I was super excited to conquer 20 miles Saturday morning. I stuck to my hydration plan at work all day Friday, got all my clothes and gear out the night before and ready for a (very) early alarm clock/dress in the mostly dark, foam rolled out all the stiffness of sitting all day at work. And then I fell asleep while syncing my ipod. I fell asleep before setting my 4:00am alarm. I woke up at 6:45 and was immediately so upset about the whole situation. I even woke up with one of the kids sometime around 12:30am and was so tired that I went to bed without checking my alarm, which is something I would normally do.
Instead of running, I made a trip to the running store and picked up a new pair of shoes. My shoes weren't too bad, definitely showing a fair amount of wear, but the toe box on my right shoe collapsed! It was pressing on my toes with every step on that foot, and I have two very sore toenails as a result.
I tried to implement the same plan in preparation for Sunday. I did pretty good, maybe even nutritionally better. And last night I triple checked my alarm! I was up at 4:25 and running by just after 5:00. Early to avoid the sun and heat. Except today it rained, and rained hard for probably 2/3 of my run. I love the rain for running, so it worked out great. I made all 20 miles. I felt great until mile 16, 17 and 18 were very difficult and then I rallied a little for the last two. I finished in 2:52 (8:37 avg/mile). I am thrilled with that time for my first 20-miler. Projecting that pace, I should think another 50 or so minutes to finish another 6 miles is normal, but on the tale end of a marathon a challenge for sure. I am going to have to move it on race day to meet my goal time, but anything sub 3:45 would be amazing!
I wore my new shoes for the first 10 miles, then swapped out to my old ones. My feet are beat up. The rain really took a toll. I also had to ditch my music because the rain was coming down so hard I was worried something might short out. I did good with hydration, I think. I feel really dehydrated right now though, but I always struggle with recovery, so nothing new there (any suggestions are welcome!)
This week is an easy week to recover from the load of building to 20. The timing works out perfectly because this Sunday I'll be volunteering at Ironman Wisconsin!
Anybody out there achieving big goals this week? Or little goals? All victories are huge in my mind!
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
High Temps and Long Runs
Some people are built for hot weather. I am not one of them. It takes my head right out of the game when it comes to pushing through a tough run. In the wake of post-Racine fatigue the high temps have not helped my Columbus Marathon training. I finally feel recovered from Racine, but have been struggling getting mileage in with the high temperatures and humidity. On top of that, the route I usually run is almost exclusively in the sun. It's a bad combo. I've been on the treadmill way more than I'd like, which is fine for some things (I usually like to do speed workouts on the treadmill), but I can really feel it once I get out onto the road.
And then I remembered that years ago, I used to run the loop around the high school parking lot! It's lit until 10:30pm, which gets me off the roads in the dark, and I feel less likely to get attacked by a wild animal (why do I have this fear??). The loop is 1.1 miles/lap, it has some small hills. It's been great. Even though it's still been 80 degrees at 10:00pm. Plus, there is something really freeing about a night run. I've been wearing my head lamp, but haven't really needed it except once the lights go out.
On the docket for the rest of the week: a short tempo run and this weekend, my first 20-miler (1 of 3) in Columbus prep.
Monday, August 18, 2014
Bug Trouble
Two weekends in a row, I have gotten a gnat in my eye (the same eye) while on my long run. What are the odds of that? And of all the space in the air that a small insect could fly, why does it end up right in your eye?
Monday, August 11, 2014
How Ironman turned me into a marshmallow
I'm not sure if it was a post race slump, my hip injury, my body being overly exhausted from month's of long training, a new work schedule, the summer heat, or (most likely) a combination of all of those things. I have hit a serious rut since Racine. I have not been on my bike or in the pool in 3 weeks. I am a little afraid of my bike right now because of how tender my knee felt on it, especially given that I have running goals remaining this year.
But who can worry about running goals when my hip is in excruciating pain? It is beyond awful. I desperately want to get it looked at. It is now visibly swollen and you can feel the tendon or ligament or whatever it is puffy and moving around, which is completely the opposite of the other side. Unfortunately for me, we are in an insurance pickle right now, and I have to wait until September to get it looked at. We have terrible coverage to get us through until new, great coverage starts, and any visits or testing that I would do now would be out of pocket. So, I'm carrying on. And icing. And eating ibuprofen like candy. Believe me, I'd rather have candy.
I bruised 2 toenails on long runs. One is pretty black and gross. Awesome. Wearing the same shoes I've been wearing since January, without any problems.
I started a new work schedule that involves several over night shifts. While I feel fairly mentally adjusted to it after a few weeks, it is clear that my body just can't give what it normally would. My legs feel heavy and tired and I haven't been able to push the pace at all. Frustrating. I am trying to do what I can do while avoiding injury to a tired body.
The other problem with working overnights is that it has thrown off my eating schedule somewhat and so I feel less hydrated or incorrectly hydrated? I'm not sure. But I've been doing a lot of cramping on longer runs. It's all very odd. The more humid weather is not helping, and I've been forced to head out a little later in the day because of my schedule. For example, I did not start my run yesterday until 3:00 in the afternoon. It was 86 degrees and muggy.
I have a mental block because of all of this, and have missed my last 2 weeks of long distances, managing only 12 miles on both days (instead of the 16 and 17 I was supposed to do). I keep telling myself I have plenty of time still until Columbus, and I do. But I also don't. If a few things can come together, and I can get in a solid run that feels comfortable I know the mental block will go away. It's also a bit daunting because I haven't run over 15 miles in 3 years! I'm excited to push beyond that distance again.
Maybe a pair of new shoes is the cure? Nothing gets me motivated like new gear!
But who can worry about running goals when my hip is in excruciating pain? It is beyond awful. I desperately want to get it looked at. It is now visibly swollen and you can feel the tendon or ligament or whatever it is puffy and moving around, which is completely the opposite of the other side. Unfortunately for me, we are in an insurance pickle right now, and I have to wait until September to get it looked at. We have terrible coverage to get us through until new, great coverage starts, and any visits or testing that I would do now would be out of pocket. So, I'm carrying on. And icing. And eating ibuprofen like candy. Believe me, I'd rather have candy.
I bruised 2 toenails on long runs. One is pretty black and gross. Awesome. Wearing the same shoes I've been wearing since January, without any problems.
I started a new work schedule that involves several over night shifts. While I feel fairly mentally adjusted to it after a few weeks, it is clear that my body just can't give what it normally would. My legs feel heavy and tired and I haven't been able to push the pace at all. Frustrating. I am trying to do what I can do while avoiding injury to a tired body.
The other problem with working overnights is that it has thrown off my eating schedule somewhat and so I feel less hydrated or incorrectly hydrated? I'm not sure. But I've been doing a lot of cramping on longer runs. It's all very odd. The more humid weather is not helping, and I've been forced to head out a little later in the day because of my schedule. For example, I did not start my run yesterday until 3:00 in the afternoon. It was 86 degrees and muggy.
I have a mental block because of all of this, and have missed my last 2 weeks of long distances, managing only 12 miles on both days (instead of the 16 and 17 I was supposed to do). I keep telling myself I have plenty of time still until Columbus, and I do. But I also don't. If a few things can come together, and I can get in a solid run that feels comfortable I know the mental block will go away. It's also a bit daunting because I haven't run over 15 miles in 3 years! I'm excited to push beyond that distance again.
Maybe a pair of new shoes is the cure? Nothing gets me motivated like new gear!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Race Recap
Ironman 70.3 Racine....complete!
I could not be more happy or excited about how Sunday went. I had a great, relaxing week prior to the race. I was a little nervous about being on vacation for 5 days leading up to the race, but I ended up getting lots of sleep, having little in the way of regular chores to keep up with, and got in two really good lake/wetsuit swims, which really boosted my confidence going into Sunday.
I was extremely rushed at the athlete check-in and expo, and actually missed the pre-race meeting. I wanted to get my bike worked on a little before the race, but also missed that. Luckily, there were volunteers on hand in transition on race morning, so I was able to air up both tires prior to the race. I dropped my bike in transition, walked through the transition area, counting bike racks and walking my route for the run in/bike out/run out, etc. Then I went to the lake. There were kids swimming in it everywhere! I walked in up to my knees and immediately wanted to chase all the kids out. It was so cold! 62 degrees! I had originally planned to swim a little after dropping my bike, but I was tired and hungry and really just wanted to shower, eat, and start getting my head around race day.
I picked up my necessary fuel (bagels, Uncrustables, gatorade, bananas, and pizza and breadsticks for Saturday evening meal), headed to my hotel, and settled in.
My alarm went off at 4:00am Sunday. Getting out of my room and to the start area went smoothly. I even found on street parking very close to transition/finish! I got my transition area set up, went through body marking, and hit the port-o-lets. I had plenty of time and never felt rushed. Transition closed at 6:30 for the race start at 7:00. The swim was a point-to-point, ending on the beach by transition, so athletes had to walk the mile up the beach to the swim start.
The pro waves went off at 7:00 and then there was a wave pretty much every 4 minutes after that. My wave, number 11, went off at 7:37. Prior to that, I tried to just visualize my race: transition, swim, being calm, reviewed when I wanted to eat, how much and when to drink, etc. There was a practice area marked off in the water near the swim start. I went in, floated around, put my face in and floated and breathed, then did about 10 minutes of very light swimming, just trying to acclimate to the cold water. They announced that the water temp was 61.4 degrees on race morning! It was cold. My hands and feet were very cold paddling around in the practice area.
I saw Eric just before my wave went off! I was really happy to see him. I wasn't sure if he would be at the start or at the finish of the swim (turns out, I saw him at both places!). I tried to position myself near the back of my wave, not wanting to get caught up in going out too fast. This ended up being a bit of a rookie mistake, because I got caught behind some really weak swimmers. Not that I am, by any means, the strongest of swimmers, but I really got hung up in traffic. It was a mass of bodies. I couldn't see any clear path, every time I put my face down to swim, I ran into someone or a body part, and I was being touched on all sides. I never got pushed down or run over. I felt a little wave of panic from being very uncomfortable, but I tried to keep breathing and moving forward. Once the course turned to swim perpendicular to the shore, the traffic really cleared out and I was able to find some open water. I got into a rhythm and never let up, other than a few times when I had to maneuver around other swimmers. It was a little crazy...I'd be swimming along, turn to breath and all of a sudden there would be a body right next to me! I did try to swim behind someone, but found it to be more distracting than it felt helpful, so I went back to what felt comfortable to me. I remembered some good advice from a very experienced triathlete friend, and swam until my hands and knees were in the sand as I approached the beach. I swam past people already walking and fighting the water! I felt fresh and when I looked at my watch, I was thrilled with my time! Official swim time: 43:06 for the 1.2 miles.
T1 took 5:28. It went very smooth, no problems finding my bike. And I was very thankful for the kiddie pools of water to rinse the caked sand off my feet from running up the beach!
Again, a piece of valuable advice from my friend gave me an advantage out of the gate on the bike. The hill out of transition is enormous, so I was set up in a low gear. Thank goodness! I cruised right up and was on my way. My goal was to finish in 3:30 or under. The roads out of Racine were in horrible condition, and there was a lot of bike traffic. I ended up nailing a huge pothole and lost some air in my rear tire. I had no choice but to continue with it low and hope it didn't go flat. I felt on target with my nutrition goals on the bike. I ate my PB&J when I wanted, and finished 2 full bottles of fluid (one water and one Nuun, and about half a gatorade--I also put down about half a bottle of water in transition). I opted out of my gel because it was so warm on my bike frame that it just wasn't appealing to me when I had planned to take it. The bike course was nice, not too challenging and lots of downhill. The rough roads took a toll though. I really felt beat up by the end, and the rough roads made it feel like the pedals were pulling my questionable knee. I started to lose focus by the end, and just really wanted to be off. I was definitely counting down the miles with about 10 to go. The last 4 miles were into the wind and my knee felt totally destroyed. I had no power left in it, and I started to focus on how much it was hurting, which let in other doubts: I was hungry, getting tired, it was starting to get hot, I still had 13.1 miles to run! Also seeing the number of people on the run course already as I was almost back to transition made me feel like I was doing very poorly despite being ahead on both my time goals so far. I finished the 56 mile bike in 3:20:32.
