One Step Back

Sigh. Yes, another step back. This time, I hope it's just one, not two. It turns out my knee was not happy with the elliptical trainer. The first time I tried it, a week ago Saturday, it was fine. The second time, I completed 10 minutes on the elliptical and 5 on the stationary bike. The next day my knee was achy and a little more swollen than usual. I had a PT appointment with Susan that evening and she told me maybe I wasn't ready for the elliptical trainer. She suggested I stick with cycling and swimming, or at least try backing off the elliptical time to 8 minutes, instead of 10. I've just taken it easy and iced since Thursday, but I hope to get back to the gym a few times this week. It's disappointing, but makes it clear I was doing more than my knee could handle. I'm still looking for that "sweet spot" of time where I don't trigger a flare up. I'm told once I find that spot, I will be able to eventually increase my time on the bike and/or elliptical trainer slowly. Baby steps at first, then larger increments later.

Otherwise, I've been working hard and traveling. It was Minnesota this week. One funny story from last week happened when I was sitting in Caribou Coffee in Minneapolis waiting for my print sales rep to show up. Dave arrived and as I was packing up my computer, I looked across from where we were sitting into the childrens play area in the shop.

I looked back at Dave and said, "Is it me or is there something wrong with this?" I took a photo of what I was looking at with my camera phone. So, where do you think the play hunter set is for the kiddies? To have stuffed animal heads mounted on the wall, there must be one somewhere! From what I understand, the nightmares don't last long... only in Minnesota. ; )

Long Time

Wow, it's been a long time since I have written in my blog! Life in general has been non-stop the last few weeks. I'm going to try to keep it short, but sweet, since I'm packing for yet another business trip and need to catch a 6:30 AM flight to Minneapolis, MN tomorrow morning.

The basics: Week before last was a trip to the Old Navy Leadership Conference in Las Vegas, NV. We got a little Caesars Palace pool time before the conference started at 6 PM Oct 10. Old Navy went all out for the conference and even put on a New York style fashion show. It was a good time for all.

The week after Las Vegas was a two-day trip to Los Angeles, then I met with my friend Jill Thursday last night for dinner. It was great to catch up with her! We trained for several triathlons together 2005-06 and I miss her. She is training for the New York City Marathon so I met her at Kezar Stadium after the PacWest track workout. It was fun to see everyone. So many people said, "How are you? We hope you can run with us soon." I hope so too. To update you on my knee, my physical therapist Susan suggested that I move on to the elliptical trainer. I was SO excited! Yesterday morning I went to the gym and hoped on for 10 minutes. Susan said 10 minutes only then to wait for 24 hours to see how my knee feels. I'm a little disappointed that it feels a little achy today, but I'm told that it to be expected. Susan said to try the elliptical a few times before I see her on Thursday. One down... we'll see the next time goes. Patience.

Meg and her husband David were in town for a friend's wedding and their baby shower this week. It was great to see them. Meg is less than two months away from her due date on December 16. Yeah! The next time I see her, she and David will have a sweet little baby girl.

Love My New Gym

I LOOOVE my new gym at UCSF - Mission Bay Bakar Fitness Center. I don't know how often I'll be able to attend since I'm on what they call an "Express Membership". The facility is at capacity, so I am only able to workout there from 5:30 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday. Still, I swam last Thursday in the rooftop pool and it is a DREAM! I shared a lane at the beginning of my swim with a gentleman swimming with a snorkel. After my warm up I had the lane to myself and it was wonderful. A wide open lane under the open sky. Ahhhhh (Picture the sun shining with rays stretching down from the clouds). Ok, that is a slightly dramatic visual, but that's how I felt. I realize the indoor pools were really bringing me down. Too enclosed. I hope to somehow swim at least twice a week. With my upcoming work travels, I'm not so sure. The waiting list to full membership at Bakar will be around 3 months. Then, I will be able to go after work and on weekends. It will be here before I know it. : )