Does shoveling snow count as exercise? It does with you do it the Tim Manigold way. He had me running up and down the driveway plowing snow with the shovel. Not only was it easier on my back and arm, it was an awesome workout. I think it was kinda short, but good.
This is a good thing, because with this winter blast, I've been a little unmotivated lately.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Winter has arrived
Every Friday I go to a spinning class with my cousin Patti and her neighbor Stephanie at 5:30 am. Last night Patti sent this email and I thought it was funny:
Well ladies, bundle up in the morning. It will be a roasting 10 degrees at 5am. Makes you want to spin even faster to warm up. I love Michigan mornings. No wonder we are one of the most obese states in the country.
The ideal thing to do when it is 10 degrees out is stay inside and eat a stack of flapjacks drowning in syrup and a side of sausages with enough grease to soak your finest paper plates, some eggs with extra cheese and country gravy poured over it and as a bonus you can spray a full can of whipped cream over a few pieces of canned fruit packed in heavy syrup. Then, curl up by the fireplace or open your oven and turn on the broiler for some radiant heat while you watch some rerun's of the price is right or wheel of fortune. AHHH, the good ol' days.
Well ladies, bundle up in the morning. It will be a roasting 10 degrees at 5am. Makes you want to spin even faster to warm up. I love Michigan mornings. No wonder we are one of the most obese states in the country.
The ideal thing to do when it is 10 degrees out is stay inside and eat a stack of flapjacks drowning in syrup and a side of sausages with enough grease to soak your finest paper plates, some eggs with extra cheese and country gravy poured over it and as a bonus you can spray a full can of whipped cream over a few pieces of canned fruit packed in heavy syrup. Then, curl up by the fireplace or open your oven and turn on the broiler for some radiant heat while you watch some rerun's of the price is right or wheel of fortune. AHHH, the good ol' days.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thanksgiving Report
I ate a lot. :)
But I did a 1 1/2 hour spinning class, bowled two games AND played football. Plus I ran the day before and I did a 1 hour spinning class today and will swim tomorrow.
Hopefully it'll all work out. ;)
But I did a 1 1/2 hour spinning class, bowled two games AND played football. Plus I ran the day before and I did a 1 hour spinning class today and will swim tomorrow.
Hopefully it'll all work out. ;)
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Thankfulness
Since it is Thanksgiving this week, this seems appropriate:
I hit a major milestone this week... I am officially under my lowest weight as an adult, that I hit in 1995. 2 lbs to be exact. :)
I was with Weight Watchers at that time, I had lost 120 lbs. I got stuck at that weight.
Then I got complacent and started slowly gaining about 5 lbs a year for the next 10 years. I tried everything to get back to that place I was at in 1995. I yo-yoed up and down in those 10 years, but mostly up.
In the fall of 2005 I started on the path I am now. It's been hard, slow, but so rewarding and fun at the same time. Even more so than last time.
I do not plan on getting complacent again. That's why all of you are so important to me. My support system. I couldn't do it without you. I love you all.
So today I am thankful. I still want to lose about 17 more lbs. But the goal for now is to "diet" until end of January then start tri-training again. And where I am at the end of January is where I am. If it's 5 more, fine. If it's 0 more, fine. As long as there is maintaining or losing, I will be happy. After January, I will maintain through tri-season and give it another try (tri?) ;) if I need to.
This is my path now, and for this, I am so incredibly thankful.
I hit a major milestone this week... I am officially under my lowest weight as an adult, that I hit in 1995. 2 lbs to be exact. :)
I was with Weight Watchers at that time, I had lost 120 lbs. I got stuck at that weight.
Then I got complacent and started slowly gaining about 5 lbs a year for the next 10 years. I tried everything to get back to that place I was at in 1995. I yo-yoed up and down in those 10 years, but mostly up.
In the fall of 2005 I started on the path I am now. It's been hard, slow, but so rewarding and fun at the same time. Even more so than last time.
I do not plan on getting complacent again. That's why all of you are so important to me. My support system. I couldn't do it without you. I love you all.
So today I am thankful. I still want to lose about 17 more lbs. But the goal for now is to "diet" until end of January then start tri-training again. And where I am at the end of January is where I am. If it's 5 more, fine. If it's 0 more, fine. As long as there is maintaining or losing, I will be happy. After January, I will maintain through tri-season and give it another try (tri?) ;) if I need to.
This is my path now, and for this, I am so incredibly thankful.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Signed in Blood
I want all of you to know that my incredibly awesome husband, Timothy Brian Manigold (I just said it that way to sound official, really it's just Tim. ;) ), stated this morning that he is going to do the Hawk Island Triathlon in June (in East Lansing).
I don't ever remember him saying for sure he would do it, but he said he had. So I asked him if this was a done deal, and then he started to back pedal! Loser!
Anyway, I told him I was going to post it here so he can't back out.
So he HAS to do it now. ;)
I don't ever remember him saying for sure he would do it, but he said he had. So I asked him if this was a done deal, and then he started to back pedal! Loser!
Anyway, I told him I was going to post it here so he can't back out.
So he HAS to do it now. ;)
Saturday, November 17, 2007
The Fire in Her Eyes
F2FM has it now.
What is it you ask?
It's that fire. No, not her hair, her EYES.
Maybe it's because she has signed up, maybe it's because she's feeling peer pressure, but she has it.
I can tell now that she's ready to get serious about this biking event she has coming, because I saw it in her EYES.
But watch out, because she has it, and it might be contagious!
As an aside, F2FM, I did go out and run this morning. Maybe it's because you scared me with THAT FIRE.
What is it you ask?
It's that fire. No, not her hair, her EYES.
Maybe it's because she has signed up, maybe it's because she's feeling peer pressure, but she has it.
I can tell now that she's ready to get serious about this biking event she has coming, because I saw it in her EYES.
But watch out, because she has it, and it might be contagious!
As an aside, F2FM, I did go out and run this morning. Maybe it's because you scared me with THAT FIRE.
Friday, November 16, 2007
You can do anything
I was watching "the Biggest Loser" the other day when the trainer named Jillian said something very profound.
There was this woman who was well over 300 lbs and she was running up this sand dune carrying sand bags and Jillian was yelling at her to get her up that hill.
When she got to the top, Jillian said to her "Look what you have done! Look at the strength and power you had coming up that hill! That strength will transcend into EVERY aspect of your life."
This is so true.
I can't tell you how my life has changed over the past two years. I am more confident in EVERYTHING I do. My successes I have had in weight loss and racing have built me up, made me a better wife, a better friend, a better worker and better at everything. Not because I am thinner, but because I am healthier, I feel better and I am happier.
On my vacation, I went rock climbing. Did you hear me? ROCK CLIMBING? I would have never tried something like that before, because I never thought I could.
Guess what? I can do anything I want. So can you. Go on your ride, go do your triathlon, go run your marathon. And then go do ANYTHING else you put your mind to, because you can, because you are awesome and can overcome ANY obstacle!!
There was this woman who was well over 300 lbs and she was running up this sand dune carrying sand bags and Jillian was yelling at her to get her up that hill.
When she got to the top, Jillian said to her "Look what you have done! Look at the strength and power you had coming up that hill! That strength will transcend into EVERY aspect of your life."
This is so true.
I can't tell you how my life has changed over the past two years. I am more confident in EVERYTHING I do. My successes I have had in weight loss and racing have built me up, made me a better wife, a better friend, a better worker and better at everything. Not because I am thinner, but because I am healthier, I feel better and I am happier.
On my vacation, I went rock climbing. Did you hear me? ROCK CLIMBING? I would have never tried something like that before, because I never thought I could.
Guess what? I can do anything I want. So can you. Go on your ride, go do your triathlon, go run your marathon. And then go do ANYTHING else you put your mind to, because you can, because you are awesome and can overcome ANY obstacle!!
Wow
Wow!
It's been almost a month since I posted anything...
It's not that I haven't been doing anything, it's just I've been busy and with no events, things are just slower than normal.
I'm still spinning once a week (I will spin twice next week as there is a special 1.5 hour spin class on Thanksgiving morning).
I'm swimming a couple days and running a couple days.
Nothing too intense. I am *kinda* taking it easy getting ready for like February to start hitting it harder for tri season. Just staying loose, doing swim drills, speed work with running and sweating my butt off on spinning.
Also, we were gone on vacation to Arizona. My friend took us rock climbing. I may be addicted, so we are going to go to an indoor gym this winter I think. It was WAY fun. We did 3 seriously hard hikes. Fun, beautiful and good workouts. We drove a lot, saw a lot of people and did some relaxing too. And the best part was i didn't gain a pound!
I have some more thoughts on that I'll post another day....
It's been almost a month since I posted anything...
It's not that I haven't been doing anything, it's just I've been busy and with no events, things are just slower than normal.
I'm still spinning once a week (I will spin twice next week as there is a special 1.5 hour spin class on Thanksgiving morning).
I'm swimming a couple days and running a couple days.
