26 and 2

New Races, New Team, Lots of Fun

2011-02-05T14:35:00.001-08:00

I have been a busy, busy teacher the past few months. It's been a whirlwind of working 12 hour days and having very little time to myself. I feel like I'm getting better at making sure I am not working 12 hour days and going home at a decent time. I'm not working out as much as I would like but at this point it's better than nothing.

For Christmas my husband bought me a membership to a local triathlon team. Our first clinic/meeting is today and it's for swimming. I really wish it was for running or biking, those two events could use a bit more TLC on my part!

My mom and I are running our 2nd race of 2011 at the end of March. It's a half marathon and I would really, really, really enjoy a half PR once and for all. The only PR I keep getting in that distance is each race gets slower! Now that is not something to be proud of!

We also signed up for our second marathon, the RnR Seattle. We had planned on doing the Seattle marathon this past November but both of us being back in school proved too much for adequate marathon training. So, we jumped down to the half. It was a bit difficult to finish as I was only running once a week. I don't recommend it!

This summer I plan on two 70.3s and a few sprint tris in the mix. I haven't signed up for anything yet, but probably will in the next month or so.

Happy training and racing!

First Grade Here I Come!! Exercise, Where Will You Go?

2010-09-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

Fabulous news! I just got a job Tuesday afternoon as a first grade teacher. I'm excited, nervous and looking forward to starting the year. But wow! I have a disaster of a room to organize and plan for the little ones to be successful and it is taking me a long time and it only feels like I have only made a tiny dent in my work.

Needless to say I haven't worked out since last Sunday. I ran 8 miles in preparation for my half marathon on Labor Day (which is also my 33rd birthday!) and that is all the running I've done. I guess it looks like I'll keep my record streak of half marathon times getting worse instead of getting better ;)

I worry that a lot of my exercise this summer will go by the wayside because of work. I need a plan to keep me in tip-top shape while being the best I can be at school . I know one teacher is a swimmer and we have talked about going once a week to the pool down the street to a master's workout. That's good. School is also by a great running trail. While I think running at lunch will be impossible, it's something I can do after work and then return to work if I need to.

Really though, it's too much to think about! Oh yeah, I also have one more tri of the season, an Olympic distance. And I haven't been on my bike in weeks. It will be fun... real fun! Wish me well blogger peeps!

I know some of you are teachers, how do you fit it in exercise in your schedule?

Cherry On Top Award!

2010-08-30T14:09:00.001-07:00

Thank you Java Joggers for the award! It made me smile! For accepting this wonderful award I must answer some questions and pick 6 other recipients for this Sweet Reward!

#1 Answer this question: If you could go back and change one thing in your life, would you, and what would it be? Hmmmm, I think I would have been more competitive with my swimming. I really had the potential to at least get into a top swimming school. But neither my grades or my swimming were a top priority back in the day. I was much more into socializing and having fun! I'm glad I had fun, but should've concentrated more on trying to get into a Division one school. But I love my life and I am glad I actually got the chance to swim in school for two years.

#2 Pick 6 other people to pass this award to, and then let them know that they're winners.#3 Thank the person that gave you the award.

Cate @ Cate on the Run

Kate @ Clean Eating Machines

Stephanie@ In Steph's Shoes

Runblondie26@ Meet me on the Corner of Peach Tree and Peach Tree

Athena Misty@ Athena Diaries: Tales from the Back of the Pack

Abri@ Absolutely Ridiculous

Your Other Hobby

2010-08-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

What is your hobby other than health and fitness? Someone asked this question on a message board and I responded with nothing.I thought to myself "All I do for fun is health and fitness related". It took me a few days for my brain to really think of an appropriate response. There are certainly more things that I do frequently that I really enjoy. So, one of my other hobbies is reading!

I used to watch TV every night before going to bed, even had a TV in my room. Then I got married and my husband COULD NOT sleep with the TV on. So I had to make some changes. I started reading every night to calm my brain. I often only have to read about 30 pages and sometimes I even fall asleep with the book in my hands. I no longer need a TV to lull me to sleep. Here is a list of books I have read so far this year, links included if you are interested in a more thorough review!

