Snow Day! Snowshoe Workout

Donna leads the way

We finally have snow during what has been a rather mild winter in New England. I'm not a huge fan of snow, but it hasn't felt like a true New England winter without it. On Friday we received 11" of powdery fluff, and with rain in the forecast for Sunday, Donna and I bundled up to go snowshoeing on Saturday despite temps hovering just above 20 degrees. You gotta pick your days.

The trails were quiet, with only a half dozen or so people hiking through mid-calf-height snow or on cross country skis. We were the only snowshoers out there. We did an out and back hike with a few joggles to give us a little over a mile and a half total distance, (Strava). It was a great workout! Despite the frigid temps, I was quite toasty until I got home. (Then the chills hit. Brrr.)

Tons of fun and hopefully we'll have more opportunities to get out there this winter. (Equipment note: MSR Evo snowshoes for both.)

Donna at trail's end. There were swans in the harbor.

January being January

Sunday snowshoe Nike

We’re only three weeks into January and the winter has just been dragging along. It’s been too warm for trail rides, (unless you ignore the damage it does to the trails, which I can’t do), but too cold for running. Sort of. Mike and I still have our weekly run dates and I try to squeeze in a run or two during the week, but haven’t really gotten back to my mileage from the summer. That’s ok, though.  It’s still only January. Still.

Last weekend we actually had snow(!); which has been oddly absent this year, so went snowshoeing in lieu of running. It was fun! We headed over to Lynn Woods, stuck to the main trails, and did not get lost. I’m calling it cross training.

Snowshoe date with my honey

Four mile run, CHECK! Plus Errandonnee 2 and 3

Tortoise and the Hare 10K. I completed 4 miles of my training plan

It was a busy weekend with the Tortoise and the Hare 10K on Saturday morning with the girls. My training plan had my long run at 4 miles this week, so I didnt complete the full 10K, but had a great time meeting up with Alison (bib #1), Jaclyn (2), Amy (3), Jennifer (4), and Lila (15! Cover the 1!) -- I was bib #6.

After the race, I headed over to Plum Island with my mountain bike to ride some flat roads and sand. It was a gorgeous day! As I was heading back to the car, I passed a cute ice cream shop, and as I continued on, realized they might have iced coffee. Rather than stop at a Dunks on the way home, I turned around and headed back to the shop. I wonder if it would count as an Errandonnee ride? Maybe? I'm saying YES! Errandonnee #2.

Sunday, was definitely an Errandonneuring day. I was feeling tired from Saturday, but still rode ten miles around town with stops at the pharmacy for some items, (including a Kit Kat for Chip), and the pet shop to pick up some treats for Rigby, (who we adopted TEN YEARS AGO this month!) I had a full backpack headed home for Errandonnee #3.

Errandonnee #2, Mission: Iced Coffee

The family that runs together (sort of)

Chip and his buddy Michael at a recent meet. Go Blue!

I'm chuckling a little that we all seem to be on a running kick here in the Cronin household. In addition to my half marathon training to prep for Alaska in June, Mike has begun his own half marathon training as well, waking at 4:45 a.m. twice a week to get in a run before heading to work. (Longer runs on the weekend). It's still ridiculously cold (and dark) at that hour in April, so he's been working out on the treadmill for now, planning to move outdoors when the weather improves.

Chip is running distance events on the high school track team this Spring, (opting not to sail this year). He's building on the success he had last Fall in cross country, and is running the one or two mile events on the track. He and Mike just purchased new track-specific racing spikes for his events. My pre-conceived notion that track was going to be the least expensive sport of the several he's been involved in has been proven wrong. Running shoes, running-specific insoles, track spikes, and team gear has come damn near close to lacrosse as far as expenses go. (Ka-ching).

I ran the Andrea Carey Memorial 5k run on Sunday and got my best time in a 5k(!), but not my best time in a 3-mile, which actually happened yesterday! Wahoo! I also rode in the rain for 30 Days of Biking and had an hour-long swim session last night, so I'm pretty beat today.

I mean, totally wiped out.

Wiped. Out.

Just a friendly reminder

Running, Part 2

Just doing it.

Well, there really isn't a Part 1 -- It's just that I've tried to do this running thing before and couldn't get into a routine. (It was winter, the weather was cold, and I just didn't love it.) Part 2 means I'm making another GO at it.

