You win some, you fall some!

I am happy to report, that despite a hilarious start to my scary cool clippy pedals for my bike, I successfully survived my first ride in public without any mishaps!

This surprised me.  Lots.

I received the fancy pedals and shoes as a birthday gift from papa and the boys. I decided that it was a "now or never" situation with the clips. If I wanted to use them, I needed to use them from the get-go. And trying new things seems to be a theme for me this year, so why not?!

My brother Scott was helpful enough to assist me in putting the pedals on my bike, so all I had to do was get the shoes on, and try it out (gulp).  I decided to use the luscious green lawn of grandma and grandpa's house. The thought of falling on the pavement in my own neighbourhood was way too much for me.

I started out alright. I got clipped in without any trouble. I rode around in a few circles. It was going well (!).

Then, I realized that un-clipping was a step that I needed to practice. I freed one foot (no problem!) then, as I got closer to stopping, I tried to free foot #2. I did not set my other foot on the ground though, (um, ya.  That's a bit of a problem) and down I went. Bike, me, and my dignity!

It was so funny.

I got grass-stains on my new sweater and my family (watching from the window, as all helpful families do) was roaring with laughter.

So, I got up and tried again.

Basically, attempt two was identical to attempt #1. My brother was laughing so hard as he said, "why did you do the same thing again?  Why am I not video taping this?!"

No video.  No photo. Just the grass stains left now.

On attempt three (with camera rolling...thanks, Scott) I managed without any trouble.  I managed to do a hill-workout with my tri-group last night as well, hassle free.

I know I will fall again.  I just hope it isn't in a race situation!

This morning, I headed to the pool.

At 6:05am, I was greeted with this:

Ugh.

I arrived at work super-early as a result.

Luckily I had a killer interval session tonight to make up for the lack of swimming this morning...my legs are now feeling like jello and I am looking forward to some relaxing. (5x1mile repeats @6:20/mile, hence the jello!). I foam-rollered with Raule and it's all gooood now.


Happy Running, cycling, or swimming...if your pool happens to be opened!

Please, pass the sunscreen!

When will I learn?

There is a word that I really need to familiarize myself with.  Or better yet, an action I need to get better at.

Reapply.

I need to train my brain to do more than just slather on the 'screen in the morning.  Especially when I am out running (and sweating) for hours.  I had to deal with a terrible burn after Boston last year (it was just so HOT that I was soaked from all of the sprinklers and sponges, ice and water that was tossed in my direction, that the layer of sunscreen I started the day under was long gone by the time I crossed the finish line.

This year, I did the same thing again.  It wasn't as hot, but I still sweat and sponged away that layer of 60 sunscreen that I just assumed would protect me yet again.

Today was the first track and field meet of the season!  It was fun to experience the excitement and nerves the students felt, some of them at their first ever event. Of course I put on sunscreen. I even brought along the tube of it in my backpack. The day started out a little foggy, but by noon it was a gorgeous sunny day. It didn't feel hot though. I put on my sunglasses and ignored that little tube.

Then, on the bus ride home, my arms started to warm up. Dang it.

Another layer of sun on my skin. (Not a burn, but still more sun than I needed).

I am so diligent with sunscreen on my children. They know the drill. Why can't I get it together and take some responsibility here?

I am writing about this here, because I really need to own this whole thing. I know how serious sun damage can be.  I am pledging to reapply more often.
*and if anyone has any tips out there, as to how I can keep sunscreen on through swimming/biking/running events, I would appreciate it, although I have a sneaking suspicion that "reapplication" is probably the tip I will get, no?

It is April 30th, and I already have farmer's tan. Yeesh.

Happy slathering running!

p.s.  I might try to bring back fluorescent Zinc...it was so cool in the 80's!