At work today I dropped a bookcase on my toe. There was blood, but no broken bones. My first instinct was "oh, not before a race." Then I thought "hmph, maybe this is my ticket out of the Half." As the other girls will attest to, I'm not mentally in this race. I haven't even made my hotel reservations. I guess part of me is still hoping I'll encounter a good excuse not to do it. This is it for the girls, but I still have another two races to go. I know this should be the bigger deal since it's a Half, but I'm just still kaput from the last one.
I have now taken a whole new approach to training. I am referring to it as a"spiritual" based training; as in, "Oh God, please just let me get through this race!"
"It's Good Training!" -Just Tri Me
Monday, August 25, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
What Next???
2 Weeks to go till the 2nd craziest (actually this may be the craziest since I already know the type of pain I will be in) thing I have ever done in my life is OVER!!! Man I can't wait. As I was telling my teammates today (on our 5mile run-1st training we all did together for either of our races) I b-tch, whine and moan about my races. Stress myself out to the point where everything in my life seems to be falling apart and going wrong, and then I turn around after the race is over and wonder what race I will do next. Am I a Sadomasachist? Or am I a Triathlete? Isn't this why we do race? To get our life back together? To give ourselves goals and a set schedule to keep our lives active and fit? I don't know if that is why, but I know it is part of why I race. The other part is because without that goal I have no direction. The other reasons I race is because I want my kids to know a healthy life style and a strong, confident woman as their mother. And though my confidence waivers as I near my races I try not to let them know. I keep working out as planned and just keep moving. I hope they know someday the thrill of training for something (anything-football, soccer, lacross, swimming) and the satisfaction when finishing. They don't have to place, just finish or have done the best they ever could. I want them to see me doing these things. Show them how strong women are. By the way, they are 2 and 4 so they have no clue but someday. And maybe someday my teammates and I will meet to do an Ironman!!! HEHEHE!!
Monday, August 11, 2008
I'm baaaaaack
I'm finally back from enjoying my summer vacation. I spent 2 weeks at the in-laws and only gained 3 lbs. (not bad). Then I came home and left right away for a long weekend in Ocean City, Maryland and lost 1/2 lb. (excellent!).
And true to my word I was out running on August 1st. However, I huffed and puffed my way through a 5K (baaaaad!). Then my mother in-law said she didn't feel comfortable with me running since they've had moutain lions in the area (real baaaaaad). So, that was the end of that. I didn't get to hit the Vortex at Mizzou, but I went on a float trip down the Meramec River and got out and swam against a hard current for 20 minutes (fuuuuuuun!). I think people thought I was an idiot who didn't realize I wasn't going anywhere.
Now, I'm back and with a vengence. I subbed 6 AM Spin this morning, did the eliptical trainer for 60 minutes and then subbed 9:30 BOSU Strength. Right now my motivation is my weight. I have to start work soon and need to fit into my clothes again. I know we bagged on BarbieGirlNot for being on Jenny Craig, but I'm getting desperate. I'm on total flush-out/detox this week. I'm doing low-carb (yeah, me! Miss-I-could-survive-the-rest-of-my-life-on-bread) and protein shakes (i.e. Slim-Fast and TriMe's PB & Banana shakes). Plus, I'm trying to add in an extra 30 minutes of running or swimming. We'll see how it goes....
Still doubt I'll be anywhere near ready for the next Half. I've kind of already conceded mentally to the other girls. They've been training hard. I think part of me still thinks I won't end up racing because of a scheduling conflict. I shouldn't have taken so much time off, but I know my body needed it. Although I'm sure my wardrobe might beg to differ....
"It's Good Training" - Just Tri Me
And true to my word I was out running on August 1st. However, I huffed and puffed my way through a 5K (baaaaad!). Then my mother in-law said she didn't feel comfortable with me running since they've had moutain lions in the area (real baaaaaad). So, that was the end of that. I didn't get to hit the Vortex at Mizzou, but I went on a float trip down the Meramec River and got out and swam against a hard current for 20 minutes (fuuuuuuun!). I think people thought I was an idiot who didn't realize I wasn't going anywhere.
Now, I'm back and with a vengence. I subbed 6 AM Spin this morning, did the eliptical trainer for 60 minutes and then subbed 9:30 BOSU Strength. Right now my motivation is my weight. I have to start work soon and need to fit into my clothes again. I know we bagged on BarbieGirlNot for being on Jenny Craig, but I'm getting desperate. I'm on total flush-out/detox this week. I'm doing low-carb (yeah, me! Miss-I-could-survive-the-rest-of-my-life-on-bread) and protein shakes (i.e. Slim-Fast and TriMe's PB & Banana shakes). Plus, I'm trying to add in an extra 30 minutes of running or swimming. We'll see how it goes....
