Sunday Bike Ride

Finally! After nearly a month of sitting in my apartment unused, I finally took the new bike out for a spin. The weather wasn't ideal but the ground was clear so that was enough for me.

I bought a Saris Bones 2 rack for my little Mazda 3 and today was the first time I actually put it on my car. I tried and tried to get my bike into my trunk with the back seats laid down, but I finally had to break down and buy the rack instead. I contemplated getting several different brands, but after spending so much money the last few weeks on tri gear, I decided to go with the budget friendly rack for now. The initial set up was pretty simple and it was surprisingly very sturdy. I do have some concerns about the direct contact of the rack with my car. If I don't keep my car clean, it could cause quite a few scratches when in use.

After securing my bike to my car, I made the short drive over to Lake Hefner and put on the rest of my cycling gear. This was also my first time to wear all of my new cycling schwag. I used my Brooks LSD Thermal jacket as my outer layer and had my long-sleeve cycling jersey underneath it. On my bottom half I opted for my 2XU triathlon shorts so I could get used to them for my race. I also layered on some tights underneath my shorts and off I went for my maiden voyage.

All in all, I would say it was successful first ride. I managed to not kill myself, although I did come close a few times. I haven't quite mastered the technique of grabbing the water bottle and drinking on the go. I also need to get more comfortable in my riding position on the bike. Oddly enough my forearms started to ache the most during my ride. I guess it's because I was gripping the handlebars so tight for fear that I might fly off the bike at any second. The thought did occur to me that it would hurt really, really bad if I were to fall off my bike. I averaged about 16 mph for the ride, but went over 20 mph on several occasions. All I know is that a lot of skin would be left on the pavement if I lost focus and wrecked. OUCH! I don't want to think about that anymore.

Sunday, Feb 7th - 13.01 miles in 48:21 (16.01 pace)

So, another successful workout today that should carry me nicely into triathlon training when it begins on Tuesday. Monday is a scheduled rest day and I definitely could use one. My lower back is a little sore and the Achilles needs a break for a day or two. I am definitely looking forward to the week ahead. Now back to the Super Bowl as I enjoy my delicious meal :
This was my first attempt at taboule and I will have to say it's not too shabby. I think it will become another staple in my fridge.

Oh yeah, go check out Allie's giveaway over at http://thatgirlisarunningfool.blogspot.com/. She is giving away some BondiBands this week.

Also, a big thank you to Bridgette Hall (Mustang, OK) who joined me in my fight against cancer by donating today! $740 raised and counting!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ok/txtri10/bsloan

Brooks I.D.

As promised, I am coming back to discuss the Brooks I.D. program that I was recently accepted into and still super pumped about now. The I.D. part of the name stands for Inspire Daily and the program was created for runners who are active in their running communities and are loyal to the Brooks brand. To qualify for the program, you don't have to be the fastest runner on the block, but you do have to share the same passion, loyalty, and desire to get better that is embodied by the Brooks brand.

The process was actually pretty painless. I went to the following link and filled out an application about my running life and waited for a few weeks to hear if I got accepted.

http://runbrooks.com/brooksid

I mean, honestly, what runner doesn't like talking about their running with someone that will listen. It was a perfect opportunity to spill my guts and I didn't have to endure a gaze of uninterest or an attempt to change the subject. For me, it was the perfect avenue to an even more perfect marriage. Not only do I get to publicly claim my love for everything Brooks, but now I get rewarded for being a loyal mate. What more could a guy ask for honestly?

Even though my running career has been very brief, I have been a loyal fan of Brooks since my first step. The quality of their products is unmatched and everything I have bought from them has always fit well, looked sharp, and made me SUPER FAST. Well ok, maybe it doesn't make me super fast, but I know the Brooks gear always makes me feel more confident when I hit the road. Plus, I have always managed to find gear with orange mixed in and anyone that knows me, knows that the way to my heart begins with the color orange. Hint, hint Brooks gurus - let's make some cool running gear in 2010 that is orange!

Some of the perks of being in the program are the 40% discount off all Brooks gear and apparel, participating in the Brooks I.D. race series, a free race uniform, and probably my favorite of all is the ability to attend Brooks I.D. events designed to encourage interaction between the ID members. I remember reading Frayed Laces blog about her experience at the Brooks ID camp last year and thinking how cool that would be to be one of "those" people. Now, believe it or not, I am one of them! I still can't quite believe it!

I am not really sure the rhyme or reason for my selection, but I plan on fulfilling my role as an ambassador for the Brooks brand with the same intensity and focus that I devote to my training. It's amazing how full circle things have come for me in the matter of a year. I have gone from not running at all to completing my first marathon, having marathon #2 already on the schedule, and training for my first triathlon in a matter of 12 months. Thank you for everyone who has been following along and I hope you will continue the journey with me. I have big dreams in my head and with your encouragement and support I know I can make them a reality.

Thank you Brooks for another shot in the arm. I am looking forward to a great 2010!

TNT Superstar! Thanks everyone!

Thanks to everyone who has donated to my Team-in-Training fundraising goal already! Thanks to all of you, I was the top fundraiser for this week and had the AWESOME privilege of wearing the crown at today's fundraising clinic:

The picture quality is pretty bad, but you get the drift! As a result of the positive response from everyone, I have decided to up my fundraising goal to $4,500 for the Capital of Texas triathlon. My goal is to have this money raised by my 28th birthday on March 25, 2010. I know it's a lofty goal, but I always aim high. Why settle for less when you can work hard and get the best?

I also want to give a special thanks to Kelly Ruminer (Edmond, OK) who has donated since my last fundraising update. She donated in honor of Terri Melton, so Terri will be added to my race-day honoree list. Thank you Kelly!

This morning was also our first group run of the training schedule for me. It was nice to be able to chat with some of the fellow Team members again and take a nice leisurely jog around the Chesapeake campus. I would guess that we ran around 2 miles, but I didn't even turn my Garmin on for the run so I really have no idea. It was kinda nice not to worry about the miles and just go for a run. It's been a while since I haven't meticulously tracked my run. I also remembered how much more I love running outside. I don't think I have ran outside since the marathon! That's just way too long folks. I need to remedy that problem this week.

The 16 week training schedule starts in earnest this week so no more "freestyle" workouts. I look forward to the challenge ahead. Be sure to check back often for training updates!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ok/txtri10/bsloan

Canceled Ski Trip

As I am writing this, I am supposed to be sore, tired, and achy from skiing all day. Mother Nature had different plans though. I left yesterday morning for Angel Fire, New Mexico, and drove right into nasty roads, thick fog, and very little cell reception. Since I told myself I wasn't going to be the story on the evening news before I left, I made an educated decision and turned the car around and headed back to OKC.

Yesterday I made it almost to Amarillo, Texas, before I made the judgment call. Driving 30 mph on I-40 that had been reduced to one lane because of the snow was not my idea of a good road trip. I still had over 300 miles to go and I didn't think the little state highways in remote areas of TX and NM would be a good place to be stranded by myself. I was disappointed in not being able to make the trip, but I am going to make the best of my time in OKC this weekend. Turn lemons into lemonade, right?

Today I went home and visited my family. I hadn't been down to my parents house since Christmas and my mom was off work so I figured I might as well take advantage of the day off. Mom helped proofread my fundraising letter for Team-in-Training and I rummaged through her address book for all those addresses I would have had if I was good about keeping up with people not on the internet. All in all, I put together 32 letters to be mailed out to friends and family as I continue to reach for my $3,000 goal. During the process I also updated the handy dandy address book I purchased last night when I got back to OKC. Now if I can just find a place in my apartment where it won't get swallowed up and lost like my last one.

I also managed to get in a pretty decent swim this morning at the Downtown YMCA. It's nice to be able to go to the gym at 9:45 when the only people there are retired people who don't care what you look like, how bad you swim, or the fact that you spit out half the pool every time you finish a lap. Yep, swimming was more of a struggle today than I wanted it to be, but the fact that I got in the water on a day when I was supposed to be on vacation was victory enough for me. Now I will settle into bed for the evening so I can join up with the TNT group for our group run. Here is my fantastic new Brooks gear that I will be donning in the morning.

I just received my new Brooks Trance 9 shoes and my HVAC mesh hat. Both are very sharp and look to be like my new best friends. If only I had waited 2 more days to order them through my new Brooks ID site!

Happy training everyone. Hope your long runs go well this weekend!

Brooks I.D. Member!!

