Gearing up

Road ID coupon

2010-09-14T21:23:00.002-05:00

Anyone interested in a dollar off a Road ID?

I ordered one, and as a thanks, they gave me a $1-off coupon that can be used up to 20 times over the next 25 days! If you're considering getting one, go to www.roadid.com and use the coupon id ThanksJessica835398.

Just a thought!

Mini crossroads

2010-07-27T18:51:00.001-05:00

I haven't posted in a while, which I'm sure you're quite aware. One of the reasons is that nothing in particular has been going on to post about. But anyway, here we go.

I feel like I've hit a sort of crossroads. I've really had a difficult time motivating to work out for the last month or so. (I've been exercising probably 3-4 times a week.) I've blamed it a poor diet and lack of exercise as low motivation. Then I blamed the heat. There was always something. But after a few weeks of it, I've realized clearly the issue lies elsewhere. As a side note, I'm planning on doing a race in mid-August, but I haven't been eager to sign up for it, and I also haven't been reading Triathlete.

I think it's time for me to re-assess my priorities and my goals. I just don't really feel like I have enough time in the day for everything I want to do. I have no place to complain, I know, because this summer I'm only working 32 hours a week, but somehow, my hours fly by. Therefore, I think I need to again look at my priorities. Once I decide what I most want (training, scrapbooking, reading, work, something else), I can create goals and work specifically toward them. If I decide I want to focus on triathlon or running, I think it can give me me motivation to get out there and force myself to do it. If I decide that's not where I want my focus right now, I can cut down to more of a maintenance workout plan.

This does NOT mean that I will give up on triathlon. Even if I decide it's not my focus, I still expect to do some tri-ing in my life. It's part of me now. But it may be a bit more casual.

I'm really not sure which way it will go at this point. Guess that's something for me to think about on my ride this evening...

Race Report: OKC SuperSprint

2010-06-13T18:08:00.001-05:00

Such a fun race!!!

It started off a bit hectic, I guess. About 9:30 the night before the race, I realized I hadn't even started thinking about or packing my bag for the next morning! Eek! So I freak out and jump up to go do that, while my wonderful boyfriend gets up to do the dishes for me. Then, I realize I can't find my extra pair of goggles! I took it with me to our river trip last weekend...and I guess they didn't make it home. I looked everywhere they would logically be. Again, that amazing boyfriend of mine "went to search his car"...and 20 minutes later, came back from Walmart with new goggles and three beautiful, white roses! (I made sure not to open the goggles, and since I didn't end up needing them, we took them back to the store.) The rest of the packing/preparing went off without a hitch.

Race morning, we wake up at 5 a.m., I eat and get ready and we head off to the race. The race was about 35 minutes from my house. Transition area closed at 6:30, the race started at 7:30, but I started closer to 8 because it was a pool swim. I didn't love being rushed to get my transition area ready, just to sit around for another hour and a half. I was the 161st swimmer...and it was really hard to wait that long to get in the pool! I was ready to start!

The swim - 500m:
This was my second pool swim, and it was so much better than the last time! The pool was 50m length, so we did five out and backs. The lanes were wide enough for two swimmers and two passers to go by. Plus, we started 10 seconds apart. The extra time and wide lanes made it so much more pleasant. I also made sure I made my time slower since I had such a stressful experience last time. This was a great swim, after the initial 50m of constantly fixing my goggles. I passed three people, and really wanted to pass this guy in the last 50m, but we were close to the exit, which had a narrow turn and I'd decided while watching others attempt it that passing then wasn't too great of an idea.
Time: 12:00

T1:
Since I got to the race sort of late, I didn't have a good place in the transition area. I was in the back, and we came and went each time in the front. Oh well. At least it was easy to find! Transition went fine. I realized the shirt I'd brought to wear wasn't great for trying to slip on a wet bathing suit...and struggled with that. But I finally got off onto the road with a granola bar in hand.
Time: 3:05

The bike - 14 miles:
As soon as I got clipped in, I opened my granola bar and realized the same shirt that was all wrong in T1, also didn't have pockets for my trash. I didn't want to throw in on the ground, so after holding it for a few miles, I stuffed it into my sports bra strap and went with that. I had been preparing for a 12-mile bike, but found out the week before the race that they'd bumped it up to 14. It didn't seem to make much of a difference. It was a fairly flat race. The hardest part was the wind! I was coming out of the south and was strong! Our bike started out going south for a mile and a half probably. It was two loops, and we actually hit the windy part three times because that's where we started and ended. I will tell you, the wind got worse each time...and it wasn't because I was more tired! The good news is that we also headed north -- with the wind -- and equal distance, and I rocked that part! I'd set a goal to pass three people on the bike, but didn't really get that done. I passed one girl, who was on a mountain bike and had just passed me, but then shortly after, she went passed me again. I couldn't catch up with anyone until toward the end, when I passed another. I kept her behind me for a few miles, but once we hit the windy part, she sped past me. Oh well. Also, toward the end of the first lap, I teared up when I realized I was smiling! (I get pretty emotional during races.) My main goal was to have fun...and I'd already achieved that halfway though the race!
Time: 59:06

T2:
Nothing too terribly exciting. I'd had some practice changing shoes, so I didn't struggle too much or anything. I did, fortunately, remember to remove the trash from my bra...and off I went for the last leg!
Time: 1:29

The run - 5k:
I felt great coming off the bike. My legs didn't hurt or anything, but I was going slow. I'd practiced running off the bike some previously with the same result. I was slow. Anyway, I got in a rhythm and kept on running. I'd contemplated walking, but decided I would be mad at myself at the end of the thing if I had. I didn't need to and I'm not sure it would have improved my time. During the run, I got a chance to cheer on some of the triathlon virgins I had talked to before the race. It actually helps motivate me when I cheer on others. I finally saw Nick for the first time since the run with less than a mile to go in the race. It was good to see him. As I rounded the corner and saw the finish line, I picked up a bit of speed (probably my normal running pace now), but then I started to kick it. It was one of my best kicks! I felt great, then I realized how fast I was going and it amazed me and just tried to go faster. Very cool little kick and I had a nice high after.
Time: 35:47

As I said at the beginning. it was a great race. I enjoyed it, pushed a bit, and ended happily. And guess what? I beat my first race...which was two miles shorter in the bike!

Final time: 1:51:28! Woot!

I came in 15/17 in my age group (25-29). I'm actually 24, but according to USAT, I'm 25 because my birthday's in September. Had I been in the 20-24 age group...I would have come in third, which is hilarious!

Anyway, great race! Made my goals, had a great time, and I'm back in love with the sport!

Tri tomorrow!!!

2010-06-11T21:36:00.000-05:00

I have another tri tomorrow morning! My original goal was to beat my first tri time (1:53:35), but they added two miles to the ride, so I'm not sure I will...

The tri is 500m, 14 miles, 5k. I'm pretty excited about it. My goal time is still to beat the first, but I mostly want to have fun. I didn't enjoy the tri in April as much as I hoped I would, but I think I've gotten a new joy in the sport, so I hope to have a blast out there! I'm shooting for less than two hours...

I'll be the 161st person in the water, which is pretty nerve-wreaking. Wish me luck!

It finally happened

2010-05-31T10:19:00.000-05:00

My workouts have been going great over the last week. I've felt really blessed to be out there, having fun swimming, biking or running. I live in a small town, and my rides take me out in the country. I've gotten to ride beside running baby cows, goats and playful gophers. It's been pretty fun. I'd fallen off the "I enjoy this sport" thing, but I think I'm getting back on! I have a tri in less than two weeks, so I'm trying to give it my all before I leave on vacation on Wednesday/Thursday!

Yesterday, I had a bike/swim planned. It was great! First, I went on a 12-mile bike through Norman, eventually planning to end up at the OU Pool for an OUTDOOR swim! Along the ride, it finally happened! I fell for the first time with my clipless! It was one of those times where I didn't get the second foot out in time and just sort of fell over stopped at a stop sign. I scratched up my knee a tiny bit, got a small bruise and pulled the chain off the gears. There were two cars at the intersection to watch my graceful fall, but it really wasn't too bad. I made sure to clip out extra early the rest of the ride!

So many times when I work out, I think, how great would it be to jump in a pool right now...and this time I got to! It was the first time all season the outdoor pool had been open...and the first time I've done lap swims outside since the first few classes of my Beginning Swimmer class four years ago! Let me tell you...it was amazing! It was so much better than being inside. I'm not really sure why, but I really enjoyed it. Because I don't live in Norman and there's a pool where I work, I won't get to use the outdoor pool much, but it was a great swim!

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend! I plan to run today, bike tomorrow...then travel Wednesday and Thursday. I'll be on a camping/float trip with Nick's family. I hope to get a run in along with swimming in the river, canoeing on the river and hiking through the hills. And plenty of relaxing! Should be a great trip!!!

More uplifting...

2010-05-24T21:34:00.000-05:00

I don't really feel like writing out a long post, I just don't want my lame last post to be the one up...

Friday I got to go into work a few hours late, so I slept in, and then decided I'd run. Time kept me from getting much of a workout in, but I did three sprints up this short hill. I cut four seconds off the second one as compared to the first. Then, determined to be just seconds faster, I did the last. Cut another SIX seconds! Awesome. The short work out got me thinking about my previous post. I have a tri in three week -- there's no room for excuses! And that's honestly what they are. If you're committed to training, you overcome those things.

Of course, then I didn't work out again until today, so maybe I was full of it!

But I am committed for the next week and a half. I have a fairly intense (but doable) workout plan. Next Wednesday evening, Nick and I leave for a little trip with his family. We're heading out to a river and cabins. I'm super excited, and hoping to get an open-water river swim in as well as a run. I think I'll be able to have to motivation -- especially now that Nick's working out. Plus, we'll do some hiking, and of course, an all-day canoe trip. I should stay active, but still relax. My next tri is the following weekend! Eek!

2010-05-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

I've had a really difficult time motivating to work out this week. First off, I'm scared that if I push myself, I will get sick and throw up all over! I know it's silly, but it's real...

I did go swimming on Tuesday. The swim was fine, but I had a horrible headache after! It died down to just an annoyance, and last for 12 hours or so...

Here's the deal. I've been really tired and had some waves of nausea since I started the antibiotics. Yes, it's likely mostly in my head, but it's hard to overcome. I'm hoping the problem will resolve itself this weekend. I don't know if my lack of motivation is from being tired because of the meds or because I haven't really worked out...

Today I did convince myself to go outside for 30 minutes. The plan was to just be outside for 30 minutes. I could walk, run if I wanted, or even sit down. I hoped the beautiful day, the sun and the exercise would help. I loved it and had a great half hour! I did try to run a bit. I got a little motion sickness. Even looking far in the distance, everything was moving up and down...Does that normally happen? It doesn't usually bother me...

I don't really like this post because it sounds like I'm whining. Maybe I am. I'm hoping I feel way better after I get off the meds tomorrow night...

5k Race Report: Well, that didn't go well

2010-05-17T19:42:00.000-05:00

Title says it all!

Previously unplanned, but I started taking antibiotics late Friday night. I don't like antibiotics. Anyway, I was feeling nauseated on race morning and barely ate any breakfast. I wasn't sure if it was the race anxiety, getting up early (which often makes me feel that way) or side effect of the antibiotics. The course was neat because the turn around was basically right next to the house I grew up in! We actually walked half the course (from our house to the start) to get to the race. I got my shirt, number and chip and got in line. I was nervous and feeling "off," but determined to push myself.

Off we go! The course wasn't too terribly interesting or tough. But it was where I grew up, so that was new for me to race, I guess. Anyway, I struggled, but I tried to push myself. I actually had forgotten my watch, so I had no way of knowing how well I was doing. I just kept telling myself I couldn't slow down. About k number 3, I started really getting hard.

To get to the finish line, you had to go under a bridge, and then do a twist and turn or two before making it. It appears closer than it really is because of the turn. I didn't try to kick it, though, because right after crossing under the bridge, I got really nauseated again. Still, I tried to push through it and maintain a speed. I couldn't see the time, so I didn't know where I was still. All of a sudden, I dry heave and run off to the edge. Then again. And then the half a bowl of cereal...in the last 50 yards, I threw up four times, but I kept running. I feel bad for all the people who had to watch it! Thank goodness Mom's camera stopped working right before I got up there, otherwise, we would have seen a beautiful picture of one moment NO ONE wants to remember! After the fourth time, I saw the time: 33:18. One minute slower than I was hoping. I gave up and walked the last 10 yards...

For lack of a more polite way to put it, it's hard to run and throw up at the same time, so I can't say I was particularly clean at this point. Plus I was sick and disappointed. Lame. I'm still not sure if it was the meds (I was nauseated all the next day too...) or just simply pushing myself too hard.

I'm proud that I gave it my all. I kept pushing, even after I got sick and totally embarrassed myself in my hometown. I can, for once, say I tried my best in a race. It's disappointing, however, that it just wasn't enough for a PR.

The kicker? The results don't even show me! According to them, I never ran it! I would have come in 21 of 36 in my age group, it looks like. Not bad.

Saturday's race

2010-05-13T19:16:00.000-05:00

I just ran two miles in 19:40! Hell ya! I'm really happy with the time -- you know I struggle with speed -- and I'm happy with the way I pushed myself to maintain my speed when it got hard to do so.

I've got a 5k on Saturday. I'm hoping for my PR. (32:30 is the time to beat!) It would be great if I could do it sub 30, but I don't think I'm there yet. 32 would be a great race!

Oh the humidity!

2010-05-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

Well, my tight calves kept me from running until last Thursday, when I finally got a short run in! But I struggled a lot with the run, partly because of the calves and partly because of the ridiculous humidity! Yup, it's that time in Oklahoma again...

The weekend...well, working out didn't happen. Then Monday, I did a long, sweaty bike trainer/ab workout. (Tornadoes and wind in OK kept me inside.) It was great to get in a workout like that, and my legs were nice and tired the next day! And then, on Tuesday, I went out for a run. The humidity must have been 150%, no joke. If you've ever spent any spring/summer time in Oklahoma, you know I'm NOT exaggerating! It seems I forgot just how much it zaps your energy and hinders you exercise. My dad's always said you run through the summer so you can fast in the fall. I'm definitely looking forward to that. All in all, I managed three miles, but it took 36:33...not quite ideal! I hope to race faster on Saturday morning for my 5k. It's at 7:30, so I hope the humidity will stay a bay, but we're supposed to get stormy weather, so we'll see!

On a happy note, after the two days of workouts, my legs feel GREAT. I've been slacking off a ton throughout the winter, etc., and my legs didn't feel quite like this. It's like their a little tired, but great. I don't really know how to explain it, but it feels like I work them out regularly! Like slightly tired is normal and how they should feel! Maybe it doesn't make sense...but I love it!

Climb for the Cure

2010-05-03T20:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I participated in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Climb for the Cure. I had never done anything like that, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but we were climbing up and down the south end zone of the OU football stadium. I'm guessing there's about 150 steps to it. They had three options: twice, five times or eight times. I thought we'd just be able to decide as we go, so I decided I'd do five for sure and then shoot for eight. I had no idea how hard it would be! Well, we had to decide before we started because we lined up according to the distance! Eek! Three-quarters of the way up the first time, I couldn't believe I had committed myself to eight (of course!)...it was so hard! My legs were burning, my lungs were burning...it was much harder than I expected. Well...I did all eight! My legs were shaking after and I couldn't really breathe (my throat was constricted), but I did it in 17 minutes.

I got to see Nick for about two hours after (he's studying for finals!), and my legs were shaking as I was trying to drive to his place. The weird thing is, I had to take two flights of stairs to get back to my car, and my legs didn't feel too fatigued, but I couldn't straighten my leg in the car, whether on the clutch or the gas pedal, without uncontrollable shaking! It made the drive...weird.

And today, my calves are so tight I can barely walk! I was supposed to run 3 miles today, but it quickly became apparent I probably wouldn't. Anytime I sit for any extended period of time, I hobble when I try to walk again. I rearranged my weekly schedule so today was a rest day and decided to walk two miles instead. I hoped walking would help loosen my calves a bit. It did while I walked, but it doesn't seem to have had any long term effect on them...Cross your fingers I can run tomorrow!

On a side note, today was supposed to be my first day of the eat smart, exercise intensely, lose weight thing. As sad as it is, I didn't remember until I was leaving work after 5 p.m.! Horrible right? The good news is, I didn't eat horribly! I had two pieces of chocolate at lunch instead of one and then Randy brought a bag of this new type of chip to our afternoon meeting. Seven of us split it, but I'm sure I had more than the nine-chip portion...and I went back for seconds! I'm telling you, I didn't even think about how I was supposed to be eating right...even after a co-worker wrote down the calorie content because she's watching her calories! Guess bad habits die hard...fortunately, I'm starting off pretty well. :)

Ideal body weight

2010-05-01T15:47:00.000-05:00

I had decided after the Memorial Marathon, I'd watch what I ate and try to lose about five pounds. I think what happened is I just kept eating like I did when I was training for the Olympic distance, but I haven't been burning off nearly as many calories. Plus, I'm not doing core work. All in all, I figured I could lose a bit.

Well, then, I was reading about juice diets in Triathlete. Years ago, my mom and I did a juice fast for seven days. While it was painful at the time, it was a great experience. I lost 10 pounds and only gained five back when we started eating solid food. And, I was detoxed...somewhat at least. Plus, everything we ate tasted absolutely amazing! We tried again the following year, but I had no success that time. It's been in the back of my mind to do again, but Triathlete brought it up again. I decided I was going to do a three-day juice fast to sort of kick start the weight loss/leaner thing. I had it planned for next week, but then I remembered we're having a ice-cream social thing for my boss on Thursday (what would be day 3), and I just don't want to have that sort of will power. It's tough to plan this around my racing this month (I have a climb tomorrow and a race on the 15th) because I expect it to hinder my workouts, etc. I could do MTW, but I'm not sure ice cream sandwiches are great the day after the fast. So I'm deciding when I should do that...thoughts?

Today, I was also reading Triathlete and it had an article about ideal race weight. So I did all the calculations, and it says I need to be at 123.5...about six pounds from where I am today. Well, actually, six pounds puts me in the 80th percentile in body fat percentage. And I didn't like knowing that I wasn't already at least in the 80th percentile. So that's my goal weight. No crazy diets (besides the juice thing, but I actually believe in them), just portion control and making sure I'm eating mostly whole foods. And continuing to work out, which isn't too big of a problem these days. Wish me luck!

Call a doctor! I think I need help.

2010-04-26T20:41:00.000-05:00

I used to think "runners" were crazy. Who wants to get up SUPER early in the morning, just to run. Running was uncomfortable, awful for your joints and just overall...crazy.

Well, I still think they are crazy. But now, I'm a nut bag like everyone else!

After getting up at 4:30 yesterday morning to go to a race with 22,000 other crazies, I spent yesterday in pain. My knees, mostly, killed anytime they bent and/or I put pressure on them, ie every time I stood or sat down. I woke up today with some knee pain and sore hips. Not half bad for how well (or not) I'd trained. But then, driving to work today, I was thinking about how great the run was...and I wanted to run again! Crazy.

It's as simple as that. I need a psychologist because I'm just as crazy as those runners, those triathletes, those workout nuts. And I love it!

Marathon relay - race results!

2010-04-25T14:10:00.000-05:00

What a fun race! They said that 22,000 people were participating, whether it be in the marathon, the half, the relay, the 5k or the kids marathon. It was ridiculous!

I hate getting up early. Like 4:30 kind of early. But, alas, I did. After meeting my parents at a hotel in OKC, we went off to the race. It started at 6:30, and I was the first leg. I had to walk blocks to get into the starting line...and even then, I ducked in an opening of the gates. It took me 10 minutes to get to the starting line after the gun went off!

My race was good. There were a few hills, but the wind was blocked by the thousands of people running ahead of me, so that wasn't a problem. My ankles began hurting pretty bad at mile 3 (I forgot ibuprofen this morning!), but I told myself to ignore it. Walking would hurt it still anyway, right? I kept a good pace and felt pretty good. I made it to the transition at 1:08:55, by my watch. I was actually already messing with the chip to pass off when I stopped it, so maybe a few seconds before that. Official time says 1:09:05, so I wonder if that's what time my dad left the area.

After resting for 5-10 minutes, I got food, my finisher medal and went to wait in line for the shuttle. I was in line - no joke - almost an hour. Only one bus had come and we hadn't seen one in more than a half-hour. Because someone told us it was two miles back, a couple of ladies and I decided to walk. My legs were stiffening up already and I was ready to get out of there. According to MapMyRun.com, it was 2.5 miles. It took us a while, but they kept me company. We made it back at the three-hour mark and found our way to the hamburger place -- I was HUNGRY!

Anyway, I waited and cheered until two members of our team came running along. I joined them in the finish! We saw my parents (our other two relayers) after the finish line. It was really fun to participate. Our team time was 4:31:59. Not half bad, I suppose.

If you're ever in the area, try the Memorial Marathon, even if its for the relay or what not. It's a fun, energetic race. And of course, it makes you think about the 168 lost 15 years ago in the Oklahoma City Bombing.

