Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Up Early
Up early today and all things pointed to an early run. With the coffee buzz in place and Brandy reporting for duty at 07:00 We hit the BART trail for a slightly faster run. Amazing how my pace picks up in the cooler weather. I do love me some cooler temps. The 20 k in late August does remind me though, that I need to get out of my comfort zone...Man, I'm looking forward to vacation in just one more week!!!
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Good Times
M and I swam yesterday, it was such a nice day and very few people occupied the 3 swim lanes . I was able to swim for an hour with a lane all to myself! Later the 3 of us rode our mountain bikes to Cold Stone Creamery about an hour after chowing down on BBQ...delish!!!
I organized a group bike ride for today too! Deb, Emily and Arthur from triclub responded to my suggestion to hook-up for a ride. We met at 8am in front of the Y and we headed over to Redwood, the ride I had done a couple weeks back....it was a first for the rest of the group and everyone seem to be enjoying themselves. We met a rather large riding group, The Velo Raptors and they were super friendly and we all sort've merged and interacted. We gave the leader our individual e-mails and now will get the 411 on their riding schedule.
We parted ways at Grizzly Peak, our little group continued onto Redwood, then Arthur took over and led us down Pinehurst. The decent was steep and we all rode our breaks, eventually it leveled out and we found ourselves in a beautiful canopied canyon that wound it's way towards Moraga. The place felt familiar and as we rode past the Post Office....Yes, a post office in the middle of seemingly nowhere.....I remembered riding here a looooong time ago back in my early 20's from the Moraga direction when I lived in Concord.
We continued onto Moraga where signs of life became more abundant and kept going to Orinda. By this time we had already covered 20 or so miles at a leisurely pace with a few stops. After a quick water break, we headed onward towards Tilden via San Pablo Dam Rd. This was to be the toughest leg of the trip. If you've ever entered Tilden from the Orinda side, you know it's one steep ass climb and by 10:45 am it was HOT. Taking it slow we worked our way up the backside of Tilden, Deb sprinted ahead, Emily and I stayed close with me drafting off her first. I then switched to give her chance to draft, I turned around to say something and she was out of sight. Shortly afterwards, Arthur was at my side and said Emily pulled over for a break and then he was passing me, hot on Deb's tail. I held my pace and focused on riding straight vs fast. I was in the right gears and with exception of few not-so-smooth gear shifts I was having a decent no really decent ride.
We all met up at Inspiration Point and reveled in a victory lap around the parking lot! LOL!! Deb apperared to be suffering from a bit of heat exhaustion. Emily offered fluids, Arthur dumped more water on her head and I gave her a neck rub. She need abit of time to recover, poor thing she's a kick ass rider....but has no granny gear which forces her to maintain a faster speed or she falls over on the hills! Once Deb was good, Emily had to leave, so the remaining 3 of us lingered a little longer until Debs lightheadedness went away. From IP it was pretty much all downhill except for a little hill just before you get to the Brazilian Room. Arthur had us pull over there to get more water, he said it's his favorite place to crash weddings!
As we were leaving a man with what appeared to be a comatose toddler on the back of his bike, needed a tire pump....Once again Arthur to the rescue . I took Deb over to a shady spot and we waited while Arthur assisted the dad & tyke. BTW the little kid did perk up after awhile and looked ok. From this point on it was either flat or down hill, a nice reward after the hard climb.
So, I didn't get a long run in this weekend but I spent time with family and friends doing active stuff . That's major progress folks! Hmmm, maybe I have a future in event planning!
I organized a group bike ride for today too! Deb, Emily and Arthur from triclub responded to my suggestion to hook-up for a ride. We met at 8am in front of the Y and we headed over to Redwood, the ride I had done a couple weeks back....it was a first for the rest of the group and everyone seem to be enjoying themselves. We met a rather large riding group, The Velo Raptors and they were super friendly and we all sort've merged and interacted. We gave the leader our individual e-mails and now will get the 411 on their riding schedule.