T2 took 3:50. I even ended up changing my top for a looser fitting tank instead of the compression top I had been wearing, and swapped out watches for my GPS watch.
The hill out of transition onto the run course seemed very unnecessary on the first loop, and cruel on the second. The run course was a double loop. I wanted to start off a nice even, slow pace and then just maintain a comfortable pace for the entire run. I ended up doing 8:08 my first mile and 8:05 my second. My legs were a little rubbery still, but luckily NO knee pain on the run! I could have kissed every single person who had a hose set up in their front yard spraying runners as they went by....it was hot and the run course did have much shade. When I could see the lake, I kept telling myself that I was going in again after I finished (I didn't, but I did really want to!! I would have killed for that cold water at that point). I started to really hurt around mile 9, and my pace dropped off, but I maintained just below 10:00/mile. I finally needed to use the bathroom, and did take a very fast bathroom break between miles 9-10. Cups of ice at the aid stations were my savior. I grabbed one through each aid station, carried as much as I could in my hands and sucked on it while I ran. I was starving on the run, and ate two orange slices in one of the later miles...at the same aid station I used the bathroom. I ended up finishing the 13.1 miles in 2:01:04, my only missed time goal of the day (I wanted 2:00 or better), but all in all, I was thrilled with that! I didn't have to take any walk breaks, and felt like a beast pushing it up that brutal hill on loop 2 past all the walkers. Not that there is anything at all wrong with a walk break, I just had it set in my head that I wanted to push myself if I could and the day went my way pretty much all day.
My total time (I had the goal of 6:30:00 or better) was 6:14:00!!! Beat my goal by 16 whole minutes!
In the aftermath, I think I can improve by a small margin on the swim and I know I can run a stand alone half marathon a lot faster, but am stoked with 2:00 after a 56 mile bike. I honestly feel now that the bike is my weakest leg. I'm not sure if it is a strength issue, a technique issue, or an equipment issue, or a combination of all those?
I have no plans of signing up for a full Ironman in the near future, but would like to take it on someday. I do, however, fully intend to do another half. Running is still my passion, but triathlon has really found a place in my heart.
Thanks to everyone who supported me, sent me messages, encouraged me along the way. I cannot express my gratitude for my husband and kids for their sacrifice over the past months and for being there on race day to support me. There is a fantastic picture of me near the finish where I saw them all (the kids for the first time that day)...I have the biggest smile! My husband's parents were there on race day, and took the kids several times during my training to help me out in getting workouts in. And of course, my triathlete friends deserve huge props for putting up with my constant questions!
I could not be more happy or excited about how Sunday went. I had a great, relaxing week prior to the race. I was a little nervous about being on vacation for 5 days leading up to the race, but I ended up getting lots of sleep, having little in the way of regular chores to keep up with, and got in two really good lake/wetsuit swims, which really boosted my confidence going into Sunday.
I was extremely rushed at the athlete check-in and expo, and actually missed the pre-race meeting. I wanted to get my bike worked on a little before the race, but also missed that. Luckily, there were volunteers on hand in transition on race morning, so I was able to air up both tires prior to the race. I dropped my bike in transition, walked through the transition area, counting bike racks and walking my route for the run in/bike out/run out, etc. Then I went to the lake. There were kids swimming in it everywhere! I walked in up to my knees and immediately wanted to chase all the kids out. It was so cold! 62 degrees! I had originally planned to swim a little after dropping my bike, but I was tired and hungry and really just wanted to shower, eat, and start getting my head around race day.
I picked up my necessary fuel (bagels, Uncrustables, gatorade, bananas, and pizza and breadsticks for Saturday evening meal), headed to my hotel, and settled in.
My alarm went off at 4:00am Sunday. Getting out of my room and to the start area went smoothly. I even found on street parking very close to transition/finish! I got my transition area set up, went through body marking, and hit the port-o-lets. I had plenty of time and never felt rushed. Transition closed at 6:30 for the race start at 7:00. The swim was a point-to-point, ending on the beach by transition, so athletes had to walk the mile up the beach to the swim start.
The pro waves went off at 7:00 and then there was a wave pretty much every 4 minutes after that. My wave, number 11, went off at 7:37. Prior to that, I tried to just visualize my race: transition, swim, being calm, reviewed when I wanted to eat, how much and when to drink, etc. There was a practice area marked off in the water near the swim start. I went in, floated around, put my face in and floated and breathed, then did about 10 minutes of very light swimming, just trying to acclimate to the cold water. They announced that the water temp was 61.4 degrees on race morning! It was cold. My hands and feet were very cold paddling around in the practice area.
I saw Eric just before my wave went off! I was really happy to see him. I wasn't sure if he would be at the start or at the finish of the swim (turns out, I saw him at both places!). I tried to position myself near the back of my wave, not wanting to get caught up in going out too fast. This ended up being a bit of a rookie mistake, because I got caught behind some really weak swimmers. Not that I am, by any means, the strongest of swimmers, but I really got hung up in traffic. It was a mass of bodies. I couldn't see any clear path, every time I put my face down to swim, I ran into someone or a body part, and I was being touched on all sides. I never got pushed down or run over. I felt a little wave of panic from being very uncomfortable, but I tried to keep breathing and moving forward. Once the course turned to swim perpendicular to the shore, the traffic really cleared out and I was able to find some open water. I got into a rhythm and never let up, other than a few times when I had to maneuver around other swimmers. It was a little crazy...I'd be swimming along, turn to breath and all of a sudden there would be a body right next to me! I did try to swim behind someone, but found it to be more distracting than it felt helpful, so I went back to what felt comfortable to me. I remembered some good advice from a very experienced triathlete friend, and swam until my hands and knees were in the sand as I approached the beach. I swam past people already walking and fighting the water! I felt fresh and when I looked at my watch, I was thrilled with my time! Official swim time: 43:06 for the 1.2 miles.
T1 took 5:28. It went very smooth, no problems finding my bike. And I was very thankful for the kiddie pools of water to rinse the caked sand off my feet from running up the beach!
Again, a piece of valuable advice from my friend gave me an advantage out of the gate on the bike. The hill out of transition is enormous, so I was set up in a low gear. Thank goodness! I cruised right up and was on my way. My goal was to finish in 3:30 or under. The roads out of Racine were in horrible condition, and there was a lot of bike traffic. I ended up nailing a huge pothole and lost some air in my rear tire. I had no choice but to continue with it low and hope it didn't go flat. I felt on target with my nutrition goals on the bike. I ate my PB&J when I wanted, and finished 2 full bottles of fluid (one water and one Nuun, and about half a gatorade--I also put down about half a bottle of water in transition). I opted out of my gel because it was so warm on my bike frame that it just wasn't appealing to me when I had planned to take it. The bike course was nice, not too challenging and lots of downhill. The rough roads took a toll though. I really felt beat up by the end, and the rough roads made it feel like the pedals were pulling my questionable knee. I started to lose focus by the end, and just really wanted to be off. I was definitely counting down the miles with about 10 to go. The last 4 miles were into the wind and my knee felt totally destroyed. I had no power left in it, and I started to focus on how much it was hurting, which let in other doubts: I was hungry, getting tired, it was starting to get hot, I still had 13.1 miles to run! Also seeing the number of people on the run course already as I was almost back to transition made me feel like I was doing very poorly despite being ahead on both my time goals so far. I finished the 56 mile bike in 3:20:32.
T2 took 3:50. I even ended up changing my top for a looser fitting tank instead of the compression top I had been wearing, and swapped out watches for my GPS watch.
The hill out of transition onto the run course seemed very unnecessary on the first loop, and cruel on the second. The run course was a double loop. I wanted to start off a nice even, slow pace and then just maintain a comfortable pace for the entire run. I ended up doing 8:08 my first mile and 8:05 my second. My legs were a little rubbery still, but luckily NO knee pain on the run! I could have kissed every single person who had a hose set up in their front yard spraying runners as they went by....it was hot and the run course did have much shade. When I could see the lake, I kept telling myself that I was going in again after I finished (I didn't, but I did really want to!! I would have killed for that cold water at that point). I started to really hurt around mile 9, and my pace dropped off, but I maintained just below 10:00/mile. I finally needed to use the bathroom, and did take a very fast bathroom break between miles 9-10. Cups of ice at the aid stations were my savior. I grabbed one through each aid station, carried as much as I could in my hands and sucked on it while I ran. I was starving on the run, and ate two orange slices in one of the later miles...at the same aid station I used the bathroom. I ended up finishing the 13.1 miles in 2:01:04, my only missed time goal of the day (I wanted 2:00 or better), but all in all, I was thrilled with that! I didn't have to take any walk breaks, and felt like a beast pushing it up that brutal hill on loop 2 past all the walkers. Not that there is anything at all wrong with a walk break, I just had it set in my head that I wanted to push myself if I could and the day went my way pretty much all day.
My total time (I had the goal of 6:30:00 or better) was 6:14:00!!! Beat my goal by 16 whole minutes!
In the aftermath, I think I can improve by a small margin on the swim and I know I can run a stand alone half marathon a lot faster, but am stoked with 2:00 after a 56 mile bike. I honestly feel now that the bike is my weakest leg. I'm not sure if it is a strength issue, a technique issue, or an equipment issue, or a combination of all those?
I have no plans of signing up for a full Ironman in the near future, but would like to take it on someday. I do, however, fully intend to do another half. Running is still my passion, but triathlon has really found a place in my heart.
Thanks to everyone who supported me, sent me messages, encouraged me along the way. I cannot express my gratitude for my husband and kids for their sacrifice over the past months and for being there on race day to support me. There is a fantastic picture of me near the finish where I saw them all (the kids for the first time that day)...I have the biggest smile! My husband's parents were there on race day, and took the kids several times during my training to help me out in getting workouts in. And of course, my triathlete friends deserve huge props for putting up with my constant questions!
Monday, July 14, 2014
Devastation
I woke up yesterday so excited to put my training for Ironman 70.3 to bed. This week is an easy rest week leading up to race day on Sunday. I had a long bike/run scheduled. But when I looked out the window the weather was overcast (fine) and really windy (not fine!). I hate riding in such strong winds. I get frustrated because I just don't have the strength to power through strongly. My pace slows and I work so hard to basically go nowhere. Anyway, I headed out and pretty immediately got frustrated but went into the wind for a long time thinking how sweet it would be to head back with the tailwind.
Then my left knee started to hurt. It felt better when I wasn't pedaling so hard into the wind. But at a certain point it didn't matter. It just hurt. Bad. I got off my bike and tried to stretch out. That helped some, for about 5 minutes. Then the pain got to where I couldn't even push down, I couldn't get into aero position, and I just wanted to cry. I was far away from home and all I could think is that there is no way I can finish a 56 mile ride in this much pain next week. I eventually did cry because man did it really hurt, and there really isn't any relief on the bike.
I'm hoping that I just strained something with the excessive force I was using trying to go into the wind. I really hoping this is not a secondary injury to my hip injury that I've been fighting. Those tendons are all connected, and so it makes sense that if one is injured it might eventually affect the others. I just kept playing through the race. My pace slowed to almost 8 miles an hour, down from the 16.5 or so that I can usually maintain. That means it would take over 6 hours to finish the bike portion next Sunday, and I would not make the cut off time to continue on in the race.
