So I'm back after a long two years of accomplishing many fun firsts: my first 70.3 triathlon, my first marathon, then my first Ironman 140.6 triathlon. I thought I'd have time to keep up with my blog to document my mishaps with triathlon training, but when you're running, cycling, and swimming a lot, you spend the rest of your time either working or sleeping or eating or recovering from a torn calf muscle (as I did in Month 1 thru 3 of my 6 months of Ironman training). It's a huge time commitment but well worth the feeling you get when you cross that finish line. And no, I don't think I'll do another one...but I reserve the right to change my mind because that's what triathletes do. You eventually forget how painful it was (Extremely Painful!) and you only remember the accomplishments, as is true with any endeavor.
So with today being the first day of a new year, I decided to pick up this blog again, mostly for selfish reasons (sorry!): to challenge myself to stick to my 2nd goal of 2011 which is to do Crossfit 4-5 times per week for 6 months. And if I inspire other people like you to try Crossfit or to do your first triathlon, then it's worth the time it takes to blog.
Have you heard of Crossfit? If you haven't, you really ought to check it out at http://www.crossfit.com/cf-info/what-crossfit.html. The beauty of Crossfit is that you don't need to know how to do the exercises or even be able to do them because they will teach you the proper movement and how to modify the exercise so that you can work up to the full movement.
I started Crossfit in March 2010 and have lost 23 pounds (by eating healthier too!), gained muscle, and feel younger again! It is so much fun! Yes, I know it looks difficult, but most Crossfit gyms have a beginner course which will introduce you to the proper form of each of the exercises used in the workouts. I feel empowered by Crossfit because it's made me a stronger person (mentally and physically) and a faster triathlete (I'm still slow in general, but now I'm a faster slow triathlete) by challenging me almost weekly to a new accomplishment.
For example, when was the last time you've played tag or done a handstand?? I know we've all done a handstand some long time ago in our distant past as a kid, but have you done a handstand as an adult? I'm guessing you haven't since it's not a necessary function of living as an adult. So when I first started Crossfit, I was terrified at the thought of doing a handstand - could my arms hold my body weight up even for a second and while being upside down? That just seemed impossible to me. And no, I couldn't do a handstand when I started because I really COULDN'T hold my body weight up, especially upside down! But about 3 months later and with a bit of practice, I was doing a handstand against the wall - Goal Accomplished. My next goal is to do a free-standing handstand (not using the wall) then I'll work on doing a handstand pushup (maybe later this year!).
But unfortunately I won't be doing much of Crossfit until my sprained elbow recovers from that silly snowboarding fall (it really was silly...it was on the bunny slopes, at practically zero mph - anyone wanna buy a cool looking snowboard?), and instead I'll be focusing on some healthier eating to lose those 10 pounds I've temporarily gained from all of the holiday feasting. It's just another goal to accomplish from which I'll gain that awesome feeling of accomplishment...Happy New Year!
1.01.2011
5.11.2008
Testing Testing
So when you're going to do any kind of race, you need to replenish fluids with water first and foremost, but also with some kind of hydration mix and energy bar/gel.
Being hydrated means you'll have a better race and will feel better before and after the race. (To some extent since training is a larger component of whether you'll feel good during and after the race).
You also need to test out any hydration, energy and protein replacement products WHILE you train. You don't want to wait till race day to try something new because either it'll upset your stomach or you'll hate the taste of it or you'll find that it was a waste of your money because it didn't enhance your performance.
Since the series of triathlons I'm doing are supported with Gatorade Endurance formula, I decided to start there. I've always preferred Gatorade (the basic formula you can buy at just about any grocery store) since it messes with my stomach the least and it makes me feel hydrated. But then I tried Gatorade Endurance (http://www.itsonthecourse.com/) and it ROCKS! The taste is a bit saltier than the original mix, but it tastes great! It has definitely given me more energy and I feel like my endurance has increased while using it. You can purchase it online (i love http://www.trisports.com/ because they are friendly and thorough...they also sign off the packing slip with a "Thanks Jenny" and a smiley face every time...i love it!) or from some triathlon stores and running stores.