We parted ways at Grizzly Peak, our little group continued onto Redwood, then Arthur took over and led us down Pinehurst. The decent was steep and we all rode our breaks, eventually it leveled out and we found ourselves in a beautiful canopied canyon that wound it's way towards Moraga. The place felt familiar and as we rode past the Post Office....Yes, a post office in the middle of seemingly nowhere.....I remembered riding here a looooong time ago back in my early 20's from the Moraga direction when I lived in Concord.
We continued onto Moraga where signs of life became more abundant and kept going to Orinda. By this time we had already covered 20 or so miles at a leisurely pace with a few stops. After a quick water break, we headed onward towards Tilden via San Pablo Dam Rd. This was to be the toughest leg of the trip. If you've ever entered Tilden from the Orinda side, you know it's one steep ass climb and by 10:45 am it was HOT. Taking it slow we worked our way up the backside of Tilden, Deb sprinted ahead, Emily and I stayed close with me drafting off her first. I then switched to give her chance to draft, I turned around to say something and she was out of sight. Shortly afterwards, Arthur was at my side and said Emily pulled over for a break and then he was passing me, hot on Deb's tail. I held my pace and focused on riding straight vs fast. I was in the right gears and with exception of few not-so-smooth gear shifts I was having a decent no really decent ride.
We all met up at Inspiration Point and reveled in a victory lap around the parking lot! LOL!! Deb apperared to be suffering from a bit of heat exhaustion. Emily offered fluids, Arthur dumped more water on her head and I gave her a neck rub. She need abit of time to recover, poor thing she's a kick ass rider....but has no granny gear which forces her to maintain a faster speed or she falls over on the hills! Once Deb was good, Emily had to leave, so the remaining 3 of us lingered a little longer until Debs lightheadedness went away. From IP it was pretty much all downhill except for a little hill just before you get to the Brazilian Room. Arthur had us pull over there to get more water, he said it's his favorite place to crash weddings!
As we were leaving a man with what appeared to be a comatose toddler on the back of his bike, needed a tire pump....Once again Arthur to the rescue . I took Deb over to a shady spot and we waited while Arthur assisted the dad & tyke. BTW the little kid did perk up after awhile and looked ok. From this point on it was either flat or down hill, a nice reward after the hard climb.
So, I didn't get a long run in this weekend but I spent time with family and friends doing active stuff . That's major progress folks! Hmmm, maybe I have a future in event planning!
Friday, July 14, 2006
What a Dog!
Brandy and I finally got going early this week. After the long run a couple weeks back, I realized that she's a bit deconditioned since not having gone on many runs with me due to my crazy pack-the -gym-bag and see where I end up approach to training as of late. This morning at 7:45 we headed over to the BART trail. The cool air felt good on my legs and face.
If I don't take the leash and harness off her immediately after a run she will inevitably begin to naw at ....We've gone through quite few! So, with her new purple leash and harness, we set off at an easy pace for a 40 minute run. Along the way, we met up with Joel, I've been passing and chatting with him on the BART trail ever since I started to run almost 2 years ago. He's a musician and he was telling me about a recent gig in Reno, where he was accosted by a rather robust biker chick fan who planted a big wet one on him and insisted that he share his gum while forcing her tongue into his mouth.eeeeeeww!!! He's probably 50ish, boyishly handsome tall and lean and always comments on my weight loss and say's I'm sexy...gotta love that right?
I always smile when I see the mommies out there with their jog strollers, I know it takes a whole other kind of discipline to get your groove on with a kid in tow.....One I never seem to develop when M was little......Today I saw an athletic looking grandma cruising with a little tike..Awesome!
Brandy was on her best behavior too! No veering off, no tugging or getting tangled in my path. She's in need of more short runs before we hit the trails for longer ones. Plus it will get me out the door earlier!!
I recently got in touch with a couple of Tri4fun clubmates and am trying to hookup for abit of group training, I still struggle with this and it seems I can't get past the occasional get together. I really need to find a steady partner and Tracy (she's a total stud, talks while running 8 minute miles guh!) seems motivated and willing, just a matter of our schedules jibing. I need to be more flexible and give evening workouts a serious consideration at least for biking and swimming, we'll see what happens.
I'm only working half day today and tonight M will be mc'ing the talent show at dance camp....she sprained her knee a week ago and has been laying low on the dancing. With the weekend around the bend, I am looking forward to getting a good ride and run in.
