Goal Reached!

Race day is over and most of you know that I DID IT!  After 38 weeks of training and countless hours of workouts I completed my first half-iron distance triathlon in 8 hours 1 minute and 59 seconds!  I promise to post my race report soon!  

Right now I am still in disbelief that it is over.  The post race fatigue didnt hit till Thursday and has carried through the busy weekend.  I have been sleeping as much as I can and hope to get out there again soon!

I am planning on continuing this blog to chronicle my continued journey of healthy adventures!  Attacking what I eat next as I realize I cannot eat like a triathlete and not train like one at the same time!  I also am looking for some strength training and keeping up on the cardio!  

It is sure to be an adventure!  Stay tuned for the race report!

We have come so far...

Race week!  In fact after 38 weeks of training and even more weeks of planning, the race is now just a couple days away...

Accumulated hours of training logged on the Garmin since late April: 

53 hours of running 
1245 miles of biking
53 hours of swimming

My friend and fellow team-mate Bridget (who completed her 70.3 race several weeks ago) sent a message to us today that nearly made me cry.  I knew immediately that I wanted to include part of her message here...

"This weekend is not about "can I do this" Because you can. My race weekend and leading up, I never questioned that I would cross the finish because I KNEW I would. What I questioned was HOW (not that I couldn't) will I do this race in the conditions handed to me. I knew it was going to suck (and it did). I knew it was going to hurt (and it did), but I knew I would do it (and I did). Find your motivation to get you thru. Find your way."

Isnt that beautiful?  This has been an incredible journey. I will be posting more post race with a full race report and comments on the whole weekend. 

Bridget also said: 


"You will be nervous. You will be anxious. You will want to vomit (a lot). This is normal. If you weren't feeling this way then would you be weird. Okay, you are weird (in the best way), but you know what I mean."

I love it!  I have loved training for this... this whole experience has taught me so much and I have had the time of my life!  

Goggles On!

Taper....

The countdown is here!  After all these weeks, Musselman is less than two weeks away.  Saturday was Team Veloved's last long course ride and now we are all tapering until race day! 

Bridget came out to help Andy in the SAG wagon and to hand off water bottles to us so we could practice grabbing them while we rode.  We were a little nervous since Helene had said we were "on our own" as far as pacing and riding.  Christine and I stayed together for the first 25 miles going about the same pace with Adrienne far ahead and Katie behind us.  Helene floated between the four of us and everything was going well.  I found my pace faster than the last group ride and I was feeling good in spite of the humidity.  It kept looking like it would rain, and then the sun would come out for a while... at mile 25 I got a flat tire.  Helene stopped to see how I was doing and called Andy to come back around to help.  I got to use CO2 for the first time (so glad as now I am more comfortable with it).  I got back on the road and was the last rider for the rest of the trip.  I thought as I rode that I truly was on my own!  I saw Helene a few times as she looped back for me to make sure all was well.  Around mile 40 it finally rained.  I mean RAINED.  Millions of tiny drops that stung as they hit you!  Helene and I rode through the rain into Sampson State Park and by the time I finished my ride it had stopped raining.  

Transition to the run was quick and I ran out about 1.5 miles when Helene joined me (she was on her bike).  I was supposed to run 6 miles so we went up into Geneva and then back through the park to where we started our ride.  Helene gave me my pep talk about race day.  Our concerns have been timing - I am not a fast swimmer and I need to have a decent bike so I have enough time to complete the half marathon before the race time cut off at 3PM.  We found out my swim wave goes off at 7:07AM and is the third wave.  I should have enough time and knowing I am going off near the start of the race is comforting!  

The last to complete the workout on Saturday, I was welcomed back to the cars with excitement as everyone was hungry!  We went to lunch and at lunch Helene, Andy, and Bridget talked to us about race day.  KC and I are driving out together and staying together and Christine and Adrienne are doing the same. It should be a great weekend and one we will remember for years to come. 

Looking back on the last year and all that we have accomplished absolutely amazes me.  From Irongirl 2012 to Musselman 2013 has been a long and rewarding journey.  A few more days and less than 8 hours of work ahead!  Here's to training and making truly life changing goals.

Goggles On.

Super Bridget and Her Pro

What a weekend!

Helene has coached 5 of us for 70.3 triathlons.  Four of us are doing Musselman in less than three weeks and Bridget did Syracuse 70.3 yesterday.  Bridget and her husband also volunteered to host a professional athlete for the race week.  Lisa Norden, the 2012 Olympic Silver Medalist in triathlon came to stay with them for a few days.  Lisa is from Sweden and is getting ready train in Boulder and continue her professional race circuit.

The night before the race I snuck over to Bridget's house and chalked her driveway (with her husbands permission) and left poster board signs out (in case it rained) for Bridget and Lisa to see when they left to head to the race start.  Katie and I drove separately and went to different points on the bike course so Bridget would see us more often.  We chalked the course as we drove out, stopping repeatedly to write on the road....

 Initially I went to the "wall" (a steep down hill followed by a really steep uphill).  Riders commented how they went from speeds of 45mph to 5mph in a matter of seconds!  I have ridden the wall and it is challenging.

I was watching for Lisa first since she was one of the favorites for the top female spot and sure enough, she was riding with the guys in one of the lead packs.  NO OTHER WOMEN anywhere near her.