Many of my dearest friends, (and of course my husband, Mike), are runners -- and all have encouraged me to join them at one time or another for various workouts and events. (Thanks Ingrid, Alison, Cate, Lila, Jennifer, Amy R., Nikki, Amy S, Kristen, Lisa...) I've always taken a pass, relegating myself to the sidelines, but recently have had a desire to give it another shot.

I started running May 1st as a week of rain settled in. I wasn't itching to get out on my bike anyway so it was a good time to start. Tomorrow wraps up Week 2, and I've been getting out consistently with encouragement from the fam. Chip has even joined me for a few runs, (of course). #partnerincrime

Rainy day. Chip slows down his pace to run with me.

Ready to leave the snow behind

WINTER has made a comeback, with snow hitting us Friday (no school) and again today (no school)... which isn't ideal, but I'm rolling with it. Since my mountain bike shipped last week, my choices for the weekend were to ride The Deathtrap in the snow, or head out for some snowshoeing... and snowshoes won. (Crosstraining!) We had a gorgeous weekend and I had great fun hiking in the snow.

Race and team details for 24HOP are coming in like crazy. The race order is set... although I learned this morning that we are down a team member, so that will change. Our VK teammie Echo Rowe was unable to make the trip, so 15 year old hardcore MTBer Noah Paez stepped in earlier this month to take her place. Unfortunately, he had an accident yesterday while pre-riding the course and suffered multiple abrasions, a leg wound, and a possible concussion. (Oh, Noah!!) Hoping he heals quick, although he's definitely out for this weekend.

Heal quick, Noah!

With the snow falling, I now need to start packing. A 24 Hour mountain bike race in the desert requires a whole lot more planning and stuff than I anticipated. Time to start packing it up.

My bike has arrived in Arizona already -- (quick work by BikeFlights and Fed Ex) -- I just hope this latest round of snow ends Tuesday so my flight leaves Boston ON TIME Wednesday. I can't wait to get to the Arizona desert. I'm ready for this.

Adventure Riding: Steer Swamp

This week I had a bit of cross training going on. My speed walks with neighbor Julie were derailed last weekend after she developed plantar fasciitis -- so I'm now on to Plan B, AKA the Tiffany Pezzulo Plan... walk a minute, run a minute for 2 miles, working up to a full 2 mile run over the next few weeks. Chippy joined me on Monday for my first run, and he was in charge of our timer. (OMG, So funny.) We eked out our two miles together, but shin soreness for the three days after kept me from running again this week. I'm riding the Krempels King of the Road Challenge on Saturday and didn't want to wreck myself for the ride. We'll get back to interval runs on Sunday.

Thursday was Adventure Day on the mountain bike, and I headed off to Steer Swamp to check out the trails. I should not have gone alone. It was just before dusk, the sun barely above the horizon, and my imagination got the better of me. I was freaked out by the giant "tick warning" sign at the entrance to the swamp, (I could just picture all of the ticks jumping out at me)... not to mention the humongous SPIDER WEB that stretched between two trees, (OMG)... and being alone in the quiet stillness of the forest, with the exception of the scratchy rattling sound that followed me for a while and sounded like a snake, even though I knew in my head that rattle snakes only live in the desert.... Aaaaaccckkkk!!!! Why did I think the swamp would be fun?!

I rode through the trails, getting slightly lost, realized the rattle snake was really a leaf caught in my wheel, walked some of the technical spots and climbs, until I eventually stumbled onto Black Joe's Pond. I used to skate there as a kid! From there, relieved that I knew the way out of the woods, I made it back to civilization.

Next time, I'm grabbing Chippy to go with me.

Was it the TRX?

It's been a full week since I tested with Shayne at SpiderOne and started a new workout plan. Between that and the circuits I did with Christine on Monday night, (which included a killer TRX rep), I'm really, really, really sore. As I walked up the stairs to the fitness floor at the Y today, I could feel my muscles begging for mercy... and I kinda fluffed my workout today. Some days are just not meant to be.

April Comes in Like a Lion

We've had a cold blast this week and most of my riding has been indoors. On Monday night, I worked out with heavier weights, which I'm still feeling today, (Thursday), in my shoulders and neck. Maybe I overdid it a little on my overhead presses? I slogged through my workout on the bike yesterday and didn't really pay attention to what I was doing. Hopefully, the soreness will ease up and temps will be warmer for Saturday's group ride, which I'm really looking forward to. Except for a few rides with Ethan and Ed, it's been a lonely winter...