If I don't take the leash and harness off her immediately after a run she will inevitably begin to naw at ....We've gone through quite few! So, with her new purple leash and harness, we set off at an easy pace for a 40 minute run. Along the way, we met up with Joel, I've been passing and chatting with him on the BART trail ever since I started to run almost 2 years ago. He's a musician and he was telling me about a recent gig in Reno, where he was accosted by a rather robust biker chick fan who planted a big wet one on him and insisted that he share his gum while forcing her tongue into his mouth.eeeeeeww!!! He's probably 50ish, boyishly handsome tall and lean and always comments on my weight loss and say's I'm sexy...gotta love that right?
I always smile when I see the mommies out there with their jog strollers, I know it takes a whole other kind of discipline to get your groove on with a kid in tow.....One I never seem to develop when M was little......Today I saw an athletic looking grandma cruising with a little tike..Awesome!
Brandy was on her best behavior too! No veering off, no tugging or getting tangled in my path. She's in need of more short runs before we hit the trails for longer ones. Plus it will get me out the door earlier!!
I recently got in touch with a couple of Tri4fun clubmates and am trying to hookup for abit of group training, I still struggle with this and it seems I can't get past the occasional get together. I really need to find a steady partner and Tracy (she's a total stud, talks while running 8 minute miles guh!) seems motivated and willing, just a matter of our schedules jibing. I need to be more flexible and give evening workouts a serious consideration at least for biking and swimming, we'll see what happens.
I'm only working half day today and tonight M will be mc'ing the talent show at dance camp....she sprained her knee a week ago and has been laying low on the dancing. With the weekend around the bend, I am looking forward to getting a good ride and run in.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Trying this training life!
It appears my new get-up-and-go time is close to 10 am these days, just can't seem to get my arse ass the door .....oh well, I'm itchin to ride today as it's been awhile so off I go. Hey btw, were heading south for vacation this month San Diego (my first visit) We're gonna do the SeaWorld, The Zoo, Legoland and maybe checkout TJ....any lodging or travel or running route suggestions from locals or other visitors would be most appreciated!
Sunday, July 09, 2006
Weekend Warrior
After a pretty much lackluster week training wise, today I pushed myself the hardest yet. First I need to mention that yesterday M and I volunteered at a trail race in Pacifica. I goofed up on the venue and thought it was Angel Island, but it turned out to be in Pacifica. Anyways, the event directors Wendell and Sarah of Pacific Coast Trail Runs totally rocked and put on probably the finest race I ever witnessed...from a volunteer perspective, though judging from the runners they would agree with me....the support/aide/nutrition were no less than amazing. Pacifica is a typical coastal town and probably experiences 2 clear days a year and yesterday was one of them. I was glad not to be running because I could already tell at 7 am that it was gonna be a hot one.
M jumped right in and got into setting up the nutrition stands and I spent most of my time checking in registered runners and manning the chili and soup station. I highly recommend volunteering at events, you can learn alot from the vets. I learned about sodium intake (the preferred method appeared to be dipping pieces of potatoe in salt) and gators to keep pesky pepples and the like out of your shoes. I watched as several runners would fold their bibs into tiny squares leaving only the number visible, hence eliminating all that flapping about. I noticed some of the 50K folks preferred to have their own aide stations and would stash their stuff and refuel whenever they loooped back into base camp.
I met some very cool people! I swear this one dude...had to be pushing 80 he was such a stud. He recently rode his bike to Salt Lake City from Ca and ran a marathon there! I learned about a 100 mile race called the Western States. I saw blisters, black toes and smiling faces at every turn! Many times throughout the day I thought "These people are freaks and I feel completely at home!" So many interesting people, stories and names to recount....but the experience was awesome and I was thoroughly inspired to push myself...I mean really push myself.
My period, normally barely noticable was a real drag this week and all I managed to do was swim ....once this week......I'm not even counting the 2nd attempt, because I only got to swim 4 lousy laps before I was informed the pool would be closed for an hour for the private lesson people! T's parents are finally settled in their new place and life should resume to some normalcy around here with T not staying away as much.