In the past, when I've done a sprint tri or a 8 mile run, using gatorade (i mix my own to make it less sweet) and some energy gels (I love Gu) has been sufficient. But based on all of the triathlon podcasts I've been listening to lately that talk about 1/2 iron and iron distances, it's apparent that I'll need more than the hydration mix and energy gels. The missing factor is some protein. The concept seems to be that you would take in some mix of protein and hydration drink on the bike portion of the 1/2 iron distance. This mix will feed your muscles' glycogen stores and help reduce the conversion of your muscles into energy. It also feeds your muscles some protein to minimize the damage to your muscle tissue during and after the race--your muscles will recover quicker after the race since they'll be less damaged during the race. Makes sense.
The names I keep hearing about are Hammer's Perpetuum & Sustained Energy (http://www.hammernutrition.com/za/HNT?PAGE=PRODUCT_CATEGORY&CAT=NUTRI&OMI=10103,10082,10047&AMI=10103) and Accelerade (http://www.accelerade.com/). There are many more out there but these are the three that I've heard about from the podcasts or friends.
So I tried Hammer's Perpetuum on last Thursday's workout of swimming for an hour then running for 90 minutes. Perpetuum is orange creamsicle flavored but it wasn't enough to cover the icky protein taste for me. I really didn't like it. I can't even tell if it helped my muscles feel better.
So I tried Accelerade on a long run the week before and actually loved the taste of the Orange flavor but not the Lemon-Lime one (tasted like tequila mix--but i love tequilas). I feel that the Accelerade fed my muscles a bit. It was slightly noticeable. Compared to Sustained Energy, Accelerade has less protein and less carbs (and the carbs are primarily made up of sugars in Accelerade).
Then yesterday on the 2 hour bike with 30 min run afterward, I tried Hammer's Sustained Energy. This stuff is nonflavored but is made with protein so you definitely can taste the protein a little and definitely feel a little bit of the chalkyness. However, since it was unflavored, I was able to mix it with Gatorade Endurance to make it taste great. I feel that the Gatorade Endurance mixed with the Sustained Energy made me feel great on the bike and the run. The transition from biking legs to running legs was less awkward and less painful than usual. So I'll have to test Sustained Energy again.
Post training/race workout nutrition is as important as the nutrition during. Based on my research, drinking a protein shake or drinking chocolate milk after a workout will help muscles recovery by feeding the muscles the protein it needs to rebuild. It'll thus reduce muscle aches the next day and you'll be able to work out the next day without feeling the previous day's soreness. I'm still experimenting on what works best for me. So far it's been Designer Whey protein powder (http://www.designerwhey.com/life-changing-products/index.php) (strawberry or vanilla taste the best) mixed as a smoothie with fresh strawberries, organic apple juice, organic plain yogurt, and Amazing Grass Green SuperFood powder (this stuff of awesome--lots of greens and great for the immune system and energy) (http://www.amazinggrass.com/superfood-home.html). And it tastes great for a protein shake. One last plug before I go---my dad saw an infomercial on the Magic Bullet blender...yeah, I know, infomercials are cheesy but this product is awesome. I use it to make my smoothie protein shake and it's really easy to clean and use and it takes up minimal space in the cupboard. (to clean it, just stick the blade top and the cup in the dishwasher...it comes with another blade top and several cups too) Check it out at http://www.buythebullet.com/. We bought ours at Target about 3 years ago and it still works great.
Keep testing yourself!
Being hydrated means you'll have a better race and will feel better before and after the race. (To some extent since training is a larger component of whether you'll feel good during and after the race).
You also need to test out any hydration, energy and protein replacement products WHILE you train. You don't want to wait till race day to try something new because either it'll upset your stomach or you'll hate the taste of it or you'll find that it was a waste of your money because it didn't enhance your performance.
