That Was Just Your Life

I have had enough of this Indian Summer!

My Friday workout consisted of a 1hr swim, then a 1hr run, and then my shoulder lifting routine. Starting last week, I altered my lifting routines. I will now lift about 80% of my maximum loads, while increasing the number of repetitions per set. For example, my bench press goes from my normal (3x10) 225lbs to (3x15) 185lbs. I have decided to do this to drop some weight. Last year, during marathon training, I weighed 175lbs. This year, with the same caloric intake, I weigh 185lbs. I think the reason for this is that I have been running less and swimming more, and my upper body is getting bigger. And I see no point in racing with an extra 10lbs.

And just in time to help me with my training, I got a belated birthday present from the girlfriend (with the assist of Matt, Genine, and Maija): a Polar RS800G3 heart rate monitor. Thank you guys! This thing is great! Now I can get exact distance and speed measurements, while knowing my level of effort. Perhaps it will help me train and race smarter; but knowing how stubborn, cranky, and set in my ways I am, that remains to be seen.

Saturday morning I went out for a long run. I was planning on starting at 5AM, but I kept playing with all the features of my new toy, so I got a late start at 6AM. It was so humid! 30min into my run, it dawned on me that I did not have my Ipod. So I did 18.5 mi in 2:50hrs. My heart rate was steadily into the 160's, except towards the end, when it was in the 170 to 182 range, due to some hills.

I got really hot when I ended my run, so instead of doing a proper cool-down, then breakfast and then a shower; I did a 5min cool-down, and took a shower. Last week they installed new windows at my place, and I had not re-installed my window air conditioner. I picked it up, and much to my chagrin, it did not fit anymore! And at that very moment, all four of my limbs cramped up in the most painful way I have ever experienced. With no help in sight, I just fell to the floor with the unit on top, was able to roll it off to the side, and then lay in fetal position for an hour. Only after that I was able to start extending my arms and legs again. Two hours later, I removed the track guides for the window, cut them to fit my required opening, and installed the damn thing!

After that, my gorgeous girlfriend and I went to the wedding of one of my friends. And to keep with the theme, the air conditioner of the church was not working. That is not good news for somebody who sweats as much as I do. They managed to fix it, and everything turned out great. It was a lovely wedding and reception.

Sunday, E and I went biking from my place to the Spruce Run State Park (26mi each way). We went there to see team KB2 (Maija and Genine) do a relay at the Skylands Triathlon. They did awesome, finishing first for female relay teams, and third overall! As for our bike ride, it was really fun. I was dreading the heat and humidity, but I felt really strong throughout the entire ride. On our way back, we found this biking couple that were standing in the middle of the road waving at us. When we slowed down to see if they needed help, they told us that they were just brushing off some bugs. Then get the @#$!%^&* off my road! We made it home, and I felt like I had a good 20mi left in me. And E did great, maintaining a good speed while keeping a nice cadence for the whole ride. Way to go hon!

After the ride, I was going to sit down and start using the software for the heart rate monitor, so I could go all Matt on you with graphs and stuff. However, I just watched football instead, so I'll probably play with the software tonight. As it is, this post is so long that you may think Matt wrote it.

Finally, what is up with with the pool not having any power?