Thursday, September 3, 2009
One more!
This may seem obvious, but...STRETCH! Before the swim move around a little and stretch! (don't stretch cold muscles ya'll!) You won't really get to stretch between events, (although C told me she did between the bike and run....obviously she wasn't worried about it being a race and all...ok, she beat me by 3 minutes so I shouldn't talk haha)...but not stretching at all didn't really work for me. By mile 2 of the run my legs were tight heavy muscle balls. Stretch!
Tips
I'm finally mentally recovered....kinda...now I'm mentally drained from starting grad school and helping my old sorority with their fall rush (um hello thanks old sorority sister who shall remain nameless who failed to tell me the time commitment involved when talking me into doing this!?)...but I will try to come up with a few tri tips as promised....here we go......
1) Use the port-o-potties by the swim start not by the transition area....the transition area toilets were totally gross by 6:30 am.
2) If I do it again I will seriously not have any costume changes! I wasted almost 6 minutes in transition drying off and pulling my bike shorts over my bathing suit. next year I'll either be skinny enough to ride and run in bathing suit bottoms or I'll swim with my bike shorts on (I didn't do that this time b/c when I wore them in the pool one night I thought they were "slowing me down"...who knows?).
3) Eat some energy jelly beans or goo packs during the race (but try them out weeks before to make sure they don't tear up your stomach). I didn't try them ahead of time, so I was afraid to eat too many, and by the end my blood sugar was really low, hence the massive headache and haziness after the race that left me out of commission for the car ride home.
4) Don't plan anything for the next day...aka don't drive 5 hours after the race. Go home, eat, shower, take a nap, and eat again.
5) I saw one girl with a hat on under her bike helmet...I thought about that, thought it would a) look stupid and b) be too hot, but in all honestly it probably saved her 2 minutes in transition b/c all she had to do was rack her bike and take her helmet off and go. (Unless she had to change shoes, but I think she was wearing sneakers in pedal cages). Something to consider...
That's all I got for tonight as 4 loads of laundry are waiting to be folded.....
1) Use the port-o-potties by the swim start not by the transition area....the transition area toilets were totally gross by 6:30 am.
2) If I do it again I will seriously not have any costume changes! I wasted almost 6 minutes in transition drying off and pulling my bike shorts over my bathing suit. next year I'll either be skinny enough to ride and run in bathing suit bottoms or I'll swim with my bike shorts on (I didn't do that this time b/c when I wore them in the pool one night I thought they were "slowing me down"...who knows?).
3) Eat some energy jelly beans or goo packs during the race (but try them out weeks before to make sure they don't tear up your stomach). I didn't try them ahead of time, so I was afraid to eat too many, and by the end my blood sugar was really low, hence the massive headache and haziness after the race that left me out of commission for the car ride home.
4) Don't plan anything for the next day...aka don't drive 5 hours after the race. Go home, eat, shower, take a nap, and eat again.
5) I saw one girl with a hat on under her bike helmet...I thought about that, thought it would a) look stupid and b) be too hot, but in all honestly it probably saved her 2 minutes in transition b/c all she had to do was rack her bike and take her helmet off and go. (Unless she had to change shoes, but I think she was wearing sneakers in pedal cages). Something to consider...
That's all I got for tonight as 4 loads of laundry are waiting to be folded.....
Monday, August 24, 2009
I am Iron Girl!
So I did it! (and so did A and C!) It was a crazy thing and I'm still exhausted (actually more mentally than physically), but I'll try to summarize it below!
The day before:
So you have to go pick up your race packet that contains your race numbers (one for your helmet and one for your waist), tshirt, and some other swag like sample energy gels, luna bars, cute socks, etc. etc. Then there is a whole race expo with different vendors selling gear, clothes, sport gels etc. It was kinda chaotic but fun. I ended up buying some body glide ($7?) (to prevent rubbing from your clothes), a water proof watch with a chrono feature so I could time myself ($55), and a racebelt ($8) to attach my number to so I didn't have to worry about fiddling with safety pins during the transition.
Then we went over to the lake to get our bikes inspected and rack the bikes.
It poured all day Saturday, but by sunday morning at 4:20 ( the time I woke up), it was clear. I jumped in the shower to wake up, pulled on my crap (ended up going with the race top my mom bought be last xmas and some speedo bikini bottoms from high school that were in a drawer of my child hood room) for the swim. We got there by 5:30, set up our transition stuff( I set down a trashbag, set out my shorts, bike gloves, helmet, sunglasses in the helmet, socks in shoes, some energy jelly beans (from Dick's Sporting Goods), and my race #. Then covered it with a towel. Also set my water and gatorade bottles in the bike (frozen the night before to stay cold).
Then we headed over to the swim start. They delayed the race a little, and we were the 12 wave to go (out of like 14, b/c of our age group and last name), so C and I didn't end up going till 8:40 (A was in the wave in front). I wish we hadn't had to wait around so long....we had to pee a million times (and the port o potties were NASTY by 6 am!). So we finally took off- they make you get in the water and tred for like 2-3 minutes before they sound the Aflac duck (the official sponsor!) and you take off. I did fairly well in the swim- it didn't seem that hard and I set goals as I went along to pass the swim caps of the previous wave that were still out there....(they were color coded by wave). I passed at least a few people out of two different waves!
When you reach the shore, some dudes help you get out of the water and then you run up to the transition area.On my way I slapped my friend high five (from ratemytriathlon.com...he was volunteering) and went on to my spot. It took me forever to get my stuff together (can definitely cut time there if you think about it). I pulled on my shorts, socks, shoes, ate a few jelly beans, pulled on a tshirt and my race belt, helmet, glasses and was on my way to the bike course.
Around the last two mile mark of the bike I hear someone yell my last name, and C had caught up with me! It was cool to ride into transition with her as both our families were there cheering us on! On the bike trail there were SO many supportive people on the side of the road...even the cops directing traffic were encouraging us as we went along! It was awesome!
So back to transition to re-rack and swap my helmet for a dry fit hat. I ran out (another high 5) and ran about 3 minutes before I had to walk. My left leg was crampppping! So I continued to walk/run until I again hear my name....it's my cousin, who had finished an hour earlier, double backing around to run with me! (anyone who does more than the race mileage is insane by the way) So then C ends up catching up again, and my cousin makes me run more than I originally intended to run. So I finished, got my medal, and took some pics with the girls. SOOO glad it's done!
The worst part was driving home (5 hours) a few hours later....I still couldn't really eat even though I needed some crazy calories, ended up getting a headache, feeling sick, and having to make a minor puke stop. By the time we got home I was fine, but I highly recommend just chillin afterwards and not getting in a car for 5 hours!
It was a really great experience and I raised over $500 to help the prostate cancer foundation in memory of my uncle.
The girls and I are already talking about next year....(ughhhh!?!). My top tips to come....
So when we got back we went to our separate areas
The day before:
So you have to go pick up your race packet that contains your race numbers (one for your helmet and one for your waist), tshirt, and some other swag like sample energy gels, luna bars, cute socks, etc. etc. Then there is a whole race expo with different vendors selling gear, clothes, sport gels etc. It was kinda chaotic but fun. I ended up buying some body glide ($7?) (to prevent rubbing from your clothes), a water proof watch with a chrono feature so I could time myself ($55), and a racebelt ($8) to attach my number to so I didn't have to worry about fiddling with safety pins during the transition.
Then we went over to the lake to get our bikes inspected and rack the bikes.
It poured all day Saturday, but by sunday morning at 4:20 ( the time I woke up), it was clear. I jumped in the shower to wake up, pulled on my crap (ended up going with the race top my mom bought be last xmas and some speedo bikini bottoms from high school that were in a drawer of my child hood room) for the swim. We got there by 5:30, set up our transition stuff( I set down a trashbag, set out my shorts, bike gloves, helmet, sunglasses in the helmet, socks in shoes, some energy jelly beans (from Dick's Sporting Goods), and my race #. Then covered it with a towel. Also set my water and gatorade bottles in the bike (frozen the night before to stay cold).
Then we headed over to the swim start. They delayed the race a little, and we were the 12 wave to go (out of like 14, b/c of our age group and last name), so C and I didn't end up going till 8:40 (A was in the wave in front). I wish we hadn't had to wait around so long....we had to pee a million times (and the port o potties were NASTY by 6 am!). So we finally took off- they make you get in the water and tred for like 2-3 minutes before they sound the Aflac duck (the official sponsor!) and you take off. I did fairly well in the swim- it didn't seem that hard and I set goals as I went along to pass the swim caps of the previous wave that were still out there....(they were color coded by wave). I passed at least a few people out of two different waves!
When you reach the shore, some dudes help you get out of the water and then you run up to the transition area.On my way I slapped my friend high five (from ratemytriathlon.com...he was volunteering) and went on to my spot. It took me forever to get my stuff together (can definitely cut time there if you think about it). I pulled on my shorts, socks, shoes, ate a few jelly beans, pulled on a tshirt and my race belt, helmet, glasses and was on my way to the bike course.
