Off for another run this morning. Gosh I feel good!
But I have to keep fidgeting with my ipod.
Next song.
Next song.
This one isn't bad....wait, no... next song.
Who the heck put these songs on here?
...dangit bobby, that was me. What the hell was I thinking? These aren't working out songs! Everybody knows you need to create a very specific list of well crafted tunes to put on a workout play list.Oh silly Brookie.
I just tossed like 40 songs on there to try it out.
The dilemma is that I no longer have access to my Itunes. It is on my computer and my computer is sitting in a box in my closet with no internet connection to speak of. And now I will be forced to listen to those crappy songs, over and over again. OR (say it really loud) I could just stop working out again! (Bad Brooke, triathletes can't be this lazy!)
So if we are keeping count that is two. Yup two ipods that have failed me now. The first one is an ancient decrepit ipod mini (remember those? Mini? Ha! That thing is HUGE compared to the one I have now!) And that lasted me a couple months before the audio jack output (the small one at the top) no longer wanted to work with ear buds. The audio jack for an I-home (the big one at the bottom) ...is just fine. So that sucker is permanently stuck on my kitchen cabinet hanging ihome. Which was great last year when I had kitchen cabinets to hang it from and a kitchen all my own. (Well I shared it with 3 other girls but they quickly learned that loud music in the kitchen is not an option in my life, thanks mom.)
And yet now I have the perfect running buddy, a teensy tiny little nano, with a crappy play list. (Why can't I have the play list that is on my own blog?!)
So ask me how far I got in my run today. Wait no, don't ask, don't tell. Right?
And I have started a new game to pass the time while switching between bad songs....
Squirrel Displacement Count (how many squirrels lives I can interrupt by running on the path.)
Yesterday I got to 5 and today was only 2.
Like I said.
NOT a good run day.
The really superb part of everything though is that my bestest bestie best lover friend is coming home tomorrow. Oh Morgie, how I missed thee. So, fat and slow I may be but without a best friend this weekend I will not be! I can only assume the fabulous Fridays tradition will continue tomorrow as planned!
...stay tuned.
Showing posts with label triathlete. Show all posts
Showing posts with label triathlete. Show all posts
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Run Forrest...
I went running today. Oh I love being able to say that.
It has been weeks (more than I would like to admit) since I have laced up my shoes and set out to pound the pavement.
Today.
I did it. Now I know I told you I am a triathlete but sometimes ya just get lazy, or busy, or worse... both. I the bearer of two jobs have been busy but I the triathlete have also been lazy.
Luckily in the new pad that I am living there is a glorious path behind the house. It is a wide gravel path. It is lined with trees and therefore shaded perfectly. It is the end of September but the heat can still get to you.
Along the path are always nature's wonders but today I was stopped by one in particular. Literally I stopped running and stood in awe. It was a gorgeous bird. Maybe a blue heron? I am no bird watcher so I don't know but it's things like that that make a good run worthwhile. Not the exercise. That's an added bonus but to get to see things like that are little treats.
I have to work on getting back into the gym (I mean I am paying 35 dollars a month to feel like a fat lazy workaholic right now.) But until then I am going to get back on that path. Who knows maybe I will pick up a new hobby of bird watching ( yeah cuz that's what I need, a new hobby, I definitely don't have enough) ...stay tuned.
It has been weeks (more than I would like to admit) since I have laced up my shoes and set out to pound the pavement.
Today.
I did it. Now I know I told you I am a triathlete but sometimes ya just get lazy, or busy, or worse... both. I the bearer of two jobs have been busy but I the triathlete have also been lazy.
Luckily in the new pad that I am living there is a glorious path behind the house. It is a wide gravel path. It is lined with trees and therefore shaded perfectly. It is the end of September but the heat can still get to you.