Since the series of triathlons I'm doing are supported with Gatorade Endurance formula, I decided to start there. I've always preferred Gatorade (the basic formula you can buy at just about any grocery store) since it messes with my stomach the least and it makes me feel hydrated. But then I tried Gatorade Endurance (http://www.itsonthecourse.com/) and it ROCKS! The taste is a bit saltier than the original mix, but it tastes great! It has definitely given me more energy and I feel like my endurance has increased while using it. You can purchase it online (i love http://www.trisports.com/ because they are friendly and thorough...they also sign off the packing slip with a "Thanks Jenny" and a smiley face every time...i love it!) or from some triathlon stores and running stores.
In the past, when I've done a sprint tri or a 8 mile run, using gatorade (i mix my own to make it less sweet) and some energy gels (I love Gu) has been sufficient. But based on all of the triathlon podcasts I've been listening to lately that talk about 1/2 iron and iron distances, it's apparent that I'll need more than the hydration mix and energy gels. The missing factor is some protein. The concept seems to be that you would take in some mix of protein and hydration drink on the bike portion of the 1/2 iron distance. This mix will feed your muscles' glycogen stores and help reduce the conversion of your muscles into energy. It also feeds your muscles some protein to minimize the damage to your muscle tissue during and after the race--your muscles will recover quicker after the race since they'll be less damaged during the race. Makes sense.
The names I keep hearing about are Hammer's Perpetuum & Sustained Energy (http://www.hammernutrition.com/za/HNT?PAGE=PRODUCT_CATEGORY&CAT=NUTRI&OMI=10103,10082,10047&AMI=10103) and Accelerade (http://www.accelerade.com/). There are many more out there but these are the three that I've heard about from the podcasts or friends.
So I tried Hammer's Perpetuum on last Thursday's workout of swimming for an hour then running for 90 minutes. Perpetuum is orange creamsicle flavored but it wasn't enough to cover the icky protein taste for me. I really didn't like it. I can't even tell if it helped my muscles feel better.
So I tried Accelerade on a long run the week before and actually loved the taste of the Orange flavor but not the Lemon-Lime one (tasted like tequila mix--but i love tequilas). I feel that the Accelerade fed my muscles a bit. It was slightly noticeable. Compared to Sustained Energy, Accelerade has less protein and less carbs (and the carbs are primarily made up of sugars in Accelerade).
Then yesterday on the 2 hour bike with 30 min run afterward, I tried Hammer's Sustained Energy. This stuff is nonflavored but is made with protein so you definitely can taste the protein a little and definitely feel a little bit of the chalkyness. However, since it was unflavored, I was able to mix it with Gatorade Endurance to make it taste great. I feel that the Gatorade Endurance mixed with the Sustained Energy made me feel great on the bike and the run. The transition from biking legs to running legs was less awkward and less painful than usual. So I'll have to test Sustained Energy again.
Post training/race workout nutrition is as important as the nutrition during. Based on my research, drinking a protein shake or drinking chocolate milk after a workout will help muscles recovery by feeding the muscles the protein it needs to rebuild. It'll thus reduce muscle aches the next day and you'll be able to work out the next day without feeling the previous day's soreness. I'm still experimenting on what works best for me. So far it's been Designer Whey protein powder (http://www.designerwhey.com/life-changing-products/index.php) (strawberry or vanilla taste the best) mixed as a smoothie with fresh strawberries, organic apple juice, organic plain yogurt, and Amazing Grass Green SuperFood powder (this stuff of awesome--lots of greens and great for the immune system and energy) (http://www.amazinggrass.com/superfood-home.html). And it tastes great for a protein shake. One last plug before I go---my dad saw an infomercial on the Magic Bullet blender...yeah, I know, infomercials are cheesy but this product is awesome. I use it to make my smoothie protein shake and it's really easy to clean and use and it takes up minimal space in the cupboard. (to clean it, just stick the blade top and the cup in the dishwasher...it comes with another blade top and several cups too) Check it out at http://www.buythebullet.com/. We bought ours at Target about 3 years ago and it still works great.
