um, yeah

so all last week every spare moment was spent getting some artwork together for the AMI salon that needed to be in by Friday. So... haven't trained. and then over the weekend was Kim's bachelorette party, and reconnecting with high school peeps and Getting Things Done (like laundry, cleaning, chores) so all said and done, no training.

This week I hope to remedy that.

But we'll see. Wedding on Saturday. Rehearsal dinner Friday, and guests staying Tues-Sun. Meanwhile, I think I might eat my dinner on the train and workout when I get to my apt at night. It's really the only solution I can see, besides exercising in Lake Bluff, but then what would I do with my stuff....

Also, I've been seeing lots of baby bunnies around lately. I named the two on my bike commute to work Flippity and Flop.

but oh

i NEED a good long run! i crave it so!

ah, bler.

like how am i, like, going to do this?

I literally cannot find time to train. Besides the 6 miles of biking mon, wed, thurs. which could count for 12 miles bc my rear tire is flat...

I am exhausted by the time I get home each night. And weekends are spent recovering from the week, and honestly, I'm a little afraid the mono is coming back because I get really weak spells where I get dizzy.

I'm eating like 2,000+ calories a day and am still hungry! and somehow through all this my ab muscles are becoming ridiculously defined. Which brings my closer to my Christmas wish of abs like Shakira.

I can't believe I just admitted that I want Shakira abs by Christmas in a public space.





........










please don't judge me.



Well, I will give myself this week to adjust... maybe it's just getting used to the new job's time schedule. If I can eat dinner on the train ride home maybe I can run or bike by the time I get home and then collapse in bed and get up and do it all over again.... this is the only thing I can think of. And I'd really like to get to swim with the team wed nights, so I need to figure out how to get back into the city by 7. oy! oy! oy!

I am going to try to get a long bike ride in Saturday with a FRIEND before KIM ACTON'S bachelorette party which will be so fabulous.

indeed.

frustration

pretty furious right now. Took me 3 hours to get home from work today (normally takes 2) because of L malfunction... .. . .. ... ..... and on top of the 16.50 on public transpo I spent 14 dollars on taxis that I had to take because the public transpo failed me.... I will spare you the details, I vented to my poor roommate as soon as i got in the door, but I am still furious. FURIOUS!

Part of my commute also is a 3 mile bike ride from the commuter rail to my workplace. So, I bike 6 miles a day on a lovely country path and today I even ventured to the bluff in Lake Bluff and Is. It. Gorgeous. When I get a camera I will take pictures for you. It's even more beautiful than the bluff at my undergrad. I might go swim down there after or before work one of these days. so gorgeous, it must be explored.

the biking is all the workout I can squeeze in- I am gone from 6am-8:20pm every M, W, TH, and from 7am-6pm each Friday, so working in workouts are going to take some effort.

Tomorrow I pick up my bike!! May long bike rides commence. Just in time for the heat wave. or heat pump, as my local meteorologist calls it. bring it, just bring it.

my poor feet

So, on Saturday the weather was so nice I decided to go for a walk along the lake. Which, doesn't really mean sand, more like cement. And, I took off my shoes as soon as I got to the lake. On a 90 degree day. At noon.

I ended up with blisters all over the bottom of my feet from the hot cement. They are healing and I hardly feel the pain anymore. But, ouch. and d'oh.

I like feet, I think they can be really graceful. I think ballet has opened my eyes to how feet can elongate the legs and the correct pointing and positioning and turn out of the foot can be a really graceful movement. Once in a drawing class we had to draw a model's feet, and she said that it was more vulnerable for her to have us draw her feet than for her to pose naked and draw her body. She was older, and her toes were pointed like she had worn lots of pointed shoes in her life. Feet have a lot of personalities and tell a lot of stories about people.

Anyway, kinda took a break from working out the past couple days, but ready to start training this week. Full speed ahead!

sore!

A little bit sore today, but it's a good feeling. I'm surprised I didn't feel queasy running yesterday, as I had just split half a pizza with my roomie and eaten a ton of grapes right before I ran...

right after I got back from running yesterday I felt really weak, like I couldn't stand. So I plopped on the couch and worked on my research. after about an hour passed, I started to feel really energized and good, as though suddenly my runner's high had kicked in. I actually like not exercising for awhile, because when you come back to it your legs are fresh, and you feel the effects of running so much more strongly. I sound like a drug addict.

it's true, though. I work behind a computer; there are few reasons for me to ever leave it. So having an excuse to exercise and go to the lake and GET OUTSIDE is welcome. I'm actually also looking for a pick up soccer team to join- I used to love it so much in grade school, and played whenever I could with friends in Boston, but haven't really done it here in Chicago. A beach volleyball team would be fun to join too, but I think it's too late in the season for that. Anything that would get me outside more...

