-I polished my bike the other day...
-Let's go to the bathroom mirror and watch me get larger!
-Why do these 8-pound weights feel like Toyotas?
-Stupid stairs...
-Do you think the local high school will let me use their swimming pool to try out this wetsuit I bought on clearance?
-Running in a parka is NOT the same.
-Only 241 days until my next race!
-Do these socks make me look fat?
-When Race Day becomes Packer Sunday
Sigh.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Type O Eating: An Update
I know you're all on the edge of your seats. What's her progress? Where's she at? Did she stick with it? These are the questions on the minds of all (read: both) of my readers.
As a quick recap... I went gluten-free on the advice of my passionate new-age mother-in-law who insists that eating for your blood type will shed pounds you've had since birth.
So what have I learned so far?
Gluten free hasn't been too difficult so far overall, only because our kitchen is 80% gluten-free already. I switched my milk and my bread and went from Lean Cuisine's to Amy's frozen dinners and that's been about it for changes. There's a wealth of information out there, especially at http://www.glutenfreeforum.com/ and http://www.food4celiacs.com/.
There's a children's cereal with a koala on the box that tastes remarkably like Cocoa Krispies. Totally delish.
If I'm going gluten-free, I'm certainly not going to give up desserts on top of it. I've taken to putting my homemade allergen free brownies in every lunch, must to the disdain of my spouse who seems to think that the brownies belong exclusively to her even though she couldn't name two of their ingredients beyond "sugar" and "chocolate goodness".
Going out to eat when you're gluten free kinda sucks. We went to Saz's the other night and my menu options included shredded chicken with bbq sauce in a bowl, a plain baked potato, and steamed veggies. I live for buns, my version of potato consumption is a pile of seasoned french fries, and steamed veggies are not a part of my dietary repertoire. So I ordered my fair share of wine and muscled through the chicken (actually quite good) and baked potato (much better with butter, salt, pepper, and the aforementioned wine). I think people take for granted how easy it is to "grab a bite to eat", and even moreso the hundreds of menu selections they have to choose from.
If I continue gluten-free eating beyond the 30 days, we will have no money for frivolities such as new triathlon gear or rent. The gluten-free s*** is expensive, I'll tell you what.
So after six days of this experiment, do I have anything to show for it?
I lost a pound and a half. In that time I've barely exercised and reintroduced desserts to my daily consumption, and I've still lost weight. This is comparable to the weight loss rate I experienced at the peak of my triathlon training.
The experiment continues.
As a quick recap... I went gluten-free on the advice of my passionate new-age mother-in-law who insists that eating for your blood type will shed pounds you've had since birth.
So what have I learned so far?
Gluten free hasn't been too difficult so far overall, only because our kitchen is 80% gluten-free already. I switched my milk and my bread and went from Lean Cuisine's to Amy's frozen dinners and that's been about it for changes. There's a wealth of information out there, especially at http://www.glutenfreeforum.com/ and http://www.food4celiacs.com/.
There's a children's cereal with a koala on the box that tastes remarkably like Cocoa Krispies. Totally delish.
If I'm going gluten-free, I'm certainly not going to give up desserts on top of it. I've taken to putting my homemade allergen free brownies in every lunch, must to the disdain of my spouse who seems to think that the brownies belong exclusively to her even though she couldn't name two of their ingredients beyond "sugar" and "chocolate goodness".
Going out to eat when you're gluten free kinda sucks. We went to Saz's the other night and my menu options included shredded chicken with bbq sauce in a bowl, a plain baked potato, and steamed veggies. I live for buns, my version of potato consumption is a pile of seasoned french fries, and steamed veggies are not a part of my dietary repertoire. So I ordered my fair share of wine and muscled through the chicken (actually quite good) and baked potato (much better with butter, salt, pepper, and the aforementioned wine). I think people take for granted how easy it is to "grab a bite to eat", and even moreso the hundreds of menu selections they have to choose from.
If I continue gluten-free eating beyond the 30 days, we will have no money for frivolities such as new triathlon gear or rent. The gluten-free s*** is expensive, I'll tell you what.
So after six days of this experiment, do I have anything to show for it?
I lost a pound and a half. In that time I've barely exercised and reintroduced desserts to my daily consumption, and I've still lost weight. This is comparable to the weight loss rate I experienced at the peak of my triathlon training.
