a goal. I'll set some specific goals in another post.

2. Frequency. Slow and steady (literally) wins the race for me. It took me a while to figure out the exercising 4 times a week for 30 minutes was better (and more likely and sustainable) in the long run than once a week for 2 hours.

3. Record-keeping. Hello, blog and online triathlon friends. Thanks for all your help! Also, I do love spreadsheets.

So that's it. 2007 is the "Year of Balance." Next up, goals.

New Year, New Blog

So, I decided to start up the blog again. I even spruced it up with a fresh new look - blue is my favorite color. Unfortunately, I lost all my links and stuff when I switched the template. Whoops!

Back on the horse

It's been a while. A long while. Busy at work, life, whatever. Blah, blah, blah. But, I went for a run on Sunday, and I realized that I miss training, and I am so much more effective and disciplined when I have a goal.

A bunch of races I had been thinking about (umm, months ago) have blown by. But here are a few that can still happen:





July 9th: Mighty North Fork Sprint Triathlon
I just signed up. Yay! I did this one last year. It was my first ever triathlon (sniff!..) Anyway, I should definitely do a LOT better. My swimming has really improved, and I did this on a mountain bike. But, the times to beat are ....

Swim: 22:53 (500m)
Bike: 31:33 (14K)
Run: 41:11 (5K)

June 10: Mighty Montauk Triathlon

Swim: 1 mile
Bike: 22 miles
Run: 6.2 miles

I don't really have any business doing this -- it's in 2 weeks and I haven't been doing crap. But the course it right outside our weekend rental! How can I say no? Also ufortunate is that I won't be there this weekend to practice on the course. Also, we may be having houseguests and it would be pretty embarassing if I drowned. Sigh. Should I? Should I?

I have, however, done 2 things to prepare. Last night I swam 1100 meters (11 X 100) - pretty good for me.

On Monday I swam in the lake (Lake Montauk, where the race will be). It was cold! Husband paddled alongside on his surfboard (he is so good). This is embarassing, but I needed a confidence builder. I wore flippers on the way out. Damn, I'm fast with those; too bad I can't wear in the race. Then I gave them to husband and swam for real (wind-assisted) on the way back. It wasn't pretty, but I did it.

I wish I would have jumped back on the horse a month or so ago.

Race Report: Scotland 10K

Well, I set another Trifit World Record!

I finished in 1:07, beating my previous best by an unbelievable 7 minutes! It was a beautiful day, and this was one of the bigger races I've done in a while.

The whole Scottish thing made it more fun. A lot of tartan was sported. I followed a girl whose shirt said "Got Haggis?" for a while. There were bagpipers and dancing playing every mile or so -- lots of fun.

So, how have I managed to beat previous times by as much as 10%? Well, it isn't due to rigorous training. In fact, I haven't done any running at all since my last race, 2 weeks ago ( I have done some other walking/biking/etc). I really don't even run any faster, I just take fewer breaks. I've been known to walk up the hills and run down, stop at every water opportunity and even take a bathroom break during a race. Good to be laid back, but . . .. maybe that is just a little ridiculous. Anyway, I have figured out that if I just run, I can usually set a new trifit record. Which isn't so bad, because I still did a little walking this time -- maybe I can get my 10K down to an hour!

Another thing : this was my 4th NYRR race this year. Woo-hoo! If I do nine (9) this year, I am guaranteed a place in the NYC Marathon next year. So, 5 more to go!

How cute are we?

So Mom and I walked the More half-marathon last Sunday, as planned. We finished in 4:19. It was really fun! We were just walking, so there was no pressure, but I know Mom wasn't sure she would want to do all those miles.

It wasn't so bad after all!

overheard in the dressing room at Ann Taylor

"I'm telling you, don't even start with Chico's or Eileen Fisher. Once you get used to that elastic waistband, you might as well just give up."

Dang! Those ladies are tough!

Wily coyote rehabilitated

NEW YORK (CNN) -- A coyote was captured Wednesday morning in New York's Central Park after a prolonged chase that ended with the animal being tranquilized by sharpshooters from the Police Department's emergency services unit.

The animal was apprehended near Belvedere Castle, home of the annual Shakespeare in the Park theater series in the heart of the 843-acre park, at about 9:45 a.m., police said.
That was after the coyote gave pursuers the slip in the Hallett Nature Sanctuary near Wollman Rink, in the park's south end. It jumped into a pond, swam under a bridge, squeezed through a fence and raced away.

New York Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe told reporters at the scene, "We have the coyote cornered, but it remains elusive."

The coyote, nicknamed Hal, sparked pandemonium when it darted out of the wooded area and skirted Wollman Rink, where people were ice skating.

Police officers, rangers and sharpshooters -- as well as news camera operators and news helicopters flying overhead -- chased the coyote at a frantic pace before losing track of it.

