Show 20 is Coming!!

Hey guys. The In Transit Show #20 is coming in the next few days. Be sure and check out our last show for the time being. You can download it from iTunes or click on our website: www.intransitduo.com. Catch ya later!

I've Turned Into a Squeek Toy!

Here it is, just about four and a half weeks until my half marathon and I’ve come down with laryngitis. I’ve been sick for a little over a week now but I’m improving. I lost my voice around Friday of last week and have been slowly getting it back… very slowly. I turned into a squeek toy for the better part of 4 days. And as you probably could guess, I’m not a very silent person so that’s very difficult for me. As far as training goes, I haven’t ran in about a week. I’m missing it and ready to get back in gear. Yesterday I slowly jogged to my car and I was coughing and out of breath… it was a mere 30 yards from my door. So I might be in trouble. It’s definitely not the time to get out of my training regimen. This is GO TIME and I’ve been sitting on my couch totally thankful for my membership at Blockbuster. Uggg! I think I’m going to give it one more day and be back to my training schedule on Monday. I’m just going to take it easy.

Aside from my illness and lack of training, the weather has been quite atrocious. But as I’ve mentioned before I LOVE running in the weird, awful weather for some reason. I think I’ll be taking that off the list for a week or two though and sticking to the indoor running. I’m not too sure that my lungs can take it. Alas, I carry on… getting back on track and hopefully on my way to more successful running in the upcoming week. Wish me luck.

Here is my schedule for the upcoming week.

Monday--3 miles
Tuesday--3 miles and weights
Wednesday--6 miles
Thursday--3 miles
Friday--Ball exercises
Saturday--12 miles
Sunday--I want to squeeze in a bike ride but who knows with this weather. We'll see.

Okay, I'm off.

Holiday Training

We have exactly ONE week until Christmas. Can you believe it?? Well everyone knows this time of year is the season when training becomes it's most burdensome. I, for one, have been on that track until recently. Last week’s training went pretty well; no real nerve issues to speak of, which is always a bonus in my world. I have a short week at work this week which is really nice, so I should be able to squeeze in an extra long run on Friday. My schedule, once again, is pretty easy this week. I didn’t manage to get to the gym on Sunday for spin, but I did frolic around the park and play Frisbee. It wasn’t quite the exercise I was looking for, but it sure was fun.

As many of you already know, I have recently moved to Plano. Luckily I live in a super neighborhood with TONS of sidewalks and parks, so I can plan all kinds of different routes for training. My recent favorite route makes a perfect rectangle about 1.45 miles in distance. Depending on the day, I take that a few times around and I’m good to go. It’s a nice run, especially since the trees are all lit with Christmas lights along the way.

When I first started running long distance, I “learned” to run in the very cold temperatures, so for some reason, I LOVE to do that. However it hasn’t been too chilly here. It’s been one extreme or the other. Today was bloody hot! Can you imagine, one week before Christmas and its mid 80’s outside. Something is wrong with that!! Anyway, no complaints… all is good.

Lastly, thanks to those of you who have sent me information on yoga. It’s been very helpful. Please keep the advice coming!

Once again, pretty easy week ahead, here’s the schedule:

M: off run, back stretches, ball exercises.
T: 3 miles and stretches
W: 3 miles and weights
R: 3 miles and stretches
F: (normally I would be off, but since I’m on vacation) 6 miles and back stretches
S: ball exercises and cross training with weights
U: 7 miles and stretches

Oh, and one more thing! For those who listen to "In Transit", the next show should be coming out in the next couple of days.

Yikes! It's Been a While

Okay, okay... sorry folks. I've been neglecting my blog haven't I? Well, the good news is that I have been getting ready for my next big race coming up in February, so let me tell you all about it. I will be running the Austin Half Marathon with several other triathlete friends of mine and I'm stoked about it!! If anyone wants to meet up with us there, please feel free to contact me and I'll get you our information. It's going to be a BLAST!

So I have lots of news. First, the City of Rome Marathon has been taken off the list of possibilities to run this season. Cara, my friend and podcast partner, has moved to Connecticut and won't be able to get that time off of work, so we have chosen another marathon in the states where it's more conducive to our schedules. Ladies and gentlemen, I announce to you, God willing and health intact, that I will be running the Charlottesville, Virginia Marathon 2007. YEA!!! And though Cara has moved to CT, we will still be doing the show. Luckily for us, the wonderful world of technology has provided us with a means to record over the net. It's really amazing actually. I just love electronics. Speaking of, and total side-note, have you ever been to a Frye's?? Oh my goodness, that place is amazing! Every single electronic you could ever imagine in ONE store the size of a Super Wal-Mart. But I digress...