Along the path are always nature's wonders but today I was stopped by one in particular. Literally I stopped running and stood in awe. It was a gorgeous bird. Maybe a blue heron? I am no bird watcher so I don't know but it's things like that that make a good run worthwhile. Not the exercise. That's an added bonus but to get to see things like that are little treats.
I have to work on getting back into the gym (I mean I am paying 35 dollars a month to feel like a fat lazy workaholic right now.) But until then I am going to get back on that path. Who knows maybe I will pick up a new hobby of bird watching ( yeah cuz that's what I need, a new hobby, I definitely don't have enough) ...stay tuned.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Tri Tri again..8.6.08
Finally a day that I feel I can stop and breathe.It has been this last month in particular. Honestly, that is how I like it but quickly approaching are the new goals I have set forth. More triathlons!Yay!
Last weekend brought me a new experience in the triathlon world. I was a volunteer at an event in the Broadlands, part of the Infinitive Championship Series. It was super exciting to be behind the scenes...which is where I would rather spend my time any day. Besides the 4:45am wake up call that it required, the event was a blast. I can't get enough of the production behind events like this. And when I do get bored I choose to be an athlete participating in the event instead!
I have to say the "thanks" recieved from most athletes in attendance felt good. I was there to help with anything they needed, unless it was really important and then I would just send them to Kathleen, the "in charge" lady who recruited me from behind the counters of my day job.
I got to see first hand how a pool swim was conducted in the first leg of the race. In fact I was the person sending the swimmers in the pool every 10 seconds. Apparently 10 seconds apart is a lifetime! I thought that was rather quick but I guess passing people IS an option in the pool. Who knew? I've read about how to be passed, perhaps I should read further to learn how to be the person passing people! In due time I am sure.
Did I mention when I woke up for the event the early morning sky was a blaze with lightning? It was also the kind of wet weather that puts a damper on things but isn't enough of a nuisance to keep you from doing what you need to do. Well that weather waxed and wained all day, kind of made the race a little more interesting. Luckily it stopped in time to keep the swim leg in the race, had it not stopped lightning the race would have been turned into a duathlon. Ewww, it's bad enough that I find myself involved in events that ask you to run more than oh say... from first base to third base. (Which is much more my speed.) However if any race I enter turns into a duathlon..count me OUT! NO thank you.Running twice?Absolutely not in my world.
Well, maybe if I keep at it and find a way to actually start getting some oxygen into my lungs.Maybe then I will enjoy a run or two. Until then I won't even think about it.
One event I plan to do in September, my super cheerleader aunt is doing the duathlon. God love her.I think she is crazy and she looks at me thinking I am off my rocker too! The beauty of being a triathlete? Even seasoned runners or swimmers or cyclists think we are crazy for attempting all three in one event.
So let me jump back to the days event for a bit...After the pool and some minor duties I was in charge of post race set up and up keep.Meaning all the supplies for the athletes were to be found under my tent. I set out the spread and tried to congratulate as many athletes as I could. Part of me wished I was among them, part of me was thrilled that I had a tent to stand under as the rain came instead.
Either way I think I am starting to fall in love with triathlons. I love the sound of "triathlete", i love the sights of running, cycling and swimming past previous stopping points in my journey. I love the feel of a fit body that belongs to me! I love the community of fellow triathletes. I love the search for new gear.I love the quest to become better and I love the GIMOUNDUS goal at the end of the quest being a freaking IRONMAN. I say I don't want to do one now but I know if I get to Olympic Distance that I will have it in me. I just know it.
There is so much to do still. I have a road bike to find. I have distances to conquer. I have little nuances to learn. Luckily I have an unquenchable thirst for more! SO stay tuned as I learn the ropes of triathloning and all there is to come with it!
**Update** I wrote this post last week and was unable to find the time to edit it so I left it as a draft. Briefly before and since then I have been continuing to push myself and I have been running over 3 miles 3-5 times a week! How awesome is that? I am still convinced I have exercised enduced asthma but as I progress on the bike and in the pool as well, I think I can overcome some of my breathing issues on my own. We shall see!