Still doubt I'll be anywhere near ready for the next Half. I've kind of already conceded mentally to the other girls. They've been training hard. I think part of me still thinks I won't end up racing because of a scheduling conflict. I shouldn't have taken so much time off, but I know my body needed it. Although I'm sure my wardrobe might beg to differ....
"It's Good Training" - Just Tri Me
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Post-Half Celebration
(L-R: Just Tri Me, Tri Me, BarbieGirlNot) Summary of our Post-Half Ironman Celebration: Sorry, what happens at Coastal Flats, stays at Coastal Flats.... ;-}
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Tri Envy
This whole "I'm not training until August" thing is actually harder than I thought. I am just a competitive person by nature, mostly with myself. I just keep feeling like I need to be training.
I'm completely jealous of the girls. BarbieGirlNot got herself two coaches. TriMe got herself a pretty schweet tri-bike. And I'm sitting around doing nothing. (Even if I'm swimming, ladies, it's not necessarily "training". Some people actually enjoy swimming and do it for fun). I also just found out today that bike check-in for the Patriot Half is on the day of the race, which means I can race. (I was having logistical issues because Tri-Hubby is finishing his training in Georgia the day before the race). So, now, knowing for sure that I'm racing and that the girls are training and bonding, I feel this pull to train. I can handle the not-running-training part, but I feel guilty for not training. I think: I'm going to start training in August with only 4 weeks before the race?!?!?!
I leave next week for two weeks with the in-laws. I'm STILL trying to get off the weight I put on while I was there at Christmas. Even if I wanted to start up training, I don't think the opportunity is there. I might get some running in, but I always feel at the mercy of my hosts that it just doesn't happen. Plus, I'm not very comfortable running the country roads by myself.
The one possibility is going to the University of Missouri Rec Center to swim. They have this cool area called The Vortex. It's a heavy current that swirls. I think "normal" people get in there and let the current push them around the circle. But the one time I went, I started swimming into the current. Man, what an awesome challenge! I was able to hold my location for a minute or two and then I started losing ground and got pushed away by the current. I’m dying to go back and give it another "tri". (har har)
So, we'll see. My body is telling me to take more time off, but my brain is telling me to get real and train. I just wish I didn't care and could be happy with just finishing. Now that we have one Half under our belts, I don't want to finish any slower and the girls are coming out stronger than ever….
Ohhh, how nice it must be to be an ADD triathlete
"Maybe I should be training..." - Just Tri Me
I'm completely jealous of the girls. BarbieGirlNot got herself two coaches. TriMe got herself a pretty schweet tri-bike. And I'm sitting around doing nothing. (Even if I'm swimming, ladies, it's not necessarily "training". Some people actually enjoy swimming and do it for fun). I also just found out today that bike check-in for the Patriot Half is on the day of the race, which means I can race. (I was having logistical issues because Tri-Hubby is finishing his training in Georgia the day before the race). So, now, knowing for sure that I'm racing and that the girls are training and bonding, I feel this pull to train. I can handle the not-running-training part, but I feel guilty for not training. I think: I'm going to start training in August with only 4 weeks before the race?!?!?!
I leave next week for two weeks with the in-laws. I'm STILL trying to get off the weight I put on while I was there at Christmas. Even if I wanted to start up training, I don't think the opportunity is there. I might get some running in, but I always feel at the mercy of my hosts that it just doesn't happen. Plus, I'm not very comfortable running the country roads by myself.
The one possibility is going to the University of Missouri Rec Center to swim. They have this cool area called The Vortex. It's a heavy current that swirls. I think "normal" people get in there and let the current push them around the circle. But the one time I went, I started swimming into the current. Man, what an awesome challenge! I was able to hold my location for a minute or two and then I started losing ground and got pushed away by the current. I’m dying to go back and give it another "tri". (har har)
So, we'll see. My body is telling me to take more time off, but my brain is telling me to get real and train. I just wish I didn't care and could be happy with just finishing. Now that we have one Half under our belts, I don't want to finish any slower and the girls are coming out stronger than ever….
Ohhh, how nice it must be to be an ADD triathlete
"Maybe I should be training..." - Just Tri Me
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Breaking in the new baby...
Today was my first ride on my new baby. I finally broke down and bought a tri bike. I have raced on a $300 road bike for one race too many. In GA I had gears seize up, my chain locked up and had to listen to a clacking noise the entire race. I'd had enough. So, I started looking for bikes and found a bike way above my needs, but it was a great deal(or so I keep telling myself). I bought the bike of my dreams and promptly put it up in the garage. I looked at it for sometime, went on vacation and now was left with nothing else to do but ride. So when barbiegirlnot asked if anyone was up for a ride I jumped at it. If you have read her blog you know I have tires that are troublesome to change along the way. So of course I would ride with her, she could get the car if I needed it!