Relay tomorrow

2010-04-24T10:31:00.002-05:00

We have the marathon relay tomorrow morning! (The race starts at a ridiculous 6:30...)

I'm running the first leg - 6.2 miles. I'm shooting for 1:15 time...

Guess we'll see how it goes...Wish me and my team luck!

One year ago...

2010-04-19T20:30:00.000-05:00

A year ago, I became a triathlete.

I completed the King Tut Triathlon -- a sprint distance -- in 1:53:35! It was such an amazing experience, and I was hooked from Day 1. I won't go on and on reminiscing about what triathlon has done for me. I've done that post and if you really want to read it, just go into my history! To sum it up: It's done a lot -- so much of my life is different because of triathlon. And I've come along way in some respects. I haven't been freaking out about not being able to do distances this year because I know I can -- I've done it! But then again, things that haven't changed? I'm still slow :)

I just thought a post was deserved on the anniversary of this day.

--
Now, do you want to hear how my marathon relay training is going? Not well, actually! I decided to run an 3.8 mile out and back yesterday. I was probably 10 yards from my turn around when I had a back spasm! I had to stop and stretch it, but then my only option was to run back. It was an inconvenience, but loosened up some on the run. Well, it was incredibly tight and hurt all day yesterday and today. I decided not to run today (it was supposed to be my 4.5-5 mile long run to prep for the 10k on Sunday). I figured it would be really bad if I injured it further. I already had a busy evening of grocery shopping and bill paying, and it's bothering me again after all that. I'm busy the next two nights, so I can't get a run in then. Oh well. The race should be interesting!

Any idea why that happened? It was a really good run. I felt great. Am I holding my back weird or too much or something? Any suggestions?

Spring Fever Triathlon - Race report!

2010-04-12T19:59:00.000-05:00

I've got the first race of the season under my belt! A year later? Still slow! ;p

I did the Spring Fever Triathlon, which was in Claremore, located about 50 minutes away from my parents house, which meant any EARLY morning! Why can't transition areas open at 9? Well, I got up, grabbed some food, put on my clothes and we were out the door. My parents are AMAZING and came with to cheer me on! We got there really early and it took me about 5 minutes to set up my transition area, so there was a lot of waiting. I guess a lot has changed in the last year. The problem with TA was that they decided to use PVC pipes. Well, after about 10 bikes got on, they started to lean completely over. I actually had to move my area because it was being crowded by bent over pipe!

I was very nervous for the race. Eager to get started, but scared too! Because it was a pool swim, we each started separately, and I was sixth in the water! That was a bit intimidating. My thoughts on a pool swim? I'm NOT a fan! While it's nice that I can see where I'm going, and theoretically I'm more comfortable in the pool, I didn't like having someone at my feet the whole time! I couldn't calm my breathing down because I felt like I had to speed because I always had a guy on my ankles. Therefore, the swim was ROUGH. I couldn't feel comfortable or get into a rhythm, so I felt like I wasn't getting enough breath. Anyway, I finished the 400m in 9:20. 48th in speed.

T1 was uneventful. I didn't get my feet dry, so my toe went numb during the ride from being wet! Boo! My time wasn't stellar either: 3:32, 82nd.

The 12-mile bike wasn't too terribly bad. It starts off on this huge, fairly steep hill, which was a bummer! It flattened out for a few miles before hitting us with a few good hills. Then, of course, we turned around and did the hills again! I'd say the course was "somewhat hilly, somewhat challenging," if I were rating it. I've had worse bike legs, so I won't complain. I'm still falling toward the end of the pack in my bike times. I came in 113 of 120 women. My bike time was 1:03:40, or 11.3 pace.

T2 also was fairly uneventful. First time I had to change shoes in T2! That went alright. I'd say my transition times were slow, but it's not a huge deal. It's not something I really practiced. T2: 2:15, 77th

The run! Oh my gosh, it was tough! My calves were incredibly tight and I just couldn't get into any kind of stride. (I think there's more brick workouts in my future!) Then, of course, they throw in a half-mile INCREDIBLY steep hill. Yeah, thanks! I'd promised myself I wouldn't stop and walk. I'd never finished a tri without some walking, so I was determined to change that this time! It was only a 2-miler anyway! I actually think I could have had a better time had I stopped, walked and stretched my legs out a bit at the beginning of the run, but I didn't! I ran the whole thing! My time, again, wasn't stellar, but I thought I did OK. I passed a person or two...I ran it in 24:50, or a 12:25 pace. And it honestly seemed slower to me! Came in 90th.

It sounds like I was kind of down. I think I had the wrong attitude during the race, which led to me struggling with the semi-rough terrain the race provided instead of taking it head on! I'm going to learn from that and enjoy the next race more, while, hopefully, pushing myself harder the next time. It was good first race to do and I think I learned a lot about how I need to change my training for the next one!

I finished in 1:43:34! I was 96th of all women. And 16th of 18 in my age group (25-29, even though I'm only 24!).

What's next? 10k in a marathon relay in TWO WEEKS!

Race is tomorrow!

2010-04-10T13:01:00.000-05:00

I just got back from packet pickup! I'm totally excited and pretty freaked out all at the same time!

I'm nervous. Not because I'm afraid I won't finish or I think it will hurt. Just because it's my first race of the season. I guess it's kind of like the first time you get on a roller coaster when you get to the amusement park. You know it's going to be awesome, but it's pretty scary. Plus, it's a pool swim, with individual start times, and I'm not sure what to expect with that. I don't know. I'm looking forward to it, though!

I didn't get a last run in. I worked until 8 p.m. Friday, and then went to this event at work. The whole office was there and then I helped clean up after. I didn't get home until 10 p.m. (and I'd been at work solidily since 8 a.m.). Then the next morning, instead of hitting the snooze, I accidentally hit the off button, so I didn't get time for a run before I had to head to Tulsa in time to see my mom. Oh well. I'm sure it will be OK. But you know what the toughest part about having a race tomorrow is? Not being able to work out today. It's so beautiful out! I want to go on a bike ride or something...

Goals:
- Run the whole 2 miles (I've never ACTUALLY done a race without walking some.)
- 1:30 would be AWESOME, but I think 1:35 is more of a realistic, but tough goal time
- Then of course, coming in ten minutes later (1:45) is a pretty decent race.

This race is really going to be a feeler race. And fun. That's what this season is all about. Fun races!

Wish me luck!

T-7 days

2010-04-04T20:35:00.000-05:00

Yup. My first tri of the season is just one week away! Woo!

Am I ready? Yes and no. It's a 400m pool swim, 12-mile bike and 2-mile run. I know I can do the distances with limited problems. In fact, I think I can do each of them fairly quickly. The problem is, I haven't done a lot of doubling up. I'm worried about my endurance at a quick pace because of that. And, I haven't done any bike/runs. I think I'll get one worked out tomorrow. (It was hard to motivate this weekend! But Easter was great!) Oh, and I had more pool trouble last week, so I'm not getting swims in as often as I want.

But all in all, I'm super excited and not particularly worried. This year is supposed to be about fun tri-ing, without putting a lot of stress on myself. I'm excited to get another under my belt -- and start the season off!

Exercise therapy

2010-03-25T21:39:00.000-05:00

I had a long, fairly rough day on Tuesday. I knew I'd be on campus until 7 p.m., so I planned a swim workout that day to avoid going home in between. (The pool is open 7-9 p.m.) I was tired and crabby, but when I walked down the hall and smelled the chlorine, I smiled. Love that. I wish I could say that I had a great swim with no stress, but that's not what happened. Instead, I had to wait until 7:45 p.m. for a lifeguard to show up for me to even get in the water. I got home at 8:30 p.m. for the night...and for dinner. Which brings me to the point of this post...

Today, I had a similarly long day and had again planned on getting off work right before 7 p.m. I walked in ten after seven, and two ladies were leaving, very happy to see me. As it turns out, they were hoping I was the lifeguard because they had the pool before (we rent it out to other people when it's not open), and they were asked not to leave until someone got there to avoid locking/unlocking. I told them I was an employee and had a master key to the building, so they could leave and I would lock up if no one showed. I didn't stay more than 10 minutes because I was fuming! If you're supposed to be open at a certain time (and only a short time period), make sure you are there! I know it's student employees, but it's really frustrating. I'm glad I get the "service" for free...not paying a student fee or anything! Gah! So angry.

So I locked up, left and called people to vent. After venting to my dad about the situation, how I have a tri in two weeks (and it was too late to run), etc., he told me that no matter what I do, I should make sure to do something training-like and use my frustration. So I changed clothes, set up my trainer and got on. I did a hard 40-minute drill workout. I pedaled hard, fast and felt great. Between the awesome workout, and the final scene in Dirty Dancing, the one where Patrick Swayze jumps off the stage and starts dancing in the aisle, and everyone else joins in and automatically knows the all moves, I just felt so much better.

Moral of the story? Next time you're angry, frustrated -- even if it's brought on by a training or workout obstacle...USE it. And of course, surround yourself with people who are willing to let you vent, bitch and complain to them as a pre-exercise therapy sort of therapy.

Climbing high

2010-03-16T12:01:00.004-05:00

My parents decided to take up rock climbing this year. I was eager to try it out. I mean, if they could do it, I could, too, right? So when I finally got an opportunity to go to Tulsa for a few days, we went to climb at a place in Tulsa. I took the lessons on how to tie the knots and belay, then went over to the rocks to give it a try! Do I look ready to go?

I think I did a pretty decent job and got the hang of it pretty fast. It was fairly tough, but I was eager to get to the top. The hardest part? Letting go once you get to the top. My mom kept yelling, "Just let go," but nothing in my brain told me I could safely let go. It was tough. The second hardest part is undoing the knots when you're done. Your arms are already tired, so working to untie the knot is rough.

I was only mildly sore yesterday from it. I'd recommend it if you're looking for something sporty and challenging. But gimme a call before you leave...cause I want to come with you!

Jumping in

2010-03-03T20:46:00.000-06:00

On Sunday, I signed up for my first tri of the season! (Only $50!) It's April 11. 400m pool swim, 12 mile bike and 2 mile run. Not bad to start the season, eh?

So now I have less than six weeks before I race a tri! Ahhh! But yay too! I started my official tri training yesterday with some speed work on the run. Here's what I did:
- Warm up: Walking 0.25 miles, jog 0.5 miles
- Main set: 5 x 0.25 miles at 9min/mile pace, incline 2, followed each set by 0.15 miles walking
- Cool down: Walking three minutes, slowly reducing speed

Then today, I did my long swim. I haven't really been swimming much, so I'm jumping in!
- Warm up: 100m
- Main set: 3 x 250m
- Cool down: 100m

I'm feeling pretty good. Tomorrow I'm supposed to double up swimming and cycling. I don't think I'll be able to do them right after each other because of pool/daylight hours, but I'll get them both in!

How's your training going?

Back in action

2010-02-28T13:21:00.000-06:00

It's good to be back! I raced yesterday!!!

I was dreading the race when I woke up at 7 a.m. on a Saturday. But I forged on, and by the time the 25k-ers started, I couldn't stop smiling! It was a race! Race season has arrived! We started about 15 minutes later, and I got nervous right before the gun went off. The race was fairly uneventful. Flat, a bit windy on the "out," but therefore perfect for the "back" part. I stayed steady and didn't struggle much. I watched this one woman run, stop and walk, run, walk, looking very winded each time she walked. That was me last year, when I did my winter 5ks. It was good to see how far I'd come. I sped up as I got close to the end and enjoyed my finish.

Results:
-Chip time - 35:14; 7:06 splits.
-71 of 114 women
-7th of 8 in my age group -- not last! Acutally, had I been just 6 months older, I would have ended up 12th of 22 in the next age group.

Better results:
After the race ended, I was sitting down eating my bagels and coffee and this guy I saw a couple times along the race came up to me and told me I'd had a good race. Then, get this, he told me I was his fast pace setter and he wasn't able to keep up! It really made my race to know that I had helped push someone. Basically, it made my race.

With 7:06 splits, it means I've got to knock off just more than a minute per K to come in under 30 minutes by the end of the season. I'll have to find some plan for that...suggestions?

The week before

2010-02-25T18:36:00.000-06:00

Did you know it's been almost four months since I raced? Crazy! I'm eager, but nervous for my first race of the season (a 5K this Saturday). I'm nervous because while I'm eager, I'm also kind of dreading it. I'm not really sure why. I'm sure it will be awesome...and I'm hoping it gets me totally stoked for Tri Time!

I ran on the treadmill on Monday. I started off too fast and ended up struggling the whole time. I ran 3.1, but with warm up, cool down and two tiny walking stints, I went almost 3.75 miles. Tough workout...and a bit discouraging. Then Tuesday, I did a bike trainer drill workout. That was tough too! My legs were tired, but it felt really productive, so I was happy about that.

I am supposed to swim today, but I think I'm going to stay home and do pilates. I should get out there, but I'm fairly tired and really want to stay home. I'm starting tri-specific training next week, so I figure this is my last chance to skip a swim guilt-free(ish).

Don't worry. I'm not down on working out/training. It may seem like it, but I think I'm just really tired. Things will get back to normal after this race and this week. And I'll rock the 2010 season!

I'm official!

2010-02-21T09:41:00.000-06:00

I did it! I am officially a USAT member! I just signed up. It's pretty exciting. I appreciate everyone's suggestions when it came to whether I should sign up. It's possible I won't get four races fit in to make up for the cost, but even my super-economically-minded boyfriend said it would be worth it for me. I have to agree. And hopefully, I'll find that fourth race! (But let me tell you, Oklahoma is not a huge triathlon state...I know you probably find that hard to believe...)

Now, I just have to wait until my next paycheck to sign up for my first tri of the season!

In other news, I haven't been stellar with the work outs, especially this week. Did I mentioned February was going to be busy? I'm getting them in when I can (mostly), but it hasn't been regular. I think once March hits and basketball season ends, I should have more time (at least more evening time!) to be more consistent. That's when I plan to start training for the tri, which is scheduled for April.

My first race (5K) is next Saturday. I'm back to the point where I can run three miles, and I know I can push myself, so I'm not real worried about finishing. (Plus, next week is a less busy week...) Nick and I did acquire free Thunder basketball tickets for the night before the race, but I'm not too worried. It's a 9 a.m. start at a lake about 45 minutes away, so it's not like I have to be up super early. I'm using this race as a time trial test. I'm going to try to do the best I can, obviously, and run the whole thing, but this isn't my "let's beat 30 minutes" race. This race will give me an idea of how much work I need to do to get a sub-30 5k, and then I can plan a training schedule accordingly. I'm interested to see where I am, but I don't know that I'm going to like it! ;-p Winter hurts everyone, right?

One last point to make...I'm ready for warmer weather to hit! I'm loving that the days are getting longer, but I'm ready to get back OUTSIDE with my workouts! It makes it more enjoyable for me...even if I wouldn't have said so a year and a half ago!

USAT and the Devil's work

2010-02-07T22:37:00.000-06:00

Those things are separate.

1) Should I get a USAT membership? It's $39. I have three triathlons planned, and a fourth would be great if I could fit it in my schedule and budget. If I do four, it'll save me $1, and I get a quarterly magazine. If I only do three, I'm not sure it's worth it. Thoughts?

2) Goggles were created by the Devil to torture swimmers and triathletes. My left goggle would not fuse to my left eye at all today. I literally couldn't get more than two strokes in before my entire left goggle was full of water! It was horrible. I was so frustrated halfway through because I couldn't get a decent swim in that I was nearly in tears. These are Nike, and I got them for Christmas last year. Can goggles lose their suction after a year of regular use? I feel like this Nike brand should be better quality than that. I was doing everything I could think of and it just wouldn't suction onto my face. Just the left eye. I had few problems on the right side. Thoughts? It's making me dread my next swim.

Oh, the trainer

2010-02-06T13:58:00.000-06:00

Kayle is always talking about how much she loves her trainer. And while I love the benefit of it -- time on my bike, not exposed to the elements, freedom to do it anytime -- I can't say I love it. My favorite part about riding my bike is being outside and enjoying the day. And, it's harder to motivate to kill my legs by going really fast if I don't get the benefit of feeling the speed and the wind in my face!

But I came across this article in Triathlete. It was about "loving your trainer." It gave three workouts to do on it. One was a steady ride, which is pretty much what I've been doing. (My general routine has been 1 hour on the trainer once or twice a week.) But the other two -- a drill and an interval -- were new. I heard of similar rides, but I was glad to have that article because I've been wondering what to do with it. I took on the drill ride the other day. After a decent 10-minute or so warm up, you bike with just one leg for 30 seconds (taking the other out of the clips) and then switch, and then a two-minute recovery, repeat four times. I figured it would just work my individual leg more, but I had no idea. It was so hard to concentrate to keep a steady circular motion when I wasn't pressing down on my other foot! It took a lot of brain power and some coordination. I enjoyed the challenge. Then, after that, it's speed drills -- take 15 seconds to reach maximum speed without bouncing around, hold for 15 seconds, recover for two minutes. The interesting thing about this drill was that it wasn't hard during the speed...but it seemed like about a minute later, that's when my legs started hurting and struggling. It was interesting too. Finish with about 10 minutes of lighter cycling as a cool down.

All in all, it broke up the monotony of trainer rides for me, and I really enjoyed it. I don't expect to like the interval ride much because I think it will be really hard, but it's probably another good ride. I expect to rotate through the trainer rides each time I cycle to get a good balance. I may even bump up my "long ride" a bit to get a stronger foundation.

February is here and will be crazy for me at work, I expect. I plan to get as many workouts in as possible, but it may not be as much as I'd like. My first race (a 5k) is at the end of the month! Woo!

On a different note, I made this really yummy soup the other day. It's super lumpy and has a lot of beans in it -- totally not my thing generally -- but it's very good and fairly healthy. Love it.

Tri to live

2010-01-26T20:39:00.000-06:00

As I've mentioned, I've been trying to work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on a way to help raise money for them while racing. We finally came to a compromise today, and I've set up my donation Web site! I signed up for my first race of the season (a 5k in February), and I'm set to go on the Memorial Marathon Relay. I can't wait until races start!

Many of you also follow Kayle, who has really inspired this whole thing (from starting to race triathlons to getting donations). Please consider donating to our cause sometime this year. I know the economy is tight and we're all cutting back, but as cliche as this sounds, every little bit does count! Last year, I raced for me...please help me race for a whole community of people this time around!

To view my donation page, find out more about cystic fibrosis or to donate, visit http://bit.ly/bw6brV.

Joys of being sore

2010-01-24T12:32:00.000-06:00

Am I weird because I really enjoy being sore? It means I either worked a muscle group I'm not used to working, or I pushed one I am used to working beyond what is normal. Basically, it means I challenged my body and had a great workout! With all my training last year, I really wasn't sore often. Which means I was physically fit, but I think it also means I can push harder. (I'm working on training my subconscious to realize I can push more and then doing so.)

This week I have been sore. Here's what I did:

M - Ran 2.5 miles of a total of 3.25 on the treadmill, incline 2. I was a little sore Tuesday.
T - Rest (shot pictures of high school basketball for six hours)
W - Funny story. Because of the basketball tournament (see Tuesday), the pool wasn't open in the evenings this week, so I decided to change my schedule a bit and add a sprint run. So Wednesday, I go to the gym to do weights. The plan was about 20 minutes of cardio to get my blood flowing, etc., and only three minutes into my treadmill walk, I thought to myself "this is doing anything for triathlon and nothing for running a sub-30 5k...why am I wasting my time?" In response, I walked four minutes, ran a 12-minute (I'm starting slow) mile at 3 percent incline, then walked another four minutes. There. 20 minutes. Helping my running and triathlon. I did weights after, which were incredibly tough. Then, I decided to practicing shooting baskets. I'm a spaz, but I had fun. I was sore Thursday from weights.
R - Biked 1 hour while watching Titanic. I love having a bike trainer to get me through the winter and other days of rough weather, but it's not as fun as biking. The fun part about biking is getting the speed and feeling the wind on your face. You don't get that inside. Titanic made it enjoyable for the most part, but I'm totally missing the outdoors!
F - Rest
S - KenpoX with Nick. It's part of the P90X routine he's involved in. Kenpo is a martial arts routine. Lots of kicking and throwing punches. My back is a bit sore...but my calves are killing me! They are incredibly tight, which made running...fun?
N - I got to take my new running shoes (see below) out, which was totally fun. I did four quarter-mile sprints, finishing the mile in 7:47. Then, I went for a light jog for another .86 miles. I'm not sure my legs got a lot of work, but my lungs were having trouble keeping up...so I worked something!

New shoes! I'd been needing new running shoes. I got mine toward the beginning of this tri adventure! The tread wasn't too worn, but I figured since I'd been having some leg pain, and it'd been a year, it was about time! I went to a fancy running store and tried on a few pair. I ended up getting a pair of Mizunos. Not a brand I'm familiar with, but they feel great! Snug, super supportive, comfortable. They're a little bright, but I don't mind!

