Sunday, November 7, 2010

I bought my trainer!

“All of the top achievers I know are life-long learners... Looking for new skills, insights, and ideas. If they're not learning, they're not growing... not moving toward excellence.”
Denis Waitley

Not so much that I'm a top achiever...but, I do like trying new things. After hurting my foot and barely being able to walk, let alone run, for close to a month, I bought a bike. I loved biking and although I am back to running, I decided that it would be a good idea to continue cross-training on the bike in the winter. So I bought a trainer :) 
My new trainer!
First, I bought the trainer, which cost about $200 (I got the cheapest one)...then I bought a special blue tire for my back wheel, to avoid ruining my road tire, another $50, then the stand to hold my front tire steady, another $40...plus, I paid the young man to change my tire for me ($8). Overall, it cost me about $300. Totally worth it! I can keep all this for years to come and bonus, I can read while riding my bike!
Must figure out a better way to hold my book...

Running: Today, I went for a 7K, supposedly long slow distance (LSD) run. It was beautiful out and I just enjoyed my run, forgetting to look at my Garmin. I felt the way I normally feel on a run, though I did tell myself to slow down a bit at some point. Again, not because I looked at my Garmin, I just felt I was perhaps going a bit faster than LSD pace (should be at least 7 min./km). I was so surprised when my Garmin Training Center showed me my stats...my pace was faster than tempo pace...what?! My average was 6.22min/km (10.14min/mile)...my first Km was 5.57minutes. Seriously, it totally did not feel that fast. Yay I mean oops ;)

Cheers!

36 comments:

mommaof3ontherun said...

I want a trainer...how cool is that!

Suzy said...

I love your trainer! I hope you find an easier way to hold your book!! Congrats on the oops/way to go pace.

Lisa said...

enjoy the trainer.

what a nice surprise to run faster than it feels. :-)

Char said...

Reading and exercising are two of my favourite things. Nice that you can do both together.

Generation X (Slomohusky) said...

You know as the last car salesmen i had to endure while buying my last vehicle said - that trainer looks good on ya! glad you are able to run again though!

MomRunningFromCancer said...

Hey - I am looking at purchasing a trainer also. I just talked to a co-worker (who was at the Turkey Trot) about it this morning. I am looking at Saris fluid trainer. I am soooooo wanting to get back riding. Make sure you write about how you like your trainer.

Great run - you are back! It has got to feel great! Enjoy the beautiful weather - ;-)

Kate said...

I love it when I just go out and run and it's faster than I thought. :) I'm jealous of your trainer. No way we have the room for one here...and I need to get back on my bike before my rear forgets how to sit on it for a few hours!

Iron Mike said...

Perfect, thanks for letting me know I need to budget $50 towards the bike. But it's worth it to own that attractive blue tire. Nice of you to drop the extra $8 and put the bike guy to work.
The bike trainer is such a good investment and you'll appreciate getting dual use (indoor/outdoor) out of your bike particularly in the colder months.
As for the faster-than-planned LSD, I don't think that a 7K can be considered LONG after a HALF-MARATHON, so your body was probably just doing what it does best: Running.

Heather said...

I used my trainer lots last winter - definitely a good investment. I think I need one of those blue tires now!

Jill said...

Ooooo, Freda has a new friend :)!!

Tri-James said...

They make a book mount to help with reading. Also, I just keep my old tires to use on the trainer - I don't care if they get more worn out.

Johann said...

Hope you enjoy the trainer! I take those as yay! Not oops! So Yay!

ajh said...

I have read Ayn Rand although it has been years. I have read her books a couple of times each. Atlas Shrugged is the best one in my opinion. Thanks for letting me know what you are reading.

Julie said...

Congrats on the new addition! I think getting a trainer is a great idea! You will be able to get riding in when it is freezing outside and snowing like crazy! You are a smart woman! Enjoy the winter rides:)

Teamarcia said...

I so need to do this too! Although it maaaay be nice enough this week to get outside on Blanche a couple more times.
Ayn Rand? Nice!

Jennifer said...

Nothing like a trainer and a good movie!

racing dawn said...

Yay! Love it when a run goes easier than planned! That trainer looks fun.

tahoegirl said...

I love my trainer! I don't like how loud it can be though. LOL! I rigged a book holder using a wire coat hanger...

Heather said...

Yay for the new trainer! and Yay for the awesome run! Have a great week.

Matty B. said...

Anne, awesome. I want to go out and do exactly like you!

One solution I may have found to your book problem(though it will require some work) is to follow this link and build one yourself http://www.instructables.com/id/Bike-handlebar-mounted-hands-free-book-holder/ .

Marlene said...

Great job on the 7K run! Nice pace.

And congrats on the trainer! That will be sooo nice to have this winter.

teacherwoman said...

Trainers are wonderful! It was one of the best investments I ever made! Congrats!

Levonne said...

Anne. You're an inspiration! Good for you for your accomplishments with running! Do you ever have muscle problems from running?

Beth said...

Wonderful about the trainer and your great run! I love your smile in the picture of you riding your bike. I hope you have many happy hours riding it this winter. Yeah!

Amy said...

Yay for the trainer - I bet you will enjoy being able to get your cross training done inside this winter. And good job on the unintentionally fast easy run! I think the most important thing is how it feels, not what the Garmin says.

Black Knight said...

Cross training is the best decision. The trainer and the good (fast) run made your day a good day!

Anabela (Bela) Neves said...

Congrats on the trainer and great run!

Andrew Opala said...

Awesome pace ... and I bet you were smiling the hole time and brightening up the neighborhood!

Nitmos said...

I find that I speed up when I don't look at Garmin. Looking at it actually keeps things in check.

Enjoy that trainer!

Carmi said...

Hi Anne. Wanted to thank you for your very kind comment on my blog. I've gotta say: The way you choose to lead your life is inspirational. Most people would have just caved. Instead, you did the unexpected. Definitely an inspiration to me the next time I take my bike out on a cold, damp morning!

BTW, I grew up in Laval. Just got back from a quick trip visiting family back home. I guess it never really leaves you!

Meg said...

I bet your biking and work on the trainer will help your running! I love your new trainer, I'd love to have one. You can stay fit and keep up with your reading, perfect...and you look cute too!

Lily on the Road said...

Good job falling in love with cycling! I'm off to Bushtukah today to get a trainer for the Trek....I'll have to see if they have the book stand!

PS, love the step-stair....you're becoming a machine!!

Irene said...

I really need to follow your lead and get on a bike! Good on you!

RunKathyRun said...

I think I need a bike and a trainer; wow, you looking amazing and so happy perched on your bike & trainer.

Zolasoleil said...

Lire sur ton home trainer?!! Il y a de meilleures places où lire ;-). Si tu veux des idées d'entraînement sur ton trainer, tu viendras me visiter, j'inscris régulièrement des séances d'entraînement sur mon blogue. Au plaisir!

Kevin @ Half TRI-ing said...

I want a trainer so bad but it will have to wait till after Xmas.

Kevin
http://halftriing.blogspot.com/