Around the last two mile mark of the bike I hear someone yell my last name, and C had caught up with me! It was cool to ride into transition with her as both our families were there cheering us on! On the bike trail there were SO many supportive people on the side of the road...even the cops directing traffic were encouraging us as we went along! It was awesome!
So back to transition to re-rack and swap my helmet for a dry fit hat. I ran out (another high 5) and ran about 3 minutes before I had to walk. My left leg was crampppping! So I continued to walk/run until I again hear my name....it's my cousin, who had finished an hour earlier, double backing around to run with me! (anyone who does more than the race mileage is insane by the way) So then C ends up catching up again, and my cousin makes me run more than I originally intended to run. So I finished, got my medal, and took some pics with the girls. SOOO glad it's done!
The worst part was driving home (5 hours) a few hours later....I still couldn't really eat even though I needed some crazy calories, ended up getting a headache, feeling sick, and having to make a minor puke stop. By the time we got home I was fine, but I highly recommend just chillin afterwards and not getting in a car for 5 hours!
It was a really great experience and I raised over $500 to help the prostate cancer foundation in memory of my uncle.
The girls and I are already talking about next year....(ughhhh!?!). My top tips to come....
So when we got back we went to our separate areas
Monday, August 17, 2009
Help Me Raise $ for the Prostate Cancer Foundation!
I'm doing the race in memory of my Uncle who died in March after a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer. Help them find better treatments and ultimately a cure for those who are still battling!
www.prostatecancerfoundation.org
www.prostatecancerfoundation.org
Less than one week....and other updates....
So while I've been totally slack on generating content for this site, I haven't been slack on the training! I've been doing something triathlon related at least 5-6 days a week. I can now swim up to (and possibly over) a mile without stopping. I've been consistently riding 10-14 miles several times a week, and while I haven't been focusing too much on running (since I hate it, it's hot and humid, my back's been out of whack, and oh did I mention I hate it?), I've managed to cut 2 minutes off my 1 mile time since I started this journey. (Which I realize is still slow as hell, but huge deal for me in terms of fitness and in terms of my body healing from the pain it was in!)
A few weeks back I went up to MD and did the swim trial of the triathlon...there were over 900 women there to do the same thing and while the lake smelled (and possibly tasted???) like duck poop, I managed to swim 1200 yards in 22-25 minutes. (C's mom had a watch on but didn't start looking exactly when we started, so an estimate). On race day it should only be about 1100 yards, so hopefully I can be under 25 minutes on the swim. (is that good? I have no idea...the first girl back from the 19 and under age group on trial day took 18 minutes. under 19= in their prime, so I think I might be middle of the road for swimming). I was relieved to see that many of the swimmers didn't just use freestyle....all types of strokes were going on, and there were literally women of all different skill levels.
C and I then "ran" the course....more like walked until the last half mile and then jogged. ( hey, we were engaged in good gossip)The course is more hilly than I thought and I got a huge blister b/c I tried out my new orthotics without removing the shoe liner. Genius. It still kinda hurts!
The next day we met up with my cousin and her hubby and rode the full bike course. It took us an hour and 40 minutes! yikes. I need to shave some of that time off! we stopped a few times for some training tips from the pros, and the hills were MUCH HARDER than anything I've practiced. On a few of them I think my cousin's hubbs got seriously concerned at the sound of the asthmatic breathing coming from my body. Those hills were no joke! We were in the country!
So the past few weeks, I've worked on swimming more freestyle to build some speed (previously I was swimming 10 laps of freestyle and then alternating free style with breaststroke until the last 6 laps). Now I'm doing the first 20 laps of freestyle, alternating the rest until the last 4 laps. I think this has shaved a little time. The thing is that when you get in the lake, you can't see under water, so you have to life your head up more to see the people around you so you don't crash into someone (GET TO THE EDGE!!!)...this seems to be best done while doing breast stroke....a little less effort....so to save energy I think I'll continue to throw it in when I need to.
With the biking, A and I changed up the course we do, to incorporate more actual roads (riding for the kinda first time in traffic was a little nerve-wrecking on the practice day), and more hills. I've also been throwing in some "hill training" and doing shorter rides that involve going up hills over and over. Gotta condition those climbing legs. Hopefully, I'll be better prepared come Sunday.
Last two days have been bricks, bike to run, and last week threw in some swim to bikes to walks. I want to throw in one more big brick this week, and then take it a little easier come Thursday.
I have a TON to do this week (getting ready for the race, the trip to MD, and I started grad school last week!), and I started feeling a little sick today, so need to balance rest with workouts.
Will update later in the week. Also might note that I'm getting anxious and nervous about this whole ordeal. (yeah, there's the will I finish part, but also the "all my family is gonna see me in my booty bike shorts and a bathing suit" part...yeah..)
Finally, while you'd think triathlon training would have caused me to drop a ton of weight, no such luck. But, my fitness has improved, (as seen by my progress in running and swimming alone!), so that counts for a lot. And I've been extremely dedicated (6 am swims, weekends on the bike instead of the couch, and I even skipped a wedding this weekend to train!)
More later....
A few weeks back I went up to MD and did the swim trial of the triathlon...there were over 900 women there to do the same thing and while the lake smelled (and possibly tasted???) like duck poop, I managed to swim 1200 yards in 22-25 minutes. (C's mom had a watch on but didn't start looking exactly when we started, so an estimate). On race day it should only be about 1100 yards, so hopefully I can be under 25 minutes on the swim. (is that good? I have no idea...the first girl back from the 19 and under age group on trial day took 18 minutes. under 19= in their prime, so I think I might be middle of the road for swimming). I was relieved to see that many of the swimmers didn't just use freestyle....all types of strokes were going on, and there were literally women of all different skill levels.
C and I then "ran" the course....more like walked until the last half mile and then jogged. ( hey, we were engaged in good gossip)The course is more hilly than I thought and I got a huge blister b/c I tried out my new orthotics without removing the shoe liner. Genius. It still kinda hurts!
The next day we met up with my cousin and her hubby and rode the full bike course. It took us an hour and 40 minutes! yikes. I need to shave some of that time off! we stopped a few times for some training tips from the pros, and the hills were MUCH HARDER than anything I've practiced. On a few of them I think my cousin's hubbs got seriously concerned at the sound of the asthmatic breathing coming from my body. Those hills were no joke! We were in the country!
So the past few weeks, I've worked on swimming more freestyle to build some speed (previously I was swimming 10 laps of freestyle and then alternating free style with breaststroke until the last 6 laps). Now I'm doing the first 20 laps of freestyle, alternating the rest until the last 4 laps. I think this has shaved a little time. The thing is that when you get in the lake, you can't see under water, so you have to life your head up more to see the people around you so you don't crash into someone (GET TO THE EDGE!!!)...this seems to be best done while doing breast stroke....a little less effort....so to save energy I think I'll continue to throw it in when I need to.
With the biking, A and I changed up the course we do, to incorporate more actual roads (riding for the kinda first time in traffic was a little nerve-wrecking on the practice day), and more hills. I've also been throwing in some "hill training" and doing shorter rides that involve going up hills over and over. Gotta condition those climbing legs. Hopefully, I'll be better prepared come Sunday.
Last two days have been bricks, bike to run, and last week threw in some swim to bikes to walks. I want to throw in one more big brick this week, and then take it a little easier come Thursday.
I have a TON to do this week (getting ready for the race, the trip to MD, and I started grad school last week!), and I started feeling a little sick today, so need to balance rest with workouts.
Will update later in the week. Also might note that I'm getting anxious and nervous about this whole ordeal. (yeah, there's the will I finish part, but also the "all my family is gonna see me in my booty bike shorts and a bathing suit" part...yeah..)
Finally, while you'd think triathlon training would have caused me to drop a ton of weight, no such luck. But, my fitness has improved, (as seen by my progress in running and swimming alone!), so that counts for a lot. And I've been extremely dedicated (6 am swims, weekends on the bike instead of the couch, and I even skipped a wedding this weekend to train!)
More later....
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Getting my train on
So I haven't been good at writing but I have been good at training! After I got back from the beach trip with the fam, I started stepping it up! It's been super structured since last week.
I really hated driving the 20 minutes to the pool and I needed to do some training before work on some days to fit it all in. The hubby suggested that I use our neighborhood pool, which I was hesitant about but tried last Monday morning. I got up at 6:30, went over there (using my sister in law's pool key, since I've sworn for the past almost 3 years that my key was missing). (oh and yes, my sister in law lives in my same neighborhood, but I digress). So, not only did I discover that I was not the only one with this plan (there was another girl there giving it a try for the first time too), but I discovered that my pool key had been on my key chain the entire time we've had this house. Great. Shows you how much I've used the pool. argh.
So, the pool's a little shorter than standard, I think it's about 20 yards. So you have to do a few more laps to be even with what you'd do in the regular indoor pool. I went three days last week and swam about 1,000 yards, just short of the 1,100 I'll need to do in the race. I only stopped once during the swim, after 600 yards (30 laps) and then kept going. This Tuesday I was pretty tired and only did 40 laps, so about 800 yards. The goal is 3 days a week, so I'll go tomorrow and Saturday and aim for 50-60 laps.