The ride started out slow, okay walking my bike to the trail so I didn't catch a nail etc. before we even hit the trail. Once we were on it I felt like I was having an out of body experience. I was hardly moving my legs and my average speed was faster than my old bike when my heart felt like it was going to explode. I am still a little uncomfortable on the bike as my aero bars are too long and will have to be cut. I also had to learn how to grab and replace the water bottles behind me. The first water break was a stop. I did get better and now feel okay with riding, drinking and getting the water bottle back in its spot. We didn't break any land speed records today, but had a great ride and enjoyed each others company more than I enjoyed my new bike.
I had to get on the blog first because I know barbiegirl is going to make fun of me so I wanted to have my say first. I will leave the comic relief to her this time.
Glad to be back in VA with out the Colorado altitude. I did a nice easy 6 mile run, minus falling as I looked at squirrels chasing each other, that's ADHD isn't it? It hurt a little today on the bike and might feel worse tomorrow but it's back to real training. I have the bike, I love the run and hope to get better with some swim help.
Happy running!
The ride started out slow, okay walking my bike to the trail so I didn't catch a nail etc. before we even hit the trail. Once we were on it I felt like I was having an out of body experience. I was hardly moving my legs and my average speed was faster than my old bike when my heart felt like it was going to explode. I am still a little uncomfortable on the bike as my aero bars are too long and will have to be cut. I also had to learn how to grab and replace the water bottles behind me. The first water break was a stop. I did get better and now feel okay with riding, drinking and getting the water bottle back in its spot. We didn't break any land speed records today, but had a great ride and enjoyed each others company more than I enjoyed my new bike.
I had to get on the blog first because I know barbiegirl is going to make fun of me so I wanted to have my say first. I will leave the comic relief to her this time.
Glad to be back in VA with out the Colorado altitude. I did a nice easy 6 mile run, minus falling as I looked at squirrels chasing each other, that's ADHD isn't it? It hurt a little today on the bike and might feel worse tomorrow but it's back to real training. I have the bike, I love the run and hope to get better with some swim help.
Happy running!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Laughing and Training
I know I say this everytime I blog, but Justtrime and Trime are 2 of the greatest women alive. I just love them. How funny is the blog from Justtrime. Yet at the end you will see she said "see you at the pool". HMMMMM! Will she be swimming??!! Trime got a new bike, tires don't come off. Apparently they are glued on. Something Professionals do because they have bike crews(I don't know if that is true) or they just don't finish the race. But for ADD racers like myself, we buy tires that come off so if we get a flat we can finish the race. So, as you all have been guessing both my teammates are OCD Triathletes. But I love them anyway!!!!!
As for me, I got 2 (yes 2) coaches for my swim. I am swimming 4 days a week and have been feeling more chlorinated thatn I have ever felt in my life. Mind you this is my 1st week back swimming. I did not ask for the coaches they have just graciously volunteered to help. I apparently "swim flat", don't reach far enough, and kick like "sh-t". Words of constructive critisism from my coaches. So now most of my swim workouts consist of a warm-up (never knew there was one in swiming), a heart rate set (raising my heart rate till it feels like popping out of my chest) then drills, and a cool down (once again never knew, but this is my favorite part of the workouts). I am not a very efficient swimmer. I don't have to be fast, just more efficient to beat the previous 1.2 mile swim I did in GA. hence the drills. Of course, all of this together is helping me build confidence and endurance in the water. I will let you know at the end of the month when I do my long swim and compare it to the one I did at the begining of this week. I hope to be more efficient, faster, and less tired at the end.
We are doing a 2 hour 30 min ridie on Sunday. If any of you should see 2 women walking, one with a flat tire on her high speed low drag bike, pick us up. She can't change her tire and I won't leave her out there!
Laughing and loving all the crazy things we do!!!!!
As for me, I got 2 (yes 2) coaches for my swim. I am swimming 4 days a week and have been feeling more chlorinated thatn I have ever felt in my life. Mind you this is my 1st week back swimming. I did not ask for the coaches they have just graciously volunteered to help. I apparently "swim flat", don't reach far enough, and kick like "sh-t". Words of constructive critisism from my coaches. So now most of my swim workouts consist of a warm-up (never knew there was one in swiming), a heart rate set (raising my heart rate till it feels like popping out of my chest) then drills, and a cool down (once again never knew, but this is my favorite part of the workouts). I am not a very efficient swimmer. I don't have to be fast, just more efficient to beat the previous 1.2 mile swim I did in GA. hence the drills. Of course, all of this together is helping me build confidence and endurance in the water. I will let you know at the end of the month when I do my long swim and compare it to the one I did at the begining of this week. I hope to be more efficient, faster, and less tired at the end.
We are doing a 2 hour 30 min ridie on Sunday. If any of you should see 2 women walking, one with a flat tire on her high speed low drag bike, pick us up. She can't change her tire and I won't leave her out there!
Laughing and loving all the crazy things we do!!!!!
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