I didn't go as long as I needed to ride. I ran just a little bit, and it honestly felt totally fine running. That is a good sign! It felt totally fine walking around all day. Just a little notice of something a couple of times sitting on the floor and one big twinge bending down to pick up a toddler. I used lots of ibuprofen and ice, and that's my place to get to Sunday, along with lots of stretching.
Fingers crossed it was a fluke!
Then my left knee started to hurt. It felt better when I wasn't pedaling so hard into the wind. But at a certain point it didn't matter. It just hurt. Bad. I got off my bike and tried to stretch out. That helped some, for about 5 minutes. Then the pain got to where I couldn't even push down, I couldn't get into aero position, and I just wanted to cry. I was far away from home and all I could think is that there is no way I can finish a 56 mile ride in this much pain next week. I eventually did cry because man did it really hurt, and there really isn't any relief on the bike.
I'm hoping that I just strained something with the excessive force I was using trying to go into the wind. I really hoping this is not a secondary injury to my hip injury that I've been fighting. Those tendons are all connected, and so it makes sense that if one is injured it might eventually affect the others. I just kept playing through the race. My pace slowed to almost 8 miles an hour, down from the 16.5 or so that I can usually maintain. That means it would take over 6 hours to finish the bike portion next Sunday, and I would not make the cut off time to continue on in the race.
I didn't go as long as I needed to ride. I ran just a little bit, and it honestly felt totally fine running. That is a good sign! It felt totally fine walking around all day. Just a little notice of something a couple of times sitting on the floor and one big twinge bending down to pick up a toddler. I used lots of ibuprofen and ice, and that's my place to get to Sunday, along with lots of stretching.
Fingers crossed it was a fluke!
Saturday, July 12, 2014
7 days out
Freaking out just a little. Race day is a week away. At this time next week I'll be tucked away in bed, preparing for a 4:00am wake up call. I'll be rested, prepped, and carbo-loaded, and ready to dominate Racine 70.3. At least that's what I plan to tell myself for the next week.
The forecast is out, and so far high of 77 and partly cloudy! That's a tad warm for the run, but it could be A LOT worse for mid-July. Of course, I think a temp of about 99 degrees would go a long way to make the lake temps more manageable for the swim, but...you can't win 'em all, and the water is going to be an ice bath no matter what the air temp is.
Today I did my last long run and swim. Again, a time crunch and afternoon plans had me a bit pressed for time. I cut a mile out of my run and did 13 instead of the 14 my training plan called for. I was actually ok with that because of a few twinges, which I'll get to in a minute. I chatted a few minutes with an older man that I see regularly on my morning runs (he ran a 5K last weekend and knew my race was coming up, so we exchanged updates). After a quick change, I was in the pool for a 3000m swim. It felt pretty good. Around 2000m I put my head down trying to work a kink out of my shoulder and felt myself go a little faster and easier through the water. I continued to focus on my head position and boy did I notice a difference. I then put my head where I had been holding it and instantly felt more "drag" in the water. Amazing that I didn't notice that earlier!
Tomorrow I have my last long bike/run workout. Right now I am sitting on my bed with my new bike helmet on. Pretty excited to put it to the test tomorrow. I've got a 50 mile ride and 4 mile run planned.
Status report: I have a few nagging "injuries." More like twinges. Probably from overuse. My hip continues to hurt. I can't believe it's been so many months since I fell. I know it took a huge blow and I have given it zero rest, but still! My right calf has been cramping pretty badly after about 3 miles. Not good. To take care of my body I've been using lots of ice on my hip, ibuprofen, lots of fluids, and this week the foam roller has been my calf's best friend. This morning I wore compression socks and had no problems from my calf. It was very tight after, but did not cramp while I was running. Plan to continue the foam roller and compression socks this week.
Funny story: went for a swim/run this week. I normally shower at home, but decided to shower at the Y before I left. This change totally messed up my packing. I only brought one pair of underwear, so after the pool my dilemma became whether to wear underwear for my run or on my way home, or wear the same sweaty pair after my shower. Gross. I opted to run commando and, of course, had tight running shorts with me, not the nice ones with the built in underwear. I had planned some speedwork and hills on the treadmill, and wouldn't you know the only other treadmill in use happened to be the one directly behind me. Umm....felt like that guy got a nice show during his workout. I have spare socks, shirts, etc all in my bag. Clearly, I need to add another article to that stash of extras.
The forecast is out, and so far high of 77 and partly cloudy! That's a tad warm for the run, but it could be A LOT worse for mid-July. Of course, I think a temp of about 99 degrees would go a long way to make the lake temps more manageable for the swim, but...you can't win 'em all, and the water is going to be an ice bath no matter what the air temp is.
Today I did my last long run and swim. Again, a time crunch and afternoon plans had me a bit pressed for time. I cut a mile out of my run and did 13 instead of the 14 my training plan called for. I was actually ok with that because of a few twinges, which I'll get to in a minute. I chatted a few minutes with an older man that I see regularly on my morning runs (he ran a 5K last weekend and knew my race was coming up, so we exchanged updates). After a quick change, I was in the pool for a 3000m swim. It felt pretty good. Around 2000m I put my head down trying to work a kink out of my shoulder and felt myself go a little faster and easier through the water. I continued to focus on my head position and boy did I notice a difference. I then put my head where I had been holding it and instantly felt more "drag" in the water. Amazing that I didn't notice that earlier!
Tomorrow I have my last long bike/run workout. Right now I am sitting on my bed with my new bike helmet on. Pretty excited to put it to the test tomorrow. I've got a 50 mile ride and 4 mile run planned.
Status report: I have a few nagging "injuries." More like twinges. Probably from overuse. My hip continues to hurt. I can't believe it's been so many months since I fell. I know it took a huge blow and I have given it zero rest, but still! My right calf has been cramping pretty badly after about 3 miles. Not good. To take care of my body I've been using lots of ice on my hip, ibuprofen, lots of fluids, and this week the foam roller has been my calf's best friend. This morning I wore compression socks and had no problems from my calf. It was very tight after, but did not cramp while I was running. Plan to continue the foam roller and compression socks this week.
Funny story: went for a swim/run this week. I normally shower at home, but decided to shower at the Y before I left. This change totally messed up my packing. I only brought one pair of underwear, so after the pool my dilemma became whether to wear underwear for my run or on my way home, or wear the same sweaty pair after my shower. Gross. I opted to run commando and, of course, had tight running shorts with me, not the nice ones with the built in underwear. I had planned some speedwork and hills on the treadmill, and wouldn't you know the only other treadmill in use happened to be the one directly behind me. Umm....felt like that guy got a nice show during his workout. I have spare socks, shirts, etc all in my bag. Clearly, I need to add another article to that stash of extras.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Long Bike
Yesterday I rode another 50+ miler. I was supposed to ride 60, but cut it off at 54. Mostly again because of time. I had spent 2 hours the previous day running, then worked that afternoon/evening, and I was out the door at 6:50. I had missed a lot of time with my babies, felt the 54 miles was a good workout and was closer to home than making another detour to tack on a few more miles. I parked my bike, slipped into my running shoes and took off for a 2 mile run.
After my 14-miler Saturday morning, then all the time spent sitting at work, and then 3:23 on the bike, my legs were sore! It does not help that the first part of my run is a very steep downhill. The pounding on tired quads is a very strange sensation. After about 1/2 mile, though, they loosened up to the point that I felt a relatively normal running stride, and though I felt very tired and thirsty (argh!), the two miles was no problem. Could I have made it 11 more?
I was disappointed that I felt thirsty...I had to pee, so I drank a fair amount on my bike, but not enough when I looked at my bottles when I unpacked my bike. I think I'll have to come up with a game plan to drink every x minutes or x miles. It will probably be a little cooler in Wisconsin than it is here, and hopefully a little less humid on the lake front, so that will work in my favor.
Today is a rest day, then back at it again tomorrow. Last week of long workouts!
Almost forgot...I rode my 54 miles in 3:23. This time is still a bit slower than I thought I could do, but it still puts me at my goal time of about 6.5 hours total for the race. If there is not a ton of wind, and I can push myself a little more in some spots, I can knock down that time a little. I rode a very hilly route yesterday; good for legs, and more climbs than the race route, so hopefully that's a good thing for my bike split.
After my 14-miler Saturday morning, then all the time spent sitting at work, and then 3:23 on the bike, my legs were sore! It does not help that the first part of my run is a very steep downhill. The pounding on tired quads is a very strange sensation. After about 1/2 mile, though, they loosened up to the point that I felt a relatively normal running stride, and though I felt very tired and thirsty (argh!), the two miles was no problem. Could I have made it 11 more?
I was disappointed that I felt thirsty...I had to pee, so I drank a fair amount on my bike, but not enough when I looked at my bottles when I unpacked my bike. I think I'll have to come up with a game plan to drink every x minutes or x miles. It will probably be a little cooler in Wisconsin than it is here, and hopefully a little less humid on the lake front, so that will work in my favor.
Today is a rest day, then back at it again tomorrow. Last week of long workouts!
Almost forgot...I rode my 54 miles in 3:23. This time is still a bit slower than I thought I could do, but it still puts me at my goal time of about 6.5 hours total for the race. If there is not a ton of wind, and I can push myself a little more in some spots, I can knock down that time a little. I rode a very hilly route yesterday; good for legs, and more climbs than the race route, so hopefully that's a good thing for my bike split.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Crunch Time
I had a small panic attack this week when I realized that race day is almost in the 10-day forecast. Insert expletive. Officially, it is two weeks from tomorrow. I have been logging early workouts, long miles, fine tuning nutrition, and generally feeling very nervous and unprepared. I have covered more than the distance in each of the three disciplines more than once in training, or technically only once in the run, but multiple times now I have exceeded the 1.2 mile swim (I have swam over 3000m several times), and surpassed the 56 miles on the bike twice and gone 48 one time, and today ran 14 miles and hit 12 miles twice. I am overwhelmed and nervous about cut off times and the icy water remains my biggest concern.
So...as I said, I have swam 2 miles on two occasions now, and 3000m twice. That is a long way! Granted it has been in the pool each time, so that's easier. I feel confident in the distance in the pool. I'm hoping to log one more long open water swim before. Working in my favor is that we'll be in Wisconsin the week prior to the race, vacationing at the lake! While it is not Lake Michigan, it is still an opportunity for a few days worth of open water, and I'll probably practice in my wet suit one more time as well.
Tomorrow I have a 60 mile ride scheduled. Last weekend, I had to cut my ride short by 12 miles and only rode 48 because we were socked in by fog in the morning and I had a baby shower to get to in the afternoon. I did manage a 15 minute run after those bike miles. It is taking me only about a mile to feel like my legs are lead now after a long bike. Woohoo! Also...loving the PB&J on the bike. Praise the inventor of the Uncrustable!
While all this is going great, I still feel grossly underprepared. I'm not sure what would make me feel more prepared. What would I gain by a few more weeks? I do know that I feel very, very tired. I am looking forward to race day if only to have a bit of a break from the multiple hours of multi sport training. I am pretty stoked to spend a few months just running in preparation for the Columbus Marathon.
And, even though I have no idea what I'm doing as far as training goes, I plan to tweak my plan for race week and add in some rest days. There are none! That just seems crazy as tired as my body feels.
Will be sure to update on my long ride/run tomorrow. And, any positive and calming vibes for the next two weeks are much appreciated!
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Race Day Acclimating
Know what I've been up to? Riding and running in sweltering heat. Which I hate. Buuuuttt, I have a race in July. Stupid. I hate summer a lot, and typically try to schedule my races in the spring and fall. Triathlons, it seems, take place mostly in the summer. I guess because of the swim part. Unless you're swimming in Lake Michigan, where it is approximately 3 degrees above freezing. So, at the end of all my showers from now until July 18th, I am spending about 5 minutes standing in water as cold as I can make it. It takes my breath away. I am hoping this will help make the water in Racine slightly less terrifying and cold feeling. We'll see. I only have to be in it for, best case scenario, 45 minutes or so. I don't think I can reasonably spend that much time a day standing in an ice cold shower, so 5-10 minutes is going to have to do.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
4:12
Four hours and twelve minutes. That is how long I sat on my bike seat today to cover 60.85 miles. It was not a brilliantly fast ride, but it was 10.85 miles longer than I've ever ridden before. With the low speed came a fairly easy recovery. I was hot and tired (and really dirty!) after, but not especially sore, and even now, hours after finishing, I still feel good in all the places that I might have guessed would hurt.
