Christmas Week riding... and letting the Tri go.

Getting the new Kahuna just days before Christmas was not ideal -- (I really needed the bike six weeks ago) -- but I did manage to squeeze in a few rides before the crush of the holidays. The 29er wheels, disc brakes, different shifting, flat pedals, and the overall handling of the bike is taking me some time to get used to, but it's a fun bike. Really fun.

I have a follow-up post of JRA Cycles to write shortly... kind of a post-script to my bike purchasing saga... but that can wait until later in the week. For now, I'm riding when I can, interspersed with holiday celebrations and family events.

My Tri Inside the Y is a DNF. I blew away the cycling commitment, but I still have 9 miles of running and 18,500 meters of rowing left, and only a week to go. OMG. The rowing kills me. I'm letting it go.

24 Hours in the Old Pueblo is less than 7 weeks away, and wow, I have a lot of work to do on that, too. I'm not freaking out... yet...

And happy news arrived Christmas Eve -- I made the cut once again for the Vanderkitten VIP Elite squad for another year. I think I made it more for my cheerleading skills than my cycling achievements this year, but I have some big goals set for 2016 with the VK team, and I'm excited to be a part of our tribe of kittens for a third year. I'm grateful to Vanderkitten founder Dave Verrechia for still believing in me. (Thanks, Dave.)

2016 is going to be an awesome year.

Tri Inside the Y Update

It's been a busy week with little time to update the blog, so here's a quick rundown on where I stand with the Tri Inside the Y.

Bike: We've had amazing weather for riding -- both on the mountain bike and road bike -- so getting my miles done on the bike has been easy. On Saturday, I took advantage of the 60 degree temps (in December!) to join the Cyclopaths for breakfast at Brother's Taverna in Salem. (Of course I was the only Cyclopath who arrived by bike... but it was good to see everyone.) I'm averaging 45-50 miles a week and projected to finish next Wednesday.

Run: I'm averaging 4.5 miles a week in running, and need to step it up the last two weeks if I'm going to finish on time. Nikki is ahead of me on the run, but we're nearly tied on both the bike and swim/row.

Row: I met Nikki and our mutual friend, Judy Jackson, at the Y last Thursday and finally got started on my rowing! I'm able to knock out 7,000 meters with 45 minutes of rowing... so it's taking me a while to get this done. I haven't had any shoulder issues following the row, so that's been a nice surprise. I have 21,500 meters to go.

Getting it done.

Tri Inside the Y, Week One

Running... well, it's still not my favorite thing to do but I'm doing it. 4.5 miles done this week, (Thursday and Saturday) but I'm going to need to pick up an extra day of running if I'm going to complete this tri.

And OMG, I haven't even started rowing yet. That's going to be tough.

Week 2 will be better.

(Cycling, of course, is no problem.)

Tri Inside the Y, Let's Do it Again

Oh my... it's that time of year again -- The North Shore YMCA's Tri inside the Y. I was hesitant about jumping in this year -- as it seems like every year that I've participated, I've pushed those final miles and meters up to the last day! -- but today during our P2 workout, (AKA homework), new pal Nikki mentioned the challenge to me and we decided to take it on together! Hahaha!!! OMG, I'm in it again.

This year is going to be tough with the rowing, because believe it or not, I'm still dealing with shoulder issues -- lingering tendonitis that flares up during the day, depending on what I've been doing. So crazy painful. But I've got the icepacks ready to go and I'm hoping it doesn't become an issue. Maybe the rowing will help strengthen those muscles. We'll see. It doesn't hurt to try. (Or maybe it will.)

I signed up at the Y after P2, and already logged in the 19.5 miles I completed on the bike today at P2. Super kudos to Nikki for partnering up with me.

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(Hahaha... looking back through my past Tri efforts, this brought a chuckle. I don't think I run any faster today than I did a few years ago. Happy Holiday Week, December 23, 2012.)

Bringing in the New Year

It was a crazy way to start the new year, but Ethan and I headed out at 8:30 a.m. for the Frozen Fifteen bike ride -- our 15 mile loop of Marblehead Neck and the perimeter of town. A fifteen mile bike ride doesn't sound like much, but on a 23 degree day, with a wind chill of 13 and scattered patches of ice to keep us alert, the ride did take a lot of effort.