Anyways, I was feeling ambitious when I awoke...late I might add...and pondered the prospect of a double scoop of Strawberry...yep, that's right Strawberry Canyon Twice!
Unlike my ice cream metaphor, the run was neither cool or sweet. The temps were already up in the high 70's, maybe higher and the pressure I had put on myself to really push hard today took some of the pleasure away as my mindset was more serious than usual. As I mentioned I woke up late, late for a long run, but after what I witnessed yesterday...I was enticed and I wanted to see and feel what it would be like to run under less desirable conditions.
I intentionally went slow the first out and back. For the first time ever I peed in a secluded cornice at the top of the loop, part of UC Berkeley's sprawling campus, luckily I was fast about it and went undetected! I am officially a trail dawg!!
Physically I felt good but around the time I headed out for the second loop, my head started coming up with all sorts of excuses to detour me from my plan. I pretty much negotiated with myself the entire second half. Thoughts of the 10% rule, not having run since last sunday, other things like "Well, maybe I'll just walk up Big Bertha the during the 2nd loop" or "I won't go all the way to the road", and "Maybe I'll just double back on the mid section" Yeah it went on like this for pretty much the whole second half....but you know what? Every time the opportunity to shorten the run came up I thought about this post and how bad I wanted to use that dumb ass ice cream metaphor! So, I went ALL THE WAY up and back again!! The second loop was TOUGH, I was hot and the gatorade/vitamin water was just about gone and so luke warm it was barely noticeable when I took a sip. My body felt real fatigue for the first time. My legs and knees were tired and achey. Several times I rested my arms on my hips as my legs shuffled on. The final trip down Big Bertha about did me in! I was careful to smear body glide everywhere and when I arrived at the parking lot the first time I doffed my singlet and applied more sunscreen.
This was by far not only the furthest I've ever run, but the hardest I ever worked...on land that is! I could've chose an easier trail and certainly earlier time of day to pull out this kind of distance, but like I said, the people I met yesterday, the vibe, the energy, it was so inspiring! I wanted to really DO something today and hot damn I did it! I was all shakey and light headed afterwards, it was great!! I met a gal in the parking lot as I approached my car, she was a total rabbit, she had run up and back once. I noticed her on my way back the second time. She scared the shit out of me on the turn around as she whizzed by my left w/o a peep. I was irritated that she hadn't made her presence known and when I said "oh shit" she just kept going. Anyways, she was in the parking lot when I arrived and she turned out to be pretty cool, offering me a nutrition bar and asking about what I was training for. As I mentioned, she was hauling ass and it turns out she's sponsored by PowerBar and gives nutritional talks, she even gave me some gel.
I headed over to the carwash and drank a thing of chocolate milk and a bottle of Propel fruit flavored water, melon is yummy. Pacing and stretching as I waited for the car to be scrubbed and buffed. On the drive home I got all emotional as I realized I just ran 14.8 hot and hilly miles in 3 hours and 25 minutes. I have to say all in all, this was quite a weekend. Rubbing elbows with some serious talent and another milestone in the bag! Woohoo!!
M jumped right in and got into setting up the nutrition stands and I spent most of my time checking in registered runners and manning the chili and soup station. I highly recommend volunteering at events, you can learn alot from the vets. I learned about sodium intake (the preferred method appeared to be dipping pieces of potatoe in salt) and gators to keep pesky pepples and the like out of your shoes. I watched as several runners would fold their bibs into tiny squares leaving only the number visible, hence eliminating all that flapping about. I noticed some of the 50K folks preferred to have their own aide stations and would stash their stuff and refuel whenever they loooped back into base camp.
I met some very cool people! I swear this one dude...had to be pushing 80 he was such a stud. He recently rode his bike to Salt Lake City from Ca and ran a marathon there! I learned about a 100 mile race called the Western States. I saw blisters, black toes and smiling faces at every turn! Many times throughout the day I thought "These people are freaks and I feel completely at home!" So many interesting people, stories and names to recount....but the experience was awesome and I was thoroughly inspired to push myself...I mean really push myself.
