Category Archives: sports

Random Thoughts About Iron Girl and Half Marathon Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
12

Iron Girl was a huge disappointment beginning with my race shirt.  I requested a size small, but it fit more like a youth large, which should have been my first clue that this race would have its challenges.

 

Our race packet instructed us to arrive at the Iron Girl remote parking lots where a shuttle service would bring us to the start line with the last trolley running at 6:15.  The morning of the race, my friends (Chrissy, Kathleen and I) arrived at the parking lot at 5:45 but we waited over an hour for a trolley. While waiting in line, we snapped a few photos to kill the time and that’s when I realized I had forgotten the memory card for my camera.  Although I was sad about my dilemma, I knew Jackie would be pleased that I would actually be running and not stopping for Kodak moments. (Just for the record, Jackie…I take photos while I run.  So there!)

 

When my friends and I finally arrived at the beach, we were told, “Two minutes until the start”.  Upon hearing that, Kathleen and I sprinted to the start line.  Although I desperately needed to pee, I just wanted to get to the race.  By the time we reached the start line, it was nearly 5 minutes into the race and I never got the chance to take my potty break.

 

When we reached the start line, the 5K runners were already lining up at the start.  Kathleen and I shoved our way through the 5K ladies to get to the chipped start.  Once we reached the start, an Iron Girl volunteer tried to stop us, but I yelled “We’re half runners!”  We didn’t wait for his approval and kept going.  Kathleen and I quickly caught up with the half marathon walkers and dodged our way through that frustrating obstacle course.  With all our weaving in and out, I eventually lost sight of Kathleen but I spotted the 3:00 pace group.

 

“Aw hell-to-the-no!”  I grunted to myself.  “I am NOT getting stuck behind the three hour pace group!”  I kept darting through the crowd and soon I reached the Clearwater Memorial Causeway.  Although I knew I should have slowed my pace to climb the steep hill, I just wanted to get past the walkers and get ahead of the crowd.

 

A gorgeous sunrise glowed as I came over the Clearwater Memorial Causeway and I wished I hadn’t forgotten my memory stick.  Once over the bridge, I spotted the 2:30 pace group and let out a sigh of relief.  I had caught up with peers close to my pace.  Feeling like I had finally made up for lost time, I now attempted to keep ahead of the2:30 pace group but I still needed to pee.

 

The night before, I studied the race course and knew there were water stations approximately every two miles with port-o-potties through the course.  What I didn’t take into account that this was a woman’s race and how there’s always a line to the ladies restroom except now I couldn’t sneak a squat in the men’s room.  There were plenty of trees along the race route but I have performance anxiety when it comes to peeing in public.  Prior to the race, I had joked with Chrissy about relieving myself while running and cleansing myself in the Gulf after the race, but that seemed less of a joke now.  So, I held it mile after mile until mile 7 when I couldn’t hold it any more.  At this particular potty, there were only two women waiting in line for a pair of port-o-lets and it was now or never.  When I exited the port-o-let, I saw the 2:30 pace group pass by.  I quickly gulped down two cups of water and chased after the pace group.

 

Again, I made up for lost time but it wasn’t easy for all the “hills” along the race route.  I had hoped for a more flat scenic view along the beach.  Instead we ran through a residential area with lots of hills and huge beautiful homes with waterfront views.  With each incline, I cussed myself out for not being more prepared and I should have anticipated “hills” from previous races through Clearwater, like the Turkey Trot.

 

Soon after mile 7, the Belleair Causeway came into sight and I called out, “Make it burn, ladies!”  No one was amused.  I decided to walk this hill out and have a Cliff Shot snack break when the 2:30 pace group passed me again.  Between the pace group passing and the sight of the enormous causeway, I felt defeated.  Once over the hill, I tried to get my groove back and catch up with the 2:30 pace group, but they only appeared further and further away with each step, like I was moving in slow motion or even backwards.  For the remainder of the race, the pace group sign became a mirage.