Nothing too intense. I am *kinda* taking it easy getting ready for like February to start hitting it harder for tri season. Just staying loose, doing swim drills, speed work with running and sweating my butt off on spinning.
Also, we were gone on vacation to Arizona. My friend took us rock climbing. I may be addicted, so we are going to go to an indoor gym this winter I think. It was WAY fun. We did 3 seriously hard hikes. Fun, beautiful and good workouts. We drove a lot, saw a lot of people and did some relaxing too. And the best part was i didn't gain a pound!
I have some more thoughts on that I'll post another day....
Monday, October 22, 2007
Neglect
It seems as since my triathlon season is over I've been neglecting my blog. But DO NOT FEAR I am not neglecting my fitness!!!
So here is an update as to what I have been up to:
1. I've been keeping a regular 30-60 minute workout routine 5x a week. Alternating between biking (or spinning), swimming and running. All is well there.
2. Diet is mostly good. I've lost about 15 lbs since the last triathlon 2 months ago and have even been able to drink a beer from time to time. That includes a slight gain I had before I went on the diet because I was celebrating too much. ;) Anyway, I'm down over 70 lbs overall since this time 2005.
3. Planning for next tri season has begun. Patti is trying to talk me into an olympic size tri (double what we did last year), but we'll see. I haven't comitted. :) But it does look like our summer is going to be planned around said activities.
4. New bike is AWESOME. I've been outfitting it with a pump, under the seat bag with tool kit and stuff and a computer. I've been on various 10 - 30 mile rides throughout the fall and I'm getting more and more comfortable on it. Yesterday we went on the Huron Valley Trail (thanks for the tip, Mindy!) and I was able to really practice my aerobars, which I haven't really been doing much because I've been afraid. I really got comfortable on them, so I am happy about that. Next big step will be to get a trainer and some clips so I can practice those over the winter.
5. Not completely fitness related, but I'm going on vaca in 2 weeks and I'll be doing tons of hiking and my friend is taking us rock climbing!! I couldn't do it if I weren't in good shape, so I am happy about that!!!
ROCK ON!
So here is an update as to what I have been up to:
1. I've been keeping a regular 30-60 minute workout routine 5x a week. Alternating between biking (or spinning), swimming and running. All is well there.
2. Diet is mostly good. I've lost about 15 lbs since the last triathlon 2 months ago and have even been able to drink a beer from time to time. That includes a slight gain I had before I went on the diet because I was celebrating too much. ;) Anyway, I'm down over 70 lbs overall since this time 2005.
3. Planning for next tri season has begun. Patti is trying to talk me into an olympic size tri (double what we did last year), but we'll see. I haven't comitted. :) But it does look like our summer is going to be planned around said activities.
4. New bike is AWESOME. I've been outfitting it with a pump, under the seat bag with tool kit and stuff and a computer. I've been on various 10 - 30 mile rides throughout the fall and I'm getting more and more comfortable on it. Yesterday we went on the Huron Valley Trail (thanks for the tip, Mindy!) and I was able to really practice my aerobars, which I haven't really been doing much because I've been afraid. I really got comfortable on them, so I am happy about that. Next big step will be to get a trainer and some clips so I can practice those over the winter.
5. Not completely fitness related, but I'm going on vaca in 2 weeks and I'll be doing tons of hiking and my friend is taking us rock climbing!! I couldn't do it if I weren't in good shape, so I am happy about that!!!
ROCK ON!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
This was my weekend
Saturday: http://tinyurl.com/2brvga
Sunday: http://tinyurl.com/2nqffg
Over 60 miles.... My crotch hurts! ;)
Sunday: http://tinyurl.com/2nqffg
Over 60 miles.... My crotch hurts! ;)
Saturday, September 22, 2007
33:09
5k time today.
Even though Patti beat me by 4 minutes, I was still happy with my time. It's another PR and I even walked a few hills, so maybe next time I'll be even faster!!
2 weeks, we'll see. :)
Even though Patti beat me by 4 minutes, I was still happy with my time. It's another PR and I even walked a few hills, so maybe next time I'll be even faster!!
2 weeks, we'll see. :)
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
8's & Aces
So my mom has this neighbor, Donna, that always gives me clothes. She's been doing it for years. Her weight has fluxuated throughout the years, so even when I was heavier, she was able to give me clothes that fit me, but at that time it was mostly tops.
Now, I'm fitting into her pants now too.
Donna is in her late 60's/early 70's, so some of her taste in clothing is a little off from mine, but actually for being older, she doesn't pretty well. But sometimes I have to pick and choose a little.
Sunday I was up at my mom's and Donna came in with a sweater for me, which fit great and I liked. She asked me what size I was in now. Sidebar: Ok, a little history. October 2005 - I was in a 20, now I'm mostly in a 10 or 12, just depends on the clothes. She was like "Wait a sec, I'll be right back". She came back with some jeans and said "Don't look at the size, just try them on." So I did:
THEY WERE SIZE 8!!!!!
I haven't been in an 8 since probably before Junior High, so this is quite thrilling for me. Now, the jeans aren't exactly my taste (They are the jeans with the higher waistband and long zipper), and they are stretch, BUT WHO CARES! I OFFICIALLY FIT IN A PAIR OF PANTS THAT HAD A SINGLE DIGIT SIZE! (And I didn't have to lay on the bed to zip them up!)
They actually fit quite comfortably, but I will probably not wear them if I want to look hot when I go out to the bar. ;)
So thanks Donna for pumping up my ego!!
and...
no more brownies and beer for me!!!!
Now, I'm fitting into her pants now too.
Donna is in her late 60's/early 70's, so some of her taste in clothing is a little off from mine, but actually for being older, she doesn't pretty well. But sometimes I have to pick and choose a little.
Sunday I was up at my mom's and Donna came in with a sweater for me, which fit great and I liked. She asked me what size I was in now. Sidebar: Ok, a little history. October 2005 - I was in a 20, now I'm mostly in a 10 or 12, just depends on the clothes. She was like "Wait a sec, I'll be right back". She came back with some jeans and said "Don't look at the size, just try them on." So I did:
THEY WERE SIZE 8!!!!!
I haven't been in an 8 since probably before Junior High, so this is quite thrilling for me. Now, the jeans aren't exactly my taste (They are the jeans with the higher waistband and long zipper), and they are stretch, BUT WHO CARES! I OFFICIALLY FIT IN A PAIR OF PANTS THAT HAD A SINGLE DIGIT SIZE! (And I didn't have to lay on the bed to zip them up!)
They actually fit quite comfortably, but I will probably not wear them if I want to look hot when I go out to the bar. ;)
So thanks Donna for pumping up my ego!!
and...
no more brownies and beer for me!!!!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Bad Day
Well, after almost 3 weeks on my diet I had my first bad day. I was doing pretty well, and then it was the B's that got me:
Beer
Brownies
Ugh!
Fortunately, I was back on track the next day.
Darn those B's!
Beer
Brownies
Ugh!
Fortunately, I was back on track the next day.
Darn those B's!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
New Arrival
I have wonderful news! We have a new addition to the Manigold family!
It's the 2007 Trek Equinox 5!
Here are the photos, of my new baby coming home:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69742387@N00/tags/newbaby/
It's the 2007 Trek Equinox 5!
Here are the photos, of my new baby coming home:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69742387@N00/tags/newbaby/
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Bike Maintenance
Well, I was *supposed* to do this today: http://url.rexroof.com/11561
But the trip got twarted after 10 miles, because yours-truly got a flat tire and I wasn't really that prepared.
Fortunately, my friend Rex was able to call a friend to come get us and take us back to his house so we could get my car and go pick up our bikes (which we locked up at Whitmore Lake HS).
So we only got 1/3 of the miles we planned, but at least I got a workout in. And I learned my lesson: I need to carry some tools, a spare tube and a bike pump with me. I will work on getting these for my next outting.
I also am going to look into some bike maintenance courses so I can learn more about taking care of my bike. Especially when I get my new one!!!
But the trip got twarted after 10 miles, because yours-truly got a flat tire and I wasn't really that prepared.
Fortunately, my friend Rex was able to call a friend to come get us and take us back to his house so we could get my car and go pick up our bikes (which we locked up at Whitmore Lake HS).
So we only got 1/3 of the miles we planned, but at least I got a workout in. And I learned my lesson: I need to carry some tools, a spare tube and a bike pump with me. I will work on getting these for my next outting.
I also am going to look into some bike maintenance courses so I can learn more about taking care of my bike. Especially when I get my new one!!!
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Diet Update
Well, it's been two weeks since the triathlon and here's what I've been up to:
1. Resting: I was on exercise hiatus for almost 2 weeks.
2. Cutting Back workouts: I started back this week with a 3 mile run on Thursday, Spinning on Friday and a 20 mile ride today. My goal will generally 5-6 30-45 minute workouts a week, which is half of what i was doing before. But if I miss one here or there, I'm not gonna lose sleep.
