Yesterday we met for a transition clinic at West Creek. Each time I attend one, eventhough I know what it will feel like going from swim to bike to run, I try to visualize each transition. I try to learn something. Try to remember how it feels. Yesterday was no diffferent. And I still love to see the excitement of folks getting ready for their first triathlon.
I rode 3 loops, 18 miles. I rode the entire day in my big chain ring. Probably not the wisest thing, since by the time I was ridinging up the Farm Bureau hill for the 3rd time I wasn't sure I could make it without going into my small chain ring. But overall it was a great ride. A little windy. A little cold. But great.
Max speed 30.5 mph
Average 15.5 mph
I felt pretty tired, after but decided to start training my body for the BRICK (bike, run, ick). So I ran about a mile after eventhough I didn't feel like it.
Must of worn me out pretty good. I was in bed by 9 p.m. asleep by 9:03.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Friday, April 28, 2006
RedFish Gives Us All a Scare
How is it that a day can start out so great, and go downhill so fast? Waking up at 5:30 a.m. wasn't even hard. One of my friends, who I hadn't seen in 8 months, was not only staying with me but getting up to run with me and the rest of the triathlon team. I ran a personal best on a timed mile (although still over 10 minutes, so don't get too excited). And It was a gorgeous morning.
We got home and we were having so much fun, I still had that runner's high. My musical friend, K, was serenading the kids with loose tooth song in honor of Daisyhead Maisy, who's 5 and about to loose her first tooth. Redfish, the 19-month-old, had the biggest grin on his face. His dimples were huge, stars in the sky.
Anyway, 15 minutes later Redfish was screaming in pain. I thought he just wanted to breastfeed, since I'd gone running yesterday without nursing him. So, K offered to take Daisyhead Maisey to school for me. I took Redfish upstairs, to nurse, and not only would he not nurse but he kept alternating between moaning and falling asleep. I put him in his crib and he just laid there and closed his eyes. That's when I knew something was really wrong! He never does that!
So, I picked him up and through him in the car, calling his doctor on the way. By this time I couldn't keep him awake, he was passing out. I was so scared. They told me they could see me at the doctor if I could wait and hour, and all I could think was maybe I shouldn't do that. So, they said, go to the ER. I did a U-ey.
It was freaky as I raced down Monument avenue toward St. Mary's, dialing Mr. Preschool at school on the way. All I could think was this would be the fastest bike ride ever. He had ridden his bike to work, like he does almost every day. I was on the phone with him when he said "let me talk to Redfish" That was so absurd, but I handed Red the phone. Then quickly realized how absurd it all was and grabbed it back. When I turned around I slammed on my breaks. almost hitting the white sedan in front of me. Time stopped. When I realized what had happened i was not only pressing down on the breaks, but also the horn. The person in front of my must have thought i was crazy, like i wanted them to move, when there were 3 cars parked in front of them at the stoplight at Libbie and Monument. I got Mr. Preschool off the phone, just in time to see Red throwing up everywhere. Pulled into the ambulance parking spot and decided i had to park there, put my flashers on and raced him in.
It was really strange. he was so heavy, like he'd never been that heavy before. all his bodywas limp and his muscles were relaxed. He was moaning, and saying "wet, wetty," his favorite word. He hates to be wet.
I kept thinking, what happened. He was fine 15 minutes ago. did he get into something he shouldn't have? did he find a small toy and eat it? did he get into our house guest's bag and find something he shouldn't? I had never seen a kid go downhill so fast.
They weren't busy at the ER. We saw a nurse right away when we got to our room. They were going to put us in room 15, but all of a sudden changed to room number 1. Bad idea. Room number 1 was directly under the construction zone at St. Mary's. I don't know if they are adding floors right on top of the ER or what. But each time he fell asleep we'd hear a jack hammer right above our head. I couldn't even hear the doctor when he came in to talk to us. It was surreal. but after a while, Red got used to it. Can you imagine that?
I was trying to track down our house guest, K, to see if she had any clue what he might have gotten into. Finally I got in touch with her. But i had to call from outside the ER to get reception. That was a good thing, because by the time I got back I had missed them catheterizing Red. I arrived just in time for the IV and the X-ray. He was such a trooper.
Didn't really cry, basically just fought. and said "ALL DONE!" The nurses couldn't believe how strong this 27 lb, 19-month old was. They decided to wrap him in a sheet. It was a cross between a straight jacket and a baby swaddle.