Stay Tuned!
Last weekend brought me a new experience in the triathlon world. I was a volunteer at an event in the Broadlands, part of the Infinitive Championship Series. It was super exciting to be behind the scenes...which is where I would rather spend my time any day. Besides the 4:45am wake up call that it required, the event was a blast. I can't get enough of the production behind events like this. And when I do get bored I choose to be an athlete participating in the event instead!
I have to say the "thanks" recieved from most athletes in attendance felt good. I was there to help with anything they needed, unless it was really important and then I would just send them to Kathleen, the "in charge" lady who recruited me from behind the counters of my day job.
I got to see first hand how a pool swim was conducted in the first leg of the race. In fact I was the person sending the swimmers in the pool every 10 seconds. Apparently 10 seconds apart is a lifetime! I thought that was rather quick but I guess passing people IS an option in the pool. Who knew? I've read about how to be passed, perhaps I should read further to learn how to be the person passing people! In due time I am sure.
Did I mention when I woke up for the event the early morning sky was a blaze with lightning? It was also the kind of wet weather that puts a damper on things but isn't enough of a nuisance to keep you from doing what you need to do. Well that weather waxed and wained all day, kind of made the race a little more interesting. Luckily it stopped in time to keep the swim leg in the race, had it not stopped lightning the race would have been turned into a duathlon. Ewww, it's bad enough that I find myself involved in events that ask you to run more than oh say... from first base to third base. (Which is much more my speed.) However if any race I enter turns into a duathlon..count me OUT! NO thank you.Running twice?Absolutely not in my world.
Well, maybe if I keep at it and find a way to actually start getting some oxygen into my lungs.Maybe then I will enjoy a run or two. Until then I won't even think about it.
One event I plan to do in September, my super cheerleader aunt is doing the duathlon. God love her.I think she is crazy and she looks at me thinking I am off my rocker too! The beauty of being a triathlete? Even seasoned runners or swimmers or cyclists think we are crazy for attempting all three in one event.
So let me jump back to the days event for a bit...After the pool and some minor duties I was in charge of post race set up and up keep.Meaning all the supplies for the athletes were to be found under my tent. I set out the spread and tried to congratulate as many athletes as I could. Part of me wished I was among them, part of me was thrilled that I had a tent to stand under as the rain came instead.
Either way I think I am starting to fall in love with triathlons. I love the sound of "triathlete", i love the sights of running, cycling and swimming past previous stopping points in my journey. I love the feel of a fit body that belongs to me! I love the community of fellow triathletes. I love the search for new gear.I love the quest to become better and I love the GIMOUNDUS goal at the end of the quest being a freaking IRONMAN. I say I don't want to do one now but I know if I get to Olympic Distance that I will have it in me. I just know it.
There is so much to do still. I have a road bike to find. I have distances to conquer. I have little nuances to learn. Luckily I have an unquenchable thirst for more! SO stay tuned as I learn the ropes of triathloning and all there is to come with it!
**Update** I wrote this post last week and was unable to find the time to edit it so I left it as a draft. Briefly before and since then I have been continuing to push myself and I have been running over 3 miles 3-5 times a week! How awesome is that? I am still convinced I have exercised enduced asthma but as I progress on the bike and in the pool as well, I think I can overcome some of my breathing issues on my own. We shall see!
Stay Tuned!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
In TRI-ing times 5.30.2008
in TRI -ing times
Current mood: 
adventurous
If I could have predicted the way that this last three weeks have gone I am not sure that I would have embarked on this journey to begin with. I am so freaking tired. I am ready to say that " I am a triathlete", no more " I am training for a triathlon." { Although I do plan to do more already this summer.And now I have infected others and Ben and Britt and Sean and others want to train with me later this summer!}These last few weeks have just put every aspect of me to the test. I know that come tomorrow I will wake up and feel fine, the sun will be shining things will go well and I will cross that finish line with a smile on my face. Until then though it is hard for me to grasp all of what has been thrown my way recently. It started with a stress fracture that sidelined my running, then add a hectic work schedule, two deaths very close to me, an unexpected trip to new york, major life decisions, PMS, a new boy {major distraction!}, a head cold and severe allergies and mix in some other stress factors and you have about my mind set for the past month. ...