 

When we reached Gulf Blvd, I was exhausted and overheated and it was difficult to appreciate the flat course portion of the race.  However, as in any race, I did appreciate the volunteers (like the Girl Scouts) who handed us water and the spectators who cheered for us (like the blonde girls in yellow, the gentleman on a bike, the Coast Guard and the Firefighters).  One nice volunteer even offered to pour water on me to cool me down.  I really must have been a sad sight.

 

Around mile 10, I had one more hill to conquer: the Sand Key Bridge into Clearwater Beach.  I didn’t even try to run it and my legs and glutes showed their gratitude by not giving out before reaching the finish line.

 

When I reached the bottom of the bridge, I only had two miles remaining.  In a race, I typically conserve my energy for the end so I can pick up the pace to cross the finish line.  But this time, I didn’t have it in me and I just tried to finish with a smile.

 

Once I crossed the finish line, I heard the announcer shout, “Welcome home, Denise!”  Even though I didn’t make it under 2:30, it felt good to be home and to finish 39.3 miles before my 40th birthday.

 

Gun Time 2:34:57

Chip Time 2:31:27

Ave Pace 11:27

Max Pace

Div Place 206/331

Overall 933/1634

 

As for my friends, Jackie placed second in her division for the 5K (22:41 – a new PR for her) and received an Iron Girl pendant for her achievement.  Kathleen finished the half in 1:56:16 and Chrissy finished the 5K in 34:09.  All great accomplishments!

 

 

Three days later after Iron Girl, I’m still sore.  Climbing the stairs hurts.  My pelvic muscles are killing me and my ass…well some things are just better off not said.  Let’s just say that I’ve become good pals with a tube of Preparation H and Preparation wipes and I’ve been popping ibuprofen to reduce some of the pain.  After almost four years of running, this the first time I’ve ever had to take pain reliever after any race or had to deal with any ass issues.   I’m not sure if it had something to do with the “hills” or my postpartum out of shape body.  But then, I guess they don’t call it Iron Girl for nothing!

 

Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my races, it’s usually pretty random.

Tips to Tri

Posted on by Run DMT
1

Suncoast Running hosted an informative Tri Night on Tuesday evening for anyone considering competing in a triathlon this season.  All levels of triahtletes were welcomed, so I dragged my clumsy ass self to the workshop. That night, I took away some yummy Mix1 and great tips from Geoff of Suncoast Trailside Bicycles.

 

1. Position

  • A proper bike fit is essential.
  • Need to be comfortable.
  • Should have an easy bike to run transition.
  • Comfort + Efficiency  = Speed

 

2. Training

  • Use every minute to the best of your ability
  • Train your weakest area the hardest.
  • Cycling can set you apart
  • Attend a Master’s Swim class.
  • Practice transition.

 

3. FocusSuncoast Trailside Bicycles

  • Pay attention and be really aware of your surroundings, even on a trail.
  • No time to be nervous.
  • If you’re full of anxiety, then you’re not ready.
  • Know where your bike is racked. Count the steps to your bike and memorize it.

 

After competing in a few sprint triathlons, these tips may seem like common sense.  For me, I need to hear it out loud to drill it into in my head.  After the workshop, I made a commitment to get over my fear of falling off my bike, get back on my bike and really, truly train for another sprint triathlon.  Now, I just need to register for one.

 

Pasco Challenge Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
12

It had been nearly two years since I last ran the Pasco Challenge half-marathon and given my latest slow and steady average pace of 11:00, there was no way I was even going to come close to finishing like I did two years ago.

 

It had also been nearly two years since I ran on the Starkey Trail and I had forgotten how lonely that trail can be.  Don’t get me wrong.  If you love nature and being outdoors, it’s a gorgeous trail to hike, bike or run.  But for a people person like me, it was a long lonely 13.1 miles and the deer were not interested in any chat-chit.  There were long stretches were I didn’t see another soul for miles.

 

 

 

Although I spent most of the race isolated from the world surrounded by flatwoods and swamp, the start of the race was quite congested.  All races (5K, 10K, half-marathon, Bicycle Tour, 50K Bicycle Tour, 100K Bicycle) started at the same time.  Pacing and chatting my friends, Chrissy and Faith, distracted me from crowd of people at the start.