3. Cleanse: Well the day after my triathlon i started a diet called the "Master Cleanse". It's basically a liquid diet for 10 days consisting of lemons, maple syrup and cayenne pepper (and water). well I lasted 36 hours, before I switched to an eating cleanse diet. This was recommended by my doctor, and his wife just completed 10 days of it, but there is no way I could go on more than I did. I like cleansing diets because they help get stuff out of your system, but more importantly for me they are like a fresh start for my mind. But apparently, I need to eat something for them. ;)
4. Diet: I started back at the medical weight loss diet which helped me lose 65 lbs between Fall of 2005 and December of 2006. After the cleanse, I lost 5 immediately, which was good, because that was almost what I gained after having 3 days of "the last supper" before my diet. ;) I have since lost 2 more, which I am happy about. I am going to continue this for 4 months (with maybe a break for vacation and holidays) and try to lose 20 lbs. But I'll take what I can get. My goal is 1 lb a week, so that would make me happy, but is not crucial to my overall happiness.
5. Target Training: My cut back workouts will look something like this:\
. M/W - Swimming 30-45. Focus on intervals for speed
. T/Th/Sa - Running 30-45. Same focus as swimming
. T/Th - Weight Training
. F - Spinning
. Occasionally - fun bike rides with friends
. Occasionally - 5k races to monitor speed increase.
So that's it. I'll keep you posted on my progress as it comes!
1. Resting: I was on exercise hiatus for almost 2 weeks.
2. Cutting Back workouts: I started back this week with a 3 mile run on Thursday, Spinning on Friday and a 20 mile ride today. My goal will generally 5-6 30-45 minute workouts a week, which is half of what i was doing before. But if I miss one here or there, I'm not gonna lose sleep.
3. Cleanse: Well the day after my triathlon i started a diet called the "Master Cleanse". It's basically a liquid diet for 10 days consisting of lemons, maple syrup and cayenne pepper (and water). well I lasted 36 hours, before I switched to an eating cleanse diet. This was recommended by my doctor, and his wife just completed 10 days of it, but there is no way I could go on more than I did. I like cleansing diets because they help get stuff out of your system, but more importantly for me they are like a fresh start for my mind. But apparently, I need to eat something for them. ;)
4. Diet: I started back at the medical weight loss diet which helped me lose 65 lbs between Fall of 2005 and December of 2006. After the cleanse, I lost 5 immediately, which was good, because that was almost what I gained after having 3 days of "the last supper" before my diet. ;) I have since lost 2 more, which I am happy about. I am going to continue this for 4 months (with maybe a break for vacation and holidays) and try to lose 20 lbs. But I'll take what I can get. My goal is 1 lb a week, so that would make me happy, but is not crucial to my overall happiness.
5. Target Training: My cut back workouts will look something like this:\
. M/W - Swimming 30-45. Focus on intervals for speed
. T/Th/Sa - Running 30-45. Same focus as swimming
. T/Th - Weight Training
. F - Spinning
. Occasionally - fun bike rides with friends
. Occasionally - 5k races to monitor speed increase.
So that's it. I'll keep you posted on my progress as it comes!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Lazy
Well it's 1 1/2 weeks after my tri and I haven't worked out one time.
I feel like a slob.
But then it's been kinda fun too.
So now I feel guilty.
Anyway, I'll work out tomorrow, but I just don't want to get into any bad habits.
I feel like a slob.
But then it's been kinda fun too.
So now I feel guilty.
Anyway, I'll work out tomorrow, but I just don't want to get into any bad habits.
Friday, August 31, 2007
More Boring Triathlon News
Well I figure since my tri season is over, I need to flood you with the last details of my race, because other than specific training, I won't have much triathlon specific news throughout the winter.
That and I finally got my split times, which I am quite please with, so I thought I would share. So this is for any stats geeks out there!!!
I placed 11th out of 15 in my age group.
I placed 224 out of 251 over all athletes
I placed 76 out of 84 women
Break down:
SWIM: 26:50.7. Rank in the swim was 212 out of 251. Note: I was 2 minutes faster than Kensington! Patti beat me by 7 minutes.
TRANSITION 1: 1:48.2. Rank in T1 was 86 out of 251. Note: I was 2 minutes faster than Kensington, but the distance between the water and the transition area was much farther at kensington.
BIKE: 48.42.5. Rank in the bike was 195 out of 251. Note: I was 2 minutes faster than Kensington (a much hillier course), but I can do that bike in 45 minutes, so I definitely lost time on my little debacle. However, I (on my mountain bike) only lost to Patti (on her road bike) by two minutes on this leg, so it's likely I may have beat her here had I not fallen.
RUN: 38:31.5. Rank in the run was 225 out of 251. Note: This was roughly the same as Kensington, except this time INCLUDES the transition time, so actually I was faster. AND, I beat Patti by 5 seconds!! This was the first time I beat her in any of the legs of any of the tri's we've done. I'm not obsessed with beating her, but we have a very friendly competition and we are close in ability (except for the swim) so we really push each other to get better.
So I am VERY happy with my results. I mean I was before when I just knew my overall time, which was 1:55:52.9.
That and I finally got my split times, which I am quite please with, so I thought I would share. So this is for any stats geeks out there!!!
I placed 11th out of 15 in my age group.
I placed 224 out of 251 over all athletes
I placed 76 out of 84 women
Break down:
SWIM: 26:50.7. Rank in the swim was 212 out of 251. Note: I was 2 minutes faster than Kensington! Patti beat me by 7 minutes.
TRANSITION 1: 1:48.2. Rank in T1 was 86 out of 251. Note: I was 2 minutes faster than Kensington, but the distance between the water and the transition area was much farther at kensington.
BIKE: 48.42.5. Rank in the bike was 195 out of 251. Note: I was 2 minutes faster than Kensington (a much hillier course), but I can do that bike in 45 minutes, so I definitely lost time on my little debacle. However, I (on my mountain bike) only lost to Patti (on her road bike) by two minutes on this leg, so it's likely I may have beat her here had I not fallen.
RUN: 38:31.5. Rank in the run was 225 out of 251. Note: This was roughly the same as Kensington, except this time INCLUDES the transition time, so actually I was faster. AND, I beat Patti by 5 seconds!! This was the first time I beat her in any of the legs of any of the tri's we've done. I'm not obsessed with beating her, but we have a very friendly competition and we are close in ability (except for the swim) so we really push each other to get better.
So I am VERY happy with my results. I mean I was before when I just knew my overall time, which was 1:55:52.9.
Sunday, August 26, 2007
The Summer of Tri has ended (with battle wounds to prove it)
Well today was the last of my triathlons for the summer (3rd one) and I finished and met my goal!
I do not know my official time yet (as they have not posted them on their website and they hadn't posted them when I left), but it was roughly around 1:57, which I was VERY happy with as my goal was under 2 hours. I will post official times later. UPDATE: 1:55:52.9 official time
It was a beautiful and perfect morning for a race. Race time air temp was about 60 degrees and water temp was about 75. The swim and run were fairly uneventful, but as far as my best leg, the bike, goes, well, I have a story to tell you.
After the swim, I got all my gear on an headed out for the bike portion of the race. I mounted the bike and as I was trying to get out of the parking lot and onto the course, me and two other racers missed the exit. This was partly because it wasn't that clear, and the volunteer sitting there didn't direct us. (Tim said later that many racers had similar problems there and the volunteer wasn't much help) So the three of us kept going around the loop and made another wrong turn (with yet another official not directing us) up a path. We all realized we screwed up and turned around and then asked the official where to go. He thought we were just coming in from completing our bike, so he directed us to the finish (which we didn't know he was doing at the time).
When I got to the finish I knew it was wrong, I asked the official where to go. She thought we were coming in from our bike and all three of us were yelling at her to tell her we were just starting that portion. I had my head turned as I was yelling at her, and all of a sudden someone says "LOOK OUT". CRASH! Right into another biker who was ending her bike portion of the race.
I went ass-over-apple-cart, (over my handle bars) and landed on the cement. The other two bikers that were lost with me went on. I had to get up, and hop on the bike. I had NO idea what damage I had done to my body or bike because my adrenaline was pumping and my main concern was to get on the course. The official finally told me where to go and I started to bike away.
Before I tell the rest of the story, though, I have to tell you how I feel bad because I didn't even say I'm sorry to the biker I hit and I have no idea if I hurt her or if I damaged her bike. I am sorry about that, but with the confusion going on, I just didn't. So I know she will never see this, but I am very sorry. :(
Ok, next I start pedaling away, and guess what? My gears won't engage. Here's what went through my mind:
1. HOLY CRAP! My race is over.
2. I think I may have jinxed my race yesterday when I was chatting with my friend about how I couldn't believe that if you asked me 6 months ago if I thought I would finish 3 triathlons by now I would have said no way. And he said "You haven't finished 3 yet..." Crap, he was right!
3. knee... hurts like hell...