Partly the slow pace came from the route I took, which resulted in lots of places where I had to stop for cross traffic. Also, lots of other bike/pedestrian traffic to manage (surprising for a Tuesday morning). And also the temperature when I started was 81 degrees, and by finish had climbed to 91 degrees in almost completely full sun. At one point my bike computer read 97 degrees. I don't think that is quite accurate, but it felt hot out there with no shade cover. I managed to eat a peanut butter & jelly "Uncrustable," take a gel, drank plenty of water and gatorade, all while moving. I was happy that at the end of the ride I really had to pee--a sign I had managed my hydration well, especially in all the heat and sun.
I skipped my planned post-ride run (again), because I am a wimp, it was hot, I was tired and, honestly, I had something I needed to do and didn't want to postpone it another 30 minutes. Lame, and now I regret it. I knew that was going to happen.
My bike spent a few minutes in the shop yesterday to get ready for today's ride. It needed a new tube in the rear tire after the flat I got Sunday. $20 and about 15 minutes and I was back on the road.
I thought about a lot of things while riding for 4+ hours:
1. The temperature
2. When I planned to eat, and a plan for when I was going to drink which drink
3. What I was going to eat when I was done
4. How long it takes to ride that many miles
5. How riding double the distance to train for a full Ironman seems insane
6. Ironman triathletes are bad ass people
7. How I wished I had some company
8. That I wished I had worn different shorts, or maybe any shorts would start to be irritating after 4 hours on a bike seat
9. Ice cream, ice water, snow, winter...ok, kidding. I was thinking about ice cream, though. Did I mention it was hot??
10. The creepy man that kept passing me then slowing, then passing, then eventually talked to me. Was he going to knock me down, club me, and toss me into a van? Turns out he was harmless, or I rode on before he had a chance to abduct me, but that I was thankful for conversation the last 2 miles because my will to finish was being strongly tested. Actually with 2 miles left I was fine; it was the point about 6 miles before then that I really needed a kick in the rear.
Anyway, I am happy that it's behind me, and looking forward to another lake swim tomorrow and a run in the high heat again. I hate this weather, but getting a few good workouts in now will help acclimate me for race day (I did a 6-miler right before Ragnar in about 90 degrees and it was torture, but on race day my long leg 9.6miles, was in the heat of the afternoon at 80+ degrees and full sun...and yes it was hot and miserable, but I felt very prepared and was able to maintain a solid pace, so I'm sticking with this plan of acclimating myself).
Anybody racing this weekend?
Partly the slow pace came from the route I took, which resulted in lots of places where I had to stop for cross traffic. Also, lots of other bike/pedestrian traffic to manage (surprising for a Tuesday morning). And also the temperature when I started was 81 degrees, and by finish had climbed to 91 degrees in almost completely full sun. At one point my bike computer read 97 degrees. I don't think that is quite accurate, but it felt hot out there with no shade cover. I managed to eat a peanut butter & jelly "Uncrustable," take a gel, drank plenty of water and gatorade, all while moving. I was happy that at the end of the ride I really had to pee--a sign I had managed my hydration well, especially in all the heat and sun.
I skipped my planned post-ride run (again), because I am a wimp, it was hot, I was tired and, honestly, I had something I needed to do and didn't want to postpone it another 30 minutes. Lame, and now I regret it. I knew that was going to happen.
My bike spent a few minutes in the shop yesterday to get ready for today's ride. It needed a new tube in the rear tire after the flat I got Sunday. $20 and about 15 minutes and I was back on the road.
I thought about a lot of things while riding for 4+ hours:
1. The temperature
2. When I planned to eat, and a plan for when I was going to drink which drink
3. What I was going to eat when I was done
4. How long it takes to ride that many miles
5. How riding double the distance to train for a full Ironman seems insane
6. Ironman triathletes are bad ass people
7. How I wished I had some company
8. That I wished I had worn different shorts, or maybe any shorts would start to be irritating after 4 hours on a bike seat
9. Ice cream, ice water, snow, winter...ok, kidding. I was thinking about ice cream, though. Did I mention it was hot??
10. The creepy man that kept passing me then slowing, then passing, then eventually talked to me. Was he going to knock me down, club me, and toss me into a van? Turns out he was harmless, or I rode on before he had a chance to abduct me, but that I was thankful for conversation the last 2 miles because my will to finish was being strongly tested. Actually with 2 miles left I was fine; it was the point about 6 miles before then that I really needed a kick in the rear.
Anyway, I am happy that it's behind me, and looking forward to another lake swim tomorrow and a run in the high heat again. I hate this weather, but getting a few good workouts in now will help acclimate me for race day (I did a 6-miler right before Ragnar in about 90 degrees and it was torture, but on race day my long leg 9.6miles, was in the heat of the afternoon at 80+ degrees and full sun...and yes it was hot and miserable, but I felt very prepared and was able to maintain a solid pace, so I'm sticking with this plan of acclimating myself).
Anybody racing this weekend?
Monday, June 16, 2014
Training Recap
I can't remember back to Monday and what all I did this week for training. I know I didn't follow my plan exactly as it was printed, and my planner with my workouts written down is too far away for me to get.
I was worried at the start of the week that I'd be really sore from Ragnar last week, because I was still really sore on Sunday. I used the foam roller, took Sunday and Monday off and felt good after that. I guess it must have been Tuesday that I rode my bike in the trainer then did a treadmill run (indoor BRICK workout) and did some light strength stuff and way, way too many sit ups on the crunch bench because I felt that through Friday!
Wednesday I got up early and swam 3000m!! My longest swim by far to date. It took me 1:05 to finish; a little slow but I wanted to finish feeling strong. My arms were so tired after that. I then did a very slow 25min run. After my monstrous swim and the kids being up all night Wed night, I slept through my alarm Thurs morning. Then the kids napped through the time in the afternoon that I thought I could get a swim in. So, Thursday ended up being a wash. I had every intention of getting on the treadmill that night, but I had so much to do to get ready for work Friday morning that it didn't happen. Friday nothing because of work and then family night at the Firemen's festival. Saturday I got up really early and did my long run/swim.
My run felt awful. Probably because I missed pretty much every run I was supposed to do this week and that I never really worked out the kinks from Ragnar. I made it 10 miles at 8:16/mile. Pretty good clip but it didn't feel good at all....and I was supposed to go 14 miles. Then I hit the pool for a 3200m swim (that's 2 miles!!). I was very happy at making it this distance, and in 1:08! My late laps got slower by a bit than I started out, especially the last 900m or so.
At the advice of a friend, I am trying to extend my swimming workouts. Swimming in the pool is way easier than open water, so going way over on distance in the pool should give me some confidence in open water at Racine. The swim there is 1.2 miles, so if I routinely swim near 2 miles or over, I'll be sure that I can cover distance in Racine even with the extra effort of open water swimming.
Sunday I set out on a 60 mile bike. I was feeling great; the weather was good. I planned to really work on my nutrition and then planned a 30 minute run post bike. 20 or so miles in, I ate a peanut butter sandwich on the the fly. People driving by were probably wondering what on earth I was doing. It seemed to settle ok, and gave me a real energy boost. I was starting to get hungry at that point! Because I was riding into a really bad headwind, I decided to change up my course a little. I planned 30 miles out and back, but at 25 miles, I turned around and decided I would cut through town for a few loops then head back to make up the total 60 miles. At this point, a deer came flying up over the side of the road straight for me. I was riding at 19.4 mph in aero (read: my hands were not on my brakes). I tried to stay my course and not panic but it was all happening very fast; I didn't want to go down going that fast without my hands to help brace my fall. The deer started zig zagging, and I managed to grab my front brake to slow down (not smart--lucky I didn't go over the handle bars!), and at the last second the deer turned and headed back away from the road. All the zig zagging changed his course from coming straight at me to getting a bit ahead of me, so it was more likely before he changed direction that I might actually hit him. Either way it was probably not going to end well.
I shook that off and not ten minutes later "bam!" I hit a rock or something that caused a loud pop. I pedaled up to a turn off, checked my front tire. It was full. Turned to check my back tire and could hear the air rushing out before I even felt it. I texted that I was going to need a ride and that I'd try to make it up to a store that was a few miles up the road. As soon as I got on my bike the back tire was already on the rim. Not riding anywhere. So I called with my location and set up on a nice grassy area on the side of the road and worked on my tan. My day was over.
Today my bike is going into the shop to repair the rear tire. I don't have any of the equipment/spare parts here, and it needs to be tuned up before Racine anyway.
I was worried at the start of the week that I'd be really sore from Ragnar last week, because I was still really sore on Sunday. I used the foam roller, took Sunday and Monday off and felt good after that. I guess it must have been Tuesday that I rode my bike in the trainer then did a treadmill run (indoor BRICK workout) and did some light strength stuff and way, way too many sit ups on the crunch bench because I felt that through Friday!
Wednesday I got up early and swam 3000m!! My longest swim by far to date. It took me 1:05 to finish; a little slow but I wanted to finish feeling strong. My arms were so tired after that. I then did a very slow 25min run. After my monstrous swim and the kids being up all night Wed night, I slept through my alarm Thurs morning. Then the kids napped through the time in the afternoon that I thought I could get a swim in. So, Thursday ended up being a wash. I had every intention of getting on the treadmill that night, but I had so much to do to get ready for work Friday morning that it didn't happen. Friday nothing because of work and then family night at the Firemen's festival. Saturday I got up really early and did my long run/swim.
My run felt awful. Probably because I missed pretty much every run I was supposed to do this week and that I never really worked out the kinks from Ragnar. I made it 10 miles at 8:16/mile. Pretty good clip but it didn't feel good at all....and I was supposed to go 14 miles. Then I hit the pool for a 3200m swim (that's 2 miles!!). I was very happy at making it this distance, and in 1:08! My late laps got slower by a bit than I started out, especially the last 900m or so.
At the advice of a friend, I am trying to extend my swimming workouts. Swimming in the pool is way easier than open water, so going way over on distance in the pool should give me some confidence in open water at Racine. The swim there is 1.2 miles, so if I routinely swim near 2 miles or over, I'll be sure that I can cover distance in Racine even with the extra effort of open water swimming.
Sunday I set out on a 60 mile bike. I was feeling great; the weather was good. I planned to really work on my nutrition and then planned a 30 minute run post bike. 20 or so miles in, I ate a peanut butter sandwich on the the fly. People driving by were probably wondering what on earth I was doing. It seemed to settle ok, and gave me a real energy boost. I was starting to get hungry at that point! Because I was riding into a really bad headwind, I decided to change up my course a little. I planned 30 miles out and back, but at 25 miles, I turned around and decided I would cut through town for a few loops then head back to make up the total 60 miles. At this point, a deer came flying up over the side of the road straight for me. I was riding at 19.4 mph in aero (read: my hands were not on my brakes). I tried to stay my course and not panic but it was all happening very fast; I didn't want to go down going that fast without my hands to help brace my fall. The deer started zig zagging, and I managed to grab my front brake to slow down (not smart--lucky I didn't go over the handle bars!), and at the last second the deer turned and headed back away from the road. All the zig zagging changed his course from coming straight at me to getting a bit ahead of me, so it was more likely before he changed direction that I might actually hit him. Either way it was probably not going to end well.