 

 

 

 

Once Faith and Chrissy hit their turn around point, I picked up my pace a bit and began running about 9:30 for the next few miles as I held on tight to my water bottle.  I worried that water stations would run out of water like they did two years ago.  Plus, I wasn’t sure about the distance between the water stations.  My water bottle became my Wilson.  I felt safe and just holding it in my hand kept me hydrated.

 

Just before the 10K turn around, I saw Scott of Suncoast Running and Jackie fly by.  At that pace, it was no surprise that Jackie placed third overall for the Women’s 10K.

 

 

Like billboards along the highway, I began noticing other half-marathoners heading back to the finish line and I knew the turnaround for the half marathon was near.  Tim of Suncoast Running and Victoria of the Suncoast Striders were in the lead.  I smiled and cheered on each athlete as they passed, but I envied their speed as I trotted along at my tortoise pace.  Someday I’ll be somewhat fast again.

 

 

After another long lonely haul, I finally reached the half marathon turnaround at the end of the trail.

 

 

This year, the race organizers didn’t have us run a short distance on the Suncoast Trail.  At the time, I didn’t think much of it because I was glad to be halfway through the race.  I was also too consumed with taking photographs and sucking down a vanilla Cliff shot.

 

 

At that point, I finished off the last drop of my water bottle and at the mile 8 water station, I said good-bye to Sam (my Wilson I cleverly named after his Sams Choice water bottle label).  I traded my trash (Sam and a Cliff Shot) for two cups of water.

 

Close to the 11 mile mark, I realized why the race route didn’t include the Suncoast Trail.  The organizers selected a quarter mile path adjacent to the trail which led to a maintenance shed.  Along that quarter path, I felt part of a race again as I spotted runners ahead of me and behind me.  Smiles tried to mask our tired and frustrated faces.  So grateful to see other human beings and to keep our spirits up, we tried to engage in short cheerful casual conversations as we passed each other.

 

 

 

 

 

Only 2 more miles became my motivation to get through the rest of the race.  I was DONE.  My legs, hamstrings and quads were sore.  I started chaffing on the inside of my arms.  Why did I think running two half marathons two weeks apart was a good idea?  I’m not doing this race by myself again. Maybe I’ll do the 10K by myself but that’s it!

 

And for the rest of the race, I started to sing like Donkey from Shrek to keep my spirits up and to scare away the gators and snakes. ‘Cause I’m all alooooone.  There’s no one here beside me.

 

As approached the finish line, I spotted my family and I felt such elation to be finished and in the company of people again.  At that moment, I also realized the importance of spectators at a race and how they motivate me to keep moving.

 

 

But for me, it’s really all about the cowbells.  I gotta have more cowbell in a race.  I gotta a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell.

 

 

And of course, you gotta have frieeeeends.

 

 

Moral of the story: Avoid running two half marathons so close together and don’t run the Pasco Challenge half marathon unless someone runs it with you.

 

Pasco Challenge Half Marathon

March 12, 2011

Bib # 606

Clock Time 2:40:19

Chip Time 2:39:08

Female Age Div 6/7

OA Place 69/77

Gasparilla Half Marathon Recap

Posted on by Run DMT
13

The start of the race was pretty warm (close to 60 degrees), but the energy and excitement of all the runners made the event even hotter.  Perhaps I’ve been out the half marathon loop for awhile but I don’t remember such enthusiasm in a race outside of Disney.  Maybe it’s because it’s our hometown race and it was truly a magnificent morning for a run.

 

My favorite part of any Gasparilla race is always watching the sunrise over Tampa Bay.  You don’t even have to be runner to appreciate such a sight and watching a sunrise should be on your bucket list (if you have one).  I’m just thankful that I love a hobby that offers an opportunity to bask in such beauty.

 

 

 

 

As for the race, I crossed the start line seven minutes into it.  I paced for the first few miles with @BigBadEd and a lovely young lady, Briana, running her first half marathon.  After our pit stop at a water station, I lost the two of them in the crowd and I was on my own for awhile.

