As you may recall, I decided to give Twitter another shot back in August.  However, it took until November to really get into it.  And now I am semi-addicted (follow me at @kevinneumann).  I have TweetDeck installed on both my computer and iPhone (which has quickly become an extension of my hand) and find myself checking for updates throughout the day.  I started following only a few people, but have found more and more interesting people to follow along the way.

The first two times I tried Twitter, I really didn’t have a reason to use it; there was no goal.  However, now with such a large running and tri-ing community online, it finally has a purpose for me.  It is my guilt trip and occasional motivator.  Today for instance, I really, really, really did not want to run.  It was cold out.  I was tired.  And I could make up excuse after excuse in my head on why I could skip this long run.  Then, this tweet comes through from @kwizbee:

are you going to be running in the snow or are you going to make excuses? it may be cold, but bad weather just makes you tougher, SO GO RUN!”

It was like it was meant for just me.  I thanked @kwizbee for the motivation and told him it was enough to kick me out the door.

This was quickly followed up by a:

@kevinneumann kick ass man!!! have fun!

from @triblogcarol

It is like a personal cheering section.  How cool is that?!

In the end, I did my 14 mile run and I felt good about it.  I am glad I did it and even more glad that it is over.  I have 6 miles scheduled on Saturday, and then I have an easy week before it picks back up.  I am looking forward to the lighter mileage.  This week has been very crazy and I could use some time to rest and relax.

Friday

I had two great workouts on Friday.  For my swim, I did 2500 yards with the main workout being 4x300yds followed by 6×50 yard sprints.  I felt great through the entire workout.  I consistently got faster on each of the 300’s with the 4th one being my fastest (5:03).  The 50 yard sprints were the same way; I consistently increased my speed.  I did start to feel my calves cramping up on the cool down. However, they would only tighten up when I pushed off the wall, so as long as I was gentle pushing off it wasn’t too bad.  I started bringing a water bottle with me this week thinking that the cramping is caused by dehydration, but it hasn’t seemed to help.  Oh well.

After my swim, I did an 8 mile run. I wanted to do some speed work at the same time.  So, I did miles 2, 4, and 6 at a tempo pace.  I averaged 6:53 min/mile for 3 intervals while maintaining a 8:00 min/mile pace for the other 5 miles.  I felt great during this workout.  I really felt like I was pushing hard when I needed to and was still able to hold back and comfortably maintain a decent pace the rest of the time

Today

Today was an absolutely gorgeous day.  I am digging this whole global warming thing.  I had really wanted to go out and do a long bike ride and make the most of it, but my legs just weren’t feeling it.  I ended up doing 20 miles in just over an hour.  I think part of my lacklusterness was worn out legs on top of not eating a substantial enough breakfast before heading out.

While on my ride, I passed by the East GR football field and the smell of burgers and other grilled goodies was wafting over the fence.  The game was just getting started, so after my ride, I showered up and Jennie and I biked back up to watch the rest of the game.  We got there just as the 2nd quarter was starting.  The food was as good as it smelled and the game itself was a lot of fun.

Burgers, brats, popcorn, football and a beautiful wife… does it get any better?

Jennie had to make a stop at the Sugar Shack for a ring pop.

Twitter

You may have noticed the new Twitter side bar item (unless you are reading via an RSS reader) for my latest tweets.  Keep up on my latest tweets by following me at http://twitter.com/kevinneumann.  I’m just getting (re)started with Twitter so I’m looking for people to follow too; leave me you twitter handle in the comments if you have one.

I have tried Twitter, twice now, and I just don’t get the appeal.  Then something like this comes along and I realize what I am missing.

@lancearmstrong: Good morning Dublin. Who wants to ride this afternoon? I do. 5:30pm at the roundabout of Fountain Road and Chesterfield Avenue. See you there.

Granted, I am a 15 hour plane ride away from Dublin, but still, how cool would it be to ride with Lance?  According to the full article, over 1,000 riders showed up and the police closed down the 6 km circuit course.

Very jealous.  Do I give Twitter a third try? A 3 strikes and out sort of thing?