Overall, a good week for training. I'm excited to add swimming to the agenda, especially because it's been so long, but it's time.

The plan

2010-01-17T11:34:00.000-06:00

Hello folks!

I'm planning on starting my new workout routine tomorrow. I'm going to try to fit a workout in today, but I have a lot of things planned for today, so we'll see. My workout routine is as follows: One day a week of each of the following: Swim, Bike, Run, Weights (with 20 minutes cardio), and Other. The other category gives me a lot of flexibility on what I want to do. It can be one of the other four or zumba or P90X with Nick, just whatever. I do abs each Monday, Wednesday and Friday (maybe once on the weekend, too). Each Sunday, I will sit down and figure out which day I do what. With basketball season, and soon softball and baseball, my nights and days are just crazy, so coming up with a set day off and set day for anything is just going to be difficult. This way, I have more flexibility and I should know what kind of week I'm going to have by Sunday. (I say that, not knowing if I have to shoot pictures at some basketball games tomorrow night or Tuesday night...) This "routine" will carry me through February (and basketball season). I'm planning on my first tri on April 11 (if they ever open registration!), which will give me almost six weeks to double up and train for it specifically. Without a lot of experience with my job and what these games will entail, I don't want to add a completely hectic training schedule. I think this will suit my needs.

The plan this week is:
M - Run or rest (depending on basketball photography); abs
T- Run or rest (again...)
W - Swim laps (it's been a while!); abs
R - 20 minutes of cardio and then full weights
F - Rest; abs
S - Other
N - Bike

I think it'll be a tester week to see where I am in each of these. I'm probably going to run/walk for 45 minutes and bike for one hour. As far as laps go...I have no idea where I will be. Maybe I should plan to swim for 30 minutes and see what I can get done.

I'll try to keep you posted!

Recovery-land Welcomes You

2010-01-12T20:36:00.000-06:00

I've been in sick-land. I'm enjoying Recovery-land more.

Nick was sick over the turn of the New Year. All week last week I'd been feeling it. That "in-between" where you know that tomorrow you could wake up feeling fine or totally sick. Then a co-worker got sick Tuesday and Wednesday. Then another three on Friday. And then others went home sick. My whole office! Friday I was still in-between, but I woke up Saturday feeling like poo! Nick took great care of me, but I had to go into work Saturday night because we had two basketball games! Nick went home Saturday night, but the cold persisted. Sunday was spent on the couch. I went into work late Monday because I thought it would be a good idea to get a little extra rest because I had to work Saturday night. Now, I'm in the recovery portion. Nose still kind of plugged, coughing a lot, but mobile and vertical. So definite improvement!

I haven't been training or working out with this (and two busy weeks), but starting next week, I'm going to. I'll come up with and share a new work out plan and try to stick with it. My problem right now is it has to be super flexible because I have a lot of night and weekend work, which makes sticking to a rigorous schedule super-difficult. Anyway, for a future post...

Because not all of my journey is fitness related...

2010-01-05T22:52:00.000-06:00

(This post better be freaking awesome because I've been fighting with the computer/Internet for more than 30 minutes...)

Nick and I decided to host a New Years party this year. Last year, we spent it just with our good friend Sean, but we decided to get more people involved this time around. Long story short, it ended up being us, Sean and another good friend of mine. Not quite a party. I should mention I tend to just have a few good friends and not a huge group of others. That's just my MO, and Nick's pretty much the same. As for the party, my best friend couldn't make it because she'd had surgery earlier that week and Nick's friends bailed, as did most of those I invited. It was extremely disappointing to me, and it made me realize where I was in that part of my life. (I'm not looking for you to be sorry for me. I've been "uncool" all my life and totally accepted it years ago.) Basically, I need to emphasize friends this year, I've decided.

I also have realized recently that I have become distant with some of the people I'm close to. My first order of business is to try to reforge those friendships and bonds because frankly, they are more important to me than anyone new. Next, I'm going to make a big push to add some people to my list of friends. Especially someone fairly local. (My boyfriend is 45 minutes away, my best friend about 3 hours, my family is about 2 hours away, and my other good friends are either one hour or three away...) I'm not trying to win a Miss Popular award or anything, but you get what I'm saying, right?

It's been something I've been thinking about in the last week or so, and I wanted to share.Any advice?

And because I'm so into goals these days, Nick and I have set a goal to have more people celebrating the beginning of 2011 with us. ;-p

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T10:59:00.000-06:00

It's time for New Years Resolutions. I, like just about everyone else, make them and sometime mid-January, completely forget about them. But still I make them...even making an effort to better yourself for two weeks is worth it, right? Well, all that changed last year. I set a tangible goal, something achievable but not easy. I decided to run an Olympic-distance triathlon and in September, I completed a New Years Resolution! Because I set all my goals in threes these days, just one didn't seem like enough...

1) Expand my cooking and eating horizons. Believe it or not, but I've been cooking for five years and I bought my first steak the other day. I felt totally out of place, not knowing which to get, and Nick and I had to look up recipes to actually cook it. I can make chicken breast or ground beef like no other, but not so much else. So in 2010, I'm going to cook one recipe that wouldn't immediately, naturally appeal to me, but something I expect I might enjoy nonetheless. I'm starting with a southwestern soup. I love soup, but this has two different kinds of beans in it and is rather chunky (not my usual soup choice). Once a month may not seem like much, but I rarely cook out of a cookbook, so it might actually be challenging.

2) Run a 5k in less than 30 minutes. I just felt like I needed a fitness goal in there, too. My fastest time is 32:30-ish. As you know, I'm a slow runner, but I want to do this. I think if I work really hard at speed, I just might be able to do this. I mean, I'm cutting a minute off per mile, which seems like an awful lot to me. But...here goes nothing!

3) Finish my 2007 Year in Review scrapbook. It's 2010. It's probably about time. As of right now, I'm only in August, and I started it January of 2007. I will likely be swamped at work all Spring, but I might have some real time to settle down with it in May. I should be able to get this done...and I'm hoping to start a new one, but probably with a different theme because I'm so far behind!

That's all my resolutions. I have a few other things I want to work on in 2010 though.
-I want to try really hard to save 7.5 percent of my earnings each month, while spending another 7.5 percent to pay extra on my student loans. I'm paying the minimum each month, but this will be on top of that. I think this is a doable amount, but without knowing what life is going to throw at me this year, I don't want to make it a resolution.
-I've also made a list of about 12 races (from 5k to Olympic tris) that I could do this year that works in location and my busy schedule. I doubt I can afford them all, and I'm sure a ton more will come up as the year progresses. I plan on a doing a few tris, some 5ks for speed and the marathon relay in April. I'm pretty excited for this race season...I might start signing up next paycheck!
-Finally, I want to continue to be responsible and frequent with my bills, dishes and keeping my apartment clean. Plus, I've been staying away from fast food and a ton of junk. I've been doing GREAT for about a month, but with work picking up, it'll get harder. I just have to stay strong.

2010, a new decade, new possibilities, a new adventure. Don't waste it.

Quick update

2009-12-27T18:55:00.000-06:00

My boyfriend is off being the man and finding some food, so I only have a few minutes to update...

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We got about 6 inches of snow and some sleet on Christmas Eve, which pretty much shut down the state of Oklahoma. Travel plans for most were thrown out the door! It was nice to have a white Christmas for once, though.

I think I mentioned that I got my cycling shoes a little early. I finally got to try them out on Saturday with my brand new...bike trainer! My parents bought me the Outback Magnetic. I really like it, you know, after the one time using it. (There were some tire shavings left on the trainer...should I be concerned or is that what generally happens on the road and I just don't know it?) I road for 60 minutes. I liked the freedom of not wearing a helmet or worrying about handlebars, but I missed the wind hitting my face. I will be a great way to help train during the winter, though, so I'm stoked. Plus...I LOVE my shoes.

I also got some long-sleeved workout gear for when I do go outdoors this winter. Along with some Christmas staples (pjs, underwear, socks, a calendar, etc.) I'm excited to get home and put everything away, but I stopped a Nick's to get some much needed cuddle time. I didn't get to see him during the holiday at all really!

I've come up with my New Year Resolutions, but I will post those in the next few days...my food is almost here!

What'd Santa bring you?

My apologies

2009-12-22T19:06:00.000-06:00

I haven't been blogging as much. For that, I apologize. With students leaving and sporting events being over, I've spent 40 hours a week for three weeks at my desk on my computer. I never realized how much I LOVED having games to go to, both take up time and get me away from the computer! For that reason, coming home and getting on the computer has been less than ideal. I've been neglecting facebook too!

I've been working out about three days a week. Holiday shopping and stuff has gotten in the way, but it's the season, and I'm not going to fight it. I'm enjoying time at the gym. I have been doing a lot of cardio and a lot of weights, but no biking or swimming. I don't run much, but holy cow, it's sad when I do! Like today, for instance, I tried to run for 40 minutes. I did it at a 2.0 incline and tried to run 5.5 mph. I stopped and walked a bunch. (Same thing happened about a week ago.) I'm not sure if it's because I'm trying to do it at the incline or the speed without the automatic option to reduce speed, or if it's that my Tulsa Run days are long gone...Anyway, I'm keeping with it. Not sure why it's like that, but I'm not going to stress out too much. It will come back soon. After the holidays, I'm going to "hit it hard," some might say, with a full training plan.

Exciting news! Since Santa is soooo busy with kids the week of Christmas, he entrusted my parents and we got cycling shoes!!! I only got to ride around the block, but I can't wait to try them out on a long ride! Anyway, they are really nice in that they are raised near the heals and the toes kind of like cleats, so you can walk on them like normal shoes. They are comfy...and I can't wait to go back to Tulsa to ride more!!!

That's it for today. Later!

Since last time I've...

2009-12-07T19:23:00.000-06:00

...Been much better about keeping up with my dishes and bills. Yay!

...Been fairly responsible about eating well (besides eating way too many mini-candy bars, but they're portioned now, so I should be able to control it better). All week last week, I really wanted to grab some fast food, but I knew I'd be getting pizza on Friday at work and would eat out with my parents on Sunday, so I said NO!

...Worked out a good amount. I did avoid getting back out in the cold Thursday to go the pool. My office is freezing. My cars heater doesn't work. It's cold outside. Basically, I got warm for the first time that night after 6 p.m., so I wasn't interested in going back out in the freezing weather to get wet. I did pilates instead.

..Not run. I planned to do it yesterday, but I was feeling a little sick in the morning before my parents got into town, so I decided to rest. Today, I was going to, but I hadn't eaten since 10 a.m. when I had a big breakfast with my parents, so at 5, it wasn't hard to convinence myself it would be best to come home and make AMAZING spegetti, and do pilates later. My pilates video is basically 40 minutes of mat work. It's actually pretty good for lean muscle work, which is kind of my focus this winter, so its a good fall back.

...Fairly officially signed up to run a marathon relay in April. Someone at my Dad's work was interested, so my parents are I decided to be part of her relay team. I'm running a 10k section. I'm pretty excited about participating. It's the Oklahoma Memorial Marathon, which is every year near the anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing in 1995. It's expensive for a 10k, but should be a lot of fun to participate in.

...Talked to my parents, who apparently had a conversation with Santa Claus, about clips and bike shoes. I guess Santa was overwhelmed by the options, so my parents were supposed to talk to me about what I wanted. My parents cycle a lot (and far) but they aren't what you would consider "hard core," and they are just as clueless as I am about these things. Advice? What kind of clips should I get? What about shoes? What's best? We (I mean, Santa) are working with a budget of $100-$150. What would you suggest? Anything is helpful!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2009-11-30T22:03:00.000-06:00

Good evening, night-ish.

I'll be honest. I haven't been particularly diligent about working out. I've been making it when I can, when I'm itching to work out or something. A couple times a week probably. I went on my very first business trip the weekend before Thanksgiving, and then when I was in Tulsa, I had people I wanted to see. Working out/training wasn't high on my priority list. I'm OK with that. I don't regret any of the decisions I made. I've learned that a few weeks off isn't going to hurt me all that bad, so there's no reason to stress about it. Other things are more important sometimes.

On a side note, I thought for sure I was gaining weight due to the decrease in exercise, but my jeans are actually looser. Then I got on the scale, and I think I've lost a few pounds, somehow. I'm not complaining by any means (too many women would murder me if I was).

Back to the main blog. I went to work out today. One hour of cardio - It was amazing! My legs actually felt relaxed after. Like they were back to where they liked to be. Sometimes it's good to have a good sweat. Looking forward to it tomorrow, too! I'm wanting to get back on track in the next few weeks. I know it's crazy for people around the holidays, but my work is calming down for a few weeks, then I have two weeks off. January and February will be CRAZY, so I do want to focus on working out and enjoying it while I can. Of course, holiday shoppings, cards, decorations, etc., are always high on the priority list!

I love this time of year!

Update

2009-11-15T21:01:00.000-06:00

(I couldn't think of a clever title. Sorry.)

On Friday after work, I was planning to try out my gym at work. I've been really hesitant to work out there. I'm not sure why. My guesses are: 1) I'm just scared to do something new (but I've pretty much gotten over that), 2) I'm not wanting to mix my work life with my training-personal life (some of the coaches have offices right across the hall), 3) I'm bothered with the idea of working out with students - many of whom I'll know on a work basis, or finally 4) The buff intimidating looking guys who always starred when I tried to look in. Either way, it's kept me away. I decided I needed to suck it up and try...and if it didn't work out, it didn't work out. Well...it was one room, free weights and more of those big, buff guys. No treadmills, no cardio, no females. Not gonna work.

So, I'm in the market for a gym. There's a nice, small, 24-hour place on my way home from work, but they want me to sign a 12-month contract...and once summer hits, I won't need a gym. I'm not interested in a contract at all. We'll see what else I can find...it's a small town.

I ran today. It was good to get back on the pavement and run. It was the perfect day to run, too...mid-50s, overcast, no wind, theatening to rain the whole time but never did...just perfect. I wasn't sure how my legs would hold up. As soon as I started running, it started hurting, but I had decided to go for 5 minutes to get into the pace before judging how it felt. The pain soon went away...and I was off! I ran for 30 minutes. My pace was slow...it was tough after a two-week break! But my legs held up and haven't bothered me the rest of the night. I think I'm going to just run once a week for the next month as to not wear my legs out before I really start training. Also, I'll get new shoes.

So that's the story. Need a gym, but I can run again without pain!

Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming

2009-11-11T21:58:00.000-06:00

What do we do? We swim, swim.

It's been almost two months. But I went swimming today. (Don't you like how I chose the coldest day in weeks?) It was a new pool - the school's pool. I decided to try it out. I walk in and there are three people. One huge pool with that ugly black line...but nothing dividing lanes. Just a giant watery space. The other swimmers were just standing around talking, like friends do at a pool party. Fine, I'll make do. My plan was to do two sets of 400m. (I'm guessing its a 25m pool...but the enthralled student at the door didn't know.)

The minute I started the front stroke, I smiled. I was swimming! I do love swimming! I did get tired easily -- which I expected -- and my arms also tired quickly -- 15 minutes of pilates yesterday had me a little sore today! The first 400m went fine, really, but when I started the second, I began have MAJOR goggle issues. I literally couldn't do two strokes before my eyes would be full of water. It was so frustrating. No matter what I did with my goggles, it didn't help. It wouldn't fuse to my face and even when it does, it's never all that secure...and I have good goggles...just an oddly-shaped, tiny head. I finally got so frustrated, I threw them to the side in the middle of the pool. I went the final 300m without goggles, which kind of sucked. As opposed to the first 400m, I felt like a fish out of water. I suppose I did get to practice my direction when I can't see (crucial to open water swims in the lakes of Oklahoma)...

One interesting thing about the pool is that about halfway through, it gets really deep. It's actually a little creepy to be swimming along and all of a sudden, that black line you know and love so well from the hours of starring contests begins to drift farther and farther away. Takes a minute to get settled with what's happening. Plus, there's that minute of panic (strong word, but I can't think of another) when you realize you don't have the comfort of knowing you can stand up anytime you choose (not that you'll have to or that you're far from the wall). Perhaps thats another bonus -- makes it more race-day like.

Anyway, the swim was great. I'm taking tomorrow off. A Monday night basketball game threw off my schedule before it could begin. Hopefully get more done this weekend.

Also, I'd like to add, I'm doing OK so far with eating better. I went grocery shopping and I LOVE having food in the house. I'm trying to make wise decisions. Nick says he's on board too, so we can motivate and encourage each other. I hope we can stick it out!

Welcome to the off season

2009-11-08T14:07:00.000-06:00

Hey folks!

I've been taking it easy this week, letting my body get rested and back to "normal." Finally, I decided enough was enough, and I went for a long walk today. The pool wasn't open yet when I was on campus and it was windy, so I went with walk instead of swim or bike. Running is still not an option. It's funny that now whenever I walk, I often get the urge to jog. Crazy, huh? Anyway, I decided to try it out, basically just to test where my legs are. Still not close. I'm going to give it a few more weeks before I decided I really need to get back to running. Because of how little I ran before my 15k, and the fact that I ran the whole thing, I'm not too worried about losing my running endurance. My knees were hurting by the end of my 1-hour walk, so I think it still needs more time before we throw high impact exercise on them.

During the walk, I made up a tentative schedule for my workouts here in the off season. I really want to do some resistance training and work on my speed. With those goals in mind, I came up with:

Sun: Running (walking or ellipical for now), abs
Mon: Swimming
Tues: 20-30 minutes cardio, 30-40 minutes weights/resistance, abs
Wed: Rest
Thurs: 40-45 minutes cardio, 20 minutes weights/resistance, abs
Fri: Speed training of some sort (most likely in running, but it may vary)
Sat: Rest (maybe do something like light walk or bike or tennis, etc.)

I didn't put any biking in there because it's so hard to get out in the winter to bike. Basically, any beautiful day I can get, I'll get out there on my bike. Also, I haven't done a lot of exploring of the school gym, but it might have a bike machine that will work, so I might add it in. Basketball season starts Monday, so I'll have to see how that will affect things. Most of the games are evening games, which could prove difficult. May have to change some things around or just not have set days to exercise and rest and instead change it each week. We'll see...and I'll keep you posted!

I also want to concentrate on eating better. I eat proper portions, but I don't eat well. I don't get enough balance. I'm eating too much fast food. I've not been getting hungry at dinner so I skip meals. And I never want to spend time cooking, even though I actually enjoy it. I "can't make it" grocery shopping, so I don't have anything, which leads to the fast food problem. I really want to change my habits NOW, instead of later. Things get harder the longer you do them, right? Today, I cooked. Chicken and mashed potatoes. I need to go grocery shopping...planning on that Tuesday. I need to eat more fruit and vegetables, for sure. Less snacking -- If I'm not hungry for dinner, maybe I should skip the snack instead?

I'm also trying to be more productive and clean around the apartment! Wish me luck!

Tulsa Run race report!

2009-11-01T21:53:00.000-06:00

"You did it! You did it! You said that you would do it, and indeed you did. I thought that you would rue it; I doubted you'd do it. But now I must admit it that succeed you did. You should get a medal Or be even made a knight." -- "It was nothing. Really nothing" (You Did It! - My Fair Lady)

9.3 miles...15K...Check!

Can you believe it? I ran the WHOLE thing! My official time was 1:58:24! Three goals completed -- including the two I really wanted to hit! Wooo!!!

It was a great race, too. Literally thousands of people turn out every year to participate in the race. It was the 32nd one! The first 5k was all hills, and you could look ahead of you and see thousands of runners and look behind you and see thousands of runners. It was cool. Not only that, but hundreds of people turn out to watch and cheer on the runners during the entire race, which as you know, can be extremely helpful. And not only that, but every few miles, there would be a band playing live music, not always great music, but they were there! Pretty big deal in Tulsa, anyway.

As I said, the first three miles were hilly. I ran about 2k with my sister and her running buddy, but then I decided to slow down, catch my breath and work at my pace. I still had 13 more k to go...and let's face it, I'd only ever run 5 miles before, so I certainly needed to pace myself! My parents, boyfriend, brother-in-law and niece were waiting for me (and Jamie before me) between the 5th and 6th kilometer to take pictures and cheer me on.

There I am! Even though it was hilly, the first three miles went by really fast for me. Right after this picture was taken, we went down this off ramp and onto Riverside Drive, where we went 2.5 miles down and back before the finish. There were already people heading back...at about 13k into the race.

I spent most of the next 2.5 miles looking for my sister because I knew I'd pass her after she turned around. What was nice about that is that I could spend my time looking at the costumes (a number of people showed up in them, given that it was Halloween and all), so that entertained me fairly well. I ended up seeing her and cheering her on close to the turn around. She was about a kilometer a head of me. I was surprised at how little I had to work to entertain myself during the race. Another good thing about it.

After the turn around, I knew I was halfway done...and pretty sure I'd be able to FINISH...running the whole thing and everything! At about 12k, I started to get dizzy and light headed. I didn't want to start walking just a few miles from the finish, so I concentrated on my breathing until I felt better. Then, of course, there was a huge hill. It starts off fairly short, but incredibly steep, levels off briefly, and then is long, but less steep. Cool. People were there saying, "Last hill. Almost there. It's all down hill from here!" Somewhat encouraging, but then again, they hadn't just run eight miles.

