Cindy vs. "The Computer" Part Deux

Oh joy, oh joy, I win!!! I'm the smartest computer user ever!

HA, that's a stretch to say the least, however, I am the proud user of a new Apple Mac Book Pro laptop. I have to say thanks to Garrett for setting things up, including gifting me another cable, to allow a secure connection after resetting the router. Everything seems to be OK - YEAH!

AND......

I had a good bike time trial last week in my ETS bike class with Jack. It wasn't a PB, but it was acceptable, as only 5 W off my PB from last year and an improvement from Oct. 2010. I love training. I totally psyched myself out with my time trial though. Had a little nap last Monday, prior to my bike class at 6:30 pm, knowing it was time trial night. Woke up on the sofa at 6:30 pm - totally missed the class. OK, try to redeem myself and attend Wed ETS class instead. Thank you Jack for letting me in.... I was very happy with my performance, still lots of room to improve, but definitely a great way to start off the year.

Things are going to be really busy this term at Tri Club I have Tues & Thurs pm swim/run, Sat am bike and ETS bike on Mon. Pauline and I picked up our long Sunday run again this week. The weather has improved immensely from -25'C to +3'C. I thought I was going to get eaten by a dog at one point - I don't think I noticed his tail wagging, just that he was running at us and I freaked out. Yeah, I'm a big chicken with big dogs.... At work if I'm going to a new house to see someone I'm usually pretty good at giving the person a head's up prior to my visit and I always have my big bag with me to run interference b/w me and the dog at the door. Not so lucky on the pathways.

Since I'm so confident with my new computer, I'm going to try to track my workouts with my Garmin 305 Forerunner online. I'll use it mostly for my running, but I'll try to keep track of my biking too as I use my bike computer during bike classes on the trainer too. We'll see how that goes. I'm sure there's an "app" for that if I look.

Onward into the new year. First event of the season will be the Police Half Marathon on April 27, 2011. Still trying to finalize the rest of my races in regard to Olympic and 1/2 Ironman distances.

Happy training, Grant I have my new runners all ready to go....

Ciao, Cindy

Cindy vs "The Computer" (and back to training) Part I

Monday 2:00 pm

Oh my, it never ends in my UN-technological world. OK, I finally bought a computer (and printer b/c they had a deal for a rebate for the total cost if you bought it at the same time), but I had all of it a little over 24 hours, at which point, I brought it back to the Apple Store.

My wireless router got me to step 2 after I plugged the computer in, then I came to my first impasse.... The Apple phone # people told me it was a router issue, not an Apple issue. The Belkin (router) people were sympathetic, but not only did I not know my "password", I was missing a freakin' cable. How is it wireless if you need cables? I'm not buying anymore crap and will attempt to borrow a cable to make my computer "wireless". Am I the only one to see the irony in this?

Monday 6:30 pm

OK, de-stress and head to ETS bike class, aaahhhh, I feel a little better.

I ignore the boxes and go to bed.

Tuesday 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Drop bike off at Speed Theory for full tune-up.

This is when I attempted to return the Apple, a perfect solution, unless they send someone to my house to get the stupid thing sorted. Oh no, just make an appointment and bring the computer in and they'll be happy to help me. Well I have everything right here with me, in my granny wagon, that I've just tromped through the mall with. Book an appointment over the internet...... Well, I don't have the internet do I, b/c I lost the password to the router, and that's why I need someone to come to my house to set the damn thing up! I may have shed ONE tear in frustration when I got home.

Head to the gym - run and swim..... thank God for training.

Wed 8:00 am

Pauline emails me how to "reset the router".

Wed 6:00 pm

Success! I have reset the router. I have taken the computer out of the box and plugged it back in. I just kept clicking "tell me later" until all the little icons appear across the bottom of the screen. While unpacking the box I found a black folder in the black box with little book inside (all you need to know about your mac). Reeaaally, a black folder in a black box, all matt so as not to be obvious?

I have internet, but no router, and so I don't believe I have a secure connection since my internet server is in the condo building and part of our condo fees. Hence, the need for the router and some security....

Thurs 12:00 (noon)

Email Logan to get Garrett's email or phone # to beg a "home visit" since he also owns a Mac.

Have email at home for now and some access to the internet.

Thurs 8:00 pm

Am almost finished reading the "book", but I put it down to zone out on the TV. Too cold to go to the gym! Get up courage to call Garrett. He's available Sun at 1:00 PM.

Friday 4:30 pm

Head to Speed Theory to pick up my very fast red bike b/c Cam has just completed a tune-up for me (free in the first year, as part of the purchase!) Adam also had a look at me on my bike b/c he noticed I had a bad pattern of wear on my tri bars. So he adjusted those for me too! Thanks Cam and Adam. I have this cool little link thing on my chain now too that lets me release the chain to clean it off the bike. I can clean my bike, but not so good with technology....

Fridays are gym free for me.

Sat 9:00 -11:00 am

Bike class - hurts so good!! I think Jack should have done a "pre" and "post" workout photo of us for Triathlon Magazine to show how legitimate (and sweaty) we are!

