So there is a commercial out right now that I am sure you have all seen. It features Olympic athletes, one of which says, "I haven't had a morning off, much less a day off, another that says, "I haven't watched TV in over a year." These are both incredibly powerful statements, the first I think we can all relate to. Most people who have ever dreamed about a shot at an Olympic berth have thought, "Man, if that was my job, I would be happy to do it every day, I wouldn't even complain." The thing is, for most of these athletes, the work and training that goes into this probably counts for nearly double your/my work week. Between the actual time committed to that sport, the weight lifting, the cross training, and the studying, it all adds up. For me, this really makes my pathetic excuses for why I didn't bang out a quick run or bike, well exactly that, pathetic.
The truth is, I feel better after a sweet bike, my day at work goes much smoother if I emptied out all my stress in the pool before my shift. Despite 60 hour work weeks, it is important for my sanity to get the workout in. This week was the culmination of this. I spent the week at work, both jobs, different shifts, and when I wasn't at work, for the most part, I was plunked in front of the TV, not that there was anything good on TV, but more because I was just being lazy. How is it possible that the TV and/or the internet is a priority for me?
We all complain that there are not enough hours in the day, but the truth is, we all need to do a little analysis into how much time we are WASTING. I waste a good 3-4 hours per day. Now granted, some of this time, I need down time, Pinterest time, or just boring background TV time. But four hours, I think not. Now of course there are exceptions to the rule, such as, the Olympics, where people across the country salute our world class athletes by sitting on our butts. I think, if nothing else this week, I will set the bike up on the trainer and bike while I watch, or plan on doing some core work.
This week is a busy one, but somehow I need to reset my priorities and keep them at the forefront. I work 4 12 hour shifts in a row and then have to get the house ready for our post-tri shin-dig on Sunday... oh yeah, and get ready for the tri too :)
I banged out 18.2 miles today in 61 minutes, including a 2 minute stop waiting for traffic to clear so I could make a left. The bike is getting better, a hair easier, but mostly just gaining experience and knowing when to do what. My left knee has started pulling a little bit while I ride, so I will need to adjust my seat a little higher, taking some of the bend and some of the stress out of my knees.
Priorities, priorities, what are yours?
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Frankie Says Yes, Stomach Says No
I have been struggling with my stomach here recently. The past few months have been a whirlwind of changes, mostly with level of activity, but on a background note, my nutrition has improved as well. Less heavy greasy fatty sugary foods, and more of the good stuff. The problem is, now, on a whim when I go to eat an abundance of these bad things, my stomach is more than a little pissed. I have been struggling with this, thinking, sheesh, is it bread, or dairy? But then a very wise friend of mine said, "Maybe its just the fatty foods Kris..." Jeeze, why didn't I think of that? Well, lets be honest, because I didn't want to. :) So I am going to need to compromise, and take these other things in small portions. Part of becoming better at this whole thing is going to need to be from a nutritional standpoint as well.