The big accomplishment was tonight though. A and I went on a 12.5 mile bike ride which is the longest I've ridden outside since I was about 14 (and the 15 miles I did when I was 15 was a one-time thing).The trail was great- paved all the way, some slight hills and lots of other people around biking and running (but not so many that you couldn't maintain speed) I was working, but at the end I could have gone further so that was good. I was a little worried though....I think maybe I should have gone road bike. A's bike seems a little faster than mine....she's a good 6 inches taller than me too...does that have anything to do with it? Her bike was more expensive than mine too. She was moving it but I had to push it to keep up with her speed.....thoughts? Maybe she's just in better shape. But we think we're about the same....so who knows. I'd like to hear if the bike price/style and height can affect speed. I'm sure it can, but how much? Let me know!
Chiropractor is going well...starting to see some small improvements. Like (knock on wood) headaches haven't been as severe, and upper back pain is like 2% better. I'm icing it when I remember, doing my stretches when I remember, and going to the chiro three days a week. Also switched my pillow to one of those temperpedic ones....which seems to be making a huge difference.
Oh! And the Hubs and I started P90x....it's hardcore....and probably not best to be doing two hardcore exercise programs at the same time, but I'm aware of this, and taking it easier when I need to. I need to build some strength back in my arms, back, hams. (and totally not putting on a tri suit with my current figure).
Back to my ice and my HGTV!
J
I really hated driving the 20 minutes to the pool and I needed to do some training before work on some days to fit it all in. The hubby suggested that I use our neighborhood pool, which I was hesitant about but tried last Monday morning. I got up at 6:30, went over there (using my sister in law's pool key, since I've sworn for the past almost 3 years that my key was missing). (oh and yes, my sister in law lives in my same neighborhood, but I digress). So, not only did I discover that I was not the only one with this plan (there was another girl there giving it a try for the first time too), but I discovered that my pool key had been on my key chain the entire time we've had this house. Great. Shows you how much I've used the pool. argh.
So, the pool's a little shorter than standard, I think it's about 20 yards. So you have to do a few more laps to be even with what you'd do in the regular indoor pool. I went three days last week and swam about 1,000 yards, just short of the 1,100 I'll need to do in the race. I only stopped once during the swim, after 600 yards (30 laps) and then kept going. This Tuesday I was pretty tired and only did 40 laps, so about 800 yards. The goal is 3 days a week, so I'll go tomorrow and Saturday and aim for 50-60 laps.
The big accomplishment was tonight though. A and I went on a 12.5 mile bike ride which is the longest I've ridden outside since I was about 14 (and the 15 miles I did when I was 15 was a one-time thing).The trail was great- paved all the way, some slight hills and lots of other people around biking and running (but not so many that you couldn't maintain speed) I was working, but at the end I could have gone further so that was good. I was a little worried though....I think maybe I should have gone road bike. A's bike seems a little faster than mine....she's a good 6 inches taller than me too...does that have anything to do with it? Her bike was more expensive than mine too. She was moving it but I had to push it to keep up with her speed.....thoughts? Maybe she's just in better shape. But we think we're about the same....so who knows. I'd like to hear if the bike price/style and height can affect speed. I'm sure it can, but how much? Let me know!
Chiropractor is going well...starting to see some small improvements. Like (knock on wood) headaches haven't been as severe, and upper back pain is like 2% better. I'm icing it when I remember, doing my stretches when I remember, and going to the chiro three days a week. Also switched my pillow to one of those temperpedic ones....which seems to be making a huge difference.
Oh! And the Hubs and I started P90x....it's hardcore....and probably not best to be doing two hardcore exercise programs at the same time, but I'm aware of this, and taking it easier when I need to. I need to build some strength back in my arms, back, hams. (and totally not putting on a tri suit with my current figure).
Back to my ice and my HGTV!
J
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Careful Ya'll
So I found this article while I was reading work related content....be sure to know your heart health profile and know you're risks! Also be sure to practice your open water swim before the big day if you're a newbie. I plan to next month with the girls!
xrays and other bad things....
So yes I am back from my conference, and while it went well, (no, I did not end up running in the hotel gym at all, shocker), I returned with major back, hip, and leg pain. Well, I was on my feet for 14 hours a day or more for 6 days straight, BUT this was worse than that would have caused. I've probably underplayed my pain issues on here b/c I didn't want to sound like a whiner (I've been doing enough of that in person), but I haven't seemed to make a lot of progress with running b/c of it...pain in my hips, feet, legs....which did get slightly better with the new fitted shoes but the kicker on this was the migraines I was getting that I swear start in my traps and work their way up my neck. So I've mentioned before that I have an autoimmune or "connective tissue" disease, which does make me have inflammation around my joints and even a little arthritis, but it's (knock on wood) minor compared to a lot of people with systemic diseases. I could tell this "flare up" was going down hill fast, and after an unproductive visit with my rheumatologist, ("stay the course on your medicine, blah blah blah") I decided I was desperate enough to try a chiropractor. (I've always kinda thought they were hokey....though I know some people are believers). So I chose a guy my insurance would cover based on the fact that his website indicated he takes a look at the whole picture- nutrition, illness, pain, nervous system. And I went, and I think I may be a believer even though I'm in terrible pain today after my first "adjustment". My xrays revealed some serious damage to my spine that's probably developed over a long time and (surprise!) has been causing progressive pain, and progressive decrease in range of motion. My neck is straight where it should be curved, and my back is excessively curved where it should be only slightly curved. My pelvis is literally twisted and my right hip is higher than my left hip. I also have THREE compressed (herniated) discs! yikes. If it sounds bad, it is. But at least I know that I'm not some crazy whining about pain that doesn't have a cause. I found (at least some) of the cause! And the chiro doc is all about the central nervous system and how my spinal issues could be affecting me- and that maybe some of my other symptoms could be alleviated if my spine gets better. wooo hooo I'm all for it. So, what does this mean for training? Well, he thinks if I follow all of the instructions, from physical to nutritional, I can still do the triathlon by the end of August. I have to go there everyday this week, 3 times a week for 4 weeks, 2 a week for 4 weeks, and so on. At 12 weeks they'll redo the exam and the xrays to see if it's working. Hopefully I can avoid the orthopedic doc if it starts working.
I taught spin last night (before I had this information) and tried to do a 5 K on the treadmill afterward. I ran 5 minutes before the pain made me walk, so I ended up walking two minutes, running three, walking, etc. By the time I got to mile 2, a weird sensation came over me and I literally couldn't run straight. I kinda started looking like this guy. All out of control. So from 2.4 to the end I walked. I stretched out really well and felt ok today. However, after being "adjusted" at the chiro tonight and then going to teach again, I'm in PAIN and all ice packed up. I'll be taking a week off to go to the beach next week but I will be trying to swim since that is something I can do without causing more damage. So we'll see. I'm determined to do this triathlon and I still plan to go up for the test run at the end of july (can't remember if I mentioned this yet, but basically you get to test out the swim and run course and they give you the rules, etiquitte, etc. for race day). Hopefully this "set back" will put me back on track to go even further, and improve my overall health. I'm still a wannabe triathlete for now but I know that this will take me a step closer to being a triathlete. I don't want to beat myself up too badly in the process!
I taught spin last night (before I had this information) and tried to do a 5 K on the treadmill afterward. I ran 5 minutes before the pain made me walk, so I ended up walking two minutes, running three, walking, etc. By the time I got to mile 2, a weird sensation came over me and I literally couldn't run straight. I kinda started looking like this guy. All out of control. So from 2.4 to the end I walked. I stretched out really well and felt ok today. However, after being "adjusted" at the chiro tonight and then going to teach again, I'm in PAIN and all ice packed up. I'll be taking a week off to go to the beach next week but I will be trying to swim since that is something I can do without causing more damage. So we'll see. I'm determined to do this triathlon and I still plan to go up for the test run at the end of july (can't remember if I mentioned this yet, but basically you get to test out the swim and run course and they give you the rules, etiquitte, etc. for race day). Hopefully this "set back" will put me back on track to go even further, and improve my overall health. I'm still a wannabe triathlete for now but I know that this will take me a step closer to being a triathlete. I don't want to beat myself up too badly in the process!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Cool New Tri Website
Check this out- two of my high school friends created a new site where you can read reviews of triathlons all over the country and read actual participants' ratings on various factors of the race- difficulty of each leg of the course, how well the race was organized, whether the price was fair, competitiveness, etc. You can see the overall rating and then read individual ratings and comments from past participants. Should come in handy when you're looking for a race that is right for you. Plus they have an area where people can post funny/crazy stories from their tri's...such a fun idea that keeps the whole thing social. The site, ratemytriathlon.com, is brought to you by two solid and experienced triathletes- one of whom was a Apprentice Season 6 contestant to boot- so you know it's gotta be good!
