Wow~is it really over? I realize it has been 3 weeks since "the big day", but well, we all know how time flies!
So, it wasn't EXACTLY what I expected it to be...but it was still GREAT and I reached a couple of cool milestones.
Transition opened ridiculously early, so on Saturday night I found myself setting my alarm for 2 AM...that's right...2 AM!! I wanted to give myself plenty of time to double/triple/quadruple check all my gear and get myself put together for the long day. I left the house at 3 am to meet Caleb and Nicole and head out to Raccoon River...otherwise known as the "Hy-Vee Triathlon"!
As we were setting up we kept hearing rumors that they might have to alter the course because of the weather. All I heard was that they may shorten the swim so they can get everyone out on the course before the bad weather hit. I didn't know what kind of weather we were expecting, but I really didn't want to have to swim in the rain and I REALLY REALLY didn't want to ride my bike in the rain.
Finally an announcement was made that the due to a storm front that was supposed to blow in around 7:30, the course was being shortened. What was supposed to be a 1500m swim, 40k bike ride, 10k run was being cut into a 400m swim, 20k bike ride and 5k run. I was a little disappointed, because the 400m swim meant that the race was going to end up being shorter than the Copper Creek Triathlon I participated in the week before! But, at the same time, I was excited and relieved! I KNEW I could do it!
Couple highlights of each event...well, I've already discussed the main focus of the swim portion in a previous post ;). The bike ride was exciting because I hit 30 mph on my bike for the first time! It was awesome!! The best part of the run was that I finished in under 30 minutes~something I've never accomplished in a 5k before! I've been close...but never have I finished a 5k with a "2" at the beginning of the finishing number!
I was finishing up the run right as the storm was blowing in. I literally crossed the finish line to a booming thunderclap that ushered in a downpour! It was a wet mess! But I couldn't have felt better! I DID IT!
Comparing average paces for Copper Creek and Hy-Vee I made improvements in my bike and run in Hy-Vee....my swim pace was a little slower, which is frustrating because once I actually started swimming, I felt great and swam stronger than I did at Copper Creek.
But, my bike pace improved from 16.4 mph ave to 17.1 mph ave and my run improved from 10:40 min/mile to 9:33 min/mile. Pretty good for one week!
Here are the final official results:
Swim: 13:47
T1: 4:21
Bike: 43:32
T2: 3:15
Run: 29:35
Both of my transitions were longer because of my positioning in transition. I was on the far end of the transition. To get on the bike course I had to push my bike thru the pretty much the entire length of transition. Coming back I had to push my bike again thru the mud and muck of the entire transition area to get back to my spot, get ready for the run and run back thru the mud and muck to get to the run start. It wasn't an ideal transition location, but what can you do?!
If this journey has taught me anything it is that anything really is possible. I set a goal, I worked hard, stayed focused and I did it! It feels incredible!!!
But I couldn't have done it alone. I had great coaches and friends and cheerleaders and blog readers with me at every step. Which has made this whole experience that much better!
Thanks to everyone for your support! Now get out there...set a goal and DO IT!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Dirty Little Secret *may not be suitable for all readers :)
Well...it is over. I am saving my "I Did It" post for later this week. I have something else to address first.
One of my favorite parts of participating in these events is the ability to break the rules. Two of my favorites is littering and running red lights. When you come up to a water station sometimes there just isn't a volunteer with a garbage bag in sight, so you get to drink your water, crush the cup and throw it on the ground! It might sound a little silly right now, but when you are running and desperate for a distraction...littering is a treat!
Same thing with running red lights....it is fun enough to run thru an intersection when cars are being held back by the helpful police officers, but it is like a triple word score when you get to run thru the intersection AND the stoplight is red! Such rebels we are!
This is all widely accepted in running culture. But since I have "officially" become a triathlete I have learned that I can take the rule breaking to whole different level.
For me it all started at Copper Creek. Standing in the water, in my wetsuit, just minutes from the start of my wave I realized I had to pee. Well, I certainly couldn't get out of the water, find a port-a-potty, take my wetsuit off, go potty, put the wetsuit back on and get back to the water in time. What's a girl to do?
I had been briefed by my fellow triathletes that if you have to go in your wetsuit....you just go...that's right IN YOUR WETSUIT. But could I actually do it?
Let's be honest here....I was in a dirty lake...as much as we wish we could pretend we were swimming in a clean, clear, chlorinated pool, we all know it isn't and there are far worse things lurking in that water.
I will also have you know that not only do triathletes pee in there wetsuits, but in the case of longer tri's peeing also happens ON THE BIKE and WHILE RUNNING! Talk about commitment!
Back to Copper Creek...in the water, wetsuit, waiting for the gun....what to do...what to do....well, I am happy (?) to say that I did it! And I am glad that I did. I felt great for the whole rest of the race...no pit stops necessary.
So, at Hy-Vee on Sunday I was a little concerned because it was a run in start, so I wouldn't have those precious moments in the water to find relief if necessary. And very soon it became VERY necessary. In case you hadn't guessed, wetsuits are very tight. As we were waiting for the start I swear I was watching my bladder fill by the second. By the time I ran into the water I was in PAIN (it hurts just thinking about it again). As I started swimming I realized that as much as I was trying I couldn't "go" while I was swimming. I tried swimming slowly, I tried stopping and treading water, but it just wasn't happening. I was swimming pretty slowly for the first 150 meters or so, but finally I gave up and just started swimming. But the pain wasn't going away. As I am swimming I am trying to come up with a plan B. I really didn't want to stop and use a P-a-P before going out onto the bike course.
As I ran out of the water and thru transition I knew I had to do something QUICKLY.
There are typically 5 timed areas in a tri....swim portion, T1, bike, T2 and run. The "T's" are your transition times...the amount of time it takes to get out of the water and on your bike (T1) and then again to get off your bike and out on the run (T2). Transitions are important because if you're not careful they can really eat up time. It is important to be focused and quick!
My T1 time was over 4 minutes. That is because for probably 2 minutes of that time I was standing in my wetsuit trying to do as much as I could with the wetsuit on because I was peeing. That's right, I said it. It HAD to be done. I am sure I looked like an idiot. Standing with my wetsuit half off, putting on my helmet, taking a drink of water. I wonder if anyone was watching and thinking "She know she needs to take that thing off, right?". Unfortunately my transition time suffered, but I was able to bike and run comfortably (in that respect, at least), so I know I saved myself time in the long run.
Please try not to judge. As much as you may think you could never do that....well, you just never know!
One of my favorite parts of participating in these events is the ability to break the rules. Two of my favorites is littering and running red lights. When you come up to a water station sometimes there just isn't a volunteer with a garbage bag in sight, so you get to drink your water, crush the cup and throw it on the ground! It might sound a little silly right now, but when you are running and desperate for a distraction...littering is a treat!
Same thing with running red lights....it is fun enough to run thru an intersection when cars are being held back by the helpful police officers, but it is like a triple word score when you get to run thru the intersection AND the stoplight is red! Such rebels we are!
This is all widely accepted in running culture. But since I have "officially" become a triathlete I have learned that I can take the rule breaking to whole different level.
For me it all started at Copper Creek. Standing in the water, in my wetsuit, just minutes from the start of my wave I realized I had to pee. Well, I certainly couldn't get out of the water, find a port-a-potty, take my wetsuit off, go potty, put the wetsuit back on and get back to the water in time. What's a girl to do?
I had been briefed by my fellow triathletes that if you have to go in your wetsuit....you just go...that's right IN YOUR WETSUIT. But could I actually do it?
Let's be honest here....I was in a dirty lake...as much as we wish we could pretend we were swimming in a clean, clear, chlorinated pool, we all know it isn't and there are far worse things lurking in that water.
I will also have you know that not only do triathletes pee in there wetsuits, but in the case of longer tri's peeing also happens ON THE BIKE and WHILE RUNNING! Talk about commitment!
Back to Copper Creek...in the water, wetsuit, waiting for the gun....what to do...what to do....well, I am happy (?) to say that I did it! And I am glad that I did. I felt great for the whole rest of the race...no pit stops necessary.
So, at Hy-Vee on Sunday I was a little concerned because it was a run in start, so I wouldn't have those precious moments in the water to find relief if necessary. And very soon it became VERY necessary. In case you hadn't guessed, wetsuits are very tight. As we were waiting for the start I swear I was watching my bladder fill by the second. By the time I ran into the water I was in PAIN (it hurts just thinking about it again). As I started swimming I realized that as much as I was trying I couldn't "go" while I was swimming. I tried swimming slowly, I tried stopping and treading water, but it just wasn't happening. I was swimming pretty slowly for the first 150 meters or so, but finally I gave up and just started swimming. But the pain wasn't going away. As I am swimming I am trying to come up with a plan B. I really didn't want to stop and use a P-a-P before going out onto the bike course.
As I ran out of the water and thru transition I knew I had to do something QUICKLY.
There are typically 5 timed areas in a tri....swim portion, T1, bike, T2 and run. The "T's" are your transition times...the amount of time it takes to get out of the water and on your bike (T1) and then again to get off your bike and out on the run (T2). Transitions are important because if you're not careful they can really eat up time. It is important to be focused and quick!
My T1 time was over 4 minutes. That is because for probably 2 minutes of that time I was standing in my wetsuit trying to do as much as I could with the wetsuit on because I was peeing. That's right, I said it. It HAD to be done. I am sure I looked like an idiot. Standing with my wetsuit half off, putting on my helmet, taking a drink of water. I wonder if anyone was watching and thinking "She know she needs to take that thing off, right?". Unfortunately my transition time suffered, but I was able to bike and run comfortably (in that respect, at least), so I know I saved myself time in the long run.
Please try not to judge. As much as you may think you could never do that....well, you just never know!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Pep Talk
I am nervous.
Not only am I nervous, but thanks to those folks at Hy-Vee spending the big bucks in the marketing department...I can't get away from they Hy-Vee Triathlon hoopla! It is everywhere! I go to the Channel 13 News website to check the radar and a bike rider comes zooming across the screen talking about the Tri. Every time I turn to Channel 13 (which is apparently more than I would have guessed) I see a commercial. I shop at Hy-Vee...so obviously I see it there....I even bring it home in their special Tri plastic bags and little inserts! GAH!
This morning the commercial came on and I must have made an involuntary comment of nervousness and Kaity picked up on it. This was the extend of the conversation that followed:
Me:
Kaity: What?
Me: The Tri commercial! It is making me nervous
Kaity: Why?
Me: Because I am scared!
Kaity: You should be scared for ME...not for YOU
Me: I am not scared for you honey...I know you can do it...you're gonna do awesome
Kaity: My Triathlon is going to be done before I know it...and yours will too....YOU CAN DO IT!
Me: I know I can DO it, but I am still nervous
Kaity: What are you nervous about?
Me: The swim...Kaity, I won't even be able to touch when I am swimming....
Kaity: But you know how to swim....(in that Silly Rabbit tone)
Me:
DUH...of course I can swim...why do I keep freaking myself out? I've had the "I'm nervous" conversation probably over a dozen times with a dozen people in the last week...but this one really hit home!
Thank you baby girl!! For making your momma feel better....for helping me get out of my head and out of my way so I can see the POSSIBLE that is right in front of me. Instead of the impossible that never even existed.
I know that I will still be nervous, but before I think I was looking at it as a tall and wide wall...an obstacle to overcome before I even step a toe in the water....now I see that nervousness is nothing more than a fog...a mist to be cleared away.......