1. Shopaholic Ties the Knot by Sophie Kinsella

2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

3. Sho paholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella

4. Le Divorce by Diane Johnson

5. Women, Work and the Art of Savoir Faire by Mireille Guilliano

6. Stolen Innocence: My Story of Growing up in a Polygamous Sect, Becoming a Teenage Bride and Breaking Free of Warren Jeffs.

7. Endurance Weight: Getting Lean for Peak Performance by Matt Fitzgerald

8. New Rules of Lifting for Women by Lou Schuler

9. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

10. Under the Dome by Stephen King

11. The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf

12. Brain Rules for Babies: How to Raise a Smart and Healthy Baby from Zero to Five By John Medina.

What are your hobbies?

Ironman Canada! Here I come!

2010-08-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

No, not to race but to spectate! I am really excited! My cousin who is an amazing athlete will be participating in hopes of qualifying for Kona...again! She just aged up to the 50-54 age groupers and will have to come in either first or second in her age group and I'm sure she will do it! She has been doing triathlons since before they became so mainstream. She really is my HERO!!

Part of me wants to take the plunge and just sign up when they open up registration. But right now I just can't fathom the cost to sign up for such torture! I think the registration fee for an M-Dot race is at least $500! Not to mention the time spent training. I think I'll give myself another year with Half-irons and some Olympic distances and then I'll try it. But there is still that itch to just say "F" it and sign up! Gahhhh! My husband would kill me! Did I mention that we just bought a car too?

I'll report back with a spectator's P.O.V. after the race!

Happy Training!

Omaha, Somewhere in Middle America

2010-08-10T14:49:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are leaving on Thursday for a trip to visit his family. We start off this amazing mid-western adventure flying into Chicago. Oh, how I wish I could stick around and check out the city. I've only ever been to the airport. Then we hop on another plane to Peoria, Illinois and from there to a tiny town called Galesburg. Thankfully, my husband's grandparents live in a neighborhood with a nice pool where there are lap lanes always open. Because there is nothing else to do in this town, we will be spending much of our time at the pool.

After our stay in Illinois it's going to be a lovely 5 hour drive to Omaha. We will see LOTS of corn on our way to O-Town, it's so exciting! Since it's so hot there I probably won't be running outside at all, but thankfully the downtown Y is very nice and if you are a member of a Y anywhere else you get a few complimentary visits. So, again needless to say I'll be there probably every day.

I was really hoping there would have been a race for me to do. There is a triathlon in Omaha but it will be during the weekend we will be in Illinois. Plus what a pain to send my bike there for a sprint tri. So, no racing for me, just lots of swimming and hanging out by a pool!

Next year I vote for a family trip to somewhere with access to an ocean. Perhaps, Hawaii, or maybe even Australia.

Just to put it out there, does anyone know of a tri team in Omaha that does any open water swimming anywhere? Not even sure where they would do it, but thought I would ask!

Triathlon Pendant Giveaway

2010-08-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

Not from me but from Amanda from Run to the Finish! Check out her blog while you enter the giveaway!

Moments of Grace

2010-08-07T11:52:00.000-07:00

Moments of Grace are like a prayer of thanks to God or whomever you believe in or don't. Look around you and see your moments of Grace. A moment of grace can be that lovely sunset last night. It could be holding the hand of your child, it could be a friendly wave you got from the person in the car in front of you. A moment of Grace can be anything and everything you want! What were some of your Grace moments today or in the past week?

Some of mine:
* running with my mom this morning, even though I was complaining... a lot!
*seeing our garden grow!
*sharing a very expensive dinner with my husband on our three year anniversary.

Share your Grace moments here!!! I would love to see them!

Island Bike Ride

2010-08-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

I am very blessed to live where I do. I have access to some great outdoor playgrounds and one of them is just a short one mile bike and 15 minute ferry ride away. Yesterday, I planned on a 50 mile solo bike ride on Vashon Island. I've only been there once so I am not familiar with this place at all!

I was armed with my turn-by-turn directions thanks to the Cascade Bicycle Club, my iPhone (complete with GPS directions, turned on),three water bottles filled, a flask full of Hammer Gel, debit card and cash, I set out on the ferry. I was a little nervous as I am not good with direction and GASP, I don't know how to change a flat, nor do I carry things to change a flat with. This one day will change ;)

I floated to the island and disembarked and hopped on my bike straight up a giant hill. Not a great way to start without a good warm-up, but I made it to the top. Then I stopped to figure out where to go next. Which I had to keep on doing because there were so many turns right off the bat.