Keep testing yourself!
5.06.2008
Moab - Yeehaw!
What more can I say? Moab was awesome. Slickrock is awesome. Sovereign is awesome. Arches National Park was awesome. I haven't been so impressed since sightseeing in Europe---I would equate Arches' dramatic landscape to some of Italy's ancient structures like St Peter's Basilica, Pompeii Ruins, etc.
And now back to the grind. I love going on vacation. It's exciting. I love to splurge on desserts and yummy fattening food.
But I also love coming home. Unpacking everything so I can find it quickly when I need it for training. I love getting back to eating healthier. I love getting back into my training routine. I feel most comfortable when I'm in a routine. Sounds boring but I accomplish a lot when I have a routine. And I enjoy life more.
So up until now I haven't really mentioned my training plan. I just realized I started my 7th week of training and I still LOVE IT!
There are some great triathlon websites for beginners and seasoned triathletes. Although I'm not new to triathlons (have done at least 10 sprints and 3 olympic distance tris) I really liked the training plans and other information on http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/.
I found a great 1/2 ironman distance training plan written by Scott Herrick of Alpine Multisport LLC. This training plan is about a month longer than the ones I'd seen on other sites. This means I'll be better prepared for the big event.
Plus everything's based on time, except for the swim. That helps a lot with time management during the week.
Some things that I learned in the last 2 months about training for a 1/2 ironman are:
1) You have to plan ahead. Every Sunday evening, I jot down the next week's training schedule in my planner. I look at my planner every morning or evening to see what I need to pack up for the next day's training: workout clothes, snacks/hydration/powerfoods, including what we're having for dinner. If I have a long workout the next day, I'll defrost some tilapia (yes Jim--Tilapia again!) in the fridge that morning so that when I get home from training, we can make a quick healthy yummy dinner. Tilapia, broccoli and pasta or corn are always quick and easy.
2) Planning and preparation gets easier after 2 months of doing it. I have to admit that even I, the persistent and constant planner, got frazzled with having to prep and plan for training. In the first month of training, it seemed like it took me hours to get my stuff together the night before. But now, I'm done prepping my clothes and food within an hour. Organization is the key. I have all of my bike shorts and jerseys in one place. I have all of my running shorts and sports bras in a separate place next to my cycling clothes. I have my bike gear near the bike. You get the point.
3) When the training plan says to take the day off or to do an easy workout, just DO IT. Trust me. When it says easy run, just do an easy run. It takes determination and willpower to run at a pace that makes you feel like you're practically crawling. These workouts are important because they help you build a good base. They give your body time to recoop from previous workouts. You can't push your body constantly...you'll probably end up with injuries if you do. I've noticed that my body really needed to do an easy run when it was prescribed in the training plan because my body was tired from the previous day's more strenuous workout. Enjoy the slow pace workouts!
4) Growing pains don't stop when you're a kid. Since triathlon training incorporates your legs primarily, my legs have been aching every other week roughly. The 1st week of training, my legs ached getting used to the time on my feet. Then the schedule included sprints around the 4th or 5th week of training...and my legs ached since they aren't use to running faster. Then around the 5th week, the schedule had me doing some brick workouts (swim 1 hour then run for 1/2 hour immediately after, or run for an hour then bike for a 1/2 hour as recovery)...and of course my legs ached. But the good thing is that you have to endure growing pains in order to become stronger. Now in my 7th week, I definitely feel stronger.
So going forward, since this is a blog about triathlons and training, I'm going to post the workouts on the blog in a separate spot so you can get an idea of where I'm at.
Until then, RIDE ON! (and don't forget Bike to Work day on June 25th!)
And now back to the grind. I love going on vacation. It's exciting. I love to splurge on desserts and yummy fattening food.