Also in the works: thinking of a fall east coast road trip to VT, ME, NY, and MA. to see the foilage, of course. and maybe a camping trip? I miss the east coast camping trips too! All these things I just never really picked up again when I moved to Chicago... but now with grad school ending...

ah plans. plans plans and more plans.

first run since FOREVER

and it was deeeeelightful! :)

only about a 30 minute run, with some walking breaks, but by the time I started my cool down walk home, my legs were like jelly.

But the sky was a beautiful deep blue, a color almost purple and I wished, not for the first time, that I was in the country and had horizon to horizon to enjoy the color of the sky... but then I do have the lake, and it was a world of blue out on the edge of walkway that juts into the lake. And the yellow-white city lights complement the blue of the sky with warmth.

And I got caught in the rain. and it made me ridiculously, undeniably, giddy.

soooooooooo

Dropped my bike off today to get fixed at Copenhagen Cyclery. I forgot how eclectic Wicker Park is... so many stores! I need to get over there more often, it's really not that far away. My bike should be done on Friday, so whoot! I can start bike- commuting again, thank GOD! Oh, and I'm getting a new seat, so no more duct tape... and squishy wet seat when it rains.

I've been doing sit ups and push ups regularly, and also squats, since the hamstrings do not get exercised enough when biking, swimming, or running. I was told that poor strengthening of them can lead to knee pain, and is a major cause of missed races, since it takes awhile to act up. So, one minute of static squats a day. 50 seconds in, and it burns like fire.

Anyway, I'm going to go run and hope that I get caught in rain. Summer rain running... nothing better!

Goals for this week...

Because if I put them on here, maybe there is a better chance they will get done.

Tri-wise:
1. drop off bike to get fixed, buy new seat.
2. sit-ups and push-ups every day, at least 250 total.
3. Stretch for 5 min every day.
4. Run twice this week- as long as I can.
5. Swim once this week.
6. Get dr's note sent to Kate.
7. Make list of what is still needed to buy for tri.

Research-wise:
1. Get proposal handed in by Tuesday.
2. Get sketches handed in by Friday.

Also, guess what? I got a job! I am muy excited. It's basically my dream job, except for the fact that it isn't located in London, where I have an ache to live. I think I start this week. oy.

Happy Fourth, I love America. Fireworks start here in 20 min, still debating whether to go. Mleh.....

the utter agony of being inside.

This week is a gorgeous summer week- one that you can only hope for, and if you get it, even one day, you would be spiteful to miss being outdoors all day. Upper 70s, cool breeze, sunny with no clouds in sight. All week!!!!

Ugh.

I went to the doctor today for my mono check up and got the OK on the swollen spleen and liver and they also took some blood to make sure the liver is back to normal. I told him about biking and he said yeah.... take it easy. He's not too eager for me to start working out again. But, well, it's just so HARD to be inside this week. I think I might go for a run tomorrow becauseeee....

my bike is a bit of a mess right now. It needs a tune up quite terribly. The wheels are wobbly, the chain is dirty, and only one set of brakes works. And the tires are nearly flat. Fantastic, though, I got a Groupon last week to Copenhagen Cyclery for a complete tune up worth 75 dollars but I'm only going to pay 25!!! I love Groupon. It makes dreams come true.

After I get my bike fixed up, I will be riding all over. I want to eventually teach myself to give my bike a tune up on my own, but I will only think of that once my research is done for good. You can only learn so many new things at once..... ballet, guitar, jewelry-making, and triathlons are enough for now.

Also, my camera is broken so there won't be any pictures on the blog for awhile, but here enjoy this one I took yesterday with EJ's camera when we did a photoshoot for some new jewelry I made that is in the Etsy shop now:

screw mono and my swollen spleen, i'm going for a bike ride.

Just got back, in fact.

It. Was. Brutal.

Before I even put shoe to pedal, I told myself: only 30 minutes. I don't care how good it feels to be out on a beautiful sunny summer afternoon flying along at top speeds on your bike, which you haven't ridden in nearly two months, only 30 minutes. And that includes the bike to the lake.