4. Ok, calm down...
I started messing with my gears, first putting them all they way down to 1st gear, and then putting them all the way up to 3rd and BINGO! They finally engaged and I was on my way.
I started kicking ass on the bike by passing twenty other racers including the two that had the mix up with me. One of those was a guy who did catch up with me later and we chatted a little on the bike. He complimented me on my recovery and also said I was pacing about 20MPH, which I was quite happy with. (of course that didn't last the whole race, but I still did well given the circumstances) He ended up dropping back as he couldn't keep my pace, but i did see him at the turn around and he gave me the thumbs up. (Ended up being about a mile ahead of him)
The rest of the race was uneventful and I was happy with my finish. Fortunately my knee didn't hurt the rest of the race after that first few minutes. I think that was mostly the competition and adrenaline because about 10 minutes after, it started throbbing. I think it's fine, I'm mostly bruised on my two knees, my left thigh, both elbows, my butt and a nice raspberry on my upper thigh, but other than that I think I'm gonna live. I probably lost two minutes with that little incident, but whatever. I still met my goal.
Here are some pictures from the event. Not as many as usual as the camera was having issues, but I got a few, especially of my battle wounds.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69742387@N00/sets/72157601671885688/
Thanks again to my wonderful husband who came in for his usual support. I told him next year he doesn't have to come, but he said next year he is gonna do them with me. WE'LL SEE ABOUT THAT!!! ;)
I do not know my official time yet (as they have not posted them on their website and they hadn't posted them when I left), but it was roughly around 1:57, which I was VERY happy with as my goal was under 2 hours. I will post official times later. UPDATE: 1:55:52.9 official time
It was a beautiful and perfect morning for a race. Race time air temp was about 60 degrees and water temp was about 75. The swim and run were fairly uneventful, but as far as my best leg, the bike, goes, well, I have a story to tell you.
After the swim, I got all my gear on an headed out for the bike portion of the race. I mounted the bike and as I was trying to get out of the parking lot and onto the course, me and two other racers missed the exit. This was partly because it wasn't that clear, and the volunteer sitting there didn't direct us. (Tim said later that many racers had similar problems there and the volunteer wasn't much help) So the three of us kept going around the loop and made another wrong turn (with yet another official not directing us) up a path. We all realized we screwed up and turned around and then asked the official where to go. He thought we were just coming in from completing our bike, so he directed us to the finish (which we didn't know he was doing at the time).
When I got to the finish I knew it was wrong, I asked the official where to go. She thought we were coming in from our bike and all three of us were yelling at her to tell her we were just starting that portion. I had my head turned as I was yelling at her, and all of a sudden someone says "LOOK OUT". CRASH! Right into another biker who was ending her bike portion of the race.
I went ass-over-apple-cart, (over my handle bars) and landed on the cement. The other two bikers that were lost with me went on. I had to get up, and hop on the bike. I had NO idea what damage I had done to my body or bike because my adrenaline was pumping and my main concern was to get on the course. The official finally told me where to go and I started to bike away.
Before I tell the rest of the story, though, I have to tell you how I feel bad because I didn't even say I'm sorry to the biker I hit and I have no idea if I hurt her or if I damaged her bike. I am sorry about that, but with the confusion going on, I just didn't. So I know she will never see this, but I am very sorry. :(
Ok, next I start pedaling away, and guess what? My gears won't engage. Here's what went through my mind:
1. HOLY CRAP! My race is over.
2. I think I may have jinxed my race yesterday when I was chatting with my friend about how I couldn't believe that if you asked me 6 months ago if I thought I would finish 3 triathlons by now I would have said no way. And he said "You haven't finished 3 yet..." Crap, he was right!
3. knee... hurts like hell...
4. Ok, calm down...
I started messing with my gears, first putting them all they way down to 1st gear, and then putting them all the way up to 3rd and BINGO! They finally engaged and I was on my way.
I started kicking ass on the bike by passing twenty other racers including the two that had the mix up with me. One of those was a guy who did catch up with me later and we chatted a little on the bike. He complimented me on my recovery and also said I was pacing about 20MPH, which I was quite happy with. (of course that didn't last the whole race, but I still did well given the circumstances) He ended up dropping back as he couldn't keep my pace, but i did see him at the turn around and he gave me the thumbs up. (Ended up being about a mile ahead of him)
The rest of the race was uneventful and I was happy with my finish. Fortunately my knee didn't hurt the rest of the race after that first few minutes. I think that was mostly the competition and adrenaline because about 10 minutes after, it started throbbing. I think it's fine, I'm mostly bruised on my two knees, my left thigh, both elbows, my butt and a nice raspberry on my upper thigh, but other than that I think I'm gonna live. I probably lost two minutes with that little incident, but whatever. I still met my goal.
Here are some pictures from the event. Not as many as usual as the camera was having issues, but I got a few, especially of my battle wounds.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69742387@N00/sets/72157601671885688/
Thanks again to my wonderful husband who came in for his usual support. I told him next year he doesn't have to come, but he said next year he is gonna do them with me. WE'LL SEE ABOUT THAT!!! ;)
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Farewell Cheetos, I knew you well...
Well next week I am starting a new chapter for a while and that chapter is getting back to basics with my diet.
I feel the need to do this because of the fact I will be cutting back my training, so in line with that, I need to cut back my eating.
I've been very proud of myself, because I have exactly maintained my weight loss for almost a year. That is more than I have done in the last 10 years, as I had been slowly gaining all that time until I lost my 65lbs between Fall 05 and Winter 06. But I have maintained because I've been working out so much and still have been able to eat pretty much what I want.
Now, I feel that this summer I have been eating "normal". I mean, I have had treats, but I try to do them in moderation and try to still eat pretty healthy.
One of the things that I love to snack on is Baked Cheetos. Now I know that isn't exactly a hot fudge brownie sundae, but I do love them. They are a little cheat for me.
But after Sunday, no more until next year. Sunday, I will be cleaning out the cupboards to prepare for the new chapter.
So this post is dedicated to Cheetos. I will miss you until next year. :)
I feel the need to do this because of the fact I will be cutting back my training, so in line with that, I need to cut back my eating.
I've been very proud of myself, because I have exactly maintained my weight loss for almost a year. That is more than I have done in the last 10 years, as I had been slowly gaining all that time until I lost my 65lbs between Fall 05 and Winter 06. But I have maintained because I've been working out so much and still have been able to eat pretty much what I want.
Now, I feel that this summer I have been eating "normal". I mean, I have had treats, but I try to do them in moderation and try to still eat pretty healthy.
One of the things that I love to snack on is Baked Cheetos. Now I know that isn't exactly a hot fudge brownie sundae, but I do love them. They are a little cheat for me.
But after Sunday, no more until next year. Sunday, I will be cleaning out the cupboards to prepare for the new chapter.
So this post is dedicated to Cheetos. I will miss you until next year. :)
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The Last Dance
for the year anyway...
My last triathlon is this Sunday. I have mixed feelings about it. I'm glad it's almost over, so I can back down a little, and I'll be sad because training is fun.
But mostly, I'm glad it's over. I'm getting a little burnt out and my motivation is not as it was at the beginning of the summer. I do *not* want to lose it totally, so it's just time to take a little break, and then go back to normal work outs.
After I report on this next tri, I will begin a new path until early next year which will include the following:
1. A fasting/cleansing diet to reset myself
2. A diet to try to lose a little weight
3. Less training, but focusing on speed and form in swimming and running and also some spinning classes.
I will detail those more later on, but for now, just keep sending me good vibes to keep pumped up for my last 3 workouts before the tri.
My last triathlon is this Sunday. I have mixed feelings about it. I'm glad it's almost over, so I can back down a little, and I'll be sad because training is fun.
But mostly, I'm glad it's over. I'm getting a little burnt out and my motivation is not as it was at the beginning of the summer. I do *not* want to lose it totally, so it's just time to take a little break, and then go back to normal work outs.
After I report on this next tri, I will begin a new path until early next year which will include the following:
1. A fasting/cleansing diet to reset myself
2. A diet to try to lose a little weight
3. Less training, but focusing on speed and form in swimming and running and also some spinning classes.
I will detail those more later on, but for now, just keep sending me good vibes to keep pumped up for my last 3 workouts before the tri.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Patti
I have a huge family.
I am one of 10. On my dad's side of the family, I have one family with 7 cousins, one with 5 and there are a few on my mom's side too. My dad's sister Margaret's family was probably the family I was closest too when I was growing up. There are 5 girls in that family, 2 of whom are close in age to me. Margie - who is a year younger and Patti who is about a year and a half older.
As kids, I hung out with Margie more, but as adults I really never saw either of them except at holidays. You know, life happens and well everyone gets busy.
Last Novemeber when I saw Patti at our annual thanksgiving bash it was the first time a lot of my cousins had seen me since I recently lost some weight. Well her and I got talking, and she talked me into doing this triathlon thing...