Busy Bee
Really I suck b/c I'm the worst blogger ever! And I'm the worst triathlon trainer so far....and the next week won't be too much better training wise b/c I'm off again to another business trip.
anyways, I have been doing some stuff....spinning twice a week and attempting to run....it's still more like a walk with some running thrown in at this point. I don't know how I'm going to make myself run but I'm going to have to get some major WILL soon.
So my friend who is an exercise sports science guy told me that I really needed to get fit for shoes. So, last week I went to a running store, Fleet Feet, and got "fitted" for shoes. Basically they measure you, then they watch you walk, then they measure some more, draw some marks on your feet with a pen, and then get you a pair of shoes and make you go outside and then they watch you run. Then based on what they see I guess with the first pair, they bring you out a ton of other pairs that fit the profile of what you do when you walk/run, and they are supposed to help you run better by making you more comfortable and hopefully causing less damage to your joints and stuff. I apparently am a crazy over pronat-or...meaning my foot turns and leans in. I can totally feel it happening, especially on my right foot. So I needed a moderate stabilizer for a shoe. Also, I found out I was wearing the totally WRONG size shoe- I have worn a 7.5 forever, sometimes an 8 in some heels....but for running shoes I need an 8.5! My feet are pretty small looking, but really the 8.5 felt SOOOO much better. When I put my 7.5 nikes back on after, I couldn't believe how UNCOMFORTABLE they suddenly felt. So I got a pair of Mizuno running shoes, and they were only $99! I was expecting to pay like $200, so I felt like I got a deal! But if you go get fit, be prepared to be in the store for at least an hour, and to try on like 12 pairs of shoes minimum.
So moving on, A, my friend who is doing the race with me, went to the race site today and found out there's a "trial run" of the swim and run course at the end of July, so I think we're going to drive up and do it. yikes. But at least we'll know where we are....I just wish it was a weekend...it's at 6am on a Friday which is sort of ridic!
I have some more stuff to talk about but it will have to wait b/c there is a spider creating a web on my computer as I type and I"m gonna have to get back up....crap it just fell and I have no idea where it went....and the freak out begins....scuze me!
anyways, I have been doing some stuff....spinning twice a week and attempting to run....it's still more like a walk with some running thrown in at this point. I don't know how I'm going to make myself run but I'm going to have to get some major WILL soon.
So my friend who is an exercise sports science guy told me that I really needed to get fit for shoes. So, last week I went to a running store, Fleet Feet, and got "fitted" for shoes. Basically they measure you, then they watch you walk, then they measure some more, draw some marks on your feet with a pen, and then get you a pair of shoes and make you go outside and then they watch you run. Then based on what they see I guess with the first pair, they bring you out a ton of other pairs that fit the profile of what you do when you walk/run, and they are supposed to help you run better by making you more comfortable and hopefully causing less damage to your joints and stuff. I apparently am a crazy over pronat-or...meaning my foot turns and leans in. I can totally feel it happening, especially on my right foot. So I needed a moderate stabilizer for a shoe. Also, I found out I was wearing the totally WRONG size shoe- I have worn a 7.5 forever, sometimes an 8 in some heels....but for running shoes I need an 8.5! My feet are pretty small looking, but really the 8.5 felt SOOOO much better. When I put my 7.5 nikes back on after, I couldn't believe how UNCOMFORTABLE they suddenly felt. So I got a pair of Mizuno running shoes, and they were only $99! I was expecting to pay like $200, so I felt like I got a deal! But if you go get fit, be prepared to be in the store for at least an hour, and to try on like 12 pairs of shoes minimum.
So moving on, A, my friend who is doing the race with me, went to the race site today and found out there's a "trial run" of the swim and run course at the end of July, so I think we're going to drive up and do it. yikes. But at least we'll know where we are....I just wish it was a weekend...it's at 6am on a Friday which is sort of ridic!
I have some more stuff to talk about but it will have to wait b/c there is a spider creating a web on my computer as I type and I"m gonna have to get back up....crap it just fell and I have no idea where it went....and the freak out begins....scuze me!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
100 DAYS!
Whoa Whoa Whoa- 100 days till I have to do this thang! Good thing I spun (span? spinned?) my booty off teaching tonight! (didn't make it to the pool though). Quads are sore from yesterday's walk/run.
I need to get myself to the bike store this weekend to get some pedal clip things put on my bike!
Gotta get back to The Office!
I need to get myself to the bike store this weekend to get some pedal clip things put on my bike!
Gotta get back to The Office!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Run around
I do not like to run. I physically can't do it very well or for very long (I've said this probably a dozen times on here). But today I made myself since I am cutting it pretty close to when I have to do this tri. Well, I walked/ran. But it was a little over 4 mile loop. My goal was an hour and I finished in 55 minutes. I know that's alot of time, but I'm not a runner and I haven't been running at all in the past few weeks.
I have a lot of work to do in that area!
Taught spin Monday and Tuesday and have to again tomorrow. I might try to sneak in a swim tomorrow morning or Friday morning.
The serious training MUST. START. NOW. (or I will not finish the race!!!)
I have a lot of work to do in that area!
Taught spin Monday and Tuesday and have to again tomorrow. I might try to sneak in a swim tomorrow morning or Friday morning.
The serious training MUST. START. NOW. (or I will not finish the race!!!)
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Biker chick
That's me- this week and next anyways. I rode three times this week- twice indoors and once outside. I tried for another time outside, but the hubby had a flat and my training partner did too...by the time hubby got his fixed and we got the bikes on the rack and drove to the lake, and the training partner walked hers to Walmart to buy a pump, it was too late. The minute we got the bikes off the rack and our helmets on, it started to torrential down pour! argh!!! And there have been tornado warnings every since so today was my first day out. Next week I'm teaching 3 nights, so I'll try to throw in a ride outside over the weekend. And I've got to go to the pool. Maybe next Thursday. This weekend is out b/c I"m headed out of town again! Last week was Philly for work and Vegas for fun, and this weekend is NY to visit my bro and my BFFs. Pretty much 1/2 of my fav people live there- I used to too but these days I prefer to visit ;) I'm a sub-uban girl. Love the city but only for the weekend!
So big news since my last post! I was accepted into grad school for public health! WOOO HOOO! I seriously thought it wouldn't happen. I got rejected from my back up program for god's sake. But, somehow my first choice wants me. So here I go! Two weeks before the tri , I'll be back in school!
So I rode just under 6 miles today. It wasn't "hard" per say but I was glad when I was done. I drove my route after to confirm the mileage and all I could think as I passed the 3 mile mark was "There's no way I can run this far." Which is scary. Maybe once I get special shoes it will be easier. Here's hopin'!
So big news since my last post! I was accepted into grad school for public health! WOOO HOOO! I seriously thought it wouldn't happen. I got rejected from my back up program for god's sake. But, somehow my first choice wants me. So here I go! Two weeks before the tri , I'll be back in school!
So I rode just under 6 miles today. It wasn't "hard" per say but I was glad when I was done. I drove my route after to confirm the mileage and all I could think as I passed the 3 mile mark was "There's no way I can run this far." Which is scary. Maybe once I get special shoes it will be easier. Here's hopin'!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
A word about getting the right size bike...
Forgot to mention- in the trek and the cannondale I was a 15" or 48" which both classified as "small". In the Giant brand I was an extra small. I'm 5'2 and 3/4, (though my license says 5'3) so I am kinda on the cusp. But, I wouldn't have known that the extra small was right unless I had also tried the small, which I did, (even though I had to drive to the other store across town), and it was definitely too big (when I stood over it the bar was up to the crotch area). So be sure to get "fit" but also get on each bike you're considering and test it out for comfort.
This seemed easier when I was a kid...
I just got back from my first outdoor ride on my NEW BIKE! That's right, I bought one today! I bought the Giant FRC3 W.
It came down to that one or the Trek (forget the model) and this one was a bit less expensive and seemed comparable so I went with it. (after checking reviews online of course) It's classified as a "comfort road bike", meaning it's lightweight for speed but has flat bars for comfort.
The hubby picked up a bike from a friend to borrow and we headed out on about a 3 miler around the neighborhood. I must say that we both did not remember our childhood bike riding as being so challenging. Some of those hills really got the heart pumping. And going down hill was downright scary....the speed could easily get out of control! I haven't figured out all the gears yet and how they all work for the optimal ride.
I also bought a helmet with a "visor" for some sun protection (I let the sales guy talk me into the more expensive helmet (they started at $35 and I got the $58 one) that boasted more ventilation ( I live in NC ya'll, it's hot!), and all in all felt like a more secure fit. I got two water bottle cages mounted on the bike ($6 each with bottles), and also picked up a lock with a 6 foot chain ($29.95).
Oh! And I almost forgot that I found a bike rack for $25 on craigslist, which I convinced the bike store manager to show me how to set up on my car.
So I have to say that I'm not as confident as I was before about the bike part "only being 17 miles". The 3 miles I did today seemed a bit hard even at a leisurely pace....so 17 miles "racing" after swimming in a lake is not quite going to be the "cake" I thought...but the good news is that I have the bike now and can start practicing.