My crew was probably a few hundred yards before the finish line. It was crowded -- Did I mention the thousands of participants? -- so I saw them, they grabbed shots and cheered my on...and I started kicking it...a little too soon! I had to slow down a bit, but really kicked it up a notch (passing a person and tying another) in the last 20 yards or so! I had run the entire race!

After seeing me, Nick ran up to grab this picture of me crossing the finish line at 1:59:27 - my clock time.

I realized how far I'd come...how training for my triathlons had not just helped prepare me for that race, but helped prepare me to do any physical challenge. I wasn't prepared for this race, but I could do because I truly am an endurance athlete...and I am a runner :-)

Jamie finished about 15 minutes before I did! She did awesome!!!

The night before...

2009-10-30T21:26:00.000-05:00

Tulsa Run is tomorrow! For some reason, it just doesn't seem like it's tomorrow...Maybe that's a good thing, or maybe not?

I'm hoping my legs hold up. I'm not sure I'll do great...I'm hoping I can just make it a fun, long workout. Might feel different tomorrow!

Goals:
- Finish in 2:15...I sure hope so!
- Finish in less than 2 hours (This is my main goal!)
- Finish in less than 1:45. That'd be cool.
- BONUS: Run the whole thing! That would be beyond awesome!

Wish me luck! Here goes nothing!

T-minus 3 days

2009-10-28T21:06:00.000-05:00

I went running today. My plan was to go two miles, in order to taper AND preserve my legs. Once I got out there, it felt great to run, but my legs started hurting early on. It actually subsided some after five minutes or so, but the back of my left knee in particular continued to hurt. I ended up running 1.56 miles -- almost exactly one-sixth of the run -- instead. I figured it was better to rest my leg. Immediately, I put some ice packs on the painful spots and took some drugs. Feels better right now...but it might be a long Saturday!!!

Wish me luck!

Two wheels

2009-10-26T21:14:00.000-05:00

Because my legs are still angry -- Dad says its fatigue -- I went biking today.

Holy cow. Biking is fun.

The minute I got on, I smiled. I'd forgotten how fun it can be. I haven't been on the bike since my triathlon, which was more than a month ago! It was kind of chilly and a bit windy, so I had to bundle up, but it was good. Really good.

After a few miles, I came to a T in the road. I looked to my right. Flat for about a quarter mile, followed by a steep hill. "I wonder if I can make it up that?" I thought, as I often do when I see hills on a road. I looked to my left. Flat for as far as I could see. Probably about a mile. Back to the right. Smile. "Let's see." Off I go, trying to get some speed to make it up the hill. As I got closer, it seemed less daunting, actually, but by the time I got up it, I realized it really was quite a hill. Huffing and puffing all the way. Of course, then I decided to hit a few other rolling hills along the same road...so perhaps I didn't learn my lesson. After a mile or so of hills, I ended up going the other way, too, just to see where it led.

I was exploring my new town today. :-)

Training pains

2009-10-25T21:55:00.000-05:00

Tulsa Run is just days away now! I went for a long run Friday after work. I decided to run for 1 hour and see how far I could make it. My goal for the 15k is to do it in less than two hours, and I wanted to see how attainable that was. Unfortunately, for the last month or so, I've been having some leg pains when I run. My pseudo shin splints from this summer are back, as well as pain all up and down my right leg. (Front of the knee down and back of the knee up...stellar.) So, about minute two of my run, the pain starts. And continued to worsen for 58 minutes. I did manage to push myself through it, however, to finish my run. I went 4.93 miles. If I keep my pace, I'll make it in just less than the two-hour mark. After I finished, I thought I could walk, and my legs would feel better. Nope. Just as bad. Lesson? Just keep running.

I decided to take Saturday and Sunday off, and start with a light run Monday, but because I've been having pains off and on in my legs since then, I'm not thinking that's not even a good idea. This is really hard for me because I always feel like I need push it the week before a race. Anyway, now I plan to bike tomorrow, and hopefully do a two-miler Wednesday and rest before race day on Saturday...we'll see how my legs hold up!

I'm starting to get excited about the race. Who knew?

Long belated 5k report, etc.

2009-10-21T20:43:00.000-05:00

I realized since I focused on reflection and my support system, I never got a chance to write up a short race report after the River Rush Run a few weeks back! How about now?

It was the first race, maybe ever, that my whole family did together. Here we are before the race, with my darling niece in the middle. My goal was to come in my quickest time ever. My parents hadn't run since December really, so they were just hoping to run it. Jamie is training to run the Tulsa Run 15k with me...so there you have it.

Out we went. I started strong and fast, which was my goal. I "pace" myself too much, so I wanted to push fast. Jamie caught up early on and we ran together for a good mile and a half or two miles. She did a great job of really pushing me. She kept saying "see those walking guys, let's pass them!" and I'd push as hard as I could. Finally, when she saw our 52-year-old Mom slowing down in front of us, she decided to pass her, and I just couldn't keep up. I really appreciate her being there to coach me along, but I'm glad she was able to get up there...and PASS my mom!

The results? Dad ran almost the whole thing and came in first of us. Jamie followed, with mom on her heels just 20 seconds or so behind her. I came in at...32:30! That's an entire minute off of my fastest clocked time...and 2.5 minutes faster than my fastest official 5k race! I think we all felt like puking after...but we ALL did it! Woohoo!

Mom is already talking about us doing the race together every year. It was the River Rush's first race, but they plan to do it each year, and Mom wants it to be a family thing. I think that'd be fun. It's a nice course along the river and a beautiful park area. We'll see...

Training is going all right. It's getting challenging with the sun setting earlier and earlier each day, but I'm getting base runs in. I went out in the rain today. It was a light rain, but soggy. For so long I'd pass people running in the rain and I'd be jealous, thinking "that must be nice." Finally got my chance to get out there! It was nice to know I was working out...and it actually gives you a chance to enjoy the rain, instead of being forced inside during it. And I must say this...I love hearing the sound of my feet hit the pavement. It was a quiet night (no musica because it was raining), and there were times when all I heard way my rythmic breathing and my feet pitter pattering on the pavement. It was a great feeling.

10 days until the 15k!!!

Let's give them a hand

2009-10-17T17:16:00.002-05:00

After re-reading my post from a few days ago, I noticed something. I gave triathlon a lot of props for my survival of the last year...and that is totally due. But I don't feel like I talked about the other saving grace: My awesome, amazing, wonderful supportive cast of fans. So I will dedicate this post to them.

First off, my parents. They supported me through the entire triathlon experience, showering me with gifts to help my performance during major gift-giving holidays. They gave me advice and pushed me through the tough times. They were there to watch my first and third triathlon experiences, cheering me on and photographing the race. They were there for a good talk, and always ready with a glass of wine. I want to thank you so much for all the support, love and awesome presents!

My sister. She was there to listen about my awful work experiences, something she knew all too well, and offered advice on handling the situations. She pushed me to do the Tulsa Run, giving me a fitness/race goal outside triathlon. I thank her for all that awesomeness. Also, she brings along my beautiful niece, who just with one smile can show that everything is good.

My BFF, Kayle. Her constant support, even when it was challenging for her, gave me motivation. Unfortunately, she's experienced health struggles in the past six months or so, but it gave me momentum. This tri season, I was competing for two. In fact, while I was running today, I decided I would race next season for the CF Foundation, since she had finally decided to embrace it and raise money for the cause. I'll take it up, and she can join me as soon as she can. Additionally, she was there for love, support and a good laugh anytime I needed it. I love you guapa. Thank you so much!

Darla and Justin, who would listen to my work complaints and understand like no one else could, since they were (and are) in the same boat. Having them as a soundboard helped alleviate some of the "listening" from my boyfriend and others. They made me dinner often and ran with me at times, helping push to get me out there running on days I just didn't want to go. Much thanks for all you did for me during my time in Stillwater! I hope we'll stay friends, even after you get an amazing job out of state and have to leave!!!

My awesome fellow bloggers. Thank you for your support and understanding. Your comments helped me stay motivated, adjust my thinking and gave me accountability for my races. And thank you for reading. Thank you for your source of inspiration, too!

And finally, last but most definitely not least, Nick. I love you so much! You got the brunt (other than me) of everything I experienced. You stuck by me through that and you never let our long distance relationship affect us. I know I haven't been the most fun, happy person, but you helped me more than you can imagine. You were there to say "stop thinking about work," offer (semi-jokingly) to do illegal things to the people causing me grief, and to support me when I couldn't do it myself. You are amazing. I can not thank you enough. You believed in me during the whole triathlon experience. You gave me motivation and confidence to get the job I have now, even when I didn't feel qualified. Thanks.

And countless others! You are all amazing. I hope I can be that support for you now or anytime in the future!

Reflections

2009-10-15T21:05:00.002-05:00

I've had this post in my head for a while. I think it's time:

I have come to realize that my last so-many posts have been rather negative, which is honestly not the impression I was hoping to give off. It hasn't been an adequate cross-section of my journey. Or has it?

Without going into a lot of detail, I've been struggling. This last year has not been what I had expected or hoped my first year out of college would be. Since last October, it seems like it's gotten progressively worse. My awful work situation really affected EVERY other part of my life, and everyone in it. I think that's what affected my training and how I looked at life and expressed myself. I have so much respect and thanks for everyone close to me who stuck by me through my struggle. It didn't just take a toll on me. Thank you for being my rock. But I think I've gotten my life back on track, thankfully. I got a new job, new apartment, new excitement for what I do. But for you praying folk out there, please pray for those I left behind...they need it.

I was surprised to find out I was a downer about my training to. To be very honest, I'm pretty sure that triathlon was the one thing that kept my sanity. I think it was so important that it was part of this last year. I can't imagine where I would be without it. I credit my ability to bounce back (so far) to having done triathlon. It was my one constant, a greater goal, something to take up my time in the evenings after I moved away from my boyfriend and from my best friend, and most importantly, it gave me extra confidence when, frankly, there were people trying to be out every last shred of confidence I had. Thank you triathlon.

I'm so thankful I decided to take up the sport. Even without the stressors in my life in the past year, it has done so much for me. It's given me confidence to jump in and try something I'm pretty sure I'll be bad at. I never would have joined my company softball league before triathlon...and it was one of the most fun things I've done. I'm not afraid to try something new, even if I might fail. Without triathlon turning me into a psuedo-jock, I never would have looked at the job I have now in sports information, which I love so far. And phyically, it's put me in a phsyical state I didn't expect I'd be in. I feel strong. I have visible muscles, but not in a manly-muscly way. It's just done so much for me.

Overall, triathlon has been such an amazing experience for me. It won't be going away anytime soon. And I want everyone out there to know that I love the sport -- even the running aspect! I'm changing the way I think about things, the way I express things, and I'm hoping my posts follow.

Now I ask you, what has triathlon done for you?

Excuses, excuses: October edition

2009-10-08T21:49:00.002-05:00

I didn't run Wednesday or Thursday. Wednesday was originally an off day, but I had decided I should probably run TWR, then take Friday off before the race Saturday. But then I forgot that Wednesday wasn't just an alternative cross training day, until later that night after it'd gotten dark. Oops.

And today...I said I'd run today, even if it was gloomy and raining. No matter what! Well, rain doesn't quite describe what was falling between 5:30 (when I got off work) and 7 p.m. (when it got dark). This is where I would be entering pictures of all the rain, but I've since realized I hadn't hooked up my printer (where I transfer pictures from) to my computer, and I don't feel like doing it now either. It was bad. And there was some lightning (Laura would be so proud!!!), so I didn't run. I still don't have a gym situation set up yet. Boo urns. And Boo hiss.

It's dark until about 7 a.m., which won't give me enough time in the morning. Tomorrow after work I've driving to Tulsa. I'll race Saturday, so I'm for sure running then!

On a complete separate but yummier note, Halloween candy might be the death of me.

I ran! I ran so far away!

2009-10-06T20:04:00.003-05:00

OK, actually not far at all. About 3.25 miles, in 40:30.

Fairly slow. I battled with intense wind and the struggles that can only be felt after not running or doing anything physical in a week. I could tell from the very get-go it was going to be a tough run. I pushed through, mostly. My knees have been bothering me earlier and earlier in my runs lately. Any advice on that?

I'm hoping once I start pushing myself again, I'll bounce back quickly over the next few weeks and be ready for my 15k on Halloween! Eek!

I also, by the way, have a sort-of impromptu 5k on Saturday with the fam (Mom, Dad and sister). It should be fun. I'm hoping to hit my fastest time...but I've got to get back to it quickly to hope to do that.

I start my new job tomorrow. This job will be challenging. It's going to demand a lot from me, not to mention a fairly strong learning curve. But I'm excited for the new challenge and all I will be able to learn there. I can't believe I'm already starting...now I've got to go study up on Drover sports! Wish me luck!!!

Quick update

2009-10-05T21:08:00.002-05:00

Well folks, it's been a while, so I figured I should update.

Things haven't been so great. Basically, one last, but really stressful thing happened during my last week at work. That, along with endless packing and hanging out with Stillwater friends, killed my motivation to run. Darla and I ran 3.5 miles last Monday, but since then, zlitch.

I moved Saturday. Started bright and early and we were done and unloaded in Chickasha by about 2 p.m.! Woot! Anyway, Darla and Justin spent the night and part of Sunday with us, which was so much fun. When they left Sunday, Nick and I took a three hour nap, and then I drove him to Norman. I spent half the day there with him today before coming back here. I'd planned to run this morning because I thought I'd wake up early and have time while he was at work...but my body had other plans.

I spent a great deal of time this evening fighting with my computer and new wireless software, and making my boyfriend on the phone wonder yet again why he loved me, as tears streamed down my face in frustration. I don't get along with my computer at times. A few hours later, I have a working wireless internet connection! And then I STARTED unpacking.

I promise I'll run tomorrow.

Post-race plans

2009-09-27T11:34:00.002-05:00

Some of you guys have been asking me what my plans are for the off-season. Well, for me, the off-season isn't here yet! I'm planning on racing the Tulsa Run with my sister (and maybe my friend) in October. It's a 15k, and the longest I've ever run solid is 5 miles, so we've got a long way to go in five short weeks!

This week, I've taken off and not worried about it too much. On Thursday, Darla, Justin and I went for a three-mile run, which was a nice run. I think we're planning on running again today, but I'm not sure how far. Darla is considering doing to Tulsa Run, too. As some of you may know, I'm moving...again. I've accepted a job about two hours from here (but closer to Nick!), and I'm really excited about the job. Not so excited about packing everything again! Anyway, I've started the packing process, and I plan to move next week. I'm not sure how much running I'll get in next week because I'll have packing, finishing everything at work, and I've already made plans for half the nights of next week to do things uniquely in town. Basically, this is one of those times that life will have to take precedence over training.

When I do get settled and finally ready to train for real (I will run next week, but it might not be as consistent), I plan on doing it four days a week. Two tempo days, one long run (which will increase each week) and one day of sprints/speed training. I also want to get one day of cross training in as well. I'm thinking something along these lines:
M - Tempo (also increases from three to five, maybe?)
T - Long run
W - Rest
R - Tempo
Weekend: One sprint/speed and one cross training

It's so hard for me to be consistent on the weekends (between traveling to see Nick, him coming to me and us going to Tulsa, it's hard), so getting one of each in at some point in time seems best.

What do you think of the plan? Solid? Needs work?

I'm not worried about the amount of time it will take me because basically, I know I can be out there for 4.5 hours (proved that the other day!), and I know it won't take me that long. I'd like to be able to run the whole thing, but I don't know that I will be able to. That's OK. I can always tackle it again in the future if I want to. During the last year in training for triathlons, I've come to realize some of my expectations for myself are not always fair. Coming from a non-running background, it took me a long time to get where I am, and progress isn't always as fast as I'd like it (or even expect it) to be. And, it's not always as fast as it is for other people. I'm me. If I can run it, fabulous, if I walk some, that's great to. I never imagined I'd be able to or want to run the Tulsa Run ever. The fact that I'm confident I'll get it done, one way or another, is amazing.

The pressure is on, however, because I'll be running it with my older sister. Everyone in my family says I'll do it faster because of my endurance, but being the older sister, she might strain herself to beat me. I'm not sure she's ever lost to me, and I can't imagine she'll like it much if it happens...basic sibling stuff.

Redman race report!

2009-09-22T18:41:00.008-05:00

OK. Here you go...

We started off Sunday morning early...about 4:30-ish. I grabbed some oatmeal and mixed Carnation Instant Breakfast with some of my whey powder and we were off. It's about a 45 minute drive to the lake. We got out, grabbed the stuff and found the transition area. We had to have everything set up by 7 a.m., even though they weren't going to start Olympic waves until 9. Here Nick and I are...bright and early!

After some preparation, I was done and ready to watch Kayle's boyfriend start his very first triathlon! Woo! (He did awesome, by the way, and is totally hooked.) Because the lake rose one-foot overnight, they had to re-adjust the markers in the water because they floated around everywhere. The Sprint-ers started late because of it. Just after Tim left, my parents arrived to see me race!I was doing fine and not thinking about the race at all, until about 8:45, when they said we could get into the water for pre-race swim. I figured I should go and walked over to Nick and Kayle, who were waiting to watch Tim come in from the bike leg, and all of a sudden I got this wave of nausea and I was so freaked out! I tried to fight tears when I told Nick I was going out and might throw up, but I didn't do a very good job. I was so scared. Mom and Dad hugged me and told me I would do great, and I left. Standing in the shoot, I was so nervous. What had I gotten myself into? (This is me trying to figure out where we are supposed to swim.)
Swim: The swim was awful! It was two loops and the first quarter was incredibly shallow. Some people walked. Every time I would look up to see if I was headed in the right direction, I wasn't. I finally got to the first turn around and all of a sudden, it became choppy and I kept swallowing water. I couldn't backstroke there and it was hard to freestyle. I struggled through that part and then, I got to do it all over again. By the second choppy part, the kayaks started watching me closely. I coughed and swallowed water. One guy yelled, "You OK?" I gave him a thumbs up to let him know I wasn't going to drown. The longest open water swim I'd ever done was 500m, and this was 1500. Rough. I finally made it to the shore!

Time: 45:57. Slow, but I knew it hadn't gone well.

T1: Nothing interesting to report. I got in and did my thing and got back out. It took a little longer than last time (but not as long as the first) because my feet were muddy and I tried to get into gloves as well.

Time: 3:05.

Bike: It was 28 miles. In four loops. Well, basically, people only passed me. I never passed anyone. I dealt with some wind and a little uphill stuff, but it was mostly flat. It was a nice course with some along the lake and some on a street. I had two Hammer gels during the bike. Mom and Dad kept walking along the bike course and I saw them like six times during the ride. People started finishing as I was on my second lap, which was a little sad, but not as bad as after my third. I get up there and the lady's like "You finishing?" because I was in the lane to continue on and I had to tell her, "No. I have one more lap!" But anyway, it wasn't really bad. I thought I was last, but Mom and Dad said a few people came in after I did.

Bike: 2:08:29. Even if I came in last, I was still 22 minutes faster than I had expected I would be on the bike, so hell ya! It was a good, fast bike for me, but my legs were tired and my neck and crotch were pretty much numb.

T2: Well, it was a little disappointing that when I was coming in from the bike, there were racers done and packing up the transition. Olympic racers. They were all very supportive, though. I had a ton of emotions going through my head at this point. I was disappointed for being last (I thought I was), mad at myself for being disappointed, so thankful of the people who were cheering me on, scared about the six miles up ahead, exhausted, etc. and I again tried to fight tears. My breathing was ridiculous and I was wheezing as I came out of the transition and into the run. I wanted to keep running but I wanted to stop. I made it out of transition before I decided to stop. It was a good idea because I calmed myself down, calmed my breathing and I was able to get back on track.

T2: 1:15...yes, all that happened in just more than a minute.

Run: Once I'd calmed my breathing, I could get to the run and do it. I ran more than a mile probably before I decided to stop and walk a bit. It was an out and back twice. Other racers kept cheering me on as if it was my last lap...and I'd only started! It was getting really hot out, too. But I kept going, off and on. I grabbed water when I could, but I was hestitant to drink too much. I ran by where my car was parked and saw Nick sleeping in the truck. I decided I'd wake him on my second lap if I needed to. On the way back, he was getting out of the truck and I talked to him for a minute while I ran. I actually passed someone, too! Then I saw my parents, and they took photos. I went and turned around and came back for more photos. By the time I got to the out again, I poured some water over my head and someone asked if I was alright. Just hot because you didn't save any sponges for me, but thanks. I'd say I ran maybe 4.5 miles and walked the rest. Passed a few people, too! The one thing that kept me going to whole time was waiting to hear the announcer say "And here's Jessica Jackson from Stillwater, Oklahoma, finishing her first Olympic triathlon!" So I kept pushing.

