Triathablog

Loss and Gain...my Triathablog retrospective

2009-01-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

My apologies for somehow completely missing my last day to blog! Things got pretty busy here and time slipped away.

There has been a sudden interest in my story of being a female bike commuter since Self Magazine named Birmingham as the unhealthiest commute with the lowest % of women bike commuters. Within 2 days, I was approached by a magazine, the local news station and The Birmingham News. Crazy, huh? I am just glad to be getting the word out.

On my last commute of 08, I spent most of the ride thinking about what Triathablog has done in my life. At that point, I assumed that I had lost, but I couldn’t feel less like a loser. My goal for Triathablog was to make cycling a part of my life, for fitness and community. In these 3 months, I have become comfortable commuting to work (in a dress!), riding with the boys, got the wheels moving to start a Non-Profit Bike Co-op and met tons of amazing people.

I have learned that riding your bike to work is more than a ride, it is a statement. I learned the politicians love the idea of bikes on the roads, but are reticent to actually make it a reality. I have learned the nearly all children want to ride bikes and think adults who do are cool. I have learned as well that adults who don’t ride live sedentary lives seem to really dislike my riding. I have learned the fixed gear bikes are more than just a hipster trend and am saving for one now!

Most of all I have learned that cyclists are a unique bunch, who will welcome a new rider with open arms, whether you are dressed in spandex or a skirt and boots.

I may have lost Triathablog, but I have gained a new community and a new way of life. And for that I am not ashamed.

Thanks to Carrie and Amanda for being supportive and just competitive enough to make me bust my ass for 3 months! You girls are awesome and I am excited about our next adventure (girl’s Fight Club anyone??). Thanks to Heath for being a kick ass mechanic who kept Mick in shape for all my triathadventures. Thanks to the Brocyclers for all the fun and for letting a girl into the club of Birmingham urban cyclists. Thanks to all our readers for your support and cheerleading, I truly couldn't have finished this only 1 point behind without you.

Keep up with me and my cycling adventures at my new blog: BikeSkirt. If you ever want to ride, give me a shout.
See you on the roads in 2009 and beyond.
-elisa

(special thanks to T.Scott Carlisle for the amazing photos. See them all here: www.t-photographic.com/tsc/elisa )

It's Over! Contest Totals = Amanda 111, Carrie 121, Elisa 110

2008-12-31T06:28:00.000-08:00

Settle up the office pools — the wait is finally over. And the winner is ...

CARRIE! (She looks pretty excited about the win ... and the new year.)

All the girls fought hard. Each had a turn looking ridiculous, getting sweaty, and emerging victorious. In our minds, they're all winners. But the numbers don't lie and, technically, Triathablog has only one champion.

"What's this all about — what's a Physical Challenge," you ask? Check out Contest Rules in the sidebar to the right for details.

AMANDA: 11 points (111 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Swims
3 points = This Week's OMG Challenge (Butterfly Stroke)
1 point = Team Challenge (Starbucks Walk-A-Thon Relay Ultimate Challenge)
1 point = Santa Challenge (Bellydancing)
1 point = Audience Choice Challenge (Mini Me)

CARRIE: 12 points (121 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Runs
3 points = This Week's OMG Challenge
1 point = Team Challenge (Starbucks Walk-A-Thon Relay Ultimate Challenge)
1 point = Apartment (Therapy) Challenge
1 point = Santa Challenge (Fitness Walking)
1 point = Masquerade Challenge (Shadow)

ELISA: 12 points (110 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Rides
3 points = This Week's OMG Challenge
1 point = Audience Choice Challenge (Mini Me)
1 point = Peace Love Blog (Meditation)
1 point = Team Challenge
1 point = Iron Challenge

Double Dare, Triathablog, and a Bittersweet Goodbye

2008-12-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

It all started at Starbucks. Elisa, Amanda, Jenn (she's like our fifth Beatle who stayed out of the spotlight) and I developed Triathablog over Americanos and Wild Sweet Orange Tea (brewed with a bag of Refresh, naturally).

We started this contest to support each other in our attempts to work exercise into everyday life. Physical Challenges came as an afterthought, added to shake up the competition and make things more interesting for our readers.

Unexpectedly, I learned more from the challenges than from the everyday discipline of running. That wasn't my only surprise. I thought 20 minutes of yoga every day would be simple, but it was mentally and physically exhausting. I thought meditating for 30 minutes would be impossible, but I found it was easy and refreshing. I thought running in costume would get easier after the first wave of embarrassment — it doesn't.