I came to an intersection and was completely confused. The name of the road in front of me was not on my direction or on my GPS. Hmmmm, maybe I was to turn way back there at the top of that giant hill I just came down. I was frustrated, until this nice lady stopped and clarified that this is a confusing intersection and to ignore the street name as it will change into the street that I want. Yay! Thanks nice lady! That is also when I decided that since I was in the middle of nowhere I was not going to be riding 50 miles that day.

Throughout my ride I kept stopping because I had no clue where I was and did not want to miss any turns. I came across a little town that was so cute. Beach cabins everywhere, crystal clear water and just beautiful. I stopped at the town's hardware/grocery store to make sure I was heading the right way back to the ferry. I was told I had 11 miles to go, but I could take a bus if I wanted. I decided to ride... of course!

I made it to the town of Vashon to eat and have some coffee. And to just relax. This ride of 25 miles was actually pretty difficult with all of the starting and stopping and HILLS! I am going to probably do this one again as it was good for hill training without a ton of traffic!

I found an organic fruit stand and bought a peach. YUMMMY!!

The town of Vashon is pretty cool. Lots of green and hippiesque shops and restaurants. I went to Cafe Luna and ate a yummy tuna melt and drank an icey cold vanilla latte. I also saw this: water that has been filtered 10 times. Starbucks only filters theirs three times!!

After my lunch it was time to head back to the ferry, which by the way was ALL downhill. It was great!

I wasn't following the directions while waiting for the ferry to go home: "No Parking, Stopping or Standing"

Sitting on the ferry waiting to go back home. Good bye Vashon!

My 6th Half Marathon!

2010-08-02T20:19:00.001-07:00

Five years ago I would have laughed out loud if someone told me I would be doing my 6th half marathon in September! My mom signed me up as an early birthday present and we will both be running, although most likely not together. The half will also take place on my birthday and Labor Day. What a great way to spend the day, not only with my mom but racing too!

Technically, this would be my 7th half marathon but one of those was during my half-ironman, so do I still count it?? Probably a yes!

The week after the half I have my last triathlon of the season an Olympic distance race, that to be honest I am not putting all that much effort into. We will be out of town for a week, and school starts soon and I will be very busy. I'll still give it my all but my "A" race is done for the season. I just want to have fun and also relax the next couple of weeks before going back to work!

Training for this week, includes a nice solo bike ride on a local island, with coffee and lunch stops included, plus a nice ferry ride. I am very excited about this. I have never done this ride before and I will be all by myself with my directions in hand ready to chart new territory... sort of!

Happy Training!

My Thyroid and I

2010-07-27T20:38:00.001-07:00

Three years ago this week I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism caused by a toxic nodular goiter. The week before my wedding was a scary one and one that involved not only a happy time with family and friends to celebrate our marriage, but one that involved waiting to hear either good or bad news.

It all started like this:

It was my first year teaching, not a whole lot of working out, but VERY, very tired. I was living with my parents at the time and would come home and crash the very second I walked into my room. My mom kept telling me to go to the doctor. I just chalked it up to a stressful first year of teaching. I also ate like there was no tomorrow. I could eat my husband under the table! I would also get up several times at night and just eat and eat. I could eat a whole box of cereal and still feel hungry. I could eat a giant portion of Thai food and then eat the rest of my husband's. And I lost weight.

Before I turned 30 I decided I should have my cholesterol and everything else checked just to make sure everything was healthy, wealthy and wise. I got the results back and went over them and noticed something wasn't jiving with my thyroid numbers, they were nowhere near the optimal range. But the doctor said everything was fine. She looked again and told me to get a blood test again. Sure enough thyroid ranges were nowhere near normal.

I came into the office and she palpated my thyroid and felt a small lump. And then got me an appointment for a radioactive iodine test. If the thyroid tested hot it was good, if it was cold it was not good. This was where I had to wait until we were on our honeymoon to find out. A "cold" test result could mean cancer. A "hot" result meant something not so serious, but still needed to be taken care of.

Anyway, my symptoms were as follows:

Nervousness, and anxiousness

hungry all of the time

sweaty hot all of the time

heart palpitations

fast heartbeat

shaky hands

losing weight

Eventually the goiter on my thyroid becoming large enough to see.

