So far behind, here is last week in review...up to today

Tues March 14 - Swimming in a new pool
This morning I tried out a new pool. While I love UCSF, I am not ready to commit to join a second gym and the drop in rate is too expensive. So I headed off to a public pool, the Garfield pool in the Mission. It was actually great! The pool is nice, clean, not crowded, warm, and the people were very friendly. I went because lap swim was 6-8. As I headed into the pool at 6:15 a gentleman on the side asked if I was here for the stroke class? I didn't know they had one, but everyone knows I need to help, so I joined in. Joe (the coach) was very helpful. He gave us a few drills to warm up. Then we did some ladder work, increasing the length and trying to concentrate on one aspect in each. I think the best part is just having someone watching who can point out the areas to think about. I was able to finish 2000 meters and felt a bit better about my stroke. He is there every Tues and Thurs morning from 6:15-7:15. Yeah I have found a new pool!!!

Mon March 13 - Weight work
While part of me said "take it easy today, you ran over 9 miles yesterday" another, smarter part of me said "you want to take Fri as your rest day so there is more time for Guiness". So I went to the gym, did a quick 10 min warm up on the bike, and did an hour circuit with weights. I am really noticing the difference in my strength. Things that were difficult 2 months ago are much easier. So of course that means I had to step it up to where it was hard again. I will be sore tomorrow, but with a sense of acomplishment!

Sun March 12 - Great run on Great Hwy
You know it is going to be a great morning when it starts with an old song you love on the radio (Gloria from Flashdance, we were all singing), you look across the ocean and see a rainbow painted across the sky, and you are with a great group of people (the whole TNT gang). Well that is how my Sun run started, so I was quite pumped up for a nice hard run. I was also motivated to go fast since I figured I would get warm faster that way (it worked). So I took off with the Pro group on our 80 min run and tried to keep up with Meghan and Philip. I am trying to increase my run speed so I figure I need to run with people faster than me. I was able to stay with them for the first 40 min, and then they pulled away a bit as we headed through the park. But I kept them in my sights the whole way and felt good and strong at the end of our run. I wish I knew exactly how far we went. I clocked the first half (to Sloat and back) in my car and that was 4.8 miles, which I did in 40 min. I don’t think I went quite as far in the second half since it is a little hillier through the park. Still I am sure I did more than 9 miles total, not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning.

Run = 9+ miles

Sat March 11 - COLD bike and run
We were warned and we were prepared, but it was still COLD this morning as we headed to IVC for a bike and run. We got off to a late start due to a huge accident that closed 101. I rode with the Elite group today, I need to do a lot of work on my biking. Considering where I was at the end of last season, this ride was just a bit too hard for me. My fingers were FREEZING, but maybe that took my mind off my lungs, struggling as I climbed the Lucas Valley Rd hill. My chain slipped half way up the hill. While I got it back on without too much trouble, that was a very tough place to start going again (I had to talk myself into getting going). After the turnaround while heading down the hill Josh got his first flat. Since I was right behind him I stopped to help out. We got that fixed and were on our way again. I promised to help him with directions for the way back, unfortunately he totally left me in the dust! Once back I changed my shoes and headed off for the 2 loop run. Oh that familiar jello legs, brick feet feeling. Love it! I think the best leg of the workout was brunch at Dip Sea! A big group showed up and we had a great time.

Bike = 22 miles
Run = 2.2 miles

Thurs and Fri - No workout
Great customer meeting in Atlanta, but the parying left no time for working out. But one good thing, I remember why I like my job. It was very rewarding to spend 2 days with the customers and hear how much they appreciate all of the things we are doing for them. And they are a fun and crazy bunch. We had a blast at "Tongue and Groove"

Wed March 8 - Run and Fly
Tonight was another great (wait I mean wonderful) track workout. We did some more pacing work with alternating 7 min at L4, 3 min at L1. I felt pretty good and was doing a good job staying consistant in my pacing. I managed to do 3 3/4 laps in each of my 7 min blocks. We did that for 40 min, so if I kept count Ok I did 5 miles. I was able to stay through half the stretching then I had to run home, take a quick shower and it was off to the airport to catch my redeye to Atlanta. Work keeps getting in the way of my life! I am glad I was able to go to the workout but hear I missed a good time at Kezar Pub!

Run = 5 miles