Heading out around Marblehead Neck I felt pretty good, until we hit a headwind coming back over the causeway. It wasn't strong, but it was bitter cold. We looped the outer perimeter of town, toes beginning to numb, before heading back to Swampscott. When I left Ethan at his street, I was still a little short of 15 miles, so I continued on to complete the 15. Bike ride done.

Meanwhile, Mike was in Salem running the Frosty Four -- The Wicked Running Club's first run of the new year. With Mike on his four mile run, I had no time to warm up after my ride, as the boys were participating in the Swampscott Yacht Club's Polar Bear Plunge with friends and teammates. This year's plunge benefited two charities, including The Haven Project for homeless teens. It was Chip's third polar plunge, and Will's first, (dunking the Atlantic with his high school swim team). Both braved the icy water -- a 36 degree water temp -- thus completing our own little triathlon relay (of sorts). Bike, run, swim. Happy New Year!

Done aaaandd.... DONE!

It came down to the wire... but I finished the Tri inside the Y today at 1:30 p.m. -- starting with a short run in the morning and a final blast of rowing this afternoon. (Finishing 90 minutes before the Y closed at 3:00 p.m. -- I cut it close!) The Y closed early today for New Year's Eve celebrations.

I don't know why this year's Tri dragged out so long -- the running held me back again -- but I'm done. Yaay! (And I've earned my new shirt!)

Farewell 2013... the new year begins.

Coming up Short on the Tri

Our long holiday week comes to an end today, with Day 2 of a holiday indulgence detox and extra time spent at the Y. I've fallen well behind on the Tri inside the Y and it's not looking like I'll finish in time -- with six miles to run and over 10,000 meters of rowing -- and only two days left. Chip has become my partner in crime, joining me at the Y for some rowing, and keeping me company on the treadmill run. (It's all amuses him.) My plan over the next two days is to just get it done, no matter how long it takes and whatever the consequences. (Like, not being able to lift my arms after a 10,000 meter row.)

We're closing in on the New Year, and I'm planning to lead a Cyclopath New Year's Day ride early in the morning. Mike is running the Wicked Running Club's Frosty Four, and both boys are plunging the icy Atlantic in Swampscott Yacht Club's Polar Bear Plunge, so all four of us are bringing in the New Year in our own special way -- on what's expected to be a twenty degree day. Let the New Year begin!

Christmas Cheer

Mmmmm... Norwegian Apple Cake. Definitely not paleo, but made in honor of our family in Bergen, Norway this Christmas. We traditionally make a gingerbread house, (pepperkakehus), during the holiday season, but I let it slide this year. Instead, I added an apple cake to our Christmas prep, and that made the boys happy. (Especially Chip, who tried to sneak off with one of the cakes.)

I got to the Y early today to get some rowing done and ticked off another 1.5 miles on the treadmill. With a two day break for Christmas and Boxing Day, I will only have 5 days left to complete the Tri. (A good way to work off any holiday indulgence.)

Merry Christmas!

NORWEGIAN APPLE CAKE
Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup softened butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups self raising flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 4 apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon sugar

In a mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the beaten eggs and then slowly add flour, mixing well after each addition. Batter will be a little stiff. Spoon and spread into greased mini loaf pans or greased 9 inch square pan.

Peel and slice apples and place slices on top of the batter. (Place apple slices as close as possible to each other). Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the apples.

Bake for about 45-50 minutes in a 350 degree oven, until well risen and golden.

Eve of Christmas Eve

The holidays are on us, and I'm trying not to get too stressed, but I have a hundred things to do and all I keep thinking about is the 20,000 meters I have to row and the half marathon I still have left to run! (Actually now 10.2 miles.) Ay yi yi... can I get this thing done?! What I need to do is spend less time on the bike and more time on the rower, but the bike is what gets me to the Y in the first place!

I've been missing gingerbread cookies this holiday season... so I tried two different paleo recipes in an effort to have my favorite holiday treat this Christmas.

Total. Fail.

The first batch was completely inedible -- the second recipe only marginally better -- but I didn't want to admit defeat, so I ate the cookies, trying to convince myself they weren't that bad. (They were.) I paid for it afterwards with a 2 mile run on the treadmill while the boys kept me hilariously entertained. I've given up on further attempts on paleo Christmas cookies this year -- I have a Tri to get done.

Must. Run. More.