Run: 1:26:26. That's a great time. I'm happy with it because...

It brings me in at 4:25:12! Beat my goal time by five minutes! The end was awesome. Only a few people remained to cheer me on, but they all did. Since we had our names on our numbers, they said my name and I was so happy! The annoucer said my name, but without the last part. I didn't even care! I finished!!!

Then I sat. I stiffened up in the first 15 minutes, but it really hasn't been bad since then.

I'm an Olympic triathlete! (And guess what? I didn't come in last! Only sixth from last, but I honestly don't care!) I set out to do this thing and I did. I finally finished a New Year's Resolution. It was just fantastic, even if my post didn't make it out to be...

1500 meters, 28 miles and 10 kilometers later...

2009-09-20T21:15:00.002-05:00

I defied gravity. I did it! I completed an Olympic-distance triathlon! Official time: 4:25:12! Race report tomorrow or Tuesday. I just want to sleep!

Twas the night before the race...

2009-09-19T21:20:00.005-05:00

Am I ready? Will I be fast and strong? Or will I struggle throughout the whole thing? Am I ready?

At this point, my friends, I'm afraid it doesn't matter. The race is in less than 12 hours.

I wanted to bike Thursday, with a short run after, but I was feeling sick and was exhausted all day, and I found out that my boyfriend -- whom I'd seen and kissed just two days before -- was throwing up, so I decided to nap after work to protect myself. I couldn't get sick with days until the tri! We'll see if I made the right decision.

I volunteered at the Iron and half Iron distances today. It was great to be able to cheer on the athletes and help them during the run. I was at the special needs "tent," and helped runners get dry clothes, shoes and food out of their bags to help with their racing. Everyone was really appreciative of us being out there, but I was just amazed at them. It's just awesome, really. Kudos to all today's racers! I did stand for about three hours in the sun, and I was out for another hour or so sitting, so I'm a little concerned about wearing myself out a little pre-race. I did get to see a little of the course (beautiful, by the way), and I got totally excited about the whole thing. Pretty great packet, too...

Well, I'm about go to bed. Planning on getting up sometime in the 4 a.m. hour tomorrow. Even though my wave doesn't start until 9! Lame.

Goals:

1) Finish the race. Hopefully with a smile.

2) Total time in under 4:30.

3) Total time in under 4:15.

4) Sub 1:20 on the run. I think that will be the most challenging, perhaps, but would just be amazing!

Wish me luck!!! Look for a race report...probably Monday?

T minus 5 days - Freakout can begin

2009-09-15T12:51:00.003-05:00

So, I just found out her waves for the Olympic distance triathlon is going to start at 9 a.m. -- two hours after originally posted. They had both waves starting roughly at 7 a.m., so I figured I'd be in the water by 8 at the latest! What's worse? I still have to have my bike racked by 7 a.m. That's going to suck

So now, I'm freaking out that I won't finish in time! If I leave at "9," which means more like 9:30 a.m., it's going to be pushing it to get me in by the time they start tearing down. I'm literally thinking it will be between 4.5 and 5 hours for me to do this, which is 2 p.m. or 2:30 p.m., right? Tear down starts at 2:30! Ack. What if something happens and I'm even slower. Not only that, but it will be getting really...really...really hot by then!

Why on Earth would you have the sprint distance start first? It makes no sense!!! They will finish, and then have to wait for me to get my slow ass in from the bike before they can leave. And we have to be there 3 hours early, but not be racing yet. Get the longest ones started and then the sprints go and end then the Olympic ends. Then no one will have quit because they aren't fast enough. Does this make sense to anyone else? I'm totally freaking out.

I guess it was about time.

Speedy Gonzalez

2009-09-14T12:34:00.002-05:00

On Friday, I took a four hour lunch because I was covering a Sept. 11 ceremony that evening. During it, I did a motified, shorter version of the brick I outlined before. I went biking for eight miles, two mile run, bike for five and a little bit more running after. Took me about two hours. Guess it will have to do.

Saturday I worked and walked a good amount with that and then drove to Norman in the rain. Nothing too terribly blog-worthy, except that I ate like crap all day and consequently felt like crap. Funny how that works, huh?

Yesterday was the first day of my "weekend," so it was mostly a chill day with the boyfriend. Nothing to report. Took a rest day since I'm tapering and all.

Today, however, I woke up and went running. I decided to go three miles as a tapering distance, but since it was "only" three miles, I decided to go fast. See if I could beat my fastest run and keep a decent pace for the three miles. Guess what? I did it in 33:30! (My fastest run, if you remember, was my first in just more than 35 minutes.) I got tired after the first half mile or so at that pace, so I slowed a bit and kept getting bursts and then slowing down. Finally, with about a mile to go, I told myself I could go fast for one mile because I didn't need to leave any energy left. I sped up and really rocked it. That was probably my fastest mile yet. It felt good...and I have to say, three miles fast is more fun that five miles slow.

So even six days out of a monster (to me) triathlon, I can still have mini victories. I've had a lot of running victories lately, and that's just happy. I don't think you ever feel ready for a race, and I'm honestly not where I wanted to be in my training with only days before the tri, but I will be able to do it. I will be able to finish. And that, my friends, is all that matters.

T minus 10 days

2009-09-10T20:13:00.002-05:00

Eeek! Almost here!

I didn't do as much as I hoped or expected last weekend, but I was in Dallas watching my beloved OU shoot itself in the foot. Saturday morning Jamie and I took a short 20 minute run through a boxy house neighborhood and then Monday...guess what? I ran five miles. Straight. The last 1.5 or so was really tough, but other than that, it was fairly strong. As soon as I walked in, I felt a wave of nausea as my mom asked how the run went. Answer: "It sucked. I might throw up." I then went and sat down, downed water like it was tequila shot and sat for about five minutes before speaking again. Then I told Mom and Dad how long I went and they both seemed very impressed. That was good.

Rain has been interfering. Its canceled two softball games this week, which has screwed up my workout schedule a bit. My plan is to get one tough, long brick ([9 mile + 2 mile] x 3) in this week and then taper off next week. Even if others fell through (I had to do some adjusting), I had to do that, right? I was supposed to do it today, but when Tuesday's softball was pushed to Thursday, I decided I could do it Friday and rest today. Rain today wasn't a big deal because I would still get the brick tomorrow...until I realized I had to cover an event at 4:40 p.m. (I'm supposed to get off at 4 p.m.) and then I have to write the story. I won't be able to get off until 6 p.m., at the earliest! That gives me barely two hours to train, if I start immediately without going home to get my bike or anything. I start work at 7 a.m., so doing anything before isn't an option. I will have to take a couple hours extra at lunch, but it still won't be enough to do it then or anything. The gym is only open until 9 p.m., and doesn't have a bike. So I'm SOL, right? I wasn't comfortable riding in the rain we had today, so I wasn't really able to do it today either, even though the game was canceled. I don't expect to have time Saturday either...and beyond that is getting too close to the tri to be a good idea. Boo! Any suggestions?

Perhaps...

2009-08-31T21:20:00.003-05:00

Perhaps I can do this.

Saturday, I decided to do a fairly long brick workout. It actually took longer than I really expected it to. I biked 8 miles, ran 2k, biked 8 miles, ran 2k, biked 5 miles, attempted sprints. The sprints were attempted. I drank a lot of water during the last bike portion and because of that I got a really bad stitch about 3/4 through my second sprint (about 50 yards probably)...then again about halfway through my third. I literally doubled over it hurt so bad. The whole thing took me just under 3 hours. Here's where I feel like I can do it. The next day, I didn't feel anything. I mean, I slept a lot that night/next morning, but it wasn't until I was halfway through my day before I realized that I wasn't sore! Whenever I'd tighten my quads and release, I could tell they were a little tired. I'm expecting my tri to take 5 hours...and if I can get through 3 hours without really being sore...there's hope yet! Nick and I were even able to play a pretty good game of tennis Sunday night.

And today! I ran. (Drumroll please!) I ran 4 and a half miles. Straight. In an hour. Heck yes! I'm so proud of myself! Just a few months ago, I was sure I'd never even be able to consistently run three miles. That was such a hard platform, but I totally blew it out of the water! I'm not sure if it was the beautiful weather or just a really good run, but I felt awesome! Beside knee and ankle issues. But that's beside the point. :) That's all I got. A :).

I'm attempting 5 miles on my birthday (Friday)!

Plan for the week:
Tuesday: Swim and bike (attempting 1500m swim and 18 mile bike, but I'll be racing the clock/sun, so I may have to cut these down).
Wednesday: I was going to swim and bike again, but something came up that I have to do Wednesday, so I'm almost positive I won't have time to workout. Yes, this is more important than tri training. Hope to have more info soon!
Thursday: Double header in softball!
Friday, Sept. 4, Jessica's 24th birthday: 5 mile run! - then drive to Dallas because...
Saturday: Watch OU beat down on BYU! FOOTBALL SEASON IS HERE!
Sunday: Run 5 miles
Monday: Bike 30 miles

On a side note: I've become a big fan of the Hammer Gels. I'm not in love with all the tastes, but about 15 minutes after taking one, I start to feel good and strong. And it sustains me. I don't get extra hungry, which helps the workout feel better. I approve.

And the bike...

2009-08-27T12:26:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, I decided to tackle the 28-miler on the bike again. I was looking forward to it, kind of at least. I figured I'd get really bored with no one to talk to...

First off, I started on county roads. I have two options in Stillwater for biking: County roads or city roads. The longest trail here is 3 miles. Not so good for long bike rides. City roads have cars and crazy people. County roads a bumpy. I swear they found a pothole and filled it with four times too much asphalt every sixteenth of a mile! So by the first five or six miles, my hands hurt from all the bumping...and guess what? My neck/shoulder area was already seizing up. Cool. This was going to be fun! After going around the aforementioned 3-mile trail once, I headed north along a "highway." It's officially a highway, but there it's just two lanes and probably about 50 mph. It had been recommended by the biking group here in Payne County. It was great. My new favorite place to ride (it's about seven miles from my apartment). Except for roadkill. Lots. But the shoulders are really wide and it's almost like I have my own lane. And it's not bumpy and crappy either. A few hills. Nice ride. About mile 19 or so, I took a break to rest my neck and "eat" some gel. I'm still experimenting with gels. Kayle said the Hammer were the best consistancy and after trying one, I bought two variety packs. I had the orange last night. I would recommend it. Tasty really, but after almost 20 miles of riding, what isn't? I accidently spilled so, though, and got my legs, hands and water bottle sticky. Oops... I rested for just three minutes before getting back in the saddle.

The rest of the ride was also fairly uneventful. Except my neck, which spazed out on me every two minutes. Toward the end of the ride (about 25 miles in), the skin on my neck was actually numb to the touch, I'm guessing from the nerves just being pissed off. It got me a little worried. Since I'm not really used to the bike...still...do you think I should get it checked out and maybe get the bars raised a bit? Kayle's aren't as low as mine. As soon as I got home, I stuck a heating pack on my shoulders and it stayed for two hours until I went to bed. At that time, it was still seizing and hurting really bad...I could barely move my neck! I put one of those adhesive shoulder packs on overnight and it felt a lot better when I woke up. Still tight, but not seizing. It's mad now that I'm on the computer again, though.

Total bike time: 2:30
Three weeks ago: 2:45

I cut off 15 minutes, which I was really pleased with! I even had to stop for red lights some! Nick still thinks I need to speed up, but I'm happy with cutting 30 seconds off each mile! I included my break time too, because if I have to stop and rest my neck during the tri, guess what? They aren't stopping time for me!

Total combined hours: 4 hours 41 minutes
Three weeks ago: 4 hours 47 minutes

Despite my horrific run, I'm still coming in a little faster than I did three weeks ago. You've got to add transition times now. If you average my transition times of my two previous triathlons (you never know how big the transition area will be), and add they add about four minutes to my tri. Plus, of course, being tired will add time. I'm guessing I'll come in between 4:30 and 5 hours. Time isn't important to me in my race, it's just nice to know what to expect...and what to warn my family about!

My game plan:
- Rest today. I thought my legs would need it, but as it turns out, it's my neck/shoulders that do!
- Completely devote myself to my triathlon for two weeks. I can give up hours every evening after work for two weeks, right?
- After those two weeks, it's going to be just nine days before the tri...time to start tapering anyway.
- Abs/core work. I hate it, but I need it.
- Eat clean until the tri (except for something fried, on a stick, at the fair this weekend! - and of course, birthday cake)
- Keep telling myself I can do it and push out the negative thoughts!

I've seen better days

2009-08-25T21:16:00.005-05:00

We're at T-4 weeks and counting. You know what that means? Time drills!

I started off with a six-mile run this time. Because I have my reality TV show (the final episode!) at 7 p.m., I had to go right after work, which means hot. "Feels like 101" to be exact. Awesome. I headed out to Boomer Lake to run it twice. I felt good the first few miles. As I'm heading out from mile two, I'm starting to hurt...and get really hot. I pushed myself to make it three miles before stopping...and actually got a few steps beyond that before having to stop. My first lap was 42:26, so you can tell how the heat was affecting me. I walked a little, tried to run again, but it didn't really work much. The good news is when I walk, I walk pretty fast and depressingly enough, sometimes feel like I speed up once I start to walk. I just couldn't wait to get to a water fountain to drink and dunk my head in! The second lap was awful! I felt sick and considered sitting in the shade for a bit. And then, as I decide to start running again, thinking I could stop soon to drink, I am propelled forward. I look down at where my right leg was and see a bike tire. Then I see grass. A bicyclist ran me over! I get up, take off my headphones and make sure the kid is OK. It was two boys who appeared to be 12 maybe? I'm guessing they were messing around, not paying attention, and all of a sudden one was in my back. I landed on my hand/side. My elbow is a bit scratched and bruised today, but my leg got the brunt of it. I've not an impressive bruise, but I'm not quite sure how it happened because it's on the front of my leg and he hit me in the back? Anyway, I didn't get mad or anything. Who could get mad at a 12 year old boy who is completely humiliated and apologizing profusely? Hopefully he learned a lesson, one he can carry on with when he starts to drive! Moving on, I got water and felt a little better for another half mile or so. I walked until I hit 5 miles, then I decided I was going to run the last mile no matter what. It was one of the most physically painful miles of my entire life! My knees felt like they would pop during each step. My back hurt. My muscles were rejecting me. But I ran it. That whole mile. Slowly. I pushed myself to prove that no matter what the conditions (heat, exhaustion, post-run over), I could push through and get it done.

Total six mile: 1:32:15
Three weeks ago: 1:23

So I got worse? Awesome. I was really disappointed yesterday. Not at myself. I did awesome. I pushed myself as far as I could. I responded well to the situation and a tough run. I never seriously considered stopping halfway through or turning around. I kept going forward. I was disappointed that the circumstances didn't prove to be a good run. I'm not meaning to make excuses about why my run was bad -- I could and should be better trained. But I manned up to the conditions as best I could and I am proud of that. You may not get ideal conditions in your races, what counts is how you respond to those. It could have been a better run, but it wasn't. Feels like 101 is no fun. I'm crossing my fingers that when the weather calms down, I'll speed up.

Then today, I decided to tackle the 1500m swim. My legs were tired and a little sore all day (although the more I moved them the happier they appeared to be). Swim sounded nice. I can do 1500m in the pool without significant problems. My arms were getting pretty tired and everything, but not dying. How was the 400m open-water race swim so challenging? I knew it would make it harder, but I'm just amazed by how much of a difference it all made. That's what makes me nervous for the swim portion of the Olympic. I need to practice it more. And keep myself calm. It was a fairly uneventful swim...

1500m swim: 38:40
Three weeks ago: 39

Didn't really improve much, but I'll take it.

Bike tomorrow. This should be interesting. My splits were worst on the bike in my last triathlon and not great in my first, but it's the distance I'm least scared of. I'm just a slow cyclist. I'm interested to see how I do tomorrow. Hopefully it will be a little cooler, but I'm not counting on it.

Defying gravity

2009-08-24T21:30:00.002-05:00

Warning: If you don't like those posts about how someone turned lyrics of some song to fit them and it gave them all this inspiration, you probably won't like this post. Enjoy my next one instead. Otherwise:

So, I've spent a ton of time stressing and worrying about my upcoming triathlon (27 days!). I'm terrified. I won't lie. I'm in deep...

But. I'm not in over my head. And if I am, I'll find out. I'm crossing that finish line...or they are picking me up on the side of the road. This revelation came this weekend. First, on my way to Dallas to visit Kayle, I was talking to my mom, and I was saying how I really was in over my head and should have waited until last year. Trying to give me that option, she mentioned that I might be able to switch to a sprint (which would still be the longest tri I've done). My immediate response was "No, I'm doing it." Yes, I probably should have waited, but I didn't. Mom always taught me to follow through with my first commitment, even if something better or more desirable comes along. Well, Mom, that stuck. I'm doing it. The fact that it was so immediate in my head and rather inconceivable to switch gave me hope.

Secondly, on my way home, I was listening to the Wicked soundtrack I took from Kayle, I started listening to one of the songs...and I really felt it applied to me. It gave me inspiration. I'm defying gravity...or I will in September.

"I'm through accepting limits 'cause someone says they're so. Some things I cannot change, but 'til I try, I'll never know! ... I'm defying gravity and you can't pull me down!"
Fortunately, I have a very supportive cast (get it). I'm really the only person telling me I can't do it. I'm the one giving myself the limits. Saying I can't do this. Everyone else is telling me I can, actually. I say, 'I'm nonathletic and will be competing against really serious athletes here.' But I have to try. As Kayle said before our 33-mile bike ride: "If you're not in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?"

Then later in the song:
"To those who'd ground me, take a message back from me. Tell them how I am defying gravity. I'm flying high, defying gravity!"
This part may make me sound a little crazy because I have to talk about talking to myself. One part of me is saying "No, silly, you can't do this. Stick to the sprints." Well, I need to send the message from the other half of my brain, telling it, "Hey, we're doing this. Something amazing. Something unbelievable. Believe it. We're doing it."

This post sounded (slightly) less cheesy in my head yesterday. Either way, I've found my pre-race pep song.

I'm defying gravity!

And for your viewing pleasure:

Quickie

2009-08-23T22:05:00.001-05:00

The Redman will be over four weeks from today. I will be able to breathe a sigh of relief. Extensive sighing, however, may be too exhausting. We'll see.

I've got a great post in my head for you guys, but I had a long, tiring weekend, and I have to be at work before 7 a.m. tomorrow, which means I need to get my butt in bed! I've been home for less than a hour, so I'm not real keen on the idea, but my eyelids are heavy, so I should be able to make it work. Check back Monday evening for my post!

Hillapalooza Triathlon - Race report!

2009-08-16T20:21:00.004-05:00

Numero dos? Check!

From the beginning: Nick and I woke up about 4:15 this morning...way earlier than makes either of us very happy. I had some cereal and made a protein fruit smoothie and we were off! The tri was about 45 minutes from where I live, so it took us a bit to get there, and then we had traffic getting into the park. We made out way over to the transition area, I got marked, and I started unpacking. The whole tri was fairly disorganized, but much smaller than the one I did first, so I was able to unpack and get back out to hang out with Nick. I wasn't really nervous...maybe that was a bad thing. This is how I look when I have to wake up before the sun...hours before the sun:

Ready to go! As I said, the whole thing was disorganized, so the race started a good 15-20 minutes late, but finally, we were off! I'm somewhere in there among the yellow caps...
The swim was very humbling. I thought surely it would be no problem. I'd been training at more than 1000m, so what's 400 anyway? Boy, I struggled. I felt out of breath the whole time and I couldn't really control it. My stroke was good, except when I was hitting or kicking or being hit or kicked by other competitiors. I thought I'd struggled more, but as it turns out, I actually did quite well in the swim. I came out 38 of 89 women! I guess swim is still my strongest! When I got out, I heard some guy say we were at 9:30 minutes, but the time to get to transition doesn't necessarily reflect that.
Swim: 400m, 10:26

Out of the water I go! A smile on my face, theoretically ready to take all those hills! We had to run up the beach and into the transition area. My bike was right at the bike entrance/exit, but on the other end of the swim entrance/run exit. T1 went fairly smoothly. I just had to put on my socks, shoes, shirt and helmet...My goal was to cut down some time on transitions. (Just a reminder, T1 in the King Tut was 5:32...)
T1: 1:53 - Hell ya!

(I'm the one in the helmet.) On to the bike. Wow. It was tough. Very hilly. Windy. It was either 11 or 10 miles, depending on which portion of the Web site you look at. The first few miles were hilly and tough, but then we turned into the wind...and the hills got worse! There were some hills where I was literally in the lowest gear possible and I was just halfway up the hill! I was just hoping not to start rolling backward! I made it up all the hills without having to walk (and I did see some having to do that). Basically, I couldn't wait to turn around...just because I knew we'd be mostly downhill, with the wind at our backs, and I couldn't wait. Those three or so miles were fabulous! Then we headed back east and tackled a pretty big hill. Obviously, my legs are tired and all by now. I decided to grab a drink of water, even though I was only halfway up the hill, which was probably a bad idea anyway. When I was trying to put the bottle back, I fumbled and it fell. I stopped and tired to grab it while holding onto my bike, but that didn't work. This was my "good" water bottle, and I didn't want to lose it. The hill started taking control and it started to roll, so I dropped by bike to get it, bending the handle bars in the process. The part that sticks out where the brakes are, it's turned inward a bit. I got back on, finished the hill and made sure my gears and brakes worked just fine. They do, and I'm hoping it will be an inexpensive fix. Maybe next time, I should put my bike in front of my "good" water bottle. The rest of the bike wasn't too bad, except we were combined in one lane with runners coming in both directions, so it was a tight fit!