The challenges that forced me to break my routine taught me the most. Running at a different time and place wreaked havoc on my running schedule and ended up costing me a couple weeks of points. But, in the long run (HA! I had to use it sometime), I learned to how to break my routine without getting completely off track (AGAIN! I'm ridiculous).

Due to a couple weeks of seemingly constant rain and sickness, I took solace in a gym and in my own apartment. I still kind of hate exercise videos, but I can lift weights, do yoga, and even do a little cardio (jumping jacks, jump rope ... various jump-centric activities) all while watching Gossip Girl. (Or, at least during the commercial breaks — no exercise is worth missing a minute of Chuck and Blair.)

For me, Triathablog's end is bittersweet. The challenges taught me a lot, but, like any good learning experience, I didn't always enjoy them. Sometimes, I loved sharing my thoughts on running with the world. But I'm also looking forward to long runs alone, without having a metaphorical audience looking over my shoulder. (I picture you — our blog audience — like those Verizon Wireless Network people, always there when you turn around ... a quality that can be good and bad.)

Thanks so much to our readers. You've been patient through reports on crosswalks, and you've laughed with me through elf costumes and James Franco daydreams. And thanks to Elisa and Amanda for taking this journey with me. You have been worthy competitors and amazing partners. I've enjoyed our adventure, and I am thankful for your support and for your friendship.

Weekly Totals = Amanda 100, Carrie 109, Elisa 98

2008-12-29T09:19:00.000-08:00

It's been a hectic week of traveling, playing Santa, and unexpected pool closings — and a wonderful time with family and TOO MUCH food.

We can't believe the girls are still so close ... with less than a ten point difference between them, it's still anybody's game.

It's a short week, so stay tuned ... we'll have the results by New Year's Day! "What's a Physical Challenge," you ask? Check out Contest Rules in the sidebar to the right for details.

AMANDA: 8 points (100 Cumulative)
3 points = Weekly Swims
3 points = This Week's Santa Challenge (Pool Jogging)
1 point = Special Report: Timeline
1 point = Touch Your Toes Challenge

CARRIE: 9 points (109 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Runs
3 points = This Week's Santa Challenge (Softball)
1 point = Masquerade Challenge (Elf)

ELISA: 12 points (98 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Rides
3 points = This Week's Santa Challenge (Trampolining)
1 point = Flux Capacitor (Different Time AND Different Place)
1 point = Team Challenge (Family Trampolining)
1 point = Audience Choice Challenge (Mini Me)
1 point = Masquerade Challenge (Reindeer)

A Farewell Post

2008-12-29T09:15:00.000-08:00

Life has funny ways of teaching lessons. I didn’t expect much from Triathablog other than exhaustion and nice arms (I’ll let you decide which of those I actually experienced). As my farewell post, I thought it would be nice to share some of the unexpected lessons this experience has taught me, and what I have gained from it.

As I’ve said before, when Carrie and Elisa approached me with this I thought I was crazy for taking it on, but loved the idea so much I couldn’t resist. That hasn’t changed – I still think I’m crazy for taking it on. But I’ve learned that I can be stretched beyond what I think are my limits and still be successful. This is a lesson that I needed to learn especially in this time of life, when I am making decisions that I have doubts about completing successfully. But I’ve learned that I can work two jobs, swim four days a week, squeeze in physical challenges, help lead a small group with my church, attend a Bible study, maintain a social life, find time to read, and still keep my sanity. If I can do those things, attending school and working full time should be easy. Okay, maybe “easy” is a strong word – doable.

In addition to learning to push the limits with time constraints, I also learned to push physical ones. As with any other sport, becoming adept takes time and determination, and is in no way hindered by a healthy portion of competition. I’ve been there with running, starting out in college not being able to run a full mile to completing my second half marathon last year. While I haven’t accomplished any noteworthy feats with swimming, I did learn that I can swim for an hour – something that seemed impossible in the beginning – and that I can do things in the water I never thought I could (i.e., the flip turn), all while managing to keep my eye makeup on, no less. These things will only improve with time, and I am proud of the strides I’ve made in the short three months that I’ve participated in this competition. While I am excited about getting to enjoy other activities when Triathablog is over, I still plan to keep swimming in the mix as one of my favorite forms of exercise.

Mostly, I’ve enjoyed making new friends through Triathablog, deepening the one that was just beginning with Elisa, and starting new with Carrie. Ladies – I have enjoyed you both, in spite of the smack talking, and look forward to continued friendships. I hope we never all like the same dude … with the fierce competition I’ve seen in the three of us, that could get really ugly.

