Extraterrestrial Full Moon Midnight 10k

I opted for the 10k length of the ET Full Moon Midnight races for two reasons.  The first is that I wanted to be relatively functional to avoid any buses that smell like shit.  That was terrible last year.  I can understand BO but smelling an overflowing toilet for three hours was not my idea of a good time.  The second reason later developed in the form of posterior tibial tendonitis.

I got up early and headed to Vegas.  I ran some errands once in town.  I had read a bit about some SwiftWick socks and thought since the running store was closer to my hotel than a local running store is to my house that this was a great opportunity to run and grab some.  I checked into the hotel and headed to Fremont Street for lunch.  $1.25 hot dog.  It's a must.  I don't know why...but I crave hot dogs the instant I hit the city limits. I also went to the Main Street Brewery and ordered a flight of beers.  Carbo load right?  Hey, it was still early.  Not like it would still have an effect.

Later, I headed to the expo to get my packet and bus tickets for my spectator.  He was cranky, but I was still happy to have someone there cheering me on.  The expo is always simple and cute.  While it was crowded for such a small race, the lines went quickly.  The race director, Joyce, seemed bombarded but managed to get everyone taken care of.  Of course, I had to get details on the costume contest.  I HAD to enter the costume contest!!!

I managed to do a whole whopping 2 laps in the pool at the hotel and get in an hour nap before starting to munch on my final meal.  It wasn't very exciting - cold sweet potato hash and sausage.  I munched off someone who had that pre-race before and since I'm semi paleo/whole30 at the moment, I thought that would be a good idea.  It was just OK.

The bus ride took about 3 hours.  The 2-2.5 hours from Vegas is really only if you are driving yourself. Despite the bus being marked quiet, it was rather chatty so not much sleeping going on.  We stopped for the marathon drop, but no one got off the bus since it was a 10k only bus.  We made it to the Lil A'Le' Inn by 11:45.  It took all my will power to NOT buy a beer before the race.  I love my beer.

The costume - lets talk about the costume! I rocked a metallic blue spandex suit.  I had loads of sparkly blue makeup on and a green tutu.  I wore the green tutu mainly to cover the fact that I had a zippered crotch (this isn't a "normal" costume based on some of the strangely posed models).  Of course even though I had short shorts on underneath, I still couldn't use the zipper.  The tutu also matched my spiffy glasses.  The costume was super hot, but once outside in Rachel, it felt good!

Anywho, I won Best Female Costume.  The Nevada shaped rock in my hand was my trophy :)  I was super excited.  I didn't run but maybe a 1/4 mile in the glasses, gloves and with the ray gun.

The first 5k was a PR for me.  About 31 minutes.  The second half was a bit slower since my tendonitis started to bug me.  I finished in about 1:13.  My GPS said it was only 6.18...so I wandered around the parking lot for a minute.  Then I went and claimed my breakfast.  It's good when you are hungry, but any other time it would be horrible.  The veggies were dry, hard boiled eggs were over cooked, but the rest was good.  I wish I was more of a biscuits and gravy person...but eh.  It just doesn't do it for me.  Plus, I was trying to avoid that doing some of the semi-Whole30/paleo diet stuff. 

Now....how will I out do this next year?!

So Much Physical Therapy, So Little Time

Well, I knocked out my class (because I pretty much gave up my social life) in about eight days.  Yes, that quick.  So quick that the college wouldn't let me take my final exam yet.  I begged and pleaded and they are letting me take it next week.  It's amazing I accomplished so much given that I am now up to three physical therapy appointments a week.

Posterior tibial tendonitis therapy is going well.  I walk backwards a lot trying to stretch it out and train myself to have an arch that isn't really there.  It seems better...especially after the tri and the running experiment I did there.  I've been instructed to walk 4 minutes, run 1 for about 20 minutes a day, but I still HATE walking.

Now, the ischial bursitis....it's looking like that isn't really what it is.  It's looking like a pelvic floor issue even though I don't experience all the urinary incontinence issues.  I've been given the assignment of leg lifts against a wall, band exercises and kegels (TMI?), then they can work on my SI joint which may be part of the issue, and straightening my hips and tail bone (I don't want to know how they fix the tail bone *shudder*). 