Anyway, here's a little of what I've been up to since my last entry a month and a half ago. My new job is going really well, thankfully. And since I now live so close to my job, I have much more time to train. GREAT BIG YEA!! And I have been consistently running but I haven't been following the plan (Hal Higdon's) like I should. I haven't been increasing my miles as much as I should, so I've already fallen behind on my schedule. I just need to get in gear and buckle down to my plan. GRRR!!!!!

AND! Guess what?!?! You're not going to believe this. I have a person who said they would coach me with swimming! Yes, Yes, I know you're probably dying right now.... well, maybe not, but I surely am excited. I mean, I hate it still, but at least this way, I might get better and I might start liking it. So I'm pumped. But I won't start that until probably March or so.

Okay, man, so much news! I started seeing a wellness coach on Wednesday mornings and she helps me with stretching and upper body strengthening. The stretching is a therapeutic tool for my back, which is still having frequent painful episodes. But I think if I stick to my stretching exercises, then I will improve.... well, I'm hoping anyway. I am just going to listen to my body and see what it tells me. If I have to stop running, I have to stop running. I've come to face that fact. It's not pretty, but it's there, so I have to recognize it. Alas, I continue on in the meantime. My wellness coach has also suggested that I do yoga daily for 15 minutes. So I'm looking for any advice on yoga DVD's if anyone has any to suggest, please let me know. And keep in mind that I am a beginner, so nothin' too fancy-shmancy!

Again, sorry for such a long delay in posting but I've just been crazy lately! Please keep in touch via phone or email. And I assure you, I'll keep you posted on my training.

This week's schedule is pretty easy:
M--off running, back stretches
T--3 miles, back stretches, and ball exercises
W--3 miles, back stretches
R--3 miles, back stretches
F--off running, back stretches
S--6 miles, back stretches, and ball exercises
U--cross train (think I'm going to spin at the gym for an hour and do my ball exercises).

My new pump up music is TECHNO, baby!! Classical music made into techno is the most amazing running music because it's got such an amazing beat, you feel like you're soaring with every step. I love it! Okay, okay... I'm done. Catch ya in a few days! PHEW... that was a workout!

Cheetah... well, kind of...

Well training for my marathon is coming along slowly it seems. For those of you who don't know, I have nerve issue in my back caused by scoliosis. It's slowing me some this season but I'm keeping my spirits up! I offically have 5 months and a little over a week until my marathon of choice (City of Rome Marathon). That should be enough time to get into the swing of things again.

I feel extremely lucky to be surrounded and encouraged by real athletes! Some folks who are embarking on one of the biggest challenges of their life and others who are just starting out in the world of athletics. Both groups, elite and beginners, are equally encouraging. Through the tricast that Cara and I produce, I have met so many people who honestly make my training life a lot easier. So, here's to you! If you're reading this, you're more than likely one who keeps me running through the pain and keeps a smile on my face as I jam out to my latest tunes on my MP3.

Today in my earbuds, I listened to Aerosmith! How can you not love this sport?!?! I'm about to really bump up the miles in the next couple of weeks hopefully, so I'll keep you posted on how things are going.

Cheers

Voicemails

Hey everyone! Don't forget to give us a call if you listen to the show or read my blog! Cara and I would love to hear about your training, race results, or your life in general. Keep the world posted on what you're up to these days! Drop us a voicemail and say hello. You can reach us at 920.482. 4822.

Marathon Season... I Love You...

That's right folks! Brush off your running shoes and hit the pavement. It's September again and we all know what that means!! Marathon Season!! Marathon season is my favorite time of year. It's Fall, the weather is beautiful, and it's a wonderful close to Triathlon season (and a welcome thought to steer clear of the pool for a while).

I've mentioned before about my scoliosis resulting in some nerve damage in my back. Last week was pretty bad for me and I couldn't do to much working out. Conversely, this week has been awesome!! Since it is September, I have started my long distance training for running. Last night I ran 4.5 miles, which isn't too far, but I felt like running more than the required 3. I'm using Hal Higdon's 18 week marathon training plan this year. It seems very similar to the plan I've used in the past so I think it will be useful. I'm extending the plan to 21 weeks since I like to take it easy around Christmas and I am planning the marathon to be in March rather than February. I haven't settled on a marathon yet though and have been considering many. I just can't decide. If you have any suggestions, let me know. I want a fast course!

This week I have the "Underground In Transit Triathlon". I'm super excited about that; it should be fun and very casual. If you're interested in knowing more about that, CLICK HERE!!

Okay, I'm off...