But I also love coming home. Unpacking everything so I can find it quickly when I need it for training. I love getting back to eating healthier. I love getting back into my training routine. I feel most comfortable when I'm in a routine. Sounds boring but I accomplish a lot when I have a routine. And I enjoy life more.
So up until now I haven't really mentioned my training plan. I just realized I started my 7th week of training and I still LOVE IT!
There are some great triathlon websites for beginners and seasoned triathletes. Although I'm not new to triathlons (have done at least 10 sprints and 3 olympic distance tris) I really liked the training plans and other information on http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/.
I found a great 1/2 ironman distance training plan written by Scott Herrick of Alpine Multisport LLC. This training plan is about a month longer than the ones I'd seen on other sites. This means I'll be better prepared for the big event.
Plus everything's based on time, except for the swim. That helps a lot with time management during the week.
Some things that I learned in the last 2 months about training for a 1/2 ironman are:
1) You have to plan ahead. Every Sunday evening, I jot down the next week's training schedule in my planner. I look at my planner every morning or evening to see what I need to pack up for the next day's training: workout clothes, snacks/hydration/powerfoods, including what we're having for dinner. If I have a long workout the next day, I'll defrost some tilapia (yes Jim--Tilapia again!) in the fridge that morning so that when I get home from training, we can make a quick healthy yummy dinner. Tilapia, broccoli and pasta or corn are always quick and easy.
2) Planning and preparation gets easier after 2 months of doing it. I have to admit that even I, the persistent and constant planner, got frazzled with having to prep and plan for training. In the first month of training, it seemed like it took me hours to get my stuff together the night before. But now, I'm done prepping my clothes and food within an hour. Organization is the key. I have all of my bike shorts and jerseys in one place. I have all of my running shorts and sports bras in a separate place next to my cycling clothes. I have my bike gear near the bike. You get the point.
3) When the training plan says to take the day off or to do an easy workout, just DO IT. Trust me. When it says easy run, just do an easy run. It takes determination and willpower to run at a pace that makes you feel like you're practically crawling. These workouts are important because they help you build a good base. They give your body time to recoop from previous workouts. You can't push your body constantly...you'll probably end up with injuries if you do. I've noticed that my body really needed to do an easy run when it was prescribed in the training plan because my body was tired from the previous day's more strenuous workout. Enjoy the slow pace workouts!
4) Growing pains don't stop when you're a kid. Since triathlon training incorporates your legs primarily, my legs have been aching every other week roughly. The 1st week of training, my legs ached getting used to the time on my feet. Then the schedule included sprints around the 4th or 5th week of training...and my legs ached since they aren't use to running faster. Then around the 5th week, the schedule had me doing some brick workouts (swim 1 hour then run for 1/2 hour immediately after, or run for an hour then bike for a 1/2 hour as recovery)...and of course my legs ached. But the good thing is that you have to endure growing pains in order to become stronger. Now in my 7th week, I definitely feel stronger.
So going forward, since this is a blog about triathlons and training, I'm going to post the workouts on the blog in a separate spot so you can get an idea of where I'm at.
Until then, RIDE ON! (and don't forget Bike to Work day on June 25th!)
4.19.2008
Size isn't everything
After a recent trip to our local sporting goods store to purchase a new swimsuit (my old swimsuit was starting to show MY true colors), I discovered that I was considered to be an extra large woman.
Let me preface this with the fact that I wear size 10 pants and a medium in tops. When I pulled several swimsuits by Nike, TYR, and Speedo off the rack to try on, I pulled only those that had a size of 10 or 12 (as most women know, sizes can vary from one maker to another).
Much to my surprise, neither size fit. In fact, I wasn't even able to pull the swimsuit over my thighs. Talk about DISGUST. Disgust because I actually have lost 5 pounds since I've started training so that makes me thinner, right? Disgust because I wear a size 10 pant so there's no way in hell that I'd need to wear a larger size swimsuit. Disgust because I thought such reputable labels would have true sizes.