While awaiting treatment, I went to an endocrinologist and started taking beta-blockers to help with slowing things down, as being hyperthyroid speeds everything up. I was still a nervous wreck and had difficulty with my nerves even with the beta-blockers. But the doctor wanted to get some symptoms under control before deciding what he wanted to do.

I found out I had two options. One was a partial thyroidectomy and the other was Radioactive Iodine Therapy. After consulting both the surgeon and endocrinologist I decided to go with the RAI. It was very simple. A giant radioactive pill had to be swallowed and I couldn't be around children for three days. I felt fine during the treatment and about three months later everything tested normal! The endocrinologist said there would be a chance of swinging the other way and going into hypothyroid, but so far so good. I had to get a blood test every three months and then every 6 and now just once a year.

I could not believe how sick I was until I started feeling better! I thought everything I felt had to do with the stress of being a first year teacher, but it was really my whacked out thyroid.

The moral of this story is to listen to your body and if something is not right, find out why! And also, listen to your mom, she is probably right!

2010 Goals revisited

2010-07-22T17:12:00.001-07:00

I made some goals for myself in January and revised them again in May. Today is another revisit to my goals and possibly add some more!

Here are my original race goals that I wrote in January. Here is an update and I would like to add a few more.

1. Run in at least two more marathons, I would be happy with one as I have found it's pretty tough on my body. I want to run in 4:30 or faster. Need to find a race or two and sign up.
I've signed up for the Seattle Marathon set for Thanksgiving weekend. It looks like I'll only being doing one this year. That's ok! Time for a PR! Can I break 5 1/2 hours? I think so!

2. PR in a 5k. I can't believe how long it's been since I have PRd in a 5k. I am embarrassed to admit that my best time is only 28 minutes... yeah, I'm slow! Check! I have another 5k coming up May 22, except it's untimed. Will it still count if I use my own watch? I would like to go a :26 or faster!

3. PR in a half marathon. I think the 1/2 is the best race distance. I need to go faster than a 2:13. So far the last three 1/2s I have done have all gotten slower. Here is to a fast 2010 for my half marathon. I am on the fence about doing a half marthon this weekend. I'm not really ready, but it would be nice for a training run and perhaps a PR! No PR yet, but I would like to do 2 half marathons leading up to the marathon in November. I have not signed up for anything yet!

4. Sign up for and finish my first half ironman. I just got a new bike trainer and I am hoping that will keep me in bike shape until I can get outside. Well I have signed up for this race and I am scared to death! Now I just need to finish and finish strong! CHECK!!!! I did it! I finished and I think I finished strong!!!!! Woooooot!!!

5. Swim a sub 6 minute 500 free at a masters meet! I haven't done this since high school. I think I can do it for sure. My first meet in 2010 is in April. It would be helpful to achieve this goal if I actually signed up for a swim meet! This month I am planning on ramping up the swimming. It's something I love and want to spend more time doing, however, there aren't any swim meets any time soon!

New 2010 Goals (May 2010):

6. Sign up for a 10k. I've never done one before. No 10k races on the schedule yet!

7. Get a PR in a sprint triathlon. I need to go faster than a 1:29. I think I can smash that this summer! Not yet :(

8. Get a new PR in an Olympic distance tri. Check back in September. I am hoping for a strong race to be proud of!!

New Goals for 2010 (July)

1. Join a triathlon team.

That is enough for now!! I'll update in a few months!

Happy Training!!

Our Garden

2010-07-21T21:14:00.001-07:00

Our garden is out of control!! Too bad it hasn't produced anything to eat yet. But it does look amazing. We are growing corn; some from seed and some from starters. The starters are doing much better, they are starting to produce some edible goodies, but nothing close to being ready to pick. We are also growing tomatoes, again nothing to eat yet. There are some squash growing and they could be ready to eat soon! And last but not least, pumpkins. We are hoping for a great pumpkin harvest this fall. So far there are flowers and fruit growing, albeit small.

My husband made the raised beds and together we planted everything. We tilled the soil, put down compost and planted. We also added some grass to the top of the soil. All seems to be good. We go down every day to check out the progress.

Chelanman 70.3 DONE!!!!!

2010-07-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

I did it! I finished!

Packing: I laid out all of my things before I put them in my race bag. I took a picture. Looked at picture and realized something was missing. Can you tell what it was?