On a sort-of related topic, I cannot imagine what happens to swallowed gum! This sounds like a completely random thought, but bear with me. The other morning when I went for a ride in the hot sun, it was 95+ outside (but cooler than the body's normal temperature). The ride was awesome, I felt great, right up until the end when suddenly every little rock, grain of sand and well... everything, was flying off of my wheel and hitting me in the legs, for about a half of a second I entertained the idea that I was going "just that fast!" that thought quickly faded and I puzzled the rest of the ride home as to why this was happening. When I got home and knelt down to take off my shoes, I was overwhelmed by the smell of spearamint..... oh no... it all made sense! Gum.... EVERYWHERE. In the wonderfully hot temperature the green stringy stuff had wound itself around every component of my bike (which of course had just gotten a greasy tune up). So my girl got some major TLC that night, during which time, all I could think about was... holy cow, if this happens to a bike, what happens when you swallow the gum. Needless to say I will likely induce vomiting if I ever happen to swallow a piece of gum.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Chilly Morning Ride
With the recent heat wave, I haven't had to deal with goosebumps on a ride. This morning, I was wide awake at 630 and couldn't ease back to sleep, so I figured the weather looked nice, beautiful sunny morning and so I headed out. Banged out a quick 18.1 in 62 minutes. It was more than a little chilly to start and I almost turned back to get a long sleeve shirt, by mid-ride however, I warmed up and it made for an incredible ride. Not many people out on the roads, and an absolutely beautiful morning. What a great way to start the day, now off to work I go!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Thirsty Thursday
The epitome of thirsty Thursday was yesterday! :) Busy day, early morning swim, work and meetings in the AM, quick nap, and then off to the races- literally. There was a local triathlon last night, 500m swim, 10.75 mile bike, 3.1 mile run. It was a beautiful day, and the water was so warm I didn't need to wear a wetsuit. That was the first time I raced without a wetsuit, and it was all kinds of wonderful! The absence of stress of getting out of the damn thing was a beautiful thing! Third female out of the water, 9 minutes to swim and transition out onto the bike. The bike was excellent, the temperature perfect, I biked at about 19 mph, and felt good going into transition. The run was hard in the start, but got better and I felt really strong the second half and was actually able to push at the end. Bike transition and run took 32 minutes, taking transition out, probably just under ten minute miles.
What a great race, I felt so good at the end. Looking at results today, I was 62nd overall (out of 92), 23rd in the swim, 60th in the bike and 83rd in the run. HAHAHAHA. What I am finding is while I have been very happy with my run times, they are a little bit of a joke when compared with the rest of the field. Now the truth is that I am a swimmer who learned how to bike, so that is where the majority of my workouts go, but its going to be time to start working on the run a bit. Trimming just a couple minutes would make a really big difference, we'll see if I can do that before Niantic.
The real challenge for the evening was not indeed the race, but the race and the 10 hour night shift afterwards. Yes, that may not have been my wisest decision, but, I'll tell you, going in, I had a heck of an adrenaline rush, but I hit a major wall at 1am. I made it through until 7, and drove home, somehow managing to stay awake. By the time I hit the door, I was ready to hit the bed... and did! :) As far as thirsty goes, I had stayed well hydrated all day, but during the race, didn't drink much. As I was driving into work I drank 72 ounces of water in an attempt to catch up. Around Midnight I had to pee so bad I couldn't even see straight :)
All in all, I made it, I did it, and I had a blast while I was at it. What's next? Who knows?! But for today, I think its time for a day off- and perhaps a nap.
What a great race, I felt so good at the end. Looking at results today, I was 62nd overall (out of 92), 23rd in the swim, 60th in the bike and 83rd in the run. HAHAHAHA. What I am finding is while I have been very happy with my run times, they are a little bit of a joke when compared with the rest of the field. Now the truth is that I am a swimmer who learned how to bike, so that is where the majority of my workouts go, but its going to be time to start working on the run a bit. Trimming just a couple minutes would make a really big difference, we'll see if I can do that before Niantic.
The real challenge for the evening was not indeed the race, but the race and the 10 hour night shift afterwards. Yes, that may not have been my wisest decision, but, I'll tell you, going in, I had a heck of an adrenaline rush, but I hit a major wall at 1am. I made it through until 7, and drove home, somehow managing to stay awake. By the time I hit the door, I was ready to hit the bed... and did! :) As far as thirsty goes, I had stayed well hydrated all day, but during the race, didn't drink much. As I was driving into work I drank 72 ounces of water in an attempt to catch up. Around Midnight I had to pee so bad I couldn't even see straight :)
All in all, I made it, I did it, and I had a blast while I was at it. What's next? Who knows?! But for today, I think its time for a day off- and perhaps a nap.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Days after a race
So, I bragged after my first race about not being terribly tired, or sore, and I thought I was in some kind of incredible shape or something. It turns out, I just didn't race hard enough :) I woke up yesterday morning and felt every single mile! I laughed at myself as I crawled out of bed. I made it to the pool and banged out a quick mile before heading into work. The swim felt good, arms a little sore, but not terrible, and really didn't slow me down at all. I did 100 repeats, 6 swim, 6 pull, 3 kick and 3 swim.