First Day of "Spring" -- Encrusted in Ice

"If you know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and road construction... you live in New England." -- Jeff Foxworthy

Keeping it indoors this week -- intervals, conditioning and spin. This weather is getting old.

Last Call on Ragged Mountain

Final day of snowboarding for me... it's time to switch gears and get my bike back on the road! The boys and I headed up to Ragged Mountain for one last blast on their home mountain. They were good sports and skied/boarded with me for most of the morning -- but then ditched me to head off for more challenging terrain. (They are good skiers -- whereas I'm still a novice snowboarder.) We had a lot of fun together, and they enjoyed showing off their winter turf! They even bought me a coffee as we headed home. Nice.

I'm finishing off a week of spin and circuit training this week, logging in almost 80 miles on the indoor trainer. Mike has teased me that the long-range forecast calls for 50 degrees next weekend. (He forgets this is New England... you can't predict the weather!) It's been over a month since our last frostbite ride. I'm now ready for winter to end.

Snowboarding at Nashoba Valley

More snow/rain is expected tonight! Wow. We're really having a winter this year! Today I had my last snowboarding lesson at Nashoba Valley with my instructor, Joe, and I was a little sad to see my Tuesday morning routine come to an end! (Sniff, sniff.) I had a great day on the slopes today, despite a tragic second run. I don't know what was going on with me! The sign of a good instructor, though, is to get inside his student's head, and that's exactly what Joe did on the chairlift back to the top. He really snapped me out of whatever doubts I was having on that second run, and I had a great day after that. Thanks, Joe! Best instructor ever.

I have a mix of spin and muscle conditioning classes lined up for the rest of the week. (Double Keli, since she teaches both.) Not sure when I'll be able to get out on the road. After getting a late start, winter just keeps rolling along.  (Lego Mini Figure given to me from one of my students! So sweet!)

Never Trust a Gopher

The weekend blizzard was quite incredible. Our Beach Bluff neighborhood received two feet of snow -- which was really exciting until we had to shovel it! (I'm calling the five hours it took to shovel us out my weekend crosstraining.) Sadly, the houses at the end of Beach Bluff near Preston Beach were pummeled by the astronomical high tides and surf. There was quite a lot of damage by the storm surge.

The good news from the storm? We received two feet of snow. (O.k. yes, I'm repeating myself.) That new snow translated into an awesome day of snowboarding today. Its all about perspective!

Still, I'm hoping that enough melts before the weekend so we can get a good bike ride in -- (Ed? Ethan?) I'm guessing our Frostbite Rides may be on hold. There's very little road out there squeezed between the 4 foot snowbanks. Early spring? Silly groundhog.

Winter is still inching along... Hello, February.

Last week I managed to chalk up a lot of indoor miles due to the MLK holiday, bitter temperatures, and a broken furnace that drove me to the gym. As the week ended, I logged in 118 miles on the trainer/spin bikes. This week, however, my training log consists of a lot of cross-training; muscle conditioning with Christine & Keli (Mon & Thurs.), snowboarding on Tuesday, and a couple of spin classes -- nothing like last week.

Snowboarding has been awesome. Everything just "clicked' for me this week and I mastered tighter turns with more control. (Love my instructor, Joe. Such a cutie.) The snow we had at the beginning of the week, (which was great for snowboarding), melted from a huge shift in temperature on Wednesday, clearing the roads for a ride tomorrow. Temps are chilly again -- in the 30s with a brisk wind -- but I think we're riding! (Wahoo!) Snow is expected to hit us again Sunday, so it'll be good to get out on the roads while we can. We still have February and March to get through before Spring arrives...

Spinny Spin Spin

I've never really enjoyed spin classes. Riding a stationary spin bike, for me, is analogous to a treadmill for most runners. I'd rather be out on the road. Still, the cold weather and a consistent time commitment makes spin class ideal through the winter. I started spinning regularly in November while working on the Tri Inside the Y, and finally realized that the key to spinning success is finding the type of instructor that really fits you and your kind of ride.

