Me and Laurie before the start. Yummm, Lake Crabtree...
Marty running out of the water in first place
Me running out of the water not in first place
Me on the run
Monday, July 14, 2008
A Few Pics from Triangle
The Gaal's in transition. I have the team bike jersey on and Marty is wearing the team race top, lest anyone get confused and think we are wearing each other's clothes (ahem, Heather).
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Triangle Triathlon Recap
Gee thanks, Marty. The Bri of only a few months ago would have beaten you by minutes today.
ANYWAYS, the race was fun!! I had no expectations and my only goal was to not be the last elite (and hopefully still come in ahead of all the age groupers but I don't know if I did that yet). I think I had a pretty good swim for myself - went off course quite a bit but tried to pull hard. Everyone thinks it was longer than last year so I'm expecting that split to be slower. It's funny because in most of these North Carolina races I feel like such a horribly slow swimmer, but then when I go out of state I realize that I'm not that bad. We just have some very quick fishies here (and quick triathletes, frankly!).
Onto the bike where I was quite the little wimp and didn't have a whole lot of power. Time to bike more than twice a week I suppose! I was a little annoyed on the bike because I had one squirrely girl around me for most of the ride. I was told she drafted off me for a bit, then I saw her go into the other lane several times, and one time she tried to pass in the middle of me and another guy while I was passing him! She was strong but I don't think she knew any of the rules. I watched my teammates gain lots of time on me at all the turnarounds :(
Then the run -- it was good! I felt good, very relaxed and was so happy to be out there. I cheered for everyone and said hi to people on the sidelines who were cheering for me (nice to meet you Rebecca! I tried to find you after but didn't see you!). For some perspective, though, last year I ran 18:29 here. Today I ran more like a 20:20. I actually am very happy with that time even though it was almost 2 minutes slower - I promise I have not done one single workout since St. Anthony's and have just done a handful of 15-20-30min runs. I can't wait to start actually training again on the run and think I'm ready now.
So I may have been around 7th overall or so, my lowest placing up here but I had a GREAT time! It was fun seeing everyone and being able to ride our bikes to the course and participate! We had a team cookout at Alysia's in the afternoon and before that Laurie and Eric came over and hung out with me watching Ninja Warrior - love that show :)
ANYWAYS, the race was fun!! I had no expectations and my only goal was to not be the last elite (and hopefully still come in ahead of all the age groupers but I don't know if I did that yet). I think I had a pretty good swim for myself - went off course quite a bit but tried to pull hard. Everyone thinks it was longer than last year so I'm expecting that split to be slower. It's funny because in most of these North Carolina races I feel like such a horribly slow swimmer, but then when I go out of state I realize that I'm not that bad. We just have some very quick fishies here (and quick triathletes, frankly!).
Onto the bike where I was quite the little wimp and didn't have a whole lot of power. Time to bike more than twice a week I suppose! I was a little annoyed on the bike because I had one squirrely girl around me for most of the ride. I was told she drafted off me for a bit, then I saw her go into the other lane several times, and one time she tried to pass in the middle of me and another guy while I was passing him! She was strong but I don't think she knew any of the rules. I watched my teammates gain lots of time on me at all the turnarounds :(
Then the run -- it was good! I felt good, very relaxed and was so happy to be out there. I cheered for everyone and said hi to people on the sidelines who were cheering for me (nice to meet you Rebecca! I tried to find you after but didn't see you!). For some perspective, though, last year I ran 18:29 here. Today I ran more like a 20:20. I actually am very happy with that time even though it was almost 2 minutes slower - I promise I have not done one single workout since St. Anthony's and have just done a handful of 15-20-30min runs. I can't wait to start actually training again on the run and think I'm ready now.
So I may have been around 7th overall or so, my lowest placing up here but I had a GREAT time! It was fun seeing everyone and being able to ride our bikes to the course and participate! We had a team cookout at Alysia's in the afternoon and before that Laurie and Eric came over and hung out with me watching Ninja Warrior - love that show :)
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Saturday
That's Tassie and I cuddling on the stairs the other night. Marty took that picture with his phone.We had fun last night with my sister and her boyfriend out at dinner and then later at the Flying Saucer (of course!). Even though Shana lives in Raleigh, we sometimes go weeks without seeing each other because of schedules and being out of town.
Today I have quite a bit on tap - mostly stuff that just needs to be taken care: cleaning, folding, writing some schedules, reading some stuff - for the most part I want to stay relaxed because I am going to need every ounce of energy for the race tomorrow! Normally I wouldn't care so much about this for a sprint, but it all depends on what type of shape you're in. I'm looking forward to being out there and competing but most importantly, HAVING FUN! That's why I do these things!
Couple pics from last night at the Flying Saucer, courtesy of Shana's phone :)
Shana and Scott bought me this cute t-shirt from there (oops, forgot to take off my dorky glasses...)
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Status Quo
Nothing too interesting to report. Marty and Tassie had an exciting afternoon, but I'll let him tell you about it. I'm still plugging away at my training hoping everyday that this will be the day that I feel strong and fast again. If only it were that easy (they would call it football, ha ha). As I was walking back to my building after running on the treadmill at work, I called Marty to report in. He asked how my foot was and I told him it was good, it didn't hurt at all...everything else hurt!