Not only am I nervous, but thanks to those folks at Hy-Vee spending the big bucks in the marketing department...I can't get away from they Hy-Vee Triathlon hoopla! It is everywhere! I go to the Channel 13 News website to check the radar and a bike rider comes zooming across the screen talking about the Tri. Every time I turn to Channel 13 (which is apparently more than I would have guessed) I see a commercial. I shop at Hy-Vee...so obviously I see it there....I even bring it home in their special Tri plastic bags and little inserts! GAH!
This morning the commercial came on and I must have made an involuntary comment of nervousness and Kaity picked up on it. This was the extend of the conversation that followed:
Me:
Kaity: What?
Me: The Tri commercial! It is making me nervous
Kaity: Why?
Me: Because I am scared!
Kaity: You should be scared for ME...not for YOU
Me: I am not scared for you honey...I know you can do it...you're gonna do awesome
Kaity: My Triathlon is going to be done before I know it...and yours will too....YOU CAN DO IT!
Me: I know I can DO it, but I am still nervous
Kaity: What are you nervous about?
Me: The swim...Kaity, I won't even be able to touch when I am swimming....
Kaity: But you know how to swim....(in that Silly Rabbit tone)
Me:
DUH...of course I can swim...why do I keep freaking myself out? I've had the "I'm nervous" conversation probably over a dozen times with a dozen people in the last week...but this one really hit home!
Thank you baby girl!! For making your momma feel better....for helping me get out of my head and out of my way so I can see the POSSIBLE that is right in front of me. Instead of the impossible that never even existed.
I know that I will still be nervous, but before I think I was looking at it as a tall and wide wall...an obstacle to overcome before I even step a toe in the water....now I see that nervousness is nothing more than a fog...a mist to be cleared away.......
Monday, June 7, 2010
Triathlon: Take 2
After my Indianola Tri "adventures" I decided that maybe the Copper Creek Triathlon would be a wise idea after all. Originally I was planning on doing Dam to Dam, which was Saturday so I figured I'd be out of commission for a tri the very next day. With my knee troubles I decided to pull out of Dam to Dam weeks ago.
So, last week I registered for Copper Creek. 750m swim, 20k bike ride, 5k run (everything is half of they Hy-Vee distances). The swim was in the Copper Creek lake, so I was excited to get a little experience in open water before Hy-Vee. Leading up to the tri my biggest concern was wondering if the race will be "wetsuit legal". I am fully confident in my swimming abilities in a wetsuit...it helps keep you "afloat", so I wouldn't be expending all my energy in the swim.
Sunday morning I was excited...not nervous at all! I got to the race nice and early, with plenty of time to set up my transition area, chat with aTc and TNT team members and get my wet suit on (which could be a whole blog post)!
I was in the 6th wave to start the swim and was really happy to see I was in the same wave as my fav tri partner Nicole H! So, we get into the water and we hang with the back of the pack, I have no intentions of getting in someone's way with my pokey little self! Gun goes off and it is GO time!
I get started and am feeling pretty good. One of my newly found swimming weaknesses is my inability to swim in a straight line in open water. No biggie, I just have to look up every once in a while to make sure I am still on course. Most the time I was pretty close to the group, a couple times I was WAY off! Apparently there is a "scenic" route in water too...let's just say, I was quite the scenic swimmer! Anytime I started feeling anxious I just turned over on my back and did a couple of back strokes...made me feel much better. My biggest problem with the swim was that my goggles kept fogging up, so I had to stop twice to clear them.
I made it thru the swim and ran up the ramp, peeling of my wetsuit like a pro (technically the "pros" probably weren't wearing wetsuits..but I was pretending that I looked like a pro)!
3 minutes and 25 seconds later I was headin' out on the bike~Yeah, I know what you're thinking...I probably need to speed that up a little, give me a break...I was happy to have survived the swim! Anyway, back to the bike...the bike route was challenging...with some pretty tough hills that had me wheezing at the top..but I recovered quickly after each hill and felt great! Needless to say, I was able to stay on the right course this time! Headin' back into the bike transition and was lifted by all the people cheering the participants on...it was awesome!
Second transition was faster, 1 minute and 51 seconds later I was headin' out to the run course. I was taking it easy because I knew there were some hills coming up and I wanted to keep my knee feeling good as long as I could. I felt GREAT! I am happy to report that I was able to run the entire course! Only 3 miles, but for as wonky as my knee has been, I really was shocked!
I crossed the finish line feeling better than I EVER have after ANY event I've ever competed in. It was AWESOME!! I finished in 1:44:36. Breakdowns as follows: Swim~20:32 Bike~45:45 (16.4 mph ave) Run: 33:03 (10:40 pace).
Now I am excited for Hy-Vee....but VERY nervous about the swim...please PRAY that the water stays below 84 degrees so I can wear my wetsuit!
So, last week I registered for Copper Creek. 750m swim, 20k bike ride, 5k run (everything is half of they Hy-Vee distances). The swim was in the Copper Creek lake, so I was excited to get a little experience in open water before Hy-Vee. Leading up to the tri my biggest concern was wondering if the race will be "wetsuit legal". I am fully confident in my swimming abilities in a wetsuit...it helps keep you "afloat", so I wouldn't be expending all my energy in the swim.
Sunday morning I was excited...not nervous at all! I got to the race nice and early, with plenty of time to set up my transition area, chat with aTc and TNT team members and get my wet suit on (which could be a whole blog post)!
I was in the 6th wave to start the swim and was really happy to see I was in the same wave as my fav tri partner Nicole H! So, we get into the water and we hang with the back of the pack, I have no intentions of getting in someone's way with my pokey little self! Gun goes off and it is GO time!
I get started and am feeling pretty good. One of my newly found swimming weaknesses is my inability to swim in a straight line in open water. No biggie, I just have to look up every once in a while to make sure I am still on course. Most the time I was pretty close to the group, a couple times I was WAY off! Apparently there is a "scenic" route in water too...let's just say, I was quite the scenic swimmer! Anytime I started feeling anxious I just turned over on my back and did a couple of back strokes...made me feel much better. My biggest problem with the swim was that my goggles kept fogging up, so I had to stop twice to clear them.
I made it thru the swim and ran up the ramp, peeling of my wetsuit like a pro (technically the "pros" probably weren't wearing wetsuits..but I was pretending that I looked like a pro)!
3 minutes and 25 seconds later I was headin' out on the bike~Yeah, I know what you're thinking...I probably need to speed that up a little, give me a break...I was happy to have survived the swim! Anyway, back to the bike...the bike route was challenging...with some pretty tough hills that had me wheezing at the top..but I recovered quickly after each hill and felt great! Needless to say, I was able to stay on the right course this time! Headin' back into the bike transition and was lifted by all the people cheering the participants on...it was awesome!
Second transition was faster, 1 minute and 51 seconds later I was headin' out to the run course. I was taking it easy because I knew there were some hills coming up and I wanted to keep my knee feeling good as long as I could. I felt GREAT! I am happy to report that I was able to run the entire course! Only 3 miles, but for as wonky as my knee has been, I really was shocked!
I crossed the finish line feeling better than I EVER have after ANY event I've ever competed in. It was AWESOME!! I finished in 1:44:36. Breakdowns as follows: Swim~20:32 Bike~45:45 (16.4 mph ave) Run: 33:03 (10:40 pace).
Now I am excited for Hy-Vee....but VERY nervous about the swim...please PRAY that the water stays below 84 degrees so I can wear my wetsuit!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tri Turned Adventure Race?
Well, I participated in my first official Triathlon this past Sunday in Indianola. It was quite an experience and I learned some very valuable lessons....where do I begin?
There were 30 triathletes in this event and thankfully I was toward the back of the group for the swim, so the 300 yards were a breeze...except for the fact that the water was FREEZING....the swim course was 6-50 yard laps in a pool. The swimmers got a 25 yard head start on the person behind them, so it was perfect for me. I never caught the swimmer ahead of me (my faster swimming friend, Nicole), but the swimmer behind me didn't catch me...so it was awesome!
Okay, so I get out of the pool and run down the grassy hill to the transition area. It went a little like this: Dried Feet...put socks/shoes on....clipped on race belt...helmet on and buckled...quick drink of water...grab bike and head to the bike course.
I need to mention that in addition to the triathlon being held for this event, there was also a 5k and 10k race going on. I also need to mention that thankfully I had my Garmin on my bike, so I knew my mileage as I was riding and running.
I get on my bike and was told to follow the ORANGE arrows on the road...so I followed the ORANGE arrows on the road. I became suspicious pretty quickly that I was not where I was supposed to be. The road was really bumpy and it seemed like I was turning every block or so. More importantly, I wasn't seeing anyone else on bikes...but I kept following the orange lines. I was also getting annoyed because I had to slow down at every block to look for an orange line...I kept thinking "Couldn't they have posted arrow signs!".
Finally after the first mile I came up to a couple of race volunteers....I slow down and ask them if I am on the right course they both say "Yep..Yep, just keep going". So I kept going....all by myself.
After about 3 miles I see the start/finish..what? There was a kid directing the 5k runners to the finish and telling the 10k runners to turn right. But what about me? I asked him where I needed to go...he didn't know. Okay, so I turned right, thinking that maybe the bike course veers off somewhere along the way.
Then I start seeing things I've already seen before...I am just looping the 5k course! Finally I see someone on a bike, but they are another block down on a road I have yet to get to. I come up on the same 2 fellas that told me I was going the right way and I ask them again "Am I supposed to just keep looping this course?" Which I know is not right because if that were the case I would definitely be with other riders.
This time one of the guys says "Yep, just keep on going" and the other guy says "I don't know...I've been seeing people on bikes on that street". The above mentioned street one block away. GRR!
I cut back to the start/finish with 5.5 miles logged and ask what is going on? I am told that almost everyone has had problems with the course and most are just getting off their bikes and starting the run. But this is my only tri before Hy-Vee...and I wanted to get the 12+ mile bike ride in. I then find out that I was supposed to be following a YELLOW line, not an orange line.
I go back to where I started and low and behold, a block before the orange line is a yellow line! I turn left and am officially on the bike course..finally!
Wow...what a difference that made, the bike course was in newer neighborhoods which meant smoother roads and I was actually able to get some decent speed because I wasn't turning all the time! Oh, and guess what? Not only were there arrows on the road, but SIGNS posted too, so I wasn't searching the road at every intersection for a turn!!!
Well, I was probably 6 miles or so in before I saw the first volunteer. I stopped and asked to see a map...I wanted to get my 12 miles in, not end up riding the full bike course in addition to the 5 miles I had already ridden. At this point we must have still been on the 10k run course too, because there were yellow and orange arrows on the ground. The super helpful volunteer reminded me that the bikes were supposed to follow the ORANGE lines....oh boy...here we go again! I said "No, I was told to follow the YELLOW lines". He called to verify and found out he had been telling people wrong the whole time.
Okay, so back on the course, and I finally start seeing a couple of people on bikes..on the same street as ME. Yay, I really AM going the right way! I stopped one more time for directions and realized that we're supposed to ride the bike course twice, which was going to work out great for me because that meant I just needed to finish the first lap and be pretty close to the mileage.
Meanwhile, back at the start/finish it apparently started going around that I may or may not be lost somewhere in Indianola. With about a mile to go, a straight shot to the finish I was joined by Kerrie, a fellow aTc (Altoona Triathlon Club) member and veteran triathlete turned search party rescuer! She rode with me thru the finish and I finally made it back to the transition area to begin my run. I ended my bike ride with 12.26 miles logged.
