... In the back!
Well, I've been put on the 'injured reserve' list for the moment and I hope that with regular chiropractic care and proper conduct on my part that I will be back at it sooner rather than later.
It is what feels something like a sciatic nerve episode and it is more likely that it's not specifically the sciatic but a conglomeration of a lot of things. The basic jist is that my lower back is TOO curved causing un-necessary pressure on nerves and pulling on muscles. My guess is that a recent increase in intensity and duration of working out tweeked things a bit and... Well, here I sit.
The ironic part... No matter how I sit, stand or lay down it all hurts the same.
I guess this is a great time to work on eating healthy since my activity minutes the next couple of weeks are going to be awful!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Inspiration...
I've put a picture of the tattoo up here so that you have a visual and I don't have to explain it in detail - you can just see it. The only thing I have to explain is location... It takes up about 80% of the front of my right thigh. And I strive for the day that I can wear (confidently) shorts short enough to showcase this work of art.
I'm also looking forward to the day that it is 'finished'. No, it is not yet finished. I sat through the first part (about 6-8 hours) and this is where we were at the end of that session, all that is left to finish is a bit of detail and some tweaking. Nothing big and certainly not the same amount of time is needed, but it will still require the same amount of healing time which equals time that I can't be in the pool - at all. So it needs to be open water swimming season before I go back - the kind of open water swimming where wetsuits are optional because they would rub on the healing skin.
The little bit of explanation I will do is this - the quote is, in fact, Biblical (Romans 12:1). I firmly believe that everything happens because it is in Someone else's plans that are out of my hands and I am just to continue down whatever race is before me with every ounce of life I've got. And I'm cool with that. The four horses are in fact four horses I have had in my life (one I still have). If you want their stories that is content for either a whole separate post or a private conversation. The horse in the clouds represents those who have touched my life and left - whether through choice or through death. They've all left for a reason and have left an impression on me - therefore they are all a part of my guardian spirit.
There are people who write names of people/causes/events in their lives somewhere on their body for every mile of the race they are participating in that day... This tattoo permanently takes the place of that display of love and care and adequately accommodates ALL of the wishes/thoughts/concerns/cares that I run for each and every day. Sometimes I will write the name of someone particularly heavy on my mind on race day purely so I remember, in the moments I think I can't go on in that race, that someone out there can't do what I am doing - for whatever reason - and then I'm no longer participating for my reasons but for theirs. I usually don't tell them I've done it but somehow they always find out...
PS. I'm working on a 'sensitive' post that will be coming soon. It will be titled Agriculturally Speaking and should spark some conversation... Even if it is controversial I feel the time is ripe for it and I will perfect it before I post it to avoid too much emotion on my part and provide you with the most informational and factual post I can. I invite any of my friends who are vegan/vegetarian to contact me as I'd like to talk with you before I post so I can make sure I keep it unbiased as much as I can!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Time to Upgrade?
With the new triathlon season coming closer and closer I find myself thinking about my equipment and whether I need/want to upgrade any of it. Fully realizing that there is a huge difference between needing and wanting.
I know that I need some things to optimize the Bumble Bee for the triathlon season. (The picture is a stock picture of the bike I pulled from the internet, but it is exactly what my bike looks like, hence it is called the Bumble Bee!) It needs a seat bag with tubes, CO2 cartridges/air pump and a computer. It could also use the handlebars re-wrapped purely for comfort and aero bars. I also want to put a top tube bag on it for little necessities such as Gu or Propel packets. All in all it should stay under $150 if I am thrifty with it. Given that I purchased the bike off of craigslist for $200 I'm doing really really well in this department!
So, those are the needs. Add to that the shoes that will need replacing sometime this year but I'm thinking that they will last through the fall.
On to the wants. I want; to upgrade my wetsuit, to add clipless pedals and cycling shoes to my gear, and to start training with a heart rate monitor. None of which come exactly cheap and most of which are difficult to find used.