The experiment continues.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
So what's an O supposed to eat, anyway?
Erika and I were hanging out with her fam before Al's Run yesterday when Tracy (the mom) casually says to me:
"You're type O, right?"
By this, she means Blood Type O. We know this because we are very aware of the fact that she has found a new book, "Eat Right 4 Your Type", that theorizes that there are "highly beneficial", "neutral", and "avoid" foods for each blood type depending on how easily digestible they are. Furthermore, the book postulates that sticking to the good list and avoiding the bad list will metabolize the body into a fat-burning machine and losing weight will be easier than ever. But anyway, back to Tracy:
Me: "Yes..."
Tracy: "Well, I read in my Eat for your Type book about Type O's and how they generally have issues with retaining and losing belly fat."
(Erika has now formed a sly grin, as she has listened to me complain for years about my stupid belly and how my boob size has halved itself but my belly remains constant.)
Tracy: "Anyway, the book says there's one thing that Type O's should cut out of their diets to make belly fat come off."
(Erika is now grinning. It is clear that they had just had this very conversation and she knew exactly where it is going.)
Me: "Oh yeah? What's that?" (I say reluctantly. I'm expecting her to say the one thing I'd never ever want to live without, like pasta, red meat, or beer.)
Tracy: "Gluten!"
She goes on to say that gluten seems to have the opposite effect of fat-burning on Type O's--it will actually slow your metabolism and cause fat storage. She says that some Type O's who have changed nothing else in their diet or exercise regimen except eliminate gluten still watched weight come off.
Hm. I have mixed feelings.
On the one hand, since it's been nearly a year since Erika was diagnosed with gluten intolerance we are both extremely well-versed on gluten-free products, recipes, and alternatives already. In fact, most of the dinners we share are gluten-free as it is, and I prefer them. On the same hand, I hate my belly fat. I've struggled with it for years and I'm sick and freakin' tired of trying everything in the book to get rid of it.
On the other hand....Starbucks Mocha Frappuccinos. Subway (eat fresh). Beer. (Well, there's gluten-free beer, but it's harder to find and rarely in bars.) Convenience. Easy eating.
After much deliberation and a little research (I read the section of Tracy's book on Type O's), I decided it's worth a shot. Starting today I'm going to eat and drink gluten-free for one month to see if I notice a difference in my weight and/or belly.
I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat.
"You're type O, right?"
By this, she means Blood Type O. We know this because we are very aware of the fact that she has found a new book, "Eat Right 4 Your Type", that theorizes that there are "highly beneficial", "neutral", and "avoid" foods for each blood type depending on how easily digestible they are. Furthermore, the book postulates that sticking to the good list and avoiding the bad list will metabolize the body into a fat-burning machine and losing weight will be easier than ever. But anyway, back to Tracy:
Me: "Yes..."
Tracy: "Well, I read in my Eat for your Type book about Type O's and how they generally have issues with retaining and losing belly fat."
(Erika has now formed a sly grin, as she has listened to me complain for years about my stupid belly and how my boob size has halved itself but my belly remains constant.)
Tracy: "Anyway, the book says there's one thing that Type O's should cut out of their diets to make belly fat come off."
(Erika is now grinning. It is clear that they had just had this very conversation and she knew exactly where it is going.)
Me: "Oh yeah? What's that?" (I say reluctantly. I'm expecting her to say the one thing I'd never ever want to live without, like pasta, red meat, or beer.)
Tracy: "Gluten!"
She goes on to say that gluten seems to have the opposite effect of fat-burning on Type O's--it will actually slow your metabolism and cause fat storage. She says that some Type O's who have changed nothing else in their diet or exercise regimen except eliminate gluten still watched weight come off.
Hm. I have mixed feelings.
On the one hand, since it's been nearly a year since Erika was diagnosed with gluten intolerance we are both extremely well-versed on gluten-free products, recipes, and alternatives already. In fact, most of the dinners we share are gluten-free as it is, and I prefer them. On the same hand, I hate my belly fat. I've struggled with it for years and I'm sick and freakin' tired of trying everything in the book to get rid of it.