My period, normally barely noticable was a real drag this week and all I managed to do was swim ....once this week......I'm not even counting the 2nd attempt, because I only got to swim 4 lousy laps before I was informed the pool would be closed for an hour for the private lesson people! T's parents are finally settled in their new place and life should resume to some normalcy around here with T not staying away as much.
Anyways, I was feeling ambitious when I awoke...late I might add...and pondered the prospect of a double scoop of Strawberry...yep, that's right Strawberry Canyon Twice!
Unlike my ice cream metaphor, the run was neither cool or sweet. The temps were already up in the high 70's, maybe higher and the pressure I had put on myself to really push hard today took some of the pleasure away as my mindset was more serious than usual. As I mentioned I woke up late, late for a long run, but after what I witnessed yesterday...I was enticed and I wanted to see and feel what it would be like to run under less desirable conditions.
I intentionally went slow the first out and back. For the first time ever I peed in a secluded cornice at the top of the loop, part of UC Berkeley's sprawling campus, luckily I was fast about it and went undetected! I am officially a trail dawg!!
Physically I felt good but around the time I headed out for the second loop, my head started coming up with all sorts of excuses to detour me from my plan. I pretty much negotiated with myself the entire second half. Thoughts of the 10% rule, not having run since last sunday, other things like "Well, maybe I'll just walk up Big Bertha the during the 2nd loop" or "I won't go all the way to the road", and "Maybe I'll just double back on the mid section" Yeah it went on like this for pretty much the whole second half....but you know what? Every time the opportunity to shorten the run came up I thought about this post and how bad I wanted to use that dumb ass ice cream metaphor! So, I went ALL THE WAY up and back again!! The second loop was TOUGH, I was hot and the gatorade/vitamin water was just about gone and so luke warm it was barely noticeable when I took a sip. My body felt real fatigue for the first time. My legs and knees were tired and achey. Several times I rested my arms on my hips as my legs shuffled on. The final trip down Big Bertha about did me in! I was careful to smear body glide everywhere and when I arrived at the parking lot the first time I doffed my singlet and applied more sunscreen.
This was by far not only the furthest I've ever run, but the hardest I ever worked...on land that is! I could've chose an easier trail and certainly earlier time of day to pull out this kind of distance, but like I said, the people I met yesterday, the vibe, the energy, it was so inspiring! I wanted to really DO something today and hot damn I did it! I was all shakey and light headed afterwards, it was great!! I met a gal in the parking lot as I approached my car, she was a total rabbit, she had run up and back once. I noticed her on my way back the second time. She scared the shit out of me on the turn around as she whizzed by my left w/o a peep. I was irritated that she hadn't made her presence known and when I said "oh shit" she just kept going. Anyways, she was in the parking lot when I arrived and she turned out to be pretty cool, offering me a nutrition bar and asking about what I was training for. As I mentioned, she was hauling ass and it turns out she's sponsored by PowerBar and gives nutritional talks, she even gave me some gel.
I headed over to the carwash and drank a thing of chocolate milk and a bottle of Propel fruit flavored water, melon is yummy. Pacing and stretching as I waited for the car to be scrubbed and buffed. On the drive home I got all emotional as I realized I just ran 14.8 hot and hilly miles in 3 hours and 25 minutes. I have to say all in all, this was quite a weekend. Rubbing elbows with some serious talent and another milestone in the bag! Woohoo!!
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Misty Mountain
Despite my very late start this morning, the fog hadn't lifted as I wound my way up to Redwood this morning. I was on the trail by 10:15 without Brandy and heavily slathered with BodyGlide....I was ready to go long. Turns out the run I did last weekend was 8 miles. I seem to average a 10 minute mile so my timing was about right last time 8 miles in 80 mins.
Today on the turn around I veered left onto Stream Trail down a steep decent into the canyon. The scent of Eucalyptus was a welcomed change from the stinky refinery fumes from the other day. This trail was quite beautiful, canopied and well groomed. I came across a few hikers. The Redwoods towered above and about an hour into the run I was pretty much the happiest person on the planet.