I didn't have to set any time limits. 15 minutes in I decided to take a break and stare at the gorgeous blue lake for about 5 minutes, and drink half my water bottle. I don't know if it's the 80 degree weather or the fact that I haven't biked in so long, but it's like starting all over again. 15 minutes on the bike and I'm panting hard.

pistons of doom, pistons of doom. my legs are pistons of doom.

The good thing is that my legs don't hurt. It was more the oxygen and racing heart that slowed me down. still, it felt really good. Even though I had to weave in between DOZENS of people, including rollerbladers HOLDING HANDS taking up the entire way, and children swordfighting with balloon swords and people who just didn't give a damn about where they walked or getting out of your way, I love the lake. and the blue expanse of sky and golden sunlight and I even love the effort it takes to bike and have my lungs scream for mercy.

because I won't be able to do this forever. and a few weeks ago I couldn't. so I am blessed to be able to bike today.

my watch

Let me start this post by stating outright that time has never been my friend. Perhaps I don't respect it enough, don't realize it's value, or just find almost everything else more important, or perhaps it just isn't on my side. I call wearing watches being "shackled to time," handcuffed to it's whims and bound to it's measurement of life. I've been criticized since kindergarten for being late, late, late! Detentions, demerits, lectures on the value of time and the disrespect shown to others when I am late, fights with friends, docked grades- all have, in 27 years, failed to teach me to respect time.

I should take a moment to state that I am, surprisingly and ridiculously and for the most part reliably on time for jobs and classes. Duly noted.

SO. One of the first things I did when I decided to do a triathlon, is buy a watch- a stopwatch, even. I know! And I even wore it every day. I know!

Have I been more on time since wearing a stopwatch every day? nah. In fact, I use it mostly to time how long public transportation or cabs take, or walking, or I time people walking by, or the I time the seconds between waves... I really like the stopwatch feature. It can turn almost anything into a game.

Of course it is also my lifeline during difficult runs, bikes, and swims. It told me exactly how much longer I needed to keep going, how much I had improved, and how much further I had to my goals. Many times in the cold of winter with 20 mph icy headwinds I would roll up my sleeve and desperately will my watch to tell me I was almost done with the run. If there was a camera on it, it would show my face in despair and pain during a difficult workout, in joy as I completed a lap faster than the one before, and in freeing bliss in the middle of a wild bike ride along the lake.

My watch became a constant friend on my wrist- a loyal witness to all my ups and downs. And, I took it off for the past three weeks. It's absence has been palpable, like a missing limb, and time has just flowed by, my body given a break from time to fight the virus, hours, days, weeks, blending into one.

Tomorrow, however, I will wear the watch again. The break is over; it is time to start training again. Tomorrow I start over.

on not exercising.

I can't begin to explain how frustrating not exercising is. I went to the pool at my apartment complex today and some guys were swimming and I wanted nothing more than to jump in a do a few laps myself... but was resigned to sit at the poolside and read. It was so frustrating I left after a few minutes. I used to break up my day with a run or bike along the lake and feel so much better after I got back that I could sit down and concentrate on the rest of my day. It was like the run or bike would empty my mind and body of all the thoughts jostling around and make room for creative ideas. Now the thoughts are just jostling around with no hope of being cleaned out. Exercise became a way to dust my mind off and fill me with ideas. And, oddly, it's really only in it's absence that I notice how important it became.

I'd love to just run outside and play some beach volleyball, badminton, kick a soccer ball around, throw a Frisbee, go hiking or camping, swim in the lake, run, bike, anything! When I can train again I'm going to do it with a vengeance to make up on this time missed.

ugh. patience.

Rainy day joys

I have an affinity for "bad" weather- summer storms, winter storms, rain, snow, sleet- makes me undeniably, ridiculously giddy.

maybe i could turn this into a mono blog

I was feeling great friday, but since then, haven't been able to get a whole lot of sleep. I can't sleep during the day- I can't fall asleep at night, and I am, consistently tired. And its not just the tired-from-lack-of-sleep (after all, i still get at least 8 hours a night)- its the body-fighting-virus exhaustion all over. And yet, my body won't sleep. go fig.

So, I've had enough. Either my body sleeps like it's supposed to, or I'm just going to go on with my daily activities (minus the exercise). Today I'm going to finish my website, do 5 loads of laundry, do the dishes, go grocery shopping, and dye my hair just because I am so bored and what do I do when I get bored? Dye my hair. This is the longest (about a year) that I've gone without dyeing my hair, so that's saying something.