 

 

The hordes of high school track and field teams cheering on the runners kept everyone’s momentum high.  Their smiles and spirit made that long stretch along Bayshore Blvd bearable.  My favorite team was Plant City High School because they had spirit…yes, they did!

 

 

When you’re running for miles and miles, you can’t help but notice other runners’ attire.  This race was no different except that this time, I happened to recognize the running dresses of some fellow Suncoast Striders.  Once I spotted Karen and Regina in their fancy running dresses, I paced with them for a few miles.  It was so great to catch up with them.  I miss running with my Strider friends.  But after the turn on Bayshore Blvd, I lost them too.  You would think their floral outfits would make them easy to find in the crowd, but not for my mama brain! Or should I blame it on the heat?

 

 

Speaking of the heat, there were several sprinklers to cool us off at the water stations along Bayshore Blvd.  I’m sure those sprinklers added time onto my finish time, because I always walked slowly through those sprinklers.  A couple of times I even stopped to soak in the spray a little while longer because it felt so refreshing!

 

 

With Karen and Regina in the race, I knew David (our fearless Strider leader) would be somewhere cheering on the runners, but somehow I missed my cheering section at the bottom of the Davis Island Bridge.  I did happen to spot a funny sign that read, “Your feet hurt because you’re kicking so much booty right now!

 

 

Around mile 11, my knee buckled which incidentally is the SAME SPOT where my knee buckled during the Gasparilla marathon two years ago.  My t-bands started to ache and I walked for a few minutes, but the walk was more of a wobble with a limp.  I needed to stop and stretch my calves and shins, because usually for me a knee issue means my calves/shins are feeling overworked.   Whatever the reason for the pain, I just hoped I could finish the last two miles running.

 

On the way back into Downtown Tampa passing the Davis Island Bridge once again, I realized it’s my friend, Melanie, holding the sign that made me smile and she’s standing next to none other than David, who’s taking photos.  Even though I was focused on my knee and finishing around 2:30, I still managed to smile and wave to the Strider gang.

 

 

Once passing the Striders, I spotted what I thought was the finish line, and I started to run harder.  Much to my dismay, it was the start line.  DOH! But somehow I found the energy to keep running strong for the next quarter mile.

 

I suppose seeing my fellow Striders close to the finish line inspired me to finish strong and ignore my knee.  Or maybe it was the thought that my family would be waiting for me at the finish line.  I wanted to show my girls that no matter what, no matter how you get there or how long it takes you, it feels really great crossing a finish line and achieving your goals.

 

 

My goal was to finish at 2:30.  Close enough.

 

 

Bib # 25004

Clock Time 2:38:20

Chip Time 2:31:18

Overall 3849/4818

Sex 1843/2498

Div 367

Age 45%

 

 

Move Over Venus and Serena

Posted on by Run DMT
5

For about three months now, Allana and Emmalynn have been taking tennis lessons and they are throughly enjoying it.  They’re such naturals at the sport!

 

 

 

Coach Ty makes the class fun by playing games to teach techniques instead of boring drills. Plus, he is so patient with the kids.  The girls just love Coach Ty.

 

 

 

Unfortunately, temperatures and session prices are rising and I don’t think we I can handle either.  I need to stay as cool as possible this summer in more ways than one.  Typically, we have a pretty tight budget to survive the summer months, but with a new baby on the way, the purse strings will be pulled even tighter.

 

So maybe in the fall we’ll start lessons again.  But then there’s always soccer.  We’ll see.

 

 

 

PhotoStory Friday
Hosted by Cecilyand Loli

Photobucket

Our Looney Longleaf

Posted on by Run DMT
5

Having always wanted to compete in a long distance triathlon relay, my friends and I assembled our relay team months ago for Sunday’s Longleaf International Relay (0.9 mile swim, 23 mile bike, 6.2 mile run).  Allan, our swimmer, swam miles each day in the pool to finish close to 20 minutes. 

