Sucks! Just when you get in the rhythm of something, a common cold comes along and swipes your feet from underneath. It was my own fault, right? I chose to run the race last weekend even though I wasn't feeling well... I chose to stick around and cheer people on wearing the same sweat soaked clothes from the race...
So, unfortunately, I haven't checked much on my "to do" list this week. I didn't even get a recovery run in after the race! Oh well... gotta get back in the saddle, right? As soon as I'm feeling well, I'll be hitting the trail and getting in the pool. I promise myself that!
My adjusted list:
Yoga 1x
Run 15 miles
Bike 1x
Swim 1x
Check out new tri club and new running club (I forgot about that one from last week)
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Sunday, October 15, 2006
A dip in "the pool"
Alright, I set some good goals last week and it's time to check in and see how I panned out:
Ran 8 miles total
Swam (oh yeah!) 2x's with NOVA
Bike (OMG!) 30 minutes... hey better than nothing!
Yoga 2x's
Ran the Long Beach 1/2 Marathon today in 1:53:00
Not outstanding, but I'm proud I got in the pool. Especially since it was freezing on Wednesday (might be why I am feeling a sore throat yesterday and today) at swim or as I like to call it, "at the pool". I'm also super happy to have gotten on the bike once this week. Why is this so tough!? Being a runner first and a triathlete second, it's so much easier to lace up the shoes than get in the saddle or take the plunge into the pool.
The Long Beach race was cool. I think the last time I ran that course was in 2001. They changed the course and now (or for the last few years) we run down on the boardwalk. Other than the horrible headwind on the way back to the finish line, I really liked the course. I felt great the first 2-3 miles clocking off 8-8:30/miles. Then, after we passed the cheering crowd, it started to kick in that I had to keep this pace for another 10. No worries, a little Skid Row and Red Hot Chili Peppers, a beautiful course and the euphoria you get running, helped bring me in! I'm a little stiff now, but nothing a good old ice bath and some advil couldn't handle. Besides it's all worth it... good times!
The other thing I'm proud of is for the most part I made my meals this week at home. No fast food or easy junk food at the grocery store. This week I was armed with a menu for the week! I enjoyed grilled BBQ Chicken salad, Shrimp Pasta, Chicken Stirfry and veggie burgers (ok, not too exciting on that one).
Now for next week's checklist... I think I 'm going to stick with the same goal. I feel it's a great start to create my base before training kicks in...
Yoga 3x's
Run 4x's this week-let's say 25 miles (10 mile long run Saturday)
Swim 2x's
Bike 2x's-at least one spin class
Continue to eat well and maintain positive attitude!
Ran 8 miles total
Swam (oh yeah!) 2x's with NOVA
Bike (OMG!) 30 minutes... hey better than nothing!
Yoga 2x's
Ran the Long Beach 1/2 Marathon today in 1:53:00
Not outstanding, but I'm proud I got in the pool. Especially since it was freezing on Wednesday (might be why I am feeling a sore throat yesterday and today) at swim or as I like to call it, "at the pool". I'm also super happy to have gotten on the bike once this week. Why is this so tough!? Being a runner first and a triathlete second, it's so much easier to lace up the shoes than get in the saddle or take the plunge into the pool.
The Long Beach race was cool. I think the last time I ran that course was in 2001. They changed the course and now (or for the last few years) we run down on the boardwalk. Other than the horrible headwind on the way back to the finish line, I really liked the course. I felt great the first 2-3 miles clocking off 8-8:30/miles. Then, after we passed the cheering crowd, it started to kick in that I had to keep this pace for another 10. No worries, a little Skid Row and Red Hot Chili Peppers, a beautiful course and the euphoria you get running, helped bring me in! I'm a little stiff now, but nothing a good old ice bath and some advil couldn't handle. Besides it's all worth it... good times!
The other thing I'm proud of is for the most part I made my meals this week at home. No fast food or easy junk food at the grocery store. This week I was armed with a menu for the week! I enjoyed grilled BBQ Chicken salad, Shrimp Pasta, Chicken Stirfry and veggie burgers (ok, not too exciting on that one).
Now for next week's checklist... I think I 'm going to stick with the same goal. I feel it's a great start to create my base before training kicks in...
Yoga 3x's
Run 4x's this week-let's say 25 miles (10 mile long run Saturday)
Swim 2x's
Bike 2x's-at least one spin class
Continue to eat well and maintain positive attitude!
