Well, obviously, I am horrible at keeping any consistent blog/training log. The last couple of months have been intense in so many ways. I've been having my knee worked on by a wonderful doctor. We'll see how well he did tomorrow. I've been training and not training and worrying about training and worrying about not training. It's all finally culminating.
That's right, in about 3 hours, I will attempt to go to sleep at 9pm. Attempt is the key word here. I imagine that it will be a sleepness night. The day has finally arrived. Ironman. I've been waiting for it to come and now that it's here, I kind of wish I had another month. It's one thing to tell people that you're training to do an Ironman in a few months and a whole other thing to say "I'm doing an Ironman TOMORROW." Tomorrow. Good grief. What have I got myself into?
I've been in Coeur d'Alene since Tuesday. We drove the bike course on Wednesday. MUCH harder than I thought it was going to be. Where was the ONE hill that I had to worry about? How did the ONE hill turn into about SIX??? Elevation charts are VERY deceiving. Thursday we got into the lake for the first time. FEAR! I'm usually just fine and dandy with the water. Apparently the one thing I don't like is to swim in FREEZING cold water. The second a little bit slid down the neck of my wetsuit. OH -- I squealed a bit. Then more. Oh man, that is COLD! I tried to put my face in the water to swim -- wow -- I was not having that. It felt like the time I stupidly dunked my head in an ice cooler full of ice and water. I haven't felt pain like that until Thursday. I forced myself to keep my face in the water until the pain went away (aka -- my face went numb), but even then I could not catch my breath. I got out of the water after a while. My friend, E, called, and immediately I started to cry. How was I going to do this?
Fortunately, I went on a 13 mile bike ride Friday morning. That helped me feel normal. We got in the water again -- this time with vasoline smeared all over my cheeks and chin and neck. MUCH BETTER! Still cold, but I was more prepared. It was the confidence boost I needed.
Today, Saturday, we dropped off our bikes and our transition bags. I felt naked as I left the transition area with all of my precious equipment sitting there -- waiting to get rained upon. Now, hours later, stretched and rolled out, I'm typing my last first Ironman entry on this blog. I look back and wish that I had been more diligent about keeping track of my progress and my fallbacks. It's been a blur. Tomorrow is the day.
Tonight, I will mix all of my nutrition so that I can grab it all in the morning and head off. I have my Evan bracelet on to remind me what courage is throughout the day. There will be tears, no doubt. There will be doubt, plenty of it and several times. But if ever I want to stop and quit, I will look at the bright orange bracelet around my wrist and remember what it means to fight. This one is for you, Evan and Matt! Thank you for the inspiration and the journey!
7am - the gun goes off and 2300 people will run into Lake Coeur d'Alene and take off for an experience of a lifetime. I pray that I enjoy and am grateful for every second -- even the hard ones. :)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Who needs knees anyway?!?!
Well, I had a very frustrating week of training last week. I went to do my long swim last Wednesday. Part of the workout consisted of 30 sets of 100 yards. I was on set number 25 when all of a sudden I felt a sharp twinge in my shoulder. I got to the halfway mark, and just sort of shrugged it off (literally) and continued back toward the other side of the pool. It kept happening. Every time I brought my left arm out and plunged it back into the water -- there it was. Sharp, sharp pain. So I used my right arm to finish my length across the pool. I used the kickboard for a while, then did some back stroke, then did a couple more laps of slow freestyle, but had to stop 250 yards short of my 4000 yard swim. Not that bad, but still scary.
Then on Thursday, I went to go do my long run. 2 hours and 15 minutes. I had my path all planned out, and since it was new I was actually looking forward to the run (I never would have thought those words would come out of my mouth). I set off and about 32 minutes later, my right knee said "no way". I tried to stretch it out and go forward, but it was not having any of that. So I reluctantly turned around and walked back to the car. It was pain along the outside of the knee, so I knew it was my IT band. It could be helped with stretching and rolling on the foam roller. Not too big of a deal. Just frustrating.