I shook that off and not ten minutes later "bam!" I hit a rock or something that caused a loud pop. I pedaled up to a turn off, checked my front tire. It was full. Turned to check my back tire and could hear the air rushing out before I even felt it. I texted that I was going to need a ride and that I'd try to make it up to a store that was a few miles up the road. As soon as I got on my bike the back tire was already on the rim. Not riding anywhere. So I called with my location and set up on a nice grassy area on the side of the road and worked on my tan. My day was over.
Today my bike is going into the shop to repair the rear tire. I don't have any of the equipment/spare parts here, and it needs to be tuned up before Racine anyway.
out of commission
This week I'm planning another open water swim and some time spent in ice baths to acclimate my body to the cold of Lake Michigan. Still hoping my bike can be done today so maybe I can get in that 60 miler as well. Two long bikes would be a good week!
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Do What You Love
You may have seen the Jim Carrey commencement speech going around the internet where he spoke to the graduating class of Maharishi University's school of Management. I watched the video several times because what he said is so true, and also so unexpected given that it was said by Jim Carrey, but also because I wanted to make sure I got it right when I quoted it below:
"So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. What we really want seems impossible to achieve and ridiculous to expect, so we never dare to ask the universe for it...
...You can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love."
Well said, Mr. Carrey.
Throughout my years of running, a lot of people have questioned my sanity, my motivations, my choices on how to spend my time and money. People are always on board with you until they are called on to be a part of your goals. And, believe me, I get it. My choosing to train for a marathon or this half ironman has been a commitment by my husband and our kids, not just by me. For the most part, I can do my training early (before the sun) or late, after the kids go to bed and I can hit the treadmill, the bike trainer, or do some strength training. But factoring in pool workouts, means that I do have to adjust my schedule a bit. And when I'm not training, my body is tired. 4:30 or 5:00am alarms mean early bed times. My family has responded beautifully, supporting and encouraging me when my own motivation wains. It's hard to want to get out the door when it's dark and you've already been up twice with a kid awake, or you head out extra early to get in miles of running and swimming before a double shift at work. But I'm no hero here, plenty of "weekend warriors" are pulling even more intense training schedules than I.
It's the half hearted support, that gets to me. I try not to burden anyone else because this is my goal, my lifestyle, my choice. Sometimes it means missing out on things that might be more fun, sometimes it's ok to miss a training day. But what I cannot tolerate is support that is offered but can't be followed through on. I'd rather it not be offered at all.
Life is way too short for me to not pursue this with all I've got. Yes, it's a hobby. I also view it as a lifestyle. Endurance sports force one to push their minds as well as bodies. If I can push through a hard workout, then I can apply that same determination to other areas of my life. I can survive, I can be mentally tougher, more willing to persevere.
One example is in swimming. I knew how to swim before triathlon training, but I would never have classified myself as a swimmer. Still wouldn't, probably. I read and watched, and learned how to breath, how to swim with my face in the water, how to use my arms and legs. Can I improve? Yes. Are there things I do wrong? Yes. But when I started my training program, I could make it 400 meters before I needed a rest on the side of the pool. I worked up to 800m at a time. I had a mental block about needing a break. And then one day I pushed through. And today, I swam 3000m (yes, 3000!! Almost 2 whole miles!) at once. It took me an hour and 4 minutes, but I stopped only one time to adjust my goggles and check my watch, but otherwise I swam consecutively. I wasn't afraid, per se, but I wanted it. I really wanted it, and so I took a chance. And look at what I accomplished.
The barrier was self imposed to large degree. I have the fitness base. I put my mind to it, did what I love doing, and went for it.
You can too. Do what you love with or without the support of those around you. Don't look back tomorrow, in a week, in a year and realize the opportunity is passed. Make the most of yourself today, in this moment. I support you.
"So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. What we really want seems impossible to achieve and ridiculous to expect, so we never dare to ask the universe for it...
...You can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love."
Well said, Mr. Carrey.
Throughout my years of running, a lot of people have questioned my sanity, my motivations, my choices on how to spend my time and money. People are always on board with you until they are called on to be a part of your goals. And, believe me, I get it. My choosing to train for a marathon or this half ironman has been a commitment by my husband and our kids, not just by me. For the most part, I can do my training early (before the sun) or late, after the kids go to bed and I can hit the treadmill, the bike trainer, or do some strength training. But factoring in pool workouts, means that I do have to adjust my schedule a bit. And when I'm not training, my body is tired. 4:30 or 5:00am alarms mean early bed times. My family has responded beautifully, supporting and encouraging me when my own motivation wains. It's hard to want to get out the door when it's dark and you've already been up twice with a kid awake, or you head out extra early to get in miles of running and swimming before a double shift at work. But I'm no hero here, plenty of "weekend warriors" are pulling even more intense training schedules than I.
It's the half hearted support, that gets to me. I try not to burden anyone else because this is my goal, my lifestyle, my choice. Sometimes it means missing out on things that might be more fun, sometimes it's ok to miss a training day. But what I cannot tolerate is support that is offered but can't be followed through on. I'd rather it not be offered at all.
Life is way too short for me to not pursue this with all I've got. Yes, it's a hobby. I also view it as a lifestyle. Endurance sports force one to push their minds as well as bodies. If I can push through a hard workout, then I can apply that same determination to other areas of my life. I can survive, I can be mentally tougher, more willing to persevere.
One example is in swimming. I knew how to swim before triathlon training, but I would never have classified myself as a swimmer. Still wouldn't, probably. I read and watched, and learned how to breath, how to swim with my face in the water, how to use my arms and legs. Can I improve? Yes. Are there things I do wrong? Yes. But when I started my training program, I could make it 400 meters before I needed a rest on the side of the pool. I worked up to 800m at a time. I had a mental block about needing a break. And then one day I pushed through. And today, I swam 3000m (yes, 3000!! Almost 2 whole miles!) at once. It took me an hour and 4 minutes, but I stopped only one time to adjust my goggles and check my watch, but otherwise I swam consecutively. I wasn't afraid, per se, but I wanted it. I really wanted it, and so I took a chance. And look at what I accomplished.
The barrier was self imposed to large degree. I have the fitness base. I put my mind to it, did what I love doing, and went for it.
You can too. Do what you love with or without the support of those around you. Don't look back tomorrow, in a week, in a year and realize the opportunity is passed. Make the most of yourself today, in this moment. I support you.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
May
Hi readers. I was reminded by one of you that it has been a long time since I've posted here. There hasn't been any particular reason why not. I've been busy. Training has been somewhat of a disaster (in my mind); and while I've thought about what I wanted to post during the day, by the time I have time to sit down and do it, other things take precedence. It's a tough gig lately.
Anyway, here's what has been happening. The critical long workouts have been spotty. I did do a 50-mile bike ride. That was awesome, and hard. I felt so far away from home at the 25-mile mark out, but the back went fast even with the nasty head wind. Just once I'd love to be out on my bike without some kind of gale force wind. Just once. Maybe on race day?
I did my first open water swim. It was a lot more panic-inducing than I expected. Partly it was the water temperature, and partly the dark water with no reassuring black line painted on the bottom of the lake. This first open water swim also marked the first time I swam in my wetsuit. I have no idea what temperature the water was...below 70 degrees for sure. It was cold. It took my breath when I tried to put my face in, which made me feel even more panicked. So, I got lots and lots of practice at sighting, and no practice at swimming like a normal person. I had kayak support, which I was thankful for, because my caveman style swimming made me really fatigued really fast.
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Anyway, here's what has been happening. The critical long workouts have been spotty. I did do a 50-mile bike ride. That was awesome, and hard. I felt so far away from home at the 25-mile mark out, but the back went fast even with the nasty head wind. Just once I'd love to be out on my bike without some kind of gale force wind. Just once. Maybe on race day?
I did my first open water swim. It was a lot more panic-inducing than I expected. Partly it was the water temperature, and partly the dark water with no reassuring black line painted on the bottom of the lake. This first open water swim also marked the first time I swam in my wetsuit. I have no idea what temperature the water was...below 70 degrees for sure. It was cold. It took my breath when I tried to put my face in, which made me feel even more panicked. So, I got lots and lots of practice at sighting, and no practice at swimming like a normal person. I had kayak support, which I was thankful for, because my caveman style swimming made me really fatigued really fast.
first steps into the cold water
I kept trying to get some of my face in at least
I was really happy with my wetsuit. My body felt very warm, and the cold water did not really bother my hands or feet...just my face.
My next open water swim occurred at my very first triathlon! The Richmond Sprint Triathlon on May 31st. A change of plans sent me to the race alone, and that was actually ok because I had a lot of time to plan and mentally prepare. During the race, it would have been nice to have had a familiar face though.
I checked and re-checked my gear multiple times before the race. I got to transition very early to set up, and was there to watch the start of a half iron distance race, which calmed me a lot after seeing the process (run in, bike out, etc). My swim during the race went better than my previous open water. I was able to tolerate the cold a bit better, although still had trouble keeping my breath even. And I know I went out way faster than I wanted to. The water temperature this race was 71 degrees. Wetsuit legal. I got through transition fine, had everything I wanted to where I could easily locate it and put it on in an order that made sense. My T2 time was longer than T1, but I think this is because I ate a gel and took time to drink a lot of water. Both times were just over 2:00, so I felt very happy with that. I felt tired but strong on the run. I was very thankful it was only a 5k left at that point. Many times during those 3 miles I thought about how much work I had to do before Racine.
Having a "practice" race was huge for me. I feel way more prepared and it showed where I need to work. For example, from now to Racine, I will not be doing any biking without doing some sort of run after. I also want to add back in more strength training (which I had been focusing on prior to ramping up my triathlon training plan) to help combat late race fatigue.
The results of the triathlon were outstanding for a first showing. As I said, I felt strong on the run, and finished in just over 24:00, at 7:46 pace. And that helped push me to the top of my age group! Yes...an age group championship in my first showing!
officially a triathlete!
atop the podium
my official finish time 1:28:04
And then last weekend I joined "Four Men and Some Ladies" and participated in the overnight relay from Madison, WI to Chicago. It was a fun time, as relays always are, a unique challenge (3 runs in 30 hours)--especially with my first leg at 9.6 miles!
I have lots more to say, and plan to return tomorrow to talk about my observations from the outside in, and staying true to your own goals.
See you soon!
Monday, May 5, 2014
70.3 week 4 training: Training Through & Lookin' Swine
Week four of training was a good week. For the first time I made a workout on 6 of 7 days as scheduled. I did fudge them a little bit towards the end of the week, because on Sunday I had a race scheduled. It was a little stressful to consider how to train through the race (versus taper and rest), because I didn't want to be too gassed for the race, but I also didn't really want to miss any big training sessions). So, here's how it broke down:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: bike 45 min with 8 x 1 minute hard efforts (I went 46:25min)
Wednesday: swim 1000m with 6 x 50m sprints/run 4.5mi
Thursday: bike 40min plus 8 hard minutes
Friday: swim 1000m/run 4.5mi
Saturday: swim 1400m/run 4.5 mi (scheduled to run 9mi)
Sunday: bike 45 min/10 min transition run (scheduled to bike 35mi with 10 min transition run) & Flying Pig relay where I ran 7mi that morning
I had some of my best swim times this week, and can now swim 300m at a time without a 20sec rest! Up from 200m last week. I am trying to go longer each time without resting, and I am definitely feeling more comfortable all the time in the water, in the pool that is.
Still frustrating has been biking in the gale force winds. It's hard to enjoy being out there because sometimes the wind is so strong it slows me to around 10mph and just feels like pedaling against a wall. It's so annoying and just relentless for long stretches on the country roads with no wind break. I hope that once spring passes and summer weather comes on, this eases up a little.
My hip feels better, and also worse. The pain is more intense, but less chronic. Does that make sense? I keep icing it and stretching it, and hoping for a miracle.
