I can’t believe I only have 30 runs left. I wanted to run someplace I have never been before on this landmark day. Legoland is the magical place I decided to go.
There were lots of cool photo ops. I didn’t go in the park itself, but the hotel and surrounding areas were nice.
I wound up running on some rolling hills which were not fun.
I was a bit tired at the end of my run, but the hills and heat took a toll. 335th 5K
Today was a busy day. On the schedule today was my lake swim, kids to school, 5K run, bike ride, book fair, Baskeball camp and homework.
My lake swim was tough going out as I felt out of breath. However, coming back across the lake was much better as I warmed up and relaxed. Lucky’s lake #281
I practiced bilateral breathing again. I realized, I missed the balance feeling that breathing to both sides gives me. I could also watch the sunrise coming up as I breathed to my left. The sunrise was absolutely gorgeous crossing back. Sometimes I wish I could swim with a camera.
After doing my fatherly chores it was onto my 5K run. I chose to do my run before my bike ride as to not risk a DNF on my 5K after biking for an hour.
My run was good, I ran basically pain free. I tried to push it around the lake as my competitive juices got the best of me. #271st 5K
To complete my “Triday” all I had left was an hour bike ride. I’m limiting myself to an hour as to not risk injury or taxing my body too much for my daily 5K.
The highlight of my ride was rescuing a turtle trying to cross one of the busiest streets in my area. This turtle was directly in my bike path.
Blessing number one was not crashing on my bike. If I didn’t see him and my front wheel hit his shell, that would have been disastrous for both of us.
Bike riding takes such extreme concentration as you never know what could jump in front of you. One second of loss focus could end your cycling career.
I had a lot of fun on my ride and enjoyed feeling the wind blow by me. Hour bike ride
It was nice not having to worry about going to work later in the night.
We have a unique opportunity to attend a luncheon with legendary swimmer Diana Nyad tomorrow 3-17-2016 For those of you not familiar with her, she is the amazing lady that swam from Cuba to Florida.
A bunch of Lucky’s Lake Swimmers have a table to see Diana Nyad on Thursday the 17th of the Month. If you are interested in going, see the attached flyer for details http://www.hfuw.org/event/womens-leadership-luncheon/
You can buy individual tickets. Questions? want to sit together? Contact Jay Madigan (jjmadigan@gmail.com).
No word on if she might do a lake swim. We will let you know should she decide to join us.
Today was filled with excitement as my daughter Amaya’s team was playing in their first playoff game as the number one seed and cluster regular season champions. Watching her play is the highlight of my week. She plays with such passion and energy that is contagious.
I definitely wanted to get my 5K out of the way as they would be playing the late 6:30 game on the other side of town. I knew it would be very late, and that I’d be lucky to get an hours sleep after the game and long drive home. If I still had to run a 5k when I got home, it would not be a good idea.
My 5K run was ok, started out slow but relatively pain free. Still worrying about my knees, I’m really concentrating on perfect running form. I have no room for sloppy run mechanics or “lazy” running.
https://www.strava.com/activities/511441852/embed/1162464a624be72b42f56ea5054cde407f8fb332
I did check the mileage on my shoes and they are definitely are in need of replacing as they are well over 300 miles.
Amaya’s team, the Sunridge Lady Eagles won a close game and are onto the next round. A fast turnaround next game is Wednesday with a yet to be determined opponent.
I live a busy and blessed life on Saturdays. After working all night from 11pm to 7am , I drive to Lucky’s Lake for my morning swim. No matter how tired I am, or rough my night was, I always swim in the lake. The only exceptions have been when I’m coaching my son’s basketball team. Luckily, my son’s game was not until 4:30pm.
Today, my swim started late as I assisted in interviewing some of the esteemed lake swimmers for a project. Although a beautiful sunny day, the air was quite chilly in the low 40’s. It was actually warmer in the water at 68 degrees.
The weather was not a deterrent, as we had a good turnout for such a chilly day.