On Saturday, Kim and I meet up in Malibu to get our last hardcore, long, hilly bike ride in before Wildflower. Mile 11, the top of my left knee starts hurting. It's my patella, and it seems to flare up every time I do a race. I thought it would be better since Lavaman, but apparently I was wrong. I push on up Latigo Canyon, continue along Mullholland, over to Leo Carrillo. It's not getting any better. It's hurting worse. I am determined though. We start up Deckert Canyon. We decided we'd be adventurous and take a route we'd never gone. Holy cow! That first mile is STEEP! I have to stop and walk my bike up part of the way. Humbling. My knee is throbbing, but it's barely been three hours. A little further up, I have to say, "okay, I have to turn around." Also humbling and extraordinarily frustrating. My knee is done. My spirits are low. I only have 9 more weeks. That's NOTHING. I can't afford to miss these days.
Monday and my knee is still hurting from Saturday. I call a doctor who is able to see me that day. Sweet! I go in. Whew! He doesn't think it's my miniscus. He thinks I'll be fine for Wildflower in two weeks! Even better! He knows I'll be fine by Ironman -- GREAT! My patella is tracking wrong (hence the grinding noise) and has formed scar tissue under it. Part of my quad that attaches to the front of the knee is not helping matters by pulling on my patella. He spends about 30 minutes jabbing his fingers painfully into all the tender areas of my knee -- trying to begin to break up the tissue. He does cross-fiber massage -- hitting my IT band and my calf. He puts electrodes on my knee for 20 minutes along with some heat. He cracks my aching back and left shoulder. Tells me to ice it tonight. No biking or running for a couple of days. Come back on Wednesday. I leave feeling more relieved about my knee, but less relieved about the days of training on the bike and run that I desperately need. I am far behind, and it is REALLY soon!
I'll be fine. :)
Then on Thursday, I went to go do my long run. 2 hours and 15 minutes. I had my path all planned out, and since it was new I was actually looking forward to the run (I never would have thought those words would come out of my mouth). I set off and about 32 minutes later, my right knee said "no way". I tried to stretch it out and go forward, but it was not having any of that. So I reluctantly turned around and walked back to the car. It was pain along the outside of the knee, so I knew it was my IT band. It could be helped with stretching and rolling on the foam roller. Not too big of a deal. Just frustrating.
On Saturday, Kim and I meet up in Malibu to get our last hardcore, long, hilly bike ride in before Wildflower. Mile 11, the top of my left knee starts hurting. It's my patella, and it seems to flare up every time I do a race. I thought it would be better since Lavaman, but apparently I was wrong. I push on up Latigo Canyon, continue along Mullholland, over to Leo Carrillo. It's not getting any better. It's hurting worse. I am determined though. We start up Deckert Canyon. We decided we'd be adventurous and take a route we'd never gone. Holy cow! That first mile is STEEP! I have to stop and walk my bike up part of the way. Humbling. My knee is throbbing, but it's barely been three hours. A little further up, I have to say, "okay, I have to turn around." Also humbling and extraordinarily frustrating. My knee is done. My spirits are low. I only have 9 more weeks. That's NOTHING. I can't afford to miss these days.
Monday and my knee is still hurting from Saturday. I call a doctor who is able to see me that day. Sweet! I go in. Whew! He doesn't think it's my miniscus. He thinks I'll be fine for Wildflower in two weeks! Even better! He knows I'll be fine by Ironman -- GREAT! My patella is tracking wrong (hence the grinding noise) and has formed scar tissue under it. Part of my quad that attaches to the front of the knee is not helping matters by pulling on my patella. He spends about 30 minutes jabbing his fingers painfully into all the tender areas of my knee -- trying to begin to break up the tissue. He does cross-fiber massage -- hitting my IT band and my calf. He puts electrodes on my knee for 20 minutes along with some heat. He cracks my aching back and left shoulder. Tells me to ice it tonight. No biking or running for a couple of days. Come back on Wednesday. I leave feeling more relieved about my knee, but less relieved about the days of training on the bike and run that I desperately need. I am far behind, and it is REALLY soon!
I'll be fine. :)
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Ironman Arizona
Wow -- I have been neglectful for a long time.
On Saturday I drove out to Arizona to go watch the Ironman there. I figured I should witness what I'm getting myself into.
It was... intense to say the least. 2000 people starting to swim at once is pretty crazy. They were all starting in the water, too, so I can imagine how much crazier it is going to be for me starting on land and running in, surrounded by 2000 other people.
It was heartbreaking to watch the last two people trying to finish the swim and knowing that they had already missed the cut-off. They were going to be getting out of the water only to be told that was the end of their Ironman journey for the day.
