Third strike, I'm out

Now have three doctors telling me "no more running." At least, not marathon distance. Current sports medicine doctor will have more specifics Friday, after reviewing MRIs of both knees. Needless to say, I am very disappointed.

He was encouraging concerning swimming and biking, and says triathlons okay if 5k distance for running, and I walk the 5k.

Another item checked off the Bucket List!

Last weekend I rode 204 miles in the Seattle to Portland bike classic. Spent the night at the Centralia College. Next year I am bringing an air mattress! Watched the Tour de France from the Beer Garden. Met lots of great people.

Cycling toward the STP next weekend

Two longer bike rides this week - 52 and 58 miles. Very hot; hoping that the weather will be cooler next weekend. Ready for STP! Breaking in the new Specialized road bike. Feels great.

Bucket List Item - Checking off "Run Full Marathon."

So, tomorrow morning is the Seattle Rock n' Roll Marathon. With any luck and fingers crossed, by early tomorrow afternoon I will have finished it, be consuming my free MGD 64 beer, and looking forward to next year's event!!

I have already been looking forward to the STP. My mileage has increased, and I am up to 44 miles. Need to get up to 100+ for two days by mid-July. No problems!!! Right?!?

A New Challenge

Today begins my first day as a former lawyer. I retired from the active practice of law on Friday, and am now focusing on completing my personal trainer certification.

The Team Aquaphor roster is up, and you can see it at: http://www.teamaquaphor.com/Roster/Seattle.htm.

Selected to 2010 Team Aquaphor!

In 2004 Team Aquaphor was formed. In 2010 there are 200 top-age group athletes who primarily compete in the sports of triathlon and running. I have been selected to be a member of the 2010 Team Aquaphor athletic team. There were 2,000 applicants and only 200 that were chosen to be on Team Aquaphor.

Tacoma City Half Marathon May 3, 2010

After I was hit by a truck July 2009, I wasn't cleared to run again until November 2009. In November, I signed up for the half marathon May 3 as a goal. Then forgot about it. Received an email five days before concerning packet pick up. Ran it on Sunday. Scenic, hilly race in my old hometown; ran past my high school, and enjoyed seeing Tacoma even though it was windy and a little cold. Time wasn't a PR, but wasn't my slowest either!

A rest . . . week.

After last weekend, I found myself needing to take a week off. I am ready to get back on the horse, but my aching knee and hip needed this time.

Whew!

What, me overtrain?!?

Okay, so doing the Big Climb (racing up the stairs at the Columbia Center) my time was 18:00. I calculated that at 3:30 for 12 flights at the Courthouse, my time at the Big Climb was better. Of course, it should be, as I wasn't in high heels carrying a briefcase.

Later this afternoon, I completed my first Triathlon. It was quite a feat. After running 7.6 miles yesterday and the Big Climb this morning, I could have slept the rest of the afternoon. Instead, I trudged down to Evans Pool and began my first Tri experience. I was (purposefully) in the last wave. We swam 15 minutes, biked 30 (I did 5.25 miles) and then ran 2.9 miles on the inside track of Green Lake. I started the run and about 1/2 block in I was ready to just quit. But I didn't.

Back in 2000 and before, I used to take the 3 or 4 bus from 3rd Avenue to the jail at 5th Avenue. To go from taking a bus for a two block ride to "running" up 69 flights followed by a tri? Priceless!

OMG, do I feel good tonight. Sore, but good!!!

99 days until the Seattle Marathon!

Right around the corner now.

Motivations.

I find it is more difficult to gear up for my Tuesday and Thursday a.m. runs when my running pal Misty is out of state. However, I was up and running this morning, despite it all. The 57 degree weather didn't hurt! Helps me to get up and go when I know Misty is waiting for me.

Another 3 mile run on Thursday, 7 miles Saturday morning, then the Big Climb Sunday morning and a sprint Tri Sunday afternoon.

Needless to say, I will be taking Monday off.

Which floor?

Well, I have decided that I prefer to be sent out to trial in courtrooms that are on the 8th floor, at a minimum. Mostly for the aerobic aspect. Not much going on if the courtroom assigned is on the second floor.

One of the judges does three sets of stairs at the noon hour. I knew I liked her for a reason!!!

Stairs vs. Elevator

Well, the King County Courthouse is 12 flights of stairs. A few weeks ago I decided that I was allotted one trip on the elevator per day, and otherwise I will use the stairs. I can really feel it today, but the trip up is becoming easier and easier. This is my training for the Big Climb on 3/21/10, which is racing up the Columbia Center (largest building in downtown Seattle).

Coupled with ballet, Pilates and spin class this week, there are muscles aching that I haven't felt ache in a while!

2010 - What a start to the new year!

Well, Misty has challenged me to ballet. I have never taken ballet at any point in my life. Ever. And then Misty conveniently is "out of state" for the first two classes. This is pushing my boundaries. I appreciate the challenge, Misty!

How to Keep my Motivation

So, my plan for this year is to participate/compete in at least one organized event each month. Next up in February is the Valentine's Dash at Green Lake followed by the Henry Weinhard's St. Patrick's Day Dash & Chilly Hilly 33 mile ride on Bainbridge Island in March. The Big Climb is also set in March. April has me scheduled for a half marathon, and then nothing set in May for now. June is the full marathon, July is the STP, and August is the Danskin Triathalon.

Can't believe that half of 2010 is already filled with athletic events!!

2010 Goals and Challenges

Today I have registered for the two day 200 mile Seattle to Portland bicycle ride on July 17 - 18, 2010. This has been prompted in part by friend Victoria Lathrop's bike ride last summer, and friend Misty Baskett's enthusiasm and agreement to do the ride with me. Lori promises to cheer us on.

The training for the ride begins in earnst with the Bainbridge Island 33 mile Chilly Hilly on February 28, 2010.

Along the way, my goals for 2010 also include running the Seattle Rock n' Roll 26.2 mile marathon on June 26, 2010, and participating in the Danskin Triathalon August 14-15, 2010. Finally, making the Mt. Rainier ascent this summer is a goal, schedule permitting.