Bridget looked good when she passed me and I waited to cheer my other friends on before cutting across the course and heading to mile 43 and cheering again.  After that I met up with Katie and we parked as close to the park as we could (2 miles) and walked along the run course cheering everyone on as they ran in super hot weather!  Friends, this was a MISERABLE day to race.  High humidity and VERY VERY warm.

We hung out in the CNY Triathlon Club tent near the finish at the loop of the course (it was an out and back, out and back - so they ran up the hill above TWICE).  Then a thunderstorm blew through!  It cooled the temps but was a crazy summer storm for a while and Bridget was still running!  She finished and I am SO INCREDIBLY PROUD of her.

This woman trained for months, kept me laughing and sane through some tough times and overcame some fears as she determined to move forward.  I am so proud to call her my friend and teammate.  SO PROUD.

Lisa too had a great day!

She finished LOOOONG before any of the other women (over 20 minutes) and took home first female finisher!  Her swim time was 26:52, bike time was 2:23:52 and a run time of 1:30:46.  In that heat, she ran a half marathon in 90 minutes!!! that SHOCKS me.  She is very sweet and I enjoyed talking with her at the tent afterwards... she even had me take her picture with a bag of "swedish fish" that were in the tent for volunteers to snack on! Here is her bike, I am sure that bike costs more than you think!

Today I am back to training... swam in the weeds this morning and then biked... this is the last week of distance and then we are tapering for our race.... praying it is not as humid and hot and that it doesnt thunder/lightening.  It can totally rain during the run though!

Goggles On!

Three Weeks and Counting....

So today Katie and I finished our week's workouts with a long  brick workout.  We had to ride 50 miles and then transition immediately to a two mile run.  Today is very warm and we headed out about 7:15 and rode north for 25 miles, turned around and then ran our two miles in a nearby neighborhood.  

Here is a picture of me after the workout was completed!  

Recovery?  Chocolate milk and a cereal bar for now.  In a little bit will be taking in something more substantial before I head out to work!  

Tomorrow I cheer my fellow athlete and good friend Bridget and some other friends during their 1/2 Ironman!  

Goggles On!

Intermediate Distance Complete!

Hello my friends...

This is just a quick post to say that training has continued to progress and today KC and I completed our first intermediate triathlon.  We did a 0.9 mile swim in the harbor, then a 25 mile bike and a 6.4 mile run. 

After days of rain, today was beautiful.  I didn't notice the water temp being cold, though others said it was.  And guess what? I didn't panic in the water.  It was my longest open water swim to date (in the pool I have swam 2 miles w/out stopping, but open water is so different).  The last 400 yards were the hardest as we were swimming perpendicular to the waves and they were coming in on my dominant breathing side!  I swallowed some water but refused to stop.  I knew I was one of the last swimmers, but I was determined not to be THE last one out of the water.  I wasn't.

The bike was tough.  Its hilly and I was riding by myself.  I was only passed by one person and for the most part I was out on the roads alone.  My bike gears kept slipping in the big ring in the front (the harder gears).  Annoying as the gears it wouldn't stay in were the ones that I use most often! 

I headed out on the run and had forgotten to take my bike gloves off... I took them off as I ran and stuck them in my back pocket on my tri jersey.  After the first couple miles I settled into my pace and ran steady staying between 11 and 12 min miles.  The run was a little long but I felt good (though tired at the end)!!!!!

Yes, I was the next to last to finish the race.  However, as Coach said we were to focus on everything BUT the swim bike and run.  So, here is my checklist:

1. not panicking in the swim? CHECK
2. not stopping during the swim? CHECK
3. getting out of the wetsuit and having a good T1? CHECK
4. Nutrition? CHECK
5. Garmin transfer from wrist to bike to wrist? CHECK
6. Fluid consumption? CHECK
7. Not stopping for change or yardsales? CHECK CHECK

So, all in all today was a successful day!  I finished in under 4 hours and learned some things along the way.... namely I need to reapply sunscreen after the swim and before the run as I am a little burned right now...

Pictures will be posted soon. 

Goggles On!

Bumps Along the Way

Just in case you wondered, workouts don't always go like you want them to... I have tried very hard to keep this blog positive, but to be perfectly honest, training can sometimes be very challenging.  

I do not always have successes in workouts, they sometimes, (for lack of a better word) SUCK.  For example, this morning I was supposed to run 7 miles alternating "easy" miles with "faster" miles.  I got up at 5:15 so I could be ready to run at 6:00 since I have to be at work later this morning and cant/wont run when I get off at the end of the day.  Last night I laid out everything I needed to run (Garmin, compression socks, clothes, hat, inhaler, water belt, etc). This morning when I began to get ready, I realized I didn't have my heart rate strap out and looked everywhere for it (while trying not to wake my roommate up in the next room!).  Finally I decided to run without the strap and headed outside.  

It is cold this morning, about my favorite temperature to run in!  I started running and my legs felt heavy... no problem I thought, I will warm up and my legs will loosen and I will feel fine.  NOPE!  The tightness got worse and soon my knee started hurting, and then my opposite foot started to hurt, (both places I have had some issues with the last month or so) and then my other foot and knee.... it was NOT FUN!  My ID bracelet was driving me crazy and I couldn't wait to get it off, I also didn't want to carry my water belt which was bouncing up and down against my back!  My  first mile was SLOW and the second was even slower.... I finally decided I needed to cut my losses and GO HOME and strap on some ice.  

I am sure I will find out later what the coach says about my unsuccessful run, but in the meantime, I wanted you to know how hard this is sometimes.  There are days where my head just cant get my legs to do what I want them to do on the bike, or where my breathing is off in the pool and I feel panic, or even where I just plain don't feel like training.  But, thankfully those days are few and I am mostly enjoying each step of the journey!  Even days like today when my determination bows to my body's complaints are worth it in the end.

We are getting so close to our race day and I find myself thinking more and more of the moment when I will cross that finish line.  The moment that culminates MONTHS of hard work and 7 to 8 HOURS of racing that day!  I know it will be an emotional day.  I also know that I will be sad to be leaving these weeks of training behind as life changes... as Helene will be "friend Helene" all the time instead of doubling as "coach Helene". I wont be training for hours every day.  I will enjoy that time (my niece will be here by then and I plan on spoiling her) but, I will also miss it. I have therefore already began setting goals for myself post-race.  This year has been one that has changed my life and in the grand scheme of things, one tough, DNF (did not finish) run are small things.  So, lets move forward into tomorrow (a fast 18 mile paceline bike ride) and remember to keep those GOGGLES ON!

"Triathlon is a journey, where races are milestones that require moments of celebration, reflection and analysis." - Ryan Schneider.  

Updates Galore!

Hey everyone, I am amazed at how fast time has been passing... training takes up a lot of my day and with work and sleeping many days have passed since I have updated here.  So here are the "missing" posts!

1/2 Marathon (May 5th) -

Katie and I ran the Binghamton Bridge Run 1/2 Marathon a couple weeks ago and I still cant believe I did it!  If you know me and running it will make sense.... Last summer I was so excited to run 12 minute miles during Iron Girl and fast forward to May this year and I ran 13.1 miles in just under 12 minute miles. So cool and a LOT of hard work.

Race morning Katie and I left at 4:30 and headed to Binghamton.  When we got to packet pick up at 6:00AM my sister called me and said that they had hit something in the road and had gotten a hole in their gas tank.  We picked up my Dad and Jenna's packets and then went back to pick them and my Mom up in Whitney Point.  We got back to the race site at 7:00 and with the race start at 7:30 headed to the bathroom. The line was LONG!!!!! I waited a while but couldnt get in there before the race started.  So I started my race having to pee REALLY REALLY bad.  My Dad ran with me for a while and all I could do was focus on getting to mile 3.5 where the first portapotties were.  When I got there I had to wait in a short line and by the time I got done and back on the course I was near the end.  I worked REALLY hard for quite a while to catch people.  At mile 10 I caught Katie who was having some challenges with her foot.  I came in just under 2:40 and only a couple minutes before Katie finished.  I felt GREAT!

Shopping trip with Helene -

Katie and I raced our first two years of sprint triathlons without wetsuits, but with the choice to do a longer race this year, we needed to bite the bullet and purchase the rubber suits for training and racing.  Helene found a huge sale at local store and scheduled Katie and I to meet her there so she could help us shop.

The first one I tried on went on fairly easily and fit like a glove (literally - a full body glove that is).  I tried a second on but my shoulders werent broad enough.  I put down a deposit and a few days later picked it up!  Then, on Friday morning we swam in Oneida Lake!

I love the wetsuit and in spite of water temps in the 50's and air temps in the upper 40's it didnt feel bad at all with the wetsuit on.  The problem was... I have an open water issue and its BACK... sigh.. as soon as I put my face in the water to start swimming, I felt overwhelming panic.  It persisted for the first 300 yards or so before I got ahold of myself and finally relaxed enough to swim a few laps between buoys... I thought Helene was going to kill me!  No sympathy which is what I need when I am in that place... Its all in my head.  I know I can swim it, and even if I didnt swim - with the wetsuit all I could do is float!

I got past it and later that morning I rode a training ride with Helene, a few fellow athletes and the guys from a local bike shop.  It was an awesome ride!  Helene didnt talk to me at all, which means I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing!  A gorgeous morning for a bike and a successful bike to end my morning after a challenging swim.

2nd Course Ride at Musselman -

Today we rode the 56 mile race course again.  I was a little nervous because I wanted to have a good ride and last time I rode the course I had a few moments where I was mad at Helene when she practiced her tough coaching on me!  On our drive out to the course it sprinkled rain and the wind picked up.  We headed out and I found myself in the front part of the middle for a while, trying to focus on cadence and not killing myself during the first part of the ride.  It was really windy and one of my fellow athletes and I found each other near the front of the pack and helped each other pull.  We pretty much did most of the ride together... a few times I lost her or she lost me, but it helped to have her there.  I couldnt believe how far ahead we got and by the time we got to the last section of road, I was leading and still feeling GREAT!  The run afterwards was a challenge and I came in near the end because I am slower but I still managed to average 12 min miles during the 3 miles we did after the ride.  Around the 2 mile mark I started to feel in the groove with the run and ran nice and steady.  All in all it was a great confidence boosting ride!  We all went to the local diner for lunch and now that I am home, on my couch, clean and in comfortable clothes I am getting really tired!  :)

So, that is it my friends... my updates.  In the future I am going to work on my open water swims and continue moving forward with my bike skills and maintaining my mileage running.

Goggles On!

New Milestone

Today, my friends, I ran 10 miles.

10.
That is, T-E-N.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10!

Thanks to my friend Jess, that ran with me today!  In 10 days I will be running my first half marathon!  I think I am so focused on my 70.3 race that I havent really thought about this milestone until just now.  :)

Oh, and I am wearing one of my favorite birthday presents from last week.  Want to see?

These are from my roommate and they meant a lot to me because she knows how much the Rosie the Riveter sentiments on the traditional poster from WWII inspire me.  I even have the poster up on the wall in my room!

So, in the spirit of Rosie....

We can do it!  Goggles On!

Updates

Hi everyone! Its been a while since I have updated you all on training!  So much has happened the last 10 days I will attempt to fill you in on the highlights!

Last week was my birthday week.  Sunday of that week my roommate threw me a birthday party with some of my closest friends.  Helene and Andy had the flu and couldnt make it but my other friends came and we had a great time talking training and everything remotely related (all triathletes).  Even though Helene had the flu she still sent our schedules out that evening and I noticed a trend with my schedule!  She had a lot of 33's in my distances!  On my birthday I swam 3300 yards (over two miles) and then I ran 3.3 miles another day and biked 33 miles.  :)

I have to say that knowing I have been swimming TWO miles on my long swims just amazes me.  Helene has been the catalyst to some of the biggest changes in my life!  She taught me how to breathe and swim... Its been almost a year since my first session with her.  She is unbelievable.

Biking highlights ... This past Sunday morning Helene had most of us out at the 70.3 Syracuse bike course to ride the first section from the park out to Reservoir Rd. and back.  It was a total of 43 miles and the longest ride I have ever done.  BUT, I also had never climbed so many hills!  For those of you who are not familiar with the first section of the bike course in Syracuse, it is MILES of climbing.  I actually REALLY enjoyed the ride.  I rode Sweet Rd. out with a fellow triathlete that I didnt know very well and had the opportunity to talk a little as we road.  Then, later on Route 80 the road dips like a roller coaster!  SERIOUSLY that part of the road is almost straight down and then straight back up!  I rode my brakes down and still found myself going over 33 miles per hour!  Then when you go up  you slow REALLY FAST to a crawl and have to just spin your legs and pedal up the rest of the hill.  I couldnt look far ahead of me or I would get overwhelmed with how far I had to go, so I just looked in front of me and kept pedalling as much as I could with quick glances upward.  Guess what? I made it up the hill!  The whole 43 mile ride I rode and didnt walk.  I was so proud of myself!  Again progress from my hard work following Helene's program and hearing her coaching and encouragement in my head.  One person from my group, who is actually doing the race, walked part of the Rt 80 hill and Helene made her go back and ride it again with her.  Helene knew this other athlete could do it and that the need to walk was all in her head!  We were all proud of her when she completed the hill.  On the way back to the park, Katie and I headed out and traded back and forth for the lead.  I headed to work from the park.

Run... well the week before my birthday I ran my first 9 mile run!  Tomorrow I run 10 and my first 1/2 marathon is in less than two weeks!  I cant believe it!  I dont know that I ever thought I would run that far, let alone after swimming and biking!

Yesterday Bridget and I met with the OCC and Helene for a bike time trial and two mile run.  The wind was HORRIBLE!  I managed to average 17 mph on the bike and did my run in 20:33!  Helene said she was proud of me and I was very happy with my effort!

I have more to say, stories to share like my adventures biking outside before my lovely toe covers from Helene and Andy, but they will have to wait.  Today I swam a couple miles, biked two hours with my Dad and I am really tired now.  One thing I have learned is to go to bed early!  I have been getting up at 6:30 every morning (or earlier) and tomorrow is going to be a busy day!  Stay tuned - Sunday I ride my race course for the first time!  56 miles between two of the finger lakes!  Should be a great day!

Goggles On!

20 Recent Lessons

20 things I have learned: 

1.  What you eat and drink has a direct affect on how you feel during a workout.
2.  Running with a head cold is harder the first couple miles.
3. Compression is my friend.
4. Ice is my friend.
5. Your feet really do sweat when you exercise, a LOT.
6. Biking outside in the wind is still easier than on a trainer inside.
7. Even when my body feels terrible, it is still capable of putting forth a personal record!
8. Early bedtimes are necessary and wonderful.
9. Doing my workout (or the first workout of the day) early is always the best idea.
10. Body Glide and Chamois Butter are WONDROUS blessings as the miles increase!
11. Time management is crucial
12. My family is wonderfully patient and supportive!
13. I have the best team of people around me and beside me for this incredible journey.
14. Your body can drastically change shape without you actually losing weight on the scale.
15. You shouldn't stop to pick up change when you run... Helene will kill you!
16. When you have two triathletes in the house, the dishwasher can very quickly fill with empty water bottles!
17. I look forward to my run days because those are the "easy" workouts.
18. Runs actually don't feel good for the first few miles, its not until mile 4 or so that things start to feel comfortable on a long run.
19. I am capable of so much more than I think I am.
20. This is one of the best times in my life!

Only 96 days till race day!

Goggles On!

Things I Love (Part 2)

So, while I drove home this morning from an appointment, I started thinking about some of the training related things I love.  I was inspired to share them with you!

1. Pocket Fuel - I recently started trying Pocket Fuel as a fuel choice when I train on long training sessions.  This paleo diet friendly fuel, is made from natural hazelnut and almond butters.  My favorite flavor is the coconut cherry and I recently purchased a refill of the little hand packs!  Really tasty and easy to use fuel source!

 2. 110% Overdrive Sox - I love 110%'s products but right now this is my favorite!  The compression sock feels great and the set comes with a sleeve to put over the sock and ice packs to insert between the two layers.  When the bottom of my feet hurt, I can easily ice them as well as my shins and calves.  Such a great product!

3. Veloved's Park Tool Bike Repair and Troubleshooting Training Class - This women's only class was very helpful in giving me the knowledge and confidence in caring for my bike.  Such a great knowledge base to have when you spend hours (and hours and hours) on your bike each week!

4. TLC Chiropractic - These guys are AWESOME and have done so much to support me in my journey over the past few years.  Dr. Jerry has been my chiropractor for the last 4-5 years and I really appreciate his expertise and support and he is one of my biggest cheerleaders as I continue this journey.

5. Rest Days -I love my rest days!  They give my body a break from the increasing demands training for an endurance sport places on it and they give my mind a break from the mental demands of training.  At times this is the hardest thing I have ever decided to do and I am very proud of how far I have come.  This is not done yet, but I work hard each day and look forward to those days of rest!

Speaking of working hard, I must go get ready for my long brick workout!  Going to take my bike OUTSIDE for the first time this year!  Thirty mile ride and then a 3 mile run.  :)

Goggles On!

Milestone Updates

Well, here we are at the beginning of another week of training....week 23 actually!

I have to admit, I was hoping to start the week off with a rest day as usual for my Monday, but with my weird schedule at the store, my day off training is Tuesday.  Not only am I training tomorrow, but I have a two-a-day!  For those of you non-triathletes a "two-a-day" is two workouts in one day separated by several hours.  So, tomorrow morning I get to swim and then I get to bike in the afternoon before I head to work!

I have been amazed this last week at what I have been able to accomplish. On Wednesday I ran 8 miles without stopping at an average pace of 11:11!  That is the longest distance I have ever done and it was a very comfortable run.  My friend and fellow triathlete, Bridget, told me several times that I would eventually reach a point, where I wouldn't start to feel good on a run until I had gone 4 miles.  I was skeptical, but actually felt this phenomenon during my 8 miles!  Miles 4 through 6 felt wonderful!  Bizarre but I'll take it!  It also happened to be a beautiful day and I ran at a local park in the morning!  I also managed to cut about 6.5 minutes off my 2100 yard swim time!  My run pacing has been better too... the only thing that has been an issue lately has been my bikes.  I am getting frustrated on the trainer and want to be OUTSIDE!  Its in my schedule for this week, but I am holding my breath with the weather.

Andy ordered me new tires for my bike (the trainer has done a number on my rear tire!) and I cant wait to have them put on along with my new gear set and derailleur!  Here's to Veloved!

This week's schedule brings in rides of 20-45 miles outside, longer bricks, longer workouts, and a 9 mile run on Saturday!

Here's to having a great week!  Staying strong...

Goggles On!

A Weekend in New York City!

Weekend in New York Recap?  GO!

Friday - Katie and I got up early and got on a bus from Syracuse to New York.  We didnt get to sit together since Syracuse was the last stop to pick up passengers.  I made my way a few rows behind Katie and sat next to a nice looking guy in his 50's.  He talked my ear off much of the ride when I didnt have headphones on and I learned all about him and his family.  Turns out his kids went to college with me... I was a little annoyed that he talked so much and would have liked to relax and enjoy the trip more by sleeping!

Carrie met us at the bus stop and we walked to her apartment before going out and spending some time sight seeing.  I couldnt resist taking a picture of the flowers they were selling at a market we walked through.

We purchased goodies from a little bake shop to enjoy later that evening for dessert.  I bought a Gluten Free pumpkin muffin and thoroughly enjoyed it later that night!  We also walked through some stores around Times Square including the triathlon shop that sponsored Helene (our coach) when she was racing.  I also did a little secret shopper thing at one of the Jack Rabbit running stores!  That was fun.

The next morning Katie and I were on our own to get to the Tri-Mania conference while Carrie met her team to swim.

Dr. Metzl was the MC of the event. One of the things he did in between each 15 minute session was ask random trivia questions.  The person that answered the question, won a prize from one of the vendors or the speaker that followed.  In the first block of 4 presentations, one of the speakers talked about swim anxiety... which for anyone who knows me will understand that I needed to hear that presentation!  Well, right before that section, Dr. Metzl was doing his trivia thing and said something like this.... "Now, for all you religious people out there, this question is for you.  How long was Jonah in the whale?"  Of course, I knew immediately and my hand shot up!  He called on me and I answered "Three days and nights."  What did I win?  A ten minute consult with the sports psychologist to talk about race anxiety and..... (drum roll please.....) a pair of GOGGLES! HA ha ha ha!  Carrie and Katie had a fun time with that one and kept talking about it all day!

Dr. Metzl

It was a busy day full of information.  Seminars included:

• Coaching - what makes a good coach
• Bike Fit
• Common run injuries
• Nutrition - the 4th discipline

It was a wonderful day... I talked to many vendors, saw a lot of different races to get me motivated for next year and even talked to a local Syracuse triathlete that I recognized as a customer of Fleet Feet.  We also qualified for swag bags and got lots of goodies and freebies!  Here is a picture of my stash of stuff from the day.  See the goggles?  :)

I also purchased a running vest that is reflective and has a front pocket!  I love it and had to take a picture of it in the dark to show how reflective it is!