The one thing I know I did wrong on Sunday is I didn't engage my abs and so my back is screaming. I am still working on stretching it out, its still not thrilled :) Another ride today, hopefully that will finish stretching things out, also give me an idea of the hill for Thursday.
Cedar Lake has a triathlon series on Thursdays during the summer, unfortunately, I'm not off the work schedule for any of them, BUT, I am only on nights this Thursday, which means that I can run the tri and go to work afterwards. So its a quick turn around, but it keeps my training on schedule, and gives me another chance at the run. The swim is a hair shorter at 500 yards, and the bike is only 11 miles, with a 5k run. All in all, very doable, maybe a quick picnic after the race, shower and off to work.
For now, stretch, hydrate, and let the weather cool down a hair, then I'll hit the road.
The one thing I know I did wrong on Sunday is I didn't engage my abs and so my back is screaming. I am still working on stretching it out, its still not thrilled :) Another ride today, hopefully that will finish stretching things out, also give me an idea of the hill for Thursday.
Cedar Lake has a triathlon series on Thursdays during the summer, unfortunately, I'm not off the work schedule for any of them, BUT, I am only on nights this Thursday, which means that I can run the tri and go to work afterwards. So its a quick turn around, but it keeps my training on schedule, and gives me another chance at the run. The swim is a hair shorter at 500 yards, and the bike is only 11 miles, with a 5k run. All in all, very doable, maybe a quick picnic after the race, shower and off to work.
For now, stretch, hydrate, and let the weather cool down a hair, then I'll hit the road.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Update: Race Results
So, final race results are in!
Swim plus the run up the beach to transition: 18:50 (128/321)
T1 2: 2:06
Bike: 53:59 (184/321)
T2: 1:37
Run: 35:10 (290/321)
So, rocking the swim, good good, bike better than expected, excellent, run with significant room for improvement.
The more I have thought about the race and the more that I have talked to people, I think I have a game plan for my next race. I need to do one full brick per week and at least one 4+ mile run per week, being careful to stretch and take care of my feet and calves as much as possible. I made the mistake of training two sports for this race, and the results showed, so time to live and learn.
Transitions, as slow as I feel, I am actually moving pretty good in transition, not going to make any big changes there.
The biggest change right now comes in a trip to the bike shop to talk to the guys about a pair of tri-bars. Then its simply getting back on a good training schedule, especially with the Olympic distance looming only two months away.
I'm hooked, I can't stop, now I'll just have to motivate myself out of bed in the morning to keep the game plan on track :)
Swim plus the run up the beach to transition: 18:50 (128/321)
T1 2: 2:06
Bike: 53:59 (184/321)
T2: 1:37
Run: 35:10 (290/321)
So, rocking the swim, good good, bike better than expected, excellent, run with significant room for improvement.
The more I have thought about the race and the more that I have talked to people, I think I have a game plan for my next race. I need to do one full brick per week and at least one 4+ mile run per week, being careful to stretch and take care of my feet and calves as much as possible. I made the mistake of training two sports for this race, and the results showed, so time to live and learn.
Transitions, as slow as I feel, I am actually moving pretty good in transition, not going to make any big changes there.
The biggest change right now comes in a trip to the bike shop to talk to the guys about a pair of tri-bars. Then its simply getting back on a good training schedule, especially with the Olympic distance looming only two months away.
I'm hooked, I can't stop, now I'll just have to motivate myself out of bed in the morning to keep the game plan on track :)
Ocean Beach Tri
Well another race down, and I am finding that, as usual, I am far too competitive! :)
I worked 12 hours yesterday and somehow made it to bed just before midnight, alarm went off at 5am, dogs fed and kenneled, water bottles filled, and breakfast/coffee made and out the door we went. I drank my smoothie on the way down to the beach, and while I didn't finish it, it also didn't want to come back up the entire race, so a definite move in the right direction from the PB&J that wanted out PRONTO on the start of the run. :) Bad news? The bowl of ice cream I splurged on before bed... my stomach was not thrilled with that choice. Thankfully we got to the beach with time to spare for me to use the facilities!
