running stories

Friday, September 11, 2009

quickie pre-race post

I'm heading to bed but wanted to post the training summary from the week before I put up my race report. Tomorrow morning we're heading out to The Dalles, about 90 miles east of Portland, where I'm going to do the Aluminum Man Olympic Tri. Zach is spectating but Alisa will be racing the sprint so I'll have some company. Should be an interesting race. I was excited about it all week, but as of today I think I might officially be coming down with a cold or something... and that is no fun. My throat is just a little sore. I came home after work today and went straight to bed and slept for a few hours, then just got up and got my stuff ready for the race and ate some spaghetti and now back to bed. I guess we'll just see how tomorrow goes- I will tone the effort down accordingly. This isn't a goal race for me and my overall health and strength is obviously more important. I have the next couple of days off so hopefully this will pass and I can be ready to work next week.

Anyhow, here is the recap from Birthday Week. :) What a great week! Until the cold or whatever hit I felt awesome.

Monday: rest

Tuesday: Run
8.6 miles/1:15:24/8:46 average pace
Waterfront with Zach

Tuesday: Swim
2000 yards/:45
Solo straight swim in the gym pool

Wednesday: Bike
21.7 miles/1:28:17/14.7 MPH
Springwater solo ride. Alisa wasn't going to make it to spin class so I rode outside instead.

Wednesday: Swim
2800 yards/1:00
Masters

Thursday: Run
13.1 miles/1:48:18/8:16 average pace
Happy Birthday Half Marathon with Emily in Forest Park (see previous post!)

Well, off to bed. I will have a race report up asap! Have a great weekend.

Birthday Pics

Thanks for all the b-day wishes! Here are some pics from my great day.

I started the morning off with a blueberry pancake feast made by Zach. Delicious! I went to work but got off early at noon. I met Emily downtown and we walked to my house and got ready for our Happy Birthday Half Marathon run. She handed me the 'race packets' and I was really confused.. I looked in and there were race numbers and timing chips!!

Awesome! Hahaha. Very clever. We headed up to Forest Park and ran 13.1 beautiful hilly rocky miles and talked the whole time about weddings, races, and everything. We were working hard and kept a great pace the whole time. We stopped for a snack and potty break at the half way point and I got a couple pics.

Our way back was faster and we ended up finishing 13.1 miles in 1:48:18 (8:16 average pace).

Immediately after the run I dropped Emily off and headed over for a massage! I had won the massage at a charity raffle a couple of weeks ago and was excited to get it on my b-day. It was lovely!

After that I met Emily again for a beer at Deschutes (to redeem my "Drink Coupon" on my race bib!) and then headed home to have a couple snacks made by Zach (bacon-wrapped shrimp, brie cheese with bread) and get ready for the night out.

We met all our wonderful friends over at Oba! for cocktails and a great evening. Here are the pictures. What a great birthday!

Walking to the restaurant: