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!

Does Santa Do Yoga?

Well everyone, week eight is over and we now have an updated countdown of 29 weeks!  Every once in a while I realize what I have undertaken and it freaks me out!  Helene has reminded me to trust her and the training she is providing.  Some days I want to do more and others I dont want to train at all, but I have stuck with what she says and things are going well.

In honor of the Christmas holiday tomorrow I found the image below of Santa doing yoga.  I will certainly miss the weekly stretching/strengthening yoga class at the WTF tomorrow.  I bought a yoga mat today so I can have one under my bike trainer and one to take with me for Bridget's class.  :)  I look forward to using it on New Years day after the Resolution Run.

This past week on Wednesday I rode on a computrainer at a local bike shop.  It was a nine mile race for women.  It was some ride and I got to practice my climbing skills!  I ended up in third place out of six riders (till Saturday when my roommate did the ride and  slaughtered my time).

Sunday I did my first brick workout! It went well, but I ran too fast and Helene told me to remember to run at the pace she assigns if it is specified in my workout log. :)  Another brick coming at the end of this week... and many many more in the upcoming 29 weeks!

Today we started week nine - a speed week.  I had a dvd trainer ride focusing on power.  It was not easy and my legs felt like jelly when I got done!  Ha ha!  Tomorrow I am going to run in the neighborhood where I grew up.  Should be a nice run in the snow.

Merry Christmas Friends!
Goggles On

This was your idea....

Well, week seven is over and we are on to week eight.  Seven was a distance focused week and I am grateful now for the recovery week ahead.  I have two scheduled days "off" from training and they both fall on days that I work open to close at the store.

The week was pretty uneventful as a whole, though I did actually skip a workout in its entirety for the first time.  Thursday afternoon I got a text from my sister-in-law saying they bought me a ticket to see the midnight showing of "The Hobbit" with them.  Anyone who knows me well, knows that I am NOT a late night person.  I enjoyed the movie but I was TIRED.  I slept as late as I could the next morning but felt very run down and after work I was supposed to do a long swim.  It didnt happen... the store closed late and I was exhausted.  Helene said it sounded like I made the right decision and I know I did.  There was not guilt, I just wouldnt have physically been able to do that workout.  After some sleep the next night I was fine and finished out the week with a good bike and run.

Sunday night KC and I had our Christmas/Holiday celebration with Helene and Andy.  It was a night where we were allowed to "cheat" and eat anything we wanted (the only cheat day for the whole month of December).  Now I must digress here slightly.... I knew Sunday would be our cheat day so for lunch I bought Kettle baked potato chips and a Dr. Pepper.  LOL  Now, going forward, we can have one "treat" per day.  So one cookie or piece of chocolate etc.... I think I can manage that.  Because of the discipline and accountability of this whole training thing, I have managed to lose 42 lbs!  It is SLOW but looking at before photos the difference is incredible in both KC and myself.

Most of the gifting centered around triathlon.  KC made me a sign that says... well "Goggles On" of course!  She also wrote up a bunch of motivational quotes and put them in a jar.  The jar idea is from pintrest.  You are supposed to write memories and phrases and put them in the jar.  At the end of a year, you read through the entries you have dropped in the jar.  Its pretty cool.  Take a look:

It was so fun.  This journey is going to be long and I am grateful to be taking it with people I care about!  Thanks to everyone who is helping along the way.  Oh, and KC made sure to remind me that this was my idea!  What was I thinking?

Goggles On!