So people that are indoor cycling still, get outside! It's completely different and something I know I'll have to get used to. But I think the indoor cycling definitely helps from a fitness standpoint. I'm subbing classes on top of the ones I teach coming up in May, so I'll be doing plenty of cycling both indoor and out!
It came down to that one or the Trek (forget the model) and this one was a bit less expensive and seemed comparable so I went with it. (after checking reviews online of course) It's classified as a "comfort road bike", meaning it's lightweight for speed but has flat bars for comfort.
The hubby picked up a bike from a friend to borrow and we headed out on about a 3 miler around the neighborhood. I must say that we both did not remember our childhood bike riding as being so challenging. Some of those hills really got the heart pumping. And going down hill was downright scary....the speed could easily get out of control! I haven't figured out all the gears yet and how they all work for the optimal ride.
I also bought a helmet with a "visor" for some sun protection (I let the sales guy talk me into the more expensive helmet (they started at $35 and I got the $58 one) that boasted more ventilation ( I live in NC ya'll, it's hot!), and all in all felt like a more secure fit. I got two water bottle cages mounted on the bike ($6 each with bottles), and also picked up a lock with a 6 foot chain ($29.95).
Oh! And I almost forgot that I found a bike rack for $25 on craigslist, which I convinced the bike store manager to show me how to set up on my car.
So I have to say that I'm not as confident as I was before about the bike part "only being 17 miles". The 3 miles I did today seemed a bit hard even at a leisurely pace....so 17 miles "racing" after swimming in a lake is not quite going to be the "cake" I thought...but the good news is that I have the bike now and can start practicing.
So people that are indoor cycling still, get outside! It's completely different and something I know I'll have to get used to. But I think the indoor cycling definitely helps from a fitness standpoint. I'm subbing classes on top of the ones I teach coming up in May, so I'll be doing plenty of cycling both indoor and out!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Slacker I am...Sorta
I am a bad blogger! Life has been kinda crazy with tons of work and work related stuff and traveling and visitors. Not much time to "train".
Although, on Friday my 'rents were here and we went to a few bike shops to check out a bike for me. I tried out some road bikes and some hybrids. I was pretty confused after on which one to get...I emailed my cousin (the freakishly fit triathlete, marathon runner, etc.) and she told me to ask about "comfort" road bikes. I still can't really figure out what that is since all the bike store people and my googling pointed me towards hybrids as "comfort bikes". So basically, the hybrid is a bit heavier than the road bike, so like my cousin said, it will be a bit slower and harder to ride in a race situation. But, they have smooth wheels like a road bike so you can still get speed. And they make a bunch of light models too so not a bad choice for someone who isn't doing a ton of racing. Hybrids also have the straight handle bars, as opposed to the curled bars of the road bike.
My problem with the road bike was that I felt pretty unsteady on it...it was almost too light- I was shaky. (well part of that was probably b/c I hadn't ridden a bike since I was in high school.) But when I rode the hybrid it was more comfortable and familiar, like "riding a bike". So I'm thinking I'm going to go hybrid. The bonus? Hybrids are cheaper. Which is good just in case this whole triathlon thing doesn't "take" and I only end up doing one. Who needs a $1800 bike sitting in the garage if you're not going to use it?
So I pretty much found out that bikes can range between $500 and $5000 or more! I'm looking in the under $1000 range....preferably in the $600 range so I have some room for new shoes, pedal clips (actually they're called "clip-less" pedals...where you can get your bike shoes in and out from the side and not just the back...but in spin we call them clips), a helmet, and whatever accessories I need.
I've been looking for used bikes on craigslist, but so far nothing that seems either a) reliable and/or b) like that good of a deal. And I've only seen one or two that would actually be my size. (Be sure to get fitted at the bike shop or else you'll have no idea what to look for!)
But, I think I may have found a bike rack for $25 on craigslist, which would be key to getting my bike a) home and b) out of state for the race. I'm confused by the whole bike rack thing too...some of them you have to hook into a hitch (which I don't have driving a compact car) so you need an SUV or truck. But some do work with cars so I just have to make sure the one on CL is really a good deal and will work on my car. I guess I need a lock of some sort too....So much to get!
Taught spin three days in a row this week- subbing for someone on Sunday then my class on Monday and Tuesday night. Did some elliptical tonight but I really need to get back in the pool ASAP.
Next week will be another challenge- business trip for 4 days and then off to Vegas with the girls!
Although, on Friday my 'rents were here and we went to a few bike shops to check out a bike for me. I tried out some road bikes and some hybrids. I was pretty confused after on which one to get...I emailed my cousin (the freakishly fit triathlete, marathon runner, etc.) and she told me to ask about "comfort" road bikes. I still can't really figure out what that is since all the bike store people and my googling pointed me towards hybrids as "comfort bikes". So basically, the hybrid is a bit heavier than the road bike, so like my cousin said, it will be a bit slower and harder to ride in a race situation. But, they have smooth wheels like a road bike so you can still get speed. And they make a bunch of light models too so not a bad choice for someone who isn't doing a ton of racing. Hybrids also have the straight handle bars, as opposed to the curled bars of the road bike.
My problem with the road bike was that I felt pretty unsteady on it...it was almost too light- I was shaky. (well part of that was probably b/c I hadn't ridden a bike since I was in high school.) But when I rode the hybrid it was more comfortable and familiar, like "riding a bike". So I'm thinking I'm going to go hybrid. The bonus? Hybrids are cheaper. Which is good just in case this whole triathlon thing doesn't "take" and I only end up doing one. Who needs a $1800 bike sitting in the garage if you're not going to use it?
So I pretty much found out that bikes can range between $500 and $5000 or more! I'm looking in the under $1000 range....preferably in the $600 range so I have some room for new shoes, pedal clips (actually they're called "clip-less" pedals...where you can get your bike shoes in and out from the side and not just the back...but in spin we call them clips), a helmet, and whatever accessories I need.
I've been looking for used bikes on craigslist, but so far nothing that seems either a) reliable and/or b) like that good of a deal. And I've only seen one or two that would actually be my size. (Be sure to get fitted at the bike shop or else you'll have no idea what to look for!)
But, I think I may have found a bike rack for $25 on craigslist, which would be key to getting my bike a) home and b) out of state for the race. I'm confused by the whole bike rack thing too...some of them you have to hook into a hitch (which I don't have driving a compact car) so you need an SUV or truck. But some do work with cars so I just have to make sure the one on CL is really a good deal and will work on my car. I guess I need a lock of some sort too....So much to get!
Taught spin three days in a row this week- subbing for someone on Sunday then my class on Monday and Tuesday night. Did some elliptical tonight but I really need to get back in the pool ASAP.
Next week will be another challenge- business trip for 4 days and then off to Vegas with the girls!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
StrepThroat...
is keeping me from working out so far this week. Got back Monday night....tired yesterday, sick today. Damn you streptococcal!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Business trip-bound
Not much to report- biked twice and cross-trained on the elliptical once....still not back on schedule from last week. Headed down south for a business trip...which yes means 4 more days without a workout. Hopefully I can control my eating as to not do too much damage!
I need to get back to 5 day a week workouts ASAP!!!!
I need to get back to 5 day a week workouts ASAP!!!!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Still here...
So it's been a while since I posted...and let me try to recap what's been going on. So a lot has been going on and I got a bit off schedule. After my swimming success, I had a work "retreat" that basically took up two nights and one weekend day, and after that things just got turned around. Last week I ran outside one day, did spin one night and I tried to run one night inside but without much success. I think the outdoor stuff gave me shin splints, so when I got on the treadmill last Tuesday, it hurt to do anything. I ran half a mile, then had to run/walk the rest of the way (1 mile), so I ran a tenth of a mile and then walked a tenth, ran a tenth, etc. Then I walked another mile and half so I did about 3 miles total distance. I was pretty disappointed. I didn't get to work out the rest of the week- my uncle lost his battle with prostate cancer last week and I had to drive to Maryland for the funeral on Thursday. This has been probably the most sad I've felt in a very long time. I've known for a while that he was going down hill, but after I saw him a few weeks ago, I thought there would be more time. He owned the beach house that I spent my childhood summers going to with my family, and the time I spent there influenced me in many ways. I love the beach because of those summer and thanksgiving trips to the OBX. My memories of long car rides where we were always only "20 more minutes away from the house", waking up early, grabbing the bag of wonderbread from the kitchen to feed the seagulls on the deck, jumping in the hammock with one of my cousins, flying kites, crab feasts on the porch, (a few where I tried to "rescue" the crabs and run them up to the beach!), trivial pursuit games that lasted for hours, and, in later years, "cruising" around the town with my brother and our friends will forever be alive in my mind. "The beach house" gave me a warm feeling towards North Carolina (the people, the climate, etc.) and was the only reason I knew of, and considered UNC for college. UNC was my first choice and some of the best years of my life were spent there. And it's where I met the hubby. So, I credit my uncle with opening eyes to all that NC had to offer for me. The beach was one of his favorite places, and he definitely passed that love along not only to my cousins but to me as well. He will be missed!