The Finish Line to 2013

Another year draws to a close, and I'm reflecting on 2013 while looking ahead to the new year. This was an inspiring year in so many ways, with sad undercurrents mixed in. The bombing at the Boston Marathon, and the tragedy of the Seacoast Century, took the breath out of me. Sometimes it's hard to keep the momentum going, and I'm grateful to the many people who helped me move forward and reach my goals this year.

My health has improved, and although there are some days I'm dragging, it's not even close to how I felt a few years ago. My red cell count is still stupidly low, but I've been able to push through the fatigue without resorting to EPO. (Ha ha... I wouldn't want to be banned from cycling, i.e. Lance Armstrong.)  I credit my increase in energy to the changes I made in my diet this year -- sticking to whole, unprocessed foods and adhering to a Paleo lifestyle. I know there are skeptics to Paleo, but it's working for me. You should always find what works best for you.

This year I took on five different charity rides, including rides for the Vermont Food Bank, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and the EOD Warrior Foundation -- and raised nearly $10,000 along the way. It wouldn't have been possible without the amazing support I get from all of you. Thank you for that.

Many of you know, after my crash in 2012, I was challenged to ride and raise money for the Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation. I didn't know what EOD was at the time, and I didn't know the ride was on the other side of the country, but I agreed to look into it. When I talked to Mike about the ride in January, he supported my endeavor 100 percent. (More like a thousand percent, but he's a math geek and 1,000 percent wouldn't work for him.) Mike's support set everything else in motion in 2013... the training, the rides, the coaching... all of it. (Thanks, honey!)

The Undefeated EOD Ride wasn't the longest ride I've ever done, but it was the most inspiring -- and a remarkable challenge. I've said it many times, but it bears repeating that I'm grateful to the many people who made it work -- Especially my family and friends; my coach Shayne Gaffney; all of my riding partners; and of course my many sponsors.

I'm also indebted to the amazing warriors and friends I met on the ride; Tim, Jim, Schreck and Julia, Christine and Matt, Jimmy, Brad, Morgan, Shane, Jason and Chelsea, Kathy, Kevin... it's a long list. Thank you.

I don't know what adventures lie ahead, but I'm excited for the New Year! I'm inspired by my fellow Vanderkitten athletes and can't wait to join in on some of the fun. Since my cycling days are somewhat in limbo, (due to snow), I'll have to get my VK action on the slopes. I'm hoping Joe, my favorite snowboard instructor, is back at Nashoba Valley this winter. (I'm determined to graduate from the Nashoba Slope, Joe! Get ready!)

Like last year at this time, I'm hanging on for winter frostbite rides, but the weather hasn't cooperated. I am also working to complete the Tri Inside the Y Ironman Challenge... with a lot of rowing and running to do. (OMG. I can't believe how much running I still have to do...)

But, I can see the finish line to 2013 -- I intend to finish strong.

Messy Weekend Weather, Another Frostbite Ride Cancelled

Snow and ice cancelled Saturday's Frostbite Ride, which, heading into the weekend, only consisted of me and Ethan. I got a call from E on Friday night asking, "Do you know the temps aren't supposed to break 20? Don't cancel your spin reservation, just in case." Sure enough, at 8 a.m Saturday morning, it was a whopping 10 degrees with a storm approaching... and our frostbite ride was cancelled. (Again.) I headed to the gym and ticked off a little more of my Tri Inside the Y commitment, and by the time I left, it was snowing. At home, I settled in and watched the Army-Navy game, (Go Navy!), while the snow fell outside -- content not to ride and happy to be warm.

On Sunday, with the weather system still parked over us, (now falling as freezing rain), I was grateful for a 4-wheel drive as I headed back to the gym for another workout. It looks like we won't have clear roads for a while... and I'll need a mountain bike to get through the frozen mess.

Falling Behind on my Tri Challenge

So Not Pro

Shayne was absent for today's P2 workout, so coach Brandi Dion stepped in as our sub. It was actually a really tough workout, but a lot of fun too, and I gave it my full effort. (It helped that I ate breakfast beforehand.)

I've been watching the numbers creep upwards on the scale since I stopped actively training in mid October, so I've been trying to cut back on calories, (I'm just not burning through them like I used to) -- but I've also learned my lesson on what happens when I don't fuel my workouts -- it's just a waste of time. Today I grabbed a banana and an apricot energy bar before heading out the door. It definitely helped.

I've had an active week so far with muscle conditioning and getting some running done towards my tri. I'll probably finish my bike portion of the challenge by the end of the day Friday, three weeks early... but the running is killing me... and I still have a ton of rowing to do. It's not looking good!