2nd Transition looked a little like this: Drop off bike...take off helmet...put on hat...turn race number around...drink of water and I was off.
The least favorite part of the run for me was the fact that I left the transition area and had to head UPHILL, turn and UPHILL again. That was diabolical! I made it on my knee for about the first mile and a half and it started hurting a little. I walked a little bit and started running again...had to walk a couple more times, but still felt great...and finished the 5k in about 31 minutes. Overall, I finished the entire course in 1 hour 38 minutes.
And with that...it was official. I am now a TRIATHLETE!!! All things considered, I was really happy and I felt great! I am pretty excited about Hy-Vee now! I am now going to spend the next 17 days swimming and riding. I know my knee won't hold up for a 6 mile run at the end, but I'll run as far as I can and walk when I need to and be perfectly happy about it. I need to focus on what I can do...I haven't been able to get too many miles in on the bike, but am surprised how much stronger and faster I am after every ride! I can't wait to put it all out there and finish what I started!!!
Wow~sorry for such a long post, it was a long story! Please forgive any errors in spelling or grammar...I tried to check myself as I typed, but I might have missed some stuff!
Oh yeah...most valuable lesson learned: Know the course...carry a course map!
There were 30 triathletes in this event and thankfully I was toward the back of the group for the swim, so the 300 yards were a breeze...except for the fact that the water was FREEZING....the swim course was 6-50 yard laps in a pool. The swimmers got a 25 yard head start on the person behind them, so it was perfect for me. I never caught the swimmer ahead of me (my faster swimming friend, Nicole), but the swimmer behind me didn't catch me...so it was awesome!
Okay, so I get out of the pool and run down the grassy hill to the transition area. It went a little like this: Dried Feet...put socks/shoes on....clipped on race belt...helmet on and buckled...quick drink of water...grab bike and head to the bike course.
I need to mention that in addition to the triathlon being held for this event, there was also a 5k and 10k race going on. I also need to mention that thankfully I had my Garmin on my bike, so I knew my mileage as I was riding and running.
I get on my bike and was told to follow the ORANGE arrows on the road...so I followed the ORANGE arrows on the road. I became suspicious pretty quickly that I was not where I was supposed to be. The road was really bumpy and it seemed like I was turning every block or so. More importantly, I wasn't seeing anyone else on bikes...but I kept following the orange lines. I was also getting annoyed because I had to slow down at every block to look for an orange line...I kept thinking "Couldn't they have posted arrow signs!".
Finally after the first mile I came up to a couple of race volunteers....I slow down and ask them if I am on the right course they both say "Yep..Yep, just keep going". So I kept going....all by myself.
After about 3 miles I see the start/finish..what? There was a kid directing the 5k runners to the finish and telling the 10k runners to turn right. But what about me? I asked him where I needed to go...he didn't know. Okay, so I turned right, thinking that maybe the bike course veers off somewhere along the way.
Then I start seeing things I've already seen before...I am just looping the 5k course! Finally I see someone on a bike, but they are another block down on a road I have yet to get to. I come up on the same 2 fellas that told me I was going the right way and I ask them again "Am I supposed to just keep looping this course?" Which I know is not right because if that were the case I would definitely be with other riders.
This time one of the guys says "Yep, just keep on going" and the other guy says "I don't know...I've been seeing people on bikes on that street". The above mentioned street one block away. GRR!
I cut back to the start/finish with 5.5 miles logged and ask what is going on? I am told that almost everyone has had problems with the course and most are just getting off their bikes and starting the run. But this is my only tri before Hy-Vee...and I wanted to get the 12+ mile bike ride in. I then find out that I was supposed to be following a YELLOW line, not an orange line.
I go back to where I started and low and behold, a block before the orange line is a yellow line! I turn left and am officially on the bike course..finally!
Wow...what a difference that made, the bike course was in newer neighborhoods which meant smoother roads and I was actually able to get some decent speed because I wasn't turning all the time! Oh, and guess what? Not only were there arrows on the road, but SIGNS posted too, so I wasn't searching the road at every intersection for a turn!!!
Well, I was probably 6 miles or so in before I saw the first volunteer. I stopped and asked to see a map...I wanted to get my 12 miles in, not end up riding the full bike course in addition to the 5 miles I had already ridden. At this point we must have still been on the 10k run course too, because there were yellow and orange arrows on the ground. The super helpful volunteer reminded me that the bikes were supposed to follow the ORANGE lines....oh boy...here we go again! I said "No, I was told to follow the YELLOW lines". He called to verify and found out he had been telling people wrong the whole time.
Okay, so back on the course, and I finally start seeing a couple of people on bikes..on the same street as ME. Yay, I really AM going the right way! I stopped one more time for directions and realized that we're supposed to ride the bike course twice, which was going to work out great for me because that meant I just needed to finish the first lap and be pretty close to the mileage.
Meanwhile, back at the start/finish it apparently started going around that I may or may not be lost somewhere in Indianola. With about a mile to go, a straight shot to the finish I was joined by Kerrie, a fellow aTc (Altoona Triathlon Club) member and veteran triathlete turned search party rescuer! She rode with me thru the finish and I finally made it back to the transition area to begin my run. I ended my bike ride with 12.26 miles logged.
2nd Transition looked a little like this: Drop off bike...take off helmet...put on hat...turn race number around...drink of water and I was off.
The least favorite part of the run for me was the fact that I left the transition area and had to head UPHILL, turn and UPHILL again. That was diabolical! I made it on my knee for about the first mile and a half and it started hurting a little. I walked a little bit and started running again...had to walk a couple more times, but still felt great...and finished the 5k in about 31 minutes. Overall, I finished the entire course in 1 hour 38 minutes.
And with that...it was official. I am now a TRIATHLETE!!! All things considered, I was really happy and I felt great! I am pretty excited about Hy-Vee now! I am now going to spend the next 17 days swimming and riding. I know my knee won't hold up for a 6 mile run at the end, but I'll run as far as I can and walk when I need to and be perfectly happy about it. I need to focus on what I can do...I haven't been able to get too many miles in on the bike, but am surprised how much stronger and faster I am after every ride! I can't wait to put it all out there and finish what I started!!!
Wow~sorry for such a long post, it was a long story! Please forgive any errors in spelling or grammar...I tried to check myself as I typed, but I might have missed some stuff!
Oh yeah...most valuable lesson learned: Know the course...carry a course map!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Better Late Than Never
This Sunday, the first full day of my 30's, I will be competing in my first triathlon. It is a Sprint Tri in Indianola consisting of a 300 yd swim, 13.5 mile bike ride and 3 mile run. I'm super excited...especially for the 300 yard swim, which I feel is completely within the realm of my swimming abilities (unlike the nearly one mile of swimming for the Hy-Vee Tri, my greatest source of anxiety!).
On a side note, I started running again this week (just 2 miles Monday and this morning), I am cautiously optimistic that the knee will hold up for the run; but after having to walk 8 miles of the OKC half, I know that I will still be happy if I have to walk the "run" portion.
So, this morning I attempted something that I probably should have done before now, but the weather hasn't really cooperated, thus...Better Late Than Never. I did a BRICK workout...(a BRICK is when you train in back to back events). Today I did a Bike/Run BRICK.
I've actually attempted this before, 2 years ago before I even knew there was a title for the workout. This was also before I was a "runner", so I all I remember is getting off my bike after 5 miles and running the hardest mile of my life...I felt like I was running in concrete shoes and I was probably running a 12+ mile pace at the fastest! It was shocking! I don't know why it didn't occur to me at the time that it might be difficult.
So, it was with my limited BRICK experience that I decided to attempt it again this morning. Got started a little late on my bike, but I got a good, steady 5 miles in before meeting up with my favorite running partner, Janet. After a slow transition...had to put my knee brace on, remove a couple of layers, stretch out a bit (I am a rookie, after all, I think that allows me a little stalling before my first cycle/run BRICK). I was ready to run (at least that was what I was telling myself).
Wow~yep, it was still tough, but nothing like I remember. I start off slow, assuming that the weight in my legs will ease up as I keep running. We huffed and puffed along until the Garmin jingled at the mile mark...YAY!....time to turn around!
By then, just as I expected, the weight has lifted but now a new wave of fatigue has set in...probably (hopefully) because I only got about 4 hours of sleep last night but, MAN...I was beat!
When the Garmin jingled again, signaling the end of our run I looked at our pace and I'm not going to lie, I was totally prepared for a shockingly slow number. I was tired, I was sore. Average Pace: 9:49. I know, for some rock stars out there 9:49 might SEEM like a shockingly slow pace. But for me, coming straight off the bike, coming back from this knee injury, it was REALLY good! I WAS shocked, but in a good way!
And with that, I have my first BRICK workout in the books...just one more notch on that "BECOMING A TRIATHLETE" belt! I hope to get on my bike a little more this week, maybe try one more BRICK and then on to Sunday...CAN'T WAIT!!
On a side note, I started running again this week (just 2 miles Monday and this morning), I am cautiously optimistic that the knee will hold up for the run; but after having to walk 8 miles of the OKC half, I know that I will still be happy if I have to walk the "run" portion.
So, this morning I attempted something that I probably should have done before now, but the weather hasn't really cooperated, thus...Better Late Than Never. I did a BRICK workout...(a BRICK is when you train in back to back events). Today I did a Bike/Run BRICK.
I've actually attempted this before, 2 years ago before I even knew there was a title for the workout. This was also before I was a "runner", so I all I remember is getting off my bike after 5 miles and running the hardest mile of my life...I felt like I was running in concrete shoes and I was probably running a 12+ mile pace at the fastest! It was shocking! I don't know why it didn't occur to me at the time that it might be difficult.
So, it was with my limited BRICK experience that I decided to attempt it again this morning. Got started a little late on my bike, but I got a good, steady 5 miles in before meeting up with my favorite running partner, Janet. After a slow transition...had to put my knee brace on, remove a couple of layers, stretch out a bit (I am a rookie, after all, I think that allows me a little stalling before my first cycle/run BRICK). I was ready to run (at least that was what I was telling myself).
Wow~yep, it was still tough, but nothing like I remember. I start off slow, assuming that the weight in my legs will ease up as I keep running. We huffed and puffed along until the Garmin jingled at the mile mark...YAY!....time to turn around!
By then, just as I expected, the weight has lifted but now a new wave of fatigue has set in...probably (hopefully) because I only got about 4 hours of sleep last night but, MAN...I was beat!
When the Garmin jingled again, signaling the end of our run I looked at our pace and I'm not going to lie, I was totally prepared for a shockingly slow number. I was tired, I was sore. Average Pace: 9:49. I know, for some rock stars out there 9:49 might SEEM like a shockingly slow pace. But for me, coming straight off the bike, coming back from this knee injury, it was REALLY good! I WAS shocked, but in a good way!
And with that, I have my first BRICK workout in the books...just one more notch on that "BECOMING A TRIATHLETE" belt! I hope to get on my bike a little more this week, maybe try one more BRICK and then on to Sunday...CAN'T WAIT!!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Where has this been my whole life?
So, I tried something new today. Went to spin class this morning at 9:15, this was my first "official" cycle workout since the knee injury and I am happy to say it held up pretty well. The knee was a little "achy" toward the end, but no debilitating pain, so that was good!