Some people like the bootcamp approach -- spin instructors who scream directives like drill sergeants -- but that doesn't work for me. After trying out several different classes, I've found the right fit and terrific instructors; Lisa (Tuesdays at the Y) leads a great class, though it currently conflicts with my Tuesday morning snowboarding; Keli, is now teaching a spin class on Thursdays; and I like Nancy for 2 classes, Fridays and Sundays. Nancy has a fun sense of humor, plays great eclectic music, and I find that I work harder in her class. Plus, she introduced me to using a heart rate monitor which has made my workouts more efficient. I actually find myself looking forward to spin classes these days. Who knew?

The weather looks good for our Cyclopath Frostbite Ride tomorrow. I believe Ethan is skiing... will I be riding solo in the morning or will Ed be joining me? We'll see tomorrow...

Tri Inside the Y Ironman Challenge - Week 2

The fitness challenge at the Y has been going well so far. I'm well ahead of my cycling goal, which is no surprise. On just the spin bikes alone, (not including Frostbite Rides), I'm averaging 60 miles each week. I should be finished with the cycling portion of the Tri on Tuesday, three weeks early.

I'm a little behind in the running, but will try and catch up this weekend... I'm not too worried about it. The rowing, however, is killing me! 25 minutes of rowing only nets me 4,000 meters.. I need to squeeze in an extra day of rowing somewhere and increase my resistance if I'm going to catch up. (I had a feeling that the rowing would be my downfall.)

A rainy weekend ahead -- tomorrow's Cyclopath Frostbite Ride will likely be cancelled.

Tri Inside the Y Ironman Challenge

I'm participating in the Tri Inside the Y Ironman Challenge this month at the LVO YMCA. I've committed to bike 112 miles, run/walk 26.2 miles and row 50,000 meters between now and December 31st. (I chose the rowing option over swimming.) I have 5 weeks to complete the challenge, which started Monday. It should keep me focused on fitness through the holidays... and maybe I'll earn a few butter spritz cookies along the way. (My favorite Christmas cookie in addition to gingerbread.) Unfortunately, my workout with Christine last night didn't include anything that would count towards my tri, but I'm on the bike today in spin class and will try and get that rowing started. 50,000 meters?!

UPDATE 11/30: Tracking the progress of my Ironman Challenge in the right-hand column, below the photo of Will. So far, so good.

Inspiration

Will is in a bit of a funk today. His football team lost their 5th straight game last night while Chip's team likely made the playoffs. It's not always easy when one boy has more success than the other. I tend to become a walking Nike ad, trying to spin their negative thoughts into positive inspiration. Of course they think I'm crazy.

I'm feeling sore today after working intervals with Christine on Monday. She hit all the muscles the bike doesn't touch. I hurt all over. Guess I need to start quoting those Nike ads to myself.

And speaking of Nike... I just learned that they dropped Lance Armstrong from their stable of endorsements, claiming Armstrong "misled" Nike for more than a decade. Really? In a sport rife with doping, Nike was in the dark?. Ummm... o.k... whatever. I'm not defending Armstrong by any means, but we all know there wasn't any juice left to squeeze out of that endorsement deal... the guy retired 2 years ago. But claiming the moral high ground here, while standing behind other embattled athletes including Kobe Bryant, Ben Roethlisberger, Marion Jones and Alex Rodriguez (who admitted to taking PEDs), seems rather bogus, don't you think?

I wrote this post when Armstrong announced that he wasn't planning to fight the USADA charges against him. Absent of actual proof that he cheated, I felt he deserved the benefit of the doubt. (Especially since Nike supported other athletes with questionable morals.) Armstrong has since admitted to doping. Another hero bites the dust.

Weather Woes

Frigid temps on Saturday and a cold rain on Sunday cancelled our rides for the weekend. Ethan hopes to reschedule the Sea Glass Ride to next weekend, though the boys have away games that Sunday. I don't expect to be riding. Hopefully we'll get in a good ride on Saturday, though.

New workouts begin this Monday and Thursday with Christine Hopkins and Keli Howe. I expect I'll be sore for most of the week. Those ladies are tough!

Hot, Hot, Hot!!

Training took a week hiatus while the boys and I headed to Vermont. Our workouts consisted of hiking and whitewater kayaking (8 miles on the Deerfield River), though the river was so shallow, the "whitewater" wasn't much more than class 2. We'll ramp up our riding schedule this week with a long ride tomorrow and early morning rides during the week. So far, so good!