So, I put back the 6 swimsuits that I just tried to try on. I look for the next size up, a 14 (GASP).
Apparently size 14 is the LARGEST size that is made by at least TYR (i didn't research Nike or Speedo) and the largest size this sporting goods store carried of the Nike and Speedo suits. I was in disbelief to say the least. I couldn't believe that if i was 10 pounds heavier, that I'd basically not have a swimsuit (or at least would have to specially order it or something...what do other athena women do in this case?)
I just looked up the suit on TYR's website. Size 14 is the largest they make a swimsuit for and it's considered an XL. (Size 9/10 is considered Medium and Size 11/12 is considered Large)
So I did end up with a nice fitting XL TYR reversible swimsuit (it's black on one side which makes me look thinner : )), despite being disgusted with the way the suits "ran really small" as far as size goes. That's a term that women hear a lot when buying clothing. It's really quite frustrating to try clothes on with the same size # only to find out that some of the sizes run small...I actually don't think I've ever run into the reverse problem, where the sizing runs large...what a great day of shopping that would be! To buy a size 8 that fit me perfectly.
Until then, I'll continue to believe that size doesn't matter whether I'm buying new clothes or doing my next triathlon. At least I'm tri-ing it!
Let me preface this with the fact that I wear size 10 pants and a medium in tops. When I pulled several swimsuits by Nike, TYR, and Speedo off the rack to try on, I pulled only those that had a size of 10 or 12 (as most women know, sizes can vary from one maker to another).
Much to my surprise, neither size fit. In fact, I wasn't even able to pull the swimsuit over my thighs. Talk about DISGUST. Disgust because I actually have lost 5 pounds since I've started training so that makes me thinner, right? Disgust because I wear a size 10 pant so there's no way in hell that I'd need to wear a larger size swimsuit. Disgust because I thought such reputable labels would have true sizes.
So, I put back the 6 swimsuits that I just tried to try on. I look for the next size up, a 14 (GASP).
Apparently size 14 is the LARGEST size that is made by at least TYR (i didn't research Nike or Speedo) and the largest size this sporting goods store carried of the Nike and Speedo suits. I was in disbelief to say the least. I couldn't believe that if i was 10 pounds heavier, that I'd basically not have a swimsuit (or at least would have to specially order it or something...what do other athena women do in this case?)
I just looked up the suit on TYR's website. Size 14 is the largest they make a swimsuit for and it's considered an XL. (Size 9/10 is considered Medium and Size 11/12 is considered Large)
So I did end up with a nice fitting XL TYR reversible swimsuit (it's black on one side which makes me look thinner : )), despite being disgusted with the way the suits "ran really small" as far as size goes. That's a term that women hear a lot when buying clothing. It's really quite frustrating to try clothes on with the same size # only to find out that some of the sizes run small...I actually don't think I've ever run into the reverse problem, where the sizing runs large...what a great day of shopping that would be! To buy a size 8 that fit me perfectly.
Until then, I'll continue to believe that size doesn't matter whether I'm buying new clothes or doing my next triathlon. At least I'm tri-ing it!
4.13.2008
So What's With the Name?
I'm sure you stay awake at nite, pondering the question "Why Iron Oxide?" So I will answer it now so you can get some long needed rest...
I've recently discovered triathlon podcasts. Never even thought they existed but boy am I glad that a few people have taken time out of their busy lives to entertain and motivate triathletes!
To name a few that I absolutely LOVE to listen to: Get Your Geek On Triathlon Podcast with Iron Will and Iron Kahuna, SimplyStu, and TriGeek...
So I have been absolutely hooked on Get Your Geek On---they make me laugh, they inpsire me, they remind me that I am not alone, they keep me going when I don't want to train because it's too damn cold outside...and they have also inspired the thought within me of doing a full Ironman. Their podcasts are powerful. (THANK YOU Iron Will and Iron Kahuna!!!!)
