Happenings and "travelling CD" winner

It's a busy time of the year for me, not because it is Christmas - we do that really small - but because of work. My schedule will change starting January 1st as I will have to work more outside of my home, which means less training flexibility. So, I am trying to build up a nice cushion of clinical hours so that I can relax a bit when training hours are going to go up before my HIM. What does this means?

* I had my first night run (easy 10 miler) with a headlamp - 8 to 9:10ish pm. Loved it. I thought I would be scared and lonely, but there were other runners and bikers (glad to know I am not the only crazy person!), and I got caught up on NPR podcasts. I was super tired after 10+ hours of work and wanted time with Petru as well, and by the time he went to bed I just felt like hopping on my bike for some trash TV, rather than go out in the cold for a run. But, I felt amazing once I got going. I might make night running a habit...it works for me!

* I finished my bike fit today. There was some drama with the fit, but we figured it out and finalized it today. Let me just say that: 1) the fit took about 5 hours total (2.5x2 sessions), 2) he measured angles and points in space, and lots of other things that I do not get but that took a lot of time, 3) he corrected my pedal stroke, 4) he corrected my back position, 5) he explained so many fit/position things that really increased my understanding as to why a tri bike is superior to a road bike, how to ride a tri bike, and why simply putting aero bars on a road bike can lead to injury. On top of it all, I had a blast with Jay and Ben. No offense to women, but there is something ....easy, uncomplicated and direct about having conversations with guys...love it! I did not take pics (yes, I know...) but my bike will be back this weekend (they have to cut a few cables, etc) and I'll post some pics and ask for name advice, blog style:)

* Although my runs are going well, I am really intimidated by my planned HM pace. Last week I had a 4 mile time trial which I did at PR 5k pace with last mile sub planned 5K pace, but that required me collapsing in the middle of the track for a couple of minutes when the run was done. Next week I'll have 6 miles at planned HM. That will be the ultimate test and will show me if I my HM pace is doable. Nothing like running fast, though!

* Every time I do short, fast (for me) swim intervals, say 10-20X50s my form collapses; I need to literally talk myself back into better form: legs together, elbows high, glide....Hrrr....when will this become second nature? Someday, I suppose...

* I need to do some long bike rides. My longest ride since the HIM was a 2 hour ride last week. I do bike 5-6hours/week, but usually 45-90 min doing a ride from "Workouts in a binder". On Sunday I'll attempt a 3hour ride, part on my road bike and part on the tri bike (I am going to slowly transition myself into the tri bike as to avoid injury).

* Recently NPR's "On Point" had a great podcast on "the science of aging" . One of the quests was a 92 year old woman who is setting records at hurdle, hammer throw, etc. Amazing to hear her talk. One of the main messages was that aging well entails a combo of aerobic and strength training, with as much variety as possible. Swim/bike/run/core work fits right in, no?

* And now the winner of the "travelling CD/AM's favorites" is....drumroll....SSB! email me your address! Congrats!