And, finally....it was also race week! I met up with 3 friends this weekend to run the Flying Pig Marathon Relay. Out of 160 teams, we placed 5th! I felt very strong on my leg, but noticed that my arms felt very tired (probably related to the 1400m I swam the day before), and so at the end of my section, when my legs were tiring, I couldn't rely on my arms as much to help me finish. Another good practice session for 70.3, no doubt. After a long day of swimming and biking, I doubt my arms will be much good at the end of 13.1 miles either. This also proved to me that I need to keep trying to fit in some strength training to help fight that muscle fatigue.
I was high off our good showing at the relay, and had a hard time convincing myself to get on my bike for a little bit, but I'm glad I did, even for just a short ride. My legs were like lead marshmallows when I hopped off and did a 10 minute run at the end...oy, the life of a triathlete...
Looking forward to a rest day today!
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: bike 45 min with 8 x 1 minute hard efforts (I went 46:25min)
Wednesday: swim 1000m with 6 x 50m sprints/run 4.5mi
Thursday: bike 40min plus 8 hard minutes
Friday: swim 1000m/run 4.5mi
Saturday: swim 1400m/run 4.5 mi (scheduled to run 9mi)
Sunday: bike 45 min/10 min transition run (scheduled to bike 35mi with 10 min transition run) & Flying Pig relay where I ran 7mi that morning
I had some of my best swim times this week, and can now swim 300m at a time without a 20sec rest! Up from 200m last week. I am trying to go longer each time without resting, and I am definitely feeling more comfortable all the time in the water, in the pool that is.
Still frustrating has been biking in the gale force winds. It's hard to enjoy being out there because sometimes the wind is so strong it slows me to around 10mph and just feels like pedaling against a wall. It's so annoying and just relentless for long stretches on the country roads with no wind break. I hope that once spring passes and summer weather comes on, this eases up a little.
My hip feels better, and also worse. The pain is more intense, but less chronic. Does that make sense? I keep icing it and stretching it, and hoping for a miracle.
And, finally....it was also race week! I met up with 3 friends this weekend to run the Flying Pig Marathon Relay. Out of 160 teams, we placed 5th! I felt very strong on my leg, but noticed that my arms felt very tired (probably related to the 1400m I swam the day before), and so at the end of my section, when my legs were tiring, I couldn't rely on my arms as much to help me finish. Another good practice session for 70.3, no doubt. After a long day of swimming and biking, I doubt my arms will be much good at the end of 13.1 miles either. This also proved to me that I need to keep trying to fit in some strength training to help fight that muscle fatigue.
I was high off our good showing at the relay, and had a hard time convincing myself to get on my bike for a little bit, but I'm glad I did, even for just a short ride. My legs were like lead marshmallows when I hopped off and did a 10 minute run at the end...oy, the life of a triathlete...
Looking forward to a rest day today!
Friday, May 2, 2014
Group Swim
A valuable lesson in triathlon swim happened today. I don't normally swim on Friday mornings because of work, but I was off today and so I hit the pool. Walked in about my normal time (6:05am) and to my horror the pool was so crowded! There are only 6 lanes, and they all had multiple people in them already. I froze, and was thinking about whether I should just go run and skip my swim and try to make it up later, or what. I spied a lane with only 1 person in it, and decided to go for it.
It was crazy. I was passing people on both sides each lap going one direction or another, the water was "choppier" than normal because of all the people in there, and I really had to look around a lot more than I usually do (obviously, so I didn't swim into someone). And the person in my lane was doing a different stroke each lap, of course, so it was harder to look out for her because I never knew what to expect her to be doing. And then one time she passed me and her hand touched my foot! I momentarily panicked like there might be a throw down in the pool, but she kept on swimming, and then I realized that I was hugging my lane marker and she was definitely hogging the middle, and she came up on me, so what was I worried about...other than she clearly didn't want to be sharing because she never did move over. Pool etiquette, woman!
While not ideal for me, I did swim a better time than on Wednesday at the same distance, and it was good to be swimming around so many other bodies because I have a feeling that is going to be complete chaos on race day, except at least then we'll all be headed, hopefully, in the same direction!
It was crazy. I was passing people on both sides each lap going one direction or another, the water was "choppier" than normal because of all the people in there, and I really had to look around a lot more than I usually do (obviously, so I didn't swim into someone). And the person in my lane was doing a different stroke each lap, of course, so it was harder to look out for her because I never knew what to expect her to be doing. And then one time she passed me and her hand touched my foot! I momentarily panicked like there might be a throw down in the pool, but she kept on swimming, and then I realized that I was hugging my lane marker and she was definitely hogging the middle, and she came up on me, so what was I worried about...other than she clearly didn't want to be sharing because she never did move over. Pool etiquette, woman!
While not ideal for me, I did swim a better time than on Wednesday at the same distance, and it was good to be swimming around so many other bodies because I have a feeling that is going to be complete chaos on race day, except at least then we'll all be headed, hopefully, in the same direction!
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
70.3 week 4 training
This week was a much-needed "easy" week. I was a little banged up from lots of early mornings and late nights, plus my bike wreck last week, and my hurt hip. So having a lighter training load was definitely a good thing.
Workouts for the week:
Monday: rest!
Tuesday: bike 40 min with 8x30 second sprints (in the trainer)
Wednesday: 5 mile run on the treadmill, missed 800m swim
Thursday: 800m swim with 3x100m pace and 4 mile run
Friday: missed 40 min bike
Saturday: 1000m swim, 7 mi run
Sunday: scheduled 25mi bike, actually rode 21.5 miles
Wednesday had me frustrated to the max. I slept through my alarm due to very poor sleepers the night before. I got the kids settled into the toy room at the Y before their scheduled gymnastics class with hopes of getting my swim in quickly, but then found out there was no lap swim at that time. And then the day never allowed for me to get back to the pool. So I ran an extra mile to make up for it.
I am hoping to be in the trainer less this week. It's really starting to wear on my back tire, and I'd like not to have to replace it twice this summer. My plan is for new tires before Racine anyway, hoping to avoid a blowout during the race.
This upcoming week ought to be really interesting. It's another building week, and I have a race scheduled for Sunday. So figuring out how to navigate training and the race, and what it's ok to let go of. My race is short; it's a marathon relay and my leg is less than 7 miles, but very hilly (which is great!). The weather is also pretty nasty...lots of storms and rain predicted. That could make things tricky for the pool, which obviously closes if there is lightning and for staying outside. Rain is one thing, lightning is another.
Excited to get to it. Feeling stronger and more confident all the time!
Workouts for the week:
Monday: rest!
Tuesday: bike 40 min with 8x30 second sprints (in the trainer)
Wednesday: 5 mile run on the treadmill, missed 800m swim
Thursday: 800m swim with 3x100m pace and 4 mile run
Friday: missed 40 min bike
Saturday: 1000m swim, 7 mi run
Sunday: scheduled 25mi bike, actually rode 21.5 miles
Wednesday had me frustrated to the max. I slept through my alarm due to very poor sleepers the night before. I got the kids settled into the toy room at the Y before their scheduled gymnastics class with hopes of getting my swim in quickly, but then found out there was no lap swim at that time. And then the day never allowed for me to get back to the pool. So I ran an extra mile to make up for it.
I am hoping to be in the trainer less this week. It's really starting to wear on my back tire, and I'd like not to have to replace it twice this summer. My plan is for new tires before Racine anyway, hoping to avoid a blowout during the race.
This upcoming week ought to be really interesting. It's another building week, and I have a race scheduled for Sunday. So figuring out how to navigate training and the race, and what it's ok to let go of. My race is short; it's a marathon relay and my leg is less than 7 miles, but very hilly (which is great!). The weather is also pretty nasty...lots of storms and rain predicted. That could make things tricky for the pool, which obviously closes if there is lightning and for staying outside. Rain is one thing, lightning is another.
Excited to get to it. Feeling stronger and more confident all the time!
26.2
I am officially registered for the Columbus Marathon, scheduled for October 19th. I am excited right now. My body has long forgotten the torture of the last marathon I ran (when I was feeling great and strong up until mile 22 and then completely fell apart...or wait, maybe I do remember it.). I think I'll be in a lot better place this time around, after a summer of cross training and a race of 70.3 miles. After that 26.2 will be a piece of cake, right?
I was completely shocked this morning to find that all of the hotels in downtown Columbus are already booked for that weekend, even outside of the event blocks. Yikes. I'm glad finding a room was on my list now, otherwise who knows where we'd be staying. We ended up with a room by the airport, which means a drive to the start but only 4.5 miles versus the 3 hours or more from home it would be on race morning.
For now though, it's on the back burner.
Upcoming races:
Sunday May 4th Flying Pig Marathon Relay
Sunday June 1st Richmond Sprint Triathlon
Friday-Saturday June 6-7th Ragnar Relay Chicago
Sunday July 20th Ironman 70.3 Racine
Saturday September 20th *tentative* Brewers Mini Marathon
Friday-Saturday October 10-11th Bourbon Chase
Sunday October 20th Columbus Marathon
I was completely shocked this morning to find that all of the hotels in downtown Columbus are already booked for that weekend, even outside of the event blocks. Yikes. I'm glad finding a room was on my list now, otherwise who knows where we'd be staying. We ended up with a room by the airport, which means a drive to the start but only 4.5 miles versus the 3 hours or more from home it would be on race morning.
For now though, it's on the back burner.
Upcoming races:
Sunday May 4th Flying Pig Marathon Relay
Sunday June 1st Richmond Sprint Triathlon
Friday-Saturday June 6-7th Ragnar Relay Chicago
Sunday July 20th Ironman 70.3 Racine
Saturday September 20th *tentative* Brewers Mini Marathon
Friday-Saturday October 10-11th Bourbon Chase
Sunday October 20th Columbus Marathon
Monday, April 21, 2014
70.3 week 3 training
This week went great (even with another missed workout--this seems to be a developing trend). Here's the breakdown of workouts:
Monday: rest (glorious rest!)
Tuesday: bike 40 min with 8x30 second sprints (trainer)
Wednesday: swim 900m with 12x25m sprints/run 4mi with 6x10 second hill sprints
Thursday: swim 900m with 3x200m race pace/run 4.5 mi
Friday: scheduled bike 40 min, which I missed....too many early mornings and I was exhausted
Saturday: swim 1200m/run 8mi
Sunday: bike 30mi
I was really tired this week. My alarm went off at 5:00 or earlier every day except Monday, and I've been up a lot with kids not sleeping well. Bad combo. But my training didn't seem to suffer for it, other than that I was just so tired all day afterwards.
My hip seems a little bit better in some ways. I've been icing it a lot this week, and also trying to keep it really stretched out, so I think that's helping.
I was pumped with my long bike ride...30 miles. I used MapMyRide to create a route, had the map sent to my phone (since I can't get my bike computer to work right, this was really helpful to have some accurate ride data), and headed out. The cool thing about biking is how far it can take me from home, which is also a little intimidating, too. I got to see some really beautiful places not too far away from home, and learned about how some of the back roads all connect. Anyway, around mile 20, I missed a turn on a road that wasn't marked. When I realized I had missed it, I was on a very long, steep downhill and didn't want to ride all the way down just to turn around and ride right back up. I thought that I could make the turn on the road without unclipping and getting off my bike. And I might have been able to, had I not basically come to a complete stop. Anyway, I ended up crashing my bike. I fell pretty hard directly on my left side, luckily hitting below my already hurt hip. I scraped up hand pretty good, skinned my left knee and shin, and have a little bruise on my right ankle from hitting the inside of my bike.
My bike isn't too much worse off. The pedal is pretty scraped up, and there is some scuffing on the handlebar, but otherwise it's ok. It hurt, but my pride was hurt worse. I unclipped easily from the ground and got my bike up, which I tried to do very quickly because I was on the downside of a blind hill. After that, I finished my last 10 miles very strong and felt great after it was over.