After spending about two hours interviewing people, it was my time to swim on the lake. Due to my late start, I really only had time for one crossing. The first crossing was a little shaky as it had been a week since I last swam. The swim back across the lake was much better as my body adjusted to swimming again. Only 25 more crossings before reaching 400!
I’m still not swimming with a wetsuit and I feel my body is acclimated to the cooler waters now. https://www.strava.com/activities/509586507/embed/a0e3e0914201aafde6cd5c19f1ac7dbaee719ced
A quick soak in the hot tub and it was onto make breakfast for the kiddies. After making breakfast, I was in a dilemma about trying to run or getting a nap in before my son’s game?
I was very tired, but realized that if I didn’t get my run in before coaching my son’s basketball game, I would be at great risk of not completing my 5K. I knew after the game would be awards ceremony, then post game meal celebration, which would leave me extremely tired on no sleep the night before.
These days I feel thankful to just completing my runs. I somehow managed to get faster with every mile during my run today, when I wondered how I would even complete it. I felt much better than I imagined in my mind before my run.
I am extremely worried about my knees these days, as they ache and throb even when I’m not running. At day 246, I feel there is no way I can just decided to stop. I’ve come way too far now to quit. I’m praying that my knees can hold up. Hoping to find some time to run on some trails and softer surfaces. I know softer surfaces are out there, I just don’t have the time to drive to them. https://www.strava.com/activities/509586523/embed/eaaa7872969b9621e89110ef11b229e4cbad89f2
My son’s team lost their game, but played really hard. I guess in the end that’s all a coach can ask for out of 4th and 5th graders. All in all a great day to be alive.
Today I made my most daring dish yet and that is Mac and cheese. My old favorite without using butter or cheese. That’s right, no dairy at all or any oils either.
I was delighted to find out that I really enjoyed the vegan creation. The “cheese” sauce was made out of white potatoes, sweet potatoes and various herbs and spices. I didn’t dare tell the kids lest they be turned off without even trying my dish.
My son Amante’s reaction was, “OMG, dad the Mac and cheese was awesome”. Can I take some in my lunch? My daughter Amaya’s response was even more valuable as someone who has been able to enjoy “regular” Mac and cheese. Her response was ” I was prepping myself to have to choke down this plate of nastiness, when all of a sudden I thought I’d died and went to heaven. LOL So I guess my second dish was a success! I’ll be adding it to the regular meal rotation for such. We also had the “cheese” sauce over broccoli.
After lunch/dinner it was onto my daily 5K consecutive day #233!! I’m not going to lie, I’m so tired of running 5Ks. I want to run longer distances or do some other activities.
Unfortunately, my limited time as a single parent working 3rd shift and coaching my son’s basketball team leaves me little time for more than one activity most days. Which of course must be running my 5K.
https://www.strava.com/activities/499539416/embed/583ec67ade5a52f38e7de41895f3cb3291eced86
I was concerned about my right knee after hearing a pop sound and almost falling to my knees. I wondered how it would hold up for this run? I ran with a soft brace and I took it as easy as I could. I was able to finish with relatively no issues other than the ongoing right glute/hamstring issues.
So today was Valentine’s day. A day to spend with that special loved one. Since I’m pretty much solo these days, I decided to love on myself. It is really hard for me to address my own needs before the ones I love. Which is mainly my children who were with their mom today till 6. Leaving me all alone to figure out what to do with my time.
I woke up exceptionally groggy and it took me awhile to get up to run my 5K. I can tell you with 100% surety that I would not have exercised today had it not been for my 5K a day streak. Looking for motivation as I’m having to do a lot these days, I decided to explore a nearby neighborhood.
https://www.strava.com/activities/494021760/embed/1bace044d0bb8af188712b40b2336520f6bc3d15
My main focus today was to just get it done. Take it easy and not put unnecessary stress on my already groggy body. I did a good stretch and then spent the rest of the day playing UNO and drinking tea with the Kiddies.
Busy day starts with a chilly 1000 meter swim (no wetsuit). It’s funny the warmer the outside air is (70ish), the colder the water feels (60). Although the water was 2 degrees warmer than two days ago, it felt 15 degrees colder due to the much warmer outside air (from 39 to 70 degrees).