Now, I have told you all many times how awesome my summer has been because of all this triathlon training. But what I haven't elaborated on was the reason all this triathlon stuff was so much fun was because of Patti.
Here are a list of reasons Patti has made this experience better:
1. She is so funny. She cracks me up all the time.
2. We are very compatible in our abilities. I mean we each have our specialties, but in general it couldn't be better.
3. We help keep each other accountable
4. She is smart (maybe some of that will rub off)
5. We always have fun, even when we are working our asses off
6. She is thoughtful and loving, I mean c'mon she gave me biking socks!
7. When we workout together, I am faster, I push myself more
8. When we are not working out together I always wonder how she's doing in her workouts
9. She lives 5 fricken miles from me!
10. She looks great for her age! (Ha ha! I had to get a slam in there for her being so much *older* than me! I hope I look that good when I'm *her* age!) ;)
I know this will not do her justice, but she is just awesome.
I hope this doesn't come off as cyberstalking, but I needed to tell you the real reason I have been having so much fun, because in addition to me getting fit, I have been re-acquainted with my cousin and gained a true friend.
So Patti, this post is dedicated to you. I couldn't have done all of this without your friendship, dedication and just overall fun making!
I love you, man!
I am one of 10. On my dad's side of the family, I have one family with 7 cousins, one with 5 and there are a few on my mom's side too. My dad's sister Margaret's family was probably the family I was closest too when I was growing up. There are 5 girls in that family, 2 of whom are close in age to me. Margie - who is a year younger and Patti who is about a year and a half older.
As kids, I hung out with Margie more, but as adults I really never saw either of them except at holidays. You know, life happens and well everyone gets busy.
Last Novemeber when I saw Patti at our annual thanksgiving bash it was the first time a lot of my cousins had seen me since I recently lost some weight. Well her and I got talking, and she talked me into doing this triathlon thing...
Now, I have told you all many times how awesome my summer has been because of all this triathlon training. But what I haven't elaborated on was the reason all this triathlon stuff was so much fun was because of Patti.
Here are a list of reasons Patti has made this experience better:
1. She is so funny. She cracks me up all the time.
2. We are very compatible in our abilities. I mean we each have our specialties, but in general it couldn't be better.
3. We help keep each other accountable
4. She is smart (maybe some of that will rub off)
5. We always have fun, even when we are working our asses off
6. She is thoughtful and loving, I mean c'mon she gave me biking socks!
7. When we workout together, I am faster, I push myself more
8. When we are not working out together I always wonder how she's doing in her workouts
9. She lives 5 fricken miles from me!
10. She looks great for her age! (Ha ha! I had to get a slam in there for her being so much *older* than me! I hope I look that good when I'm *her* age!) ;)
I know this will not do her justice, but she is just awesome.
I hope this doesn't come off as cyberstalking, but I needed to tell you the real reason I have been having so much fun, because in addition to me getting fit, I have been re-acquainted with my cousin and gained a true friend.
So Patti, this post is dedicated to you. I couldn't have done all of this without your friendship, dedication and just overall fun making!
I love you, man!
Longest Bike Ride
Today I went on my longest bike ride so far. Below are links to the map of the approximate route and a couple of photos my friend Rex took:
http://url.rexroof.com/10848
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rexroof/tags/jeanne/
WOOT!
http://url.rexroof.com/10848
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rexroof/tags/jeanne/
WOOT!
Monday, August 13, 2007
5k
I'm happy because I ran in a 5k Yesterday. It was my one year anniversary
of starting to run again in 5k races.
Last year's time: 40:09
This year's time: 33:36
I'm still slow, but improving. I get a PR almost every time I run a
5k even if it's just by a few seconds. I'm also to a point now where
I'm consistently *not* last in my age group. Yesterday I was 12th out of
17, so that's awesome.
Next years goal will to be under 30 minutes by this time.
of starting to run again in 5k races.
Last year's time: 40:09
This year's time: 33:36
I'm still slow, but improving. I get a PR almost every time I run a
5k even if it's just by a few seconds. I'm also to a point now where
I'm consistently *not* last in my age group. Yesterday I was 12th out of
17, so that's awesome.
Next years goal will to be under 30 minutes by this time.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Muggy
This muggy weather is killing my motivation for working out. I mean I feel like swimming, but that's pretty much it.
My next triathlon is in 2.5 weeks, so I can't mess around.
Anyway, yesterday I worked out indoors. If I haven't mentioned this before I FRIGGIN HATE THE TREADMILL. The indoor bike was ok though. I eeked out a 1 1/2 hour workout (with weight training), but it pretty much sucked the whole time.
I'm hoping this passes soon, so I can move on.
My next triathlon is in 2.5 weeks, so I can't mess around.
Anyway, yesterday I worked out indoors. If I haven't mentioned this before I FRIGGIN HATE THE TREADMILL. The indoor bike was ok though. I eeked out a 1 1/2 hour workout (with weight training), but it pretty much sucked the whole time.
I'm hoping this passes soon, so I can move on.
Friday, July 27, 2007
I want to ride my Bicycle, I want to ride my Bike!
Now all I can think about is that Queen song. I think I am becoming obsessed.
I rode the new triathlon bike course yesterday, and it is going to be a piece of cake compared to Kensington. We just took it easy though, because technically I'm still kinda resting, though tomorrow I will probably start to kick it again.
Tim was so impressed with my ride on Saturday that he's now talking about a NEW BIKE instead of a used one. I really don't care either way as long as I can get a good road or tri bike, but I think it's cute, because he wants me to have the best I can have to keep me going.
So we're bike shopping now. Probably won't get one until Dec/Jan, but that's ok. I'm good with the ole mountain bike for now...
I rode the new triathlon bike course yesterday, and it is going to be a piece of cake compared to Kensington. We just took it easy though, because technically I'm still kinda resting, though tomorrow I will probably start to kick it again.
Tim was so impressed with my ride on Saturday that he's now talking about a NEW BIKE instead of a used one. I really don't care either way as long as I can get a good road or tri bike, but I think it's cute, because he wants me to have the best I can have to keep me going.
So we're bike shopping now. Probably won't get one until Dec/Jan, but that's ok. I'm good with the ole mountain bike for now...
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Competitiive Edge - take 2
Well a while ago I wrote about getting or having a competitive edge, which I totally didn't feel like I had. But you know what? I think I *may* be getting one! I think I have found the key for myself to pushing yourself harder: Find what you do well and do it with friends.
Seriously.
I have found that doing these triathlons with my cousin and my friend have made me want to push more.
For instance, in this last triathlon, between the 3 of us, we each excelled in a different discipline. So now, I am HUNGRY to get better on the bike, because apparently that is going to be my thing. I still need it for swimming and running, but I do think the more you do stuff, the better you get at stuff, the more competitive you will be come with yourself. So I will get there with swimming and running, but man am I glad I'm getting that feeling SOMEWHERE!
This all might sound like such common sense for some of you, but apparently I am finally just getting it!
Seriously.
I have found that doing these triathlons with my cousin and my friend have made me want to push more.
For instance, in this last triathlon, between the 3 of us, we each excelled in a different discipline. So now, I am HUNGRY to get better on the bike, because apparently that is going to be my thing. I still need it for swimming and running, but I do think the more you do stuff, the better you get at stuff, the more competitive you will be come with yourself. So I will get there with swimming and running, but man am I glad I'm getting that feeling SOMEWHERE!
This all might sound like such common sense for some of you, but apparently I am finally just getting it!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Tri Tri
Well, the glutton for punishment in me signed up for one more triathlon for the summer! That makes it a Tri-Tri!
The next one is one month away. August 26th, at Island Lake State Park.
The distances are the same as Kensington, but the bike path should be a little easier since it is not as hilly there as Kensington.
So I'm taking a few days off, and then back to training hard until the next one!
The next one is one month away. August 26th, at Island Lake State Park.
The distances are the same as Kensington, but the bike path should be a little easier since it is not as hilly there as Kensington.
So I'm taking a few days off, and then back to training hard until the next one!
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Another One Bites the Dust!
Well, my second triathlon is now officially under my belt! I finished at 10:00am this morning. I wanted to finish the race in roughly 2 hours and 2:02 later, I was complete, so I am quite happy. I think I am officially getting addicted.
Dissection of a race:
The swim for women 35 and up started at 8:02 am, after the elite racers started. The swim was a 800 meter swim in Kent Lake. The temperature at the time of the race was about 58 and the water temp was 73, so it felt very warm. My goal for the swim was under 30 minutes, which I did the swim in 29:13, so I was quite happy with that even though I am still FRIGGIN SLOW!
The bike, my best leg, I did in 50:24. The fastest I had ever done that course. Two training sessions ago, I did it in 56 something, and the last training session I did it in 52 something, so in the last week or so I shaved 6 minutes off my time, thanks to my friend REX who gave me the suggestion to tighten my shocks and make sure my tires were fully inflated, which they were not prior to the race. So that really helped a ton. My friend Jo was about 4 minutes ahead of me on the swim, and I caught her on the bike and passed her and probably beat her by a minute. I knew she'd smoke me on the run, so I had to win at least ONE LEG!
