Okay...first things first. I bet you are wondering if I was able to master the 13 miles on the elliptical. Well...I didn't only master it, I overachieved it by 0.1 of a mile just to make it a half ellipticathalon. You see 26.2 miles is a full ellipticathalon. I don't ever want to go that far. If I do, PLEASE have me committed.
My plan was to hit the gym bright eyed and bushy tailed, but that didn't happen because Runner's World was doing a live blog feed of the ING NY Marathon and I was drawn to it like bees to honey! I was pulling for Shalane Flanagan to win it for the women, but I was quite proud of her 2nd place finish! Imagine running your first marathon and finishing 2nd place?! Bananas! Then again, when she competed in her first half marathon here in Houston in January of this year, she won it! She's amazing!
Okay, so once the winners were established, I geared up, grabbed my Powerade Zero and my iPod shuffle and headed to 24-Hour Fitness. I picked my machine, tested the ol' iPod to make sure there were no technical difficulties and then I was off. My quad/thigh was a bit achy at first, but I told it to "man-up" and I adjusted the intensity and the incline and eventually found my rhythm. The machine only allowed me to set it up for 60 minute segments, so after the first 60 minutes, I reset it for another. About half way through my second 60 minute segment, I had to briefly pop off the machine to refill my bottle - water was gonna have to do it for the rest of my jaunt. I took that opportunity to stretch my legs. I hopped back on the machine and finished up that 60 minutes. I reset the machine for the final 60 minutes knowing full well it wasn't going to take me that long. I worked on my arm swing during the entire work-out since I know that has been a weakness for me. I would have killed for an audio book, FYI. Half ellipticathalons are MEGA BORING! 33 minutes later, I was done. 13.1 miles completed. I can honestly say I have never before spent 2 hours and 33 minutes in the gym in one segment before. I would love to say that I will never do that again, but sadly this may not be the case depending on what's going on with my injury.
Good news is that my leg doesn't feel any worse for the wear today. Honestly - my upper back and shoulders are a mess (from the arm swinging). Weird, right?!
I was able to make an appointment with the sports medicine ortho at the practice I go to. The ortho who did both of my ACL knee surgeries ('94 and '98) retired several years back and the ortho who helped me through my hip tendonitis (earlier this year) is a joint specialist, so I decided to go with the sports medicine expert. This one lists running as his hobby, so he'll understand!
I took today off (as I would after a long run), but I'm hitting up my elliptical new BFF again tomorrow. I'm planning on a 4 to 5 miler.
Where there is a will, there is a way! Destiny Child's Survivor popped up on my shuffle while I was laboring away. The lyrics inspired me. Here are just a few:
I'm a survivor,
I'm not gonna give up,
I'm not gon' stop,
I'm gonna work harder,
I'm a survivor,
I'm gonna make it,
I will survive,
Keep on survivin'
Oh and I almost forgot to share with you that my blind beagle, Penelope, stole 2 packs of Clif's Shot Bloks, 5 Larabars, 2 Luna Bars, and 2 South Beach bars while I was at work today. I had a bag full of my goodies on top of my desk in the kitchen and she must have been desperately seeking something/anything to satisfy her hunger?! Hmmm...guess who is NOT getting dinner tonight.
7 comments:
Wow. I can't even begin to imagine 13 miles on an elliptical.
Then again, I've never actually been on an elliptical.... I'm slacking, I know it.
Way to rock it!
Oh boy! You are speedy on that darn elliptical. I could barely stand it for 45 minutes last night. Way to go! I have no excuses now if my injury prevents me from running, just get on that stupid machine instead. Very impressive.
Whew, over 13 miles on the ellipitcal? You've got GUTS girl! I'm glad your hip cooperated too. :o) You are really taking your training seriously. That cardio will help to keep your fitness level up even when you aren't able to run.
Side note: not so long ago I kinda forced my friend to bike 26.2 miles on a stationary bike with me.
It was awesomesauce. Nothing like on an elliptical! Way to go!
Just goes to show that beagles are smart dogs. They lead with their nose.
Way to go on those 13.1 miles. I think I'd loose my mind if I stayed on 1 machine that long in the gym.
Wow, 13.1 miles on an elliptical? I have never tried for that long...you are amazing! I hope your injury isn't too serious.
That is definite conquering!!! So proud of you!
The ellipticathalon sounds like a new Olympic competition. hee hee!
Strong mind and body to hang in there for 2:33. I have never been able to get a second past 45 minutes. WTG!
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