So far, I've managed to do a whole lot of PT, finish my class and still make a whole lotta healthy foods.  I'm starting to tucker out.  Whole30 has to wait till vacations are over anyway.

Tri To Help - Mesa Edition

Last weekend, I completed my first triathlon - Tri To Help in Mesa, AZ.  For people who have never completed a triathlon, this is an EXCELLENT start.

My ONLY issue was I thought they needed signage.  I know it was a VERY small even (limited to 8 people per wave), but I was still LOST walking around.  It probably wouldn't be like that at every event, especially if you attend the YMCA - oh yeah, it was held at a YMCA.

The awesome thing - it was mostly indoors.  First, you grabbed your score sheet and some Activate, then headed to the locker room to prep.  Once you meander to the pool area, they marked your calf and arm with your number.

The swim was 10 minutes long and the water was super warm.  I'm a terrible swimmer even though I have been practicing.  I hate sharing lanes because I'm terrified I'm going to knock someone out...sure enough I was the only one who ended up sharing a lane.  The guy was big so it didn't make a lot of sense to me how that was figured out.  He had a huge wake which threw me off my game a little bit, but I survived and managed 16 one-way laps (that's how they count them).  They marked my sheet 15, but the hash marks were 16 and I know I was an even number based on how where I was when I finished.

I then had 10 minutes to change into my cycling gear and get to the Spin room.  I clearly need some better gear - like the kind that glides right on when you are damp.  I used a camp towel which is great for light drying, but not so great for the heavy stuff since it feels like it just pushes the water around till it evaporates.

The biking wasn't so bad.  It was hard to get comfortable and you obviously lose time if you have to stop and adjust your bike every so often.  Plus, there was no tension on the bike so I bounced a LOT.  My poor butt killed me pretty much all week.  I was still happy with my pace and made it about 8.34 miles before time was up.

Next, you had 5 minutes to get down to the treadmill.  I managed to run to the locker room and get my iPod and head phones and get my ankle brace on just in time.  I've never been so frustrated walking before though.  I wanted to run so bad.  Oddly enough, at a 4.2 mph pace, it was more painful on my posterior tibial tendonitis than running felt.  The last minute and a half I gave up and broke into a run.  It was GLORIOUS! I'd missed it so much.  And for some reason, I find it easier to run on a high tech treadmill.  It wasn't nearly as annoying as being at home doing it.  Maybe it was because it was bigger, more roomy, not as claustrophobic...  Anywho, I made it 1.42 miles in 20 minutes.  Not bad for mostly walking.  I am short afterall.

There weren't a lot of women to compete in this - 22 I believe.  I placed 14.  I'll take it and maybe next year, I'll do better.  I'm still pleased with my first time results.  However, it did not cure my nervousness about doing one outside with "real" transitions.  There is one coming up in April that will be local.  I look forward to it (pending ankle surgery decision/outcome).

Finally! Last Class!

My final class for my Public Administration Certificate starts today.  I've already petitioned for graduation.  I'm excited and annoyed at the same time.  Since it is an online college, I've gotten REALLY good and fast at hunkering down, giving up my social life and focusing on nothing but homework for about 2-3 weeks.  I can knock out a ten week class in as little as 11 days (that's my record, next best is 17 days).  But this next class does NOT look fun AT ALL!  Typically there are 8 assessments and a couple of assignments/papers.  This one has 7 assessments, 6 assignments and a final exam! Ick. And more ICK!  I'd love to knock this one out in 3 weeks or less because that is exactly how much time I have until I leave for Vegas!  DEFINITELY not going to take until October 6!  Eww.  I remember taking the full 10 weeks for my first class.  I feel like I'd still have been in

In the mean time, physical therapy is going to be a HUGE time sink.  Especially since I am going to be going two to three times a week since I'm so broken.  I start a new one next week for my ischial bursitis.  The new doc thinks maybe a possible "pelvic floor" issue.  My previous doctor came up with that but her staff SUCKED and NEVER got me any info on a PT person for it....twice.  I mentioned it to the new doc and he agreed.  BUT I don't exhibit ANY of the symptoms...so it just annoys me.  To add to my annoyance, the questionnaire asks all about if I have issues peeing and pooping and holding it in or getting it out. NOPE!  Also, it is typically an issue for women who have given child birth - NOT me... Bleh.  I feel like I'm throwing money down the drain.  Stretching my hamstrings does nothing for me.  The prednisone I got for my tendonitis has been nice, but alas, yesterday was my last day on it.