The temperature got up to 95 degrees. I was sweating just standing there watching. I can only imagine how hot it was for the athletes. If it is that hot in Idaho, I think I will die.
The bike portion was not only hot, but they had an insane headwind to fight against as well. There was a 15% drop-out/DQ on the bike alone.
Watching the people run in the brutally hot sun was painful, but also awe-inspiring. Some of these people were just hauling butt on the run. They were running faster than I run when my only workout for the day is running. And then there were the people that were struggling, and in some cases struggling is an understatement.
I stood at the finish line at 13 hours, 30 minutes to wait for two friends to cross the finish line. Watching people cross that line made my heart ache and brought tears to my eyes. It also left me feeling just as confused as the athletes looked afterward. You've over-exerted yourself all day long with people cheering you on, you cross that finish line, someone puts a medal on you, hands you a t-shirt, walks with you if you need it, but then once that person leaves, you are suddenly alone. They looked lost.
Over 400 people were DQ'd throughout the day. The fastest person finished in over 8 hours. The last person to officially finish did it in about 16 hours, 55 minutes. Someone came in 6 minutes after midnight, and they gave her a medal and shirt, but I don't know if she'll have an official finish time since she missed the 17 hour cut-off.
I don't know what I've gotten myself into.
Lessons learned --
--be comfortable. I thought I'd be wearing the same outfit all day long, but after talking to lots of people, I think I'm going to change during each transition.
-- DO NOT suck on or wipe my face with the ice cold water sponges. I watched as the volunteers quickly grabbed the dropped sponges of athletes, dip them in the water again, and hand them out to the next person running by. Of course they're going to have to reuse them, but you don't think about that when you're delirious. It was pretty disgusting watching people suck on the sponges to get the cold water out of them -- not knowing that sponge was just wiping the sweat off of another participants face, or elsewhere on their body.
-- Race SMART. Pacing, nutrition, and mental focus is everything. Someone said "don't leave your brain in the water."
-- ENJOY myself as much as I can. When someone is cheering people on, making jokes at my race, I hope I can laugh or if not manage a laugh, at least smile. I hope I have the energy to thank the people who call my name out. I hope I take the time to hug my loved ones as I pass them by (despite my sweat). I hope I appreciate the opportunity and not just try to get it over with as fast as possible.
Most of all though... I hope I can walk the next day.
Training has been going well. I'm nervous that I'm not doing enough. That I'm taking it too easy on my body. I've been having lots of knee issues lately which is very worrisome.
I did the Lavaman Triathlon on April 6. Finished in 3 hours, 7 minutes, 24 seconds. 16th place in my age group. Pretty pleased with that. Did the Solvang Century on March 8. First 100 mile ride. I had some major knee pains start around mile 40 and continue into mile 80 or so when the pain in my toe overcame the pain in my knee. But I finished feeling good and going fast. I managed to get in a 15 minute run afterwards.
Other than those two things, I've just been chugging along with training. I will try to start posting my schedule again, because it is pretty insane at times.
Must get back to work for now.
On Saturday I drove out to Arizona to go watch the Ironman there. I figured I should witness what I'm getting myself into.
It was... intense to say the least. 2000 people starting to swim at once is pretty crazy. They were all starting in the water, too, so I can imagine how much crazier it is going to be for me starting on land and running in, surrounded by 2000 other people.
It was heartbreaking to watch the last two people trying to finish the swim and knowing that they had already missed the cut-off. They were going to be getting out of the water only to be told that was the end of their Ironman journey for the day.
The temperature got up to 95 degrees. I was sweating just standing there watching. I can only imagine how hot it was for the athletes. If it is that hot in Idaho, I think I will die.
The bike portion was not only hot, but they had an insane headwind to fight against as well. There was a 15% drop-out/DQ on the bike alone.
Watching the people run in the brutally hot sun was painful, but also awe-inspiring. Some of these people were just hauling butt on the run. They were running faster than I run when my only workout for the day is running. And then there were the people that were struggling, and in some cases struggling is an understatement.