Much of the cause of my injury was due to tightness in my hamstrings and quads, so I've been trying to stretch everyday and I really think it has helped. With that being said, I noticed that there was a Yoga class scheduled to begin right after spin, so I thought I'd give it a try.
I've tried yoga in the past, but it was mostly just at home stuff, and if you've ever tried working out at home to a video and you're like me, it just isn't the same...I need the extra accountability of people (presumably) staring at me if I wimp out after 5 minutes!
Back to the Campus...in I go, I follow the lead of everyone else and grab a mat, some stretchy bands, a "strap" of some kind and two purple blocks. I will say, I have 2 of those blocks at home, but I don't think they've ever been used for yoga....honestly, I think they are in the kids toy box as I type!
I am a "front" of the class type of person, so there I am, right in the front and thankfully the instructor introduced the newbies (me included) to the class...I feel like that is a "free pass" to look like an idiot, but it usually only works the one time, so I knew I had to pay attention if I planned to ever return to the class.
So we get going and WOW~ not only was I not the most un-coordinated person in the class, but I might have been among the most coordinated. Before I knew it I was doing the hardest poses with ease! Apparently I have exceptional balance (despite falling off my bike that one time) and I am flexible! It was great. I felt great after class, all stretched out and I might have even grown a couple of inches.
Now, before you start judging me for my bragging, I just want to point out that this is probably one of the first times in my life that I have found something that I seem to be a "natural" at...most of the times when I try something new I have to work twice as hard to do half as good as everyone else. Which is fine, it is good motivation for me. Most of the time the reason WHY I do something is because at one time I would have thought it impossible for me to do...I just want to prove myself wrong (stubborn Italian blood, perhaps?).
Finally I found something that isn't such a struggle! I only hope it wasn't "beginners luck"!
P.S~I have lots of stuff to blog about this week...look for my 2nd Max Muscle Nutrition Plan results soon!
P.S.S~I am having a fund raising Pampered Chef party on Tuesday @ 7 pm~ A portion of the sales will go to my fund raising goal!! Send me a message if you'd like to come, or you can order online here:
www.pamperedchef.biz/suziereicks?page=products-main
(for some reason I can't get the link to work right, so you'll have to copy the link and paste it in your browser :) sorry!)
Have a great Monday! And try something new this week, you never know...you might find out you're "a natural" at something too!
Much of the cause of my injury was due to tightness in my hamstrings and quads, so I've been trying to stretch everyday and I really think it has helped. With that being said, I noticed that there was a Yoga class scheduled to begin right after spin, so I thought I'd give it a try.
I've tried yoga in the past, but it was mostly just at home stuff, and if you've ever tried working out at home to a video and you're like me, it just isn't the same...I need the extra accountability of people (presumably) staring at me if I wimp out after 5 minutes!
Back to the Campus...in I go, I follow the lead of everyone else and grab a mat, some stretchy bands, a "strap" of some kind and two purple blocks. I will say, I have 2 of those blocks at home, but I don't think they've ever been used for yoga....honestly, I think they are in the kids toy box as I type!
I am a "front" of the class type of person, so there I am, right in the front and thankfully the instructor introduced the newbies (me included) to the class...I feel like that is a "free pass" to look like an idiot, but it usually only works the one time, so I knew I had to pay attention if I planned to ever return to the class.
So we get going and WOW~ not only was I not the most un-coordinated person in the class, but I might have been among the most coordinated. Before I knew it I was doing the hardest poses with ease! Apparently I have exceptional balance (despite falling off my bike that one time) and I am flexible! It was great. I felt great after class, all stretched out and I might have even grown a couple of inches.
Now, before you start judging me for my bragging, I just want to point out that this is probably one of the first times in my life that I have found something that I seem to be a "natural" at...most of the times when I try something new I have to work twice as hard to do half as good as everyone else. Which is fine, it is good motivation for me. Most of the time the reason WHY I do something is because at one time I would have thought it impossible for me to do...I just want to prove myself wrong (stubborn Italian blood, perhaps?).
Finally I found something that isn't such a struggle! I only hope it wasn't "beginners luck"!
P.S~I have lots of stuff to blog about this week...look for my 2nd Max Muscle Nutrition Plan results soon!
P.S.S~I am having a fund raising Pampered Chef party on Tuesday @ 7 pm~ A portion of the sales will go to my fund raising goal!! Send me a message if you'd like to come, or you can order online here:
www.pamperedchef.biz/suziereicks?page=products-main
(for some reason I can't get the link to work right, so you'll have to copy the link and paste it in your browser :) sorry!)
Have a great Monday! And try something new this week, you never know...you might find out you're "a natural" at something too!
Monday, May 3, 2010
On The Mend
Taking time off to rest is not fun. Visited the chiropractor again Friday and got in a little trouble because apparently my definition of "resting" wasn't realistic for my healing. Boo.
I spent the weekend taking it easy on my knee. And guess what? It is starting to feel better (imagine that!).
Today I taught a kickboxing class with almost no pain, even though my kicks weren't nearly as high as they should have been. But, it felt good to at least get to sweat again!
I am going to spend this week in the pool, which is probably good anyway because I didn't swim at all last week. I really need to work on speeding up the turnover in my stroke...I am still pretty pokey as far as that goes.
I have a 3 mile mud run on Saturday that I really want to be able to do, the good news for that one is that the slower I go the more muddy I'll get and in the end that is really the point, right?!?!
Well, it is off to the pool for me! Keep speedy recovery for my knee in your thoughts and prayers!!
I spent the weekend taking it easy on my knee. And guess what? It is starting to feel better (imagine that!).
Today I taught a kickboxing class with almost no pain, even though my kicks weren't nearly as high as they should have been. But, it felt good to at least get to sweat again!
I am going to spend this week in the pool, which is probably good anyway because I didn't swim at all last week. I really need to work on speeding up the turnover in my stroke...I am still pretty pokey as far as that goes.
I have a 3 mile mud run on Saturday that I really want to be able to do, the good news for that one is that the slower I go the more muddy I'll get and in the end that is really the point, right?!?!
Well, it is off to the pool for me! Keep speedy recovery for my knee in your thoughts and prayers!!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A Run To Remember
So, I arrived in Oklahoma City with Jeff, Caleb and Nicole on Saturday to visit the Expo and pick up our packets for our Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon on Sunday morning.
We picked up our packets and made a couple purchases at the Expo and then went to thoroughly enjoy our pre-race dinner. Let's just say we were definitely carb-loaded going into Sunday's race!
We were all really excited and had our own goals in mind for the race. I didn't really have a "time" in mind as a goal, but I wanted to stay under 10min/mile pace as long as I could, hoping to at least get half way before my pace started to gradually fall as I expected it would.
I was trying not to be too worried about the new knee pain that I began experiencing during my final 10 mile run and then again on Friday with a 5 mile run. I was sure that at one point it was going to start hurting, but was fully intending to mentally "run around" the pain, which I have been successful at doing in the past.
After a few anxious moments waiting for the hotel shuttle, we made it to the race with about 40 minutes to spare...all I can say is ~WOW~ what an atmosphere! 22,000 participants sounds like a lot of people, but let me tell you....it looked like there could have been a million people there! It was amazing how windy and chilly it was until we all crammed into the starting chute and them magically it was warmer...ah, the power of the body heat of 22k people!
So, there we are and "bang" the starting gun goes off....wait...we're not moving yet?!?! 9 minutes later the we start moving....we were probably about in the middle of the pack...it was nuts!
So, the jingle of the chip on my shoe as I crossed the Start line meant "It's time to run!". Caleb was already long gone and I lost Nicole as I was trying to catch up to Jeff to tell him good luck!
And off I went....had the tunes blasting and was passing people left and right. Quick checks of my watch were telling me I was right on track with my pace, totally comfortable at about 9:45 min/mile pace...occasionally I would have to slow down when I got stuck behind a group and then zoom by to get around them. The first big hill came and went, and I was still feeling great.
Around mile 4 the knee started whispering to me...just a little pain, nothing that a good song couldn't drown out. Not sure exactly when it happened, I remember passing a house with what I assumed was 168 red white and blue pinwheels (one for each victim of the 1995 bombing), and then the next thing I know that whining right knee starting giving out...I couldn't even put my weight on it when I was running. I stopped...stretched out a bit, grabbed a drink of PowerAid and started running again....5 steps later the knee was giving out again.
Trying not to panic I started walking again, I was going to give myself one minute of walking and try again....I don't remember the exact time, but I remember the seconds were at :20 when I started keeping track....loop around to :20 again and I started running...pain..."maybe it will hurt less if I run faster"....pain..."5 more seconds, maybe it will go away"...pain....the more I ran the more that darn knee failed....
Finally I conceded....fortunately the pain was mostly gone as long as I was walking and not bending it too much. Unfortunately I still had 8 long miles to feel sorry for myself before I was done. Nicole caught up and passed me at about mile 7, she was doing great, at least I could be happy for her. Jeff caught up at about mile 8 or so...and I started crying as I told him I couldn't run. He slowed down to walk with me, but I told him to go...I didn't want to hold him back...he jogged off, disappearing into the crowd within minutes.
Wow, it was an emotional experience. To say I was disappointing would be an understatement. I was devastated. But it seemed like every time I wanted to start feeling sorry for myself I would look up to find one of the 167 Memorial banners that listed the name of one of the victims of the bombing. How can I feel sorry for myself knowing that each name represented a stolen life. So I sucked it up, found a new song and kept going.
As the miles racked up I watched my average pace on my watch slowly fall....from 9:45 to 10...to 11...to 12...you get the picture...it was not pretty. I watched as people continued to pass me, some barely breathing, some limping, some going strong with their heads held high. I was passed by 2 kids, not more than 12 years old and was encouraged by all the people encouraging them. I was able to sincerely thank each of the volunteers that helped to make the race a success and tried to smile as people stood by the road holding signs of encouragement and clapping for people they've never met.
I finished the last mile with New Kids On The Block, smiling as I was (now) limping along to "Hangin' Tough" and "Please Don't Go Girl" As I finally entered the finish chute I forced myself to run the last couple yards across the finish line. I was astonished to see that, in spite of having to walk over half of the course, I was still able to beat last year's Dam to Dam time by 5 minutes, and this was .7 miles longer!
Follow my journey thru my Garmin here: Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon by nkessink at Garmin Connect - Details">
I am still dealing with bitterness about not being able to see what I was fully capable of, but at least I can celebrate in the success of my friends and I know that I gave 100% of what I had on that particular day and in the end, isn't that the point?
And...Jeff, Caleb and Nicole even "let" me be in the group picture, even though I was a still a little whiny when the picture was being taken!
We picked up our packets and made a couple purchases at the Expo and then went to thoroughly enjoy our pre-race dinner. Let's just say we were definitely carb-loaded going into Sunday's race!
We were all really excited and had our own goals in mind for the race. I didn't really have a "time" in mind as a goal, but I wanted to stay under 10min/mile pace as long as I could, hoping to at least get half way before my pace started to gradually fall as I expected it would.
I was trying not to be too worried about the new knee pain that I began experiencing during my final 10 mile run and then again on Friday with a 5 mile run. I was sure that at one point it was going to start hurting, but was fully intending to mentally "run around" the pain, which I have been successful at doing in the past.
After a few anxious moments waiting for the hotel shuttle, we made it to the race with about 40 minutes to spare...all I can say is ~WOW~ what an atmosphere! 22,000 participants sounds like a lot of people, but let me tell you....it looked like there could have been a million people there! It was amazing how windy and chilly it was until we all crammed into the starting chute and them magically it was warmer...ah, the power of the body heat of 22k people!