Morning of the race: We camped and arrived at the campsite on Friday night. We realized the campsite was about 12 miles from the race start. Not exactly ideal but it worked. I woke up at 4am and stumbled to the bathroom to brush my teeth and try to wake up from a not so sound sleep.

I got back to our campsite and lit the camp stove to boil water for my oatmeal. Made my oatmeal and almost gagged each time I took a bite of food. It was awful. I had to force-feed myself. I also ate a half of a plain bagel and one banana. All of it was GROSS!

Transition area: I checked my bike in on Friday night, so all I had to do was bring my race bag and set up my transition area in the morning. I laid everything out, put on some sunscreen, got my cap and goggles and headed to the potty. And from there down to the swim.

The Swim: It was a fairly breezy morning, but a warm breeze. The lake temperature was 71 degrees. I decided last week that I didn't need a wetsuit for this race. The water was the perfect temperature. However, the water was so choppy and wavy I knew I would be in for a challenge.
I was really lucky enough to be in the first wave. I really wanted to just start and get it over with. The gun went off at 7am on the dot. I positioned myself to the left of the pack towards the front. I got going and about five minutes in I had a panic attack. It was so incredibly wavy I could not catch my breath. I waved down a lifeguard in a kayak and told her I was panicky and she told me to take three deep breaths and start again. I did that and was fine! I was really worried that the anxiety would continue but it didn't.

I made the turn around and headed for the swim finish. It was rough and it was challenging, even though I am a strong swimmer. Most everyone I talked to agreed it was a brutal swim.

I finished the swim in 39 minutes, much slower than my average mile pace but managed to finish 4th in my age group and 67th overall! Not bad for such a difficult swim!

Notice all of those dudes in wetsuits and notice the STUD without one!!!

The Bike: HOLY COW!!! This was HARD!! The first 30 or so miles were rolling hills, not bad, beautiful scenery, somewhat challenging. I was very good about taking a serving of gel about every 15 minutes, sipping on Perpetuem (YUCK! Didn't finish the whole thing), water and Nuun.

The last 26 miles were BRUTAL for me. Including a giant climb up the side of a mountain. By this time it had become fairly hot and the ride was not in shade. All of the racers were so awesome, everyone kept cheering each other on and helping out when it got rough. It was great.

I ended up finishing in 4 hours because of all those incredibly challenging hills. My husband met me in transition and asked if I was OK, I was. I had trouble getting my right shoe on and kept swearing up a storm. I told him that I would see him in a very, very long time. I was so tired and it was so hot! But I knew I could do it. I just kept telling myself that "I can do it, I can do it!"

The Run: The most difficult thing for me during a triathlon. It was HOT, HOT, HOT. During my training I was not able to train in hot weather because we have had such cold spring and not a very warm summer.

I was able to borrow my mom's Garmin for the run! It helped me so much. My goal was to keep my pace at an 11:00 minute mile or under. I was able to do this for about 6 miles. By this time the temperature had crept into the 90s and again there was no shade on this course.

This race was so well supported, it was awesome! Water, gel, orange slices, Heed and ice at every stop! Thank God! By mile 6 I was hurting. I could feel a blister forming on my foot, but I kept thinking how I just need to keep going, it's just a little blister. I kept on trucking along, taking two minute walk breaks when I felt I needed to. I would kind of mosey through the water stops because it was so hot.

There was this incredible woman that was not racing but coaching some of her clients. She stopped to see if I was OK. She was asking all sorts of questions and saying such motivating things to help me keep going. She left and said she would be back after she checked on some people (she was on a bike). She ended up coming back and I told her my hands were really swollen. She quickly gave me a salt pill and said that should help a little. She caught up to me again and gave me another! Bless her heart, she did not have to do that at all!

Mile 13: Wow! Hot much?? I could see the finish line in the distance but still knew I had a ways to go. At this point I was crying and then I would stop and get my head straight. I was crying because I could not believe I was so CLOSE to finishing! It was an unbelievable feeling! The closer I got the more emotional it became. There was a hill right at the end and I actually ran up it because I knew at the end of the downhill was the finish line! Once I started running downhill I could not contain myself. I was crying like a baby. I couldn't believe that I was going to finish this!