This has been something that I have been struggling with, and unfortunately I have pretty much narrowed it down to breads/wheats or dairy. The failure of the ice cream certainly points in one direction, but I am hoping that with appropriate changes and with taking only small portions... I will be able to continue with my passion for both of these food groups :)
Back to the race, set my slot up and got down to the beach. I was in the 4th wave and watched the first few waves go out and watched how the current seemed to be dragging. I also watched the 3 small jellyfish bob around in the shallow water in front of me. Now for those who don't know, I have a terrible irrational fear regarding jellyfish. The trouble is... I have never been around them. I am a Michigander, so I have only heard the horror stories... because those are the only ones that ever get told. So in my head, jellyfish=bad. Somehow, I held it together... probably because no one around me seemed to be terribly concerned by their presence, although one girl got pretty jumpy, and I was motivated to avoid looking that panicked :)
The horn went off and off into the water we went. A much easier swim this time around, no episodes of panic, although the current took some figuring out. All in all, it was a good stage. It went by quickly and thankfully without injury or exhaustion. I made it to the front of my wave and passed several in the wave before me. By the time I hit the shore, I was trying to peel out of the wetsuit... one day I will figure out the right way to do this, in the meantime I will just pull and tug and somehow manage to get the silly thing off.
Transition, somehow this time didn't seem to go as smoothly, I still got in and out relatively quickly, but found myself actually standing still for a couple moments and trying to think... what comes next?
The bike, I rocked! All of the hard work that I have been putting in and all those silly hills have made me much faster. The one hill that I was dreading ended up being relatively easy, and certainly much easier than when Carly and I rode it a couple weeks back. I knew I was probably pushing a little too hard, but I felt so good, I didn't know how I could NOT take advantage of it! By the end of the bike I was still feeling very good. I changed, slipped socks/shoes/number and my dad's hat on and off I went.
The run... well, I made it. I averaged just over 11 minute miles, certainly no speed demon, however, a few things. 1) I pushed too hard on the bike, 2) I did ONE training run in between the Bridgeport triathlon and today's- thats right, one, and it was a 6 mile spur of the moment run, so not nearly enough training 3) I have done a few brick workouts- but they were wimpy bricks, with a hard bike followed by a short run. I blamed this on wanting to avoid foot problems, but the reality is, the run is becoming my weak point- I need to start training for this again, and appropriately!
In the end, I came across with a final time of 1:50. Half mile swim, 16.1 bike and 3.1 run. Not half bad! :) Tim was there to watch and to cheer me on and call out splits and take the all important pictures. Thank goodness for him, it is very grounding to have someone on the other side of the fence when your brain is not quite a full functioning capacity, just knowing that he wouldn't let me run out of transition without my helmet... very reassuring! :)
Amica gave us medals, how cool. Something about getting a finisher's medal never gets old. I'll take it, thats for sure :)
Oh and just for kicks and giggles... look at the ride-along I had on the bike. My luck, right? Someone's helmet sticker flies off and hits my half inch wide tire... and stays there... for the next 15 miles. Why not? Very irritating noise, but if nothing else, it helped me with cadence ;)
I worked 12 hours yesterday and somehow made it to bed just before midnight, alarm went off at 5am, dogs fed and kenneled, water bottles filled, and breakfast/coffee made and out the door we went. I drank my smoothie on the way down to the beach, and while I didn't finish it, it also didn't want to come back up the entire race, so a definite move in the right direction from the PB&J that wanted out PRONTO on the start of the run. :) Bad news? The bowl of ice cream I splurged on before bed... my stomach was not thrilled with that choice. Thankfully we got to the beach with time to spare for me to use the facilities!