The run, I was slow. I did it in 38:36, slower than usual for me, but I was ok. I was pretty exhausted after the bike, even though it was a good one. I ran the whole way, so I'm ok with that.
Add 3:40 for Transition 1 and :55 for transition 2 and that adds up to 2:02 overall.
I didn't take last in my age group, which is always a bonus, and I actually was the overall winner for the Athenas (160 lbs+) . There were only 3 people in the athenas but they were younger! (one 36 and one 40).
As usual, my awesome husband took more photos. You can find them here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69742387@N00/sets/72157600953825925/
So it's done, the one thing I've been training for for seven months is done and what a fun experience this has all been. My plans for the next few months are to do one more tri before the end of the summer, work on losing some more weight in the fall so I can get faster, and then start training again for next year in the winter. I *have* to get a road bike, and I need to work on the swim and run, all goals I will set for next year.
Dissection of a race:
The swim for women 35 and up started at 8:02 am, after the elite racers started. The swim was a 800 meter swim in Kent Lake. The temperature at the time of the race was about 58 and the water temp was 73, so it felt very warm. My goal for the swim was under 30 minutes, which I did the swim in 29:13, so I was quite happy with that even though I am still FRIGGIN SLOW!
The bike, my best leg, I did in 50:24. The fastest I had ever done that course. Two training sessions ago, I did it in 56 something, and the last training session I did it in 52 something, so in the last week or so I shaved 6 minutes off my time, thanks to my friend REX who gave me the suggestion to tighten my shocks and make sure my tires were fully inflated, which they were not prior to the race. So that really helped a ton. My friend Jo was about 4 minutes ahead of me on the swim, and I caught her on the bike and passed her and probably beat her by a minute. I knew she'd smoke me on the run, so I had to win at least ONE LEG!
The run, I was slow. I did it in 38:36, slower than usual for me, but I was ok. I was pretty exhausted after the bike, even though it was a good one. I ran the whole way, so I'm ok with that.
Add 3:40 for Transition 1 and :55 for transition 2 and that adds up to 2:02 overall.
I didn't take last in my age group, which is always a bonus, and I actually was the overall winner for the Athenas (160 lbs+) . There were only 3 people in the athenas but they were younger! (one 36 and one 40).
As usual, my awesome husband took more photos. You can find them here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69742387@N00/sets/72157600953825925/
So it's done, the one thing I've been training for for seven months is done and what a fun experience this has all been. My plans for the next few months are to do one more tri before the end of the summer, work on losing some more weight in the fall so I can get faster, and then start training again for next year in the winter. I *have* to get a road bike, and I need to work on the swim and run, all goals I will set for next year.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Friend and Family
This post is dedicated to my friends and family that have helped me achieve my goals whether they realize it or not!
THANK GOD FOR THEM!
They fall into 3 categories:
1. People who listen to me blather on and on about it.
2. People who listen to me blather on and on about it, but give feed back and support.
3. People who listen to me blather on and on about it, but are also doing something similar, so we might work out together, or just encourage each other.
No matter what category you fall in, you are so important to my successes. I appreciate all of you equally and couldn't be where I am without you.
YOU RULE!
THANK GOD FOR THEM!
They fall into 3 categories:
1. People who listen to me blather on and on about it.
2. People who listen to me blather on and on about it, but give feed back and support.
3. People who listen to me blather on and on about it, but are also doing something similar, so we might work out together, or just encourage each other.
No matter what category you fall in, you are so important to my successes. I appreciate all of you equally and couldn't be where I am without you.
YOU RULE!
Baby it's Hot outside
I am not one to complain about the heat. I actually really like it, but working out in it can be very tough.
The cool thing about cross training is if it's hot outside, you can swim in a lake or even inside. I even had said before that biking when it's hot is ok, I just can't run if it's much hotter than 85.
However, after it was 95 when I biked on Monday, I might have changed my mind. I actually don't think it was only the heat, but we had a wicked head wind (it seemed like for EVERY hill) that slowed us down quite a bit, but twice I almost threw up. I am not sure if it was heat, too much water or eating to close to the workout, but my main suspect is the heat, because the other two I followed what I normally do.
The cool thing is, we biked 20 miles! Even in the heat! That's the furthest I've gone so far. Remember I'm doing all this road biking on a mountain bike, so it's tough, but I do love it.
The cool thing about cross training is if it's hot outside, you can swim in a lake or even inside. I even had said before that biking when it's hot is ok, I just can't run if it's much hotter than 85.
However, after it was 95 when I biked on Monday, I might have changed my mind. I actually don't think it was only the heat, but we had a wicked head wind (it seemed like for EVERY hill) that slowed us down quite a bit, but twice I almost threw up. I am not sure if it was heat, too much water or eating to close to the workout, but my main suspect is the heat, because the other two I followed what I normally do.
The cool thing is, we biked 20 miles! Even in the heat! That's the furthest I've gone so far. Remember I'm doing all this road biking on a mountain bike, so it's tough, but I do love it.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Adult Swim
I have a love-hate relationship with swimming.
I hate getting in, but love how I feel when I'm done.
I think the hate comes from the fact that I am not that strong at swimming. I don't mean I am gonna drown or anything, but for competitive swimming, I am just turtle-slow.
But it is an Incredible aerobic workout, and when I'm done, because there is no impact, I feel like a million bucks.
The other thing I "hate" about swimming is swimming in a lake/river with WEEDS. I absolutely hate them, and get a panicky feeling when I see them in the water. I am working hard on getting over this feeling, but it is very hard. My last 4 swims have been in a lake or river, so I am really working on it. I almost talked myself out of it yesterday, but I did swim my 800 meters after my 3 mile run.
I guess I just have to keep working on it. The good news is that the last time I timed my 800, I was 4 minutes faster than the last time I timed it, so I guess I am improving. I am still doing some breast stroke (resting stroke) as I cannot breath, but hopefully some year I will stop doing that. ;)
2 weeks from today is "the" triathlon. :D
I hate getting in, but love how I feel when I'm done.
I think the hate comes from the fact that I am not that strong at swimming. I don't mean I am gonna drown or anything, but for competitive swimming, I am just turtle-slow.
But it is an Incredible aerobic workout, and when I'm done, because there is no impact, I feel like a million bucks.
The other thing I "hate" about swimming is swimming in a lake/river with WEEDS. I absolutely hate them, and get a panicky feeling when I see them in the water. I am working hard on getting over this feeling, but it is very hard. My last 4 swims have been in a lake or river, so I am really working on it. I almost talked myself out of it yesterday, but I did swim my 800 meters after my 3 mile run.
I guess I just have to keep working on it. The good news is that the last time I timed my 800, I was 4 minutes faster than the last time I timed it, so I guess I am improving. I am still doing some breast stroke (resting stroke) as I cannot breath, but hopefully some year I will stop doing that. ;)
2 weeks from today is "the" triathlon. :D
Monday, July 2, 2007
Feeling Better
Well most of you know that over the last 6-9 months I've been struggling with my hip. I have tendinitis in it and it's causing pain in my hip, and also back in my lower back/butt area. Of course it started right before I started training for a triathlon! Running hurts it the most, and I get really stiff and it was keeping me up at night.
Anyway, in January I talked to my doctor about it (at my annual physical) and we did a series of things:
1. first we rested it for 2 weeks, I took a 3 day course of steroids and it felt great until I started running again.
2. next we did physical therapy for a month. That helped a little, especially with my sleeping, but it still was a problem.
3. I went to see an orthopedic doctor, and he basically told me there was nothing I could do. (i.e. a big waste of time and money)
I called my doctor back after #3 and she was very disappointed in the orthopedic doctor, and she thought of one more thing for me to do.
There is a DO in my office that deals with sports injuries and pain management. He does a treatment called "Prollo Therapy" where they inject an irritant into your problem area, and it causes your body to make that area heal faster than normal. Of course it is not covered by insurance, but it wasn't outrageously priced, so I wanted to consider it.
When I saw him, he decided to adjust me first (because insurance would pay for it and apparently I was out of alignment). I had never been adjusted before. I don't love it, but ever since he adjusted me (I think I've had 3 now) my hip has been better.
He also suggested this massage technique called "Cranial-Sacral Therapy" that is a light-touch massage technique where they manipulate your spinal fluid flow between your head and your tailbone. It felt like she wasn't doing anything, and I slept during most of it. When I walked out of there I felt like I took a $70 nap, but ever since that treatment, I have been feeling even better. So far I haven't gotten the prollo therapy, but I don't feel like I have needed it.
It's still stiff from time to time, but in general, it is feeling better. I really hope I'm on the mend, but at least I'm learning how to manage it anyway.