So, there we are and "bang" the starting gun goes off....wait...we're not moving yet?!?! 9 minutes later the we start moving....we were probably about in the middle of the pack...it was nuts!
So, the jingle of the chip on my shoe as I crossed the Start line meant "It's time to run!". Caleb was already long gone and I lost Nicole as I was trying to catch up to Jeff to tell him good luck!
And off I went....had the tunes blasting and was passing people left and right. Quick checks of my watch were telling me I was right on track with my pace, totally comfortable at about 9:45 min/mile pace...occasionally I would have to slow down when I got stuck behind a group and then zoom by to get around them. The first big hill came and went, and I was still feeling great.
Around mile 4 the knee started whispering to me...just a little pain, nothing that a good song couldn't drown out. Not sure exactly when it happened, I remember passing a house with what I assumed was 168 red white and blue pinwheels (one for each victim of the 1995 bombing), and then the next thing I know that whining right knee starting giving out...I couldn't even put my weight on it when I was running. I stopped...stretched out a bit, grabbed a drink of PowerAid and started running again....5 steps later the knee was giving out again.
Trying not to panic I started walking again, I was going to give myself one minute of walking and try again....I don't remember the exact time, but I remember the seconds were at :20 when I started keeping track....loop around to :20 again and I started running...pain..."maybe it will hurt less if I run faster"....pain..."5 more seconds, maybe it will go away"...pain....the more I ran the more that darn knee failed....
Finally I conceded....fortunately the pain was mostly gone as long as I was walking and not bending it too much. Unfortunately I still had 8 long miles to feel sorry for myself before I was done. Nicole caught up and passed me at about mile 7, she was doing great, at least I could be happy for her. Jeff caught up at about mile 8 or so...and I started crying as I told him I couldn't run. He slowed down to walk with me, but I told him to go...I didn't want to hold him back...he jogged off, disappearing into the crowd within minutes.
Wow, it was an emotional experience. To say I was disappointing would be an understatement. I was devastated. But it seemed like every time I wanted to start feeling sorry for myself I would look up to find one of the 167 Memorial banners that listed the name of one of the victims of the bombing. How can I feel sorry for myself knowing that each name represented a stolen life. So I sucked it up, found a new song and kept going.
As the miles racked up I watched my average pace on my watch slowly fall....from 9:45 to 10...to 11...to 12...you get the picture...it was not pretty. I watched as people continued to pass me, some barely breathing, some limping, some going strong with their heads held high. I was passed by 2 kids, not more than 12 years old and was encouraged by all the people encouraging them. I was able to sincerely thank each of the volunteers that helped to make the race a success and tried to smile as people stood by the road holding signs of encouragement and clapping for people they've never met.
I finished the last mile with New Kids On The Block, smiling as I was (now) limping along to "Hangin' Tough" and "Please Don't Go Girl" As I finally entered the finish chute I forced myself to run the last couple yards across the finish line. I was astonished to see that, in spite of having to walk over half of the course, I was still able to beat last year's Dam to Dam time by 5 minutes, and this was .7 miles longer!
Follow my journey thru my Garmin here: Oklahoma City Memorial Half Marathon by nkessink at Garmin Connect - Details">
I am still dealing with bitterness about not being able to see what I was fully capable of, but at least I can celebrate in the success of my friends and I know that I gave 100% of what I had on that particular day and in the end, isn't that the point?
And...Jeff, Caleb and Nicole even "let" me be in the group picture, even though I was a still a little whiny when the picture was being taken!
Friday, April 23, 2010
It started 2 weeks ago....
Had my first follow up visit to Max Muscle today. I've been following their nutrition plan for the past 2 weeks and was anxious to see if I was on track regarding my weight and body fat % goals.
Here is a recap of my initial visit/goals:
4/7/2010:
Weight: 155 lbs
Body Fat %: 24.9%
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Goal Body Fat %: 19%
If you missed my previous post, check out It Starts Today
So...how did I do? I am happy to say that my discipline paid off well! In two weeks I lost 5.9 lbs and had a 3.69% decrease in body fat....
And it gets better! I actually lost 6.98 lbs of body fat and gained 1.08 lb of muscle!
Seriously? Yes...Seriously. I am nervous and excited to see what the next 2 weeks holds...
4/23/10 Follow up:
Weight: 149.4
Body Fat%: 21.21%
Gotta keep this train a-rollin!
Here is a recap of my initial visit/goals:
4/7/2010:
Weight: 155 lbs
Body Fat %: 24.9%
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Goal Body Fat %: 19%
If you missed my previous post, check out It Starts Today
So...how did I do? I am happy to say that my discipline paid off well! In two weeks I lost 5.9 lbs and had a 3.69% decrease in body fat....
And it gets better! I actually lost 6.98 lbs of body fat and gained 1.08 lb of muscle!
Seriously? Yes...Seriously. I am nervous and excited to see what the next 2 weeks holds...
4/23/10 Follow up:
Weight: 149.4
Body Fat%: 21.21%
Gotta keep this train a-rollin!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The End Of The Beginning....
I completed my final long run in preparation for the Oklahoma City Memorial (half) Marathon. Yesterday morning I started out at the Altoona Campus and with the company of a fellow training buddy Nicole. By the 5 mile mark we found ourselves in Pleasant Hill at the Copper Creek lake and on our way back to the start.
I have ran/biked that trail before and I swear those hills weren't there before! We chatted thru the first half and then found ourselves getting quieter and quieter....until we needed each others support to push thru the pain! There is something to be said to have someone next to you that you can complain to when the going gets tough!
I experienced knee pain for the first time in my running career and I gotta say, I'm not really a fan!
While the pain was pretty brutal at the time, it was nothing compared to how great we both felt when the Garmin jingled for the last time, marking the 10 mile point! We pushed ourselves another .04 and collapsed in the grass to stretch and bask in the glow of our greatness (and pain, but honestly, that part is already been forgotten!)
Today I feel great! I am a little slow going up the stairs from that knee, but other than that I am amazed that I ran 10 miles yesterday and can feel so perfectly fine today.
I am now officially ready for 13.1 emotionally charged miles next Sunday as we run to remember all the lives lost and forever changed in the Oklahoma City bombing 15 years ago.
6:30 am will be the beginning of the run I have been training for for the past 12 weeks...let do this!
I have ran/biked that trail before and I swear those hills weren't there before! We chatted thru the first half and then found ourselves getting quieter and quieter....until we needed each others support to push thru the pain! There is something to be said to have someone next to you that you can complain to when the going gets tough!
I experienced knee pain for the first time in my running career and I gotta say, I'm not really a fan!
While the pain was pretty brutal at the time, it was nothing compared to how great we both felt when the Garmin jingled for the last time, marking the 10 mile point! We pushed ourselves another .04 and collapsed in the grass to stretch and bask in the glow of our greatness (and pain, but honestly, that part is already been forgotten!)
Today I feel great! I am a little slow going up the stairs from that knee, but other than that I am amazed that I ran 10 miles yesterday and can feel so perfectly fine today.
I am now officially ready for 13.1 emotionally charged miles next Sunday as we run to remember all the lives lost and forever changed in the Oklahoma City bombing 15 years ago.
6:30 am will be the beginning of the run I have been training for for the past 12 weeks...let do this!
Friday, April 16, 2010
Nikki Takes A Tumble
That's right...it happened. I fell off my bike yesterday! Decided to ride the bike (with Ben behind me in the trailer) to my 9:30 FXB class yesterday.
I clipped in for the ride, because I still haven't switched my pedals and I have Ben hitched to my mountain bike (which has the clip pedals), I figured clipping in would make the pulling a little easier.
On the way there I successfully un-clipped numerous times to cross the street and was pretty comfortable with the whole process. I rolled thru the Farrell's parking lot and into the little "breezeway" near the entrance to FXB. I had un-clipped my left foot, but was still sitting on my seat...a slight lean to the right and the next thing I knew I was on the ground with the bike on top of me. A random person walking by ran over to help me up (ugh!). And of course it was right in front of the door/windows @ FXB, so the fall was witnessed by many!
Good news is that Ben's trailer didn't tip over...I don't know what he was doing when this all happened, because he didn't see it, even though he had a front row seat!
I am actually a bit relieve to get the first fall under my belt...it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be...I have a couple of scrapes, bruises on both of my palms and a wicked bruise on my right leg and a little tenderness on my left side, I think the handlebars hit me.
An hour later, after a 45 minute bands class and 15+ minutes of stalling, I got right back on that bike! I was tempted to ride home un-clipped, but I resisted! I clipped in and rode home without incident!
I am still concerned about the whole falling-while-in-motion thing...I have a feeling that "first fall" might hurt a bit more!
I clipped in for the ride, because I still haven't switched my pedals and I have Ben hitched to my mountain bike (which has the clip pedals), I figured clipping in would make the pulling a little easier.
On the way there I successfully un-clipped numerous times to cross the street and was pretty comfortable with the whole process. I rolled thru the Farrell's parking lot and into the little "breezeway" near the entrance to FXB. I had un-clipped my left foot, but was still sitting on my seat...a slight lean to the right and the next thing I knew I was on the ground with the bike on top of me. A random person walking by ran over to help me up (ugh!). And of course it was right in front of the door/windows @ FXB, so the fall was witnessed by many!
Good news is that Ben's trailer didn't tip over...I don't know what he was doing when this all happened, because he didn't see it, even though he had a front row seat!
I am actually a bit relieve to get the first fall under my belt...it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be...I have a couple of scrapes, bruises on both of my palms and a wicked bruise on my right leg and a little tenderness on my left side, I think the handlebars hit me.
An hour later, after a 45 minute bands class and 15+ minutes of stalling, I got right back on that bike! I was tempted to ride home un-clipped, but I resisted! I clipped in and rode home without incident!
I am still concerned about the whole falling-while-in-motion thing...I have a feeling that "first fall" might hurt a bit more!
Friday, April 9, 2010
It starts today!
Okay, so I started a new nutrition program today. I was struggling finding a balance in my nutrition because of all the extra exercise I've been doing. I want to fuel my muscles so I can train hard, but I also would like to lose a little weight at the same time. It was a little overwhelming.
Some of my fellow FXB'ers have been buzzing about the Max Muscle 10 week Nutrition Plan and from what I heard were getting great results. So, I decided to give it a try.
On Wednesday I went in to MM to get weight and my body fat% measured and also set up my customized plan. Now, let me just say that I've been pondering this blog post since Wednesday...should I share the "numbers" or not? Well, I decided there was no better way to hold myself accountable than to put myself out there (how many people really read this anyway). So here goes:
Wait...wait...wait...before I share the numbers let me explain the program. It is a 10 week nutrition program that is based off the physical activity of the individual. I go in every 2 weeks to be re-weighed and have body fat % measured. At the beginning of a program and weight loss goal as well as goals for fat loss/muscle gain. Seems very individualized, which is exactly what I was looking for.
Because of my training schedule and my high lean body mass (that means I have a lot of muscle...I knew it wasn't all fat!) My 10 week weight loss goal was set conservatively at 5 lbs. I was told that if I tried to lose more than that I would probably end up losing muscle too, which is not what I want. More importantly than the weight loss, my fat loss goal is 10 lbs, my total weight loss is offset by my muscle gain goal of 5 lbs. So, the plan is to lose 5 total pounds, lose 10 lbs of fat and gain 5 lbs of muscle.