I saw my two friends at the finish line and they were cheering for me, the announcer didn't say my name :( and I didn't see my husband :(. But my girls were there and greeted me with hugs and cheers and told me I was their hero!

The other person that greeted me was the medic. Apparently I had no color in my face, which could indicate something was wrong like heat exhaustion, dehydration etc. He put his arms around me and walked me to the medic tent. I laid down, they took my shoes and socks off, I took my shirt off and they put bags of ice in my pits. They took my pulse which was fine, gave me water and made me stay there for about 10 minutes. I was so high on adrenaline that I didn't even realize that I was overheated.

My friend called my husband who was nearby, constantly checking to see if I was coming in, but since the announcer didn't say my name he missed it. She told him I was in the medical tent and he raced over to see me. He felt so bad he missed my finish, but at least someone was there to see it!

Results: I met my two goals! Finish, and not to come in last! Boy was I close to not meeting one of those goals! I finished 185 out of 200 and 11th in my age group in 7:50. Eeeek! Oh well, I finished!

Things I have learned:

1. I can do anything I set my mind to!

2. Obviously I did something right by training all on my own... I did finish ;)

3. Would like to join a team to help me get better and biking and running.

4. I need to ride my bike MUCH, MUCH more! The trainer will be my friend in the winter for sure!

5. I will do another one soon!

6. I'm not ready for an Ironman... not yet!

7. I don't have swim that much!

8. Bring salt pills when you know it's going to be hot!

9. Encourage your fellow racers, they will encourage you!

10. Don't camp while participating in a big, long race. Get a hotel! It's much more comfortable!

Triathlon #1 Complete!

2010-07-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first triathlon of the season. I'm jealous of all you triathletes who live in warm climates and are able to race sooner! Looks like next year I'll have to do Lavaman in Hawaii in March!

Anyway, yesterdays race was really fun! I woke up at 4:30 left the house by 5:30 and made it to set up my bike and transition gear and was down by the lake before transition closed at 6:45. Did I mention it was incredibly foggy? Thankfully we have had some hot days this past week and the water was a warm 71 degrees, the fog must have kept in the warmth!

The swim was not very good :( It was foggy and I already race without prescription goggles so it was very difficult to see the buoys and other people in front of me. I have done this race two times before and was able to swim it in a little over 12 minutes. This time I did it in a little over 14 minutes. I was so disoriented by the time I got out I almost tipped over. Thankfully they had a guard rail set up or I would have fallen back into the lake. It was kind of funny :)

The bike: I was really surprised that I didn't do the bike very fast :( but I felt VERY good. I can't figure it out. I guess I just have to try harder next time! I finished 12 hilly miles in 48 minutes.

The run: Was really hilly and we had to do the course two times. I ran four miles in 41 minutes. Not impressed with my time at all. But I was passing people on the hills, which NEVER happens! I guess hill training helps!!

I was 6th in my age group and 35th overall! I am happy with the results, but just thought I would do much better! Onto bigger and better things next weekend!

Things I have learned while training for a 1/2 Ironman

2010-07-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

1. It's hard training on your own. Yes, I had a training plan, a good one it seemed, but it would have been so much easier training with a group for all three events. Next year I am joining a local team. They have planned workouts and have an awesome coach that I have talked with before.

2. Nutrition, Nutrition, Nutrition. Triathlons fourth event! I started thinking that what I was doing on my own was not working. So I talked to a tri coach and he fed my mind with way too much information three weeks before my race, and I am hoping to god that my not so thought through nutrition plan will work.

3. Wetsuits: We have had one cold spring. Not enough warm temps. to warm up the lake. Lake temp. as of last week was 62. I reserved my wetsuit for race day weekend, but I have never swam in one during a race. I guess that is what race day is for...practice ;)

4.Bike: I LOVE my bike and I LOVE biking! I have actually been able to ride my bike much more than I ever have and I have so much fun, every single time! I went out on my last long ride on Wednesday, it may have been a little slow thanks to a headwind but I loved it!

5. The Run: I am really starting to feel very confident in my running! Yay! However, I have never run 13.1 miles after a 56 mile bike ride, that scares me. And I have to confess, I have only done one brick workout (see what I mean, I need a team and a coach!). But, I do have a sprint tri this weekend and that is where I will get to squeeze in a second brick!!