And that's about it. We have several busy weekends coming up starting off with this weekend at the local Triangle Triathlon. The following weekend we're heading to the Outer Banks to see my friend April (and her husband and new baby); they're vacationing there for the week. You might remember she was one of my '6 people I want to have lunch with tomorrow.' So maybe not tomorrow, but next weekend! Not bad! Marty and I are bagging the NYC triathlon since we are both in piss poor shape and don't think that making that long of a drive would be all that fun for us right now. We're going to look into deferring to next year.
And that's about it. We have several busy weekends coming up starting off with this weekend at the local Triangle Triathlon. The following weekend we're heading to the Outer Banks to see my friend April (and her husband and new baby); they're vacationing there for the week. You might remember she was one of my '6 people I want to have lunch with tomorrow.' So maybe not tomorrow, but next weekend! Not bad! Marty and I are bagging the NYC triathlon since we are both in piss poor shape and don't think that making that long of a drive would be all that fun for us right now. We're going to look into deferring to next year.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Happy Late 4th of July
In an attempt to get back in shape, I decided that I will train this week. Novel concept! Except it has left me sore and tired ;) Wednesday morning started off with a hard swim practice, where the guy who goes behind me in the lane was feeling extra spunky. Good for him, and me, except I had to hurt more than I was planning on. But what's the point on going to Master's if you're expecting to just swim 'comfortable'? Parrish kept me very honest and we did our last few hundreds pretty fast (after many other fast and hypoxic intervals). At the end I had that entire body hurt feeling, even deep into my legs. But that was not going to cause me to skip the group ride that night.
The ride was still fun, even though I got dropped a few times. That'll happen when people are sprinting uphill and your legs are pooled with lactic acid. Brooke and Nicolai are in great shape, and I'm hoping they drag me back into some sort of shape here soon. Last weekend they rode in a popular 100 miler in the mountains in 6 hours - with a few stops!
Thursday evening I went out for my 30min run, when it was WAY too hot and I melted. I felt like I was 200 lbs and barely moving. I then had to lay on the living room floor for 15 minutes before I could move again (Tassie tried to help out by licking the salt off me). I know that the first few weeks of running again are miserable, but you always forget just how miserable they are until you're back there doing it (in 95 degree heat). Still happy to be out there for sure!
And yesterday I had the day off work, yay! Marty and I went for a swim in the morning and then a short bike ride. That night we met some friends out in Cary to watch the fireworks but 15 minutes before the show a storm rolled in and the masses hightailed it out of there as big lightening bolts lit up the sky (Mother Nature wanted to display her own fireworks, I suppose). We all scattered amidst a lot of, "let's do this again sometime!"
Now I'm going to go for another run, and I'm hoping it feels better than Thursday's. I better get going before it gets too hot out.
The ride was still fun, even though I got dropped a few times. That'll happen when people are sprinting uphill and your legs are pooled with lactic acid. Brooke and Nicolai are in great shape, and I'm hoping they drag me back into some sort of shape here soon. Last weekend they rode in a popular 100 miler in the mountains in 6 hours - with a few stops!
Thursday evening I went out for my 30min run, when it was WAY too hot and I melted. I felt like I was 200 lbs and barely moving. I then had to lay on the living room floor for 15 minutes before I could move again (Tassie tried to help out by licking the salt off me). I know that the first few weeks of running again are miserable, but you always forget just how miserable they are until you're back there doing it (in 95 degree heat). Still happy to be out there for sure!
And yesterday I had the day off work, yay! Marty and I went for a swim in the morning and then a short bike ride. That night we met some friends out in Cary to watch the fireworks but 15 minutes before the show a storm rolled in and the masses hightailed it out of there as big lightening bolts lit up the sky (Mother Nature wanted to display her own fireworks, I suppose). We all scattered amidst a lot of, "let's do this again sometime!"
Now I'm going to go for another run, and I'm hoping it feels better than Thursday's. I better get going before it gets too hot out.
I feel like I haven't put any Tassie pictures up in awhile, so here's one of her the other day after an intense round of fetch.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
I Wanna Play!
If you're reading this and have a blog, then you have to play, too!
10 years ago I was:
Living at home in St. Petersburg, Fl; the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college. I went to Auburn University for my freshman year on a cross country/track scholarship, but the combination of coaching changes, a shy girl, and teammates transferring, I decided to transfer to the University of Central Florida. I was also realizing that my current boyfriend of almost 2 years was not someone I wanted to be with anymore, and was trying to figure out how to let him know.
5 years ago I was:
Living in Orlando, engaged to Marty, working full time at Lockheed Martin and starting my last year of the MBA program at UCF. I was running, biking and swimming, but was not a very strong triathlete at this point. I did well in the local races and was having a lot of fun with the track club we were a part of.
1 year ago I was:
In a horrible contract job here in Raleigh, desperately trying to find a different company. I was in a bit of a slump in the triathlon season but still had the best all around seasons that I’ve ever had.