I stood at the finish line at 13 hours, 30 minutes to wait for two friends to cross the finish line. Watching people cross that line made my heart ache and brought tears to my eyes. It also left me feeling just as confused as the athletes looked afterward. You've over-exerted yourself all day long with people cheering you on, you cross that finish line, someone puts a medal on you, hands you a t-shirt, walks with you if you need it, but then once that person leaves, you are suddenly alone. They looked lost.
Over 400 people were DQ'd throughout the day. The fastest person finished in over 8 hours. The last person to officially finish did it in about 16 hours, 55 minutes. Someone came in 6 minutes after midnight, and they gave her a medal and shirt, but I don't know if she'll have an official finish time since she missed the 17 hour cut-off.
I don't know what I've gotten myself into.
Lessons learned --
--be comfortable. I thought I'd be wearing the same outfit all day long, but after talking to lots of people, I think I'm going to change during each transition.
-- DO NOT suck on or wipe my face with the ice cold water sponges. I watched as the volunteers quickly grabbed the dropped sponges of athletes, dip them in the water again, and hand them out to the next person running by. Of course they're going to have to reuse them, but you don't think about that when you're delirious. It was pretty disgusting watching people suck on the sponges to get the cold water out of them -- not knowing that sponge was just wiping the sweat off of another participants face, or elsewhere on their body.
-- Race SMART. Pacing, nutrition, and mental focus is everything. Someone said "don't leave your brain in the water."
-- ENJOY myself as much as I can. When someone is cheering people on, making jokes at my race, I hope I can laugh or if not manage a laugh, at least smile. I hope I have the energy to thank the people who call my name out. I hope I take the time to hug my loved ones as I pass them by (despite my sweat). I hope I appreciate the opportunity and not just try to get it over with as fast as possible.
Most of all though... I hope I can walk the next day.
Training has been going well. I'm nervous that I'm not doing enough. That I'm taking it too easy on my body. I've been having lots of knee issues lately which is very worrisome.
I did the Lavaman Triathlon on April 6. Finished in 3 hours, 7 minutes, 24 seconds. 16th place in my age group. Pretty pleased with that. Did the Solvang Century on March 8. First 100 mile ride. I had some major knee pains start around mile 40 and continue into mile 80 or so when the pain in my toe overcame the pain in my knee. But I finished feeling good and going fast. I managed to get in a 15 minute run afterwards.
Other than those two things, I've just been chugging along with training. I will try to start posting my schedule again, because it is pretty insane at times.
Must get back to work for now.
Monday, February 11, 2008
It's on now!
Things are getting intense quickly.
I finally got my bike fit only to decide two days later that I needed to change the seat if I ever want to have children down the line. I need to go back and get it readjusted. While I was at the store getting fit, I decided to pick up a trainer, so now I have no more excuses to not ride even on rainy days.
Last week was pretty good. I ran on Tuesday -- did my old cardio workout that Nathan taught me. Also rode my bike that night. Wednesday we had a good, but hard speed workout at swim practice. I need to do more of that. I've decided to incorporate a bit of a kick now that my cardio levels are much improved.
Thursday I ran for an hour in the park. I got back to my car about 10 minutes after sunset and had a lovely parking ticket waiting for me. Apparently the cops in Griffith like to sit and watch the sun go down so they can immediately give you a ticket. So nice. Grrrr.
Friday, I swam for an obscenely long time. 1 hour, 45 minutes -- 45oo yards. Longer than my Ironman distance which is kind of exciting to know that I'm physically capable of doing it. Whether or not I can do the distance, then get on a bike for 112 miles and then run for 26.2 miles remains to be seen.
Saturday, Brian kicked my butt. We went on a loooooong ride. I can't even tell you how long I was on my bike for, but I did about 8 miles with the team during practice. Then I got in another 56 miles riding up La Tuna Canyon and then up Mount Wilson with Brian. We were so high up, there was snow on the ground. I tried to explain to Brian that it wasn't okay to be riding our bicycles as high as the snow is, but he didn't care. Haha. We got back to Griffith at least 4 - 5 hours after we left. We then ran for 30 minutes. So Saturday, I arrived at Griffith Park at 7:30am and didn't leave until 5pm. Ridiculous! But good. Thanks, Brian!
Yesterday, I was feeling a little under the weather. I think I'm fighting off the plague that everyone else seems to have right now. I took yesterday as my day off which I think was a smart move because I'm feeling a little better today. So today, I will do a very slow, aerobic run for 1 hour 35 minutes. It'll be my first aerobic paced run, so it's going to be interesting.
