Put me in coach...I'm ready to play...TODAY..

Flashback: It was the spring of 1988, my senior year in high school. Gripping the steel wired fence, I gazed longingly at the pristine softball diamond and all my teammates running on the field to play the last game of the season. We were out of the running for any sort of title but nonetheless, this was a special game. It was, for us seniors, our last game playing together as a team full of Viking pride. Unfortunately for me, I was benched because of doctor's orders. I was to sit out for the "rest of the season".

A week and half earlier, I was playing one of my favorite positions, left field. A routine line drive was hit by the opposing team in between left and center field. It was one of those balls that neither I nor the center fielder could catch on the fly. So we both let the ball bounce with the intention of scooping the ball up as a grounder. Our communications must have failed; we both charged to field the ball. Then it happened, our heads clanged together. I immediately fell to the ground while the center fielder finished the play. I convinced the coach I was fine. She allowed me to continue. The next play later, a ball was hit out to me and I was having trouble seeing it. I was blacking out and seeing stars. I called time and asked to be taken out of the game. A mild concussion was the diagnosis and hence the strict orders to "sit out" for the rest of the season.

Once again, it feels like I've been benched and missing out on something special. I was to ride with Waddler today and ride a full century. A goal I have yet to accomplish. Quite honestly, I'm feeling down and out today because I wasn't able to ride and hit my 100 mile milestone. It was a gorgeous beautiful day with no wind and I was "sitting on the bench ready to play" or shall I say ride. It wasn't a concussion but digestive problems that have me sidelined me this time. I also have a case of the hives to boot. The entire week I have been having "issues", no need to go into detail...just trust me, it hasn't been good. I was prescribed some medication to relieve me of some discomfort which then led to the case of hives. It's been a rough week for me physically and mentally. I sooooooo want to be riding and working towards my goal.

Here's to hoping that I can get back on track with my training. I guess my 100 miler will have to be another day.

I feel like I'm training for an Iron Distance!

12 weeks to go, folks! My training schedule has really stepped up this week for the final 12. My typical schedule from now until the big day will be:

Monday: Swim 1 hour & Run 1 hour
Tuesdays: Swim 1 hour & Run 30 min
Wednesdays: Bike 1 hour & Run 30 min
Thursdays: Run 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours
Friday: Swim 1:00
Sat: Bike 4 to 5 hours & Run 30 min
Sun: Bike 3 hours (and an occasional 30 min run)

I am honestly having a tough time trying to figure out when to go to the grocery store and when to get my hair cut. I called my stylist up and asked to get a haircut. I looked at my schedule and hemmed and hawed about when I could see her. Frustrated, I told her I would call her back next week--don't know how I'll have next week figured out, it will be the same as this week. Doh!

Count em...5! 5 run workouts in one week! I have never run more than 3x in a week; I only hope I can keep up. Maybe with the Nike Volmero's I got last week will help. I wasn't sure about how they felt but after a few runs...they're feeling goooooood! Speaking of running, I've got to say that I am seeing improvements. My heart rate is lower. I can run a faster pace. And it just seems easier. The iron is helping!

Last week, I also got a new set of cleats for bike shoes (they were a bit worn to say the least). This could be why I was having trouble with numbness in my toes while riding. I'm sure I'll know after this weekend (long ride scheduled for Sunday)...may be my first century! It's kinda hard to believe, that I never attempted a century. I came close one time with 80 miles in and through out the White Mountains of New Hampshire. That was one frickin hard ride. I should be able to do 100 miles in the flats of Illinois.

Oh, and by the way, I'm all set with my new Garmin 310xt. Ed got it for my b-day and I've used it a couple time already! It's SA---WEET! Battery life is 20 hours and it's waterproof! Unfortunately, I didn't get to try it swimming at Centennial Beach, cause it is now closed during the week. Doh--that was a surprise when I showed up last night to swim. Dang, had to get to my fitness center for a quick workout. Then, they kicked me out of the pool after 40 minutes due to an aqua aerobics class. Can't they see, I've got to get my training in? Time to think about switching health clubs again. It was dumb for me to switch in the first place...thought I would be saving money; but I miss my friends at LTF.

Off to bike and run!

Splashing, pedaling, dashing to Beach2Battleship.