The ice rink was briefly evacuated to get skaters out of a possible line of fire.
By Tuesday night, police and rangers had chased the animal into the preserve.

"Coyotes are native to New York state, and their habitat is rapidly expanding," Benepe told reporters Wednesday morning.

"This one probably came down through the wooded section of Riverdale in the Bronx, then crossed into Manhattan, where it probably went the length of Riverside Park," which spans Manhattan's west side, before entering Central Park.

He speculated the animal possibly swam across a river to reach the island of Manhattan. It was first seen at 1:30 a.m. Sunday and wrongly identified as a wolf, according to the parks department.

Police "did such a skillful job of tracking the animal over 20 hours and tranquilizing it in the most humane way," Benepe said in a statement.

Officials said the healthy animal was about a year old and was the second coyote spotted in Central Park in seven years.

Police sources said the coyote is being transferred to a wildlife facility in upstate New York, where it will be "rehabilitated."

This Weekend

Should be interesting. My mom is coming to town Saturday and we are going to walk a half-marathon together in Central Park on Sunday. It's a women-only event, for women over 40. Women under 40 (like me) can do the event with a partner.

[Hmm, 40 really isn't that far away . . . does anybody else hear that ticking?]

She claims she's been sick, so she hasn't been able to do much training. For weeks. Sounds like an excuse to me, but OK. She'll be fine. It will literally be a walk in the park.

Anyway, I think it is going to be fun, and I suspect she will get a glimpse into why I like the races. There's going to be a medal! And walking 13 miles will give us plenty of time to catch up. Maybe this will become a tradition? Although I bet Mom would vote for a 5K . . . ;-)

I booked her a massage a few hours after the race. Sometimes I am a pretty good daughter.

Race Report: Another 4 Miler

This morning, I was up and at'em in the Pfizer Oncology Colon Cancer Challenge. After a beautiful day yesterday, it was grey and nippy this morning. But I got up. I had my "summer runner's breakfast" of almond butter on whole wheat toast - yum. "Winter runners breakfast" is usually oatmeal.

It's pouring out now, but there was a constant drizzle during the race. I picked up my number and made it to the start about 30 seconds before the horn.

So, I think I PR's! The dang results aren't posted yet, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I defintely came within a minute. The clock wasn't working at the start of the race .. hope this doesn't mean results are lost!

This was my fifth 4 mile race in Central Park. The course is usually pretty much the same - there is a 4 mile inner loop, but the starting point sometimes changes. I like today's route best, because we start around 72nd St, instead of 110th.

Still waiting for results to be posted! Here are my comparables:

• February 25, 2006: Time = 43:34, Pace = 10:53
• December 3, 2005: Time = 43:26, Pace = 10:51
• April 24, 2005: Time = 42:58, Pace = 10:44
• February 26, 2005: Time = 43:36, Pace = 10:54

Will update soon!

UPDATE: Sunday afternoon

Hey, 42:06! I did beat my previous time, by 52 seconds! Pace was 10:31. Very pleased!

Sunshine Day

First of all, I love that Flatman and Tri-Daddy confessed that "The Notebook" was a real tearjerker. They're like, renaissance men that way.

But back to me. It is a bee-yoooo-tifull day here in NYC today. (That was supposed to be a NY accent). Aaahhhh . . . it is so much easier to go outside and be in the world on a day like today.

I considered going for a run, but I have a race tomorrow and I've been feeling the occasional twinge in my knee, so we went to the gym instead. Husband hit the weights - he is getting quite buff - and I headed for some cardio. I listened to Will and Kahuna's show while I "elliptycalled" -- is that a word? Someone called in and said that listening during a workout turns a chore into a relaxing activity. I feel the same way, and it kept me going for the full hour.

Race tomorrow. 4 miles. Starts at 8. I need to pick up my number, so I should leave here around 7? Forecast is 50 with a chance or rain -- pretty nice. I am really looking forward to a warm-ish weather run. Husband promises to kick me out -- I skipped my last race because "Morning Wife" whined that it was too cold. "Daytime Wife" always has such good intentions.

What else, what else . . . is anyone else as excited as I am about the Soprano's? New season starts tomorrow night. I'm making "Carmela's Baked Ziti" just for hahas.

So nice out . . . . I think I may convince Husband to grill tonight.

I think I'll go for a walk outside, the sunshine's calling my name . . . can you hear it now?

Home Alone

Husband's away for three days on a business trip. Usually I'm the one who travels; I'm not used to the creaky sounds in the apartment when I go to bed.

Last night I walked home for exercise, then watched "The Notebook" on the couch, covered in cats. It was kind of like, "Girl's Night In". I ate some chocolate and cried my eyes out. It's better he didn't have to see that.

Come home soon, honey. I miss you!

The Final Solution

This doesn't have to do with triathlons . . . well, actually it kinda does.