My goodness even my blog is boring. Someone amuse me quick.

doldrums

So...... .... .... ......... .. ..... . having infectious mono is boring.

i could REALLY use a long bike ride.

Last week I had lots of fun complications with the mono involving my liver, which meant I spent part of my days and nights on the bathroom floor vomiting... tmi? Anyway, that fun is all over, and today is the first day I feel "normal". My tonsils no longer look like a drawing assignment on the manifestation of infectious mononucleosis, and I'm not super exhausted or nauseous. So, I walked to the bank today, which was pretty much the most exercise I have done in the past 3 weeks. I really want to walk to the lake right now but know better. It would probably be too much for one day.

A word on how I got mono- I have NO idea. I don't know anyone who has it, I haven't kissed anyone in months, and I am the ultimate germaphobe when it comes to sharing utensils and drinks. I blame public transportation.

Does anyone know if you can do situps with mono? I'm pretty sure my spleen isn't enlarged, but the doc did say no running for awhile in case of rupture. No more fist fighting either.

It's really something else to have your life completely stopped. And let's face it, I haven't hated it. I don't have to see people, I have so much time to think, and just exist. Also, I didn't go home, and there's some sort of confidence knowing that I can still fend for myself in the city even with mono. My roommates helped me out with groceries and my friend brought over chicken noodle soup, and went with me to one of my dr visits, but mostly, it's been me taking care of me. I feel strong. Like I could move to London all by myself and be OK.

I feel the need for an adventure. The need is like an itch. This idea of London is growing...

Anyway, as for the tri... I will try to do the Aug tri in Chicago, but I am concerned- I don't have much time to train- less than 2 months, and I'm not sure what the doctor would say. Sad times. I WILL get a tri in this year!!!! I WILL!! I'm sure those muscles I worked so hard for those past 4 months are still here somewhere....

this really sucks.

I have mono. So, no tri. more later, maybe. i'm pretty bummed right now.

(don't worry, i'll still do the chicago tri in august with TNT)

derailed

So Sara might have been right- went to the doctor today and got a blood test for mono. I should know later this week what's up. Had a fever of 101 all weekend, so... I did swim on Friday and run on Saturday. The doc today said I shouldn't run, in case of enlarged spleen, but swimming and biking are ok i guess. He said it just won't feel very good. Honestly, I just don't think exercising right now is the best idea. If I do have mono, I think it's pretty safe to say the Elkhart Tri is cancelled for me, and I will just focus on the Chicago Tri at the end of August (wherein I will do the olympic distance)

So, that all stinks. But what can you do.

I survived on tylenol this weekend, and enjoyed seeing a friend from NYC and going to a wedding at U of Chicago. I also made a new friend, who is going to bike with me. Guess I will focus now on fixing up some artwork and my website and making a few jewelry pieces, I guess! and my research... should probably work on that so I can be *officially* done with school forever.

Sunday Scrabble in the park

Photo credits: Sara E

Turns out Sara and Josy are formidable opponents- Pionek? not so much. :)

Headache has finally gone away, so going to try to do a bit of exercising this week- walked to Millenium park yesterday with friends and played scrabble and was EXHAUSTED afterward... whatever I had wiped me out, and I'm taking it as easy as I can today. Have a couple of long days ahead, so we'll see what gets done tri-wise. Hopefully bike today, swim tomorrow, run wed and bike thurs. Maybe try to get some bricks in (run+bike). I haven't done an intense brick yet, and everyone I talk to says they are the most important workout you can do before a tri, since the switch from biking to running feels really weird.

bring it!

worried

I am sick since Thursday with some sort of intense headache that hurts when i move my eyes- like blinking, or sudden movements. My neck also hurts when i move it, and my lymph nodes are swollen and tender to touch. I've been googling my symptoms all day yesterday, and i'm pretty sure it's not a migraine- even though i am nauseous, because I don't have sensitivity to light. It might be a sinus infection, but I don't have the fever, and my head isn't ridiculously stuffed. mysterious.

But, this means I haven't been training the past 3 days and i'm getting a little worried. I never, ever, intended to take time off from training for school, let alone then getting sick. I was just thinking the other day how amazing it has been that I haven't been sick all year- not even a cold, and chalked it up to exercising 6 days a week. I guess, maybe, since I stopped for 2 weeks, my defenses got weakened and now I'm sick? I dunno, but if the headache is still around on Monday I'm going to a doctor. I need to get back on track with training!!!!

this is all very discouraging, and I'm rather worried. rah.