It turns out that I struggled on the bike even more than I thought. I came in 85 of 89, which really just shows me that I have a new activity to focus on...
Bike: 10.5 miles, 58:03

It's not a great picture of the bike, but Nick said I went by too fast. Moving on, my T2 was awesome. I pushed my bike up quickly (it was right there!), changed hats (helmet to Bob Stoops visor) and out I went. At 34 seconds, I was the second fastest of all the girls!
T2: 0:34

Then the run. The first half mile or so my legs were completely useless. I didn't really do any bricks leading up to the tri, and my legs showed it. I struggled, but I didn't want to walk. By the time we got to the bottom of the hill, though, I was feeling pretty good...of course, we had to then go UP the hill. My run was about like it always is. Slow and steady. During the triathlon, I felt much more balanced than I did in my first. I was starting to feel really hungry and a little sick at the top of the hill, ie, the turn around, and I wanted some gatorade. I was about to take water from the nice volunteer when another yelled she had gatorade. I said, 'I'd rather have gatorade,' and the nice volunteer warned me it wasn't very good. I grabbed it anyway. I think it was vitamin water stuff...and it wasn't very good. I did walk for a few steps when consuming my ade, but I don't really think that counts considering I haven't mastered the "running while drinking" thing yet. As I passed nice volunteer, I told her she was right and she offered me some water again, but I told her I'd be fine. As I got closer to the end of the run, I realized how bad of an idea that gatorade crap was. I had a bad taste in my mouth and my stomach started to feel nauseated. I kept running, until finally, the finish was in sight! This time, I didn't have my mom there to tell me if I was close to my goal time, and my kick wasn't particularly strong, but I finished! Another triathlon down!
Run: 2 miles, 24:55
Total: 1:35:53, just over my goal time.

It felt fast. I remember thinking at the end of the run that, although I knew it wasn't true, I felt like it had only been about 45 minutes or so. Guess I enjoy it, huh? Post race was a mess, too. The glasses for beer and the water were near the finish, the keg was by the portapotties and the food and pop was way over past the massage place...? It was windy, and chips and paper plates just didn't work. They were serving hot dogs, and I just wasn't interested. I had a little fruit, although they were almost out when I got in (Olympics hadn't started to come in yet!). I did grab some beer, mostly because I've heard about triathlons with beer and I wanted to partake, and I wanted one of the glasses! I only made myself half a glass anyway. It was before 10 a.m.

Overall, I'd say the experience was enjoyable. It wasn't as exciting as my first. I don't know if it's because it wasn't my first, because I didn't have a friend competing with me or because it wasn't the race I had my eyes set on and working toward...but either way, I still enjoyed it. Nice little race, killer hills.

I beat my goal of running the whole thing and my bonus of speeding up my transition times. I was close to my second goal (1:35:00), and I'll take that!

Special thanks to Nicholas, for the photos and for the support! Love you babe!

Just a few days...

2009-08-13T16:56:00.002-05:00

Thanks for the advice and setting me straight. I need to prioritize my triathlon when I can, but realize I sometimes prioritize sleep, my boyfriend, work and my health instead, which is probably a good thing.

This is probably my last post before my tri on Sunday, again, because I don't have the Internet at home right now. Hopefully, my fabulous guy will work on that while I'm at work on Saturday...? I got a chance to run a little after my post Tuesday. I went home and took an amazing nap which seemed to remedy all my problems, so I ran two miles. 23 minutes, which is pretty good for me. I'm planning on hitting the pool right after this before playing softball tonight and then rest Friday and Saturday.

I have other things I want to write about, but I need to hurry to get a swim in and get home and changed before softball, so I can't stay. I wanted to leave with some preliminary goals:
1) Finish, running the whole time. (I didn't push myself as hard as I could have in my first because I didn't know what to expect or how much energy I would need to finish, so I want to be able to do that this time now that I know.)
2) Finish in less than 1:35:00.
3) Finish in less than 1:25:00.
Bonus: Cut off time in my transition. I don't care how much. Just shave some time.

Two will be tough, but doable, I think, if I'm racing my best. Three will be really hard, so that's why it's there. I get you a race report hopefully Monday, or Sunday if Nick fixes my computer! After a nap, of course.

Happy training!

It just isn't in the cards

2009-08-11T16:07:00.002-05:00

Wow. Have I been struggling.

I was bad for about a week, then I got back on top of it all...then last week came...and this week. Ugh.

I took a break on Monday after my Olympic weekend (each distance for three days straight). Tuesday, I went to Edmond to see Kayle before she went off and moved to Texas! We went on a ride, which totally kicked my booty! Edmond is hilly. We road about 16 miles, many of which were uphill and my legs were still tired from the weekend before. It sucked, but it was really good to ride with Kayle. The following day was mine and Nick's four year anniversary. Amazing! We had a busy day, including Frontier City, The Hangover and dinner at Zio's, but not triathlon training. I was hoping to get out riding Thursday morning, but a storm kept us in bed. We did get out to play some tennis, but neither could muster a lot of energy. Friday, I went to Tulsa, Saturday to the play...neither day really making the time to work out.

I had it all planned out though. Sunday would be a big long brick to help prepare me for my tri on Sunday (400m, 11 miles, 2 miles), Monday I would rock it with a fast, hard swim, biking Tuesday, rest day to pick up my packet in OKC Wednesday, run Thursday, rest Friday and Saturday. Well...it just isn't in the cards.

Again, I wanted to get up Sunday morning to brick before it got too hot, but I had a really bad nights sleep, so I couldn't will myself to. I decided to go in the evening instead. I got all ready to go at 6 p.m., grabbed my bike and headed downstairs. When I got down, I realized I needed my bike lock to be able to let my bike out of my site, so I started to run back upstairs with my apartment key in hand...briefly. It fell between the cracks in the stairs into a pile of bushes and plants. Great. I expected to find it quickly, but it took me 45 minutes! I was about to call maintenance and I'd given up hope when I found it! (I had helpful neighbors, too!) At this point, I'm an hour later, still racing against daylight, and I'm tired from crouching in the bushes, so I head back inside. I'd just been locked out, so I didn't want to risk it happening again! Figured I could make up for it.

Well...yesterday we had big thunderstorm that knocked a bunch of limbs into a bunch of powerlines and much of the town was without power. I had power, but the gym (I don't think) did, and the pool would not have been open because of all the lightning anyway. It let up for a bit later, but I had already invited a few powerless friends over for some hot food. By the time they left, it was dark. Because I couldn't stay late and work yesterday (power was out), I got to work at 6 a.m. I don't get to work that early. I don't like it. When I wake up when it's still dark, I frequently get nauesated. Today was no execption. Oh, and I've had a headache since 9 p.m. yesterday. So now, utterly exhausted after a long day at work and my week thus far, headache abound, I'm not too eager to get in the pool, on my bike or in my shoes. I need to so bad though!

I'm worried I'm not going to do well in this tri. I'm not prepared. I can do the distances, but I haven't been training much the past month or so, and it'll be after a six day work week (this is only day 2!!!)...so I'm pretty bummed about it. I'd like to rock it. I really wanted to do one triathlon powerfully this season. The Olympic will of course be a struggle because it's long, so this was supposed to be fun and fast.

I know I've made a lot of excuses. Basically, I haven't made the time to do this, and things haven't fallen well for me. I want my headache gone and my racing fast!

Getting there

2009-08-03T18:49:00.003-05:00

At T-8 weeks, I was supposed to do test my strength and time at each of the three distances separately, and then repeat at T-4 weeks. I kept thinking it was last weekend that was 8 weeks, but I realized halfway through last week that I was wrong. I'm now at less than 7 weeks!!! So, beginning Friday, I tested myself. I'm actually quite happy with my results, not time really, but doing it!

They are as follows:
1500m swim - 39
28 mile bike - 2:45
6.2 mile run - 1:23
Total time: 4 hour and 47 minutes

My test times at four weeks will help me decide my goal and expected times, but I'm thinking 4:45 is about where I will be. Yes, I'll improve in 7 weeks, but also, I will have to add in transition time and lose time for adding all three together and being more tired. Not what I had hoped, but I'm good with it.

Swim: About 800m into it, my face started hurting. Does this happen to anyone else? It feels like there is a lot of pressure on it. I don't know if my face gets tired of breathing air out of my nose under water or if the goggles are somehow putting pressure on my cheeks, but it hurts. I had to turn over and do back stroke for about 75m. That, in addition to lifting up my goggles for that time, helped and I was able to finish. It happened when I'd tried a 1000m, too. Any ideas? Other than that, it was good swim. A little slow, but good.

Run: I ran Saturday. I took a 6.2 mile course roughly the same as my dad used to run. At about 2k, I started getting really tired and had to stop running. I thought, 'Man, is this going to be a looooong run!' Well, I walked some, started running and my dad pulls up with cold water for me! How sweet is that? He promises to come back again, and I keep running. I ended up walking only 4 times, for a total of probably less than 1 mile! I ran 5 miles this weekend! I'd never run more than 3 really! I was amazed. I had to walk twice in the last 1.5 miles, which was a little disappointing, but it was good. I felt like a runner. I remember when my dad was training for his marathon, we'd often see him on that road when we were driving and we'd honk and wave. That's the image I've always had when I think "runner." So to run on that same path, and to do so well, made me feel amazing. I actually, probably for the first time, felt like a runner! If only I'd picked up a golf ball or two on the way home...

Bike: I actually biked Sunday after my run on Saturday, so my legs were already tired. I woke up with my inner thighs sore, so I knew it'd be rough. The course was mostly flat, with a few big hills...that I rocked, by the way. About the turn around point, I was feeling pretty tired, but I did pretty OK. I stayed in the lead (I went with my parents) for most of the ride. My dad often went back to get my mom, who has a tendecy to gawk. With a mile and half or so left, I really wanted to finish strong and quickly, so I told my dad I'd meet them at the cantina (yes, for drinks), and started off. It didn't take more than 20 seconds for my legs to tell me "hell no" and that I wouldn't really be going all that fast after all. I listened, somewhat, a finished about a minute before my parents. It was a good ride though. I told my legs they'd get a break today, but would soon have to combine them all. My hips, especially, are so today.

I'm pleased. I'm getting there.

You know you're a beginner triathlete when...

2009-07-20T22:00:00.002-05:00

I love reading the "You know you're a triathlete when..." but honestly, they don't all refer to me because I don't have all the fancy gear and I've only done one triathlon. I'm a beginner. So in honor of that, I decided to make my own one, including everything I've felt.

You Know You're A Beginner Triathlete When...
10) You run out of sports bras and socks before anything else in your wardrobe.
9) You don't want new heels, you want new running shoes.
8) An hour-long game of softball or tennis isn't considered your workout for the day.
7) The accessories you're interested in purchasing include cycling gloves, a heart rate monitor and a sports bra.
6) You drive and actually notice hills on the road, always thinking how tough/fun each one would be to do on your bike.
5) Your mom tells you, six weeks out, that you're getting a new tri outfit for your birthday and you brag to anyone who will listen.
4) You don't covet your best friend's new car, you covet her new bike.
3) An evening of endless pool laps, an hour of reality TV and a short run actually sounds like an enjoyable one.
2) People ask you about your training or triathlons, you talk until they get bored and change the subject.
1) You can't imagine not doing triathlons, and you've only ever done one!

So there you have it. My list. How many relate to you?

Just an update:
Today, I decided to do some laps in the pool. I did:
- 150m warm up
- 300m tempo (took me 6 minutes, which is great time!)
- 700m base
- 300m tempo (7 minutes)
- 150m cool down
It was one of those days that you get in the pool and just know it will be a tough day.
Then, after some dinner and TV, I bought a watch (because I need something to time myself these days) and went on a short run. I wanted to go two miles, but I felt so sick after one that I stopped. I wanted to do a tempo, but my first mile was a disappointing 12:30 mile. And, I almost threw up. I'd eaten about an hour before, so I think that was it. And I really haven't felt well since...

Maybe I shouldn't have taken three days off in a row?

I ran Boomer!

2009-07-17T17:27:00.002-05:00

I don't really have time to post because I want to leave to see my amazing boyfriend and one of my best friends in the whole world...who are both waiting for me in Norman as I type!

But, I wanted to share my most recent awesomeness with you. Last night, I ran Boomer. I ran the whole Boomer Lake. The whole 3-mile Boomer Lake course!

For those of you keeping track of my 5k attempts...I've only ever run a continuous three miles once. In December. I couldn't make it through the shoot before vomiting. It was lovely. I did it yesterday in about 35 minutes (same time as in December) with absolutely NO vomiting, or nausea of any kind, and my kick...it was one of my best kicks EVER! I felt great. It was absolutely amazing.

My friends left me in the dust as soon as we started (and I was plagued with an awful stitch the first mile or so), but I kept running! Justin also ran it for the first time, so victory there, too!

I ran Boomer!

Blah

2009-07-14T18:58:00.003-05:00

I've been feeling a little down the past few days, which has made it hard to get out and train. Plus, it's like 200 degrees here in Oklahoma.

It's mostly work stuff, something I don't particularly want to get into here on the blog. I know it will go away soon and that I need to stay positive and motivated through it all.

I'm trying.

Becoming a runner

2009-07-09T21:12:00.002-05:00

Want to hear something amazing?

Yes?

OK.

I had a GREAT run yesterday! It was fabulous. Me. I hardly believe it. I started off not wanting to run. It was late, and I was tired from hanging out with Kayle all day. Oh, and my head was pounding. Anyway, as I start, I'm dealing with my knees hurting, thinking, man, I really need to get new shoes, but that went away. I felt good when I hit one mile. Then 2k. Sometime after 2k, I thought, 'you know, I might be able to run this whole 5k,' while thinking in the back of my mind that it would probably get harder and I may not. I decided I could definitely go to 4k...and almost convinced myself it was silly to stop at 4k. I kept running, and of course, it got progressively harder. I was starting to feel tired and sick shortly after 3k and decided to make it to 4k. I did! I actually ran more than 4k before stopping! I haven't done that in a long time, and I certainly haven't done it that strong. I decided to walk a bit and then finish fast (not kicking it speed, but at a good tempo). I was able to do that, and finished feeling REALLY GOOD! I like running a bit speeder, but I can't sustain it. I actually got a runners high. Good stuff.

I think one of the reasons it was such a good run was the temperature. It was after 8 p.m. when I left and it was cool out. It was that perfect temperature where you can go out in shorts and a tee and feel perfectly comfortable. Plus, I got wind off the lake, so that was nice to cool me down as the run progressed. I'm actually hopeful I can someday actually be a 5k runner! Woot!

I also had a mini-victory in swim this week. I swam more than I'm used to. I swam two 400m, and then did four 50m sprints. On the first 400m, I just swam normal speed, but for the second (after a minute and a half break) I tried to beat my first time. I knocked a minute off! That's a ton! I've realized it takes me about 2 and a half minutes to swim 100m at a comfortable pace...then I decided to torture myself and look at Michael Phelps' numbers. 51 seconds. Yeah. Awesome.

But it's been a good week...training-wise.

I also played our first softball game of the league. We got our asses handed to us. I hit twice but didn't make it on a base. Oh well. I feel like a jock now, by the way.

This post is a little scattered. Please forgive me.

For the record

2009-07-07T20:52:00.000-05:00

I'm so screwed September 20.

Thursday adventure

2009-07-05T12:38:00.003-05:00

I got to practice open water swimming this week! I haven't really (besides the river trip) done that since...um...well, the tri in April! One thing that's great about the news business is that you know a lot about what's going on around town. Well, Thursday, I was informed that a nearby lake would have a free day all day. I turned to a co-worker and said, 'Hey, let's go!' It was one of those, if she's interested, it could be a lot of fun, but I'm just throwing it out there and she can grab or not. I didn't really think she was interested until she was about to leave and mentioned it. She said she'd be cool with me training and bit and her just splashing around. We went for it.

I grabbed my wetsuit, knowing I'd look like a dork out in it alone. We drove out there. I'd never been to that lake, and there were a lot of twists and turns on the drive and fields...it took a while to find actual WATER. Finally, we did. I put the suit on, and we jumped in. I decided to swim out to a far off marker and back. I can't imagine it was more than 300m, but I really don't know. It was a good swim. My suit was totally boyant and even swimming against the wind wasn't bad. I got out there, looked back and thought, 'Geez, that's far. Really far away.' I started back a couple strokes and stopped, getting a little freaked out because I was getting tired and it was far. I sat there treading water easily and realized I would be fine. It was so easy to tread water in the wetsuit, so I knew I could do it all day if I needed. That was all I needed. With the mini-freakout over, I swam back well. I didn't get freaked out about the vastness of the water (which I did in the tri and before), nor did I worry about not being able to see anything (Oklahoma lakes are gross) AND I swam in a fairly straight line. Pretty good stuff.

I'm going to make sure I get out on the open water a few more times before my September tri (and my August tri should help me practice racing), so I'll be better prepared. But overall, it felt good to swim in my wet suit in open water. Lovely.

Then, we tried to leave. After sitting around and talking, it was getting dark and time to head out. I was driving and figured we could make it back since we got there in the first place. We were a few miles north of the highway and a few miles west of town. Somehow, we turned or missed a turn and started heading straight west. Of course, I felt like I was heading south, or at least southwest. We ended up on a dirt road...I made a left turn, thinking I'd hit the highway, but instead we went on a bridge over the highway. Wait a minute, there IS no bridge on 51. I couldn't figure it out. We kept going...eventually we'd hit something we recognized, right? It was getting pretty dark, too. We then go under a bridge. I know I need to be turning left, but for miles, there is no left turn. Finally, we get on this paved street. Oh! There's a sign! We are in Orlando. A tiny town 20 miles WEST of Stillwater...how? Well, we drive through town and try to find 51. Finally, we stumble on it and continue the trek home, finally knowing where we are and how to get back. We're still not sure how this happened, but the 20 minute or so ride home took an hour. Good thing we like an adventure...right?

And it begins...

2009-07-01T22:07:00.002-05:00

I'm again the worst runner among the pack. That was short lived.

I went running with some coworkers. One of them, Justin, started working out about three weeks ago and could barely run a half mile. He kicked my ass today. The girl ran cross country in high school and just started running again a few months ago. We've been pretty on par every time we've run together. She was stronger today.

To be fair and make excuses, I hadn't run in about a week and half, but still. We ran probably about 2 or so miles before stopping and walking once and then finished out with probably a half mile? I feel like I ran most of three miles. Anyway, Justin pushed us this time, instead of the other way. The run was actually really tough. I felt fine for a while, but then I started struggling, but I couldn't ask to stop! I was the triathlete of the group! So I pushed on. I was glad when Justin proposed a stop, probably because we were huffing and puffing so much. He wanted to go again before my body was ready. My legs were JELL-O, and my arms were actually numb, too. I'm not sure I've ever had by body feel numb before. It was new. I hurt.

Despite all that, it was good run. I feel great. I struggled, but I pushed myself and I came out on the positive side of it all. Now, I just need to triple my run and add some swimming and biking...

Wow

2009-06-29T22:07:00.002-05:00

It's been a crazy couple of weeks.

First off, the softball game went well. I wasn't great by any means, one of the worst on the team in fact, but I had a great time out there. I enjoyed playing and that's what matters. We won our first game by default and lost the second by one run. It was a placement game, so we'll see where we end up. Season starts next month...

After that, I went almost directly to Houston for a wedding. I only got work out once and it was a short 20 minute jog. Nick and I did spend a few hours at the pool goofing around during the trip too. Everything was fun and good. It was great to be there.

I didn't come back to Stillwater until Monday morning within 10 minutes of when I had to be at work. (I didn't want to drive home Sunday because we'd been in the car so long already!) Monday was crazy long and hot. I didn't want to run during my lunch break because it was hot and I hadn't spent any time at home. I held off, hoping to have time after work. No such luck. Long meeting...it was already dark. (And the gym closes at 9 too!) Tuesday was busy, too. During my lunch, I went to the store to get a new cell phone, which took and hour, and then I had to play with it. All the time, I'm trying to figure out how I can get out of town to see a hospitalized friend. I ended up rushing to OKC Wednesday after getting off work at noon. No workout then either. Right after that, I had to drive to Tulsa to do some Father's Day with my dad before crashing at Nick's parents for the night.