So I suppose if I'm gone for the next two weeks, homework is where I will be.  Hopefully I can get some extra workouts in...gotta look good for Vegas.

Contemplating the Whole30

So last night after I ate the last of the Cheerios, I decided I needed to actually cook dinner for a change.  I just haven't had a lot of time for cooking anything fancy and I'm beyond burnt out on my typical favorite meals.  I keep thinking about paleo because all the cool kids are doing it. I just hope not to be one of those arrogant people I read about on blogs...like oh my life is so hard because I want this but it's not paleo - well go eat it anyway! Or the I can't go so and so place because they don't have anything paleo.  Or I only feed my family paleo and nothing else.  Hey, there are some AWESOME non-paleo foods out there (milk chocolate, cheese, more cheese, maybe some occasional chips and occasional hotdog)!  While I can't see anything wrong with paleo other than missing out on some of my favorite foods, I just don't understand why people make it such a black and white lifestyle. 

Here is what I want to do: eat healthy.  I've been looking into some simple recipes.  The thing that I'm frustrated with about most of the recipes I'm finding is that they aren't simple.  Anything more than 3 spices to measure out is complicated to me.  I stumbled on a blog called StupidEasyPaleo.com.  The recipes looks yummy and relatively simple although a lot more elegant than I'd ever care to try.  While trolling around her blog, I stumbled on the Whole30 information.  Semi paleo based, probably a little more restrictive, but they have all kinds of shopping lists and meal planning available.  I decided to get the book and start there. 

My only issue with this is that I have three major hiccups in completing the Whole30 in 30 days - Las Vegas/ET Full Moon Midnight 10k, Disneyland Dumbo Double Dare and my trip to Tulum, Mexico.   If I'm traveling, I will indulge! I know I will.  I MUST find epic nachos everywhere!!! 

In the mean time, I want to soak up some information (between soaking on the last class for my certificate and mopping up my sweat after a tough workout) and try to eat better.  The last couple of weeks have at least been filled with more fresh food than junk food (OMG VEGGIES).  Hopefully, I can get a bit further away from some of the convenience foods (Cheezits, granola bars...those are my two "at work" options).

Anyone out there tried the Whole30?  Recommendations for starting?  Epic fail to pause it for travel?

Slosh Pipe Done!

The pipe I got for under $4 measures about 6' x 3". I know they should be longer, but I'm rather short.  I thought something smaller would be a good start. I glued on a white PVC cap on one end (they are cheaper) and bought an adjustable steel cap for the other end. With the testing so far, it holds :-) I filled it about 3/4 full with water and a splash of bleach. The whole project costed under $15 (I already had the PVC glue from my DIY irrigation). Not bad for a 20-25ish lb weight. I foresee some sore abs!

Gym Under Construction

I belong to a Facebook group... It is geared towards women and obstacle course racing (OCR). Someone wanted to know if cross fit boxes were worth it. Since I'm broke and all of my credit card debt is related to racing, my answer is: it may be worth it, but I can't afford it (this is where I laugh and say I need a husband or a better job).

This put me in the mood to start myown "box" at home as it related to my previous blog post.,.

First off, I went to my favorite thrift shop in search of belts for yoga bag straps (for making my yoga mat bags out of the left over denim from my sand bags out of old jeans). I found the handmade, adjustable kettle bell! I behaved and didn't buy it but still I was in shock and awe that it was there. My first though was, "well, it must suck if its here." My second was, "that's 40 lbs of weight for $15!"  Still I was good because I knew I was going to build other things today!

