Yesterday, I had class in Mankato-if you read my last posting you probably knew that as it was posted while I was sitting in the student union. As we started class yesterday the instructor stated that she was going to let us out early since we were suppose to get really bad weather. Take into account that only 4 of us showed up and 3 of us drove from the cities to Mankato. After we got done assessing our classmates GI system we were on our way! I stepped outside and it was BLIZZARD conditions and I knew it was going to make for a LONG ride home!
As I was walking to the car I was slipping as sliding and finally went down on top of my computer mind you! The snow on the sidewalks were covering the patches of glare ice and of course the school didn't put down any salt or sand!
Finally I made it to my car, scraped the windows and brushed off the snow and I was on my way. I was taking it extremely slow through Mankato being cautious of the slick conditions and the hills. I was thinking that the driving conditions should be a little better on 169 since it is a major highway...NOT. The radio stated it had just started snowing in St. Peter, so I thought if I can make there it should be smooth sailing for the rest of the drive.....again I was wrong! The driving conditions were horrible on 169! I kept with the hope that the driving conditions will get better and I would get ahead of the storm. I made it to St. Peter! After passing though St. Pater you couldn't see 10 ft. in front of you because the blowing snow was so thick. The road was completely covered by thick snow (4-5 inches!), so there was no telling where the sides of the road were and not to mention that my windshield became so thick with ice that even with the defroster on full blast it wouldn't stay clear! I passed car after car in the ditch; probably between 30 and 40. About 10 miles past St. Peter I came to a little town called LeSuer and pulled off; I had been on the road 1 1/2 hours at this point and had only gone 20 miles. I stopped at the Pizza Ranch ate lunch and thought I will wait it out a bit to see if the plows can get out on the road and then restart my journey to the cities. I called work to let them know that I was currently stuck in LeSeur and that I will try to get on the road in about a hour but just to let them know in the case that I'm stuck there and not able to make it into work. Then made a call to my parents to pick Shadow up. I kept checking the weather radar maps on my phone since the local TV stations only had the afternoon soaps playing (NO updates on the weather or road conditions came on!). In addition to checking my phone I kept dialing 511 to hear the MDOT reports. Later, I got a text message from the city of Mankato saying that they shut down all the hills going into Mankato at 11:30-about 10 minutes after I got out! I sat at the Pizza Ranch for a total of 2 1/2 hours and finally got the announcement that 169 was now closed. I decided to head over to the ALCO (the town person said it was like a miniature Walmart) to pick up PJ's, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, socks, and underwear, the essentials; oh and I can't forget a pair of boot slippers. I got directions to the nearest motel from a passing police officer that had his car window down as he was reaching out trying to grab the windshield wiper to free it from the built up snow and ice.
I went to the motel to check in and it was DISGUSTING!!!!!! The motel was thick with cigarette smoke and the owners dog was running around the lounge (if that's what you want to call it). Normally hotels have little gift shop with munchies and pop, well they had bins that you would find out on a farm laying on the floor in the middle of the room with 2 liter bottles of pop and energy drinks. I had decided to buy a 2 liter of diet coke for something to drink the room later on. Once I got checked in the lady handed me the key and I proceeded upstairs to my room passing a pop machine from the 80's (the ones that had the buttons at the top of the machine), the carpet had holes in it everywhere. As I made my way up the stairs I could hear a fan blowing on high to find it drying out the hallway! I took a left and my room was located at the end of the hallway-I walk in and it was FREEZING! The heat was set at 50! The room was something you would see in a movie! A broken refrigerator in the corner, thick with smoke (even though it was a non-smoking room),and a little TV with 10 channels. The carpet was pieced together and it smelled really bad!!!!! First, I did was pulled back the blankets on the bed to make sure there weren't any stains! Okay, the blanket had cigarette burns and holes but the sheets looked clean.
I sat in the room for about a hour and a half-personalizing ringtones for the contacts in my phone, checking facebook (from my phone since there wasn't any internet), examining my now dented computer and calling my parents about a million times! Finally, I ventured to the Asian restaurant two doors down from the hotel. Word of advice don't ever go to a ASIAN restaurant in a small town! It was disgusting-who puts carrots in a cream cheese wonton, not to mention I think the cream cheese was hazelnut flavored! After eating or picking at my food, I decided to walk to the Holiday gas station next door to get a magazine to read-no luck there either, they only had car and nudey magazines-ggggrrrrrr!
I headed back to my room, stop at my car on the way to pick up my advance assessment text (it was the only thing that I had to read). I read ahead a bit in the assessment text and played a couple of games of chess against my computer. I opened my bottle of Diet Coke, took a sip and almost puked! The Diet Coke tasted awful! I checked the bottle and it was expired! I turned on the TV-re-runs! Liz, finally called and I talked to her for a little bit. I peeked at my watch it was 7:45 pm and decided to go to bed. The bed was crunchy! Scared by the blanket and the possibly of getting bed bugs, I decided not to use it and froze! Surprisingly I dozed off for a short period of time before I woke to the train running behind the motel and then again to the people leaving the bar next door, and then again at 4:30 to a loud sound (I thought the pipes had burst but it was the person in the room next door taking a shower). I had enough! I went downstairs to check out-the office was locked, I picked up the phone and dialed the after hours number-busy tone. Finally, I left the key in the room, got in my car and headed towards 169.
