Team Practice 1.28.12: Blow Me.

Today’s agenda:

3 hour bike ride (40 mile minimum) + 20 minute run.

Though it has been 16 months since I have attempted such a feat, and though I was coming off of Cabo and week of sickness, I was less concerned about my fitness and more concerned about my head being in the game.  Cuz, ya know, sometimes long rides can be so booooo-ring. 

But sometimes they are an ADVENTURE!  And by adventure, I mean an opportunity to die by being swept off the cliffs into the ocean. 

As I drove up the beautifully clear coast from Santa Monica to practice, I flipped on the radio to hear the weather/traffic:

“Expect strong gale force winds on most parts of the coast.”

3 words you don’t want to hear right before a ride: Gale Force Winds

Rarely, very rarely, it seems to be beneficial to be Athena-class. 

One – less chance of sinking in rough waters. 

Gale-force winds would seem to be example #2. 

I can attribute much of my survival today to my sturdiness, which appears to be what kept my front tire from periodically lifting off the ground as we rode through the hurricane.  Some of my teammates were almost carried away. 

The ride was slow and cautious.  Imagine that you’re just walking down the street, and someone runs up to you and just pushes you from the right or left into traffic.  It’s hard enough riding (or walking for that matter) forward.  Adding in a strong force from either side is a balancing act and completely frightening.  At one point, I had to just stop and wait for the wind to stop raging. 

Cars to the left <————ME———->cliff/rocks/water to the right. 
These are not good options. 

The funniest (dark humor, of course) part was that the wind was horrific in BOTH directions.  It wasn’t a headwind-tailwind situation.  It required focused intensity to survive.

But the great thing about this game was that you can fart with impunity if you survive, and you dare look up, this might be what you get to see.

 

 

Today’s Numbers:

Miles ridden: 44

Time to Ride: 3 hours

Time to run: 20 minutes (post-ride)

Wind gusts: 30-40 mph

Butterfly suicides, kamikaze-style: 1

 

Word to the wise.  Never check tomorrow’s training schedule immediately after a big triumph.  It might inform you that there’s a 9-mile run on the schedule.  

Weekly Weigh-in: Build Week, Wha?

My weight this week?  No idea.

I’m afraid following the Cabo trip.  Afraid that my body likes to gain far more than it likes to lose. 

I know I promised the Athena Project was going to be more transparent in 2012.  But give me one more week of hydration and clean(er) eating and let’s see if I can undo at least a little damage.  I want you to be proud!

Triathlon training is in FULL effect, but the train left the station without me.  Apparently the moment my plane took off for Mexico, things got pretty serious back in La-La land.  I buried my head in the warm sandy beaches and pretended that I wouldn’t miss out on too much.

But the team has been BUILDING.  BUILDING, people!!!!!

Build – Build – Recover.  Repeat. 
One method of triathlon training (and other sports training) involves periodization, where you “build” for a certain period of time (2 weeks for us), upping the ante and generally exhausting yourself, followed by backing off a little bit in the 3rd week.  This way you PUSH to make gains, and then you let your body recover, repair and ready itself to PUSH some more.  While we were only in base training in November & December, we’re now into the weeds with the real deal in training.

You’ll see as I continue to blog that I’ll note what kind of week we are currently in.  (I.e. Build 1, Build 2, Recovery).

Conveniently, I missed build week #1 in Cabo.  I built up a tolerance to mango margaritas, but little else.  When I got back, I did a 25 mile ride Sunday as part of my physical recommitment.  But that was the last I moved. 

Build week #2 has been another sad story.  I got a nasty cold almost immediately upon my return, and as mentioned in my last post had been downing cough syrup and Sudafed in an attempt to function.  I was unsuccessful.  I finally feel better today, but I’m walking into a “Build2” practice tomorrow- 40 miles/3 hours of riding.

Holy shit.

Side note: Speaking of shit.

Try this Masala Lentil Dip from Trader Joes.  60 calories per serving.  Yummy.

Looks like sh*t.  But tastes much better. 

 

Anyway, in optimistic hope that I’ll destroy the 3 hour ride tomorrow, I went shopping for some new nutritional booty to try out.  I LOVE samples.  Preferably the free kind.   

Check it out.