 

 

I tortured myself with speed drills.  I constantly tried to run between 8:30-9:00 minute miles to finish under 54:00.  My Race for the Cure performance indicated that I had my work cut out for me.

 

Our cyclist, Julie, battled a hip injury which prevented her from reaching any distance higher than 12 miles and she felt like she would be the weakest link in our team.

 

 

Since the three of us love the movie Old School, we selected the team name We’re Going Streaking with streak offering such a great play on words.  After all, we hoped to move at lightning speed.  Other great names thrown into the mix included Average Joes, Strategery, Pager-Friendly, Wolf Pack, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, That’s What She Said, Shake-N-Bake, and Tri Us.

 

Days before the event, Julie decided not to compete.  Between her hip, issues with her bike and some personal matters, she didn’t feel prepared to cycle 23 miles.  In the last minute, our friend, Mike, filled her shoes. 

 

 

 

Going into the competition, we weren’t quite sure how the relay/transition thing would work.  Then, the morning of the event, we learned how to transition between legs.  We were to pass our electronic ankle chip like a baton, which seemed simple enough.

 

The temperature Sunday morning dropped to 49 degrees and the winds began blow.  Poor Allan froze for 45 minutes waiting to enter the water.  The swim was seeded with men leading, then women and then relay.  As a mixed relay team, we were pushed even further down the line, however, being a strong swimmer, Allan quickly found himself at the front of the pack. 

 

 

Unfortunately,  another swimmer grabbed his ankle and pulled off his chip.  Thankfully, his wife snapped numerous pictures and his performance was digitally recorded by Cathy.  Although we estimated that Allan finish in 14:50, our relay team would not make the official roster.

 

 

As Allan ran into transition, we learned about his lost chip, but the show must go on!  Chipless Mike bolted out of transition to begin his 24 mile ride.  He hoped to finish it in 1:15, but he faced some strong head winds which added a minute onto his time (1:16).  As I waited in transition, I chatted with Andrea (a fellow Strider competing in the Sprint Relay) and I worried about the winds affecting my performance. 

 

Once Mike arrived back in transition, I took off and passed my family who cheered for me as I began my journey.   From the very start of my 6.2 mile run, I struggled with the fierce winds and I couldn’t move any faster than 9:30.  Faced with only our second cold snap of the season, I don’t think my body was prepared enough to face the cooler weather.  My lungs hurt and I could feel an asthma attack building.

 

At mile 3, the route turned and finally the wind was behind me.  My pace picked up to 8:30, but I knew I couldn’t shave any minutes off my time.  Around mile 5, Larisa and several other Striders formed a cheering squad on David and Karen’s front porch and cheered for me as I ran past.  It always feels good to have friends and family rooting for you or even honk for you as they leave the race.

 

During the last half mile, I passed Andrea strolling back to David’s house for the post-race party.  She had finished her 5K in record speed (20:26) and made it back to cheer for her fellow Striders.  Hearing the kudos from such great runners like Andrea really helped put some pep in my step.

 

As I turned the final corner to the finish line, I found my family cheering for me once again.  With Cathy’s mad photography skills, she snapped a photo of me crossing the finish line with our “unofficial” finish time.  My Garmin clocked 57:02 for my 10K run. 

 

 

After crossing the finish line, I had an asthma attack and needed my rescue inhaler.  With the relatively cold winds and whatever grass/weed the wind blew triggered an attack.

 

Despite all our hurdles, we had a great time competing in the relay and we can’t wait to do it again.

I Didn’t Tri

Posted on by Run DMT
9

I haven’t run since last Friday.  Every day, I wake up and evaluate my rib situation.  There’s been some improvement, but still some tenderness.  Occasionally, when I sneeze or cough, I’ll feel tightness in my side.  Oddly, driving my car causes some discomfort. 

 

Then, while hanging some laundry in the closets yesterday, I felt a new pain as I pushed the clothes to one side and at that moment, I decided not do the Faces of Courage triathlon on Saturday.  I figured if I couldn’t push without causing myself some pain, then how could I swim?  How can I run if taking deep breaths hurt?