First up is the wetsuit. (Again, I've included a stock picture I've found... I think the model looks freakish but it's the suit I'm after, obviously.) It is true, I do have a wetsuit that I use now. However, it is an all around wetsuit and not designed specifically for triathlon. It is optimal for those who kayak, surf or dive - the material provides a little too much drag for my preferences when racing. So, so I rent or do I buy? If I rent I am looking at a minimum of $90 because I'd want it for a couple weeks before the first tri this season and there are two weeks between the major tris on my schedule. Then, if I chose to purchase that suit only $60 is able to be applied to the purchase... So I lose $30 in the process??? I do want to patronize Xterra because they are VERY good to the Fox Cities Triathlon Club. They provide us with suits to give away at the December meetings (the number is based on how many we order through the year) and they give a GREAT discount to Foxes. I've narrowed down WHICH Xterra I want, the Vortex 3 (pictured) and they do have regular sales on them which could reduce the price to $250. That's kind of modest compared to the prices of some wetsuits. If you have advice or input to give please do, I'd love to know what others use or think.
Ok, next biggie is the heart rate monitor. Again, I know the exact one that I'd like to go for, the Polar FT60. Again, I've included a picture of the item. This particular HR monitor usually runs about $180 but it seems to give you the watch and chest strap and a lot of bang for your buck. For $250 you can go for the foot pod ('GPS' capable) as well. However, it seems un-necessary because it doesn't record WHERE you went only how far. I already get how far I went with my Nike+ application. Not only does the FT60 give all the standard functions of a heart rate monitor, it also has the STAR Training Program which acts like a personal trainer/coach/motivator right on your wrist. And as much solo training as I do I believe this to be a GREAT thing. I know many who use Polar HR Monitors... I'd love to hear from you guys...
Well... I think this is all for now. These are some of the random wandering thoughts I have throughout the day... I'd love to hear what you guys use and like!!!
I know that I need some things to optimize the Bumble Bee for the triathlon season. (The picture is a stock picture of the bike I pulled from the internet, but it is exactly what my bike looks like, hence it is called the Bumble Bee!) It needs a seat bag with tubes, CO2 cartridges/air pump and a computer. It could also use the handlebars re-wrapped purely for comfort and aero bars. I also want to put a top tube bag on it for little necessities such as Gu or Propel packets. All in all it should stay under $150 if I am thrifty with it. Given that I purchased the bike off of craigslist for $200 I'm doing really really well in this department!
On to the wants. I want; to upgrade my wetsuit, to add clipless pedals and cycling shoes to my gear, and to start training with a heart rate monitor. None of which come exactly cheap and most of which are difficult to find used.
First up is the wetsuit. (Again, I've included a stock picture I've found... I think the model looks freakish but it's the suit I'm after, obviously.) It is true, I do have a wetsuit that I use now. However, it is an all around wetsuit and not designed specifically for triathlon. It is optimal for those who kayak, surf or dive - the material provides a little too much drag for my preferences when racing. So, so I rent or do I buy? If I rent I am looking at a minimum of $90 because I'd want it for a couple weeks before the first tri this season and there are two weeks between the major tris on my schedule. Then, if I chose to purchase that suit only $60 is able to be applied to the purchase... So I lose $30 in the process??? I do want to patronize Xterra because they are VERY good to the Fox Cities Triathlon Club. They provide us with suits to give away at the December meetings (the number is based on how many we order through the year) and they give a GREAT discount to Foxes. I've narrowed down WHICH Xterra I want, the Vortex 3 (pictured) and they do have regular sales on them which could reduce the price to $250. That's kind of modest compared to the prices of some wetsuits. If you have advice or input to give please do, I'd love to know what others use or think.
Well... I think this is all for now. These are some of the random wandering thoughts I have throughout the day... I'd love to hear what you guys use and like!!!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
I'm Not Dead!
Nor have I been cut off from the world by recent snow storms... I've merely been slacking on the blogging front. You're all worth of a great post, and I will get one out to you! It's on my list for Saturday!
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