I even bought two samples of recovery drink as we have been advised to drink it following intense workouts.  I have a particular aversion to recovery drinks, but more on that later.

I think that I can safely say that I am finally ready to start the real training.  It’s only 127 days until Kona 70.3.

While it’s been a turbulent start to 2012, my plan is to start kicking ass………….NOW.

Three Items of Proof I’m not Ready To Be Back From Vacation

Heyyyyyyy.  Athena Jess Aqui!

I’m “back” from a week in Cabo.  Actually, I’ve been back for 3.5 days.  I’ve been ignoring life since I’ve been back, because mentally I’m still not ready. 

You might be wondering: “How did the Athena Project fare while on vacation?”

Let’s just say I put the “FUN” in Queso Fundido, if you know what I mean.  I blew my 104-day www.myfitnesspal.com log-in streak, which was probably fortunate because it was graphic food porn and nobody needed to see the gruesome number of mango margaritas “mas fuerte” consumed in a food diary.

The Good:  I ran at least 8 miles.  I drank one almond milk protein smoothie.  Ceviche.  I did an open water swim and kayaked.  Table Dancing at El Squid Roe.  I learned that when I’m drunk in Mexico, I speak fluent Spanish.  Chicken Mole. 

The Bad: Queso Fundido.  Guacamole.  Mango Margaritas “mas fuerte”.  Late  night taco stands.  Jello shots.  Table Dancing at El Squid Roe.  As my fake tan faded, I actually got whiter as the week went on.

It was liberating, however, to not think about ANYTHING for a week.  Here is proof I wish that could continue.

Exhibit A:  Fully loaded suitcase.  Still haven’t unpacked.

 

 

 

If you look closely, you will actually see the Protein Powder I lugged across the border. 

Actual scoop used: 1. 

There is little use for protein powder in a Miami Vice. ———————–>

 

 

 

Exhibit B: Empty Fridge

 

 

Expired half-n-half and black bean soup.

A chicken breast I took from the freezer today in case I find energy to cook it

Lentils. 

I may have to dip into my Ironman 2010 stash of the crappy protein bars they give to you at check-in.  Cookies n Cream Powerbar: It’s what’s for dinner.

 

 

Exhibit C:  Cold Fighters

 

My body is mad.  It likes Mexico mas.   So it’s sick. 

Exhibit B + Exhibit C =

 

 

 

But I did start logging my food again (today!).  Thank god my queso fundido days are over. 

Time to hop back on the burro. 

Weekly Weigh-In: GTL

In case you were wondering, I am still going to weigh in on Friday mornings at Easy Fitness (or at home if necessary) for consistency. I was up this morning to about 164.  I’m not too worried as I ate a very salty meal out last night and also had a couple cocktails.  I’m staying the course for the most part. 

Today was spent Jersey Shore-style, getting my GTL in, before I leave for Cabo at 6:00 a.m tomorrow! 

If you are like me and have no life, you know that in Guido terms GTL stands for Gym-Tan-Laundry, made popular by the manifestation of proof our society is doomed, the Jersey Shore.  But GTL is more than just Gym-Tan-Laundry.  It’s really symbolic for that nurturing act of taking care of the shit that makes you feel good about yourself. 

Neither Gym nor Laundry occurred today, but boy did I tan.  In case you hadn’t noticed in prior photos, I practically blend in with the walls I’m so white these days.  I thought that it might be nice to look a teensy bit brown for my vacation and I purchased a Groupon to Glo Studio a couple weeks ago in anticipation.  Today I claimed it.

It turned out what I purchased wasn’t the typical “stand in an automated booth” situation.  Nope, this was was much more personal and involved me standing butt nekked in a room while a very tan (but sweet) woman stood a little too close to my lady parts and hosed me down with sun-in-a-can.  It seems like an odd job to have, spraying naked bodies all day, but she seemed happy to do it.  I’m a nudist at heart, but even this was something new and different for me. 

I am damn glad I didn’t fall into her “if you want to look like you have a solid tan, go medium” spiel. Never trust professional tanners. I went with “light” and I’m close to bordering on oompa-loompa. Also, I’m rubbing off brown on everything I touch, which is SUPER sexy.