The main problem was when they tried to brace his arm so he didn't bend it and injure himself with the IV needle. They said they wished they'd used an adult size one because the little one was too week and he could move his arm a little. The blood work took and hour to come back. We waited. Worried. We tried to distract ourselves.
Red would sleep, then wake up long enough to vomit on me then we'd change him into a new "tired little tiger" hospital gown, then repeat. Each time he vomited his eyes rolled back in his head and the loudest gurgley sounds came from his belly. Finally, the blood work, and urine results came back. Everything was normal. X ray was normal. the CBC said he had a viral infection in the very early stages. Elevated red blood count. So basically they said he has an intestinal virus. Either that or he's allergic to flax seed.
By the time we go home he was fine. He threw up one more time. Then, he was like any other normal sick kid. In another hour, you couldn't even tell he was sick at all.
It was the strangest thing.
We got home and we were having so much fun, I still had that runner's high. My musical friend, K, was serenading the kids with loose tooth song in honor of Daisyhead Maisy, who's 5 and about to loose her first tooth. Redfish, the 19-month-old, had the biggest grin on his face. His dimples were huge, stars in the sky.
Anyway, 15 minutes later Redfish was screaming in pain. I thought he just wanted to breastfeed, since I'd gone running yesterday without nursing him. So, K offered to take Daisyhead Maisey to school for me. I took Redfish upstairs, to nurse, and not only would he not nurse but he kept alternating between moaning and falling asleep. I put him in his crib and he just laid there and closed his eyes. That's when I knew something was really wrong! He never does that!
So, I picked him up and through him in the car, calling his doctor on the way. By this time I couldn't keep him awake, he was passing out. I was so scared. They told me they could see me at the doctor if I could wait and hour, and all I could think was maybe I shouldn't do that. So, they said, go to the ER. I did a U-ey.
It was freaky as I raced down Monument avenue toward St. Mary's, dialing Mr. Preschool at school on the way. All I could think was this would be the fastest bike ride ever. He had ridden his bike to work, like he does almost every day. I was on the phone with him when he said "let me talk to Redfish" That was so absurd, but I handed Red the phone. Then quickly realized how absurd it all was and grabbed it back. When I turned around I slammed on my breaks. almost hitting the white sedan in front of me. Time stopped. When I realized what had happened i was not only pressing down on the breaks, but also the horn. The person in front of my must have thought i was crazy, like i wanted them to move, when there were 3 cars parked in front of them at the stoplight at Libbie and Monument. I got Mr. Preschool off the phone, just in time to see Red throwing up everywhere. Pulled into the ambulance parking spot and decided i had to park there, put my flashers on and raced him in.
It was really strange. he was so heavy, like he'd never been that heavy before. all his bodywas limp and his muscles were relaxed. He was moaning, and saying "wet, wetty," his favorite word. He hates to be wet.
I kept thinking, what happened. He was fine 15 minutes ago. did he get into something he shouldn't have? did he find a small toy and eat it? did he get into our house guest's bag and find something he shouldn't? I had never seen a kid go downhill so fast.
They weren't busy at the ER. We saw a nurse right away when we got to our room. They were going to put us in room 15, but all of a sudden changed to room number 1. Bad idea. Room number 1 was directly under the construction zone at St. Mary's. I don't know if they are adding floors right on top of the ER or what. But each time he fell asleep we'd hear a jack hammer right above our head. I couldn't even hear the doctor when he came in to talk to us. It was surreal. but after a while, Red got used to it. Can you imagine that?
I was trying to track down our house guest, K, to see if she had any clue what he might have gotten into. Finally I got in touch with her. But i had to call from outside the ER to get reception. That was a good thing, because by the time I got back I had missed them catheterizing Red. I arrived just in time for the IV and the X-ray. He was such a trooper.
Didn't really cry, basically just fought. and said "ALL DONE!" The nurses couldn't believe how strong this 27 lb, 19-month old was. They decided to wrap him in a sheet. It was a cross between a straight jacket and a baby swaddle.
The main problem was when they tried to brace his arm so he didn't bend it and injure himself with the IV needle. They said they wished they'd used an adult size one because the little one was too week and he could move his arm a little. The blood work took and hour to come back. We waited. Worried. We tried to distract ourselves.