This has been something that I have been struggling with, and unfortunately I have pretty much narrowed it down to breads/wheats or dairy. The failure of the ice cream certainly points in one direction, but I am hoping that with appropriate changes and with taking only small portions... I will be able to continue with my passion for both of these food groups :)
Back to the race, set my slot up and got down to the beach. I was in the 4th wave and watched the first few waves go out and watched how the current seemed to be dragging. I also watched the 3 small jellyfish bob around in the shallow water in front of me. Now for those who don't know, I have a terrible irrational fear regarding jellyfish. The trouble is... I have never been around them. I am a Michigander, so I have only heard the horror stories... because those are the only ones that ever get told. So in my head, jellyfish=bad. Somehow, I held it together... probably because no one around me seemed to be terribly concerned by their presence, although one girl got pretty jumpy, and I was motivated to avoid looking that panicked :)
The horn went off and off into the water we went. A much easier swim this time around, no episodes of panic, although the current took some figuring out. All in all, it was a good stage. It went by quickly and thankfully without injury or exhaustion. I made it to the front of my wave and passed several in the wave before me. By the time I hit the shore, I was trying to peel out of the wetsuit... one day I will figure out the right way to do this, in the meantime I will just pull and tug and somehow manage to get the silly thing off.
Transition, somehow this time didn't seem to go as smoothly, I still got in and out relatively quickly, but found myself actually standing still for a couple moments and trying to think... what comes next?
The bike, I rocked! All of the hard work that I have been putting in and all those silly hills have made me much faster. The one hill that I was dreading ended up being relatively easy, and certainly much easier than when Carly and I rode it a couple weeks back. I knew I was probably pushing a little too hard, but I felt so good, I didn't know how I could NOT take advantage of it! By the end of the bike I was still feeling very good. I changed, slipped socks/shoes/number and my dad's hat on and off I went.
The run... well, I made it. I averaged just over 11 minute miles, certainly no speed demon, however, a few things. 1) I pushed too hard on the bike, 2) I did ONE training run in between the Bridgeport triathlon and today's- thats right, one, and it was a 6 mile spur of the moment run, so not nearly enough training 3) I have done a few brick workouts- but they were wimpy bricks, with a hard bike followed by a short run. I blamed this on wanting to avoid foot problems, but the reality is, the run is becoming my weak point- I need to start training for this again, and appropriately!
In the end, I came across with a final time of 1:50. Half mile swim, 16.1 bike and 3.1 run. Not half bad! :) Tim was there to watch and to cheer me on and call out splits and take the all important pictures. Thank goodness for him, it is very grounding to have someone on the other side of the fence when your brain is not quite a full functioning capacity, just knowing that he wouldn't let me run out of transition without my helmet... very reassuring! :)
Amica gave us medals, how cool. Something about getting a finisher's medal never gets old. I'll take it, thats for sure :)
Oh and just for kicks and giggles... look at the ride-along I had on the bike. My luck, right? Someone's helmet sticker flies off and hits my half inch wide tire... and stays there... for the next 15 miles. Why not? Very irritating noise, but if nothing else, it helped me with cadence ;)
Friday, July 13, 2012
Friday the 13th
Well, at the end of this superstitious day the only bad thing that happened was getting a headache from a little too much wine at lunch :) All in all, a great day. Went for a hard sprint brick this morning, biked 13 miles and ran one. Felt good, felt refreshed, and all in all, feel ready for Sunday. I plan to hit the pool tomorrow before work and get the bike to the shop for a quick tune up. Unfortunately working until 11pm the night before a race of course is not ideal, but I'm making the best of it. I am getting everything together tonight and packing the car so I just have to roll out of bed, get dressed and grab water and Gu's on Sunday morning. Also, I plan to hit the sack terribly boring-ly early tonight so that I am as well rested as possible going into this.