The trail conditions began to change from smooth duff covered footing to rocks, roots and a steep climb back up. I maintained a steady pace as the climb got steeper. The canopy started to fade and I was out in the open again. The fog had started to lift but it was nowhere near as warm as lastweekend making the tough climb out the canyon doable....hard but doable.
I'm guessing I got close to 10 miles today, the furthest I've run to date. Total time 1hr 40 mins. I'm sure the cooler temps today didn't hurt my timing. I am curious about the numbers but haven't gotten around to setting the stride feature up on my pedometer. The math really was secondary though, it just felt good to be on the trail and to see I'm making progress with the steeper climbs.
My knees are getting abit grouchy though and I actually purchased a dietary supplement today that claims it will nourish joints for easy movement..oh also some grounded flaxseed for added fiber. I think you can sprinkle it on stuff and I thought it would be less noticeable in a smoothie too. We'll see, I will try to keep an open mind as I wade through the topic of nutrition and supplements.
Today on the turn around I veered left onto Stream Trail down a steep decent into the canyon. The scent of Eucalyptus was a welcomed change from the stinky refinery fumes from the other day. This trail was quite beautiful, canopied and well groomed. I came across a few hikers. The Redwoods towered above and about an hour into the run I was pretty much the happiest person on the planet.
The trail conditions began to change from smooth duff covered footing to rocks, roots and a steep climb back up. I maintained a steady pace as the climb got steeper. The canopy started to fade and I was out in the open again. The fog had started to lift but it was nowhere near as warm as lastweekend making the tough climb out the canyon doable....hard but doable.
I'm guessing I got close to 10 miles today, the furthest I've run to date. Total time 1hr 40 mins. I'm sure the cooler temps today didn't hurt my timing. I am curious about the numbers but haven't gotten around to setting the stride feature up on my pedometer. The math really was secondary though, it just felt good to be on the trail and to see I'm making progress with the steeper climbs.
My knees are getting abit grouchy though and I actually purchased a dietary supplement today that claims it will nourish joints for easy movement..oh also some grounded flaxseed for added fiber. I think you can sprinkle it on stuff and I thought it would be less noticeable in a smoothie too. We'll see, I will try to keep an open mind as I wade through the topic of nutrition and supplements.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Why I Blog
I was totally unfocused yesterday morning as I ventured out the door for a run. The air quality was awful, the refinery fumes were whirling around as I walked aimlessly. I was sick of the BART trail and pressed for time needing to get M off to camp in an hour. So I just ran around the neighborhood, less than 20 minutes. It then occurred to me that the short run could just be a warm-up and I could go back indoors and stretch. So that's what I did.
I had prepacked my gym bag with intentions of a swim before work. I didn't know where I'd end up but I was prepared. This is starting to become a routine for me - pack the bag and see where I end up. After dropping M off at camp I headed towards work.
I decided on the Concord community pool because they have the 50 yd. lanes and to my delight the Terrapin Swim team was there. Not that I know any of these people but I do get a kick out of watching good swimmers swim. They make it look so damn easy!!! I dream of swimming that fluidly. Really, I do!
Watching the swimmers haul ass down the lanes, drill after drill, I was thoroughly inspired to push myself abit harder. I had a lane all to myself and I slowly swam 6x50 alternating free and breast. Lots of resting with an occasional switching of strokes midway. Compared to the swim team, I was looking pretty lame, but hey it's like what Spence said in a recent post, it made me feel alive and just glad to be out there!
The euphoria sort've fizzled though in the locker room when I was changing in the presence of the enthusiastic giggly gang of girls. Their youth and energy kind've intimidated me and I quickly got myself dressed and out of there. I had nothing in common with these athletes, a mere guppy by comparison (Ha, more like an old bottom feeder!). Why did I let that happen? I suppose standing naked in a locker room full of 20 something year olds might of had something to do with it! What happen to feeling alive and being glad to be out there? Granted I was nowhere in their league I berated myself later for hustling out of there.
Seems I always get intimidated by stronger athletes. I think if I had a better handle on my swim abilities, had some proper feedback on where I stand in my progress, I'd feel more confident. Working with coach Cali right before the my sprint tri helped build me up, but I've been on my own since then and probably could use some help getting to the next phase. In my usual manner I compare myself to the BEST, which is SO NOT HELPFUL. It completely sabotages and undermines my confidence.