 

My wonderful husband brought my bike to the local bike shop for a tune-up and to repair my handlebars.  Once my bike was good as new again, Allan suggested I go for a test ride or run to determine if I could attempt the tri, but I was too nervous and thought I would cause more damage to myself.  What if a decent dismount caused me more pain?  In the end (late Friday evening), I opted out of the event.  The most upsetting part for me is the “no show” results that will appear in my active account.  Spoken like a true athlete, right?  LOL

 

I don’t think any athlete likes to rest even though we know it’s the best medicine to heal an injury.  I’ve been anxiously sitting around the house and all this nervous energy is building. I can’t wait to hit the pavement again.  Hopefully, tomorrow I can attempt a couple of miles.  *Fingers crossed*

 

From all of this, I have learned a great lesson.  From here on out, I will only ride my bike on the trail.  My friend, Chrissy, wants to ride with me during the week once school starts and I will ride with her hubby’s bike group once in awhile on the weekends.  Safety in numbers ;-)

 

On a side note, I came across this funny t-shirt design from I Do That!  This is so me.

 

Bruised Body and Spirit

Posted on by Run DMT
18

This week has been a terrible week for training.  My DH changed his schedule around and started leaving for work earlier a couple times a week.  That combined with my laziness and the heat has made it way too easy to loose my motivation. 

 

Finally on Thursday, I found the motivation to get out the door for a quick run before Allan left for work.  It was a decent run despite the heat, but I crossed paths with a cottonmouth in the road which I think motivated me to run a bit faster.

 

 4 miles

Time 40:11

Pace 10:02

 

Knowing I needed to get at least some tri training in this week, I decided to run and bike today.  I’ve been doing a lot better on the bike.  My balance is improving and I can dismount without falling on my ass, which is always a bonus.

 

Once again, the heat made the 3 mile run tough.  With the unbearable heat and humidity, even my eyelids were sweating.

3 miles

Time 30:31

Pace 9:49

 

After an extended Gatorade and water break transition, I hopped on my bike for a 10.5 mile.  However, I think the heat has made people drive like lunatics.  Or is there a full moon?

 

On 4 different occasions, I nearly became road kill today.  First, when I exited my neighborhood, a commercial van flew passed me scaring the tar out of me.  Whenever I see commercial vans driving like idiots, I make a mental note to never use their services.

 

After about 5 miles into my ride, I was making pretty good time.  Then, a mini-van backed out of her drive without looking and nearly hit me.  I swerved out of the way by hopping on the sidewalk.  That’s when I noticed the “Baby on Board” sign in the rear view mirror.  Great.  So, she can drive a jackhole and run others over because she has a baby in the car.

 

The mini-van passed me, but eventually slowed down when a cement mixer began to reverse in the road.  When the cement mixer spotted the mini-van, he let her pass, but I guess he didn’t see me behind Miss Mini-Van.  When she passed him, he proceeded to back up again and I had to swerve out of the way by hopping on the sidewalk again.

 

I should have taken these all as signs to call it quits, but I continued pedaling.  Then, a pick-up truck backed out his driveway without looking and nearly hit me.  Once again, I swerved onto the sidewalk to avoid getting hit, but this time I hit the curb.  I flew off my bike, landed on my knee and shoulder and rolled slamming my face into the concrete.  It happened so fast that I honestly do not remember the sequence of events, but the results of the crash are evident on my right cheek, right knee and right shoulder.

 

I was pissed MAD!  The crash caused my handlebars to bend and twist out of alignment.  My body ached.  Feeling like my training had been crushed due to almost being squashed, I had no choice to hop on my bike and head home.

 

A lady in a SUV witnessed my accident and stopped to offer assistance.  Thinking back, I should have asked to borrow her phone and called Allan to come get me, but I was so mad and in shock that I couldn’t think clearly.  Instead, I pedaled home on bike with crooked handlebars.

7. 51 miles

Time 34:10

Speed 13.2

 

 Once back home about a half hour after my spill, I had the worst headache and my vision went funny.  There appeared to be a blurry or hazing in my peripheral vision.  I took some Tylenol and called my doctor to see if I need emergency care.  While on hold with the doctor’s office, the headache and my vision disappeared, so I never went to the doctor but I took it easy for the rest of the day.  Later in the day, I began to feel a pain near my ribs, which I assume is a bruised rib.   