I have to give a big thanks to all my friends who have tolerated my stories and kept track of my races, and the ones who, when I am trying not to let my tri's consume the conversation, ask me how training is going and let me ramble on :) I appreciate your love and support more than you know. It means so much to have you behind me in all of this, and it truly has gotten me this far.
Tim has been amazing, as he is constantly drowning in tri conversations, listening to me go on and on about plans, rides, pains, races, fears, accomplishments, routes, hills.... and so much more. He has understood this very weird journey, and been with me every step of the way, and for that, I could not possibly be more grateful.
Now as for me, I am just... well... happy. This training has added so much to my life. I never really realized that something was missing until I filled the void, and finally feel complete again. I have only done the one race, and I will have to update you after Sunday, the racing is certainly fun, but the training is almost more fun, more challenging, pushing hills and times and figuring out this crazy sport.
For now, that is all, need to pack, hydrate and head to bed, long couple of days ahead of me! Race is in New London on Sunday morning, at Ocean Beach, half mile swim, 16.1 mile bike and 3.1 mile run. I'm ready and I just can't wait! :)
I have to give a big thanks to all my friends who have tolerated my stories and kept track of my races, and the ones who, when I am trying not to let my tri's consume the conversation, ask me how training is going and let me ramble on :) I appreciate your love and support more than you know. It means so much to have you behind me in all of this, and it truly has gotten me this far.
Tim has been amazing, as he is constantly drowning in tri conversations, listening to me go on and on about plans, rides, pains, races, fears, accomplishments, routes, hills.... and so much more. He has understood this very weird journey, and been with me every step of the way, and for that, I could not possibly be more grateful.
Now as for me, I am just... well... happy. This training has added so much to my life. I never really realized that something was missing until I filled the void, and finally feel complete again. I have only done the one race, and I will have to update you after Sunday, the racing is certainly fun, but the training is almost more fun, more challenging, pushing hills and times and figuring out this crazy sport.
For now, that is all, need to pack, hydrate and head to bed, long couple of days ahead of me! Race is in New London on Sunday morning, at Ocean Beach, half mile swim, 16.1 mile bike and 3.1 mile run. I'm ready and I just can't wait! :)
Monday, July 2, 2012
Hit the Road
Amidst a weird work schedule I am fitting in the workouts. I slept in this morning, which led to a workout in an environment that was much too hot (better planning next time). However, I was completely motivated by a good friend who has been kicking ass in her own running/work-out/weight-loss journey. So out the door I went and headed out for a quick 3 miles, but at a mile and a half I was feeling pretty good and headed up to the next cross road and continued "around the block," which around here means I ended up running 6 miles. I trudged through at a 12 minute pace, but I did it.
The biggest mistake about this was because I had planned on half the distance, I didn't bring any water with me- next time, better planning in the heat. Thankfully I made it just fine, came home 2 pounds of sweat lighter, so I'll be busy catching up on hydration all day. What the rest of the day will hold, I'm not sure.
Next race is 2 weeks away, another sprint, longer bike this time, a few gentle hills and one good climb. Rode the course with a friend the other day, going to have to do a few hill sprints to get ready for that hill, I'm still not very good at the steep work. Might take my bike to work with me tonight so I can do a little work tomorrow morning before heading home and to bed!
For now, I'll stretch out my feet and then I think its time to go pick up a couple tree straps and hang the hammock and do a little relaxing! :)
The biggest mistake about this was because I had planned on half the distance, I didn't bring any water with me- next time, better planning in the heat. Thankfully I made it just fine, came home 2 pounds of sweat lighter, so I'll be busy catching up on hydration all day. What the rest of the day will hold, I'm not sure.
Next race is 2 weeks away, another sprint, longer bike this time, a few gentle hills and one good climb. Rode the course with a friend the other day, going to have to do a few hill sprints to get ready for that hill, I'm still not very good at the steep work. Might take my bike to work with me tonight so I can do a little work tomorrow morning before heading home and to bed!
For now, I'll stretch out my feet and then I think its time to go pick up a couple tree straps and hang the hammock and do a little relaxing! :)
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