I'm much braver in Blogland. I suck at writing but I don't care, I just keep at it, in hopes that the words and thoughts will find eachother. I just love reading about peoples progress and how great people are feeling about their workouts. People are really doing some amazing things but I admit I do enjoy when folks share the "Darkside" too. I lurk for awhile and if I feel compelled I'll post a comment. Sometimes I'm slow to respond, but I usually get around to acknowledging the commentor sometime down the road. I'm always appreciative when people actually take the time to respond, whether to a post or a comment I've left.
My new mantra is........
"Leave No Supportive Comment Unresponded To"
It's the right thing to do. Period. Now I'm not suggesting that you leave a lengthy response to every little thing but if someones dropped by a few times and you haven't given them the time of day yet....do the right thing. I mean really, how hard can it be?
A commentor that took the time to respond was moved by you that day. They took the time to give you kudos and was interested in your efforts. Regardless of their social, professional or academic background they made a deposit in the bank of you. The kindness of strangers has made many a trip more enjoyable and none of us will get where were going alone.
Ok, most days you are on your own while training, but somewhere along the way you will be fueled by the kind words and or support of others. Sometimes by a well known compatriot and other times it will be a new blogger stepping into your world for the first time. So, even though you might not have much in common at least acknowledge the comment and be gracious. I blog to get inspired, to get knowledge and insight, to get and give support, but mostly to make contact with other athlete's as I usually train solo.
Yes, I get support from my immediate family and friends. Their interest in my day to day efforts is greatly valued, yet unless you've agonized over your shoelace coming undone right before you have a shot at a sub 1 hr during your first 10k or how your going to fit the next workout in an already impossibly busy week or blow a tire during a race, you don't fully understand. Bloggers do though. I blog mainly to connect with like minded folk.
Long before I ever got back into running or any of this tri-stuff, I had a co-worker (not the recently mentioned trichick) but another triathlete. She was training for Kona. Now this
gal was pretty full of herself....very focused and completely lacking in social graces. I think somewhere along line though, she developed a little humility and began to soften. Just about every Monday I would inquire about her training adventures. I was genuinely intrigued by this woman's tenacity and discipline. One day she turned to me and said "Chris, I want to thank you for your support. You've always been so interested in my training and I really appreciate it" Needless to say I was pretty floored, this gal by no means was "touchy feely" straight up hardcore and yet even she recognized that being gracious was the right thing to do.
Admittedly, I'm far too sensitive for my own good at times. This post might even be considered by some as a bit whiny. I realize that blogging isn't the same thing for everyone and that some bloggers are just more generous than others. I just know that when I take the time respond, I feel like I've given back a little to the community that has given me so much. Like many of you I'll ponder a post or comment I've read while I'm out their training solo and not feel alone at all.
There are some exceptional blogger/athletes out there. Your prowess surpasses the playing field and your posts are rich in detail and wit and I do appreciate a well written passage. I also appreciate the truthful and the awkward. The ones where the words aren't so slick or fluid. I'm not a blog snob. If it's kind, thoughtful or touches me in someway I'll give most anyone credit for putting it out there. Writing is not easy for me but I am drawn to it. Like the swim, bike and run, it constantly challenges me. I keep at in hopes of making a connection with others and with myself.
I had prepacked my gym bag with intentions of a swim before work. I didn't know where I'd end up but I was prepared. This is starting to become a routine for me - pack the bag and see where I end up. After dropping M off at camp I headed towards work.
I decided on the Concord community pool because they have the 50 yd. lanes and to my delight the Terrapin Swim team was there. Not that I know any of these people but I do get a kick out of watching good swimmers swim. They make it look so damn easy!!! I dream of swimming that fluidly. Really, I do!
Watching the swimmers haul ass down the lanes, drill after drill, I was thoroughly inspired to push myself abit harder. I had a lane all to myself and I slowly swam 6x50 alternating free and breast. Lots of resting with an occasional switching of strokes midway. Compared to the swim team, I was looking pretty lame, but hey it's like what Spence said in a recent post, it made me feel alive and just glad to be out there!
