News

As you can see, things have changed around here a bit. I've sorted things into catagories (it was only a matter of time) so you can read what interests you. Just click on the topic to left. Please, please, please check out the new FAQ's section. It's got all sorts of info about what I'm doing and why. I really want you read the question on how you can help me fundraising, even if you've already donated. I really want to beat my goal of $2900 but can't do it alone! That's it on the news. Now, go, click something and read it!

A new love affair

I love my bike. Simple as that. Isn't she lovely? I haven't come up with a name yet. For now we're just getting to know each other. It's going to be short process since I felt immediately attached to the bike as soon as I clipped in.
It's a rare occurance when you feel superbly at peace and comfortable with what you're doing. That's how I feel every time I ride. It's the Junge blood, it's built into our genetic make up.
The world is perfectly clear when I'm on my bike. I'm right where I'm supposed to be at the moment.

What makes her so special? Check out the specs at the end of the post; not bad for an entry like road bike.

I had clipless peddles installed to be more efficient. It's got a cute little computer to keep track of everything. When I recommit (April 4) I'm going to buy areobars.

I love my bike.

Frame	Specialized A1 Premium aluminum, (Designed for Women geometry
Fork	Specialized, carbon w/aluminum steerer
Rims/Wheels	Alex S500
Hubs	Specialized, forged-aluminum
Spokes	14-gauge stainless-steel
Tires	Specialized All Condition Sport, 700 x 23c
Crankset	Sugino Comp
Chainwheel	50/42/30
Front Derailleur	Shimano Sora
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Tiagra
Rear Cogs	SRAM PG-950, 9-speed: 11-28
Shifters	Shimano Sora
Handlebars	Specialized Zertz Women's Comp
Tape/Grips	Specialized Body Geometry Bar Phat, cork
Stem	Specialized Comp-Set, aluminum
Brake Levers	Shimano Sora
Brakes	Ultralight, dual-pivot
Pedals	Composite w/clips and straps
Saddle	Specialized Lithia Women's
Seat Post	Specialized, carbon

Not bad at for an entry level bike.

Honor Teammate Picnic

Just a quick blurb on this right now. I'll add more when I'm more awake.
A couple of weeks ago we had our Honored Teammate Picnic where we met our official honored teammates (people who have been affected by a blood cancer) and those of individual participants.
People took turns telling about their experience and what brought them to TNT. The stories talked about everything from a woman who's been a survivor for 26 years to a young father who died within 3 weeks of diagnosis.
I'd been doing this training to get in shape and push my physical limits. I wanted to accomplish something big in it. At the picnic it stopped being about me. It's about the horrible things people have dealt with as they watch family members deal with a blood cancer. The remissions, reoccurances, miracles, and devastation.

This day made me increase my personal $$ goal from $2900 to over $4000. TNT is aiming for the $1 billion dollar mark this year. I'm going to help them accomplish that. Every dollar does something.

At least my swim cap is cute

I still don't like swimming. I feel watery and seasick when I drag myself out of the pool. Ugh. Not to mention the breathing issue. I'm concerned how I'm going to manage that at the race. Currently I feel like I can't get a good breath after a couple of laps. They tell us to flip on our backs until we're breathing normally again but that's not working. The only way I can get a good intake is by getting my chest out of the water. The river in Philly isn't going to be kind of to offer ledges for me to do that.

We had a stroke clinic last Thursday (not that kind of a stroke, nor that kind of a clinic). It helped to see someone who knew what she was doing show us what it's supposed to look like. I always visualize myself as I'm swimming but without a comparison it's a mute observation.
It helps, now, to "see" what I'm doing but I still don't have the body position right. I'm either arching my back too much so my rear is sticking out or I'm dragging my legs through the water.
What is the adjustment I need to make? I know it's something simple but I don't know what it is.

For now, I'll just keep drudging to the pool and working on one aspect at a time. Got any tips?

Training is, well, here.

Training is going “swimmingly”! (Sorry) We’ve started having two workouts a day, either swim/run or bike/strength. That's one in the morning, and one after work.

It has been tough getting my body adjusted to the changes. I had some wooziness issues the past couple of workouts that I’ve been trying to get to the bottom of…come to find out that I haven’t changed my eat habits at all! I was eating healthily enough, no burgers or candy bars. But I was eating the same as when I was trying to lose weight. I stopped counting calories a while ago, but made my habits while I still was, so I’m stuck in the mindset of small portions and little snacking. 1300-1500 calories does not support 2 hours of training a day, 6 days a week! It’s been hard to eat more... My mom’s helping by sending cookies from her bakery.

Outside of that, everything is coming along quite well. I’m finally starting to get the hang of good swimming technique and god knows I’d ride my bike forever if there were a long enough trail. Running is slipping a little behind progress-wise. I love to run, but I’ve been so caught up in swimming and my new baby – er, bike – that I haven’t been paying it the right attention. At least I finally got a pair of shoes that don’t kill my legs.

I don’t always look forward to individual workouts, but I can’t wait to see the results when I do them. Case in point: my pants are a little more snug around the thigh...