On the other hand....Starbucks Mocha Frappuccinos. Subway (eat fresh). Beer. (Well, there's gluten-free beer, but it's harder to find and rarely in bars.) Convenience. Easy eating.
After much deliberation and a little research (I read the section of Tracy's book on Type O's), I decided it's worth a shot. Starting today I'm going to eat and drink gluten-free for one month to see if I notice a difference in my weight and/or belly.
I'm sure you're on the edge of your seat.
Brigg's and Al's Memorial Run for Children's Hospital
I know it's not a triathlon, but it's not like adultery to do other events, is it?
Al's Run has become a fall-time tradition for me. I've run it with friends, by myself, and (this year) with my new in-laws. Erika, her mom and brother did the 5-mile walk (mom is training for a half-marathon, so this was literally and figuratively a walk in the park for her), while my new father-in-law Dan and I did the 5-mile run. The weather was perfect for running with temps hovering around 50 degrees, but it made for an amusing pre-race dilemma: should I wear pants? Shorts? Shorts under pants and then take them off? Honey, will you carry my fleece? Why didn't I bring mittens? My, that breeze is crisp!
I love the entertainment along the route for Al's Run. There was a choir or two, several groups of high school cheerleaders enthusiastically cheering in formation, some bagpipers, and quite a few 2-3 person bands playing inspirational cover songs by Survivor or Fleetwood Mac. The volunteers are all so upbeat and supportive, the water stations are well stocked and well staffed, and overall it's a very organized race given the fact that tens of thousands of participants flock the Milwaukee streets to run, walk, or push their strollers every year.
If you can, I recommend runninng or walking for Al.
Al's Run has become a fall-time tradition for me. I've run it with friends, by myself, and (this year) with my new in-laws. Erika, her mom and brother did the 5-mile walk (mom is training for a half-marathon, so this was literally and figuratively a walk in the park for her), while my new father-in-law Dan and I did the 5-mile run. The weather was perfect for running with temps hovering around 50 degrees, but it made for an amusing pre-race dilemma: should I wear pants? Shorts? Shorts under pants and then take them off? Honey, will you carry my fleece? Why didn't I bring mittens? My, that breeze is crisp!
I love the entertainment along the route for Al's Run. There was a choir or two, several groups of high school cheerleaders enthusiastically cheering in formation, some bagpipers, and quite a few 2-3 person bands playing inspirational cover songs by Survivor or Fleetwood Mac. The volunteers are all so upbeat and supportive, the water stations are well stocked and well staffed, and overall it's a very organized race given the fact that tens of thousands of participants flock the Milwaukee streets to run, walk, or push their strollers every year.
If you can, I recommend runninng or walking for Al.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Lake Geneva Triathlon--9/8/07
I just woke up from my nap, the race fresh in my mind. What better time to record it in the archives of history for both of my readers?
Swim *** Geneva Lake is a crystal clear lake and the temperature was very comfortable. I found a dude swimming at about my same pace and I rode in his current the whole way. Overall a very nice swim. So why not five stars? Because either I became the Bionic Woman of Swimming overnight and shaved a full 8 minutes off my 1/2 mile swim time, or the distance was not the advertised half-mile distance. Given my time (8:23), I'd put it at closer to 1/4 mile.
Bike *** The roads were a nice balance of hills and flat along scenic back roads. The route was well-flagged and (mostly) closed off to traffic, but no mile marker signs. Not that this is a testament to the bike course itself, but with plenty of shade the temperature stayed a very cool and comfortable 70ish degrees. I did not care for the bike finish, however, as the course narrowed to one lane so we could be herded back into transition like cattle. I had to slow to a near-stop a good 50 yards before the bike ended just because of the backup.
Run *** The run course advertises "Frank's Killer Hill", and they mean it. At least half the runners were walking up, and I may as well have been for how slow I was moving. I thought I was smart and trained for hills beforehand, but nothing like this one. Of course, the upside is that on the way back you can recover nicely for a strong finish because of the downhill. Sidebar: The water in the aid stations tasted like sewer.
Staff/Volunteers/Spectators *** Nothing much to say here. There were enough staff and volunteers, and they were plenty nice. The problem is that they didn't have a well-organized race to work for/watch. See category below.
Overall Race Organization * There were a lot of flaws in this race.