Anyway, in January I talked to my doctor about it (at my annual physical) and we did a series of things:
1. first we rested it for 2 weeks, I took a 3 day course of steroids and it felt great until I started running again.
2. next we did physical therapy for a month. That helped a little, especially with my sleeping, but it still was a problem.
3. I went to see an orthopedic doctor, and he basically told me there was nothing I could do. (i.e. a big waste of time and money)
I called my doctor back after #3 and she was very disappointed in the orthopedic doctor, and she thought of one more thing for me to do.
There is a DO in my office that deals with sports injuries and pain management. He does a treatment called "Prollo Therapy" where they inject an irritant into your problem area, and it causes your body to make that area heal faster than normal. Of course it is not covered by insurance, but it wasn't outrageously priced, so I wanted to consider it.
When I saw him, he decided to adjust me first (because insurance would pay for it and apparently I was out of alignment). I had never been adjusted before. I don't love it, but ever since he adjusted me (I think I've had 3 now) my hip has been better.
He also suggested this massage technique called "Cranial-Sacral Therapy" that is a light-touch massage technique where they manipulate your spinal fluid flow between your head and your tailbone. It felt like she wasn't doing anything, and I slept during most of it. When I walked out of there I felt like I took a $70 nap, but ever since that treatment, I have been feeling even better. So far I haven't gotten the prollo therapy, but I don't feel like I have needed it.
It's still stiff from time to time, but in general, it is feeling better. I really hope I'm on the mend, but at least I'm learning how to manage it anyway.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Crosstraining
Cross training is a good thing.
That's why multi-sports are great, because it forces you to cross train if it's not a natural thing for you.
So yesterday my temperature on my car read 97 when I went to the park to ride at 5pm. Actually, it didn't really feel that bad. It was only bad when I was riding up the hills, but really it was fine. There's no way I can run in that heat, but I can bike or swim in it, so I never have an excuse for not working out.
Excuses : Cross training Solution
Hip hurts : Swim
Storming out side : Swim
Don't want to get wet : Run or Bike
Don't have a lot of time : Short Run
Hot out : Bike or Swim
Cold out : Anything Inside
Bored : Get over it! ;)
I'm sure there are many other excuses, these are just a few.
You should take time off for rest for sure. But if you're planning to work out a particular day and don't feel like anything and you can't make the workout up later in the week, my general rule is to at least start something and go for at least 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, if you're just not feeling it, then go ahead and quit, but 99% of the time, once you're into it, you'll finish your workout.
That's why multi-sports are great, because it forces you to cross train if it's not a natural thing for you.
So yesterday my temperature on my car read 97 when I went to the park to ride at 5pm. Actually, it didn't really feel that bad. It was only bad when I was riding up the hills, but really it was fine. There's no way I can run in that heat, but I can bike or swim in it, so I never have an excuse for not working out.
Excuses : Cross training Solution
Hip hurts : Swim
Storming out side : Swim
Don't want to get wet : Run or Bike
Don't have a lot of time : Short Run
Hot out : Bike or Swim
Cold out : Anything Inside
Bored : Get over it! ;)
I'm sure there are many other excuses, these are just a few.
You should take time off for rest for sure. But if you're planning to work out a particular day and don't feel like anything and you can't make the workout up later in the week, my general rule is to at least start something and go for at least 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, if you're just not feeling it, then go ahead and quit, but 99% of the time, once you're into it, you'll finish your workout.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Back at it
Well, I took last week for the most part off after my first triathlon. I did swim on Wednesday and Bike on Saturday, but that was pretty much it. But it was funny because ALL week I felt lethargic and guilty for not working out. Isn't that ridiculous? I also gained 2 pounds. Not too worried about it, but it just goes to show you when you stop working out, you need to cut back on your eating!
But this week I'm back at it. I started yesterday with an "easy" 12 mile hilly ride and 2 miles of sprinting. Today is swimming and running. I'm glad to be back at it, I have so much more energy when I work out, however my body needs rest, so I have to force myself to do it.
But this week I'm back at it. I started yesterday with an "easy" 12 mile hilly ride and 2 miles of sprinting. Today is swimming and running. I'm glad to be back at it, I have so much more energy when I work out, however my body needs rest, so I have to force myself to do it.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
I did it!!!
Well, it's done! My very first outdoor triathlon under my belt and it feels AWESOME! I am officially a triathlete. Oh by the way, I didn't even wear the wet suit. The water was too warm!!! So that means I'll have to keep doing them to get my use out of it. ;)
I finished in 1:34 minutes, a time I am very happy with. Just as a recap, it was a 400M swim, 16K bike, 5K run.
My goal was to finish, not get injured and not be last. My stretch goal was to finish in about 1 1/2 hours. I met all goals! And a bonus, I was *not* last in my age group! Yay!!
I thoroughly enjoyed myself today. I was a little nervous last night and didn't sleep really very sound, but when I got up and got ready (at 4:45 am!!!) I was feeling good.
The swim wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, but it was a beach start, so you could walk some of it in and out. But I finished the swim in under 12 minutes, which I was pretty happy about.
I felt the best on the bike. It was a little windy, but i think that was my best leg of the race.
I was slow on the run. It took me about 38 minutes (4 minutes slower than I generally run if I run only a 5k). But I ran the whole thing, which I was *very* happy about.
I feel great. After my indoor tri in the winter, I was kinda down on myself, but I don't even care anymore what "place" I get. I just want to meet my goals I set for myself, be healthy and have fun. I am looking forward to Kensington, though it is a much hard triathlon than this one. It's a 800m swim, 20k very hilly bike and 5k very hilly run. But I have 7 weeks to continue preparation. This week, I am going to take it a little easy, and then next week it's out to the park and work my ass off!
One more thing. My husband is incredible. He got up at 4:45 and drove me to Lansing just to encourage me and take these awesome pictures. Here they are:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69742387@N00/sets/72157600953718025/
I finished in 1:34 minutes, a time I am very happy with. Just as a recap, it was a 400M swim, 16K bike, 5K run.
My goal was to finish, not get injured and not be last. My stretch goal was to finish in about 1 1/2 hours. I met all goals! And a bonus, I was *not* last in my age group! Yay!!
I thoroughly enjoyed myself today. I was a little nervous last night and didn't sleep really very sound, but when I got up and got ready (at 4:45 am!!!) I was feeling good.
The swim wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, but it was a beach start, so you could walk some of it in and out. But I finished the swim in under 12 minutes, which I was pretty happy about.
I felt the best on the bike. It was a little windy, but i think that was my best leg of the race.
I was slow on the run. It took me about 38 minutes (4 minutes slower than I generally run if I run only a 5k). But I ran the whole thing, which I was *very* happy about.
I feel great. After my indoor tri in the winter, I was kinda down on myself, but I don't even care anymore what "place" I get. I just want to meet my goals I set for myself, be healthy and have fun. I am looking forward to Kensington, though it is a much hard triathlon than this one. It's a 800m swim, 20k very hilly bike and 5k very hilly run. But I have 7 weeks to continue preparation. This week, I am going to take it a little easy, and then next week it's out to the park and work my ass off!
One more thing. My husband is incredible. He got up at 4:45 and drove me to Lansing just to encourage me and take these awesome pictures. Here they are:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69742387@N00/sets/72157600953718025/
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Ready as I'll ever be...
Well today, I ran a trial triathlon with all the distances for Sunday's race and finished in about 1:45. We didn't really rush through transitions, so I feel decent about it. At least I know I can do the distances.
I still feel weak on the swim, and slow over all, but I *will* finish, and hopefully not last! But even if is last, that's ok.
I will have two easier workouts tomorrow and Thursday and rest on Friday and Saturday in prep.
Wish me luck!!!
I still feel weak on the swim, and slow over all, but I *will* finish, and hopefully not last! But even if is last, that's ok.
I will have two easier workouts tomorrow and Thursday and rest on Friday and Saturday in prep.
Wish me luck!!!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Locked & Loaded
Well, good news, the wetsuit fits great. I have already put a small tear in it, so I had to order a repair kit, but it's not bad, I just don't want it to get worse.
So Thursday my cousin and I went out to the course for the triathlon and rode the bike course and then ran the running course. (That was after a 30 minute swim in the pool by yours truly before I went there too!) It went very well. We did not get into the water there, but it looks fairly harmless (calm, small, etc.) I had been losing a little bit of sleep worrying about the whole thing, and this has put my mind at ease. The bike was fairly easy, though different from Kensington because there isn't much coasting, it's mostly flat, so lots of peddling. The run was pretty easy too, nice and shady!
So the next feat was to try the wetsuit out. Tim (my husband) insisted on me going to a lake, so we did today. I *totally* freaked. The place we went was a boat ramp to a near-by lake and it is gross and weedy, and I didn't like it. So I left.
Then I had the brilliant idea to go to our outdoor pool, which opened today. Well that didn't work because it was 90 degrees.