The races are coming up fast!
I finally got my bike fit only to decide two days later that I needed to change the seat if I ever want to have children down the line. I need to go back and get it readjusted. While I was at the store getting fit, I decided to pick up a trainer, so now I have no more excuses to not ride even on rainy days.
Last week was pretty good. I ran on Tuesday -- did my old cardio workout that Nathan taught me. Also rode my bike that night. Wednesday we had a good, but hard speed workout at swim practice. I need to do more of that. I've decided to incorporate a bit of a kick now that my cardio levels are much improved.
Thursday I ran for an hour in the park. I got back to my car about 10 minutes after sunset and had a lovely parking ticket waiting for me. Apparently the cops in Griffith like to sit and watch the sun go down so they can immediately give you a ticket. So nice. Grrrr.
Friday, I swam for an obscenely long time. 1 hour, 45 minutes -- 45oo yards. Longer than my Ironman distance which is kind of exciting to know that I'm physically capable of doing it. Whether or not I can do the distance, then get on a bike for 112 miles and then run for 26.2 miles remains to be seen.
Saturday, Brian kicked my butt. We went on a loooooong ride. I can't even tell you how long I was on my bike for, but I did about 8 miles with the team during practice. Then I got in another 56 miles riding up La Tuna Canyon and then up Mount Wilson with Brian. We were so high up, there was snow on the ground. I tried to explain to Brian that it wasn't okay to be riding our bicycles as high as the snow is, but he didn't care. Haha. We got back to Griffith at least 4 - 5 hours after we left. We then ran for 30 minutes. So Saturday, I arrived at Griffith Park at 7:30am and didn't leave until 5pm. Ridiculous! But good. Thanks, Brian!
Yesterday, I was feeling a little under the weather. I think I'm fighting off the plague that everyone else seems to have right now. I took yesterday as my day off which I think was a smart move because I'm feeling a little better today. So today, I will do a very slow, aerobic run for 1 hour 35 minutes. It'll be my first aerobic paced run, so it's going to be interesting.
The races are coming up fast!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Evan...
finally went home from the hospital yesterday. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. Keep them up! We need our warrior nice and strong!
I finally got my bike fit yesterday. I also bought a trainer so that I could still ride in the rain. I'm excited for my next long ride (this weekend) so I can see if the changes that were made to the bike have helped with my knee problems.
Swim practice tonight. I'm already freezing in my apartment. Should be fun getting in the water.... :)
I finally got my bike fit yesterday. I also bought a trainer so that I could still ride in the rain. I'm excited for my next long ride (this weekend) so I can see if the changes that were made to the bike have helped with my knee problems.
Swim practice tonight. I'm already freezing in my apartment. Should be fun getting in the water.... :)
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Rain, rain...
I would like to be selfish and say "go away," but I know we need it. I also know that afterward things will be green and the air will be clear (for about a day). But it definitely has put a damper on the training schedule. Can't wait to be back running on the dirt versus the pavement. My knees are feeling it. Can't wait to get back on my bike. The spinner just isn't the same (not to mention it's UBER uncomfortable).
We swam in the rain on Wednesday -- that was fun. Freezing getting in and out of the pool, but in the water it was nice. The wind was disturbing the surface so it was a tiny taste of open water (very tiny). I miss swimming in the ocean -- soon enough. The coaches were in the pool with us, so that was even more fun. Got to watch them swim. I'm a visual learner.
Training is slowly chugging along. Evan is in the hospital and has been for two weeks now. Reminds me everyday of why I am doing this. The husband of our fundraising captain from last season was just diagnosed with a pediatric cancer last December. Very rare for an adult to have it, but he does and he is chugging along as well. These people who fight everyday make my training seem like a breeze. They are the reason I keep going. Thank you for the inspiration.
We swam in the rain on Wednesday -- that was fun. Freezing getting in and out of the pool, but in the water it was nice. The wind was disturbing the surface so it was a tiny taste of open water (very tiny). I miss swimming in the ocean -- soon enough. The coaches were in the pool with us, so that was even more fun. Got to watch them swim. I'm a visual learner.