I have somewhat sensitive skin. I tend to get a little razor burn in the summer, especally when it's hot out. Last summer, with the the addition of neoprene, salt water, and additional sweating, this was a constant annoyance. Waxing is better than shaving, but that isn't perfect either.

Which brings us to the the final solution: ELECTROLYSIS. Yup, I bit the bullet, and got the armpits done last week. You are dying to know all about it, I can tell. Here's what I think you want to know:

- Did it hurt? Yes. It felt like, oh I don't know, someone sticking a tiny needle into each individual pore and delivering an electric shock. Yes, it hurts. I think that it doesn't actually hurt anymore than waxing, but the pain is much more prolonged. Which leads to . . .

- How long did it take? Way longer than I expected. 1.5 hours for 1 lousy armpit. Waxing hurts too, but at least it's over quickly!

- Was it expensive? Yes. I can't tell you anymore, because Husband reads this blog.

But here's the good thing . . . it's permanent! It's been over a week, and nothing has grown back! I have to go back to kill a few minor stragglers, but that's it.

Ladies, I think you know where I'm going next. Nothing too drastic, but summer is just around the corner. Bring on the beach!

I feel a little shallow. Trust me, I am not the type to go for plastic surgery or anything like that. But my hairless armpits are freaking awesome!

PS. Maybe this is a little too much information. I'm just keepin it real, people.

More races

Hey, I signed up for some more races!

• March 5th - Coogan's Salsa, Blues and Shamrocks 5K. This one sounds really fun. It is WAY uptown in Fort Tryon Park, and there are bands and music on the route. Maybe this will motivate a PR? Time to beat is 32:20.
• March 12th - Pfizer Oncology Colon Cancer 4-Mile. Catchy name, huh? 4 mile time to beat is 42:58.
• April 2nd - Scotland Run 10K. Time to beat is 1:14:51
• April 9th - Thomas G. Labrecque Classic 4-Mile. Another 4 mile PR opportunity.

Now that I've done many distances at least once, I want to see some improvement. I am obsessed with more personal records!

Back in December, I was aiming for an April marathon. Since I haven't done any training, that just isn't going to happen. But the shorter races are fun and require less training. And maybe they'll make me faster!

Race Report - Snowflake 4 Mile

Brrr! It was cold and windy this morning. Around 30 degrees and gray. After hitting the snooze several times, husband reached his limit and shoved me out of bed. The apartment was cold. I made a hot breakfast (oatmeal with raisins, a cup of tea) and threw on a lot of layers -- 2 pairs of pants (thin tights with windstopper pants over top), shortsleeve shirt covered with 2 sweat-wicking longsleeve shirts. Gloves and a hat, too. Then I put my free race sweatshirt on over everything, so this was probably a bit of overkill.

The race started at 9:30, and I picked up my number (and sweatshirt and chip) at 9:14. The place closed at 9:15, so this was cutting it a little close. Number pickup is on 89th Street, but the race start is near 110th Street. A brisk walk over there served as a warmup, and I was only standing around at the start for a few minutes. This sure beats standing asround freezing for a 1/2 hour, which has happened in the past.

It's a little embarrassing to admit, but I haven't done any running at all since our vacation in early January. I've done quite a few of these races in Central Park, but I was a little nervous this time. I don't really know why, but it was good to just get back out there.

I ran the first 2.5 miles without stopping, then stopped for water and a walk break around mile 3. Walked a bit on the last big hill, too -- my left knee was aching a bit. I got a little overheated and took off my hat and gloves for the last mile. All in all, I think I'd rather be too warm than miserably cold.

So I finished in 43:34 minutes, a pace of 10:53 per mile. Eh. Nothing great, but considering that I haven't been doing much of anything lately, I am pleased to be in line with my other results. Since I haven't been doing much lately, I had to push myself more to get the same result as in other races. I was actually 2 seconds faster than I was at this time last year!

I was thinking about the whole concept of races this morning. Why do I do it? Sure, I'd like to get in better shape, lose a few pounds, etc. But I could do that without trekking up to Central Park and running around in the cold. I guess I just really need to feel a sense of accomplishment. I look for that in other parts of my life too - money, job, MBA, marathon, etc.

I also think it's good for Husband and I to each have our own "thing" that we do without the other. We weren't exactly spring chickens when we got married, and both of us were used to doing things on our own terms. We have both always been very independent, and you really don't need make many compromises when you live alone. I know he loves me, but sometimes he just needs to be left alone.

I hear a lot of women, especially new moms, that they never have time to do anything for themselves, they feel like they lose themselves, etc. And that running or tri or painting or whatever is so important to them because they have a chance to be alone with their thoughts. I guess I already learned this lesson, when I started running and training for triathlons last year. Getting out there after a few months of sloth and winter blahs reminded me.