We left for our next vacation the next morning. We went to the Buffalo River with Nick's whole family. It was great trip. Much needed relaxation. Leave it to a triathlete to take a vacation and turn it into a mini-training session. I brought my goggles and practiced a little open water swimming in the lake. It felt good. Friday we went hiking, which took about two hours. The walk up, let me tell you, was a bitch. Very steep and hot. It was good though, since it'd been so long since I'd worked out. We spent Saturday on a canoe trip on the river. We really did more swimming than canoeing, but I got a nice burn...err, tan. Sure. Fun times. We came home Sunday and while you'd think I'd have learned my lesson, I ended up crashing at my parents instead of coming home last night.

Which brings you up to date. I didn't work out today for the same reason as last week. I figure I will be "hitting it hard" starting tomorrow. I'm motivated to get started again, but these two weeks were just so crazy, I didn't want to stress out too much about a workout...or 10. 83 days until the tri, though, so I know I can't mess around anymore.

New adventure

2009-06-17T21:39:00.003-05:00

Don't worry...I'm still focusing on triathlon.

But...I've joined a softball league. For those who know me, this seems impossible. I was the type of kid who let others "bat" in front of her in kickball/whatever in elementary and then went far off as possible when my team was in the outfield. I was the type of kid who could just stand around during tag and no one would tag me because that just wasn't fun. I'm totally uncoordinated, and I tend to shy away from things I'm not good at. But, right now, I feel like I'm at the time of my life to try a lot of new things and jump and new opportunities, so hell, when I was asked if I wanted to join the company softball league, I said yes. Our first game is tomorrow and I couldn't be more panicked!

I'm not much of a batter, can't really catch, and my throws are OK. I'm really afraid I'm going to look like an idiot out there and have elementary school flash backs. I bought a glove that cost more than entering the league. Those things aren't cheap! Our plan is to not practice and just go out there and play once a week. Awesome. So basically, I'm terrified. Any quick advice?

Training's been difficult this week. I'm going to get a swim in during lunch tomorrow. Right after the placement game, I'm heading to Norman for the night and then off to Houston for my friend's wedding! I'm totally excited for the weekend! I'm going to try to get a workout in Saturday morning because there won't be time Friday or Sunday.

That's all for now. I have to shave my legs because the $7 Nair I bought proved fairly worthless.

Since I've been gone...

2009-06-10T21:14:00.003-05:00

I've been busy since I've not been posting.

My legs are tired. Since my last rest day, I've:
- Run/walked 4.25 miles (longest ever for me...)
- Nice, short 20 minute run
- 18-mile bike ride
- 1.8 mile run, plus 0.8 mile walk with a little jogging
- 4-mile bike, 500m swim, 4-mile bike
- 3.2 mile run, with a little walking

I get a rest tomorrow. I'm sure they'll be pleased.

Few things of note:
- The 4.25-mile run. I was really pleased that I did it in one hour (I'm slow). At one point, about halfway through, I was feeling really sick, but I pushed through, telling myself it was all in my head. I think part of my nausea is in my head because I know if I start feeling sick, I'll walk and take it easy. My body's figured it out, so I'm going to try to ignore myself.
- The 18-mile ride was supposed to actually be 22 miles. I went to Tulsa just to ride with my parents. I told them I wanted to do between 20-25 miles, so my dad planned out a 22 miler. Not far into the ride (a few miles), my back tire gets a shard of metal in it, and blows. Awesome. When my parents catch up (yeah, catch up!), I tell them and we walk to a nearby bike store (It was close). They weren't quite open yet, so we waited. I spent 12 bucks and about 25 minutes to get it fixed. I got to shop at the bike store and I wanted to buy it ALL! I want gloves, more tri clothes, etc. Plus, there was this beautiful $1,700 bike that I sat on and fell in love with! It was a tri bike with fancy aerobars. Love it. Anyway, the ride had to be shortened for time restraints, but it was a great ride. My mom told me I "kicked her ass" on a hill, and my parents ride a lot, so that's a high compliment. I was in the lead a lot of the time. My mom like to take her time, for sure. We went against the wind for the last half, but it wasn't too bad because it was a nice breeze...I drank a Corona very quickly at the cantina after...
- Today, I went on a run with a few people from work. They (maybe both) are training for the Tulsa Run, too. The guy is starting to train in boxing for a column for the NewsPress (more details to come). He actually kept us at a great pace for the first half of the run. It was faster than we've been running and it felt good. I'm going to try to get myself there. It felt right. It was cooler today, so that may be why I felt so good during the run. I'll take it, though.

Those are my weekly highlights. I've started abs, inner thighs and pushups again. I've decided I have to do it before the workout or I just won't do it. Today, however, I wasn't good. I went to run straight from work, and we went to eat and I'm full now...

*Warning: Shameless plug*
One last thing. I'm going to do a shameless plug for my newspaper. My coworker (who I mentioned above) started training with this champion boxer. He's writing a twice a week column about his experiences. He admits he may be in the worst shape of his 23-year-old life. I know a lot of my readers are also transforming their bodies, so I thought you might enjoy it. Some highlights from his first workout include: "There wasn’t a muscle in my body that didn’t feel the workout — which lasted less than 35 minutes — after I was done. I sat on my living room couch wrapped in a towel for two hours afterwards. Not because it was comfortable, but because I couldn’t bend over to put pants on." I wouldn't forward you to crap, this will be quality stuff. I laughed out loud numerous times today. If your interested, visit our Web site to read more.

T minus 16 weeks!

2009-06-02T20:26:00.003-05:00

Oh my, I've started the countdown early!

I'm going to focus on running these next few weeks. I've decided against focus weeks, except for running. This should be fun...

I've felt pretty strong these past two days. I ran yesterday and while I had to stop a walk a lot during my 2.5 or so mile jog, I felt much better than I had the previous week. These two weeks of focus will hopefully improve my run significantly, so I can start off near where I should be. I swam today and let me tell you, my 400s this week felt so much better than my 350s last week! Faster, stronger and I didn't have to use backstroke. I feel like I'm getting into the groove of training again.

I had a late night last night, fitful night sleep and stressful early morning at work this morning. I was exhausted all day. But never did I let myself consider skipping the swim. Not once. I let myself go home at 4 p.m. instead of go straight to the gym, but it was nice and I laid out a bit and had dinner and then went to swim. I wouldn't let myself think about not going because I could have convinced myself not to go today. While I understand this is easier said than done, this is my plan for the next 16 weeks. Not even consider skipping training. I also want to do a better job of eating healthfully on most occasions.

During my swim today, I kept thinking about my first tri. I smiled in the water. Feeling strong and thinking about why I love the sport will get me through September when I rock it out at Lake Hefner!

Updated: I'm low on motivation.

2009-05-26T17:03:00.004-05:00

I'm low on motivation to get out there and start training. I was supposed to start yesterday, but as it was Memorial Day, and I had Nick around, I just didn't. (For the record, it's not that Nick is not encouraging. He is always supportive of me training/working out. It's just hard for me to motivate with him around because I hate to leave, even for an hour, when I only get to see him on the weekends!) Instead, we played tennis Sunday and Monday. The tennis actually put me in a less lazy mood each day, and I was feeling really good after it. It's just getting there that's the problem.

Now, I'm pretty concerned about already failing to get out there to train on day 1, but really, this can be day 1. I just need to motivate this afternoon. (I have been productive with other things, though.) Any advice?

I think I'll bike. I was supposed to swim yesterday, but I'll just skip it all and move right into Tuesday. Perhaps I'll go about 10 miles and make sure I take Marley and Me back to the Redbox while I'm at it...

Note: I did in fact make it out for a ride. A rode a little more than nine miles in a little less than an hour. It was good, solid ride, and I didn't struggle too much. I actually even did abs (including the dreaded plank), a few push-ups and some inner thigh exercises before I left and what's further, I went for a quick run around the apartment complex after the ride. Running after my ride = suck, so per Kayle's suggestion, I decided to try a little after this bike (and try to keep that up). It was a tiny run, but it was really hard for me, so I guess it's much needed practice!

What have I gotten myself into?

2009-05-22T21:11:00.002-05:00

So, every time I think about the distances and the magnitude of this Olympic I want to do, I get all nervous and freaky and worried.

My solution?

I registered. I'm doing it. I've committed nearly $100 (stupid processing fees!), so there you have it.

I also found a duathlon in Tulsa at the end of July and a small Sprint at the beginning of August, so if finances allow, I'm going to do both of those in prep. The duathlon will help me with my distances and my brick for sure, and the Sprint will give me a little more practice in a race situation without going too crazy a month before my tri. Again, if finances allow, I'd like to sign up for some 1ok or 5k races as practice, too. I mostly need practice in open water in a race-like situation, but in Oklahoma, you just don't have a lot of options. (People have offered to get in the water and kick me in the face to practice...Is that nice?)

In my last post, I said I would be getting a last Zumba and elliptical work out in. I didn't do either, but I did swim and bike and run. Guess I know I'm ready to jump into training full force! I was rusty at all three, to say the least, but nothing I'm too worried about. I expect my body to bounce back nicely. I ran today, and honestly, I can't say I cared much for the heat. I really felt like it zapped my legs of all energy. Still, I ran for 17 minutes straight before walking. It's not great, but when you think of how I could barely run for one minute when I started this thing, I'm not starting off badly. Of course, I have just as far to go, and in less time, since I'm increasing my distances.

Someone told me I shouldn't really do focus weeks, but I should concentrate on my run during this whole thing. I feel like that didn't get me where I wanted to be last time around (I didn't concentrate on my run at all, but I was pleased with it.), but experts know more than I do. I'm torn.

Next week will be real training, but will still be a "feeler" week to kind of see where I'm starting. This week helped that, but next week will for sure show how quickly I'll bounce back...We'll just have to see...

It's gonna be tough

2009-05-18T14:42:00.002-05:00

I went swimming today. It was hard to motivate to get there. It's going to be tough to get started again. While I've been working out, it hasn't been with the same motivation behind it, if that makes sense. Harder to get there, and that will again be tough to break. Eating, too.

I'm going to get all three tri disciplines in this week, and hopefully do the elliptical machine and one last Zumba class before training starts again. Then ext week, I'll do a workout plan much like what I had for the Sprint (with one day of doubling up and two days off), to get back into the swing of things. I'm thinking I do want to do two-week focus groups, focusing on one of the three, while still doing the others a little. I think I've worked it out to do those, plus I have two weekends of vacation in June, so those weeks will be a little more relaxed, and it should get me to where I'm balancing all three with eight weeks left until the tri! Do you think that will be enough time? I'm really hoping to focus weeks can get me prepared distance-wise for the tri. I thought the last tri was going to be the hardest, and doubling the distances would be cake, but I am terrified. The whole things is going to be tough...maybe the hardest thing I've done.

My preliminary schedule is a little tough to explain. I'll basically do one of each for three days, then double up, then take a day off and do it over again. This way, the off days and doubles will rotate. Most weeks, I'll only have one day off, but every once in a while, I'll have a week when I get two days off. (Week 1: Run-Swim-Bike-Run/Swim-Off-Bike-Run, Week 2: Swim-Bike/Run-Off-Swim-Bike-Run-Swim/Bike, etc.) Make sense? That's the plan, obviously, for the last eight weeks.

I'm still working out the schedule to make sure it fits with my life (I'm out of town lots of weekends, etc.), plus I want to review more professional plans. I need to add weight training in there somewhere, too. Definitely still a work in progress...

What do you think?

Semi-update

2009-05-13T21:35:00.002-05:00

So, I haven't posted in a while...

I've heard some "truths" about myself lately that have been hard to hear. Its sort of sent me into a mini-tailspin and I've definitely had better months. I don't want to go into a lot of detail for various reasons, the most of which is because I hate looking like my life isn't totally put together. Anyway, I'm dealing with some things personally, and I'm really not sure about what my near-to-mid future is going to look like. What I do know, however, is that I'm doing that Olympic in September. It was my New Year resolution, it's my personal goal for the year, and I'm going to do that. Nothing will stop me (if I need to eat ramon for two weeks straight to pay for it...so be it!). Basically, that will be one constant in my life and I look forward to it helping me through this all.

On such a cheerful note, I will briefly say that I have yet to get on my bike since my triathlon. If you're living in the center of the United States, you probably understand that there's been about three beautiful days in the whole past month, none of which fell on convenient days for a ride. I do plan on getting on it soon, however, since I've got a 50k bike at the end of this month! I may start training for real a bit next week, too.

Quick question for the experts (everyone who's done more than me)...should I do "focus groups" of two weeks where I focus on one of the three (while doing maybe one of each of the other two each week) to improve? I've read this is good for all triathletes, and I think I could use it, but I'll only have about 16 weeks of training total before the Olympic...suggestions?

A moment like this

2009-05-02T16:55:00.003-05:00

So, I heard Kelly Clarkson's, "A Moment Like This," yesterday in the car. Naturally, I first went to thinking of great moments with Nick, like when we danced on the pier in Padre on our first anniversary. But I never like to think of songs one-dimensionally, so I quickly started thinking of my tri. Some people wait a life time for a moment like that. Really, crossing that finish line is just an amazing rush. I immediately thought I couldn't wait to feel that again, to do another triathlon. Like tomorrow. I think I've joined the ranks of those other crazy folks who are addicted to the sport...If only every training session could be like the tri...

Anyway, I thought I'd share that moment with you. Of course, doing one today would have been a disaster! I was not prepared, by any means. I did go swimming today. It's the first time I've done any of the three since my tri almost two weeks ago (I've been zumba-ing and elliptical, etc.). It was fun. It was indefinitely a feeler workout. I had done some weights before, so my arms were a little tired. It went well, though. I got to sport my Playtri bag and swim cap! That was exciting. Yes, I know, I am a bad ass.

I've decided to officially start training for my olympic-distance no later than May 31 (exactly 16 weeks before the tri). I may start a week before that of just getting back into the swing of things -- not real intense, but practicing the three sports. Thoughts?

I'm running tomorrow...wish me luck!

I'm 23.

2009-04-28T20:11:00.002-05:00

OK, I was 23 yesterday, and I will be 23 tomorrow. Not much is changing with that.

In fact, I am 23.6 years old. I decided to test my "Real Age," something I stole from a fellow blogger who was able to drop seven years from her "Real Age" in a matter of nine months! Go on the site, fill out all the questions and it will calculate your real age.

According to the site, my Real Age is 23.4! Hey, as long as it's equal to or less than my current age, I figure I'm totally happy with it. Looks like I'm right where I should be. It's suggestions for me: get a dog (no money or time!), monitor my blood pressure and heart rate (I know they're in the good category) and drive slower.

One big thing is it said I need to work on my diet. Not new news by any means, but I think I'm going to try to work on that. I'm not getting a real balanced diet, even though I have done a good job at controlling my moderation. Maybe I'll start monitoring what I eat and try to get the recommended amounts of things...Novel idea, huh?

Post tri post

2009-04-27T21:47:00.002-05:00

It's been a little more than a week since I conquered the amazing task. I'm "over" the disappointment of coming in so poorly compared to everything else. Long story short, it bothered me because I have a history of being really bad at everything I try (bowling, art, music, sports, etc, basically anything that takes a "skill"). Part of my reason for racing was to do something completely uncharacteristic of me and be OK (mediocre is fine!) at it to break that pattern. That was one of my goals I did not accomplish. The lack of sleep and the emotionally and physically exhausting week I had had lead to that disappointment turning into a huge ordeal. I put "over" in quotes because I'm not sad about it anymore, but it's a bigger issue that I'm going to continue to struggle with for some time. We all have our baggage.

I decided well before my race that I would take a month "off" of training. Off is in quotes because I still plan to work out about four times a week, I just wanted to be able to vary my workouts a bit (zumba, elliptical machine, etc.) and get some weight training in. I love biking and swimming, and I can tolerate running, so I don't plan to cut those completely out, I'm just not going to ONLY do that. Beginning June 1 (or earlier), I'll be training hard core for my Olympic distance, which I plan on doing in September. My New Years resolution was to do an Olympic by the end of tri season and I've found a perfect one! I'm going to do that Redman in Oklahoma City. I didn't think they had anything shorter than a half Iron, but I had wished they did because it was going to be perfect timing and lo and behold, they do! If I decide I can afford it, I'd like to do another sprint distance this summer. I really enjoyed that length. Also, my sister, mom and I decided to run the Tulsa Run on Halloween. It's a 15k run, something I NEVER thought I'd do! But I figure I should be training at close to that length anyway for my tri in September, so I should be able to do it. We are all trying to convince our husbands/boyfriend to join in and make it a huge family event! We'll see.

So basically, that's my next 6 months. Enjoying the food I shouldn't be eating, shaking up my exercises, and then training for an Olympic Tri and 15k run! Shall be an interesting year...

Details, details!

2009-04-22T21:08:00.003-05:00

My internet has been out, so I haven’t been able to give an update until now! Boo!

Let’s see. I need to give you a detailed description of my first tri! WARNING! THIS POST IS LONG!

Because of the funeral and things, we didn’t get down to McKinney until after 10 p.m. No bueno. I practiced taking off my wetsuit a few times because I didn’t want to struggle with that and lose time during the tri. Kayle and I talked for a little while, then we attempted (key word) to sleep. My alarm went off at 4:45 a.m. …ugh! Again, no bueno. So anyway, I eat, we pack up out stuff and get outta there! I rode down with my parents, so my dad had to drop me off like I was still in middle school. We went to get my packet (since I couldn’t pick it up the day before). I was number 119. It’s still on my arm and leg, as well as my age, if I ever forget. Kayle and I set up our transition area and then went to scout the swim course and go potty while the port-a-potties were still fairly clean. We met a bunch of other newbies and hung out until race time. My dad took a pre-race picture. I’m putting on my wetsuit:

Before our wave started, we got to get in the water. It was chilly, but not as bad as either of us were expecting. That is, of course, until we got out and were freezing! Nervous, too, naturally. Well, finally our time arrives and we are told we have 2.5 minutes to get to race start. All of a sudden, as soon as we jump in, we have 10 seconds before the race starts! We weren’t really to the “start” when the race started and more than half the girls were behind us. I got kicked and groped…a lot. I had to stop every few strokes to see if I was going in the right direction or to avoid a kicker. I think I lost some time with that. The swim was LONG. Much more so than I expected. The excitement and the open water made my lungs react weird, so it was harder than it could have been. We turned around and, BAM, all there was was sun! It was hard to see if we were even going in the right direction! My mom said a bunch of girls were swerving around and she didn’t understand why. I kept trying to see where the markers were. When I finally got the end of the swim, there were people there to help you out of the water and…out of your wetsuit! They yelled “on your back, we’ll do the rest” which is really dirty, but I let them rip my clothes off of me. The only problem was, then I had to run to the transition area (pretty far away, actually) with my belly jiggling. I put my wetsuit in front to hide. I saw my parents as I was running up and posed for this picture:

Unfortunately, as I ran by the blank look on my parents’ face showed me they didn’t actually see me. As I passed, I yelled, “you’re missing me,” and apparently, everyone laughed. My dad ran to get more pictures of me and they met me near the transition area (there was a fence but they could be close). I transitioned OK. It took me 5 minutes though. I messed with my watch for about 30 seconds before I gave up and left. Transition shot:
“Later Kayle!”

The bike course had a few hills. Mom remarked about the wind, but compared to what we did in that 33-miler, this wasn’t bad. The h ills were long, but not too bad. My ride was slow and I was passed a lot! Including by Kayle, who just always has to be one ahead. A 12-year-old passed me. Lots of guys, who all started after us ladies, passed me. It was a two loop course, and the good part about it was that the area where all the spectators were was downhill, so you got to pretend like you were faster than you really were riding. There’s really not much to say about the ride. My legs were tired and I didn’t want to give it all I had left because running is such a struggle for me. Dad got more pictures:

The second transition was quick because I didn’t have to do much. Just change hats, basically. Off I went. Another transition shot:
“Later Jessica!”

The very beginning of the run had a steep hill (I mean, we aren’t even out of the tri area yet) and I and a few others were walking (transition was tough on me) and this little boy commented, “Mommy, the runners aren’t running.” Thanks kid. The run was supposed to be “hilly and challenging” but there were just a few really short, really steep hills. We went in tunnels under the ground three times and those were the hills. To conserve energy (because I didn’t know what lay ahead), I walked those hills. I’m not disappointed I walked. I walked only 10 steps at any given time and only one the hills, when I drank water once and one other time. My right ankle hurt every time I pounded the ground from the first step and my left joined in about halfway through the run. My whole body was in pain the entire 38-minute run. Going through my mind was, a) Ow, b) this is the most amazing experience ever, c) I’m almost done. After the second mile, this guy passed me and said, “C’mon, we’re almost there!” I sped up slightly with that encouragement, but it wasn’t a pace I felt like I could keep. I was going slowly, but I could see Kayle ahead of me the whole time, going at my pace. Of course, being Kayle, she sped up when she saw how close I was. Still, she was not far off and that gave me confidence. I kept running. I didn’t think of stopping, just finishing. Since I was in pain, I didn’t think I had a kick left in me. I stressed the whole time about not being able to finish strong like that. I also thought about what I wanted my ending pose to be for the camera. I decided on this:

As my dad took this picture, my mom yelled to me, “You have 53 seconds to make it under two hours.” Of course, my mom’s time was wrong because I came in seven minutes under the two hour mark, but that’s cool. It made me kick so hard! I passed two people in the last 15 yards or so! It was really strong and I have no idea where it came from. I probably could have kept going at my speed and still made it within 53 seconds, but I wasn’t going to leave that to chance. I smiled a lot after.