I had to write Katie and my race on the board... can you find it?  

So, all in all that day was fun!  We went back to the apartment happy to put our feet up and get pizza (and getting the Gluten Free one for me was quite the fiasco! ha ha)  We watched some of the SU Big East game and went to bed.  

Sunday we got up at 5 and met some of Carrie's team mates to go watch the NYC 1/2 Marathon start in Central Park.  Katie and I had to run a loop of the park that day so we dressed to run and FROZE all morning.  Literally numb for the first few hours we were out!  26,000 runners was amazing to watch.... before everyone got to start the race, the lead pack came through at mile 6!  28 minutes and a group of about 20 Kenyan runners came through followed within minutes by the lead female runner!  Once they went through Katie and I headed out for our run going the opposite direction of the race.  I felt FANTASTIC!  It was a fun hilly run for 6.2 miles around the park.  My heart rate got really high from the hills but it didnt bother me at all.  Once we got moving we were dressed appropriately.  After our run Katie and I walked (a LONG way) trying to find somewhere warm to drink hot chocolate and stretch out my knee which then started to seize up when we cooled back off and got cold again.  A street vendor told us to head to Angelos down one of the roads and we got a CHEAP very good fresh cooked breakfast!  Then we headed back to Carries to shower before we headed out to finish our sight seeing and catch our bus home.  

We took the subway to Battery Park and walked to the Brooklyn Bridge with all our baggage in tow.  SO hard to walk carrying 40 lbs strapped to your back!  We got tired and ended up sitting in the subway station at Penn Station for a while just relaxing.  We also had a delicious lunch at TGIFridays before we headed to the bus stop a few blocks from Penn Station.  We got a seat up front next to each other and I slept much of the ride home.  

What fun we had.  I came back ready to train and get going again... Which was good because that was our last real break for the next few months!  We are now doing 9 workouts each week over the course of 6 days.  

Goggles On!

On our way

I hand wrote this last week on the bus and with my busy week just now got to typing it up and posting! Enjoy....

Hello Everyone from the great city of New York (or rather currently the bus on my way to NYC)!  Katie and I were invited a couple months ago to attend Sun Multisports TriMania Expo and Convention in New York City this weekend.  My friend and fellow triathlete, Carrie lives in Manhattan and offered us a place to stay.  We found cheap bus tickets and are currently on our way.

The last two weeks have been low volume training and a welcome break physically and mentally.  Monday starts our experiences with 9 workouts in 6 days of the week.  Two-a-days are normal until we race in July, only 17 more weeks.

I have started having dreams nightmares about racing and training.  I have to figure out a way to combat those doubts and the fear I am realizing is there beneath the surface... It is such a mental battle, I mean I can swim it now and I could bike it (even if it was slower than it should be) and will be able to run it within 6 weeks.  I trust Helene and that she will get me there, but some days are really hard.  Wednesday was one of those days.  Katie and I had a training session with Helene on our bike trainers.  Katie had a great workout but me... well I had a mental battle to keep my legs moving fast enough.  90 cadence seemed so hard to maintain I also discovered that I hold onto the handlebars too hard.  So trying to sit properly is initially really uncomfortable.  I am grateful for the new saddle on my bike but I realized just how much additional work I need to do with my core.  That ride was great and terrible at the same time.  Great because I was pushed beyond where I would have gone on my own and terrible because I got really annoyed that I couldnt seem to get my body to do what I wanted it to.  Helene said it was in my head and I am sure she is right, but I am not sure how to change the messages there from "I cant" to "I CAN and I WILL"

The doubts, however subconscious, are infecting my sleep and dreams.  Last night I had a dream that Helene told me I couldnt do it and would never make it through the race... It shook me up just a bit.  I am working really hard to get ready to complete that race.  Helene is working really hard to get me ready to complete that race... I need to believe that I can do this - the other day (in real life) Helene reminded me of a quote by Henry Ford, "Whether you believe you can or believe you can't you are probably right."  So I choose to believe and work like I believe it.

So... positive self talk along with ALL OUT TRAINING and a lot of prayer!

Goggles On!

Its a long one....

Well, I haven't posted here in way too long.  Its not that training hasn't been eventful, its just that life has been busy and I just haven't made communicating here a priority.  So, lets get an update. 

• 21 weeks till race day (man, time is flying)
• Week 18 of training - distance week
• Swim is up to 2800 yards
• Biking is up to 2 hours for long rides
• Running I will hit 6 miles this week

Helene says she wants to wrap my apartment in bubble wrap since Katie and I seem to have hit a point where one of us is always either sick or injured!  I recently strained my right arm cleaning (moving a box in my closet) and have been having minor ulnar nerve pain through my shoulder and down my arm.  I have been icing, saw my chiropractor this morning, and am supposed to ease into the workouts that use those muscles (ie yoga.... no planks for me tonight!).  Running and biking are fine and good as long as I keep my arm relaxed in proper form on the bike bars!  I headed to the pool after my appointment today and did my long swim.  I didn't pull hard, but it was a long slow day anyway so I just settled in a rhythm and swam (and swam and swam some more).... it was a really good swim.  ALL bilateral breathing and very comfortable.  My time turned out to be really good too!  I checked mileage when I got to a computer today too and 2800 yards is 1.59 miles!  :)