The euphoria sort've fizzled though in the locker room when I was changing in the presence of the enthusiastic giggly gang of girls. Their youth and energy kind've intimidated me and I quickly got myself dressed and out of there. I had nothing in common with these athletes, a mere guppy by comparison (Ha, more like an old bottom feeder!). Why did I let that happen? I suppose standing naked in a locker room full of 20 something year olds might of had something to do with it! What happen to feeling alive and being glad to be out there? Granted I was nowhere in their league I berated myself later for hustling out of there.
Seems I always get intimidated by stronger athletes. I think if I had a better handle on my swim abilities, had some proper feedback on where I stand in my progress, I'd feel more confident. Working with coach Cali right before the my sprint tri helped build me up, but I've been on my own since then and probably could use some help getting to the next phase. In my usual manner I compare myself to the BEST, which is SO NOT HELPFUL. It completely sabotages and undermines my confidence.
I'm much braver in Blogland. I suck at writing but I don't care, I just keep at it, in hopes that the words and thoughts will find eachother. I just love reading about peoples progress and how great people are feeling about their workouts. People are really doing some amazing things but I admit I do enjoy when folks share the "Darkside" too. I lurk for awhile and if I feel compelled I'll post a comment. Sometimes I'm slow to respond, but I usually get around to acknowledging the commentor sometime down the road. I'm always appreciative when people actually take the time to respond, whether to a post or a comment I've left.
My new mantra is........
"Leave No Supportive Comment Unresponded To"
It's the right thing to do. Period. Now I'm not suggesting that you leave a lengthy response to every little thing but if someones dropped by a few times and you haven't given them the time of day yet....do the right thing. I mean really, how hard can it be?
A commentor that took the time to respond was moved by you that day. They took the time to give you kudos and was interested in your efforts. Regardless of their social, professional or academic background they made a deposit in the bank of you. The kindness of strangers has made many a trip more enjoyable and none of us will get where were going alone.
Ok, most days you are on your own while training, but somewhere along the way you will be fueled by the kind words and or support of others. Sometimes by a well known compatriot and other times it will be a new blogger stepping into your world for the first time. So, even though you might not have much in common at least acknowledge the comment and be gracious. I blog to get inspired, to get knowledge and insight, to get and give support, but mostly to make contact with other athlete's as I usually train solo.
Yes, I get support from my immediate family and friends. Their interest in my day to day efforts is greatly valued, yet unless you've agonized over your shoelace coming undone right before you have a shot at a sub 1 hr during your first 10k or how your going to fit the next workout in an already impossibly busy week or blow a tire during a race, you don't fully understand. Bloggers do though. I blog mainly to connect with like minded folk.
Long before I ever got back into running or any of this tri-stuff, I had a co-worker (not the recently mentioned trichick) but another triathlete. She was training for Kona. Now this
gal was pretty full of herself....very focused and completely lacking in social graces. I think somewhere along line though, she developed a little humility and began to soften. Just about every Monday I would inquire about her training adventures. I was genuinely intrigued by this woman's tenacity and discipline. One day she turned to me and said "Chris, I want to thank you for your support. You've always been so interested in my training and I really appreciate it" Needless to say I was pretty floored, this gal by no means was "touchy feely" straight up hardcore and yet even she recognized that being gracious was the right thing to do.
Admittedly, I'm far too sensitive for my own good at times. This post might even be considered by some as a bit whiny. I realize that blogging isn't the same thing for everyone and that some bloggers are just more generous than others. I just know that when I take the time respond, I feel like I've given back a little to the community that has given me so much. Like many of you I'll ponder a post or comment I've read while I'm out their training solo and not feel alone at all.
There are some exceptional blogger/athletes out there. Your prowess surpasses the playing field and your posts are rich in detail and wit and I do appreciate a well written passage. I also appreciate the truthful and the awkward. The ones where the words aren't so slick or fluid. I'm not a blog snob. If it's kind, thoughtful or touches me in someway I'll give most anyone credit for putting it out there. Writing is not easy for me but I am drawn to it. Like the swim, bike and run, it constantly challenges me. I keep at in hopes of making a connection with others and with myself.
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