 

Allan suggested I bike the trail near our house, but the psycho cyclists on the trail scare me.  I think they may hurt me worse than an idiot driver.  Allan also thinks that it may be time to abandon the biking thing.  Running is definitely my strongest sport.

Finding My Courage (But If I Only Had a Brain)

Posted on by Run DMT
15

A few months ago, I registered for a local triathlon, Faces of Courage, but even with the date of this triathlon drawing closer and closer, I have been avoiding my bike.  If you are a loyal reader, you will remember some of dismount issues here and here and here. 

 

On Wednesday morning, with the date of the event only a few weeks away, I decided to stop procrastinating and finally ride my bike.  My goal was 10 miles.

 

I started the first five miles with record speed for me: 12 mph.  I zoomed around the neighborhood.  I impressed myself with how I maneuvered and circled the cal-de-sacs.  It seems my balance has improved.  Maybe the time off the bike did me some good?

 

Then, I hit a dead-end, figuratively and literally.  Lacking the ability to circle square corners of a dead end street, I attempted to dismount and turn around.  “Just hop off”, I told myself, which seemed like a pretty good plan.  Like a bad slapstick comedy, I hopped off the seat and landed in the center of the bar. 

 

Feel free to cringe at the thought, but be warned before you continue reading.  Viewer discretion is advised.  The following segment contains graphic description and girlie parts.

 

 

When I landed on the bar, I slammed my pelvic bone, which of course, caused excruciating pain.  But apparently, I also slid across the bar, because I tore my…eh hem…*cough*…well, let’s just say I tore stuff that should only be ripped during childbirth.

 

In agony for the rest of the ride, I tried to push the pedals but the pain slowed down my pace quite a bit.  The upside to my dumb dismount: I properly dismounted when I finished my ten miles and managed not to fall over.  Unfortunately, my labia lesions made it difficult to push out some push-ups for yesterday’s challenge, but I did it.

10.07 miles

Time 42:53

Pace 14.1 mph

 

This morning, I was still sore from my injury and unable to run.  I am feeling a little bit better this evening, so hopefully I can run at least 3 miles tomorrow.

Pushing the Limits Push-up Challenge

Posted on by Run DMT
30

As I push closer to forty, I worry if my arms tell my true age.  Do my saggy arms greet others before I actually wave hello? 

 

Well, it’s time to say GOOD RIDDANCE to jelly arms! 

 

In our quest to be hip and fit moms, Running Betty and Run DMT have teamed up to present our readers with the ultimate challenge.  During the month of July, we’re pushing the limits with our push-up challenge.  Our goal: 100 push-ups before the end of July.

 

With help of hundredpushups.com, this goal can be  painfully easily achieved.

 

From hundredpushups.com

Push ups are one of the basic and most common exercises for the human body. Push ups are not only great for your chest, but do a tremendous job of defining your abs, triceps, shoulders and torso.  Your core strength will also go through the roof too!

 

Hundredpushups.com offers a week-by-week plan to help make this an attainable goal.  Commit to 30 minutes three days a week and you will be on your way to one lean mean, hot momma machine.

 

Are you up for the challenge?  If so, drop and give me twenty ten five two and sign your name in blood Mr. Linky to commit to the challenge.  Also, add a comment to this post with your link so other readers can visit your blog and support you through out the challenge.

 

We would love for you to help spread the word about our “Pushing the Limits Challenge” by sharing it with your readers.   Add our “Pushing the Limits” bloggie button to your site and link back here.

 

 

 

 

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<img src=”images/pushups” height=”102″width=”207″ border=”1″ alt=”Pushing the Limits July 2009″></a>
”Pushing
 

Feel free to tweet about it, too!  Pushing the Limits- 100 Push-ups by 7/31 http://tiny.cc/Fnls0 @denisermt @rafdarrow #100pushups