Still with me? Okay, so I will plan on updating every 2 weeks with my new numbers. Here are my numbers from Wednesday:
4/7/2010:
Weight: 155 lbs
Body Fat %: 24.9%
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Goal Body Fat %: 19%
Nutrition program officially started today...wish me luck and keep me accountable!!
Some of my fellow FXB'ers have been buzzing about the Max Muscle 10 week Nutrition Plan and from what I heard were getting great results. So, I decided to give it a try.
On Wednesday I went in to MM to get weight and my body fat% measured and also set up my customized plan. Now, let me just say that I've been pondering this blog post since Wednesday...should I share the "numbers" or not? Well, I decided there was no better way to hold myself accountable than to put myself out there (how many people really read this anyway). So here goes:
Wait...wait...wait...before I share the numbers let me explain the program. It is a 10 week nutrition program that is based off the physical activity of the individual. I go in every 2 weeks to be re-weighed and have body fat % measured. At the beginning of a program and weight loss goal as well as goals for fat loss/muscle gain. Seems very individualized, which is exactly what I was looking for.
Because of my training schedule and my high lean body mass (that means I have a lot of muscle...I knew it wasn't all fat!) My 10 week weight loss goal was set conservatively at 5 lbs. I was told that if I tried to lose more than that I would probably end up losing muscle too, which is not what I want. More importantly than the weight loss, my fat loss goal is 10 lbs, my total weight loss is offset by my muscle gain goal of 5 lbs. So, the plan is to lose 5 total pounds, lose 10 lbs of fat and gain 5 lbs of muscle.
Still with me? Okay, so I will plan on updating every 2 weeks with my new numbers. Here are my numbers from Wednesday:
4/7/2010:
Weight: 155 lbs
Body Fat %: 24.9%
Goal Weight: 150 lbs
Goal Body Fat %: 19%
Nutrition program officially started today...wish me luck and keep me accountable!!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Six pack abs...here I come!
Okay, so apparently I am a slow learner. This morning during my swim workout, I was about 40 yards into a 500 yard pull and I suddenly made the "core" connection.
Since day one of swim practice one of my biggest obstacles in swimming is turning my hips. It turns out that if you use your abs...like really use your abs, it makes turning those hips over way easier. What a concept! How this never truly got thru until today, is a mystery.
And guess what....if you turn your hips over when swimming, it makes it easier to go FASTER...WHAT?!?! Wow!
It was a fun and funny workout for me this morning. But also a very important day for me as a swimmer.
I would like to note that this late realization is not a reflection of the awesome training I've received to day! It is a testament to the stubbornness (I think that is a word, blogger didn't spell check it)of my brain!
Actually, I think it is because swimming is becoming easier, I am starting to master some parts and like most things in life; that reveals new things to learn!
Here's to learning (and six pack abs)!
Since day one of swim practice one of my biggest obstacles in swimming is turning my hips. It turns out that if you use your abs...like really use your abs, it makes turning those hips over way easier. What a concept! How this never truly got thru until today, is a mystery.
And guess what....if you turn your hips over when swimming, it makes it easier to go FASTER...WHAT?!?! Wow!
It was a fun and funny workout for me this morning. But also a very important day for me as a swimmer.
I would like to note that this late realization is not a reflection of the awesome training I've received to day! It is a testament to the stubbornness (I think that is a word, blogger didn't spell check it)of my brain!
Actually, I think it is because swimming is becoming easier, I am starting to master some parts and like most things in life; that reveals new things to learn!
Here's to learning (and six pack abs)!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Maiden Voyage
Rode my new bike for the first time today! It was also my first official outside ride of the year. The ride was great, I just upgraded from a mountain bike to a road bike and was curious to see how different it would feel. The ride didn't really "feel" different, but I rode 5+ miles/hour faster on average than I ever had on the mountain bike, so that must count for something!
Here is my route info, per my garmin:
First Bike Ride
I do have to admit that I didn't switch the pedals, so I didn't "clip" into the pedals today, I am still a little nervous about that. Another goal for another day!
Also, I have another thing to add to my Favorite Things list:
Looking down while riding the bike and seeing the road/trail rushing by in a blur!
I wonder what I will find to add to the list next!
Here is my route info, per my garmin:
First Bike Ride
I do have to admit that I didn't switch the pedals, so I didn't "clip" into the pedals today, I am still a little nervous about that. Another goal for another day!
Also, I have another thing to add to my Favorite Things list:
Looking down while riding the bike and seeing the road/trail rushing by in a blur!
I wonder what I will find to add to the list next!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Where did the time go?
I am having a hard time believing I haven't "blogged" since March 10th! Wow, time has really flown by!
Have no fear...while I may have been a slacker when it comes to blogging, I've still be training away. In fact, I have an exciting announcement to make (well, exciting for me).
I logged a PR (personal record) yesterday in the Friendly Son's of St. Patrick 10k (6.2 miles) run.
6.2 strong miles and I finished in under an hour!! 59:58! With an average pace of 9:36/mile! I've never considered myself a "fast" runner...and by many standards a 9:36 average isn't speedy, but it is for me! Best of all, it was challenging, but I felt great during the run and even better after! It was great!!
Wore my Garmin, so every step was gloriously recorded for all to see!
Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Friendly Son's of St. Patrick 10k">
Have no fear...while I may have been a slacker when it comes to blogging, I've still be training away. In fact, I have an exciting announcement to make (well, exciting for me).
I logged a PR (personal record) yesterday in the Friendly Son's of St. Patrick 10k (6.2 miles) run.
6.2 strong miles and I finished in under an hour!! 59:58! With an average pace of 9:36/mile! I've never considered myself a "fast" runner...and by many standards a 9:36 average isn't speedy, but it is for me! Best of all, it was challenging, but I felt great during the run and even better after! It was great!!
Wore my Garmin, so every step was gloriously recorded for all to see!
Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Friendly Son's of St. Patrick 10k">
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
These are a few of my favorite things....
I think of these things often as I am training, not sure if I'll be able to organize them well into a "blog". As I am working out, I try to "live in the moment" at some point. It helps me appreciate why I love doing it, even when it gets hard. Here are some of my favorite moments:
The sounds of my feet pounding the pavement on my runs, especially when I am running outside, on the shoulder of a road, in the gravel.
Watching a pool full of fellow trainers, when everyone is swimming and all you can see are elbows coming out of the water, I can almost hear the Jaws theme music.
Taking a wide turn on a bike.
The crazy, erratic bunnies encountered on my runs, they don't have anywhere to run in our neighborhood, so they just panic and zig zag around. I always think (and sometimes say) "Serpentine, Serpentine!" when I see them. (a reference from the movie Cars, my son's favorite)
One of my favorite running feelings occurs just after my least favorite part of running. When I am going up a big hill, and I am almost there, but hating EVERY minute and then all of a sudden...it is over, I'm at the top! It is the "over" part, that is my favorite.
The constant splashing pool sounds, especially when the pool is full of other swimmers. This is very different from the deafening sound of a pool full of splashing and screaming children. It is very peaceful.
When I am swimming in the pool and everything is falling into place and then my hand hits the end of the pool and I am totally surprised that I am already at the other end! I am a slow swimmer, so although it happens rarely, I still love it!
And finally, my ALL TIME favorite.....something I've done anytime I've ever been on a bike. When riding, there is moment when all you can hear is the wind in your ears...it is a very soothing sound. But, if you turn your head to the side, the COOLEST thing happens....it becomes completely SILENT. LOVE IT!
The list could go on, but these are just a few of the things that keep me going, because if I didn't go thru all the tough moments of training, I wouldn't be able to enjoy all my favorite parts!
The sounds of my feet pounding the pavement on my runs, especially when I am running outside, on the shoulder of a road, in the gravel.
Watching a pool full of fellow trainers, when everyone is swimming and all you can see are elbows coming out of the water, I can almost hear the Jaws theme music.
Taking a wide turn on a bike.
The crazy, erratic bunnies encountered on my runs, they don't have anywhere to run in our neighborhood, so they just panic and zig zag around. I always think (and sometimes say) "Serpentine, Serpentine!" when I see them. (a reference from the movie Cars, my son's favorite)
One of my favorite running feelings occurs just after my least favorite part of running. When I am going up a big hill, and I am almost there, but hating EVERY minute and then all of a sudden...it is over, I'm at the top! It is the "over" part, that is my favorite.
The constant splashing pool sounds, especially when the pool is full of other swimmers. This is very different from the deafening sound of a pool full of splashing and screaming children. It is very peaceful.
When I am swimming in the pool and everything is falling into place and then my hand hits the end of the pool and I am totally surprised that I am already at the other end! I am a slow swimmer, so although it happens rarely, I still love it!
And finally, my ALL TIME favorite.....something I've done anytime I've ever been on a bike. When riding, there is moment when all you can hear is the wind in your ears...it is a very soothing sound. But, if you turn your head to the side, the COOLEST thing happens....it becomes completely SILENT. LOVE IT!
The list could go on, but these are just a few of the things that keep me going, because if I didn't go thru all the tough moments of training, I wouldn't be able to enjoy all my favorite parts!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Becoming....
There are certain "accessories" a person needs to "become" an athlete.
As a runner, I have the proper shoes, socks, clothing (for cold and hot weather!), my Garmin and my iPod.... all things that I run with that are part of what makes me "a runner".
As a swimmer, I have my suit, goggles, swim cap, towel (usually, sometimes I forget my towel for those 5 am swim workouts!), not to mention my GIGANTIC gym bag to tote everything in. When I don these items, I become "a swimmer".
Today, I am excited to announce that I have taken my first strides in BECOMING....a bike rider! I bought my first pair of bike shoes....my bike doesn't have pedals that I can clip into yet (hopefully soon!), BUT I can wear them in spin class and look oh-so official! I can't wait to try them out tonight!
As a runner, I have the proper shoes, socks, clothing (for cold and hot weather!), my Garmin and my iPod.... all things that I run with that are part of what makes me "a runner".
As a swimmer, I have my suit, goggles, swim cap, towel (usually, sometimes I forget my towel for those 5 am swim workouts!), not to mention my GIGANTIC gym bag to tote everything in. When I don these items, I become "a swimmer".
Today, I am excited to announce that I have taken my first strides in BECOMING....a bike rider! I bought my first pair of bike shoes....my bike doesn't have pedals that I can clip into yet (hopefully soon!), BUT I can wear them in spin class and look oh-so official! I can't wait to try them out tonight!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
We work hard for the MONEY!
This week I participated in a grassroots fund raising event with fellow triathlete-n-training, Nicole H! Laps for LLS.
Nicole and I went downtown and did a relay-style run thru the 9th and Grand skywalk during lunch hour. We traded off every 3 laps (15 laps=one mile) and proudly completed 60 laps. 4 miles between the two of us! While one "Nicole" was running, the other "Nicole" was holding a donation box and encouraging people passing by to donate to a great cause.
We had a blast doing it and raised over $100.00 in less than 2 hours! Not only did we raise money for our cause, we also got exercise and raised awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Fun times!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
New reason to love running....
Ran outside tonight...I can't wait until it is nice enough for outside running everyday!
While I was running, after the initial "YAY! I'm running outside!" euphoria wore off a little bit I had the strangest feeling. I couldn't put my finger on it right away but after a few minutes I realized what it was.
I didn't have to think about "how to run" while I was running.
That might sound strange, but a month of swimming has really made me appreciate the ease of running.