Closing out the Week

Paleo Prep Day

Today I ticked off a little more distance on all three legs of the Tri Inside The Y, beginning my day with 20 miles on the bike in Nancy's spin class. (I headed in 15 minutes early to squeeze in extra miles.) I followed up with 2,500 meters of rowing, and finally got on the treadmill for 2.5 miles. I'm way behind on my running, and will try to squeeze in extra miles this week.

It was a cold day, and I listened to the Patriots game while prepping breakfasts and lunches for the week ahead. Mike was away in Atlanta all last week, so I needed to do a full-on paleo prep day to set us up for the week. Salads, grilled chicken, cut veggies and pre-prepped chicken for stir fry, hard boiled eggs, paleo mayo, caulifower rice, sweet potato spirals, two versions of apricot energy bars (one chocolate chip and the other cranberry almond), carrot gingerbread muffins, and homemade cinnamon applesauce. Done.

Slow Start on the Tri

I kicked off my second go-around with the Tri inside the Y Ironman Challenge on Monday, which last year at this time kept me at the gym though December, burning off the gingerbread cookies. I forgot how difficult the rowing can be. My arms are a bit heavy today!

The tri runs for 4 weeks and includes 112 miles of biking, (which I knocked off pretty quickly last year); 26.2 miles of running (not my strength); and either 50,000 meters of rowing or 2.4 miles of swimming. I again chose rowing over swimming, as it's easier to get into a routine and wrap it up -- either bike/row or run/row -- in 90 minutes. If I tried to add pool time to my workout, I'd never get it done.

Today I hit the bike for 20 miles and added another 3,000 meters of rowing... but I have yet to start running. I have a feeling the running is going to haunt me this year! I'll get on it tomorrow.

Cold Gray Days

It's been a full week since I learned I was chosen as a Vanderkitten VIP in 2014. It's been an exciting week getting to know some of the other girls, where they are from, and what athletic disciplines they're involved in, etc. Very inspiring. There are many racers, mountain bikers, triathletes and ultra-endurance athletes among us -- from across the country and around the globe. While I've been stuck indoors, I've been reading reports of rides from the girls in Australia, Arizona and California... lucky kittens! They all make me want to get out and ride!

I've managed to get in my workouts on a trainer and on the spin bikes at the Y this past week. The winter weather has definitely settled in. On Sunday, I squeaked off the waitlist for Nancy's spin class, and then completed my P2 homework afterwards. It wasn't much, but it was something... and it beat riding in the cold drizzle. (Plus, I earned some bacon, which made my workout seem better!) The Tri Inside the Y kicks off today! I plan to start with some rowing tomorrow. Yay.

Feeling Better and Jumping Back In

I had a bit of a meltdown the last few weeks... having lost my momentum after the EOD Ride... but I'm getting over it.

Friends old and new have challenged me this week as I've tried to slide back into a fitness routine. I haven't been able to put forth my best effort at each workout this week, (I'm so tired!), but it's been great to get back at it. At spin classes, a few familiar faces have tapped me on the shoulder, welcoming me back "from the road", and that's been so nice. It's also been great to get back to my conditioning workouts with Keli and Christine a few nights a week -- something I took a break from in July when I started riding more. April pushed me through every circuit on Tuesday, (with back up from Dawn and Emily), while Christine refused to let me slide with a lighter weight. Some things never change! 

Tonight I have a conditioning workout with Keli, and Friday I'll be back in action at Nancy's spin class, (my favorite). It's been hard jumping back in, but it's been good to get back into a routine. The friends who are always with me make it easier.

And OMG, I'm doing two 30 day challenges on Facebook with a few friends. Thirty Burpees/30 days is killing me, but for some reason I also thought it would be fun to do a 30 Day Plank Challenge with the girls from the EOD ride. (Hahaha...) The planks are going o.k. so far, but the burpees are hell, (even without the added push-up.)

Update: The Tri Inside the Y Ironman Challenge kicks off again December 2nd. This year, I'm not going to let those 50,000 meters of rowing slide to the last 2 weeks! Learned my lesson on that one!

