Category Archives: Uncategorized

swim. bike. run.

June 1, 2008Uncategorizedrunning amuck, triathlonLauren @ mostly i run

So a few weekends ago, I really kicked off triathlon training.

I’m most concerned with the swimming portion, so I found a gym that offers “lap-swimming” classes. It’s been great — the instructor watches us and assigns drills to help us fix anything we’re doing wrong.

My third session was on Saturday and it’s going well. And even though I rested between laps and did some laps with kick boards and floats, my overall distance was very close to what the race will be (1K — or about 1,100 yards). I’m less worried now.

However, these Saturday swimming sessions are messing with my usual weekend runs. My running buddies went out on Saturday the same time I was swimming. I’m on my own to add a weekend run.

I am not a solo runner. I like my group — we chat and encourage each other. Alone I didn’t think I’d go very far, especially since it’s started to get hot.

I also got a later start this morning, mainly because I got to bed late and wanted to let myself sleep! But I got out of the house a little after 10 a.m. and started plodding along.

I ran to a nearby park, 2 miles. It was pretty slow, but I was hoping I’d be ambitious enough to run 8 miles, so I planned it that way.

The park has a 4.1 mile loop, or I could have turned around at the bathroom for 3 miles. I stuck with the full loop.

And yes, I did let myself walk some of the hills within the park (it’s hot! I’m going far today!), but the one hill I kept running through was the biggest one.

Oddly enough, the 2 miles home after leaving the park were the fastest. I usually don’t do that!

After a shower and a nap (quite common for me!), I made lunch and relaxed for a little while … but not too long.

Because I am crazy. (But we already knew that!)

I packed my bike into the car and met up with a friend to go for a ride. We only went 9.5 miles, but that was about as much ambition as I had for the day!

Last Saturday, after my swim class, I rode 16 miles and then forced myself to run a mile.

At first I thought I felt fine, until I got going. Then ouch — heavy legs!

But I did it, and at a decent pace, too. I will have to continue pushing myself if I’m going to make it through this thing!

weekly winners

June 1, 2008Uncategorizedfurry babies, weekly winnersLauren @ mostly i run

May 25-31, 2008

Posey and I had a photo shoot while she was lounging on the couch one day.

A proper lady

Easily distracted

But cute as can be!

I really like zooming in on their furry little faces!

Sleepy Joey
check out those eyelashes!

I’m not sure how Jeter missed the camera this week. He’ll be back soon!

Check out more Weekly Winners at SarcasticMom.com!

photo hunt: self

May 31, 2008Uncategorizedme, photo huntLauren @ mostly i run

I almost forgot! This week’s theme is “Self.”

Rather than use an old photo, I just grabbed my camera and started pointing it at my face.

Today’s been a lazy day (well, since this morning’s swim, anyway). I showered at the pool and pulled my hair into a ponytail, where it’s been all day.

I never bothered putting on make-up, even though I actually left the house for a quick shopping trip. I usually make a little effort if I’m going out in public, but not today. At least I swapped the gym shorts for some capri pants!

Anyway, this is me today. Unedited. I guess I felt like being honest again. (At least I’m awake this time!)

running with water

May 29, 2008Uncategorizedrunning amuckLauren @ mostly i run

For Take It and Run Thursday: Running In The Heat.

Here in Maryland, our summers get pretty hot, humid and disgusting. Running is not without its challenges and surprises. A couple weeks ago, on a particularly humid day, I chafed someplace new. Nice. Another area for Body Glide.

Anyway, back to my summer-running tip.

It seems obvious, but I always carry water when temperatures start getting uncomfortable.

We usually set up our training runs to have a water stop halfway. But a few years ago, when training for a 10-mile race at the end of August, we started running loops where we couldn’t put out water. We had to take it with us.

I got used to having my water (or Gatorade), and drinking whenever I wanted it. I found myself struggling through my first (short) race that summer. Even though they had water stops, they didn’t always fall where I needed them!

We found Amphipod water bottles have a nice shape to them, and with the strap you barely have to hold on. Mine has a zipper pocket that usually holds my keys, a gel, and some lip balm. (They also have some other hydration options, I just haven’t tried them.)

I switch hands while I run, it’s really no big deal. Once the temperatures start to rise (or if I’ve got a particularly long run planned), I’ve always got my water bottle — whether it’s a 5K or 26.2 miles!