Its been a little tough to stay on task with everything the last few weeks.  I think I get overwhelmed with the magnitude of what I am training for.... what I have been accomplishing.  Helene has said that we have a break coming next month at some point before things kick into high gear for the last few months before our race.  Training is a very daily thing and there have been weeks recently where I have not had what feels like a good training day.  Days get rough and training feels HARD.  Like my recent 40 minute time trial on the bike.  I couldn't keep my cadence (pedal strokes per minute) up to save my life.  I worked really hard but my legs felt like I was slogging through concrete.  Then a week later I was at the winter training center (WTF) and did a speed session with the group... cadence was in the mid 90's and in a hard gear.... why is that?  Who knows, but on those tough days it can get pretty frustrating.  I know what I want my body to do, but it doesn't always co-operate.

This weekend I had my first longer brick session... We did an hour speed bike session at the WTF and then I had to get out and run 4 miles right after while everyone else did their cool down session.  Once I got outside the WTF I ran away from the mall.  I also tried a gel and managed to eat 1/2 of it!  I was so hungry and the one I had with me (GU Blueberry Pom. Roctane) actually didn't make me gag.  I don't know if it was because I knew I needed the nutrition to run, or if the texture and taste of it was more palatable... regardless, I downed 1/2 and then drank from my water bottle before stashing it behind some bushes so I wouldn't have to do my whole run holding it.  My watch was set for indoor workouts so I didn't end up having distance or speed, but I had run around there often enough that I knew I ran at least the four miles I was supposed to do. 

It was weird because about 1.5 miles into my run I thought... Hey, this feels pretty good!  It was the perfect temperature to run and I felt good.  My left calf was tight the first mile from getting off the bike and then running right away, but that loosened as I knew it would and I felt good my whole run!  Helene would kill me if she found that I paused long enough to pick up spare change along the run... BUT in my defense it wasn't just a penny it was a penny, two nickles and a quarter all in one spot!  Ha ha! 

Anyway, there is my update!  There are many weeks ahead... ups and downs are sure to be included and I am looking forward to continuing my journey.  70.3 here I come!

Goggles On my friends!

You know you are a triathlete when....

So I was looking for some comic relief to send to a friend of mine, when I came across a list of "you know you are a triathlete when...".  Well, I read through the list and laughed.  Many of the things they mentioned, I have experienced personally.  I know many of my fellow triathletes read this blog so I thought I would share those that I can personally identify with here.

1. While at the gym, you change clothes as fast as possible because it feels like a transition.
2. You bring bottled water to a party so that you’re properly hydrated for the next morning’s long run.  Everyone else at the party also brought their own bottled water because you don’t have a social life outside of triathlon.  Everyone showed up by 7pm and left by 10pm.
3. Your friends are insanely jealous of your tan legs. Until they realize that the tan stops at your bike shorts.
4. One of the criteria of a vacation is that the hotel has a spin bike, pool and there’s running trails nearby.
5. Baggage for any out of town trip includes running gear and goggles.
6. You wake up at 5 am but don’t get to work until 9.
7. The inside of your car looks like a going out of business sale at Sports Authority.
8. You consider work, recovery time between training sessions.
9. You know you’re a triathlete when you have a water bottle when you drive your car.
10. You know you’re a triathlete when you take more showers at the gym than at home.
11. 6:30 am is sleeping in.
12. You have everything needed in your car to swim, bike or run within 5 minutes notice.
13. You catch yourself about to blow a snot rocket while walking around the office.
14. You know you’re a triathlete when you take ice baths!
15. Your cologne of choice is chlorine.
16. You know you’re a triathlete when your house and office is littered with half full water bottles
17. Your bike costs more than your car.
18. You shout “on your left”  when passing people in the aisles at the grocery store.
19. You use the words “only”  and “10k”  in the same sentence.
20. You know you’re a triathlete when you use the words “easy” and “long run” in the same sentence.
21. Your bath towel is never dry.
22. You take two showers a day.
23. You know you’re a triathlete when you think the ultimate form of wallpaper is all your racing bibs.
24. After you meet someone and they tell you they race, you go home and check online to see what age group they’re in and what their times are.
25. You plan vacations around where your next race will be.
26. You feel like you took the day off because all you did was swim 3000 yards.
27. You know you’re a triathlete when you show up to work on Mondays with faded race numbers written all over your arms and legs.
28. There is a group of people in your life about whom you are more likely to know how fast they can swim 100 meters than their occupations.
29. There’s a separate load of laundry every week that is just your workout clothes.
30. You know you’re a triathlete when your bike is in your living room (possibly mounted on your trainer).
31. A car follows too closely behind you and you accuse them of drafting.
32. You see no problem with talking about treatments for chafing or saddle rash at the dinner table.
33. You know you’re a triathlete when nobody believes you when you say “I’ll never do an Ironman”.
34. You call a 5 mile run an easy day.
35. You spend more money on training clothes then work clothes.
36. You know you’re a triathlete when you clean your bike more often than your car.
37. Your car smells like a locker room.
38. You have to explain to your co-workers what “splits,” “bricks,” and ‘LSDs” are.
39. When asked how old you are you answer 30-34.
40. You know you’re a triathlete when your car purchase depends on whether your bike will fit in the back.
41. You consider sprint triathlons as group training sessions.
42. You pass people in a crowded hallway and say “on your left.”
43. Your car purchase depends on whether your bike will fit in the back.
44.  After getting your car cleaned, you wonder how long the good smell will last
45. When people think the chain grease mark on your leg is actually a tattoo.