But despite that , the finished product is fantastic.  All these years I thought I needed to lose weight and all I needed was a goddam tan!  I swear it dropped 15 lbs right off of me.  I thought about asking her to paint on some ab muscles, but realized they would smear they got caught between the actual belly rolls. 

 

 

 

<—Actual photo of me now.

 

 

 

 

 

Anyway, got me some nails done, got me some new shoes, finished up some work.  DIDN’T swim, but don’t tell Coach Brad.

And now it’s time to get packing done, which is the WORST!

VACATION PLAN

The day after I get back from vacay, I have to do a 25 mile timed bike ride in order to stay on the team.  Practices are picking up.  There’s never really a good time to take a full week vacation when Ironman training.

So I’ve been pondering and here are my vacation plans to minimize the damage that can easily be done on a tropical vacation:

- Some sort of activity daily, including 3 runs (I got my GPS watch packed already!)

- Eat a good healthy breakfast

- Limit my salt intake when doing tequila shots

- Sprint every swim to the swim-up bar. 

- No burritos

That’s about all I’ve got.  I think I’m covered.  Unless you have additional suggestions?

Not sure if I’ll be able to post while I’m away, but I do plan to get some maintenance training in and will be doing my best under the circumstances

 

Prepping for Vacay

Strategy before I leave for vacation Saturday morning: eat all the perishables.

A truckload of Haricots Verts & Zucchini (plus a slice o’ cheese and some almonds for protein). 

This house is clear. 

Ninja Running 1.12.12

First off, this is how I’m sleeping these days, geriatric style.  The ole calf muscle doesn’t want to heal after I pulled it a week ago.  It’s the closest I’ve gotten to PJ’s in years. 

 

6:15 a.m.  Alarm.  Groan.  Snooze button.

6:20 a.m.   Alarm.  Groan.  Coffee.  (Donut shop-style).  No food in the house.  Guess I’m running on stored fat this a.m.

6:30 a.m.  Coffee consumed.   Dressed and doing a jig.  I feel like a leprechaun in the compression socks and spandex.  Top o’ the mornin’ to ya!

7:00 a.m. SHARP.  I’m on time for my 60 minute run.  Being on-call at 8, I need to get this bugger done.

7:05 a.m.  I take off leading the pack with Coach Brad.  The man is busy and I realize that I’m going to just have to sprint a few minutes to get some time with him regarding my upcoming vacation, calf, and workouts.  There’s NO one in front of us, not one butt edging away into the horizon for 14 minutes.  I get excited.

Usually all I see is Butts in the Distance, which coincidentally will be the name of my first book. 

Anyway, during that time, I learned that I’m really clomping around like a horse and need to learn to “run like a ninja.”  Every few seconds, Brad was like “Shh, hear that?”  um, YEAH…..FEE FI FO FUM!  I told  him a real ninja has deadly star weapons and that I’m going to start just taking runners out ahead of me as my only means of survival. 

7:19 a.m. 14 minutes in, The Ninja is about to die. I slow down and let sprightly coach Brad and the rest of the spritely pack zoom past. 

7:25 a.m. That sprinting like a ninja seemed to have stirred some inner turmoil.  Ninja myself into a public beach restroom.

7:35 a.m. Stealthily emerge victorious.  Pretty sure with that handled I’ll be a lot lighter on my feet.  Realize I’m 30 minutes in (halfway point) and need to turn around to finish the run closer to my car in case I get called into work at 8a.m.

7:40 a.m. Coach Brad and a second coach catch up to almost immediately on THEIR way back.  Brad says “Wow, there must have been some walking for you to already be heading back”.  I didn’t like his tone.

Which is better:  to just say “yes, I’m just a slow slow lazy girl” or to shut it down by saying “I had to take a big dump?” 

Pride, of course, had me say the latter.  I’m no walker! 

7:50 a.m. Silently observe an awkward female running toward me.  Admire her perseverance while having such horrible form.  Then realize I know her.  Look away, suddenly engrossed in trees. 

8:05 a.m. At this point, with 10 minutes to go, any ninja running is out the window.  I see my teammates finishing up their run, but I have a few more minutes to go so I zoom clomp by, mildly excited that this run is almost over and I won’t be seeing them for 10 days while I’m in CABO!