For today’s swim, I had a great surprise visit by my good friend Sincy! I’m still amazed at my once shy/reluctant swimmer friend came out to swim in such cold waters. Not only did he brave the cold water, he kept right on my heels all the way across and I had to be on my game to keep up with him on the way back. Way to go Sincy!!!
In addition to Sincy coming out for a cameo appearance, I met some amazing people from Daytona and Michigan too.
https://www.strava.com/activities/492662673/embed/0453b1db2832a74d6faa95f4e680d0aa1bb51320
My good friend and now expert swimmer Sincy
After my swim it was onto my 5K #225 in a row. I found a new trail almost across the street from the lake. My run felt great as I have no idea what my pace was or anything. I was just determined to run by feel and to take it easy. I can’t emphasize enough how enjoyable running a new route is. All my senses seem to come alive as I look for new pictures to take, learn about new areas and just take in all the sights and sounds of someplace new.
https://www.strava.com/activities/492662694/embed/2f4c5ecdb3a2df026b567ff6158bbcf69e38d11d
As a last minute decision I decided to hop on my bike for an hour leisure ride. I remembered my commitment to ride my bike at least an hour or more a week. Due to my son’s late basketball game (5:30pm), I was able to get one more exercise in. I just really love riding on my bike.
https://www.strava.com/activities/492724646/embed/9311bb6a5261049a16f465d193505d94f64c3424
I loved the energy of this Abe Lincoln
With my cancer scare, I’m really not taking anything for granted. Enjoy life while you have it to live. No one (not even me) is promised tomorrow.
Something majestic about this tree
Enjoying the sun and crisp 55degree air
Today I decided to break things up and run a different route. As I’ve stated before, I get a big boost of energy from running someplace new. A new route takes new alertness to avoid any unforeseen potholes, uneven sidewalks etc. Plus all the new visual stimulation allows my mind a certain level of distraction. Being distracted just seems to make the run go by really fast. The weather was a bit chilly at 55 degrees, but the sun was shining so I was still a happy runner. I didn’t really think about my injuries too much, but also didn’t want to push the pace and risk it.
https://www.strava.com/activities/488584814
Today was a “throwback” kind of day. A typical day for me a few years ago, when I was chasing my IRONMAN Arizona dream. A day consisting of all three triathlon disciplines of swimming, biking and running.
The weather was an unusually windy day for this time of year. I first noticed the windy conditions crossing back from my lake swim, when I thought someone had put me in the washing machine cycle. The water was quite choppy, but I really enjoyed it. I just imagined dancing with the lake instead of fighting with her.
https://www.strava.com/activities/485651288/embed/7dc32d4fe0357643ed734d228ce569aea5054411
After my swim, it was off to get the kiddos to school. After my extended T1 transition, I hopped on Zapata and decided to go for a one hour bike ride. Having set no goals other than to ride for an hour, I experienced a level of freedom and enjoyment that I haven’t experienced in awhile on the bike. No cadence, no HR to monitor, no speed checks, just me and my sleigh rolling down the street.
I can’t believe it’s been almost three months since riding my bike. All of this 5K run focus has left me time strapped for my other sports. I quickly remembered how much fun it is to roll along versus pounding along the pavement.
With the exception of a little shoulder and tricep discomfort, I felt exceptionally spry and energetic during my first bike ride in eons.
https://www.strava.com/activities/485793428/embed/8a3c8b505cee640a77505351fde1f9dcdd49f4b1
I guess this is what they mean by end of the road.
Zapata was happy to be back on the road again!
My one hour bike ride flew by exceptionally fast and it was time for T2 and to get in my daily 5K run in. Except this time my 5K was a brick, because I was running directly off my bike ride. I had forgotten how tough it is to run off the bike. My legs felt heavy for the first half of the run, but I was able to find a slow pace I could maintain. I dare not push the pace due to risk of aggravating my hamstring and glute issues.
All in all a great day and a wonderful remembrance as to why I love triathlon so much.
I haven’t worn my trisuit in quite some time!
blacksdotri 