I hope that we have inspired and entertained. It has been a pleasure.

Amanda, out.

Who needs therapy with Triathablog?

2008-12-27T18:08:00.000-08:00

Hello internets,
Christmas is winding down, the tree is at the curb, leftovers are running out and all is quiet. The few days after Christmas is always a bit of a downer, with the Christmas high crashing and the 'oh my goodness, I ate SO much and spent SO much this year' settling in! Normally for me this is also a time of reflection and rest, this year being no different in that aspect.

However, today was a little different for me. (Deep Breath). A year ago today, someone very close to me died. It was sudden and terrible. Needless to say, I have been dreading today for about 364 days...

I woke up and Anna (who is visiting family in the same small town where I am!) and I went on a lovely bike ride downtown for coffee and strolling. Scott and I talked often about getting bikes and riding, so that felt fitting. Something in rememberence of him that also symbolizes hope in my life. Whenever I get on my bike I feel hopeful and alive. I am not sure what causes this, but I love it. Whether is it cold and gray or sunny and warm makes no difference, riding makes me feel like a kid. A kid who has never felt loss or death and calls it a good day if a bike ride and a popsicle happen.

To sum up (because this has been all over the place!), riding my bike turned what could have been a bad day into a quiet day spent with the wind in my hair and my feet on the pedals. A respite on 2 wheels.

I have never been so grateful for my bike as I was today

Special Report: A Timeline of the Early History of Swimming

2008-12-26T18:55:00.000-08:00

Stone Age (7,000 years ago) - First recordings of swimming in the form of paintings.

2000 BC - Earliest written references to swimming.

1538 - Nikolaus Wynmann writes the first book about swimming, The Swimmer, or A Dialogue of the Art of Swimming.

1800 - Competitive swimming begins in Europe, mostly using the breaststroke.

1862 - The first indoor swimming pool was built in England.

1873 - John Arthur Trudgen introduced "the trudgen," sometimes called the racing stroke, to Western swimming after copying the front crawl used by Native Americans. Trudgen used a scissor kick rather than a flutter kick because of the British disregard for splashing.

1875 - Matthew Webb is the first man to swim the English Channel.

1891 - First synchronized swimming event held in Berlin - a men's only event.

1896 - Swimming is a part of the first Olympics in Athens, and consists of only four, men's only events.

1900 - The second Olympics in Paris included three unusual swimming events. One used an obstacle course; another was a test of underwater swimming endurance; the third was a 4,000-metre event, the longest competitive swimming event ever. None of the three was ever used in the Olympics again.

1902 - Richard Cavill introduced the front crawl to the Western world.

1907 - Annette Kellerman of Australia visited the U.S. as an "Underwater Ballerina," diving into glass tanks. She was arrested for indecent exposure.

1908 - The world swimming association, Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA), was founded.

1912 - Women are allowed to swim in the Olympics in Stockholm.

1922 - Johnny Weissmuller became the first person to swim the 100 m in less than a minute. He started the golden age of swimming and was the world's most famous swimmer, winning five Olympic medals and 36 national championships and never losing a race in his ten-year career. He retired and then played the character of Tarzan in film.

1928 - Start of the scientific study of swimming at the University of Iowa.

1930's - The butterfly was developed as a variant of the breaststroke (it ain't the Tootsie Roll).

1943 - The U.S. ordered the reduction of fabric in swimsuits by 10% due to wartime shortages, resulting in the first two piece swimsuits.

1956 - The flip turn was introduced at the Olympic Games in Melbourne.

Christmas...Merry! Merry!

2008-12-25T19:31:00.001-08:00

In my mid-week Christmas confusion, I thought yesterday was Friday...explaining my absence. sorry about that.

to make it up to you, I post this photo of me riding in costume (it looks like Carrie and I woke up with the same idea!). I was a reindeer and my sister was mortified. I was given direct instructions NOT to tell people who I was if anyone asked me what I was doing.

Family support, huh?

I rode with my nephew...2 points in one, baby! Riding with a child was an audience choice challenge. I may not win, but I am making quite the effort this week.

Merry Christmas from Triathablog!

2008-12-25T08:49:00.001-08:00

There's no challenge like the Masquerade Challenge ... and no morning like Christmas to frighten all your neighbors.

Last week, I wrote my sister and asked her to make me a pair of her famous elf shoes. She not only agreed, but she said she'd run with me ... which made running in costume less embarrassing ... kind of. Here she is this morning, fitting the shoes for me.