So even though I dreaded it, I sucked it up and moved on and went to Kensington and swam in the lake there. It still kinda gross, but the beach area is a little more friendly than the boat ramp I was at early in the day. I swam for 30 minutes and felt great. I plan on swimming there the rest of the summer if weather permits. It's better than the pool for me.
So I am feeling fairly ready. I think one day before Thursday I will do the whole triathlon distances here, and then take two days off prior to the event.
I feel I have done everything I can do to prepare, and I will just keep working out until Thursday and try not to stress.
I am looking forward to getting this one under my belt so that I can concentrate on beefing up my workouts for the 7 weeks following it, because Kensington is a MUCH tougher course.
So Thursday my cousin and I went out to the course for the triathlon and rode the bike course and then ran the running course. (That was after a 30 minute swim in the pool by yours truly before I went there too!) It went very well. We did not get into the water there, but it looks fairly harmless (calm, small, etc.) I had been losing a little bit of sleep worrying about the whole thing, and this has put my mind at ease. The bike was fairly easy, though different from Kensington because there isn't much coasting, it's mostly flat, so lots of peddling. The run was pretty easy too, nice and shady!
So the next feat was to try the wetsuit out. Tim (my husband) insisted on me going to a lake, so we did today. I *totally* freaked. The place we went was a boat ramp to a near-by lake and it is gross and weedy, and I didn't like it. So I left.
Then I had the brilliant idea to go to our outdoor pool, which opened today. Well that didn't work because it was 90 degrees.
So even though I dreaded it, I sucked it up and moved on and went to Kensington and swam in the lake there. It still kinda gross, but the beach area is a little more friendly than the boat ramp I was at early in the day. I swam for 30 minutes and felt great. I plan on swimming there the rest of the summer if weather permits. It's better than the pool for me.
So I am feeling fairly ready. I think one day before Thursday I will do the whole triathlon distances here, and then take two days off prior to the event.
I feel I have done everything I can do to prepare, and I will just keep working out until Thursday and try not to stress.
I am looking forward to getting this one under my belt so that I can concentrate on beefing up my workouts for the 7 weeks following it, because Kensington is a MUCH tougher course.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Wet Suit
So my first triathlon is in like 2 weeks. I feel ready (except for maybe the swim part), but I know I can complete it for sure. But one thing has been completely stressing me out....
It's June 3rd in Michigan, and that water is going to be friggin cold, and I don't have a wet suit. I kinda didn't want to get one because I didn't want to spend the money and just use it once. I don't think I'll need it for the July 22nd triathlon and I'm not sure if I'm going to do triathlons after this year. So I have been completely dragging my feet on it.
But after a couple of sleepless nights about it, I was like "why stress over it?!" and I just did it. It wasn't that expensive, and it is worth the peace of mind.
Anyway, here it is: http://www.wetsuitsonsale.com/shop.html?lang=en-us&target=d179.html
It should arrive tomorrow and I should have enough time for practicing in it and getting out of it. And if it fits, I'll be even happier!!!
Now I can focus on stressing over the race. ;)
It's June 3rd in Michigan, and that water is going to be friggin cold, and I don't have a wet suit. I kinda didn't want to get one because I didn't want to spend the money and just use it once. I don't think I'll need it for the July 22nd triathlon and I'm not sure if I'm going to do triathlons after this year. So I have been completely dragging my feet on it.
But after a couple of sleepless nights about it, I was like "why stress over it?!" and I just did it. It wasn't that expensive, and it is worth the peace of mind.
Anyway, here it is: http://www.wetsuitsonsale.com/shop.html?lang=en-us&target=d179.html
It should arrive tomorrow and I should have enough time for practicing in it and getting out of it. And if it fits, I'll be even happier!!!
Now I can focus on stressing over the race. ;)
Monday, May 21, 2007
Running
Well, I had a great running week, which is a big deal these days.
I used to run in 94 - 97 when I trained to run the 10 mile race for the Crim (in Flint, Michigan). I ran that in 95 and was in the best shape of my life at the time. Then I stopped. I ran on and off between 95 and 97 but mostly off.
Now fast forward to spring 2006 and I start running again, and ran my first race in August of 2006. Running is a relative term though, because I am a very slow runner. When I started in August I was running about a 13+ minute mile. Now I'm *almost* in the 10+ minute mile range, and that is fast for me!!! I am proud of the progress I've made there.
In the fall I started developing problems with my hip though, which has slowed my training down a bit. Since I'm training for the triathalon, though, I've been able to keep up aerobically and not have to worry too much about the miles and still keep my pace for the most part.
I am feeling better now than I have over the last few months, but I still struggle with stiffness in my hip and I have to do a lot of icing and stretching. Getting old sucks!!!
But back to this week. Over the last month I've started training in the afternoons to get my body used to running in warmer weather. I hate it, but I do think it is going to be a good thing. In April I ran a race and was unable to run the whole thing. Even though I had a good time, I was disappointed that I needed to walk part of it. Training since then hadn't been great (still walking during part of my runs) until this week. This week I had 2 good 3.5 mile runs with no walking and the race I ran this weekend I didn't walk and my time was decent.
So I am happy. And by the way, even though I'm not training for a 10 mile race, I am in better shape now than I was then, which is way cool (being 10+ years older esepcially!) Now, if my hip can take it, I want to improve my speed. So stay tuned!!!
I used to run in 94 - 97 when I trained to run the 10 mile race for the Crim (in Flint, Michigan). I ran that in 95 and was in the best shape of my life at the time. Then I stopped. I ran on and off between 95 and 97 but mostly off.
Now fast forward to spring 2006 and I start running again, and ran my first race in August of 2006. Running is a relative term though, because I am a very slow runner. When I started in August I was running about a 13+ minute mile. Now I'm *almost* in the 10+ minute mile range, and that is fast for me!!! I am proud of the progress I've made there.
In the fall I started developing problems with my hip though, which has slowed my training down a bit. Since I'm training for the triathalon, though, I've been able to keep up aerobically and not have to worry too much about the miles and still keep my pace for the most part.
I am feeling better now than I have over the last few months, but I still struggle with stiffness in my hip and I have to do a lot of icing and stretching. Getting old sucks!!!
But back to this week. Over the last month I've started training in the afternoons to get my body used to running in warmer weather. I hate it, but I do think it is going to be a good thing. In April I ran a race and was unable to run the whole thing. Even though I had a good time, I was disappointed that I needed to walk part of it. Training since then hadn't been great (still walking during part of my runs) until this week. This week I had 2 good 3.5 mile runs with no walking and the race I ran this weekend I didn't walk and my time was decent.
So I am happy. And by the way, even though I'm not training for a 10 mile race, I am in better shape now than I was then, which is way cool (being 10+ years older esepcially!) Now, if my hip can take it, I want to improve my speed. So stay tuned!!!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Competitiive Edge
How do you get that? Is there a pill? ;)
Being a non-athlete, I don't really feel like I have it.
In things I know I can excel in, I do, like cards, darts, etc. But in most athletics, I feel like I give up before my competitiveness kicks in.
I want a competitive edge so that when I'm in a race, it kicks in and I stop thinking about how tired I am. Is that so much to ask?
But since I never competed as a kid, I'm not sure if I'll ever get it, or if it'll just take a while to teach this old dog new tricks.
Being a non-athlete, I don't really feel like I have it.
In things I know I can excel in, I do, like cards, darts, etc. But in most athletics, I feel like I give up before my competitiveness kicks in.
I want a competitive edge so that when I'm in a race, it kicks in and I stop thinking about how tired I am. Is that so much to ask?
But since I never competed as a kid, I'm not sure if I'll ever get it, or if it'll just take a while to teach this old dog new tricks.
Monday, May 7, 2007
My First Post
You know I really hate blogs, but I've decided to start one to log my fitness goals and to help support other friends with their goals!
So why my title? Well, I love sports. I like to be involved in them as well as be a spectator, but I am the world's worst athlete. I work hard, I'm dedicated, I try to take advice, but I just do *NOT* have natural athletic ability.
So it always seems like sporting activities are just harder for me than those with more natural abilities. The problem is, I tend to choose lofty goals. In otherwords, I don't choose things that tend to require less skills.
What does this mean?
It means that I have to often settle for just being slow at the things I do. I will never be a competitive athlete, even in my age range (I almost always come in last in my age group), but you know what? That's ok. I don't care that much anymore, I just want to finish, because that in it's self is quite an accomplishment.
So why my title? Well, I love sports. I like to be involved in them as well as be a spectator, but I am the world's worst athlete. I work hard, I'm dedicated, I try to take advice, but I just do *NOT* have natural athletic ability.
So it always seems like sporting activities are just harder for me than those with more natural abilities. The problem is, I tend to choose lofty goals. In otherwords, I don't choose things that tend to require less skills.
What does this mean?
It means that I have to often settle for just being slow at the things I do. I will never be a competitive athlete, even in my age range (I almost always come in last in my age group), but you know what? That's ok. I don't care that much anymore, I just want to finish, because that in it's self is quite an accomplishment.
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