Red would sleep, then wake up long enough to vomit on me then we'd change him into a new "tired little tiger" hospital gown, then repeat. Each time he vomited his eyes rolled back in his head and the loudest gurgley sounds came from his belly. Finally, the blood work, and urine results came back. Everything was normal. X ray was normal. the CBC said he had a viral infection in the very early stages. Elevated red blood count. So basically they said he has an intestinal virus. Either that or he's allergic to flax seed.
By the time we go home he was fine. He threw up one more time. Then, he was like any other normal sick kid. In another hour, you couldn't even tell he was sick at all.
It was the strangest thing.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
4.25.06
I haven't written for anyone or for anything in a long, long time. Although that is my love and my training, I've had no desire at all to do it since I left Style Weekly back in what, 1997? Wow. That is a long time.
I guess i'm thinking with my youngest kid napping, and my older one in preschool I just might have say, 30 minutes, a day to neglect the household duties and find some passion to write.
Nothing helps you find your voice better than writing it all down.
For the past several months, I've been lurking on two blogs that have been particularly interesting. The two are so so very different. I guess the thing that ties them together is the great writing. I'm still trying to find out how these folks have time to update there blogs so often and with so much information. But I guess reading them has inspired me to write one.
The first is Buttermilk & Molasses, by an old friend, John Sarvay. We worked at the VCU student newspaper, The Commonwealth Times, together. And later I write for his publication, Caffiene. John has such a witty mind and a great way of expressing things. He must spend all day on the net filtering through junk to bring us the best and most relevant political and social meanderings and commentary. If i want to know what is going on in the thinking world, i just tap into his world. And, what a great sense of humor.
http://floricane.typepad.com/buttermilk/
The second is http://www.throughth3wall.com/
This is where i find inspiration. not just to pursue my triathletic endevors but also to follow my dreams. Although I sometimes am annoyed with Wil, more often than not, i think she rocks. Through Th3 Wall, follows full-time teacher and mom through training for her first Ironman Triathlon. Ironman proves that not all triathletes are alike, but they all have something in common. I guess that is the ability to never give up. Something i've been striving to attain since I left Style.
One of my favorite posts from Wil's blog.
"2.21.06
Get up.
It sucks.
Then it doesn't.
Go train.
It sucks.
Then it doesn't.
Always.
In that order."
and I'm not sure about her ten rules. I guess i'm still processing....
Rule #1: Everything is what it is, and I will do the best with what I have. There’s really no other way if you want to be successful at anything. People waste too much time sitting around and bemoaning the fact that things aren’t fair, aren’t practical, are too dangerous, or too taxing, when really, none of it matters. That’s all part of the clutter. There is the desired result, there are the tools I have, and the rest is the execution of getting from point A to point B in tact.
Rule #2: Never, ever, ever, ever, ignore details. A building is made of bricks, an army of individuals; no whole is worth anything without its parts. They make or break the final product.
Rule #3: When the mind is weak, make the body strong. The mind will follow, and it will keep up because it will have no other choice. There is only so much baggage a person can carry over 20 miles on a hot day. Mile 20.2 will be lighter than mile 2. Always.
Rule #4: Never compromise regarding what you are passionate about. If I negotiate, I was never passionate in the first place and not only will I likely lose, but I will deserve to lose. Therefore, since a person can only carry so much over the distance, I will make my selections judiciously. Then fight like hell for them.
Rule #5: There is always something I do not know about, and therefore have not planned for, regarding my situation.Because of this, I need to expect the unexpected, and be flexible enough to adapt to it if I ever hope to overcome it. In. That. Order.
Rule #6: The only permanent things in life are intangible, and inaccessible outside of myself. So if I ever can’t find what I’m looking for out of this life, I know where to look.
Rule #7: Have the courage to lead, and the patience to follow – know when each is required, and know that “why” almost never matters. Things don’t always make sense. Most people hate that, I know I do. But it doesn’t change the finality of the situation at hand. That said, I won’t waste time considering my love or detest for whatever my role happens to be, I’ll just do what I have to do.
Rule #8: Do not complain.It’s a waste of the time one could be using to change the situation.
Rule #9: Anything not born from accomplishment is temporary.Pain, discomfort, emotion, everything passes with time; everything is diluted by one point or another; therefore it’s not solid ground upon which to build anything, and needs support if it is to be maintained. If it's good, support it, if it's not, let it do what it would naturally do -- wash away.
Rule #10: There is always a way.It’s just a matter of how much one is willing to work in order to find it. There. Now I can breathe in here."