We're set to go! The sooner we get back, the sooner we get to attack our presents. And, yes, our skirts are made from old tablecloths I took from Starbucks.

Surprise! My grandparents got wind of our Triathadventure and joined us on scooters ... with their Santa hats! (They also mortified us by making us deliver homemade bread to their neighbors while still in costume, but that was later.)

Our triumphant return! Merry Christmas!

Boo-boo Kitty

2008-12-23T08:00:00.000-08:00

Who says life doesn't kick you when you're down? This morning I've been stressing out, trying to fill my trunk with gifts (which would have been easier if I'd cleaned out my car beforehand), take the trash out, wash dishes, go for a run, and do laundry that's been piling up since Thanksgiving.

In the midst of multitasking, I took a fairly bad fall in front of the whole neighborhood. It doesn't look that bad, but it really hurts, from my hands to my skinned knees.

I don't think I should run on it today (it keeps bleeding, for one thing ... maybe my Hello Kitty bandaids aren't cutting it), but I cleaned up and Neosporined and Adviled, so hopefully I'll be good to go for the rest of the week.

I've learned this from Triathablog — ignoring sickness or injury only makes it worse, sidelining me for longer than I'd like. Come to think of it, maybe that's true for other areas of life as well. I'll admit, postponing cleaning out my car has made for a more hectic morning. And going for a month without doing laundry makes for a hellish start to a road trip. Until I get some elves, maybe it's time to start planning ahead.

2008-12-22T14:21:00.000-08:00

The busiest week of December has been survived, and we are winding down to the end of Triathablog. If I can make it through a week filled with six days of work, six parties (one of which I hosted), four days of swimming, five days of yoga, cleaning house, and wrapping gifts, Christmas and New Year’s should be a cinch! As soon as my party was over on Saturday night, I laid in my bed unable to move, thinking how glad I was that it was finally over. Not that I didn’t enjoy it, but the end of that party marked the end of Christmas craziness for me. Fitting Triathablog into this week won’t be a problem since our family Christmas will be very low-key this year. Thank. Goodness. Maybe I can even convince them to participate in a group activity that doesn't involve watching movies on the western channel (sad, but true). Even with that possibility, it is still going to take a Christmas miracle for me to pull ahead of Carrie by the time December 31st rolls around.

A tiny nugget of wisdom: I discovered on Sunday that a hearty dose of caffeine before a swim makes you feel as though you could swim for hours (although that is probably a terrible idea). This is a trick I used when I was running, and it works just as well for swimming. I found that one large-ish mug of bold coffee, which has a lower caffeine content than a mild roast, was just enough.

My apologies for the brevity of this post, but there is a long night of swimming, dinner, and concerts ahead. Ciao!

Weekly Totals = Amanda 92, Carrie 100, Elisa 86

2008-12-21T20:14:00.000-08:00

Too bad we don't award extra credit. Some would say Elisa deserves it for getting rides in between ER visits and a mostly liquid diet (she did ride, just not all four times). And what about Amanda, throwing the year's best Mistletoe Madness party while keeping her friends full of holiday hot chocolate AND getting weekly swims, plus two more challenges?

But Triathablog, like life, is not always fair, and we don't give extra points for holiday cheer. We're happy to see Carrie become our first centurion. Will she hold her lead, or will one of her challengers pull of a Christmas miracle in the final weeks?

"What's a Physical Challenge," you ask? Check out Contest Rules in the sidebar to the right for details.

AMANDA: 9 points (92 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Swims
3 points = This Week's Touch Your Toes Challenge
1 point = Apartment (Physical) Therapy Challenge

CARRIE: 12 points (100 Cumulative)
5 points = Weekly Runs
3 points = This Week's Touch Your Toes Challenge
1 point = Santa Challenge (Jump Rope)
1 point = Special Report (Report to HR for Recess)
1 point = Audience Choice Challenge (H2Whoa)
1 point = Flux Capacitor Challenge (Different Time)

ELISA: 86 Cumulative

Link Round up

2008-12-20T21:10:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't have too much to say today. Another week of no riding, due to stitches in my lip (which, thanks to Triathablog, I am telling people is because of a cycling accident...I sound like such a badass. Thanks Triathablog!). I can honestly say that I miss riding SO VERY MUCH! The good news is that I am getting a lot of crocheting done. But not getting any points.

Here are some of the cycling sites that I check frequently. There are more, of course. I find a new site nearly everyday. If there are any that I am missing, please let me know.