It hard to shake this feeling that something is conspiring against me. But I am slowly realizing that its just a test. If I had been able to finish this triathlon with the ease of which I started it with then it may not mean as much. But around this time tomorrow I will be making my way across the finish line and I can't tell you what I will feel. I haven't pushed myself like this in a very very long time. So this is going to be good. I've got a great cheerleading team coming to support me and I can't wait to do them proud. I have amazing people in my life and I am very thankful for all of them.
So now, after arriving back in Virginia around 2am last night I am going to put my bike in the car and get back on the road to finish my latest life goal. Oh i can feel the butterflies starting already! Don't wish me luck, I don't need it!
Off to become a triathlete.....
Major Recovery 5.13.2008
Major Recovery
Current mood: 
rebellious
You better believe this will not hinder my performance on race day. I will absolutely give it my all and the result will ultimately be, me crossing the finish line with a smile on my face. Just like I set out to do.
This however may hinder my plans to go straight forward into an Olympic distance Triathlon in D.C. in September. Who knows.. I will have to stop by an actual Doctor of Medicine and see what the verdict is. After race day of course.
Besides that things are good. I just got back from a weekend full of my bestest best friend Morgan. I went down to Blacksburg to celebrate her graduation. I am so proud of her it is unbelievable. There was even an argument at dinner before her graduation that showed me just how passionate she is about what she does. She is an amazing woman and I have a lot to learn from her. But for now she is all graduated and will be coming back to me tomorrow for the summer.
( Until she leaves me again for North Carolina. 
)So this summer should be great, her and I together again! That may or may not spell trouble for everyone else around us.. so prepare yourselves accordingly.But anyway just being back down there is good for my soul. There are certain places in this world that just bring a sense of calm and peace into me. Blacksburg is one of those places. Dewey Beach is another place like that and I cannot freaking wait to get back there either. I love the people there and I have even more reason to love it now. I joked with my roommate Erin earlier in the weekend that there were so many potential new boyfriends that I couldnt decide and I may bring at least 12 of them home with me. Well little did I know that I would really meet someone that I would want to bring home with me {the others were just hotties that I spotted from across the room , but all potential boyfriends in my mind} I don't want to go all into girly mode and gush about him but I am just truly glad I went down to Blacksburg this weekend. Later this summer it may prove to be very worthwhile. I just love being back in that beginning phase... I'm pretty sure all girls love this part! Oh no am I turning into a girl again?!? Noooo!! Haha
As far as the rest of my life is concerned... I came to the conclusion that I have to do what is right for me. Seems easy enough. But that means not staying where I am . Unfortunately I feel I have been manipulated to the point that quitting will be no easy task. I don't know if it ever is but I hate giving up on things.. I hate being the bad guy and I hate walking away from a good thing. I have found that out in multiple facets of my life in the past few months. I am a big fat baby when it comes to letting things go. Even if they are meant to go and maybe they were even supposed to go much earlier. This will be a good test for me to stand up and assert myself and face the consequences. Even as I write this I have butterflies in my stomach. I have bigger and better things ahead of me and I cannot just ignore them because I am scared. I know this portion of my blog is pretty vague but it's been months of this back and forth and I am just ready to put aside all the uneasiness and move forward now. I am going to do it! Today! I am listening to my playlist on myspace...which i love. And right now Carrie Underwood's "Wasted" is on. How can I not make a move with Carrie telling me not to waste any more time! Okays so I must go, I have things I have to take care of !