While I am swimming, I am constantly thinking about swimming....focusing on my breathing, are my elbows up as my arm comes out of the water?, making sure my hand enters the water in the right spot, turning my hips over with every stroke, is my kicking regular?, was that my 3rd lap or my second? please, let it have been the 3rd!...on and on and on!
Running is so much easier....I am hoping that all those thoughts will eventually just fall away as I become a stronger swimmer (every day!), but I don't remember having to "think" so much about running when I first started.
I guess you really do learn something new everyday, especially when training for a triathlon!
P.S.~Eating is still going well, despite my intense desire for Papa Giorgio's pizza tonight, but Jeff wouldn't budge (GRRRR).....Still not thanking you for that one, dear...JUST SO YA KNOW! ;)
While I was running, after the initial "YAY! I'm running outside!" euphoria wore off a little bit I had the strangest feeling. I couldn't put my finger on it right away but after a few minutes I realized what it was.
I didn't have to think about "how to run" while I was running.
That might sound strange, but a month of swimming has really made me appreciate the ease of running.
While I am swimming, I am constantly thinking about swimming....focusing on my breathing, are my elbows up as my arm comes out of the water?, making sure my hand enters the water in the right spot, turning my hips over with every stroke, is my kicking regular?, was that my 3rd lap or my second? please, let it have been the 3rd!...on and on and on!
Running is so much easier....I am hoping that all those thoughts will eventually just fall away as I become a stronger swimmer (every day!), but I don't remember having to "think" so much about running when I first started.
I guess you really do learn something new everyday, especially when training for a triathlon!
P.S.~Eating is still going well, despite my intense desire for Papa Giorgio's pizza tonight, but Jeff wouldn't budge (GRRRR).....Still not thanking you for that one, dear...JUST SO YA KNOW! ;)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Starting the day off right!
Day 2 on my quest to eat like an athlete. Happy to report that I stuck to my meal plan yesterday, but due to an extra kickboxing workout and making a few substitutions on the meal plan (almond milk with cereal instead of regular milk) I exceeded my calorie deficit yesterday. I am supposed to burn 750 more calories than I consume...OOPS! I burned 3787 calories (over my 3050 target) and ate 1929 calories (under my 2300 target), creating a 1858 calorie deficit. Oh well, I guess if I am going to be off, that is the way to go, instead of eating more than I burn.
On to today....starting my day off right with a healthy and satisfying breakfast of 7 grain hot cereal with 1/4 cup dried fruit, one egg and a small glass of chocolate milk! I was just so proud of myself I had to take a picture!
On to today....starting my day off right with a healthy and satisfying breakfast of 7 grain hot cereal with 1/4 cup dried fruit, one egg and a small glass of chocolate milk! I was just so proud of myself I had to take a picture!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Missing Piece
For the past couple of weeks I've been training like a triathlete....training has been going great (I did 500 yards straight thru 2 times on Saturday~250 had been my prior best). But something has been missing.
Today, I begin eating like a triathlete. I really don't mind eating right, it just takes so much planning that I often get tripped up. Well, I am fully prepared this week. I am back to logging my food thru my bodybugg program and am actually using thier recommended meal plans to help. I've already eaten 2 meals this morning 804 calories...holy moly...that is a lot of food!
I have my new BB program set up to create a 750 calorie deficit daily, which should lead to 1.5lb weight loss weekly. Because of my increased activity, my calorie requirements have increase as well....3050 calorie burn goal and 2300 calorie intake goal daily. Looking at my meal plan, I am concerned that I am not going to get all the food in everyday! Just in case you're wondering...here is my meal plan for today:
Meal 1 (7 am):
One scoop protein powder
8 oz 1% milk
1 banana
277 calories
Meal 2 (9 am):
1 egg
2 cups multigrain Cheerios
1 orange
.5 cup Almond milk (in cereal)
8 oz. chocolate milk
526 calories
Meal 3 (12 pm):
16 thin pretzel sticks
Turkey sandwich consisting of:
3 oz turkey
1 wedge laughing cow light cheese
Sara Lee Delightful hamburger bun
lettuce
472 calories
Meal 4 (3 pm):
1.5 cups Honey Nut Cheerios (more cereal? I am not complaining!)
8 oz 1% milk
282 calories
Meal 5 (6:30 pm):
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
.5 cup mixed veggies
1 cup brown rice
4 oz. chicken breast
576 calories
This is a little short of my calorie goal, but I like to create a little "buffer" just in case my measurements are a little off. I am sure I'll be sick of eating by the time the day is over!!!
Workout plan for the day:
3 mile run (done)
45 minute kickboxing class (done)
30 minute driveway shoveling (this is happening so frequently lately, I am counting it!)
45 minute kickboxing class @ 4:30 today~maybe...we'll see!
Today, I begin eating like a triathlete. I really don't mind eating right, it just takes so much planning that I often get tripped up. Well, I am fully prepared this week. I am back to logging my food thru my bodybugg program and am actually using thier recommended meal plans to help. I've already eaten 2 meals this morning 804 calories...holy moly...that is a lot of food!
I have my new BB program set up to create a 750 calorie deficit daily, which should lead to 1.5lb weight loss weekly. Because of my increased activity, my calorie requirements have increase as well....3050 calorie burn goal and 2300 calorie intake goal daily. Looking at my meal plan, I am concerned that I am not going to get all the food in everyday! Just in case you're wondering...here is my meal plan for today:
Meal 1 (7 am):
One scoop protein powder
8 oz 1% milk
1 banana
277 calories
Meal 2 (9 am):
1 egg
2 cups multigrain Cheerios
1 orange
.5 cup Almond milk (in cereal)
8 oz. chocolate milk
526 calories
Meal 3 (12 pm):
16 thin pretzel sticks
Turkey sandwich consisting of:
3 oz turkey
1 wedge laughing cow light cheese
Sara Lee Delightful hamburger bun
lettuce
472 calories
Meal 4 (3 pm):
1.5 cups Honey Nut Cheerios (more cereal? I am not complaining!)
8 oz 1% milk
282 calories
Meal 5 (6:30 pm):
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
.5 cup mixed veggies
1 cup brown rice
4 oz. chicken breast
576 calories
This is a little short of my calorie goal, but I like to create a little "buffer" just in case my measurements are a little off. I am sure I'll be sick of eating by the time the day is over!!!
Workout plan for the day:
3 mile run (done)
45 minute kickboxing class (done)
30 minute driveway shoveling (this is happening so frequently lately, I am counting it!)
45 minute kickboxing class @ 4:30 today~maybe...we'll see!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Growing up
Almost exactly one month ago I posted Baby Steps about my swim workouts. I struggled to finish one continuous lap without floundering.
Today, a breakthrough. We did an 250 yard (that is 5 WHOLE laps) interval workout. Workout went as follows:
Warm Up: 250 yards
250 yard steady swim
250 yard pull swim*
Repeat....Repeat....Repeat....you get the picture
*"Pull" swimming utilizes a pull buoy, which is basically 2 pieces of foam that you put between your legs so your legs float and you are basically just using your arms to swim.
I started off slow and had to take a potty break halfway thru, but I am PROUD to say I was able to complete 5 full intervals this morning. In one month I have accomplished what I thought was impossible and more...not only completing one whole lap, but 4 at a time x5 times (Actually, 7 counting the warm up and cool down).
I could have kept going, but just ran out of time.
Not surprisingly, I have found that it has been my mind that has been the biggest obstacle to overcome in swimming. There was a point during every interval where my mind wanted to quit. Then I would ask myself "Exactly why do I think I need to quit?" The answer was never more than "Because I've never done this before, it might not be possible".
I went thru the same exact mental block last year when I started to run and it sounded a little something like this: "I have never ran for this long before, maybe I should stop" "Why? Are you hurting?" "Well, no" "KEEP GOING!!!"
And I did.....then and now!
Today, a breakthrough. We did an 250 yard (that is 5 WHOLE laps) interval workout. Workout went as follows:
Warm Up: 250 yards
250 yard steady swim
250 yard pull swim*
Repeat....Repeat....Repeat....you get the picture
*"Pull" swimming utilizes a pull buoy, which is basically 2 pieces of foam that you put between your legs so your legs float and you are basically just using your arms to swim.
I started off slow and had to take a potty break halfway thru, but I am PROUD to say I was able to complete 5 full intervals this morning. In one month I have accomplished what I thought was impossible and more...not only completing one whole lap, but 4 at a time x5 times (Actually, 7 counting the warm up and cool down).
I could have kept going, but just ran out of time.
Not surprisingly, I have found that it has been my mind that has been the biggest obstacle to overcome in swimming. There was a point during every interval where my mind wanted to quit. Then I would ask myself "Exactly why do I think I need to quit?" The answer was never more than "Because I've never done this before, it might not be possible".
I went thru the same exact mental block last year when I started to run and it sounded a little something like this: "I have never ran for this long before, maybe I should stop" "Why? Are you hurting?" "Well, no" "KEEP GOING!!!"
And I did.....then and now!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Excited to Swim?
Yes, I really am excited to get into the pool tomorrow (if this snow will let me out of the house in the morning!). Had a great swim practice on Saturday...learning more with every swim and it is great. Everyone in the Altoona Triathlon Club has been so great! I don't know where I would be without them right now!
I am now learning that the reason that I am getting so tired after 25 meters is because I am kicking like a madman, which is wearing me out! I think I also mastered the art of rotating my hips, something that I was good at on the right side, but really REALLY bad at on the left!!
I am really encouraged at my progress just within the past month. I am going to add an extra day of swimming to my weekly schedule to work on my endurance. New swimming schedule is Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday!
Believe it or not, I am becoming a swimmer!
I am now learning that the reason that I am getting so tired after 25 meters is because I am kicking like a madman, which is wearing me out! I think I also mastered the art of rotating my hips, something that I was good at on the right side, but really REALLY bad at on the left!!
I am really encouraged at my progress just within the past month. I am going to add an extra day of swimming to my weekly schedule to work on my endurance. New swimming schedule is Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday!
Believe it or not, I am becoming a swimmer!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Still plugging away....
It has been a busy week, but I haven't had much to "blog" about. But that doesn't mean I have been slacking on my training. Just so you know I've been keeping busy, here has been my training schedule for the past week:
Saturday 1/30: 7 AM: 40 minute Altoona Triathlon Club (ATC) swim...this is serious business because you are doing drills in a lane with 3-4 other people, so you have to hustle to keep up...but it is fun.
8:45 AM:5 mile indoor track run, better than a treadmill, but still not as good as outside.
Sunday 1/31: REST! YAY!
Mon 2/1: 5:15 AM: 3 mile treadmill run
6 AM: 45 minute Farrell's Xtreme Bodyshaping (FXB) kickboxing class
Tues 2/2: 5:15 AM: 45 minute swim at the Campus
6:15 AM: 30 minute express cardio/strength training class (RIPPED) at the Campus
7 AM: Instructed a 45 minute upper body resistance class @ FXB
Wed 2/3: 5:15 AM: 3 mile treadmill run
6 AM: 45 minute FXB kickboxing class
5:45 PM: 50 minute spin class
Thurs 2/4: 5:15 AM: 40 minute swim
6:15 AM: 30 minute RIPPED class
9:30 AM: 45 minute lower body resistance class @ FXB
4:45 PM: 3 mile indoor track run w/ Jeff
7:00 PM: 1 hour tap dancing class!! Not really exercise, but it is FUN!!