-In the transition area there were no assigned bike rack spots--it was a free-for-all put-your-bike-anywhere. I ended up getting a great spot that wasn't really a spot leaned up against a garbage can, but I didn't feel too guilty about it because others had already been creative with their racking.
-To get into the transition area in the first place, you must walk through the Bike In/Out area. If you step on the (already activated) chip mat, as I did, you screw up your time.
-The Bike In/Out area and the Run Out area were marked with manilla envelope-sized signs at eye level. Up until racking my bike in T2 and following another athlete out did I find out for certain where Run Out was.
-The layout of the race put the T1/T2 area right up on the beach where Swim In/Out was, which meant athletes were milling around all over the transition area, physically getting in the way of athletes attempting transitions. Thanks to my garbage can bike-racking spot I didn't have too much of a problem with this, but I watched others deal with it.
-In an attempt to increase bike security they said "no spectators allowed in transition" this year. However, when I arrived in T2 after the bike, Ma and Pa Spectator were standing next to my garbage can, watching me transition whilst waiting for their athlete. Not only did it feel like an invasion of privacy, but a breach of security as well. Erika said there were plenty of spectators roaming the beach (in the transition area) after the swims ended.
-To end on good notes, there were plenty of potties, the race started on time, they give out sweatshirts beforehand and medals to finishers, and the sunrise over the lake was beautiful.
If you're ever considering doing a first triathlon, don't make it Lake Geneva.
Swim *** Geneva Lake is a crystal clear lake and the temperature was very comfortable. I found a dude swimming at about my same pace and I rode in his current the whole way. Overall a very nice swim. So why not five stars? Because either I became the Bionic Woman of Swimming overnight and shaved a full 8 minutes off my 1/2 mile swim time, or the distance was not the advertised half-mile distance. Given my time (8:23), I'd put it at closer to 1/4 mile.
Bike *** The roads were a nice balance of hills and flat along scenic back roads. The route was well-flagged and (mostly) closed off to traffic, but no mile marker signs. Not that this is a testament to the bike course itself, but with plenty of shade the temperature stayed a very cool and comfortable 70ish degrees. I did not care for the bike finish, however, as the course narrowed to one lane so we could be herded back into transition like cattle. I had to slow to a near-stop a good 50 yards before the bike ended just because of the backup.
Run *** The run course advertises "Frank's Killer Hill", and they mean it. At least half the runners were walking up, and I may as well have been for how slow I was moving. I thought I was smart and trained for hills beforehand, but nothing like this one. Of course, the upside is that on the way back you can recover nicely for a strong finish because of the downhill. Sidebar: The water in the aid stations tasted like sewer.
Staff/Volunteers/Spectators *** Nothing much to say here. There were enough staff and volunteers, and they were plenty nice. The problem is that they didn't have a well-organized race to work for/watch. See category below.
Overall Race Organization * There were a lot of flaws in this race.
-In the transition area there were no assigned bike rack spots--it was a free-for-all put-your-bike-anywhere. I ended up getting a great spot that wasn't really a spot leaned up against a garbage can, but I didn't feel too guilty about it because others had already been creative with their racking.
-To get into the transition area in the first place, you must walk through the Bike In/Out area. If you step on the (already activated) chip mat, as I did, you screw up your time.
-The Bike In/Out area and the Run Out area were marked with manilla envelope-sized signs at eye level. Up until racking my bike in T2 and following another athlete out did I find out for certain where Run Out was.
-The layout of the race put the T1/T2 area right up on the beach where Swim In/Out was, which meant athletes were milling around all over the transition area, physically getting in the way of athletes attempting transitions. Thanks to my garbage can bike-racking spot I didn't have too much of a problem with this, but I watched others deal with it.
-In an attempt to increase bike security they said "no spectators allowed in transition" this year. However, when I arrived in T2 after the bike, Ma and Pa Spectator were standing next to my garbage can, watching me transition whilst waiting for their athlete. Not only did it feel like an invasion of privacy, but a breach of security as well. Erika said there were plenty of spectators roaming the beach (in the transition area) after the swims ended.
-To end on good notes, there were plenty of potties, the race started on time, they give out sweatshirts beforehand and medals to finishers, and the sunrise over the lake was beautiful.
If you're ever considering doing a first triathlon, don't make it Lake Geneva.
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