My “Renegade” race and more

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above photo was taken after I finished my “renegade” race on Saturday. There’s me with my running shoes still on and my new very girlie bike shoes on display. (those bike shoes are a whole other post)

So, why RENEGADE?

Well, on Thursday when i got to my office, I had a voicemail from the race people for the duathlon. They informed me they cancelled and re-scheduled the race due to “weather”. Um. Okay…I looked at the forecast for their area which is about 1 hour NW of Atlanta. Saturday called for some intermittent t-storms. Whatever. I was disappointed, of course, cause i was really looking forward to competing and seeing how I would fare. My thoughts immediately went to “what will i do instead? will i run another 5k race and try to run faster than the one last week or should i just do the Duathlon on my own?” So, I decided to do the latter.

Of course, nothing is like race day and the anxiousness and excitement that run through your blood. So, waking up and getting ready was a bit different. very low key. I decided to go to Silver Comet Trail since that is the one place where one can go without many interruptions.

As soon as I got going on the first leg, the 5k run, I felt like i was in race mode. My pace was fast and my heart rate was getting up there. I knew it was too fast too soon. First mile was 8:30. The good thing was that I felt very focused. The bad thing was that i felt really hyped up. By nearly the 2 mile mark, i actually just walked for about 30 seconds just to try to get my HR down. It worked. My legs actually felt kinda heavy from the get-go and I wanted to have a good ride. This multi-sport stuff requires my planning and strategy and I have a ton to learn. I was done with 5k leg with a 9:00/pace, exactly what I had wanted. Now time to get on bike.

This was only the second ride I have done with clip less pedals. Can you believe it? All this time, i have been riding with regular pedals. Man, what a difference! The trail has a few intersections where you do have to wait for any crossing traffic, but other than that, it is pretty easy riding. I felt like I was working hard though. I felt like my body just wasn’t quite awake yet or quite loose enough. However, I still had a good time and felt like i did try to challenge myself. It was gorgeous out there and very peaceful even though there were quite a few people out exercising. The actual race distance was to be 13.02 miles. I ended up riding 12.83 miles in 49 min. I hopped off my bike and actually just left it out by my car and put my running shoes back on and did the final 1k sprint. The 1k was done in 4:59. 

So in Summary

5k = 27:50/8:59 pace

12.83 bike = 49 min

1k = 4:59/8:01 pace

All in all, I was happy with it and felt like I did push myself even though it was not a “real” race. I think i am going to look to go on some organized bike rides because I have no way to judge myself and see how I am doing. 

Here is a photo of me as I lay on my back in the parking area of the trailhead. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, Sunday, i was planning to take a rest day. However, when I woke up and saw what a gorgeous day it was, I just could not stay away. Ran an easy 4 miles. Felt good. 

Now regarding the detoxing: friday night, i treated myself out to dinner and had Ally, the bartender, chose a wine for me. Something light-bodied was all I had said. She served me a glass of Bliss Pinot Noir. How’s that for a good serving. My first sip of alcohol in ten days. Went nice with my pasta and brussels sprouts. 

Last night, I had about 1/2 cup of low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt & today, i had the same yogurt mixed into a coffee/banana/protein smoothie. At this point, I feel good for my restraint and I think I have cleared out the all-too-fast grabs for unhealthy stuff, namely the junk. I am still gonna try to to “be good” but sooner or later, I know I will crack and get the damn chewy, chunky, chocolate chip cookie! 

Cheers to All!

Update #3 & a re-figuring of the weekend

Lots of temptations this week: cinco de mayo – went out for mexican. Had neither chips nor margarita. Ohhh-tough! 
Yesterday at work, there was cake for a retiring co-worker. Today, at the movies, I walked right on passed the concession stand where the aroma of freshly cooked popcorn filled the air. More toughness called for on my part. I’m proud I have resisted all the temptations come my way. I have noticed that it’s been much easier to abstain from the alcohol versus the junk. Interesting.

Some of the other things I have noticed since my little experiment began; dining bills are less! Without alcohol, my bill goes down anywhere from 6-10 bucks. Nice! 
I don’t know I have lost any weight, but I feel lighter. What I am most happy about is that I have not substituted anything to replace the things I am abstaining from! I’ve also noticed the frequency of the cravings(sugar, mostly) and realizing that for the most part, I have fulfilled that craving as way of comfort. When I think of truly nourishing my body, obviously, all the junk food and such does not come into the picture. What I chose to spend money on and place into my body ought to be beautiful and nourishing. Too often, I have looked past what it is and thus eat without a lot of consciousness. I think most of us do. However, I am not saying I will never eat junk food again or drink alcohol; I just feel this has been a wake up call to me to be more conscious. Next time I have a drink, I want it to be in celebration of something, of life. Isn’t that what Bacchus was all about? I don’t want to drink just to drink. I will want to enjoy a delicious red wine with a beautiful meal or raise a glass of champagne for some celebratory event, even if that event is a celebration of a day well lived. All about consciousness. And my next junk food? Well, let’s say that my craving is a yummy, choc chip cookie. And whenever that time comes, I will dip it in some cold milk and enjoy every sweet, buttery taste! For now, I am on DAY 8 and i’ll just keep with it.

In other news, the DUATHLON I was planning on participating in this Saturday has been cancelled and re-scheduled for August. “Due to weather conditions”. Apparently, they don’t want to hold the event with the threat of Thunder Storms on Saturday. I’m bummed about it as i have REALLY been looking forward to the event….but, I will find something else to do as a way to challenge myself & have fun. August?! Sure will be great weather in Atlanta in August. Sheesh!

May 6: 3 miles – easy on treadmill

May 5: 2.15 miles – easy outside w/ hills

May 4: 9 mile bike ride

update #1 and more

Day 2 of my mini-detox is coming to a close. a successful close, i might add. I was definitely tempted tonight as i went to dinner at a very nice restaurant with some colleagues. a bottle of Markham Cabernet Sauvignon was ordered and I passed. A dessert menu was given to me with one of my favorite items listed, Pecan Pie w/ Ice Cream. I passed. I passed while my colleague sitting next to me indulged himself in that same gob of wonderment. Ahhhh….my discipline continues. 

April 30: 3 miles – treadmill – AB exercises, weights

April 29: 3.1 miles – treadmill – AB exercises, weights

 

Looking forward to the Big Peach 5k on Saturday. Should be a good, fun little run in Brookhaven!