BikeRubbish.com

Bike Snob NYC
Bicycle Pirate-great cycling fashion
The Lazy Randonneur
Velo Vogue-where the bike lane meets the runway
Bike Hugger
Urban Velo
Ecovelo-great blog with beautiful photographs.

Enjoy!

A Head Cold Is Such a Grinch

2008-12-19T05:43:00.000-08:00

Getting sick again is not on my schedule for Christmas, but I found out early in Triathablog that ignoring my body's pain only makes it worse. So instead of pretending I'm fine, I'm getting lots of sleep and lots of fluids. But should I stop running?

I've heard a lot from both ends of the spectrum, especially last week, when I didn't run because of stomach problems. One side (this includes my mom) says I should absolutely rest from running when I'm sick. The other side (this includes my downstairs neighbor) says I should under no circumstances lose Triathablog, even if it means running sick.

In matters of debate such as this, I like to let Google weigh in. Turns out, the good people of the Internet say you can keep running if your illness is above your throat — like my head cold — and stop running if it's below the throat (chest congestion, nausea, etc.). Also, don't run with dizziness or fever.

This is relatively good news for me. It means I did the right thing last week by not running with nausea. It also means going to the gym today is probably okay. In fact, one site said that it's better to run on a treadmill than outside when I'm sick with a winter cold, because dry outside air could further irritate my poor little overworked nose (I'm paraphrasing).

Of course, part of me wants to stay in bed all day. But, at the advice of Dr. Internet, I'll stop by the gym on the way home. Then I'll drink my weight in orange juice, just to cover my bases.

peace :: love :: blog

2008-12-18T11:47:00.000-08:00

Since starting Triathablog, the only exercise I’ve participated in, for the most part, has been swimming. Just getting those four workouts in is challenging enough, much less trying to do things on the other days of the week. I miss running, and even caught myself watching the people in the weight room last night, from my post-swim hot tub soak, with what I think was envy. I miss the monotony of weight machines? Apparently so.

Another thing I’ve realized that I miss is yoga, thanks to this week’s Peace, Love, Blog physical challenge. In this challenge, we do twenty minutes of yoga for five days. Before this week started I was thinking, “How the heck am I going to get five days of yoga and four days of swimming into the busiest week of December?” Luckily, I purchased a DVD last week that I’ve been wanting for a while and have been successful, so far, in working that twenty minutes into my day. I am fortunate enough to live within about a mile of my office, so it has been most convenient to do the DVD on my lunch breaks and get my swims in after work (and before parties).

The DVD is called A.M. Yoga for Your Week with instructor and yoga guru, Rodney Yee. I have looked at several of Yee’s DVD’s before and have always been slightly put off by how much of his junk I could see in his yoga shorts. But after reading some reviews, I decided that his workouts would be a definite step up from the one I have, which is on VHS and is led by an aerobics instructor who says stupid things like, “Feel the stretch through your soul.”

There are five separate workouts to choose from including Standing Poses, Twists, Backbends, Forward Bends and Hip Openers. While some reviewers didn't like this format complaining that there is no option to combine workouts, I find that it fits into a busy schedule well and provides just enough time to relax and get in some good stretches without taking too much of your time.

Due to a dead battery in my remote, I could only do the Standing poses workout the first two days. After replacing the ridiculously expensive battery (five dollars for one?!), today I tried Twists. I have loved both workouts so far. Since it is intended to be done in the morning, it is very simple and not overly strenuous, which is nice when it’s the middle of the day and I have to go back to work. Yee does a voice-over that is calming, gives great instruction, and is much better than listening to the aerobics-instructor-style barking of commands. The only complaints I have are, 1) He says the words “buttocks flesh” way too much and it kind of grosses me out, and 2) Sometimes I have no idea what the hell he is talking about. “From the strength of your back leg, levitate your pelvis and your chest.” What? I don’t know what that means, Rodney. Must be some voodoo yogi language.

Overall, I’d give A.M. Yoga for Your Week 4 ¼ stars. I’ve posted a clip below which is really long, but good if you are in the market for a good yoga DVD and thinking of purchasing it.

Bici Co op and other random things

2008-12-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

(photo from Ecovelo)
I just got back from what was a really fun night, full of knitting, pizza and beer, cycling videos and bike talk. Some friends and I are in the process of starting a Bike Co-op, called Bici Co-op. We are in the early planning phases and meetings mainly consist of us going over paperwork and talking about cycling in the city. Tonight we also planned an AMAZING Valentines Alleycat race and benefit party (details to come...prom theme!).