169 was still in pretty bad condition-glare ice! I could only go about 45 mph! Again many cars were sliding into the ditch! I made it Savage, where I currently sit at Panera awaiting for rush hour to let up.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
As I sit here in the student union at MSU waiting for the coffee shop to open up, I keep thinking where did all the time go this week-granted this has been the only down time I have had? It's been a another crazy busy week! But I survived another one on minimum sleep, missed workouts because the attachment to my textbooks is so strong....not! I passed a doctor in the hall yesterday as I ran from meeting to meeting, he made a comment about my heavy bag that I was carrying-I told him yeah, I know that I'm going to ruin my back (he laughed-probably even harder considering that he's a spine surgeon).
One of the meetings that I attended yesterday was an education session on psychological 1st aid which focused a lot on stress management. It was pointed out that people that work in professions such as nursing are really good at attending to others during stressful times but are horrible to ourselves as far as managing the amount of stress in our lives..........
I have a few more things to finish for school this week-then I'll be ready to start another crazy busy week next week. I went into work the other day and asked to be canceled for the next two weeks if possible-I think they thought I was crazy! I figured that would bring up to springbreak and I could finally maybe get to take a breather for a moment.
Anyways on to my workouts for the week thus far.......
Monday, I intended on swimming and lifting weights, however when I got to the gym I realized that I forgot my swimming stuff. I ended up doing my medicine ball exercises for about a hour.
Tuesday I missed:(
But Wednesday made up for it.......I attended P2 (coaching session) last night and he had do a bike test-similar to the run test last week. The goal was to increase the tension on the bike every 5 minutes but keeping a cadence higher than 90 for a hour. I did a lot better than I thought I would do but missed the last 5:00 because my cadence dropped into the 80's. My heartrate was in the 160's (zone 4-5) for a lot of the test!
One of the meetings that I attended yesterday was an education session on psychological 1st aid which focused a lot on stress management. It was pointed out that people that work in professions such as nursing are really good at attending to others during stressful times but are horrible to ourselves as far as managing the amount of stress in our lives..........
I have a few more things to finish for school this week-then I'll be ready to start another crazy busy week next week. I went into work the other day and asked to be canceled for the next two weeks if possible-I think they thought I was crazy! I figured that would bring up to springbreak and I could finally maybe get to take a breather for a moment.
Anyways on to my workouts for the week thus far.......
Monday, I intended on swimming and lifting weights, however when I got to the gym I realized that I forgot my swimming stuff. I ended up doing my medicine ball exercises for about a hour.
Tuesday I missed:(
But Wednesday made up for it.......I attended P2 (coaching session) last night and he had do a bike test-similar to the run test last week. The goal was to increase the tension on the bike every 5 minutes but keeping a cadence higher than 90 for a hour. I did a lot better than I thought I would do but missed the last 5:00 because my cadence dropped into the 80's. My heartrate was in the 160's (zone 4-5) for a lot of the test!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Staying on top of things
As I was driving to work this morning I was thinking of the top ten things that I want to do after finishing school-yes things are out of control busy and I'm getting burnt out! So here it goes:
10. Take a LONG relaxing trip
9. sleep
8. focus on training
7. get more involved in public policy
6. Really clean my house
5. clean out my car
4. kayak/bike trip
3. volunteer
2. work normal hours
1. No longer share my bed with TEXTBOOKS!
As usual my I have been way too busy but I seem to be keeping a float as of right now. I keep saying to myself that I just need to get through this semester! Today, I had my monthly governance meeting and an office day. I had great ambition to get my journal article reviews done and start writing a patient education piece, however because it was so busy on the floor I spent my time helping out on the floor instead.
My training has been better this week-much more consistent.
Sunday, 60 minute swim, 2 hour bike, and a 15 minute run with P2. I did this workout directly after work.
Monday, 60 minute swim (2200-2400 yards), medicine ball exercises 30 minutes
Tuesday, Hill repeats, stairs, treadmill-total 7 miles
Wednesday, mountain run test on treadmill-7 miles.
10. Take a LONG relaxing trip
9. sleep
8. focus on training
7. get more involved in public policy
6. Really clean my house
5. clean out my car
4. kayak/bike trip
3. volunteer
2. work normal hours
1. No longer share my bed with TEXTBOOKS!
As usual my I have been way too busy but I seem to be keeping a float as of right now. I keep saying to myself that I just need to get through this semester! Today, I had my monthly governance meeting and an office day. I had great ambition to get my journal article reviews done and start writing a patient education piece, however because it was so busy on the floor I spent my time helping out on the floor instead.
My training has been better this week-much more consistent.
Sunday, 60 minute swim, 2 hour bike, and a 15 minute run with P2. I did this workout directly after work.
Monday, 60 minute swim (2200-2400 yards), medicine ball exercises 30 minutes
Tuesday, Hill repeats, stairs, treadmill-total 7 miles
Wednesday, mountain run test on treadmill-7 miles.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Can anyone find me a few extra hours!