I ordered some last pieces of missing tri gear this week (thank you, Amazon!)...I had been hoarding some gift cards and Christmas cash, so I didn't have to sacrifice on what I wanted.
Monday: rest (glorious rest!)
Tuesday: bike 40 min with 8x30 second sprints (trainer)
Wednesday: swim 900m with 12x25m sprints/run 4mi with 6x10 second hill sprints
Thursday: swim 900m with 3x200m race pace/run 4.5 mi
Friday: scheduled bike 40 min, which I missed....too many early mornings and I was exhausted
Saturday: swim 1200m/run 8mi
Sunday: bike 30mi
I was really tired this week. My alarm went off at 5:00 or earlier every day except Monday, and I've been up a lot with kids not sleeping well. Bad combo. But my training didn't seem to suffer for it, other than that I was just so tired all day afterwards.
My hip seems a little bit better in some ways. I've been icing it a lot this week, and also trying to keep it really stretched out, so I think that's helping.
I was pumped with my long bike ride...30 miles. I used MapMyRide to create a route, had the map sent to my phone (since I can't get my bike computer to work right, this was really helpful to have some accurate ride data), and headed out. The cool thing about biking is how far it can take me from home, which is also a little intimidating, too. I got to see some really beautiful places not too far away from home, and learned about how some of the back roads all connect. Anyway, around mile 20, I missed a turn on a road that wasn't marked. When I realized I had missed it, I was on a very long, steep downhill and didn't want to ride all the way down just to turn around and ride right back up. I thought that I could make the turn on the road without unclipping and getting off my bike. And I might have been able to, had I not basically come to a complete stop. Anyway, I ended up crashing my bike. I fell pretty hard directly on my left side, luckily hitting below my already hurt hip. I scraped up hand pretty good, skinned my left knee and shin, and have a little bruise on my right ankle from hitting the inside of my bike.
My bike isn't too much worse off. The pedal is pretty scraped up, and there is some scuffing on the handlebar, but otherwise it's ok. It hurt, but my pride was hurt worse. I unclipped easily from the ground and got my bike up, which I tried to do very quickly because I was on the downside of a blind hill. After that, I finished my last 10 miles very strong and felt great after it was over.
I ordered some last pieces of missing tri gear this week (thank you, Amazon!)...I had been hoarding some gift cards and Christmas cash, so I didn't have to sacrifice on what I wanted.
compression top and shorts, ankle timing strap, number belt, body glide
and another reflective vest
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Injury: self-diagnosis
10.5 weeks ago I fell on the ice while getting out of my car. I caught myself before going all the way down with my right forearm on the door and my left hip hitting hard against the inside of the car, right on the square metal piece that serves as the hook the door latches onto when it closes. At the time it hurt, but it barely bruised and never swelled. It has gotten progressively more painful to the point that I think there is something seriously wrong. I have tried icing, ibuprofen, stretching, nothing has helped and it still gets worse.
When it was first "worse" it didn't hurt to run or walk, but going from sitting to standing...ouch! Now it is immensely sore after a workout (run, bike, or swim), excrutiating when I stand up from sitting, and a little sore while running. This is not good. I honestly cannot afford time off, but definitely do not want to risk a worse injury if I keep pushing. What to do?!
I self-diagnosed this as a problem with my tensor fascia latae. No problem. Found some amazing stretches online (thank you, youtube! and the guy who described this as a "sneaky bastard of a muscle" was much appreciated), and also some very worrisome news that the muscle leads into the IT band. I have had IT band issues in the past, before incorporating a boatload of strengthening, stretching, and different shoes, but while I had it, it was the worst. So, I definitely do not want to go back down that road.
We are having an insurance "issue" right now, otherwise I would be at the doctor getting it checked out just to make sure there isn't a tear or something...
I feel this is an issue that you'll be hearing more about all summer. Darn you again, winter!
When it was first "worse" it didn't hurt to run or walk, but going from sitting to standing...ouch! Now it is immensely sore after a workout (run, bike, or swim), excrutiating when I stand up from sitting, and a little sore while running. This is not good. I honestly cannot afford time off, but definitely do not want to risk a worse injury if I keep pushing. What to do?!
I self-diagnosed this as a problem with my tensor fascia latae. No problem. Found some amazing stretches online (thank you, youtube! and the guy who described this as a "sneaky bastard of a muscle" was much appreciated), and also some very worrisome news that the muscle leads into the IT band. I have had IT band issues in the past, before incorporating a boatload of strengthening, stretching, and different shoes, but while I had it, it was the worst. So, I definitely do not want to go back down that road.
We are having an insurance "issue" right now, otherwise I would be at the doctor getting it checked out just to make sure there isn't a tear or something...
I feel this is an issue that you'll be hearing more about all summer. Darn you again, winter!
Monday, April 14, 2014
Week 2, Riding in Aero, & Best Swim Yet
Week two was great! Another missed workout. Darn it. I had my alarm set, or maybe I didn't, but when 5:00am rolled around I was awake, but fell asleep before I got up, and so the opportunity to get the pool did not present itself again. The pool hours are fine, but later in the night would be helpful, or even just a hair earlier in the mornings so I could be back well before work hours.
I did have my best swim yet though. 850m. I felt very calm and relaxed the entire time, and finished in 19:49. I don't have any concept of how fast this is comparatively, but it is my best time. I also did my longest swim ever this week: 1000m. I also felt pretty good on this swim. I was tired at the end. And I lost my goggles. This is one of my fears on race day...leaking goggles. Mine tend to start leaking about 2/3 through. At some point I'm going to buy a different pair and see if that doesn't help. In the pool it's not a big deal, because I can stop and push them back on. Obviously this will be harder in the middle of a lake.
It was finally a normal wind speed this week on one of my bike rides, and I got some serious practice riding a few miles at a time in aero. It's so fun! The thing I need to work on while on my bike is relaxing. Actually, this is probably an area that I need to work on in general, in all aspects of my life, but that's another day's topic. I can feel my shoulders up and tense often. And relaxing into my elbows in aero is something I had to tell myself many times (versus trying to keep weight on my hands/wrists). The aero bars give me a third position on my bike, which is great because this week I rode almost 2 hours, and by the end I was glad to have a variety of positions to be in to stretch out my back some.
Here are my workouts from this week:
Monday: rest!
Tuesday; bike 40 min (I rode 48) with 6 30-second sprints
Wednesday: miss (scheduled 850m in the pool, 4 mi run)
Thursday: 850m in the pool (19:49) , 5 mi run (40:44)
Friday: 30 min in bike trainer (scheduled was 40 min outside)...finally made it to my bike at 10:00 at night)
Saturday: 1000m swim (24:13), 7 mile run (57:59)
Sunday: scheduled was 25 bike miles but I've been having trouble calibrating my bike computer, so it was already way off at 3 miles, which I knew because it followed the start of my running route, so I just rode for 1:38 and have no idea how far I rode.
I am so happy with my run times following a swim. Two weeks start BRICK workouts, so that will be really telling about how my run will go. And starting longer runs post swim, I need to start practicing with food/drink on the go.
This is another building week, before next week is an "easy" week. This week: 1200m swim!
I also registered this past week to volunteer at Ironman Wisconsin in September. I did this for two reasons: 1: those athletes are bad ass and I want to be there to take it in, and 2: because volunteers having priority for registering for the next year's race. In case I get a wild hair, I want to be in a good position to register for 2015.
My goal this week is to finally register for my fall marathon, too.
I did have my best swim yet though. 850m. I felt very calm and relaxed the entire time, and finished in 19:49. I don't have any concept of how fast this is comparatively, but it is my best time. I also did my longest swim ever this week: 1000m. I also felt pretty good on this swim. I was tired at the end. And I lost my goggles. This is one of my fears on race day...leaking goggles. Mine tend to start leaking about 2/3 through. At some point I'm going to buy a different pair and see if that doesn't help. In the pool it's not a big deal, because I can stop and push them back on. Obviously this will be harder in the middle of a lake.
It was finally a normal wind speed this week on one of my bike rides, and I got some serious practice riding a few miles at a time in aero. It's so fun! The thing I need to work on while on my bike is relaxing. Actually, this is probably an area that I need to work on in general, in all aspects of my life, but that's another day's topic. I can feel my shoulders up and tense often. And relaxing into my elbows in aero is something I had to tell myself many times (versus trying to keep weight on my hands/wrists). The aero bars give me a third position on my bike, which is great because this week I rode almost 2 hours, and by the end I was glad to have a variety of positions to be in to stretch out my back some.
Here are my workouts from this week:
Monday: rest!
Tuesday; bike 40 min (I rode 48) with 6 30-second sprints
Wednesday: miss (scheduled 850m in the pool, 4 mi run)
Thursday: 850m in the pool (19:49) , 5 mi run (40:44)
Friday: 30 min in bike trainer (scheduled was 40 min outside)...finally made it to my bike at 10:00 at night)
Saturday: 1000m swim (24:13), 7 mile run (57:59)
Sunday: scheduled was 25 bike miles but I've been having trouble calibrating my bike computer, so it was already way off at 3 miles, which I knew because it followed the start of my running route, so I just rode for 1:38 and have no idea how far I rode.
I am so happy with my run times following a swim. Two weeks start BRICK workouts, so that will be really telling about how my run will go. And starting longer runs post swim, I need to start practicing with food/drink on the go.
This is another building week, before next week is an "easy" week. This week: 1200m swim!
I also registered this past week to volunteer at Ironman Wisconsin in September. I did this for two reasons: 1: those athletes are bad ass and I want to be there to take it in, and 2: because volunteers having priority for registering for the next year's race. In case I get a wild hair, I want to be in a good position to register for 2015.
My goal this week is to finally register for my fall marathon, too.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
Half Iron Week 1 & Surviving the Swim
Week 1 of Ironman 70.3 Racine is officially done. I have to say, it was exhausting. I missed one workout, which is disappointing, but the circumstances were a little out of my control and so I didn't feel too bad about it.
Here's how it went:
Mon: rest (yes!)
Tues: bike 40 min with 4 30-sec sprints mixed in
Wed: swim 800m, main set 8x25m/run 4 mi/TRX for strength
Thurs: swim 800m, main set 3x100m/run 4 mi
Fri: miss (scheduled: bike 40 min)
Sat: bike 20mi
Sun: run 6mi/swim 800m
My training plan calls for the swim/run sessions to not be back to back days, but my work schedule doesn't allow it to make sense. I was definitely feeling fatigued on the swim on Thurs, and my legs were dead on Sunday for the first 2 miles of my run after biking the day before. It did not affect my run time, and I loosened up for the end. But again, I felt very tired on the swim. I did run first and swim second, so maybe that had something to do with it.
I am feeling more comfortable in the pool all the time, but it is definitely my weakest of the three disciplines so far. I feel like I don't have the endurance yet, or maybe I panic a little when I feel more out of breath? I can't quit pinpoint it just yet, but I am determined to keep working. I want to feel confident and strong during the race, and I know it will come. I just don't want to get frustrated.
Week two coming up!
Injury report:
My hip has been plaguing me for about 7 weeks since I fell getting out of my car and banged into the side of the car. The injury at the time was actually fairly minor; it never really bruised and it didn't swell at all. But all these weeks later it is worse. Ice. Ice. Ice.
Here's how it went:
Mon: rest (yes!)
Tues: bike 40 min with 4 30-sec sprints mixed in
Wed: swim 800m, main set 8x25m/run 4 mi/TRX for strength
Thurs: swim 800m, main set 3x100m/run 4 mi
Fri: miss (scheduled: bike 40 min)
Sat: bike 20mi
Sun: run 6mi/swim 800m
My training plan calls for the swim/run sessions to not be back to back days, but my work schedule doesn't allow it to make sense. I was definitely feeling fatigued on the swim on Thurs, and my legs were dead on Sunday for the first 2 miles of my run after biking the day before. It did not affect my run time, and I loosened up for the end. But again, I felt very tired on the swim. I did run first and swim second, so maybe that had something to do with it.