Doing this has been really hopeful for me. Many people my age have left Birmingham lately, and the 'bike culture' of Portland seems to be a big draw for them. I agree that they do have a system that is a cyclists dream, and the city is lovely...but I am thoroughly enjoying advocating for a biking community here in Birmingham. Being involved at the beginning phases of a movement is so rewarding, especially one I believe so strongly in. The Bici Co-op will be a shop, meeting point for Birmingham's riders and a strong advocate for cycling in the city. A place where cyclists from all walks of life can come and feel welcome.

Starting it is a challenge and next month we are attending Bike!Bike! Southeast, a conference on bike co-ops. 3 of us are planning on making the trip to Atlanta (100 miles) via bike and making it a car free weekend. I think it will be really encouraging to meet others who have the same interests and passions. Heck, Heath is even going to teach the Basic Bike Repair class! Getting contacts and ideas will be invaluable. As will sharing ideas and not feeling like we are the only ones. That is one thing about cycling here in Birmingham...I often feel like a novelty act. People often say "Wow, I could never do that!" or (my personal favorite) "That is crazy! You don't need to ride your bike, you are skinny!". Even "that is WAY too dangerous". I imagine it will be refreshing to be around like minded folks who think cycling is a fun, responsible way to get around. While the ride to Atlanta seems a bit daunting (did I mention that I am going with 2 guys who ride all the time?!), I can't think of anything that sounds more fun. Meeting new people and riding in a new city, planning a Non-Profit and learning from others...I am smiling just thinking about it!

If you would like to get involved, or stay up to date on the progress of The Bici Bicycle Cooperative (or make a tax deductible donation), shoot me an email. The more the merrier. bike!bike! is Jan 22-25, and we would love for you to come along with us. Even if you are not interested in starting the Co-op, the riding will be good and the company stellar!

Report to HR for Hopscotch (A Triathablog Special Report)

2008-12-16T21:53:00.000-08:00

Work has been rough lately. My company is downsizing, and morale sinks lower as people walk into work every day convinced it could be their last. We stare at our computer screens and sink into our chairs, becoming more and more depressed.

It's times like this that make me feel more like an adult than ever — and that makes me long for childhood. I miss spending long December days making snowballs with my sister, sledding down hills with my dad, and eating "snow cream" that my mom drizzled with honey.

Now I'm an adult ... living in Alabama ... in the age of global warming. There's little chance of snow flurries, let alone snowball fights. But what about all the other games we'd play outside? Kids from the neighborhood were constantly riding bikes together, or playing Freeze Tag, or Kickball, or Hide and Go Seek. In school, we were led in games of Red Rover, Dodgeball, or Four Square.

I'm not the first person to wish for the playground while sitting at work. Recess-type games are used as team building exercises by companies wishing to improve morale, to varying levels of success. In the best of situations, these games can loosen up employees, both literally — actually getting people out of their un-ergonomic office chairs — and figuratively — helping people work through their problems in an unthreatening environment.

On the other hand, some experts are against Recess in the workplace, saying it can be childish and silly, making employees feel looked down upon. It can even encourage petty rivalries, just like it does on the playground.

Frankly, the way our layoffs have been handled, I don't see how a schoolyard game could be any worse. Our parent company is making decisions that seem arbitrary and unfair, like a game of Duck, Duck, Goose, or Musical Chairs. I'd welcome a break from endless meetings about layoffs for the chance to hang on the Monkey Bars for a few minutes. With all the money our higher ups are saving on salaries, maybe they could spring for a swing set.

Until that happens (and I won't be holding my breath), there are plenty of groups in Birmingham that will help me get my recess on. Take The Birmingham Kickball League, or Tragic City Rollers (if you've ever wanted an excuse to wear knee socks and glitter eyelashes while knocking over a girl on skates, they're your girls).

And if you're looking for a good game of frisbee, just ask my friend Heath at Crestline Starbucks, who's always looking for players in his Sunday game of Ultimate Frisbee (if you're interested, PLEASE tell him I send you ... maybe it'll get him off my back).

I'm glad these groups exist. But part of me wishes I didn't have to work so hard just to run around the park with my friends. I like going to Bottletree as much as the next young Birmingham professional with an affinity for Red Bull and Vodka, but I'm wishing for a good time that doesn't require an ID, a Facebook invite, and twenty dollars. When did sport become so organized? When did playing become so much work? Sometimes I wish it were still as easy as grabbing my jump rope and running outside.