There is my list... what would you add?

Goggles On!

Its all about the Garmin

So, all I wanted for Christmas was a Garmin 910xt.  For those of you who dont know what this is it is the best triathlon training watch currently on the market!  I was getting frustrated with trying to keep track of my data while I was training.  I mean, how many people can keep track of swim strokes when you have a workout with 50 laps?  Not to mention speed repeats in all three disciplines!  Well, I was blessed with a generous family and I was able to order my watch the day after Christmas.  

The watch has been a mixed blessing, mostly positive, but there were a few things I didnt really think about with this new training tool... 

• Helene sees ALL of it.  If I pause during a run for ANY reason my data tells her that I did.  My lap time in the pool, number of strokes, swim efficiency, on the bike its speed and cadence, so if I pause my pedal stroke on the bike it shows!  Its ALL THERE!!!!!

• I see ALL of my workouts... and though it will ultimately show me where I am improving,  I find that on some days I fight to maintain a positive attitude of my performance.  I have had to remind myself of just how far I have come.  That changes my perspective pretty quickly!

Last night I went to a seminar on getting the most out of your Garmin at the WTF after yoga class.  It was helpful and I have spent a little time this morning playing with the features we covered in the class.  My friend Kim attended the class too (Kim has helped me a lot with strength training the past few months - Thanks Kim!).

Thankfully this week is a recovery week.  That means that intensity is still high, but our distances are much shorter.  Here is where we stand right now!

• 25.5 weeks from goal race
• 44 lbs lost
• Currently in week 12 of training
• 70.3 is a LONG way!

Goggles On!

These are a few of my favorite things....

When you are a child, its all about your favorite things... favorite color, food, superhero, cartoon character... you name it, every child knows their favorites.  As a triathlete you develop favorites too... favorite bike route, pre-workout meal, socks, accessories, etc....

I have been thinking lately about some of my favorite things and thought I would share a few of them with you:

• Pre-Workout Meal: gluten free toast with Barney's almond butter.  When I first started triathlons I found out I was allergic to wheat and peanuts.  The transition to gluten free has been fairly easy, but until recently, when I tried this almond butter, I had been unable to find a substitute for my love of peanut butter.  This almond butter is smooth and tastes so close to the Jif peanut butter I used to eat that I nearly cried the first time I tried it! Thanks Helene and Andy for giving my first jar!  Now I want to know where you got it!  I cant find a store locally that sells this brand.  Anyone know where I can get it?

• During Workout Fuel: Clif Shot Blocks or PowerBar Energy Blasts (lemon or raspberry).  I am not a gel gal as I have a thing with texture and therefore I cant stand the texture of a goopy gel.  I would much rather suck on a chew while biking or running.  Its always easier to chew on the bike than it is to do so when you run but often when I run I just suck on them.

• Post-Workout Fuel: Chocolate milk (hot or cold)

• Must have accessory: Wind Xtreme headgear.  Seriously this is one of my FAVORITE items.  This little thing can be worn in so many different ways.  Most of my triathlon photos I am wearing one of the two I own.  I wear it when I run outside and when I bike or do yoga.  It soakes head sweat and keeps my hair out of my face.  I plan on wearing it under my bike helmet in the spring for a little warmth.  LOVE. 

• Recovery Tool: Triggerpoint Grid Foam Roller.  Hands down this little roller is worth the money!  It gets a lot of my time and attention and keeps me moving well.  I roll my quads, back, IT band and hamstrings regularly (often at least once a day). 

• Bike Repair Shop: Veloved of course!  Andy does an awesome job keeping my bike in tip top condition.

What are your favorite things?  

Goggles On!

A look back... and a gaze ahead.

I am a couple days late with this post, but I have been under the weather and spent the past few days watching an entire season of Bones and sleeping.

As I look back on the last 12 months, I am amazed at just how much life has changed and how far I have come.  A year ago the thought to do a half iron distance triathlon hadnt occurred.  I was excited about coaching the upcoming spring tri program at Fleet Feet and working on getting a PR in Iron Girl.  I didnt really know Helene and Andy and KC and I were just starting to talk about renting an apartment together.  I didnt know Kim or Bridget and I had never tried yoga.

The last year has held some serious PR's for me as well...

• My run pace was about 14 minute miles at the beginning of 2012 and at the end it was down around 10
• I couldnt swim more than 50 yards without getting really winded because I didnt know how to breathe and by the end I could swim at least 2400 yards without stopping and be fine.
• I had a hybrid bike at the beginning of the year and the furthest I had ever ridden was 20 miles.  Before the tri season kicked off I bought a road bike and now the furthest I have ridden is 34 miles.
• I have lost 42 lbs
• I tried triathlon yoga and loved it.
• And many more....

This coming year has a lot in store as well!

• My first 70.3 triathlon
• My first Olympic triathlon
• My first 1/2 Marathon
• More weight loss
• More new experiences....

What an incredible journey!  

Goggles On!