Jen on the Swim Bike Run

Soda in Drag...really?

Last night, while noting that I was not indulging in fudge pops at our annual ice cream social, a colleague asked me what I drink.  I began to run down my fairly short list, feeling quite puritanical:  water, tea, wine, coffee, fresh vegetable juice, water mixed with recovery drinks/ powders and electrolyte replacements  (HEED, Recharge, Nuun) milk, chocolate milk.  "That's it?" he exclaimed, "no whiskey, no bourbon???".  No, I prefer wine anyway, and since I got serious about training, my wine cellar has been growing awfully dusty.

So, I'll admit, there's nothing sexy about my beverage menu but I'm happy with it.  I particularly like the license I've been given to drink chocolate milk--it is my recovery drink of choice after long runs and races.  It is easily available, affordable, and great tasting--what's not to like (provided you don't have a  lactose issue)?  I was feeling all good and happy about my beverage situation when I received a tweet linking to this video.  

Now, I really like Ann Cooper and I get what she's trying to say but the "chocolate milk is like soda in drag" comment was a bit much.  I don't drink soda--haven't on a regular basis for over 20 years--so these are like fighting words.  But the point Cooper really makes me think about is how often we believe our food habits are lifetime sentences.  What is healthy and good for a person in heavy training is not necessarily good for an elementary school kid who doesn't even get a period for recess.  I need all the calories, fat, and even some of the sugar that a serving of low-fat chocolate milk can give me.  Not every day, and only as an immediate recovery drink. 

Cooper is right--chocolate milk should be a treat for kids too--not an every day affair, which apparently it has become in schools where the only milk served is chocolate.  But I think we get into trouble when we put chocolate milk in the evil category when what should be labeled as evil is the practice of drinking it to the exclusion of all else.  Hopefully those kids will grow up to be active, healthy adults and they'll remember that chocolate milk can have an appropriate role to play in a healthy diet.

First Lesson

I don't know how it is that I've only just now come to know this poem--First Lesson by Philip Booth.  All of my Fleet Feet Tri teammates and most everyone else knows how I struggle(d) with the swim portion of triathlon.  Everyone has a weakness in this sport but at the beginning of this year I couldn't even tread water and was terrified of the deep end of the pool.  I love looking at water--it would be difficult for me to live in a land-locked state without access and view of some water body.  But being comfortable in it--away from the shore/pool edge?  That was something else. 

I became obsessed with learning to swim and getting over my fear of open water.  Thank goodness for amazing and patient coaches and friends--I would have never covered that brief distance (600m) of the Syracuse Iron Girl course without them.   The next nine months will be about increasing my comfort in the water, strengthening my skills in freestyle, and coming to love the swim.

The day after the Iron Girl I was off to a yoga retreat at Kripalu with several clergy colleagues.  Near the end of the retreat week I was able to attend a special evening offering where participants in a workshop led by Kim Rosen performed the poems that had learned by heart that week.  When I heard First Lesson I erupted in tears--where has this poem been all of my life?

It says nearly all that needs to be said about the past 8 months of my life--and, perhaps, the life I'm still growing into.

First Lesson by Philip Booth

Lie back daughter, let your head
be tipped back in the cup of my hand.
Gently, and I will hold you.

Spread your arms wide, lie out on the stream
and look high at the gulls.

A deadman's float is face down. You will dive
and swim soon enough where this tidewater
ebbs to the sea.

Daughter, believe me, when you tire on the long thrash
to your island, lie up, and survive.
As you float now, where I held you
and let go, remember when fear
cramps your heart what I told you:
lie gently and wide to the light-year
stars, lie back, and the sea will hold you.

(Photo of Cranberry Lake in the Adirondacks.  One of the many lakes I befriended this summer.)

Shedding Gear

One of the great things about triathlon is what it has done for my health.  I used to think that getting older meant that recovering the health and vigor of one's youth was no longer possible.  Instead I've found that I'm in better shape than I've ever been.  Ever.

I'm so thankful for that and am encouraged to stay on the healthy path by all of the amazing men and women of every size, shape, and age who get out there day after day to swim, bike and run. 

But there have been casualties. 

Yesterday's rain storm reminded me of the need to prepare for the cold and rainy/snowy days to come.  I noticed that my closet is now full of some great technical clothing that I no longer need.  Some of it new.  I've loved these clothes and either never had a chance to wear them or only had a few wears because they became too large.  They are all practically new (except for the EMS jacket) and I can no longer stand the thought of them wasting away in my closet when someone--you or a friend--may be able to wear them.

So I offer them here--prices are as listed or best offer (OBO).  Whatever doesn't get snatched up here will be given away to The Rescue Mission.  If you are interested in something, email me at JLBASKER (at) SYR (dot) EDU. 

ASICS Storm Shelter Jacket  SOLD

Fantastic for winter.  360 degree reflectivity, front and back venting, 2 exterior pockets with one interior pocket for MP3 player. 

Brooks Motion Jacket, Womens XL.  Brand new.  Purchased in 2008.  $30 OBO  SOLD

Two exterior pockets, one interior pocket for MP3 player.  Non-quilted, stretch side panels.

 
Columbia Titanium Soft shell.  Women's L. Three exterior pockets-one on sleeve, adjustable cuffs.  $15 OBO.  SOLD

ASICS softshell jacket.  Women's L.  Three exterior pockets, one on chest.  Microfleece lining.  $10 OBO  SOLD

Sugoi Zap Jacket. Women's L.  Water and wind resistant, two exterior pockets, 360 reflectivity.  $10 OBO  SOLD

 
Outdoor Research Solitude Jacket, softshell.  Women's XL. Three exterior pockets, one on forearm sleeve.  $10 OBO    SOLD

  
EMS Soft shell.  Women's XL.  Coordinates with EMS SYNC series.  Exterior chest pockets, underarm venting, adjustable cuffs.  $10 OBO  SOLD

Keeping Track

After five years of blogging at Cookin' in the 'Cuse I guess I just can't help it.  I need a place to muse, record, dream and contemplate the triathlon/multisport lifestyle that has become as much part of my life as eating.  So here I am--trying to keep up, keep track, and keep on track with myself. 

Posts will vary between race reports, general thoughts, and cool things that come my way.  And, of course, I'll post as time allows--no set schedule.  And if it turns out that I'm the only one who reads this, that will be okay.