So I told my hubby about the podcast and mentioned that they have inspired me to try an Ironman someday...I also mentioned that in order to do it right, I'd need to come up with an Iron nickname to make it official (just like they have)...So while we were mountain biking several weeks ago, we tossed around a few names, then my husband says "What about Iron Oxide?" (He's hilarious---he comes up with the wittiest stuff sometimes---okay, a lot of the time...)
And so the name was created. As far as when I might do an Ironman...well, probably not until 2010 so at least I'll have done 2 half-ironmans by then.
For now, I'm loving training and I'm REALLY looking forward to doing my first half-ironman on August 10th. Good Nite!
I've recently discovered triathlon podcasts. Never even thought they existed but boy am I glad that a few people have taken time out of their busy lives to entertain and motivate triathletes!
To name a few that I absolutely LOVE to listen to: Get Your Geek On Triathlon Podcast with Iron Will and Iron Kahuna, SimplyStu, and TriGeek...
So I have been absolutely hooked on Get Your Geek On---they make me laugh, they inpsire me, they remind me that I am not alone, they keep me going when I don't want to train because it's too damn cold outside...and they have also inspired the thought within me of doing a full Ironman. Their podcasts are powerful. (THANK YOU Iron Will and Iron Kahuna!!!!)
So I told my hubby about the podcast and mentioned that they have inspired me to try an Ironman someday...I also mentioned that in order to do it right, I'd need to come up with an Iron nickname to make it official (just like they have)...So while we were mountain biking several weeks ago, we tossed around a few names, then my husband says "What about Iron Oxide?" (He's hilarious---he comes up with the wittiest stuff sometimes---okay, a lot of the time...)
And so the name was created. As far as when I might do an Ironman...well, probably not until 2010 so at least I'll have done 2 half-ironmans by then.
For now, I'm loving training and I'm REALLY looking forward to doing my first half-ironman on August 10th. Good Nite!
4.01.2008
Slipping Up
So this blog is probably not what you're expecting to see from a triathlon training blog. But because I'm such an honest person, I didn't want you to think that training for triathlons is all fun and games...actually I hate to admit it but I had to take 3 days off from training for a special reason...let's just say i've had intestinal "slippage" for about 3 days straight...it's been FUN!! basically i ate some very rich fettucini alfredo (it's not my hub's fault...but he did make it and my bod can't handle a lot of butter apparently) last tuesday then had stomach pains for the next two days, then thought i was getting better but my intestines were IRRITATED with me so everything I ate aggravated them...especially from friday nite thru sunday morning...finally i had to get to the bottom of this (no pun intended) so my wonderful hubby took me to the med clinic sunday morning and the doc said i needed to drink fluids (not beer or wine or liquor unfortunately) for 24 hours then eat BRATs (not little kids or bratwurst but Bread/Rice/Applesauce/Toast--the diet of IDEAs=> Incontinent Degenerative Elderly Athletes)....so today i'm finally able to eat semi-normal food....so i'm hoping everything "goes" okay...and maybe tomorrow i'll get to run, no pun intended. (Sorry this is a run on sentence but i do as i see fit)
3.31.2008
The Challenge
So I was flipping thru the latest issue of Triathlete magazine (April 08) admiring the beautiful curves of the Specialized tri bikes. I used to have a Cannondale MultiSport tri bike but sold it in TN when I discovered that I was terrified of going down steep hills on a tri bike (tri frames tend to have an "aggressive" posture causing you to lean over the handle bars in order to save your quads for the run). I hadn't really entertained the thought of getting another tri bike until I saw how cool some of the new tri bikes are now.
My hubby enjoys bikes (actually he is more like a bike addict...) so I shared the eye candy. In particular, I commented on the SWEET Specialized Transition Comp which is somewhat out of my price range but worth dreaming for...and in return, he responded with a Challenge: If I take 1st place in my division of the half ironman, he'll buy the bike for me.