5 things on my to do list today:
(Seeing as I’m almost done with the day)
1. Eat dinner
2. Take a shower
3. Watch the swimming Olympic trials
4. Cuddle with tassie
5. Go to bed
5 snacks I enjoy:
1. Cheese
2. Peanut butter
3. Most fruits
4. Cheddar Kettle chips
5. Ice cream
If I were a billionaire I would:
Quit my job, by a house on the beach and mountains, travel (all with Marty of course!). I’d also give a lot of it to my family and charities. Who really needs a billion dollars?
6 people I want to have lunch with tomorrow:
1. Grandma Coppola (passed away in Mar of 06)
2. Pete Maravich (great basketball, player died in his 40’s)
3. John & Bronwyn Bates (Aussie friends)
4. Anne, April, Gemma & Stephanie (UCF cross country friends I never see)
5. My mom and dad
6. I always want to have lunch with Marty
5 places I have lived:
1. St. Petersburg, FL
2. Orlando, FL
3. Auburn, AL
4. Collaroy, NSW Australia
5. Cary, NC
5 jobs I have had:
1. Accounting intern
2. Football ticket office (at UCF, 5 year scholarship athlete with no eligibility and they put you to work for 10hrs a week)
3. Inside-Out Sports retail person
4. Financial Analyst
5. World traveler :)
10 years ago I was:
Living at home in St. Petersburg, Fl; the summer between my freshman and sophomore years of college. I went to Auburn University for my freshman year on a cross country/track scholarship, but the combination of coaching changes, a shy girl, and teammates transferring, I decided to transfer to the University of Central Florida. I was also realizing that my current boyfriend of almost 2 years was not someone I wanted to be with anymore, and was trying to figure out how to let him know.
5 years ago I was:
Living in Orlando, engaged to Marty, working full time at Lockheed Martin and starting my last year of the MBA program at UCF. I was running, biking and swimming, but was not a very strong triathlete at this point. I did well in the local races and was having a lot of fun with the track club we were a part of.
1 year ago I was:
In a horrible contract job here in Raleigh, desperately trying to find a different company. I was in a bit of a slump in the triathlon season but still had the best all around seasons that I’ve ever had.
5 things on my to do list today:
(Seeing as I’m almost done with the day)
1. Eat dinner
2. Take a shower
3. Watch the swimming Olympic trials
4. Cuddle with tassie
5. Go to bed
5 snacks I enjoy:
1. Cheese
2. Peanut butter
3. Most fruits
4. Cheddar Kettle chips
5. Ice cream
If I were a billionaire I would:
Quit my job, by a house on the beach and mountains, travel (all with Marty of course!). I’d also give a lot of it to my family and charities. Who really needs a billion dollars?
6 people I want to have lunch with tomorrow:
1. Grandma Coppola (passed away in Mar of 06)
2. Pete Maravich (great basketball, player died in his 40’s)
3. John & Bronwyn Bates (Aussie friends)
4. Anne, April, Gemma & Stephanie (UCF cross country friends I never see)
5. My mom and dad
6. I always want to have lunch with Marty
5 places I have lived:
1. St. Petersburg, FL
2. Orlando, FL
3. Auburn, AL
4. Collaroy, NSW Australia
5. Cary, NC
5 jobs I have had:
1. Accounting intern
2. Football ticket office (at UCF, 5 year scholarship athlete with no eligibility and they put you to work for 10hrs a week)
3. Inside-Out Sports retail person
4. Financial Analyst
5. World traveler :)
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Shock Jock
The title is in reference to Howard Stern, who I will once again be listening to on my commute to work - it's kind of like one of those confessions, but I really like the Howard Stern Show. Not every part of it, but for the most part he has very interesting interviews, great political takes, and funny commentary. I've been without Sirius satellite for almost a month now since we bought our new car (stupid Honda only comes with XM - boooo!). Since we were already subscribers, Sirius sent us a new radio and a free install card and Marty had it all taken care of this morning. No more bad local radio for this girl.
This morning I got up and went for a short mountain bike on the greenways - and can I tell you that I was cold at the beginning?! That's right, low humidity and temps this morning in the low 60's had me shivering as I went down the first hill. It was awesome :) Then tonight I ran for...wait for it...30 minutes! And it felt great. It was slow, yes, but I don't care - it was so fun to be out there, and I even made it to the nearby trails which was a treat. I do love running. Now I probably won't be saying that next weekend when I'm racing (i.e. participating) in the Triangle Triathlon; that's sure to be a hurtfest for me, but I really want to get back out there. Now I need to go shower and get ready to watch some more swimming Olympic trials.
This morning I got up and went for a short mountain bike on the greenways - and can I tell you that I was cold at the beginning?! That's right, low humidity and temps this morning in the low 60's had me shivering as I went down the first hill. It was awesome :) Then tonight I ran for...wait for it...30 minutes! And it felt great. It was slow, yes, but I don't care - it was so fun to be out there, and I even made it to the nearby trails which was a treat. I do love running. Now I probably won't be saying that next weekend when I'm racing (i.e. participating) in the Triangle Triathlon; that's sure to be a hurtfest for me, but I really want to get back out there. Now I need to go shower and get ready to watch some more swimming Olympic trials.
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