Yes! I have been anxiously awaiting an e-mail from Brooks for a few weeks now and I finally got it today! I am officially a Brooks I.D. (Inspire Daily) member! I still can't believe it actually happened. I applied for the program because I am an avid Brooks fan and figured it was worth a shot. The worst they could tell me is that I didn't meet their criteria. Much to my surprise, I actually do meet their criteria. I will be a great Brooks ambassador. More info to come soon!

Chicago!

It's official! I am now registered for the 2010 Bank of America Chicago marathon on Oct 10th, 2010!!! 10/10/10 in the Windy City. I am very, very excited. It will be marathon #2 and I am definitely looking forward to another successful run. My friend Katie has also taken the plunge with me and we are going to show Chicago what these Okie runners are made of this October. It will be great to have a partner in crime so we can motivate each other on those days when you just don't want to go train. Plus, we will be training in the dead heat of an Oklahoma summer and this boy doesn't like heat. It will be a great challenge and one I will embrace with open arms. More details to come about goals, expectations, travel plans, training plans, etc. It sounds like a lot of Oklahoma and Texas runners are making the trip so I hope to meet up with some of my cyber buddies while we are in town.

Great news on the Team-in-Training front as well! I finally got around to sending out my fundraising e-mail to my coworkers and I had a very positive response. I was asked several questions about my training, my motivation, my sanity, and everything in between today. It was overwhelming how many people mentioned it to me at the office. It made me very appreciative of where I work and I am excited people are interested in donating and following along the next 16 weeks. Big shout outs to Doug Callaway (OKC), Curt Dewbre (OKC), Jon Terrell (OKC), and Brian and Jaime Tatro (Edmond, OK) for donating today. You helped me raise $415 and put us one step closer to a cure. I also will be racing in honor of Brian Tatro's father who lost his battle with leukemia seven years ago. Thank you once again for everything today. I feel truly blessed.

I am now headed out to Angel Fire, New Mexico, for a few days to go skiing. No blog updates for a few days, but I will return to full force next week when the 16 week countdown to CapTex Tri officially begins. The training plan is uploaded, now it's just time to perform. It should be a great few months!

Monday, Feb 1st : Ran 3.0 miles in 27:55 (9:18 pace)

Tuesday, Feb 2nd : Stationary bike for 35 minutes (10.23 miles)

Experimenting with the Brick

I got a little stir crazy today and finally took the Mazda out on the roads. My little guy doesn't take too well to the icy roads, but I HAD to get out and do something active today.

After watching my O-State Cowgirls pick up a HUGE win on the road against Texas A&M, I packed my gym bag and headed downtown to the Y since Midtown and CHK were both closed today. I think everyone else had the same idea as me because that place was packed. I don't think I have ever been to a gym on a Sunday and it be that busy. I guess everyone else had a case of cabin fever as well. Oh yeah, I also ran into Megan, one of my tri coaches with TNT as I was walking up to the gym. She told me she went to swim on Friday at Aspen, that's true dedication. I guess that explains why she is doing Half-Iron distance triathlons and I am only training for the Olympic distance. I better get in the game!

It was nice to go back downtown for a change. It's a lot bigger and has better equipment than the Midtown Y, but the crowds during the week make it unbearable. I like being able to walk into Midtown and just grab a machine. However, there is something divine about having a stationary bike and treadmill that have fans on them :-) It sure helps keep the sweat out of my eyes.

I didn't have any set plan when I went to the gym so I just kind of rolled with the punches. I found an empty bike so I hopped on there and logged a good 45 minutes on the stationary bike. I just put it on random setting and it took me through a progression of hills. My goal is to always keep my RPMs above 100 when I am on the stationary bike. I don't even know if that is good, but it seems like it is a pretty good workout so I just stick with it. After the bike, I thought it would be kind of fun to run for a bit just to get my body used to the sensation. I hopped on the treadmill and ran a mile just for the heck of it. It was all in all a pretty decent workout after being a lazy bum for 3 straight days.

We also got our official training schedule for the CapTex Tri today. We have an online account set up through Training Peaks and it will send us daily e-mail reminders with our workouts for the day. It doesn't actually start until Feb 9th so I have another week of "freestyle" before the structure begins. It works out great that way because I will miss quite a few days for my trip to Angel Fire this week. Skiing is just around the corner!

Have a great start to your week my blogger friends. Happy training!

Bike - 12.63 miles in 45 minutes
Run - 1.0 miles in 9:20