So I know this upcoming week is going to be a challenge fitness-wise because I haven't been keeping up with my workouts. I have to teach twice, and I need to get back into the pool for sure. Then I have a business trip this weekend (and the following weekend as well, yikes) so I'll have to maybe do a double workout at least one day this week. And, I still want to buy P90x, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I kinda need to make sure I can devote the time to being a triathlete before I can add something else....but we will see!
So I know this upcoming week is going to be a challenge fitness-wise because I haven't been keeping up with my workouts. I have to teach twice, and I need to get back into the pool for sure. Then I have a business trip this weekend (and the following weekend as well, yikes) so I'll have to maybe do a double workout at least one day this week. And, I still want to buy P90x, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I kinda need to make sure I can devote the time to being a triathlete before I can add something else....but we will see!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Correction....
So I just found out that 25 meters (one "lap" or "length" as some people call it) is .0155 mile. So, I really swam closer to .7 mile, since I swam 45 laps. Yay for me. But like all the other sports, it will be different when I get outside!
I can do it!
So I swam the entire distance- .62 miles WITHOUT STOPPING tonight. That's right. I started out trying to repeat my 20 laps without stopping. When I got to 20, I thought, well let's see if I can do 30. When I got to 30 I thought, only 15 more, let's just see. I did it! 45 laps. And don't worry, the last 10 laps were HARD. I was fighting the urge to stop. And I couldn't do it all freestyle, I threw in a lot of breast stroke so I'm not up to speed yet....but it feels good!
Side note, I was chatting it up with one of my class participants last night, who rides outside. He told me I should start practicing outside b/c I have to get used to falling. FALLING?! I did not even consider this. But, I guess it makes sense. You're clipped into the pedals just like in spin class, except when you're riding a real bike, you've gotta put your foot down at stop lights and stuff....and when you're first getting used to the bike and the clips, sometimes you can't get your foot out fast enough. Great. Falling was not on my list of things to conquer during this journey.....
Side note, I was chatting it up with one of my class participants last night, who rides outside. He told me I should start practicing outside b/c I have to get used to falling. FALLING?! I did not even consider this. But, I guess it makes sense. You're clipped into the pedals just like in spin class, except when you're riding a real bike, you've gotta put your foot down at stop lights and stuff....and when you're first getting used to the bike and the clips, sometimes you can't get your foot out fast enough. Great. Falling was not on my list of things to conquer during this journey.....
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Random mid week status
1) Sunday I tried to run outside and the tops of my toes on my right foot hurt like hell so I only run about .5 mile.....walked the other 1.5.
2) Yesterday I taught my spin class, and ran for 10 minutes after on the treadmill. I will call this a "baby brick" . I've learned from my triathlete research that "bricks" are when you stack two of your sports into one workout- so like doing a medium bike session immediately followed by a medium-length run. Apparently you HAVE to do these to get used to the transitions and putting all three sports together. I haven't figured out just how I will do swim/bike bricks, since my pool isn't really near any good bike routes. I guess when it gets warm I can swim in my mini neighborhood pool and have my bike with me and ride after. Not sure how this will work. But, for my "baby brick" this week, I have to say I was proud b/c a month ago 10 minutes of continuous running was not an option for me, let alone after 55 minutes of spinning.
3) I am REALLY intrigued by P90x. You've seen the Sunday afternoon info-mercials- it's a set of like 12 home fitness DVDs that promises to change your body in 90 days. I've seen the sample workouts, and I can tell you as a former trainer that the system will absolutely work if you follow it and actually stick to the schedule. I think the hard part is sticking to the schedule- it's rigorous. But it's all about muscle confusion, changing your routine constantly, and I KNOW that works for my body type. So, I was thinking that there's no way I could train for the triathlon AND do P90x, but I'm thinking about it. Especially after discovering these blogs of current P90xers. Meg is my old so-ro sister from college- check her out! http://90daystohealthy.blogspot.com/
And- My bro sent me this one today- This chick is not only doing P90x, but ALSO signed up for the SAME triathlon that I am! So, if she can do it, I can do it! Get the debit card ready, I've done my self imposed 24 hour waiting period (I do this when I want something badly but think it might be an impulse buy), and I think I'm doing it. The hubby said he'd get up in the AM and do it with me, and will even buy me a pull up bar for the garage. So...I guess I could do twice a day work outs....we will see, final decision to be made tonight after I teach spin, again.
2) Yesterday I taught my spin class, and ran for 10 minutes after on the treadmill. I will call this a "baby brick" . I've learned from my triathlete research that "bricks" are when you stack two of your sports into one workout- so like doing a medium bike session immediately followed by a medium-length run. Apparently you HAVE to do these to get used to the transitions and putting all three sports together. I haven't figured out just how I will do swim/bike bricks, since my pool isn't really near any good bike routes. I guess when it gets warm I can swim in my mini neighborhood pool and have my bike with me and ride after. Not sure how this will work. But, for my "baby brick" this week, I have to say I was proud b/c a month ago 10 minutes of continuous running was not an option for me, let alone after 55 minutes of spinning.
3) I am REALLY intrigued by P90x. You've seen the Sunday afternoon info-mercials- it's a set of like 12 home fitness DVDs that promises to change your body in 90 days. I've seen the sample workouts, and I can tell you as a former trainer that the system will absolutely work if you follow it and actually stick to the schedule. I think the hard part is sticking to the schedule- it's rigorous. But it's all about muscle confusion, changing your routine constantly, and I KNOW that works for my body type. So, I was thinking that there's no way I could train for the triathlon AND do P90x, but I'm thinking about it. Especially after discovering these blogs of current P90xers. Meg is my old so-ro sister from college- check her out! http://90daystohealthy.blogspot.com/
And- My bro sent me this one today- This chick is not only doing P90x, but ALSO signed up for the SAME triathlon that I am! So, if she can do it, I can do it! Get the debit card ready, I've done my self imposed 24 hour waiting period (I do this when I want something badly but think it might be an impulse buy), and I think I'm doing it. The hubby said he'd get up in the AM and do it with me, and will even buy me a pull up bar for the garage. So...I guess I could do twice a day work outs....we will see, final decision to be made tonight after I teach spin, again.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Improvement?
So in a weird change of events, I improved my mile running time by 59 seconds tonight. And, when the mile was over, I could have kept going for a bit longer I think. My legs weren't feeling like they were going to break and my lungs weren't collapsing. Yes, I ran the mile in 13minutes and 6 seconds. Which is still not ideal, I realize, but major improvement. Could this mean that I'm actually building my running capacity already? I hope it's not a fluke. I walked another mile and was so happy I threw in a couple running intervals (at a much faster speed than my mile) just for fun. Side note- I think my ipod selection might have helped. I used RPM music, which is pretty fast beats per minute. So I think that might have helped me set a rhythm to my pace.
Monday night I walked for 20 minutes and then taught my spin class. And last night, another possible improvement-I swam my 40 laps, 10 laps and then some rest, but the last 20 laps I swam without stopping. Which was extra surprising b/c I thought I was having an off night. I left work late and was not feeling swimming at all but I made myself. AND I could do 20 laps without hanging onto the wall or stopping.
Is my overall fitness level increasing? Could it be? I think so unless it's a coincidence. So, my question is then- why haven't I lost a damn pound?! And don't give me the "you're building muscle" speech. I was a personal trainer and I've used that one. And it's sometimes true, except when you're already sporting a bunch of muscle under your fat-tasticness, which I think I am.
Monday night I walked for 20 minutes and then taught my spin class. And last night, another possible improvement-I swam my 40 laps, 10 laps and then some rest, but the last 20 laps I swam without stopping. Which was extra surprising b/c I thought I was having an off night. I left work late and was not feeling swimming at all but I made myself. AND I could do 20 laps without hanging onto the wall or stopping.
Is my overall fitness level increasing? Could it be? I think so unless it's a coincidence. So, my question is then- why haven't I lost a damn pound?! And don't give me the "you're building muscle" speech. I was a personal trainer and I've used that one. And it's sometimes true, except when you're already sporting a bunch of muscle under your fat-tasticness, which I think I am.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Another full week
So this week I biked (indoor spin class) twice, swam once and ran once. I also threw in a day of cross training with elliptical training. Swimming is definitely getting easier, especially with my new speedo bathing suit. I did another 4 sets of 10 laps. The first set I swam a 50 yard warm up, then swam every other lap freestyle, alternating with breaststroke. The next set I swam 3 laps of freestyle, followed by one lap of breast stroke. Next set I tried to work on breathing, extending the freestyle laps to breathe every 6 strokes instead of my usual 4. I think it helped with breath control and speed, etc. I'll probably build my distance this coming week, while still throwing in some breathing exercises.
Running was outside, and I think it was about a mile total though I had to stop a bit. Outside running was definitely harder than treadmill running, so I think that I will have to do some running outside to get an accurate feel for how I'm doing. I walked on the way back, so about 2 miles of distance total.