Stay tuned for an update next week.

My co-worker, Lora, has also listened patiently to my tale of woe and has offered her son as Plan B, in case Garrett can't help me. I've shed no more tears and think I may have a computer that works, a printer that works and an iPOD that works tomorrow!! Yippee

(I realize this post is quite pathetic, but again, training just picks me up and makes me feel good again - aaahhhh!!)

Ciao, Cindy

(Sat pm - pray to computer gods.....)

Jon's Farewell Soiree

Hello again,

This time it's some photos from our farewell gathering for Jon, that Mike and Meagan generously hosted for all of us, to send good luck and good wishes to Jon as he continues on in his triathlon journey.
We all look so much better than we do on Sat am, or early morning swims - outstanding!

Cheers, Cindy

http://picasaweb.google.com/117269836584153408384/JonSFarewell#

(control "c" control "v", I remembered and it was so much easier than trying to type all that stuff for the link - thanks Jon & Grant.)

The Last Spin

Here are some photos from our last spin with Jon at the Talisman Jan 8, 2011.

http://picasaweb.google.com/117269836584153408384/TheLastSpinJan82011?authkey=Gv1sRgCLzV1672253672030722

"OOPSY, try the link again, I think I got it right this time....

We'll miss Jon, but still be able to keep our eye on him!

Best of luck Jon.

Cheers, Cindy

"I'm up and I'm down, I'm in and I'm out"......

.... Is it bad to quote Katy Perry in a tri blog? Or does it just show I don't necessarily have great taste in music? I do give Jon and Paul endless hard times in their music choices during spin classes. You need the right song though.... It can't all be about "Barbara Streisand", as Jon accused me of having on my iPod. I quickly corrected Jon - I don't have an iPod, or an MP3, or a cell phone, or a computer. I have a digital camera now, but usually can't get it to download onto my borrowed computer.... Oh, oh, I must confess - I recieved an iPod Nano for Christmas from my Dad - thanks Dad. I still have to set it up - I'm going to download Barbara's entire music catalogue. I've decided I will be buying a computer too; an Apple something or other and by the end of Jan.

Up and down - end of term bike time trials -> disappointing not just once, but twice in December (ETS & tri club bike classes). I usually seem to peak in Dec with my time trials, but not this year. I don't think I missed a class the whole session, but I didn't perform when I needed to. This brings me down. Improved a little on my 500 m swim time trial (10 seconds) - I'll take it! Still not great but at least moving in the right direction.

I need to stay positive since I had lots of rest over Christmas as it was very quiet and spent with friends this year. We celebrated with family early b/c my Dad and his wife were out of town with Lise's family this year. Logan, Gavin and Kirby (Gav's girlfriend) really liked the housecoats I made for them this year. Haven't heard from the little ones about pj's, I'll assume they were OK. But really, what little kid gets excited about clothing under the Christmas tree anyway. I think I get more satisfaction creating the pj's.

I'm "in and out" of sync with my body... Some days lots of energy and ambition, other days not so much. And this is still "the middle" in the big scheme of training for a summer race season. I'm trying not to get too wound up about training and what I'm doing overall. I'm a little undecided about my tentative race schedule at this point. I'll probably complete the Police 1/2 Marathon in May; I'm definitely doing Wasa tri, and the new Grandfondo ride in Penticton - Axel Merckx (158 km); but now I'm undecided about which 1/2 Ironman race I should complete.....

I'm starting the new year on a good note though - in spite of a stupid sinus infection/cold, I participated in the 5 km run/walk Running Room Resolution Run tonight. I walked it b/c my head was going to explode if I tried running. I had the pleasure of walking with my friend, Carol, and Digby, (the dog). This was Carol's first foray into an organized race and I'm thrilled that she finished with a smile on her face!! Glad I was able to share the triumph with her. I thought this was the one run I'd beat Alan though b/c he's had a sore foot. Dang, I missed my opportunity.

I must try to stay "up" and "in" (sync) as I head into the new year. It has ended on an "up" note with the Resolution Run and so I will carry that momentum forward with me into 2011....

Happy New Year!

Ciao, Cindy

(Anyone have a kleenex? I like the ones with aloe in them - so soft for my sore nose)

WHAT'S GOIN' ON...

hmmmm....

Haven't been blogging much of late, but I have been busy. Busy for Christmas! This starts in November for me because I like to make my Christmas gifts. They're not elaborate, but I really enjoy sewing and since I have 7 nieces and nephews (well 9 actually, but Angela and Amy both have kids now). I start my little "pajama factory" in November when Fabricland has a huge 50% off sale. I can't refuse a bargain, and I have a "one stop shop" for everything. I go their repeatedly though, which can be as irritating as a mall in December. Make a list for crying out loud...

The pajama tradition has been around for some time - Logan is now 21! (Angela and Amy were little when I was a teenager, so I don't remember if I made them PJ's, but I do remember making the occasional fancy dresses for them). The boys graduated from PJ's to sleep pants and then silly boxer shorts. Now the next generation are on the PJ tradition.... I wasn't sure if this was a good idea or not, but when Logan said - "I thought that was our thing Auntie Cindy" and I explained the little ones need the tradition too, he was ok to share. So the girls (Meagan 9, Gabrielle 7, and Claire 1) get a new pattern most years and I use the same patterns for Josh (5) and Ryan (4) as I used for Logan and Gavin at that age. I try to get everything done before December as most of it needs to get sent in the mail.