Snowboarding in Vermont

Cycling took a back seat to the holidays and snowboarding this week as we headed up to Stratton Mountain in Vermont. My workouts with Keli and Christine paid off, as I barely have any muscle soreness to speak of after two days of snowboarding lessons. Wahoo! (The same can't be said for Mike, however. Sorry, honey!) I have just 3 miles of running left to complete the Tri Inside the Y, and unless I get in a run before we head to the Patriots game on Sunday, it looks like I'll be finishing up my Tri challenge on the final day, December 31st. Not a bad way to close out the year!

UPDATE 12/30: Ran 3 miles today on the treadmill. I have officially completed the Tri Inside the Y! Awe-some! Time to celebrate! Happy New Year, Everyone!

Happy Holiday Week

Strong winds following the storm that hit us Friday cancelled my Cyclopath Frosbite Ride on Saturday. Instead of riding, I prepared for our holiday week, baked (ate) gingerbread cookies and banana bread, and made gifts for our neighborhood cookie exchange.

It turned out to be a great weekend to squeeze in some running for my Tri Inside the Y -- I'm soooo close to finishing! I ran for 3 miles on Sunday, with Chip keeping me company while I ran on the treadmill. At one point he asked, "Why do you run so slow?" I just looked at him for a minute and answered, "I'm not running slow... I'm running in slow-motion. You see, I grew up watching The Six Million Dollar Man. This is how Steve Austin and Jamie Sommers ran." (Ya. That reference was lost on him.)

He nodded his head and said, "Ah. I see." -- And then walked over, took a peek at my speed, chuckled and walked away. It's just not easy sometimes.

I'm hoping to wrap up my rowing commitment tomorrow at the Y -- Just 7,100 meters to go! I plan to get on the rowing machine tomorrow and just bang away at it until I'm done. I'm so close to finishing this Tri -- and with just 4.5 miles left to run, I can almost celebrate.

UPDATE 12/24: Rowed 7,100 meters at the Y today. Rowing DONE!! Yay!

The Finish Line to 2012

Just 1 week to go before 2012 comes to a close -- It's that time of year when folks start thinking about setting new goals and making resolutions for the new year.

This year has really gone fast, although in reality it was no faster than any other year. I had a lot of support this year in my 2012 goal to get stronger, fitter and healthier. I owe a lot to 5 amazing women who encouraged me throughout the year and kept me on track to seize each day. Leslie, Kim, Elena, Pam and Deb... Thank you. (I'm looking forward to setting new goals and reaching for higher stars with you in 2013.)

I'm also indebted to Christine Hopkins and Keli Howe for helping me reach my fitness goals. (I still haven't figured out the correct way to do a burpee, but I'm working on it).

And I'd be remiss without saying how grateful I am to ride with my dear friends of the North Shore Cyclopaths. The last 2 years have been tough for us -- and my crash this summer didn't help matters. I guess, though, in hindsight it's given us something to laugh about. (I'm not too thrilled about being nicknamed "Crash Cronin", however. That's a little harsh.)

There are still 10 days left to 2012. I'm still riding our Saturday morning Cyclopath rides, although my fellow frostbiters are wimping out. (Is it still a Cyclopath ride if I'm riding alone?) I'm also working hard to complete the Tri Inside the Y Ironman Challenge. I'm glad there are still ten days left because I have a lot of running and rowing to do. This challenge has helped me make better choices this holiday season... I've been ignoring the carton of egg nog that stares at me every time I open the fridge.

I can see the finish line to 2012 -- I intend to finish strong.

Tri Inside the Y - Week 3

As week three of my Ironman Challenge wraps up, I'm in good shape to meet my goals. To no surprise, I met and surpassed my cycling commitment on Tuesday, nearly three weeks early with 185 miles currently logged in. (I needed 112 for the Tri.) Easy, peasy. On Friday, I ran into my friend Una at the Y, working to get in her cycling miles on the Expresso bike. Una is a runner and hates cycling... whereas I hate running and love the bike. Biking gets you somewhere. (I'd rather head out for a 20 mile ride than go for a run. When I run, I'm bored after a mile.) Needless to say, Una is a little behind in her cycling commitment while I need to tick away at my running. I still have 10 miles to go. Fortunately, we have a treadmill at home which I can hop on to get in a mile here and there during the week. (It's supposed to rain.)

I focused on my rowing this week, increasing my resistance a little, and upping my time on the machine to reach 4,800 meters each workout. (Roughly 25 minutes.) I hope to increase it to 5,000 meters per workout. I have a little more than 16,000 meters to go. It's all good.