Weekly Totals = Amanda 83, Carrie 88, Elisa 86

2008-12-16T05:39:00.000-08:00

No, Carrie, wearing a Back to the Future shirt doesn't get you points toward the Flux Capacitor Challenge. Do you really think we judges are swayed that easily? Sigh.

Again, none of the girls took the Physical Challenge ... or even met their workout minimums! Oh, we know, we know ... Elisa was in the hospital (and did get one ride in), Carrie was puking her guts out (and still got a couple runs in), and Amanda's busy baking up the holiday cheer the rest of us lack (and made a triumphant return yesterday).

We're tired of excuses! This ragtag bunch of bloggers better get in gear next week or face the wrath of the Judging Council ... not to mention their faithful readers! "What's a Physical Challenge," you ask? Check out Contest Rules in the sidebar to the right for details.

AMANDA: 83 Cumulative

CARRIE: 88 Cumulative

ELISA: 2 points (86 Cumulative)
1 point = Bookworm Challenge
1 point = Hemingway Challenge

Money: The Great Motivator

2008-12-15T16:47:00.000-08:00

In true procrastinator fashion, I waited until this weekend to do my Christmas shopping. It happens every year, partly because I just don't want to, and partly because I'm waiting for my bonus. With only a handful of people to buy for and few stores to hit, I thought I'd get off rather cheaply this year. Wrong - In four short hours I spent about half of that bonus.

During a short break at work today, I rushed home for a quick lunch and noticed a pile of bills to be paid on the kitchen counter. In a short three minutes, I spent another large chunk of that bonus. Among the bills for power, gas (first one since we turned the heat on - yikes), and water was the bill for the gym. I am really lucky to have a roommate who gets me the hook-up to the nicest gym in town, but today even writing that check for $21.66 hurt just a little. It also reminded me that I am paying to go - something I haven't done in years - and I didn't go at all last week, thus my lack of points. It would have been so easy to skip today, using yet another holiday gathering as my excuse. But I reminded myself throughout the day of that $21.66, and of my second week without points. I mustered up some motivation, cheered myself on, and went to the gym. With time to spare for dinner and blogging before the second of six parties this week, no less.

My slogan for the rest of December is "Zero, No Mo." Let's hope I live up to it.

Not Quite Wrong...but so right

2008-12-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

Found this while taking a trip on the Information Superhighway. You can see them all on Rosscott, Inc (notquitewrong.com). All of the website is funny, but the comics are my favorite. He is clearly a cyclist. And I love him.

click on images to enlarge.

The Grass Is Always Greener When You're Not on a Treadmill

2008-12-12T19:06:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I worked out regularly at the Downtown Y. It was a block from work, their weight machines made cool video game noises when you met your goal, and I had friends who worked there. At the time, I didn't have a TV, so I'd go to the gym every day to catch General Hospital while running on the treadmill. It was kind of awesome.

I went to the Rec Center at Dawson Memorial for the first time yesterday. In a lot of ways, it was great. The staff was friendly and helpful. I got to use a locker — with a lock — for free. I got to escape gross weather outside.

Problem is, running on a treadmill isn't as exciting as it was when I used to get caught up in the drama between Lucky and Elizabeth. I'd just started running then, and I didn't have much to compare my treadmill runs to.

Yesterday I found my workout mind-numbingly boring. I quickly got dizzy from bouncing up and down and staring at the same scoreboard. There were no TVs, but I don't think it would've been much better if there had been. Now that I know what it's like to run outside with real wind and real ground under my feet, the gym feels stifling and fake.

True, it was better than nothing. But when I got home and pulled my gym bag out of my car, I saw another runner. He was running with his dog through the cold sleet. I have to admit, I was jealous.

busy little triathablogging bees

2008-12-11T19:33:00.000-08:00

I sit here in the aftermath of the first holiday gathering at my house, mugs stained with hot cocoa on the kitchen counter and a bounty of leftover cookies. After a long day at work preparing client Christmas gifts and trying to get routine projects done, I skipped the gym to head home and finish straightening up the house before preparing homemade hot cocoa and whipped cream. Not to mention cooking a sad dinner of hashbrowns and eggs for dinner, since I haven't had time to go to the grocery store. It is the fourth day this week that life has gotten in the way of swimming, which means that there are only three days left. Looks like I'm not getting my points for weekly swims this week. I like to think of it as a holiday gift to our sickly cyclist, rather than a failure on my part. How else is a girl supposed to feel good about skipping her workout for cookies and cocoa?