This week has been crazy! I had class in Mankato this week on both Thursday and Friday which made for a busy week and lots of time spent on the road. The weeks that I have all my classes in Mankato are really hard to get any else done; partly the time spent in class and on the road but the other big part is the preparation. From leading dicussion groups to presentations it didn't leave a whole lot of time for my workouts this week! I ended up missing my workouts on Wednesday, Thursday, and today-I hope for a better week next week!
I plan to work out with P2 tomorrow after work-hopefully I don't get mandated!
I plan to work out with P2 tomorrow after work-hopefully I don't get mandated!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Okay....I got cut off when I was going to talk about my training for the past week or so. I'm starting to get excited for the upcoming season!
Yesterday, my workout included doing hill repeats on the only hill in Anoka county (a overpass over HWY 10)!I incorporated some push-ups, stride outs, lunges, and squats into the workout-It was a lot like the DAM hill workout. I ran a few more miles outside to equal a total of six and then finished the run on the treadmill for a grand total of 9 miles.
Following my run, I did some medicine ball exercises to build strength. Lastly, I went to spinning for 45 minutes. I worked on form and did a lot of drills throughout the spin.
Monday, my workout consisted of a swim approximently 2000 yards-I didn't keep track! Most of the swim workout was working on form through drills and using different equipment. Prior to swimming I did the medicine ball strength excercises. Then to finish the day's workouts, I did a short 3 mile run with run club.
Sunday, I worked out with the P2 group. Starting the workout off with a time trial 20 minute swim. The swim went better than I thought, being that I haven't done much swimming since August (I think 3 times total). Then we headed to "The Pit" and got on our bikes for a hour and fifteen minutes. To finish the workout we did a 30 minute run through the skyways in St. Paul.
Saturday, I met with run club for a run at the Dam. Jen, Andy, Paul, and I ended up doing 6.5 miles. Once I got home I had noticed that I went a little short, so I Shadow ended up doing another mile. It was really slippery! Total miles for Saturday was 7.5 miles.
Friday- I ran out of time and didn't get my workout in! I ended up getting together with Stacey and Joanne. It was great to hand out with them!
Thursday-I workout was at the "The Pit" with P2. We biked for 60 minutes and then ran the skyways. Total workout 1.5 hours.
Wednesday-1 hour bike
Tuesday, I ran on the treadmill and then biked for a hour.
Monday-3 mile run with run club. It was really cold!
Sunday-Swam with P2 and then spinning class
Saturday-10.5 mile run with Jen at the lakes.
That's all that I can remember!
Yesterday, my workout included doing hill repeats on the only hill in Anoka county (a overpass over HWY 10)!I incorporated some push-ups, stride outs, lunges, and squats into the workout-It was a lot like the DAM hill workout. I ran a few more miles outside to equal a total of six and then finished the run on the treadmill for a grand total of 9 miles.
Following my run, I did some medicine ball exercises to build strength. Lastly, I went to spinning for 45 minutes. I worked on form and did a lot of drills throughout the spin.
Monday, my workout consisted of a swim approximently 2000 yards-I didn't keep track! Most of the swim workout was working on form through drills and using different equipment. Prior to swimming I did the medicine ball strength excercises. Then to finish the day's workouts, I did a short 3 mile run with run club.
Sunday, I worked out with the P2 group. Starting the workout off with a time trial 20 minute swim. The swim went better than I thought, being that I haven't done much swimming since August (I think 3 times total). Then we headed to "The Pit" and got on our bikes for a hour and fifteen minutes. To finish the workout we did a 30 minute run through the skyways in St. Paul.
Saturday, I met with run club for a run at the Dam. Jen, Andy, Paul, and I ended up doing 6.5 miles. Once I got home I had noticed that I went a little short, so I Shadow ended up doing another mile. It was really slippery! Total miles for Saturday was 7.5 miles.
Friday- I ran out of time and didn't get my workout in! I ended up getting together with Stacey and Joanne. It was great to hand out with them!
Thursday-I workout was at the "The Pit" with P2. We biked for 60 minutes and then ran the skyways. Total workout 1.5 hours.
Wednesday-1 hour bike
Tuesday, I ran on the treadmill and then biked for a hour.
Monday-3 mile run with run club. It was really cold!
Sunday-Swam with P2 and then spinning class
Saturday-10.5 mile run with Jen at the lakes.
That's all that I can remember!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Okay I know its been a while since my last posting. I have been really busy trying to find balance between school, training, and work. My classes this semester are really heavy-but I just need to get it done.
As far as training goes, I finally made the decision to get a coach for this upcoming year of training. The fact that my schedule is so crazy busy and I don't have the time to try to figure out what to do. Anyways I started training with P2 which has been great! I have managed to make two practices a week. The practices kick my butt-I think its just what I need!
As far as training goes, I finally made the decision to get a coach for this upcoming year of training. The fact that my schedule is so crazy busy and I don't have the time to try to figure out what to do. Anyways I started training with P2 which has been great! I have managed to make two practices a week. The practices kick my butt-I think its just what I need!
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