Hmmmm...How SWEET would that be? So the Challenge is ON! Start saving your money, Honey!
My hubby enjoys bikes (actually he is more like a bike addict...) so I shared the eye candy. In particular, I commented on the SWEET Specialized Transition Comp which is somewhat out of my price range but worth dreaming for...and in return, he responded with a Challenge: If I take 1st place in my division of the half ironman, he'll buy the bike for me.
Hmmmm...How SWEET would that be? So the Challenge is ON! Start saving your money, Honey!
3.26.2008
Training for the Training Plan
Training officially started on March 24th!!! WooHoo!!!
So the last two weeks have been interesting. I decided to train for the first week of training. I know, sounds silly, right? Well this is a big event in my life so i didn't want to fail in the first week of training. Makes sense, right?
This year marks my 40th birthday-WooHoo!!! Every decade, I've made it a point to do something crazy...of course when i turned 21 (okay somewhat of a decade...two decades i guess) i went bar hopping...when i turned 30, i got certified in scuba diving (and have seen manta rays in Hawaii and some pretty cool turtles and fish...great experiences!)...so now for my 40th i've decided to do my first Half Ironman!
I am so excited to have this opportunity! To be healthy, have a supportive husband, and have time to train in beautiful Colorado is something i'm very thankful for.
So for the highlites of the "Training for the Training" weeks:
- First day swimming = I did the warm up set of 100m front crawl, 100m pull, 100m front, 100m kick in about 20 minutes. Felt great and thought "Wow, that wasn't bad! I rock!!" Until i found out from the lifeguard that the length of the pool wasn't 50 meters...it was 25 meters. ARGH! So basically i was done after 30 minutes of laps which equated to about 1/3 of my intended workout.
- Later that week, I got up at 5am and hit the road for a 40 minute run...didn't expect to see too many people, but here in Colorado it's not unlikely to see 5 or so people pounding the pavement in your neighborhood...i ended up seeing 10 within a half hour---pretty cool! That was highly motivating for me...i felt like i wasn't alone...
- During the next week, my hub and I went on my planned 60 minute run after work around the neighborhood. Something I'm realizing is normal for Colorado is STRONG winds! Seriously we were running in, with and against at least 30 mph winds...BUT we persisted...just like Rust.
So the last two weeks have been interesting. I decided to train for the first week of training. I know, sounds silly, right? Well this is a big event in my life so i didn't want to fail in the first week of training. Makes sense, right?
This year marks my 40th birthday-WooHoo!!! Every decade, I've made it a point to do something crazy...of course when i turned 21 (okay somewhat of a decade...two decades i guess) i went bar hopping...when i turned 30, i got certified in scuba diving (and have seen manta rays in Hawaii and some pretty cool turtles and fish...great experiences!)...so now for my 40th i've decided to do my first Half Ironman!
I am so excited to have this opportunity! To be healthy, have a supportive husband, and have time to train in beautiful Colorado is something i'm very thankful for.
So for the highlites of the "Training for the Training" weeks:
- First day swimming = I did the warm up set of 100m front crawl, 100m pull, 100m front, 100m kick in about 20 minutes. Felt great and thought "Wow, that wasn't bad! I rock!!" Until i found out from the lifeguard that the length of the pool wasn't 50 meters...it was 25 meters. ARGH! So basically i was done after 30 minutes of laps which equated to about 1/3 of my intended workout.
- Later that week, I got up at 5am and hit the road for a 40 minute run...didn't expect to see too many people, but here in Colorado it's not unlikely to see 5 or so people pounding the pavement in your neighborhood...i ended up seeing 10 within a half hour---pretty cool! That was highly motivating for me...i felt like i wasn't alone...
- During the next week, my hub and I went on my planned 60 minute run after work around the neighborhood. Something I'm realizing is normal for Colorado is STRONG winds! Seriously we were running in, with and against at least 30 mph winds...BUT we persisted...just like Rust.
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