This coming week will be bike tonight, swimming twice and hopefully running twice. May try to throw a second bike in as well b/c I have to learn my new music for my class.
My new bathing suit cost $44 BTW...so pool wise I'm in up to $102 investment (pool pass, goggles, ear plugs, new suit). Still not bad!
While I haven't dropped any weight yet, I can tell a difference in my arms. They looked slightly more toned and I can feel that they are stronger. Presumably this is from the swimming....if only my stomach would start to follow.....
Running was outside, and I think it was about a mile total though I had to stop a bit. Outside running was definitely harder than treadmill running, so I think that I will have to do some running outside to get an accurate feel for how I'm doing. I walked on the way back, so about 2 miles of distance total.
This coming week will be bike tonight, swimming twice and hopefully running twice. May try to throw a second bike in as well b/c I have to learn my new music for my class.
My new bathing suit cost $44 BTW...so pool wise I'm in up to $102 investment (pool pass, goggles, ear plugs, new suit). Still not bad!
While I haven't dropped any weight yet, I can tell a difference in my arms. They looked slightly more toned and I can feel that they are stronger. Presumably this is from the swimming....if only my stomach would start to follow.....
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Week in Review-Bike, Swim and Run
This week I actually followed my plan, which was to bike once, swim twice, and run once. I would add another run but I'm going out of town and not sure that will happen tomorrow or Saturday.
So here's how it went:
Bike- Taught my 50 minute RPM class, (oh and I walked a mile before hand to warm up)
Swim-Tuesday I wasn't teaching, so I went to the pool and actually ran into two girls that are regulars in my spin class. It was really crowded and so they offered for me to join their lane and swim in a loop. Only problem was that they are doing a triathlon in April (5 months before mine), so they are close to being "trained". Not to mention it was one girl's third or fourth time training for one. SO, somehow (again with the fear of humiliation) I got sucked into following their program, since we were swimming in a loop and all, and had to do 10 laps non-stop 4 times with 60 seconds in between each set of 10. So yeah, I went from swimming 20-something laps last week with rest between every few laps, to 40 laps with rest every 10. But I did it, and didn't die from exhaustion, and so I went again tonight and did the same thing. Pretty exciting!
Run- Well, we know this is my biggest weakness but my friend A, who's also doing the tri with me, (but also completed a full marathon in DC several years ago) told me that I had to just run a mile without stopping no matter how slow I went just to get used to running and build from there. This made me nervous since all the "learn to run" articles I've found online tell you to start out with walking, then do intervals of running then walking, etc. But to be real, I've sort of done that for years and never built past it. So it was time. I ran a VERY slow mile on the treadmill but I did it without stopping. It took me 14 minutes and 5 seconds. Don't do the math; it's embarrassing. ;) Then I walked another mile and switched to the elliptical for 30 minutes.
So next week, I'll bike twice, swim twice, and run once. Oh and I think my 10 year old lifegaurding bathing suit that I've been wearing inside out is about to be see-through from wear and tear....not to mention it's pretty stretched out...so this weekend I think I'm going to purchase a new suit. Maybe they make speedos with built in bras and spanx now....that would be fantastic!
I'm pretty sore, so I'll take that as a sign of success for this week!
So here's how it went:
Bike- Taught my 50 minute RPM class, (oh and I walked a mile before hand to warm up)
Swim-Tuesday I wasn't teaching, so I went to the pool and actually ran into two girls that are regulars in my spin class. It was really crowded and so they offered for me to join their lane and swim in a loop. Only problem was that they are doing a triathlon in April (5 months before mine), so they are close to being "trained". Not to mention it was one girl's third or fourth time training for one. SO, somehow (again with the fear of humiliation) I got sucked into following their program, since we were swimming in a loop and all, and had to do 10 laps non-stop 4 times with 60 seconds in between each set of 10. So yeah, I went from swimming 20-something laps last week with rest between every few laps, to 40 laps with rest every 10. But I did it, and didn't die from exhaustion, and so I went again tonight and did the same thing. Pretty exciting!
Run- Well, we know this is my biggest weakness but my friend A, who's also doing the tri with me, (but also completed a full marathon in DC several years ago) told me that I had to just run a mile without stopping no matter how slow I went just to get used to running and build from there. This made me nervous since all the "learn to run" articles I've found online tell you to start out with walking, then do intervals of running then walking, etc. But to be real, I've sort of done that for years and never built past it. So it was time. I ran a VERY slow mile on the treadmill but I did it without stopping. It took me 14 minutes and 5 seconds. Don't do the math; it's embarrassing. ;) Then I walked another mile and switched to the elliptical for 30 minutes.
So next week, I'll bike twice, swim twice, and run once. Oh and I think my 10 year old lifegaurding bathing suit that I've been wearing inside out is about to be see-through from wear and tear....not to mention it's pretty stretched out...so this weekend I think I'm going to purchase a new suit. Maybe they make speedos with built in bras and spanx now....that would be fantastic!
I'm pretty sore, so I'll take that as a sign of success for this week!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Back in the Pool Again...
It's been a while and I haven't posted b/c I kinda slacked off the past few weeks...and never went to the pool until today. I decided today had to be the day, that my anxiety about going to swim was ridiculous, and it's already mid February and I HAVE to train. So I went. When I arrived there were about 4,000 kids swarming the place for swim team practice, and I felt totally out of place! Luckily the girl at the front desk was super nice and didn't act like it was weird at all for me to be there, so
I bought a 10 visit pass that cost $46. I also bought a pair of goggles and some ear plugs (I get ear infections like a 4 year old, so I'm not taking any chances) for another $22...so all in all not bad.
There were only three lap lanes open tonight and luckily I got one all to myself. After researching some beginner training plans online today, I determined that I should start out by swimming 20 laps twice a week for the first month. Well I was intimidated by 20 laps and had no concept if that would be hard to do or not...don't laugh if it's obviously not...it's literally been that long since I've swam.
But much to my delight, that first lap felt natural like I had never stopped swimming! Success!
My heart was not beating out of my body as I had imagined, nor was I gasping for air. Another swimmer even told me I had "skills" when I mentioned that I hadn't swam in years! (8 to be exact! yikes) So I swam 24 total (2 warm up 2 cool down) and while I did stop for 10-20 seconds every 2-4 laps, it was mostly to adjust my goggles or hair and I was not struggling all that much.
Walking out of the swim center at the end, I felt a little floaty from the chlorine fumes...and I still smell it even after coming home and showering.
So hopefully I will keep this up since I have to build up to a minimum of 44 laps without stopping in order to cover the distance I'll have to do in the race.
I bought a 10 visit pass that cost $46. I also bought a pair of goggles and some ear plugs (I get ear infections like a 4 year old, so I'm not taking any chances) for another $22...so all in all not bad.
There were only three lap lanes open tonight and luckily I got one all to myself. After researching some beginner training plans online today, I determined that I should start out by swimming 20 laps twice a week for the first month. Well I was intimidated by 20 laps and had no concept if that would be hard to do or not...don't laugh if it's obviously not...it's literally been that long since I've swam.
But much to my delight, that first lap felt natural like I had never stopped swimming! Success!
My heart was not beating out of my body as I had imagined, nor was I gasping for air. Another swimmer even told me I had "skills" when I mentioned that I hadn't swam in years! (8 to be exact! yikes) So I swam 24 total (2 warm up 2 cool down) and while I did stop for 10-20 seconds every 2-4 laps, it was mostly to adjust my goggles or hair and I was not struggling all that much.
Walking out of the swim center at the end, I felt a little floaty from the chlorine fumes...and I still smell it even after coming home and showering.
So hopefully I will keep this up since I have to build up to a minimum of 44 laps without stopping in order to cover the distance I'll have to do in the race.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
"Running"
It was still icy and snowy today so I did not attempt the pool (why am I so scared of the pool?! I used to LIVE at the pool!)
I went to the gym and attempted to run a mile. I'm not sure if I'm just THAT out of shape or if my body is just really not made for running, but I cannot run a mile. I know it will come with work, but I can't do it now. So I did intervals (2 minutes running, 2 minutes walking) for a mile and then I briskly walked another 2.4 miles to finish the whole 3.4 miles and "get used to the distance". The walk/run mile took me 14.56 minutes. THIS IS EMBARRASSING. In college, I ran my last 5K in 34 minutes. Before that I did it in 32 minutes. At today's pace, I'd be at like 50+ minutes. My dad would tell you, accurately, that he walks a faster mile than that. I know it's bad, but my knees literally felt like they were going to break and my ankle felt like it shifted out of line from the rest of my body in the first 4 minutes.
I looked around at the other treadmill runners and realized that the women who ran the entire time I was walking all had similar bodies- 5'5-5'7, long legs, short torsos and very little chest. They did not seem phased by the running, even the ones that had a little pudge in the torso. I, the short, top heavy one, think that there might be some "science" to this. I'm sure someone has researched this and I will try to find it. But for now I'm blaming genetics for my lack of running skills. I will have to find a way to overcome. Which probably means more practice running. Argh!