Side note, my workout today - 25 lb sandbagged 4 mile walk, followed by  a nice nap because I couldn't bring myself to go try my freebie pass at LA Fitness. When I finally dragged myself out of bed, I knew the lanes had just switch from 100 m to 50 m and the local pool would be semi empty. I drove down quick like and did a slow 1/2 mile swim to test my new goggles and practice my dog paddle skills. Once I finished I hit the thrift shop. 

At the thrift shop, I scored an aerobics step for $4 and (HUGE AND) a Michael Khors sequin tank top. For a dinky sequin wife beater - you know that would have been MAYBE $12-20 somewhere. But it was MK! $6!!! Score!

Then I ran to Home Depot. I bought a half sheet of plywood since I had enough left over from the glorious Murphy bed to make a plyo box, caps for my slosh pipe (I got a deal on a broken piece from a dinky hardware store 6' x 3" for under $4), 200' of rope, and supplies for a spear! Finally! The spear!

My friend Daniel (one of my favorite builder friends - I have two - and one who helped with the first two days of the Murphy bed build) came to help. We managed to make the 18" x 20" x 24" box. There was one miscut along the way...probably related to the vodka soaked watermelon, but we managed to epoxy fix it. Probably not smart for a heavy person, but I anticipate a lot more stepping than I do jumping due to my ankle issues and I'm lighter than a guy. Lots of glue and lots of screws and we ended up with this.

I'm rather proud of it. Labeled almost all of the sides. Killed a sharpie marking all of the sides. But...not only is it an awesome plyo box and huge stair stepper, it makes an awesome step stool.

Now, I have a knock off TRX from Woss Enterprises or something or other. It's great. TRX is very commercialized. You pay a lot of money for one of those. And -  I think they are worth it...for a gym. At home, you don't need something that heavy duty. I like that they have kind of a stopper loop (like my tech term there?) but that is really all my Woss is missing! People aren't using it 3-4 times a day 7 days a week. It's just me and I use it 1-3 days a week for a few minutes and to help with balance (I really need to get back on that once school is out...again....).  Sooooo... I have a hook in my gimpy vaulted ceiling in my living room. Yes, everyone that walks in thinks my Woss is a sex swing. But it's the highest point I have. That is until I scrounge up some cash and ask the ex-neighbor welder to build me an A frame type structure off the peak for climbing. Of course that's if he doesn't want to kill me for turning his barking dogs in as abandoned dogs.... Long story.

So, Daniel and I also set out to try some of the braiding techniques Id posted earlier. Maybe it was the drinks. Maybe it was that we'd been outside messing with  the box in the heat. Maybe it was that the instructions sucked! We couldn't for he life of us get anything going that remotely looked like a decent braid for weaving 8 strands of 3/8 poly rope together! I gave up and googled a tutorial on braiding 4 strands. This was because I had 2 100' ropes I'd cut to 50' then doubled to 25'. That was really my best option at this point. He got it and he braided the WHOLE thing while I untangled the ends.

Here are my gimp instructions.

Supplies:

2 different colors of 100' rope

Lighter

Scissors

Zip ties

Duct tape

D ring or something you can attach it too and hang it from 

While we were trying to figure out the instructions for braiding 8 individual strands, we had rolled up the excess rope and zip tied it. It made the untangling a bit easier. We also laid all the rope out straight and sprawled it out up top and taped it to keep it straightened out. When we came up with the 4 braid idea, we also bundled the sets of two ropes together with a loose zip strip. We slid this down as we got further down the rope and unwound it. Once they were unbundled, I duct taped the ends to the wouldn't get retangled as we threw the ropes around braiding them. 

Make sure you burn the ends when you're done. This will help to keep them from unraveling. Don't cook your fingers shaping the rope ends either (speaking from experience).

Once we were done braiding, we duct taped all of the ends together. I put a zip strip over the ended too just for an added measure. 

I did a group burn after that hoping some would melt together for added protection from unraveling.

Here is the final rope.

The other style of braiding was coming out too flat anyway. I like that this is more round although knobby. It will make a good starter rope. It has some stretch to it, but I think it will settle eventually.

In the end, 25' shrunk down to 19'. Not bad!