Okay, enough random musings. There's a 5K next Sunday, and another 4 miler in 2 weeks. Then Mom and I are going to walk a half marathon. Lots of accomplishments to look forward to!

More cardio

Last night I didn't make it to the gym, so I went home and had a date with my friend Billy Blanks. I like the Tae-bo because it definitely makes me sweat, and works the abs without doing crunches. I really can't stand those.

I did a little housekeeping around here. Pulled down my January goals (which was just kind of sad), and removed Mom as a member of the blog. That one post she put up just doesn't qualify. Besides, it's all about me. Sorry Mom!

Back in the gym

FINALLY, I got back in the gym last night. I just wanted to squeeze in a quickie workout, to prove I could get it done in a short amount of time.

30 minutes on the ellyptical. I left work at 5:30, hit the gym and still made the 6:30 train. Then I did a brisk walk from the station home. Home by 8:30. Not too bad.

So that's was pretty lame, but I needed to take that baby step. Husband is playing poker (a new tradition) tonight with friends, so I'm going back tonight. Not sure if I will run or do some weights. Crawling slowly out of the abyss of slothdom . . .

I have a RACE this weekend. I blew off the last couple I was planning, but not this time. It's a 4-miler, a distance I have done several times on the same course in Central Park. So, even though I haven't been doing any running lately, I plan to at least try to meet or beat my previous times, which are:

• December 3, 2005 - 3:26 (10:51 Pace)
• April 24, 2005 - 42:58 (10:44 pace)
• February 26, 2005 - 43:36 (10:54 pace)

The forecast calls for highs in the upper 30s and snow showers. This should be interesting!

I fell off

It's been so long since I blogged, that:

• My mother has adopted someon else's blog
• Husband has stopped asked when I'm going to update it
• My blogroll links are out of date
• I forgot my password and had to reset it

Kind of sad, isn't it? Um, I haven't been doing much working out, either. My excuses are many:

• I started a new job, and have a new boss. Surfing the Internet all day just isn't going to fly. Also, no more working from home + a long (2 hour) commute.
• Husband and I are planning a move, and evenings and weekends are consumed with painting, cleaning and house hunting.

But that's no excuse, I know. Lots of busy people find time. I used to.

I've been inspired lately by others. Nancy, Kahuna, Keryn, Jessie and Iron Wil are all doing so well! Even my mom went back to the "cult" (Weight Watchers) and has lost a few pounds. Maybe that was final kick I needed to bring out my competitive side.

I've been taking some baby steps. I started tracking my food intake at Fitday. I like it -- I am keeping it up to date, and the increased discipline is good for me. One thing it made me realize is that I eat too many carbs, not enough protein. I guess that is true for most of us. Anyway, I am working on it. Plus I've been working my a** of getting our current place ready for sale - painting, redoing floors, moving truckloads of stuff into storage, etc.

So, I don't have anything brilliant to say, but I just wanted to get something up here. I'm back!

Back from vacation!

Well, I thought I'd write while I was away, but it didn't happen. We had a great vacation! Husband and I spent the Holidays with family and explored the great state of California - top to bottom.

There were reports of all kinds of severe weather, but we seemed to just miss it everywhere we went. Anyway, what's a little rain when we are used to driving in blizzard conditions this time of year? Those Californians are a little soft when it comes to dealing with a cloudy day, at least in the South.

So here are some impressions about California, from a New Yorker point of view:

- People in LA and San Diego drive FAST. I thought I was an aggressive driver, coming from NYC. I constantly found myself being passed, while doing 80+.

- There are a lot of line-cutters in this state. Several times, someone just stepped in front of us at the front of the line, and seemed genuinely surprised when we put the "smackdown" on them.

- The seals in Monterey made so much noise I could hear in the hotel room with the windows shut. Kind of like a kennel of barking dogs all night outside the window.

- People eat early. We'd start dinner around 8 and would shut the place down. Actually, this happens to us everywhere in America outside New York.

- Radio stations play more variety, more rock, and more local talent.

- It is surprisingly easy to cross the border and go to Mexico for the afternoon. I travel to Canada a lot, and you need a passport now. For Tijiuana, we just needed a driver's license. We parked on the US side and walked across a bridge. For lunch, we had raw shellfish and lemonade. Then we got some tattoos and veterinary drugs. Just kidding!

- In Tijiuana, everyone trying to sell us stuff called us "honeymooners". That was about the only endearing thing there.

- I bet that Hearst guy was a real s.o.b.

- We went to the Monterey aquarium and the San Diego zoo. Both excellent!

- We also saw lots of "wild" life - a parade of turkeys, elephant seals, harbor seals, sea lions, otters, hawks, and tons of deer.

Anyway it was a great trip and I actually did some working out while I was away. The downside? Restaurant meals + drinks with dinner every night = a 5 pound gain. Argh!