Kayle and I are triathletes!

Like I said before, I was very pleased with my time when considering how I felt I’d do. My T1 could have been quicker and I think my bike could have been as well. I’m pretty sure I could cut a few minutes off just by having done it before.

Thanks for making it through my post!

I've joined the club.

2009-04-19T22:00:00.002-05:00

I am a triathlete!

Kayle and I woke up early this morning and tackled our first triathlon! We both finished in less than two hours (personal goal). Kayle came in just two minutes ahead of me having passed me on the bike.

Here are my times --
Swim: 11:22.55
T1: 05:32.20
Bike:56:47.60
T2:01:11.80
Run:38:56.80
Overall:1:53:50.95

I was pretty pleased with my run. As you all know, I'm an awful runner. As I was finishing, my mom told me I had 53 seconds to make it under two hours (she was clearly off), so I bolted. I passed two people in a few yards. I had thought the whole run that I wasn't sure if I was going to have a kick left in me, but apparently I did! I came in well under two!

Unfortunately, my joy was halted when I saw how poorly I did compared. Before you say anything, I know I was competing against myself and it was my first tri ever, but most of the people we talked to were also there for their first, so I shouldn't have been so slow compared to every other competitor. It just hit me so hard because I worked for so long and I know most of those people did NOT work harder than I did, but still beat me. I don't really feel like I excel in much, so it was just another blow for me. I never expected to win, but coming in nearly last isn't so cool. I know I should be happy that I finished a race and I had time I was originally happy with, but I go back and forth with my emotion about this thing.

Anyway, I'm utterly exhausted (4:45 a.m. is way, way too early for Miss Jessica). I'll have more details and pictures in the next few days!

Now that you know that unathletic Jessica can accomplish this goal, you know that you, too, can finish whatever you set your mind to!

T minus 2.5 days!

2009-04-16T21:15:00.002-05:00

This will probably be my last pre-race post. Wish me all kinds of luck, please.

While I still plan to do the race, my plans have changed completely. Unfortunately, there was an awful death in the family. Nick's sister died in a car accident Tuesday. The funeral is Saturday afternoon, and my race is Sunday morning about four hours away. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they try to get through this difficult time.

Because of the change in plans, I did not get on my bike this week, but I'm OK with it. I ran a bit today and was able to practice an open water swim Tuesday before I found out the horrible news. Kayle and I met halfway between us and put on our wet suits (first time) and open water swam (first time)! It was freaking cold, and it was really weird to us how the water infiltrated the suit slowly and coldly. (My quote: "It's like I'm peeing cold," as the cold water ran down my leg.) At first, I was completely overwhelmed by being in such a large space, where frankly, I couldn't see underwater because of all the nasty. It was really difficult to adjust, and I was getting there when we got out. I still think the swim Sunday will prove a little challenging in that regard. I'm glad we got that practice in.

After my run this evening I am done training. If I don't have it by now, I probably won't have it. I actually haven't done a lot of transition work, so I think I'll still watch some videos and practice taking my wet suit off. There's just now a ton extra stuff going on.

Unfortunately, I don't think Nick will be coming to the race anymore. He's planning on staying with his family another night. I'm not going to say I'm not disappointed, I was really hoping to see him as I crossed the finish line, plus I think I deserve a kiss, if I don't vomit that is. But I know that if he needs to be in Tulsa, that's where he should be. I don't fault him, and he doesn't fault me for leaving town Saturday.

Finally, my goals:
1) Finish the triathlon. If this happens, it's a total success.
(My other two, I must say, I think will be challenging. I'm not actually sure which will be more likely to happen, so they are in no particular order.)
2) Finish the race, having run the entire 3.1 miles.
2) Finish the race in less than 2 hours, including transition time.

Wish me luck and keep us in your thoughts and prayers!

I just may be a triathlete when you see me next!

T minus....ONE WEEK!

2009-04-12T22:02:00.002-05:00

AAAAHHHH! I'm terrified.

I still haven't been able to do an open water swim! Kayle was totally planning on coming up here and we were going to head to the lake and do a quick swim Thursday, but no. Someone had other plans. As Kayle puts it, "Someone up there doesn't want us to do an open water swim." Wildfires. Multiple. And, as the reporter that I am, that kept me at work until 9 p.m. Not only that, but had that not been a factor, the smoke was so thick all around town (and even worse at the lakes), it wouldn't have been good for either of us, and the roads were blocked off. Great. I'm going to try to go out tomorrow or Tuesday because I for real need to...I've never swam in open water before! Or with my wetsuit! I'm a little worried about going out there by myself, though. Gah!

I biked and ran this weekend. As far as food goes, I didn't eat real well, but I made wise choices. We were celebrating my sister's birthday and Easter, so that came complete with fried rice, egg rolls, fried cheese wantons and German Chocolate Cake. Easter, of course, came with ham, deviled eggs (amazing!), rolls, a number of other foods and chocolate! They even had my favorite pop, but I chose water instead! Again, I made wise choices on my portions and never got above a 7 or 8 (I'll explain in a minute). I'm eating my amazing See's candy one per day until after my tri. I think that's reasonable. Real test, though!

The number thing is from a study I heard about. They asked people to rate their fullness on a scale from 1-10. One means practically starving still while 10 is about to burst...100 percent overfilled. They found that overweight individuals consistently measured themselves a 9 after every meal, while their average weight counterparts were a 7, not hungry, but not really full either. Now after big meals, my family always says what they are, which is usually higher than it should be (again, after big family meals, like holidays). I remained a 7 almost the whole weekend, which is always tough when there are about 10 different amazing things to eat! Try it out and see what number you are!

She's got the look, and race results!

2009-04-06T13:07:00.005-05:00

Race results first:
As you know, Kayle and I tackled the Redbud Classic 33-mile bike tour Saturday morning. We woke up at 5 a.m. (OK, I'm only happy seeing 6 a.m. or earlier on two occasions: leaving for a vacation or Christmas morning!), got ready and headed out in the pitch black to OKC. We were two of the first people there, and we had no idea what to do, having never done a bike race before. Do you take your bikes up when you get your number? We got there about 10 minutes before the packet pickup was supposed to open so we sat in the car and waited. We saw a couple people head up there having left their bikes in the car, so we did the same. We went back and chilled in the car until it got closer to race time (we got there an hour before it started). Fortunately, our people-watching skills paid off because we also learned to put the number on our backs, which makes total sense. We had to wear long-sleeved shirts over our cool new tops because it was a bit chilly and pretty windy. After that was all done, we got our bikes out and headed to the starting line, after, of course, shooting a few pre-race pictures:

The race was hilly! I had no idea it would be. It was literally 33 miles of hills! The wind picked up about the middle of the race, as forecasted, but fortunately, it was a south wind and the majority of the race was east/west. About halfway through, as we had turned into the 30 mph gusts wind, a really nice guy suggested that Kayle, who was on her mountain bike, adjust her seat up to help her pedal better. Our halfway stop was just ahead so he waited for us and clicked hers up a few notches. Also, they had awesome granola bars there. When we started on the second half, thinking we'd have more down that up hills (since we had a TON of ups on the way there), Kayle was in a better mood as the seat adjustment had helped a lot! There, somehow, was just as many up hills, and they were tough. At about mile 26 or so, we turned south. As I turned, I noticed a huge hill and about halfway up the hill are about 15 people...all walking! I tried my best with all my might to get up that hill, but I, too, had to get off and walk. There were actually two massive hills both heading south into the wind. I wasn't even sure my legs would be able to finish walking up the second one! After that, another big hill forced me off my bike, but I still think I did pretty well. We crossed the finish line together at 3:32. Not bad, especially with all things considered. We got all got a medal, which I wore most of Saturday and Sunday. Hey, I'm freaking proud!
Later that day and the following day, my legs weren't too bad. They were tired, but not really sore. My shoulders, which starting hurting about mile four, have been pretty tight and sore, but I'm impressed with my body.

As for the first part of the title, I've got a story for you. During my long lunch break today, which is now, I went to the pool, like I've been doing a lot on Monday. As I was getting ready to get in, this man randomly asked me when my next event was. It took me by complete surprise! I explained that my first tri is in about two weeks (13 days!!!), and he started asking about it. He said he started racing about a year ago, so I asked if he had any advice. He came over and sat by me and gave me mostly transition advice for about 15 minutes or so. It was fabulous to actually talk to someone whose done it and be able to ask questions in real time. Of course, all the transition talk got me a little worried because I'm pretty unprepared for it. The craziest part about it was that I have no idea how he knew I did events. Do I have the "triathlete" look? Even the athlete look? Does he assume because I'm regularly there? I have no idea, but it made me feel kind of cool that he's noticed. Some vibe I'm getting off, or something. That's awesome. Really.

I've become a lot more comfortable in the past few months volunteering the information about my triathlon. I think I was hesitant for so long because I didn't really see myself doing it, or I thought people would think I'm silly or that I couldn't. I'm so close to proving those people wrong, and after a 33-mile bike tour, I know I can do it. Maybe now that I feel like a triathlete, it's coming across that way. Either way, I'm pretty uplifted by the whole event.

T-minus two weeks!
Wow, 13 days to go before my tri! I never thought I'd get here. I'm freaking out, people! Any last words??? This week, I'm going to focus on my eating still, but with Easter and my sister's birthday celebration, it's going to be tough! Workout-wise, I'm going to get my tough things in this week, so I can taper off next week. I did five 100m sprints at the pool today, and I'm going to do a brick tomorrow (3 mile bike, 1 mile run, x3). I'm also going to try to get an open water swim in, but if the weather doesn't cooperate, I guess I'll take my wet suit to the pool at the gym. I need to train in both! All last ditch efforts before tapering happens next week!

Saturday's goals

2009-04-02T21:51:00.002-05:00

I didn't end up biking today. I know, I know! I don't need a lecture. It was cold and windy today, not to mention I didn't get off work until sunset because I went to a work-related dinner. Which, by the way, had an interesting story. I order a sandwich, toasted, and fresh fruit. I really wanted fries, totally craving them, but made myself make the right choice and get fruit. Little did I know, toasted meant really buttery and toasted (wouldn't have made that choice!). Also, they brought fries instead of fruit! And the guy seemed really surprised when I said we'd ordered fruit. So basically, they brought me fruit and told me the fries were a bonus...great. I ate about half of them! Again, I know, I know, but where am I supposed to have will power when they bring the very thing I'm craving and didn't order???

Tomorrow will be a busy day, too, but I'm mostly packed. I'm heading to Edmond and Kayle and I (and our boys) are going to eat some pasta. The race starts early (7 a.m.) Saturday morning, so we're getting up early and heading over there. It's 33 miles with six, I think, water stops. It's supposed to be mid-50s to mid-60s for the race and windy! My goals are:

1) Finish the 33-mile bike tour. If I do this, it will be a success.
2) I'd like to do it in less than three hours, but with stops and natural slow down as I get tired, we'll see.
3) Let's say doing it in less than 2:40 would be pretty cool. That's less than 5-minute miles the whole way...

When things click

2009-04-01T20:48:00.003-05:00

When things just click, it's pretty awesome. This week has been good, workout wise.

Monday, I was able to head out for a 16.5 mile ride. My longest ride ever, until this Saturday, that is. I figured it was half the distance of our bike tour, so I should see how it goes. Well, it went pretty well, actually! I got all ready to go and decided to ride out to Boomer Lake, where I often drive and park to ride, around it and ride back. The way there was nice and fast (with the wind behind me), but as soon as I got to Boomer, I saw a looming storm cloud I'd read about. I tried to rush, but of course, the wind was at my face this time. It was totally weird. I had wind coming at me and a storm chasing me. Crazy, huh? Just like Hooch. (Very few will probably get the reference, but Nick will smile because Hooch is crazy.) I'm telling the truth though. So anyway, this nasty looking storm cloud is chasing me the whole way home. I make it up the killer hill at the end of the ride and get inside with about 10 minutes to spare before the rain starts. (The whole ride took me 1.5 hours, which is what I expected.) This is what it looked like right outside my apartment when I got back:
Anyway, the shorts were great and worked well. I think I'll do OK on the 33-mile tour, especially with a few breaks. I bought some Power Bars to help me through it.

Tuesday morning I went out (even though it was cold) and ran for 33 minutes, straight! I know this doesn't seem like much since I've been training for so long, but the longest I've ever run continuously is 35:30, so that's good. I wanted to run for 30 minutes, but I wasn't quite back to the gym in time, so I went another 3! I was so proud, but my kick at the end was rather pathetic. I was tired after, but I think it was a great run all things considered. After the run, I did a few abs and then went and swam a 600m in the pool. Nice swim, too.

Today was an off day, but I can't help thinking about how well my bike and my run have finally clicked for me. Remember a few weeks ago when I wrote (I think) about my swim clicking and how I could just keep swimming all day? Well, finally the other two have, too! My bike's been so challenging since winter, and my run has always kicked my a**! I'm sure it's a combination of things, but I wish I knew why. Because eating well has that big of an effect on my workouts? Because my months and months of training have finally paid off? Because I was just having a great two days? Because it was double fluke? Because I'm that awesome? Because work isn't too bad this week so I'm in a powerful mood? I'm not sure, but I like it. Also, I've been very diligent about my abs and inner thigh workouts this week. Motivation has been up. Let's keep it up!

T minus 3 weeks

2009-03-29T21:53:00.002-05:00

Holy crap, that's not very far away.

Guess it's time for an update. Things have been better. I've been doing really well on the eating thing. I know this because I've been hungry all week! Healthy food doesn't necessarily stay as long in your digestive system as "crap." I'm pretty sure I haven't been skimping on food, just eating correct portions of the correct food. My stomach will adjust. Work has gotten slightly better as well, but I'm not holding my breath about it.

Last week's workouts didn't go as planned, at all.
- Monday: I worked late Monday and because of a storm, I wasn't able to swim (they closed the pool because of thunder as soon as I got there), and I didn't have other workout clothes, and it was too late when I got off work.
- Tuesday: I biked, but it was short ride, and you read about that in the last post.
- Wednesday: I was going to make Nick run with me, but I had the worst headache, so we skipped the run. (See, not doing so well!)
- Thursday: I did alright. I swam at lunch for a good 45 minutes or so, but I didn't make it after work because again, I got off work too late, and my gym closes at 9 p.m.
- Friday: I had to go in early to work Friday because of a plane crash south of town, so I rushed over during lunch to get a quick run in. I had to be back at 12:40, and I couldn't get out of there until about 12, so with changing twice, I only got a 17-minute work out in. But I did run 11 minutes on 6 mph (which is fast for me) incline 1 percent. I thought that was pretty good for me. The other 6 minutes of the workout was a 3-minute warm up and a 3-minute cool down. I had to get out of town ASAP, too, because a nasty snow storm was supposed to hit after 4 p.m., so I didn't go again after work.
- Saturday: We didn't get the snow we were promised, and I was heartbroken. Kayle and I went to the gym in Norman and did the spin bike for 30 minutes and then took a lap around the track (1/6 mile) for good measure. We did abs and inner thighs, too!
- Today: Kayle and I ran outside and she pushed me some, and after, more abs and inner thighs. We're such girls.

Kayle said today that I've improved a lot on my run and my abs. (Well, good, since it's been 8 months...) But really, it's good to know all the work has amounted to some change. My run, she said, is more consistent, which is good, I guess. I still need to work on speed, but I'm doing what I can. I don't do abs as often as I should because I really don't like them. I know it's my problem area, so it's even more important for me to concentrate on them.

Our 33-mile bike tour is Saturday, and I'm pretty worried. Honestly, mostly about my shoulders and neck because I get really tense in those areas on my bike. I think my whole body is still adjusting to the new bike. We're going to take it slow and ride together, so it should be fun regardless. After that, my boyfriend is going to make me go to the Medieval Fair. OK, I'm a geek and I LOVE the Medieval Fair, but I'm not sure how much I'm going to want to walk after that bike ride. We'll see...

Real life biker

2009-03-24T20:37:00.003-05:00

I went on a short (because the sun was setting) ride today, and even though it was a bit cold, I threw on my new shorts, which I haven't been able to wear yet. My legs are still cold, an hour later, from wearing shorts, but it was worth it because they made me feel like a legitimate bicyclist. It was empowering. I know it's silly, but perception is everything, after all.

T minus 4 weeks, and counting

2009-03-22T19:19:00.003-05:00

My first triathlon is now a mere four weeks away.

A lot of things need to change now. Starting tomorrow, I'm "hitting it hard" as my mother would say. I won't be drinking ("I'll have a Shirley Temple, please!"), I'll avoid smoky bars and places more than I already do ("Let's go here instead.") and I'll be eating healthfully ("Mmm, carrots!"). I'm avoiding any food that makes me feel "blah" or sluggish, and trying to only put stuff in my body that will help me race better. I had my last hurrah this weekend, so now I'll concentrate on non-processed foods and good fuel for my body. I'm looking forward to the change because I think it will help me in other things, too. Nick said he's going to try to eat well with me, so that will be nice. I'm making something yummy for us Wednesday!

Also, I'm going to be diligent about my training, which has been lacking. I think part of the reason it is is because of work problems I'm having, but I'm going to use it as a release from that and somehow try not to let work get to me. Any suggestions on that?

We didn't get to try out open water swim this weekend because the weather didn't agree with us. Can't trust Mother Nature to accommodate you if she doesn't want to, that's for sure. Hopefully, we can find a time or two in the next four weeks, but it's tough because Kayle and I don't live in the same town, we have a 33-mile bike race in two weeks, and Easter is in three weeks. Maybe next weekend?

I feel like I had a thousand more things to say, but I can't seem to remember them now. Until next time...

My outfit!

2009-03-19T20:29:00.002-05:00

The big news of the week is...I GOT MY TRI OUTFIT!

I'm so excited!
The tight shorts, however, are unforgiving both on the thigh and on the stomach area. I think intensive inner thigh and ab workouts are in my future...

Anyway, I love them. They are great. I'm excited to try them out in my training soon! Also, this weekend, I'm going to bust out my wet suit for an open water swim attempt, so that's pretty exciting, too. I'm starting to look like a real triathlete, I mean, look how tough I look here:

T minus five weeks

2009-03-15T20:56:00.011-05:00

The countdown continues...

My triathlon is in five weeks, and I'm losing motivation. I think it boils down to the fact that I'm getting increasingly more terrified, and the worse I get, the more I repel. Character flaw, I know. I'm trying to stay at it, but I know it will become even harder next week when I really limit the foods I eat...

I biked about 9 miles today and ran/did speed drills for about 1.5 miles or so. It took me a while, but I guess it went well. Something has just clicked with my swimming though. The past two workouts I've been able to swim 500+ meters of freestyle without stops or turning over. I had been doing backstroke every 200 meters or so to catch my breath, but something just clicked and I just keep going with no problems. I'm still tired at the end, but I can breathe the whole time. I need to pick up a little speed now, though.

Anyway, I spent even more money today and bought myself an outfit to run the tri in! Man, those things are EXPENSIVE! I didn't want to spend that much, but I got what I wanted and wouldn't have been able to save much anyway. I got:

The pink shirt and the solid black shorts. This way, I should get some time to practice in them before the big day!

A daunting task

2009-03-14T23:24:00.002-05:00

I just signed up for a 33-mile bike tour on April 4. Let's all pray that I will be ready.

Power Thirst

2009-03-11T22:29:00.003-05:00

I stole this from Tri Diesel. I thought it was pretty much hilarious.

*PG-13, one, little language problem.

T minus 6 weeks

2009-03-09T19:18:00.002-05:00

How am I going to be ready? I'm utterly terrified.

Furthermore, I've been wanting to do the Redbud Classic on April 4 in Oklahoma City. It's a 33 mile bike and when I first got the idea, I thought I'd be totally ready. Um, no. I went out on a 35 minute bike again today and those bikes are killing me! After training all winter on the wrong bike, getting back onto mine has been tough. There's also a 10 mile bike at the Redbud, but I know I can do that. I want the challenge, but I'm afraid 33 miles is too much of a challenge! I had a really tough time motivating, so I'm not sure why I think this will be successful, but I think I'm going to add a bike in for the next few weeks. I'm still going to do two runs and two swims, but add a bike on an off day, or combined with one of the other ones. At least 35 minutes to get my legs ready. I really want to sign up this weekend...think I should?

On another note, I checked race results today. I came in gun time at 19:20, just like I thought. We had chips, but they didn't have pads or anything so they didn't time us. Kind of a waste. I am 15th out of 16th in my age group, about eight minutes before the last girl, so not so great. 119 of all the girls, with a pace of 7:52.

Somehow, I need to find the energy and the motivation to step it up...