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Following in the steps of a Tour de France champ!
Well, there you go... I've got a checklist!
Ran 21 miles this week
Yoga 3x's
Swim... no
Bike... uh, no biking either
But still, that's pretty good considering my last few logs and the fact that I was traveling for work. One cool thing this week: I was in Portland, Oregon and ran a course the hotel suggested... while I was waiting in the airport later in the trip, I picked up the Runner's World magazine and, low and behold, Lance Armstrong was running the same trail! Pretty cool to see an athlete you admire doing the same thing you are!
This coming week, here is what I'm planning:
Swim 2-3 times
Run with at least one new running group and get 4 runs in
Do the Long Beach 1/2 marathon on Sunday
Bike at least twice
Yoga 3 times
I've got my menu planned for this week, so I'll have healthy meals. I've noticed I'm very good at eating well all the way up until 3pm. So I bought healthy snack food to help prevent overeating at night.
Also, I am feeling more energetic these days. My legs don't feel like lead, and I'm able to get up in the mornings more easily. And, although I'm still thinking about the ex, I am not letting it get to me. Some habits just take a little longer to change.
Ran 21 miles this week
Yoga 3x's
Swim... no
Bike... uh, no biking either
But still, that's pretty good considering my last few logs and the fact that I was traveling for work. One cool thing this week: I was in Portland, Oregon and ran a course the hotel suggested... while I was waiting in the airport later in the trip, I picked up the Runner's World magazine and, low and behold, Lance Armstrong was running the same trail! Pretty cool to see an athlete you admire doing the same thing you are!
This coming week, here is what I'm planning:
Swim 2-3 times
Run with at least one new running group and get 4 runs in
Do the Long Beach 1/2 marathon on Sunday
Bike at least twice
Yoga 3 times
I've got my menu planned for this week, so I'll have healthy meals. I've noticed I'm very good at eating well all the way up until 3pm. So I bought healthy snack food to help prevent overeating at night.
Also, I am feeling more energetic these days. My legs don't feel like lead, and I'm able to get up in the mornings more easily. And, although I'm still thinking about the ex, I am not letting it get to me. Some habits just take a little longer to change.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
All the reasons to sleep in...
I'm exhausted these days. It could be the season change, or the end of an aggressive tri season, or the craziness at work. But I have been sleeping in and missing my workouts. Not a good combination as I think it affects my mood overall. I'm scared I've been distracted and depressed about my ex. I saw him this week driving and it was a like a sock in the stomach. I can't seem to get him off my mind.
I've made a few promises to myself. I'll get my workouts in. I'll make sure to schedule time for them. At work, I'll take my "lunch break" and go for a run. And I'll plan to leave at a decent time, especially to make it to the Yoga or Spin class-just cuz I don't have someone to spend time with, doesn't mean I should spend it at work. Besides, I'm hoping this schedule will get me focused on something other than my ex and how much I miss him.
I travel this week, so I'm committing to 3 days of workouts. I should be able to do that-sounds easy enough.
I will get serious about my nutrition. Cut back on the wine and watch what I eat. My commitment is one week-week by week. I leave for Saipan in November to visit my brother and his wife. I refuse to be the "fat sister". Plus, the turkey trot out there is brutal, so I'll need to get in shape!
So I've got a plan in place. I'll go to swim (despite how cold it might be), and take the yoga class. And, I'll go for a walk versus hole up in my apartment depressed about someone who didn't care enough.
I've made a few promises to myself. I'll get my workouts in. I'll make sure to schedule time for them. At work, I'll take my "lunch break" and go for a run. And I'll plan to leave at a decent time, especially to make it to the Yoga or Spin class-just cuz I don't have someone to spend time with, doesn't mean I should spend it at work. Besides, I'm hoping this schedule will get me focused on something other than my ex and how much I miss him.
I travel this week, so I'm committing to 3 days of workouts. I should be able to do that-sounds easy enough.
I will get serious about my nutrition. Cut back on the wine and watch what I eat. My commitment is one week-week by week. I leave for Saipan in November to visit my brother and his wife. I refuse to be the "fat sister". Plus, the turkey trot out there is brutal, so I'll need to get in shape!
So I've got a plan in place. I'll go to swim (despite how cold it might be), and take the yoga class. And, I'll go for a walk versus hole up in my apartment depressed about someone who didn't care enough.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Ironman isn't something you can fake!