And as my aunt said.. not Run Forrest Run.. instead it is now Swim Sammy the Seal Swim! And maybe even Bike Lance Bike!!!!
Days on End 4.17.2008
Days on end...
Current mood: adventurous
I have to say one huge aspect of continuing training is that I have told every one of my family members that I am doing it and they are cheering me on. What helps is the change that everyone is able to see in me too. I just feel good all the time now. There is something to be said for excercise. Erin and I were talking and I swear if people only knew what it does for you and how easy it is to get hooked on to fitness this world would be so much better off. Excercise is a miracle drug that most people just don't know about yet. Believe you me I am going to be preaching away about it. People know how I like to preach when I find something I truly believe in. Have you heard me talk about "the secret" ? Hahaha
So lots of things are different right now and I think I am starting to get the hang of it.I've had my ups and downs lately. The whole moving out and finding a place to live process has started again and I remember just why I hate it. Every year I seem to get up and go somewhere else. I want to get settled to some extent. I would like to know that in another 12 months I do not have to pack my shit and get on the road again. My love life is a litle rocky these days and it can really take a toll on me and my mental status but luckily I have the endorphins from exercise to keep me going at times. I miss my best friend more than words can say. She is part of me.. so when we aren't together enough, I feel like I lose a little bit of myself. She is scheduled to return soon though, thank God! And she will return a graduate of Virginia Tech, I am so proud of her! Oh and my mother recently asked me to commute up to Baltimore two days a week in order to help my Step-Grandfather heal from recent surgery and all fo the getting old struggles. He isn't doing well right now so I am not even sure if I will be making those weekly trips but what a thought. To fit into my already crazy schedule I would be in Baltimore two days a week and trying to work as much as possible to make up for those days of work lost. So naturally I figure my current place of employment can't possibly cover that for me. I must get a second or technically third job at this point. Oh gosh that is a frightening thought. If my days seem long now, I cannot imagine what they will be like in the coming weeks when I try to fit in three jobs and triathlon training and trying to start my new business without losing my social life too... oh the stresses of being a 23 year old! When it's bad it ain't that bad and when it's good.. it's freaking amazing. So I take all my complaints back and I am going to enjoy the ride.
I got a new bathing suit for my triathlon and I am in love.It is bright green and bright blue.. it's reversible so I am glad that while I will be in the water, if I start to go down.. there will be enough visibility on me that someone can come save the girl in the bright green bathing suit! Not that that will happen. I just finished a conversation with my aunt and she is super motivating. She is is great shape and a wonderful athlete and just happens to be doing a 50 mile bike ride this weekend.. what an inspiration.. gosh i love my life ...
and I cant wait... hopefully I will have much more to write about my new business venture in the coming blogs.. I am working hard and doing some research to figure out just how to get this thing right. So more to come on that note I promise!
Its almost 10 o'clock and I figure I should probably get something to eat now.
Oh and I have only a few more days until Nicole's 5k in Richmond and I am super excited that I will actually be able to RUN this year... and I know I had always planned on that since starting training but I am at the point right now where I know that I can actually do it.
Staying motivated can be tough at times but other times I find inspiration in each person around me. I have an incredible cheerleading team in the ladies that I work with. They tell me day in and day out how proud they are of me. My family thinks I am crazy and that is all the more reason to keep going because if they think I am normal.. then I must be doing something wrong! My roommate is doing her own feat of amazement in that she will be running the San Diego Marathon. Crazy woman I tell you. So she keeps me motivated too And the more results I see when I look at my ever sculpting body I cant help but get more and more addicted to the way I feel. Freaking good. Now don't get me wrong. I have my days where I feel like I can't get enough sleep even if I slept for 3 days straight and I don't want to move because the weather is just not ideal. So in those moments if any of you have words of wisdom or encouragement, feel free to pass them along. I don't use an IPOD when I train so all I have are my thoughts and to hear someones voice in my head to keep pushing me is a great help!
More to come..
Stay tuned!
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