I am feeling more comfortable in the pool all the time, but it is definitely my weakest of the three disciplines so far. I feel like I don't have the endurance yet, or maybe I panic a little when I feel more out of breath? I can't quit pinpoint it just yet, but I am determined to keep working. I want to feel confident and strong during the race, and I know it will come. I just don't want to get frustrated.
Week two coming up!
Injury report:
My hip has been plaguing me for about 7 weeks since I fell getting out of my car and banged into the side of the car. The injury at the time was actually fairly minor; it never really bruised and it didn't swell at all. But all these weeks later it is worse. Ice. Ice. Ice.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Day 2 in the books
I was so excited to get my bike out yesterday, and what a disappointment it turned out to be. The wind was so strong that I ended up scrapping my ride and doing laps up and down the driveway. It was torturous, but at least I wasn't blowing into traffic.
Today, I was up at 5:30, out the door by 6 (because I couldn't find half my gear--next time pack at night). In the pool by 6:20 for 800m swim. My arms felt a little heavy since it's been awhile since I've been in the pool, but overall it went really well. After a quick change, I was on the track running and finished 4 miles in about 33 minutes. My legs still felt a little heavy from the weekend, or possibly from the 60 minute ride I did yesterday. And to cap it all off, I hit up a 30 minute TRX class. Home just after 9:00 and ready to get on with my day.
With my work schedule, I can already tell I'm going to have to tweak my workouts a bit, because Fridays (my work day) call for a longer swim/run workout. So, I'm thinking I might swap Thursdays (riding only) for Friday, but that means back to back days of swimming/running.
Today, I was up at 5:30, out the door by 6 (because I couldn't find half my gear--next time pack at night). In the pool by 6:20 for 800m swim. My arms felt a little heavy since it's been awhile since I've been in the pool, but overall it went really well. After a quick change, I was on the track running and finished 4 miles in about 33 minutes. My legs still felt a little heavy from the weekend, or possibly from the 60 minute ride I did yesterday. And to cap it all off, I hit up a 30 minute TRX class. Home just after 9:00 and ready to get on with my day.
With my work schedule, I can already tell I'm going to have to tweak my workouts a bit, because Fridays (my work day) call for a longer swim/run workout. So, I'm thinking I might swap Thursdays (riding only) for Friday, but that means back to back days of swimming/running.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
Anyone Can Run Flat & Fast
Races love to tout their "flat & fast" courses. And honestly, what runner wouldn't love to run that? My race season kicked off on Saturday with the Run the Bluegrass half marathon in Lexington, and that course was definitely not flat. And I thought several times to myself about how challenging the course really was, because it was constant up and down for the entire 13.1 miles. It was by far the most difficult course I've ever run, and it being the first race I've done in 6 months made it that much harder. Oh, and the weather conditions? They started out ok, overcast and 50 degrees or so, but right before the start the wind picked up and then the misting rain. And with 2 miles to go, hard and cold rain. I was soaked and it took nearly all day for me to warm up.
But despite all that, I walked away with a new PR of 1:48:28. The late night miles on the treadmill paid off. Some of my splits were pretty slow, so I do feel there is still room for improvement on that time, but I am very happy with it given the course and the conditions. That time was good enough for 309/2535 overall and 14/283 in my division!
After the race, I enjoyed two guilt free days off. And today kicks off Ironman 70.3 training! Or, it technically started yesterday with a "rest" day. Check. So today I'm heading out in a beautiful 65 degrees on my bike. The wind is really strong, which I'm not thrilled about, but the sun is shining and it's well above freezing!
But despite all that, I walked away with a new PR of 1:48:28. The late night miles on the treadmill paid off. Some of my splits were pretty slow, so I do feel there is still room for improvement on that time, but I am very happy with it given the course and the conditions. That time was good enough for 309/2535 overall and 14/283 in my division!
After the race, I enjoyed two guilt free days off. And today kicks off Ironman 70.3 training! Or, it technically started yesterday with a "rest" day. Check. So today I'm heading out in a beautiful 65 degrees on my bike. The wind is really strong, which I'm not thrilled about, but the sun is shining and it's well above freezing!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
It's Race Week!!
Saturday is my first race of the season. If I felt more prepared, I would be even more excited. It's been a long stretch between races (October 11th was my last). 6 months! The weather is still so cold, which I am over. That, plus my support team having an irregular schedule has forced me to the treadmill way too often. I'm trying my best to not miss workouts, but the treadmill night after night is hard. Especially when it's 9:30pm or later before I can even get started.
But all that aside, it's race week! 13.1 miles on Saturday. I'm not expecting a PR, but a good performance would be nice to kick off 2014. I'm also toying with registering for another sprint distance Tri. It's in April, and the swim is a pool swim with the bike and run outdoors. It would be practice through transition though, and the entry fee is low.
Speaking of triathlon, Ironman 70.3 training officially starts on March 31st! That's less than a week away. The kids have a few nights of sleepover scheduled that week, so I'll have a chance to dedicate myself entirely to the first week of workouts! That I'm very excited about. And...my wetsuit is scheduled to be delivered today! I got a GREAT deal on a nice suit, so I hope the fit is good. I tried on a suit a few months ago, and it was terrifying. So hot and tight. I'm sure I would have appreciated it more in cold water!
Here's to getting in my miles this week and the start of race season!
But all that aside, it's race week! 13.1 miles on Saturday. I'm not expecting a PR, but a good performance would be nice to kick off 2014. I'm also toying with registering for another sprint distance Tri. It's in April, and the swim is a pool swim with the bike and run outdoors. It would be practice through transition though, and the entry fee is low.
Speaking of triathlon, Ironman 70.3 training officially starts on March 31st! That's less than a week away. The kids have a few nights of sleepover scheduled that week, so I'll have a chance to dedicate myself entirely to the first week of workouts! That I'm very excited about. And...my wetsuit is scheduled to be delivered today! I got a GREAT deal on a nice suit, so I hope the fit is good. I tried on a suit a few months ago, and it was terrifying. So hot and tight. I'm sure I would have appreciated it more in cold water!
Here's to getting in my miles this week and the start of race season!
Friday, February 7, 2014
Chasing Boston
Every runner has a "dream race." The one you'd love to do. I have several I'd really like to do, but my dream race is the Boston Marathon. Of course, in my dream, I qualify for Boston by running a BQ time. I suppose some day I can run the race for charity and get a number that way. Realistically can I qualify? I have no idea. It would take my best race on my best day to do so. I haven't run close to the time needed in either of my two attempts (the needed time for my age group is 3:35, and even running that time doesn't guarantee entry).
Of course, in analyzing past marathon tries, I now feel that I did not have the best opportunity to run my best race. In try number one, The Flying Pig, I learned later that I was 6.5 weeks pregnant. Which, in hindsight, explained the crippling fatigue that I attributed to over-training. On my second try, Air Force Marathon, I was 9 months post-partum, and feeling great. However, I did not put in the training effort that I needed. While I felt significantly better than try number one, for obvious reasons, I simply did not log enough miles late in my training program, and missed a whole week three weeks prior to the raise when we traveled out of town.
While finding time to run hasn't gotten easier with two small kids, I finally feel like I have found my stride so to speak. I am running better and training better. I have mapped out a plan that includes lots of speed work, pace runs, and hill work, which I hope will improve my overall stamina. Additionally, I finally have adopted strength training. I always sort of half-assed it, adding in some push ups, crunches, and (of course) ITB exercises here and there. I'm in love with TRX lately, and have been doing it once a week in a class at the Y, and once a week at home by myself. In two months time I have gone from not being able to do a single regular push up to being able to do 5-6 with no problem and 2-3 with my feet elevated. This is real progress!
So, to get to Boston, my goal is to run a marathon this fall. My eye was on Twin Cities for the past year, but I have given that up. It's too far away to travel, keeping the kids in mind. I'm trying to decide between three more local races. My goal is to run 3:30, which equals somewhere in the neighborhood of 8:01/mile (for 26.2 miles). Time will tell if it's realistic or not.
Wayne Gretzky wisely said: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
Of course, in analyzing past marathon tries, I now feel that I did not have the best opportunity to run my best race. In try number one, The Flying Pig, I learned later that I was 6.5 weeks pregnant. Which, in hindsight, explained the crippling fatigue that I attributed to over-training. On my second try, Air Force Marathon, I was 9 months post-partum, and feeling great. However, I did not put in the training effort that I needed. While I felt significantly better than try number one, for obvious reasons, I simply did not log enough miles late in my training program, and missed a whole week three weeks prior to the raise when we traveled out of town.
While finding time to run hasn't gotten easier with two small kids, I finally feel like I have found my stride so to speak. I am running better and training better. I have mapped out a plan that includes lots of speed work, pace runs, and hill work, which I hope will improve my overall stamina. Additionally, I finally have adopted strength training. I always sort of half-assed it, adding in some push ups, crunches, and (of course) ITB exercises here and there. I'm in love with TRX lately, and have been doing it once a week in a class at the Y, and once a week at home by myself. In two months time I have gone from not being able to do a single regular push up to being able to do 5-6 with no problem and 2-3 with my feet elevated. This is real progress!
So, to get to Boston, my goal is to run a marathon this fall. My eye was on Twin Cities for the past year, but I have given that up. It's too far away to travel, keeping the kids in mind. I'm trying to decide between three more local races. My goal is to run 3:30, which equals somewhere in the neighborhood of 8:01/mile (for 26.2 miles). Time will tell if it's realistic or not.
Wayne Gretzky wisely said: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
On Schedule
Since before Christmas I've been working out when I can, doing what I can with no real rhyme or reason. I picked some workouts from the first weeks of my triathlon training program, peppered in some speed work, group classes at the Y, you name it. But Sunday marked my first official day back on a training program. I have mapped out my daily workouts from 3 days ago until the end of October! It's kind of mind boggling and reassuring all at once.
The weather has been awful. I can handle cold. I love running in the snow. But the weather we've been having is almost dangerous to be out in. It's so windy where we are with no fields up to block the wind, and the gusts coming across snow burns when it hits areas of bare skin, which are few in these temps. So, I've resigned myself to the treadmill the past few nights.
One positive of the treadmill, tucked safely in the basement, with no windows, is that I can get away with wearing get ups like this:
The weather has been awful. I can handle cold. I love running in the snow. But the weather we've been having is almost dangerous to be out in. It's so windy where we are with no fields up to block the wind, and the gusts coming across snow burns when it hits areas of bare skin, which are few in these temps. So, I've resigned myself to the treadmill the past few nights.
One positive of the treadmill, tucked safely in the basement, with no windows, is that I can get away with wearing get ups like this:
Yay for running at 10:00pm inside. Alone.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Look Out!
I am officially registered for Ironman 70.3 in Racine on July 20, 2014!
I've heard a lot of this, "Are you nervous?" No...not yet anyway. I'm really excited. I suppose that if I was being totally honest, I am a little nervous, but not about the race. I'm more worried about putting in the time to train and having the time I want to devote to it to do well. I have been thinking long and hard about my goals for the race. At this point, my goal is to finish in 6.5 hours or less (1 hour for swim, 3.5 for bike, and 2 hours for run, including all the transitions). I hope to be able to shave some time off that goal over the next few months.
Also registered for a practice tri in May so that I have some general idea what I'm doing in Racine. The May race is a sprint distance. Should be fun.
Here's my sweet training set up:
logged 45 minutes in the trainer yesterday, and wanted to gouge my eyes out from boredom after 2 minutes. Next time will be more prepared with mental distractions!
I've been taking TRX classes at the Y, and got this for my birthday!
and my official race hat!
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