Will I make it out of the bed in the morning to hit the water? I'd like to say yes, but since it is taking every effort just to type right now it is highly unlikely. Next week there are more days of the week with parties than without. Here's to hoping for rest and renewed energy for another week of competition, and the time to take care of my health in this butter- and sugar-filled season.

The Road Less Traveled Sucks

2008-12-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

I have to admit, I'd rather take the road more traveled. It's probably shorter, there's less chance I'll get mugged, and there might be some sort of concession stand. Is there a way to develop a taste for adventure? Because, as of now, I don't have it.

That's why this crazy winter/summer/rain/snow/70-degree Alabama weather is really bumming me out. It's reeking havoc on my running schedule, and I can't settle into a routine.

I liked running in the mornings, but now it stays dark so long that I can't get to work on time (I could if I skipped Starbucks, but that's not happening). I started running in the afternoon, but if I get wrapped up talking to coworkers about catalog copy (or, let's be honest, Rob Pattinson), it gets dark before I even leave the office.

Anyway, I miss my routine. (And I miss changing into running clothes somewhere other than the bathroom at Starbucks Mountain Brook ... although I think it's funny that every time I'm in there, someone else is also changing into workout gear in the next stall.) So I decided to join a gym.

Dawson Memorial Baptist Church seems like a great deal: It's $25 a month, you don't have to be a church member, and you can pay month to month. Perfect, since I only intend to be trapped inside on a treadmill for the winter months when it's necessary.

Trouble is, I'm not going, even though I want to go. I want to run. I want to be one of those girls who throws her gym bag in the back of her car every day. But it's unknown, and the unknown is scary.

My English professors said that when Robert Frost said the road less traveled "has made all the difference," he was being ironic. They said he was really saying that it didn't matter, since all roads led to the same place.

Maybe, in this case, my English professors were right (I'm not as sure about all the phallic symbolism they found in EVERYTHING, but that's another blog). I could force myself to stick to a routine — buy a headlamp and run every morning. Or, I could conquer my fear, walk into Dawson, and take the treadmill less traveled.

Maybe the point isn't whether I take the easy way or the hard way. Maybe the point is, one way or another, I just keep running.

A lesson learned...the hard way

2008-12-09T18:31:00.000-08:00

I haven't been able to ride in over a week. I haven't felt well for a few months, and have been to a slew of doctors, to no avail. I was starting to feel like a patient on House, but with no smart-ass doctors to suddenly cure me.

This weekend things came to a head, as I slept all day Saturday (sorry for no post, btw) and spend Sunday in the ER. Turns out I was seriously dehydrated, suffering from bacterial infection AND a virus. A few bags of fluids, some steroids and a prescription for bed rest later, I was home and sleeping. No bike rides for ANOTHER week! What?! I didn't know how much I truly loved riding until this week. I also had no idea how much I depended on riding to keep me sane. Not being able to has been terribly hard.

However, I know that if I rode today I would only hurt myself. I am a total 'grin and bear it' kind of girl, waiting until the pain is unbearable to seek help. This incident has taught me that this may not be the best way to live. Had I taken my fatigue more seriously, perhaps I would have insisted that doctors do more tests and figure out what was wrong sooner. I knew that something was not right, but pushed it aside and kept riding and trying to live my normal, busy life.

I am extremely grateful to Dr. Andy Edwards, who finally figured out what was going on. Never again will I wait until I can't get out of bed to get help. Our bodies tell us when something is wrong if we will only listen. Occasionally I would ride less than a mile and feel wiped out, chalking it up to not being in shape. Instead of resting, I would push myself harder the next ride.

It has been ridiculously hard to stay off my bike this week and last, but I know it is best. I have great friends who are helping me remember how stupid it would be to get on the saddle, even for a 'short ride' (which is how I justify the ride to myself!). I may not win Triathablog, but sometimes being smart means changing priorities.

Plus, I still have a few weeks to come back and kick some ass! So watch out...who knows how awesome I'll be healthy!?

thank god for lycra

2008-12-08T15:15:00.000-08:00

"Gladys, let's hold hands for this picture. Nobody can tell if we are chicks or dudes in these swimsuits. Except for for the lack of boob support and the crotch rideage problem."

"Okay, ladies ... one shoulder out, and I want you to really rock those socks and heels."

"That bitch Phyllis, always pushing me in the water."

"Myrtle, I don't care what these guys say. Can I please try on your flesh-colored swimsuit?"