Fri 2/5: 6 AM: 45 min FXB kickboxing class
7 AM: Instructed 45 min FXB kickboxing class
WHEW! I am not done for today, I'd like to get another run in this evening, if I can fit it in!
Hopefully I'll have some words of inspiration for myself next week!
Saturday 1/30: 7 AM: 40 minute Altoona Triathlon Club (ATC) swim...this is serious business because you are doing drills in a lane with 3-4 other people, so you have to hustle to keep up...but it is fun.
8:45 AM:5 mile indoor track run, better than a treadmill, but still not as good as outside.
Sunday 1/31: REST! YAY!
Mon 2/1: 5:15 AM: 3 mile treadmill run
6 AM: 45 minute Farrell's Xtreme Bodyshaping (FXB) kickboxing class
Tues 2/2: 5:15 AM: 45 minute swim at the Campus
6:15 AM: 30 minute express cardio/strength training class (RIPPED) at the Campus
7 AM: Instructed a 45 minute upper body resistance class @ FXB
Wed 2/3: 5:15 AM: 3 mile treadmill run
6 AM: 45 minute FXB kickboxing class
5:45 PM: 50 minute spin class
Thurs 2/4: 5:15 AM: 40 minute swim
6:15 AM: 30 minute RIPPED class
9:30 AM: 45 minute lower body resistance class @ FXB
4:45 PM: 3 mile indoor track run w/ Jeff
7:00 PM: 1 hour tap dancing class!! Not really exercise, but it is FUN!!
Fri 2/5: 6 AM: 45 min FXB kickboxing class
7 AM: Instructed 45 min FXB kickboxing class
WHEW! I am not done for today, I'd like to get another run in this evening, if I can fit it in!
Hopefully I'll have some words of inspiration for myself next week!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Breakthrough
Spin class tonight was AWESOME!
Why is that a breakthrough you may ask? Well....I have a confession to make, but listen carefully because I am going to whisper...
"I don't like spin classes".....whew, glad I got that off my chest.
I've been doing 1-2 spin classes a week for the past month or so and while I appreciated that the classes are an important part of my training, I didn't particularly like them. I can't really explain why except for maybe the fact that I lived out in the country as a child and I spent a lot of that time on a bike riding on hilly, country roads. For me, spin class is to biking as a tootsie roll is to chocolate....a poor substitute....you're not getting one past me little spin bike.
Prior to tonight spin class was a good workout, my legs burned and I felt little glimpses of adrenaline during certain parts of class, but nothing compared to a kickboxing class or a great run.
That all changed tonight. Everything fell right into place tonight. I felt strong and fast thru the whole class....it was AMAZING!
I am keeping my fingers crossed that the next class will be just as great. But for now, I will just relax and bask in the glory of a great workout!
Why is that a breakthrough you may ask? Well....I have a confession to make, but listen carefully because I am going to whisper...
"I don't like spin classes".....whew, glad I got that off my chest.
I've been doing 1-2 spin classes a week for the past month or so and while I appreciated that the classes are an important part of my training, I didn't particularly like them. I can't really explain why except for maybe the fact that I lived out in the country as a child and I spent a lot of that time on a bike riding on hilly, country roads. For me, spin class is to biking as a tootsie roll is to chocolate....a poor substitute....you're not getting one past me little spin bike.
Prior to tonight spin class was a good workout, my legs burned and I felt little glimpses of adrenaline during certain parts of class, but nothing compared to a kickboxing class or a great run.
That all changed tonight. Everything fell right into place tonight. I felt strong and fast thru the whole class....it was AMAZING!
I am keeping my fingers crossed that the next class will be just as great. But for now, I will just relax and bask in the glory of a great workout!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Motivation
This morning I had to get up at 3:30 am....put my swimsuit on, followed by 2 pairs of pants, two shirts, gloves, hat, ect....to shovel my driveway BEFORE heading to the gym for my 5 am swim workout.
Why didn't I just stay in bed? I got out of bed because Nick Lacina can't right now. Nick is our Honored Teammate for Team In Training. Nick is an 18 year old freshman at Iowa State. He has pretty much been in the hospital since Christmas, fighting pneumonia. This has been a pretty fierce battle because Nick has Leukemia. I have been following his fight on his CarePage.
Every time training gets hard, I imagine Nick and his mom, in a hospital room....WAITING....waiting for fevers to go down....waiting for counts to go up...waiting for cultures....waiting for clear xrays....waiting for a good night's sleep....waiting for the strength to get out of bed....waiting for a cure....
I imagine Nick is doing enough waiting for all of the members of Team In Training. For Nick and countless others that are WAITING, I am going to keep DOING......
Why didn't I just stay in bed? I got out of bed because Nick Lacina can't right now. Nick is our Honored Teammate for Team In Training. Nick is an 18 year old freshman at Iowa State. He has pretty much been in the hospital since Christmas, fighting pneumonia. This has been a pretty fierce battle because Nick has Leukemia. I have been following his fight on his CarePage.
Every time training gets hard, I imagine Nick and his mom, in a hospital room....WAITING....waiting for fevers to go down....waiting for counts to go up...waiting for cultures....waiting for clear xrays....waiting for a good night's sleep....waiting for the strength to get out of bed....waiting for a cure....
I imagine Nick is doing enough waiting for all of the members of Team In Training. For Nick and countless others that are WAITING, I am going to keep DOING......
Thursday, January 21, 2010
It's Complicated
I have come to the realization that I have a love/hate relationship with swimming. It is really hard! I watch the experienced swimmers go lap after lap with ease and seriously wonder if that will ever be me. I am not so sure! Today was a tough day for me in the pool. I swam on my own yesterday and was really encouraged. I felt like I was finally getting a handle on my breathing and getting into a comfortable groove. Yesterday was one step forward. Today, two steps back. Breathing was difficult. We were working on our stroke and I think it was an overload for my brain!
On the bright side, I am learning more with every swim. Just need to get it all together!
On the bright side, I am learning more with every swim. Just need to get it all together!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Christmas Morning all over again....
The ground is still blanketed with snow, but we decided to venture out for our first outside run in probably over a month. Did I mention that I am also training for the Oklahoma City 1/2 marathon in April....well, today the training officially began with a 4 mile run. I've been running 3-5 miles several days a week, but running on a treadmill is nothing compared to running outside. I new it would be tough, but I was excited to get out there and do it.
The trail we ran (Nicole and Caleb were with me too) wasn't totally cleared of snow and ice, so it was pretty slow going. The first 5 minutes were the worst for me....I was cold and my face hurt and I was afraid I was going to fall. But after that it was great! Challenging, as I knew it would be, but still great! I really LOVE running in the cold, after that initial chill wears off!
Can't wait to get out there and do it again!
The trail we ran (Nicole and Caleb were with me too) wasn't totally cleared of snow and ice, so it was pretty slow going. The first 5 minutes were the worst for me....I was cold and my face hurt and I was afraid I was going to fall. But after that it was great! Challenging, as I knew it would be, but still great! I really LOVE running in the cold, after that initial chill wears off!
Can't wait to get out there and do it again!
Friday, January 15, 2010
A reminder for my future self:
It's supposed to be hard.
If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it.
The hard... is what makes it GREAT.
If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it.
The hard... is what makes it GREAT.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Swimming~Take 2
Second swim workout this morning. Very encouraging. I ate a banana before and had some chocolate milk after....made a HUGE difference. I was able to complete a 30 minute strength/cardio class after swimming.
I also got a "real" suit yesterday, one that actually fits....my old one was probably about 2 sizes too big.
That said, it was still pretty tough. One mile is 35 laps in the pool (down and back the length of the pool is ONE lap), I can get about 3/4 of a lap completed before the exhaustion sets in....so, I still have a long way to go. Looking forward to the day I can successfully complete an ENTIRE lap (baby steps, remember....)!
I also got a "real" suit yesterday, one that actually fits....my old one was probably about 2 sizes too big.
That said, it was still pretty tough. One mile is 35 laps in the pool (down and back the length of the pool is ONE lap), I can get about 3/4 of a lap completed before the exhaustion sets in....so, I still have a long way to go. Looking forward to the day I can successfully complete an ENTIRE lap (baby steps, remember....)!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Baby Steps
Okay....well, the good news is that the first swim workout is over with. 45 minutes of purposeful swimming is TOUGH!! We basically just worked on kicking and then we did some stroke work. My biggest challenge is definitely going to be getting the breathing down, there is so much to remember at once. The worst was when my breathing got off and I'd get a mouthful of water instead of air, it was almost enough to send me into a panic attack!!
I was planning on going to Farrell's after the swim to help the 6 am class thru their first lower body bands class of the new session, but I was WIPED out! I will have to plan on a post-workout snack for next time for sure!
Although it was difficult, I did feel I made progress by the end of the workout and I am looking forward to the challenge. Unfortunately I can't wear my bodybugg for swimming, so I can't get a handle on how many calories I burned, that is going to be a tough adjustment for me. I've gotten so used to using the bodybugg to rate my effort in a workout. I guess I'll have to find another method.
My training partners all did great too! I can't wait to see us all progress in the coming months. It is great to be going thru this journey with other people, I know I wouldn't be able to do it by myself!!
I probably won't run tonight, but tomorrow will find me on the treadmill at 5am before going to FXB and then doing a 50 minute spin class tomorrow night.
I was planning on going to Farrell's after the swim to help the 6 am class thru their first lower body bands class of the new session, but I was WIPED out! I will have to plan on a post-workout snack for next time for sure!
Although it was difficult, I did feel I made progress by the end of the workout and I am looking forward to the challenge. Unfortunately I can't wear my bodybugg for swimming, so I can't get a handle on how many calories I burned, that is going to be a tough adjustment for me. I've gotten so used to using the bodybugg to rate my effort in a workout. I guess I'll have to find another method.
My training partners all did great too! I can't wait to see us all progress in the coming months. It is great to be going thru this journey with other people, I know I wouldn't be able to do it by myself!!
I probably won't run tonight, but tomorrow will find me on the treadmill at 5am before going to FXB and then doing a 50 minute spin class tomorrow night.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Diving In!
Oh boy....tomorrow is my first official training "swim". Not gonna lie, I am nervous. Other than basic swim lessons in elementary school, I've never had to swim with a purpose. I am completely clueless and very anxious to see how it goes. After tomorrow morning I will have a better idea of what lies ahead for the next 6 months! If you're up at 5am tomorrow morning, I'd appreciate any encouraging thoughts!!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Breaking all the rules.....
How many of us are defined by our limitations? The answer can be found in those rare moments when we are brutally honest with ourselves. Low self-esteem and self-confidence is a destructive emotion that can be paralyzing if given control in our lives.
Having experienced this many times throughout my life I have made a commitment to leave a different legacy for my children. The next 6 months will be physically and mentally demanding, but I know I can do it. I have the strength within me to push thru; to keep going no matter what. I know that each struggle will make the victory that much sweeter. Thru this and every other challenge I face in my life I am hoping to show Kaity and Ben (and anyone else that may not believe it) that they can truly do anything they set their mind too.
Having experienced this many times throughout my life I have made a commitment to leave a different legacy for my children. The next 6 months will be physically and mentally demanding, but I know I can do it. I have the strength within me to push thru; to keep going no matter what. I know that each struggle will make the victory that much sweeter. Thru this and every other challenge I face in my life I am hoping to show Kaity and Ben (and anyone else that may not believe it) that they can truly do anything they set their mind too.
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