I went to the gym and attempted to run a mile. I'm not sure if I'm just THAT out of shape or if my body is just really not made for running, but I cannot run a mile. I know it will come with work, but I can't do it now. So I did intervals (2 minutes running, 2 minutes walking) for a mile and then I briskly walked another 2.4 miles to finish the whole 3.4 miles and "get used to the distance". The walk/run mile took me 14.56 minutes. THIS IS EMBARRASSING. In college, I ran my last 5K in 34 minutes. Before that I did it in 32 minutes. At today's pace, I'd be at like 50+ minutes. My dad would tell you, accurately, that he walks a faster mile than that. I know it's bad, but my knees literally felt like they were going to break and my ankle felt like it shifted out of line from the rest of my body in the first 4 minutes.
I looked around at the other treadmill runners and realized that the women who ran the entire time I was walking all had similar bodies- 5'5-5'7, long legs, short torsos and very little chest. They did not seem phased by the running, even the ones that had a little pudge in the torso. I, the short, top heavy one, think that there might be some "science" to this. I'm sure someone has researched this and I will try to find it. But for now I'm blaming genetics for my lack of running skills. I will have to find a way to overcome. Which probably means more practice running. Argh!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Snow Day= No swimming
Didn't make it to the pool today; it snowed here so everything was closed, including work. Which was good b/c I watched the inauguration all day. The husband and I are going to the store (if it's open) to see if they sell sleds. We have to burn calories somehow, and I'm pretty sure I didn't burn any today sitting on the couch.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Spin, check! One mile on Treadmill, check!
Taught spin and walked a mile after. 1st pool workout tomorrow if it doesn't snow and shut everything down!
Day One
Today my goal was to find a pool and go buy a membership. So I decided that of the pools in the area, the Triangle Aquatics Center would be a good fit (close to work, new, clean looking). So I drove over there on the way to my "Get ready for triathlon training Massage" but there was a swim meet. So I chickened out and didn't go in....I forgot that there's no school today and 300 kids would be at the pool...this would deter anyone right? So I'm going tomorrow after work and I'm going to start with a ten-visit pass. ($43). The goal is to go twice a week for the first 5 weeks.
My massage was great by the way, however, I'm officially done with Skin Sense the Day Spa. That's right, I've said this before, but this was the final straw. The steam room was out of order, and when I lamented about this casually to the spa attendant, her response was "Yeah, sucks huh?" Not "let me give you a pass to come back when it's fixed", or "I'm so sorry, can we offer you x y or z?" Nope. So then the massage is great. I get up to the counter to pay after and they tell me it's $80. "Oh, did the prices just go up? It said $75 online" I asked. The girl proceeds to tell me that the therapist used "deep tissue techniques" on me and so that was extra. SINCE WHEN can you charge someone for the upgraded service without asking them if they want it?!? Not that $5 was a big deal, but between this visit, the condition of the locker room the last time I went, and them burning my face at my last facial and then trying to SELL me products to fix what they had done, they are off my list. Next time I'll try The Spa at Preston or return to the oh so luxurious Umstead.
Don't worry I am working out today- teaching spin at 5:30. Might throw a mile on the treadmill in after (walking of course...baby steps).
My massage was great by the way, however, I'm officially done with Skin Sense the Day Spa. That's right, I've said this before, but this was the final straw. The steam room was out of order, and when I lamented about this casually to the spa attendant, her response was "Yeah, sucks huh?" Not "let me give you a pass to come back when it's fixed", or "I'm so sorry, can we offer you x y or z?" Nope. So then the massage is great. I get up to the counter to pay after and they tell me it's $80. "Oh, did the prices just go up? It said $75 online" I asked. The girl proceeds to tell me that the therapist used "deep tissue techniques" on me and so that was extra. SINCE WHEN can you charge someone for the upgraded service without asking them if they want it?!? Not that $5 was a big deal, but between this visit, the condition of the locker room the last time I went, and them burning my face at my last facial and then trying to SELL me products to fix what they had done, they are off my list. Next time I'll try The Spa at Preston or return to the oh so luxurious Umstead.
Don't worry I am working out today- teaching spin at 5:30. Might throw a mile on the treadmill in after (walking of course...baby steps).
Here I go...
So....here I go. The start of my triathlon training, and my blogging about it, officially starts today. I have about 8 months before the big day, and while I've spent the past three months since I signed up for the triathlon wondering why the hell I got myself into this, I've decided that I will rise to the occassion. This is more for fear of humiliation than actual motivation...but whatever gets me out the door.
So I'm pretty frumpy right now...I'd estimate that I'm a good 15-20 pounds from what would be considered ideal for my 5'2.5 frame (shorty's know you gotta count that extra half an inch), and I haven't actually swam or ran in, well, years. I also don't own a bike, and haven't since 1999.
So why did I sign up for a triathlon you ask? Well, there were two main factors in that decision:
1) I got married last summer, and I was bored after the wedding planning had ceased so I aspired to do all these "things" to keep myself busy, which included training for a triathlon. I also ended up studying for and taking the GRE, applying for grad school, and volunteering to plan my class reunion...all rash decisions. (BTW girls- the bored, "so sad it's over" feeling goes away within a month so don't commit to anything that month after without thinking about the long term or else you'll end up like me!)
2) When my cousin (the ultra fit, Iron Man/Marathon competitor) first told me I should consider doing the Columbia Iron Girl, and I got excited for a second and told my Dad and husband about it, they both LAUGHED in my face. My Dad said "You can't run!" and my husband said "I know you. You won't do it!" Well, at that point there was no going back.
How am I going to do it? This is to be determined. First, I've got some hurdles to get over:
1) Haven't swam in over 10 years.
2) Running makes me feel like my legs are going to crack into pieces and my lungs collapse.
3)About two years ago I was diagnosed with connective tissue disease, which basically means that my immune system accidentally attacks healthy tissue, causing damage and inflamation to my body's tissue. So basically, my joints hurt and I get sick more than other people, which has made it more difficult to exercise as rigorously as I once could.
4) I haven't ridden a bike outside since the late 90s.
What I've got going for me:
1) Though I'm out of shape, I'm semi-athletic. I played field hockey in high school and was on the swim team forever when I was younger. I've been teaching group fitness classes on and off since 2000 and I currently teach indoor spin classes twice a week.
2) I used to swim, ran a few 5Ks in college, and ride the bike indoors. Here's hoping for muscle memory!
3) I persuaded two of my closest friends (one from home and one from college) to do this with me. Misery loves company, and if I collapse en route the two of them can carry me to the finish!
4) I'm good at multi-tasking. Hoping that helps me with training for the three different sections at once!
So, as I'm not one to back down from a challenge (good or bad as that may be), on August 23, come hell or highwater, I will swim .62 miles, bike 17.5 and run 3.4.
So I'm pretty frumpy right now...I'd estimate that I'm a good 15-20 pounds from what would be considered ideal for my 5'2.5 frame (shorty's know you gotta count that extra half an inch), and I haven't actually swam or ran in, well, years. I also don't own a bike, and haven't since 1999.
So why did I sign up for a triathlon you ask? Well, there were two main factors in that decision:
1) I got married last summer, and I was bored after the wedding planning had ceased so I aspired to do all these "things" to keep myself busy, which included training for a triathlon. I also ended up studying for and taking the GRE, applying for grad school, and volunteering to plan my class reunion...all rash decisions. (BTW girls- the bored, "so sad it's over" feeling goes away within a month so don't commit to anything that month after without thinking about the long term or else you'll end up like me!)
2) When my cousin (the ultra fit, Iron Man/Marathon competitor) first told me I should consider doing the Columbia Iron Girl, and I got excited for a second and told my Dad and husband about it, they both LAUGHED in my face. My Dad said "You can't run!" and my husband said "I know you. You won't do it!" Well, at that point there was no going back.
How am I going to do it? This is to be determined. First, I've got some hurdles to get over:
1) Haven't swam in over 10 years.
2) Running makes me feel like my legs are going to crack into pieces and my lungs collapse.
3)About two years ago I was diagnosed with connective tissue disease, which basically means that my immune system accidentally attacks healthy tissue, causing damage and inflamation to my body's tissue. So basically, my joints hurt and I get sick more than other people, which has made it more difficult to exercise as rigorously as I once could.
4) I haven't ridden a bike outside since the late 90s.
What I've got going for me:
1) Though I'm out of shape, I'm semi-athletic. I played field hockey in high school and was on the swim team forever when I was younger. I've been teaching group fitness classes on and off since 2000 and I currently teach indoor spin classes twice a week.
2) I used to swim, ran a few 5Ks in college, and ride the bike indoors. Here's hoping for muscle memory!
3) I persuaded two of my closest friends (one from home and one from college) to do this with me. Misery loves company, and if I collapse en route the two of them can carry me to the finish!
4) I'm good at multi-tasking. Hoping that helps me with training for the three different sections at once!
So, as I'm not one to back down from a challenge (good or bad as that may be), on August 23, come hell or highwater, I will swim .62 miles, bike 17.5 and run 3.4.
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