Plus my husband John started and art blog and an education blog. So, i figure, make the leap. I think I'm learning that it is just such a great thing....you know to be able to express yourself both publically and personally, both anonyamously and intimately at the same time.
So..maybe for today, this is enough. Now i just have to keep it going. Do i have to do things in order? or can i just do them.
I guess i'm thinking with my youngest kid napping, and my older one in preschool I just might have say, 30 minutes, a day to neglect the household duties and find some passion to write.
Nothing helps you find your voice better than writing it all down.
For the past several months, I've been lurking on two blogs that have been particularly interesting. The two are so so very different. I guess the thing that ties them together is the great writing. I'm still trying to find out how these folks have time to update there blogs so often and with so much information. But I guess reading them has inspired me to write one.
The first is Buttermilk & Molasses, by an old friend, John Sarvay. We worked at the VCU student newspaper, The Commonwealth Times, together. And later I write for his publication, Caffiene. John has such a witty mind and a great way of expressing things. He must spend all day on the net filtering through junk to bring us the best and most relevant political and social meanderings and commentary. If i want to know what is going on in the thinking world, i just tap into his world. And, what a great sense of humor.
http://floricane.typepad.com/buttermilk/
The second is http://www.throughth3wall.com/
This is where i find inspiration. not just to pursue my triathletic endevors but also to follow my dreams. Although I sometimes am annoyed with Wil, more often than not, i think she rocks. Through Th3 Wall, follows full-time teacher and mom through training for her first Ironman Triathlon. Ironman proves that not all triathletes are alike, but they all have something in common. I guess that is the ability to never give up. Something i've been striving to attain since I left Style.
One of my favorite posts from Wil's blog.
"2.21.06
Get up.
It sucks.
Then it doesn't.
Go train.
It sucks.
Then it doesn't.
Always.
In that order."
and I'm not sure about her ten rules. I guess i'm still processing....
Rule #1: Everything is what it is, and I will do the best with what I have. There’s really no other way if you want to be successful at anything. People waste too much time sitting around and bemoaning the fact that things aren’t fair, aren’t practical, are too dangerous, or too taxing, when really, none of it matters. That’s all part of the clutter. There is the desired result, there are the tools I have, and the rest is the execution of getting from point A to point B in tact.
Rule #2: Never, ever, ever, ever, ignore details. A building is made of bricks, an army of individuals; no whole is worth anything without its parts. They make or break the final product.
Rule #3: When the mind is weak, make the body strong. The mind will follow, and it will keep up because it will have no other choice. There is only so much baggage a person can carry over 20 miles on a hot day. Mile 20.2 will be lighter than mile 2. Always.
Rule #4: Never compromise regarding what you are passionate about. If I negotiate, I was never passionate in the first place and not only will I likely lose, but I will deserve to lose. Therefore, since a person can only carry so much over the distance, I will make my selections judiciously. Then fight like hell for them.
Rule #5: There is always something I do not know about, and therefore have not planned for, regarding my situation.Because of this, I need to expect the unexpected, and be flexible enough to adapt to it if I ever hope to overcome it. In. That. Order.
Rule #6: The only permanent things in life are intangible, and inaccessible outside of myself. So if I ever can’t find what I’m looking for out of this life, I know where to look.
Rule #7: Have the courage to lead, and the patience to follow – know when each is required, and know that “why” almost never matters. Things don’t always make sense. Most people hate that, I know I do. But it doesn’t change the finality of the situation at hand. That said, I won’t waste time considering my love or detest for whatever my role happens to be, I’ll just do what I have to do.
Rule #8: Do not complain.It’s a waste of the time one could be using to change the situation.
Rule #9: Anything not born from accomplishment is temporary.Pain, discomfort, emotion, everything passes with time; everything is diluted by one point or another; therefore it’s not solid ground upon which to build anything, and needs support if it is to be maintained. If it's good, support it, if it's not, let it do what it would naturally do -- wash away.
Rule #10: There is always a way.It’s just a matter of how much one is willing to work in order to find it. There. Now I can breathe in here."
Plus my husband John started and art blog and an education blog. So, i figure, make the leap. I think I'm learning that it is just such a great thing....you know to be able to express yourself both publically and personally, both anonyamously and intimately at the same time.
So..maybe for today, this is enough. Now i just have to keep it going. Do i have to do things in order? or can i just do them.
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