If this week is any indication of how training will go, then I'm in trouble. Lately, the crisp fall air has kept me under the covers rather than rolling out of bed for my 5:45am swim class. (excuse #1) I've missed my lunchtime runs and even worst lost my lunchtime running partner due to a new job (excuse #2). Don't even get me started on the bike (I don't have a cool excuse for that one yet, but I'm sure there is one)!
And those extra 5 lbs! in the last four months, really??!! Is that necessary?
The good news... Patrick got into Wisconsin. Even though he has yet to figure out if that's good news to him, I'm happy. I've finally got someone else to train with and... at the end of a long day, collapse on the couch with while not feeling guilty. It's so nice to date someone that has the same interests as me. What a novel thought! I feel he truly understands where I'm coming from and can say the right words to help ease my concerns. Or vice versa!
My biggest concern is keeping my head into training. I have figured out that I have a bad habit of doing well on the first race but doing horrible (no REALLY, horribly) on the second attempt. It's one of two things mentally: either I have a hard time getting motivated to do all that training from the beginning again, or I think I can do it again, but without training as hard. Either way, I need to nip this in the bud quick. Ironman isn't something you can fake! (Oh, hi! more pressure)
Off to try and find the training schedule I used in 2004. If it seems do-able for this year, then I'll back it out to the Wisconsin race.
And those extra 5 lbs! in the last four months, really??!! Is that necessary?
The good news... Patrick got into Wisconsin. Even though he has yet to figure out if that's good news to him, I'm happy. I've finally got someone else to train with and... at the end of a long day, collapse on the couch with while not feeling guilty. It's so nice to date someone that has the same interests as me. What a novel thought! I feel he truly understands where I'm coming from and can say the right words to help ease my concerns. Or vice versa!
My biggest concern is keeping my head into training. I have figured out that I have a bad habit of doing well on the first race but doing horrible (no REALLY, horribly) on the second attempt. It's one of two things mentally: either I have a hard time getting motivated to do all that training from the beginning again, or I think I can do it again, but without training as hard. Either way, I need to nip this in the bud quick. Ironman isn't something you can fake! (Oh, hi! more pressure)
Off to try and find the training schedule I used in 2004. If it seems do-able for this year, then I'll back it out to the Wisconsin race.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Sunday, September 17, 2006
2007 Ironman Wisconsin, here I come!
When I finished my first Ironman in 2004, it seemed people wanted to know two things:
1.) How did I do?
2.) Would I do another one?
The first question was easy to answer-it was the best day of my life! After months of training and sacrificing so much, I just "sat back" and enjoyed race day. I followed everyone's advice and took it in one event at a time. First, I battled through the 2200 triathletes in the 2.4 mile swim on the lake. Waved 'Hello!' to the scuba divers that hung at the bottom of the last bouy (safety precautions) before turning into the swim/bike transition. After being "stripped" of my wetsuit, I then headed off for a LONG ride through the wine country. All along the 112 mile bike, locals cheered us on by ringing cow bells, and sitting out front of their farms in lounge chairs. Back into town, I dismounted the bike, and tried to straighten my body out for the run. 26.2 miles later, I had formed new friendships, accomplished a major goal and now could rightfully be called an Ironman! Although my only goal was to finish, I was extremely pleased to complete the race in 13:28:19!
The second question was the harder one. For 6 months I was committed to my bike, my running shoes and the chlorinated water. I became a regular at the gym and on Pacific Coast Highway. I knew the names of the bike mechanics at Edge Cyclesports better than my close friends' babies. It was common for me to decline invitations to Bridal Showers, Birthdays, and almost a wedding (thanks Jules, for arranging the date so I could attend!). My friends and family understood my dedication, but sometimes it interferred with their life milestones... and well, that, was frustrating for them. My boyfriend at the time, Doug, claims I was Dr Jackle and Mr Hyde with my switch personalities. Although he didn't understand what "training" meant, he supported me as best he could with little knowledge of what lie ahead. I was tired, irritable, cranky, and hungry all the time. I constantly felt guilty for spending hours on end training or being late to a commitment due to a flat tire. I was worried to death that I physically couldn't complete this distance and constantly felt the weight of failure on my shoulders. And after a month of training, those feelings never left me, but people began to adapt to my new lifestyle. Doug simply stopped waiting on me for breakfast after a ride/run, friends simply gave a light mention of a celebration and family just "grinned and beared it".