8:15 a.m. – 5.86 miles in 60 minutes (of running). 

8:25 a.m.

 

(half…ok, 3/4)

Shoop’s Deli in Santa Monica – GO!

 

 

 

 

 

48 hours from now:  Cabo bound.  I think that run just bought me my first margarita…yeahhhh!

NOT THE BIGGEST, BUT STILL A LOSER! Before & After Photos…

Hold the phone!  I have very exciting news!

Yes, I got smoked in the Biggest Loser contest…but only by at least 2 others.  I got LESS smoked than the other 25+ people also competing at my Easy Fitness location!  My big 8 lbs and 4.69% weight percentage lost was enough to yield me 3rd place! 

Aaaand $60, which is going straight to the leopard print monokini fund.

 

I’m about to do something never-before-ventured on The Athena Project.  I had Kevin send me the photos from the 2-month contest.  Before and After. (Not my final after, but the after of the BL contest).  I have taken about 1000 “before” photos in my life (including at the initiation of Athena Project 2009-10), but have never posted an “after”.  I have had people ask me in the past to do some before/afters…So since I put you through reading all this shit, I guess you should be acknowledged for your efforts with visual proof that I exist.  Avert your eyes if you must. 

               10/29/11 ————————–>1/6/12

                       170.5 (32% bf)————-> 162.5 (27.5% bf)

First off, thank god I wore my reflective spandex for the before photo, so I can’t blend into that bright blue background.   

Regarding the photos, I’m on the fence if there’s a difference.  I think I see a muscle forming on the top left quadrant of my stomach, which can only be the corner stone of my eventual six pack. 

22 lbs. from now, you’ll be able to do your wash or play in an old-time band on my abs.

Yummy

 

What you are gazing at, my friends, are a trio of Red Velvet Cupcakes from my favorite cupcake store,
Yummy Cupcakes.

The cake – moist. The frosting – divine. The bigger – the better.

Are they as polished-looking as say, Crumbs or Sprinkles Red Velvet? Maybe not, but they are far better tasting. Yummy cupcakes are my faves…

I had a little run-in with Yummy a few years ago, where I was forced to boycott them over an issue I had with a cupcake stand that I rented from them (and then broke). But the boycott lasted about as long as that time I gave up bagels for Lent. 

After I found myself faced with an event that demanded cupcakes. I relented. (whoah…”reLENT?”  going back on something you have given up for LENT?!?!) 

I’m hosting a karaoke fundraiser on February 11th, and emailed Yummy yesterday to see if they will donate a few dozen to the cause. Why? Because a good fundraiser immediately becomes GREAT when you + cupcakes.

Don’t you always wish at a fundraiser that there were cupcakes? Or is that just me…at every event I go to…?

“Karaoke for a Cure”.

 

 

“Karaoke + Cupcakes for a Cure”

 

 

 

 

 

 

More cupcakes = more party guests.
Worst case: Less attendees = more cupcakes for me! Win!

So I’m hoping Yummy Cupcakes come through. Dialing for dollars is the worst. We’ll see how Dialing for Cupcakes goes when I call to follow-up in a day or two. Fingers crossed!

DON’T MAKE ME BOYCOTT YOU AGAIN, YUMMY!!!! (oh, who am I kidding…I can’t stay mad at you…)

I may have lost the BL Contest but I won this!

 

Well, not so much won as “paid for.”

 

Still.

 

Best.

 

Delivery.

 

Ever.

 

Sometimes You Gotta Just Tip Your Hat…

I’m hungry.  I haven’t lost a pound in a month. 

My ungraceful competitive evil twin had Someecards.com all queued up and at the ready to “congratulate” the Biggest Loser contest winner. 

Example:

 

(<—I really hope that someday someone has the balls to send me a card like this.  I promise I will laugh before I start emotionally eating again)

 

 

I worked really hard, how much could I have lost by? 

The answer is….a damn LOT! 

The winner “Stacy” (if that is even her real name, or just some weight loss cyborg sent down to earth to torture me) lost (drum roll)…20 whole pounds!

Seriously, that is amazing in 2 months and all I can do is say “well done” and also “how the f* did you do that?!”

Very Inspiring!!!!