So..... that's what I've been doing. I have kept up with all my classes at the gym, but my independent workouts have suffered. Not getting in my runs - partly due to weather and the fact that the track at the gym is closed, so only getting 30 minutes on a treadmill is just irritating. I need to toughen up and get back outside. I took a break when Alan and Pauline went to Clearwater and that was my mistake, then the weather excuses started, then had to sew, and on it goes. I have been doing a good job of excuses though - just read this latest blog!

I do have some good news on the swimming front though. I think I've "got my arm back". Somewhere in the early fall/late summer, I lost all my speed and form, especially with my right arm. Then Jon pulled me out of the pool one morning and got me to reposition my arm - make your "elbow pit" face down as you initiate your catch. What's an elbow pit you ask? - bicipital fossa, inner elbow, or Jon speak = elbow pit. I feel my lats working now instead of killing my shoulders, so I think it's helped a great deal. I'm not really noticing much with my speed yet, but I feel more efficient. Thanks Jon (I gotta get my monies worth out of him before he heads west to Victoria in January).

Now that my gift making is completed I can get back to running. This will be good b/c I've signed up for the Resolution Run on Dec 31. It's 5km and you get a great jacket (I hear). So Pauline and I will get going again and Alan will be done in half our time, but it'll be fun. Since I also like to bake and will be getting that done in the next week - the majority for family and friends, that will keep me busy too. I'll get back to my routine and fit my baking in around my workouts.

I'm looking forward to the new year and have picked my classes for the winter session - swim/run on Tues/Thurs evening, Sat am bike, and an ETS bike on either Mon or Wed night. I love training and Grant has a lot of work ahead of him with me and my running. I'm going to get my monies worth out of him too!!

I'm not looking forward to seeing Jon go though :( But it's so cool that he's going to the National Training Centre in Victoria, BC in January - London 2012 here he comes....

I'm sure Jack will find a great replacement, but will he/she know how to "breathe through their legs"? Jon's not gone yet, so I'm sure he'll continue to work on that with all of us....

Ciao, Cindy

"Before and After"

I love "before and after" decorating shows on TV. No bad news, no one incapacitated, no loss of life (unlike the evening news)..... just a change for the better and a process to get their.

However, there is a middle to get to the after, once the before is established. (Hmmm, sounds a bit like "who's on first").
Anyway, I feel I established the "before" in my previous blog, and set my goals to achieve the "after". Now I'm in the middle. Middle is hard! Middle can be a long time. I'm anxious for the after and with TV shows, I often watch a couple at once, so I don't have to get too involved in the "middle", but time things with channel surfing to get all the afters. Middle in my current state has no alternate channel - I'm it. I have to establish the process and follow it to get to the after that I want. I'm finding this a challenge at the moment. It's early in the training season and I know it won't all be perfect training, but I don't want to get derailed by frustration either.

My current challenges are - my swim is not great; I've lost form with my right arm, for whatever reason, and am so slow. I'm not sleeping terribly well these days - I think that's due to peri-menopause. (Dang, I'm only "27", so I don't know why that's happening). I may have to resort to speaking to my Doc about that one. Hard to get in my workouts when I'm almost comatose some days. This bugs me to no end as I hate missing my scheduled workouts (swim x2/week and bike x2/week). My weight is always an issue blah, blah, blah....

Now I have to adjust my process a bit to continue to my after. I'm going to make a concerted effort to get in my scheduled workouts, even if I'm sleep deprived. Missing workouts may even be part of the problem - not enough activity to tire me out in a regular day, therefore, leading to a restless sleep. These are established workouts and with the support of coaches and fellow athletes, all I have to do is get myself out the door! Because I'm a member of the Talisman Tri Club I have my coached workouts - which means I have assistance to improve my swim stroke and get back in the groove. My bike workouts are also coached and progressive, so again, just get out the door. I love my bike workouts, so this isn't as much of an effort. My running schedule has been a bit scattered, and my weight training workouts a bit inconsistent.

The other thing I must consider is getting back to Physio. This should help with my swim stroke as I think I'm having issues with my neck that are causing problems with my arm - numbness, not so good...

To finish on a bright note - my running is going pretty well. I'm working on gradually increasing my time without intervals. I've been increasing my time about 10 minutes a week (roughly a 10% increase) for 3-4 weeks, then a recovery week. I'm going to continue that for now. Pauline and I often have negative splits on our long run! I'm slowly chipping off seconds on overall pace - YEAH!!

To get to the after, I must go through the middle, there are no real short cuts and there is no remote, only 1 channel to chose from - ME....

Ciao, Cindy
(I'm going to take a nap now ;p)

PS
Good luck to Alan, Ari and Andrea at Clearwater Nov 13!! GO TEAM! We'll be watching online.