Having said all that and being told that if I completed another Ironman, I'd be single, I struggled internally with the dilema of "best day of my life" and being a "responsible participant" in my personal relationships, and so I unwillingly told people it would be my last. (I mean, did I really want to do that again??).
That nagging conflict never went away. Doug and I broke up in the past year. More friends got married, had kids and just basically became involved in their lives. And family didn't care what I did as long as I was happy. So...
After a quick "bet" (ok, three martinis into a conversation) with someone I was dating and a little convencing, I decided to return to the short lived love "affair" I had with Ironman and enter another race. My hope to return to Pentictian for my second race diminished when Canada changed their buddy system signup and Ironman Wisconsin became my returning race.
In the past year, I've already tackled a few 1/2 marathons and completed five races in this year's triathlon season. I even went back to coaching a local beginning marathon and half marathoners program to keep motivated. Life feels comfortable (and exciting) again. I'm not missing out on "something" anymore.
For the next year, I hope to write updates on my progress. I plan to talk about my fears (not being able to do as well as I did on the first, or worst, not finishing at all), my workouts, how I manage to juggle training with life, my health and my progress. I'm lucky to have someone train with me and keep me company through this next adventure... called Ironman!
1.) How did I do?
2.) Would I do another one?
The first question was easy to answer-it was the best day of my life! After months of training and sacrificing so much, I just "sat back" and enjoyed race day. I followed everyone's advice and took it in one event at a time. First, I battled through the 2200 triathletes in the 2.4 mile swim on the lake. Waved 'Hello!' to the scuba divers that hung at the bottom of the last bouy (safety precautions) before turning into the swim/bike transition. After being "stripped" of my wetsuit, I then headed off for a LONG ride through the wine country. All along the 112 mile bike, locals cheered us on by ringing cow bells, and sitting out front of their farms in lounge chairs. Back into town, I dismounted the bike, and tried to straighten my body out for the run. 26.2 miles later, I had formed new friendships, accomplished a major goal and now could rightfully be called an Ironman! Although my only goal was to finish, I was extremely pleased to complete the race in 13:28:19!
The second question was the harder one. For 6 months I was committed to my bike, my running shoes and the chlorinated water. I became a regular at the gym and on Pacific Coast Highway. I knew the names of the bike mechanics at Edge Cyclesports better than my close friends' babies. It was common for me to decline invitations to Bridal Showers, Birthdays, and almost a wedding (thanks Jules, for arranging the date so I could attend!). My friends and family understood my dedication, but sometimes it interferred with their life milestones... and well, that, was frustrating for them. My boyfriend at the time, Doug, claims I was Dr Jackle and Mr Hyde with my switch personalities. Although he didn't understand what "training" meant, he supported me as best he could with little knowledge of what lie ahead. I was tired, irritable, cranky, and hungry all the time. I constantly felt guilty for spending hours on end training or being late to a commitment due to a flat tire. I was worried to death that I physically couldn't complete this distance and constantly felt the weight of failure on my shoulders. And after a month of training, those feelings never left me, but people began to adapt to my new lifestyle. Doug simply stopped waiting on me for breakfast after a ride/run, friends simply gave a light mention of a celebration and family just "grinned and beared it".
Having said all that and being told that if I completed another Ironman, I'd be single, I struggled internally with the dilema of "best day of my life" and being a "responsible participant" in my personal relationships, and so I unwillingly told people it would be my last. (I mean, did I really want to do that again??).
That nagging conflict never went away. Doug and I broke up in the past year. More friends got married, had kids and just basically became involved in their lives. And family didn't care what I did as long as I was happy. So...
After a quick "bet" (ok, three martinis into a conversation) with someone I was dating and a little convencing, I decided to return to the short lived love "affair" I had with Ironman and enter another race. My hope to return to Pentictian for my second race diminished when Canada changed their buddy system signup and Ironman Wisconsin became my returning race.
In the past year, I've already tackled a few 1/2 marathons and completed five races in this year's triathlon season. I even went back to coaching a local beginning marathon and half marathoners program to keep motivated. Life feels comfortable (and exciting) again. I'm not missing out on "something" anymore.
For the next year, I hope to write updates on my progress. I plan to talk about my fears (not being able to do as well as I did on the first, or worst, not finishing at all), my workouts, how I manage to juggle training with life, my health and my progress. I'm lucky to have someone train with me and keep me company through this next adventure... called Ironman!
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