Training is slowly chugging along. Evan is in the hospital and has been for two weeks now. Reminds me everyday of why I am doing this. The husband of our fundraising captain from last season was just diagnosed with a pediatric cancer last December. Very rare for an adult to have it, but he does and he is chugging along as well. These people who fight everyday make my training seem like a breeze. They are the reason I keep going. Thank you for the inspiration.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Thank yous and workouts (Jan. 14 - 20)!
I try to be very good about sending thank you notes to my donors right away, however, there is a group of people that I have yet to send thank you notes to. I am working on it. Life got away from me for a bit there, but I'm getting back on top of things. SO, if you haven't gotten a thank you note yet, please know that it is on its way and that your donation was uber appreciated!
Now for training.... It's so strange to me that I'm doing these other races before Ironman, and yet, I'm not really training for them. All of my training right now is directed toward my goal of finishing the Ironman. These other events are going to end up being workouts, it seems. Although, I do have that level of competitive spirit that is going to force me to "race" them, as much as I'll want to take them easier. So far, events this year are Solvang Century (March 8), Lavaman Triathlon (GO EVAN! April 6), Wildflower Long Course (Half-Ironman, May 3), and then the biggie, Ironman Coeur d'Alene (June 22). Wow -- seeing it all there in front of me scares the bejezuz out of me!
I was talking to some friends yesterday. They were asking me how training was going, and it was in my answer that I realized the truth. Out of my mouth came "it's all psychological". And it really is. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's very physical, too. But bodies are amazing things, especially in the amounts that they can handle. The real battle is inside your own head. When I'm doing a 50 mile ride on my own, it's the thoughts that creep inside that try to get me to quit early -- my legs will keep turning. Runs are killer. I spend the entire time telling myself to just keep going. Running is SO hard for me, especially the mental aspect. I am working on finding the peace in it. It's difficult, very, very difficult.
Monday, Jan. 14 -- Brick Workout... 50 mile bike, followed immediately by a 20 minute run. I discovered I need to work on my nutrition... drinking and eating more, especially during the bike.
Tuesday, Jan. 15 -- Weights.
Wednesday, Jan. 16 -- 1 hour, 30 minutes run/walk (still trying my run 8 minutes, walk 2 minutes -- so far, so good. Pool was closed this evening so no swim. :(
Thursday, Jan 17 -- Lazy bones jones (I've decided that this is a recovery week for me -- tee hee)
Friday, Jan. 18 -- Swim 1 hour (drills, 2 x 600 pulls... 200 meter between and 200 cooldown)
Saturday, Jan. 19 -- Team workout, Bike 18 miles hills.
Sunday, Jan. 20 -- Bike 30 miles around beautiful Palos Verdes, then over to Balboa Park for a 5 mile run (this time I just ran the whole thing... no 8 and 2.)
This coming week will be the start of another build section. Trucking along....
Now for training.... It's so strange to me that I'm doing these other races before Ironman, and yet, I'm not really training for them. All of my training right now is directed toward my goal of finishing the Ironman. These other events are going to end up being workouts, it seems. Although, I do have that level of competitive spirit that is going to force me to "race" them, as much as I'll want to take them easier. So far, events this year are Solvang Century (March 8), Lavaman Triathlon (GO EVAN! April 6), Wildflower Long Course (Half-Ironman, May 3), and then the biggie, Ironman Coeur d'Alene (June 22). Wow -- seeing it all there in front of me scares the bejezuz out of me!
I was talking to some friends yesterday. They were asking me how training was going, and it was in my answer that I realized the truth. Out of my mouth came "it's all psychological". And it really is. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's very physical, too. But bodies are amazing things, especially in the amounts that they can handle. The real battle is inside your own head. When I'm doing a 50 mile ride on my own, it's the thoughts that creep inside that try to get me to quit early -- my legs will keep turning. Runs are killer. I spend the entire time telling myself to just keep going. Running is SO hard for me, especially the mental aspect. I am working on finding the peace in it. It's difficult, very, very difficult.
Monday, Jan. 14 -- Brick Workout... 50 mile bike, followed immediately by a 20 minute run. I discovered I need to work on my nutrition... drinking and eating more, especially during the bike.
Tuesday, Jan. 15 -- Weights.
Wednesday, Jan. 16 -- 1 hour, 30 minutes run/walk (still trying my run 8 minutes, walk 2 minutes -- so far, so good. Pool was closed this evening so no swim. :(
Thursday, Jan 17 -- Lazy bones jones (I've decided that this is a recovery week for me -- tee hee)
Friday, Jan. 18 -- Swim 1 hour (drills, 2 x 600 pulls... 200 meter between and 200 cooldown)
Saturday, Jan. 19 -- Team workout, Bike 18 miles hills.
Sunday, Jan. 20 -- Bike 30 miles around beautiful Palos Verdes, then over to Balboa Park for a 5 mile run (this time I just ran the whole thing... no 8 and 2.)
This coming week will be the start of another build section. Trucking along....
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
WOW -- Welcome 2008
I have been lazy with the posting. My apologies.
Well, I had a series of slacker weeks following my knee injury from the long bike ride. I trained rather sporadically over the holidays, not getting really back into things until after the New Year. I know, I know. I have to admit that training in the winter is REALLY hard. It's hard on the body and even harder on the mind. The last thing you want to do at 5:30am during the winter is crawl out of your warm bed to go run or swim outside in the freezing darkness. Now the rains have come. I am so not used to that either. They put a damper on my schedule. Plus my gym membership has expired, so I have to get really creative now.
Well, I've changed my running plans. For my endurance runs, I will be doing 8 minute run, 2 minute walk and building my time like that. It's been working so far. I made it up the big hill in Griffith Park the other day on my run. I was so proud of myself. The last time I tried that, I had an asthma attack about 1/3 of the way up. I walked the rest of it. But not this past Saturday. I made it. I realized that day that I need all of the little victories I can get. New Year's Eve day I swam 55 laps. That was another one I was proud of. Over half of the Ironman distance. I could have done the last 30 laps, but they closed the pool. Next time....
I need to buy my aerobars and then get fitted to my bike. Hopefully this will prevent more knee issues on the longer rides.
So much to do, so little time.
Races this year that I'm planning on doing as part of Ironman prep (if I can afford all the registrations - haha):
Solvang Century -- March 8, 2008
Lavaman Tri -- April 6, 2008
Wildflower 1/2 Ironman -- May 7(?), 2008
And then the big day -- Coeur d'Alene Ironman -- June 22, 2008
After Ironman, I'd like to do the Muddy Buddy in November. That's just for fun though. tee hee.
Tonight I have swim practice. Hopefully it'll be a full hour in the pool (last week the lights went out early, so we had to cut our practice short).
I'll be back on top of posting my training more regularly now. Thanks for reading!
Well, I had a series of slacker weeks following my knee injury from the long bike ride. I trained rather sporadically over the holidays, not getting really back into things until after the New Year. I know, I know. I have to admit that training in the winter is REALLY hard. It's hard on the body and even harder on the mind. The last thing you want to do at 5:30am during the winter is crawl out of your warm bed to go run or swim outside in the freezing darkness. Now the rains have come. I am so not used to that either. They put a damper on my schedule. Plus my gym membership has expired, so I have to get really creative now.
Well, I've changed my running plans. For my endurance runs, I will be doing 8 minute run, 2 minute walk and building my time like that. It's been working so far. I made it up the big hill in Griffith Park the other day on my run. I was so proud of myself. The last time I tried that, I had an asthma attack about 1/3 of the way up. I walked the rest of it. But not this past Saturday. I made it. I realized that day that I need all of the little victories I can get. New Year's Eve day I swam 55 laps. That was another one I was proud of. Over half of the Ironman distance. I could have done the last 30 laps, but they closed the pool. Next time....
I need to buy my aerobars and then get fitted to my bike. Hopefully this will prevent more knee issues on the longer rides.
So much to do, so little time.
Races this year that I'm planning on doing as part of Ironman prep (if I can afford all the registrations - haha):
Solvang Century -- March 8, 2008
Lavaman Tri -- April 6, 2008
Wildflower 1/2 Ironman -- May 7(?), 2008
And then the big day -- Coeur d'Alene Ironman -- June 22, 2008
After Ironman, I'd like to do the Muddy Buddy in November. That's just for fun though. tee hee.
Tonight I have swim practice. Hopefully it'll be a full hour in the pool (last week the lights went out early, so we had to cut our practice short).
I'll be back on top of posting my training more regularly now. Thanks for reading!
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