6. I feel great! I have made it through training with:
Zero injuries!
One cold
Hives and an epi-pen
A brand new speedy, awesome bike!
Very little swimming
LOTS AND LOTS of running!
A skinnier me!
A Smaller bra size!
A huge sense of accomplishment!
Knowing I can do anything...even without a team or coach!

7 days and counting until race day! I am nervous but I can't wait to get it done once and for all!

Your Advice, Happy Thoughts and Words of Wisdom Needed!

2010-07-01T16:34:00.000-07:00

I am about to embark on my first half-ironman! (7/17) Wooo! Hooo! I can safely say that I am ready! I won't be coming in first and I swear I won't come in last! Either way though it's an automatic PR. But, I need your help! I am very negative sometimes, especially as race day comes closer and closer. Negative self-talk can cause havoc on race day. Whether it be "Everyone looks faster than me." "They have a better bike than me!" "That girl next to me must be a better runner than me" "I'm not ready, so I'll take it easy" "I've never done this before, so that gives me an excuse to walk more than run" and on and on!

I need your help! I need your words of advice, happy thoughts and words of wisdom. I don't care if you have done a 70.3, a full ironman, or just completed your first 5k. Your words WILL inspire me! So bring them on and feel free to pass on my blog post to anyone who you think will give some great advice!! I appreciate it very much!!

My New Workout Buddy

2010-06-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

I have a new workout buddy and he's a lifesaver!

Lately, after my long bike rides and long runs I have been experiencing hives. The first time it happened I was running with my mom and started itching my legs like crazy. After we were done they went away pretty quickly. They came back again on a long bike ride. This time on my face and legs. Again, they went away pretty quickly. I wasn't too worried about it although I thought it was strange. But, my mom gets this on occasion as well.

My last long bike ride of 50 miles it happened again. I had hives on the back of my legs, arms, lips and chin. My face was incredibly blotchy. I started getting itchy while I was riding and then when I was done I was like an itch factory!

I put in an email to my doctor explaining what was happening. That it only happens after long runs and rides, never really has happened before, no new exotic foods, same detergent etc. She emailed me back pretty quickly saying it could be two things. 1. Exercise induced uticaria, which happens when one gets hot from exercise, showers, hot-tubs, weather etc. Usually you would see small hives, very itchy etc. or 2. Exercise induced anaphylaxis. Which causes hives and then anaphylactic shock; trouble breathing, headache, nausea etc. The two can be very difficult to tell apart. Here is an interesting article I found on EIA (Exercise Induced Anaphylaxis). So, my doctor prescribed me a daily dose of Claritin and an Epi-Pen to carry with me when I workout, just in case. Thankfully, I have only experienced hives and that will be it, but I am glad that she thought it was necessary for the epi-pen to be prescribed because who knows what will happen next time.

Sooooo, where do I carry this puppy when I am running and on my bike? It's huge! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

We're on the Board!!

2010-06-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

My friend and I went to a small event at our local running shop to get a discount on race registration and with that a ticket for a raffle drawing. Back where we signed up for the race there is a big white board that lists people's races that are coming up. I asked how we get on the board and the owner came over and added our names and races, I feel so special!!

Words of Wisdom from Dad

2010-06-17T16:12:00.000-07:00

In honor of Father's day I impart upon you the wise words of my father.

"Did you have fun?" My dad would always say after a swimming a race, after dancing in a recital or just trying something new. I would always say an emphatic "YES!!!" Even today after I tell him about a race he will always ask if I had fun. His number one concern during all of those long swim meets and rehearsals and performances was that I was having fun! It wasn't whether I won or lost or just did OK, he wanted to make sure I still was enjoying all of those activities and if I wasn't maybe it was time to try something new or just take a break for awhile.

I still live by these words today. Why would I do something over and over again if I didn't have fun? Sometimes in the moment a workout or a race isn't fun (my first marathon wasn't fun) but usually afterwards I say "wow that wasn't so bad, I should do that again!"

Again, in honor of father's day ask yourself after a workout or a race if you had fun. If not time to reevaluate your workout or goals!

Thanks Dad and Happy Father's Day!

Happy Training!

Running Group and Sickness... Oh My!!!

2010-06-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

On Friday I started getting a sore throat and I knew that a cold would soon be around the corner. My new running friend and I met at the track and did a small speed workout. She is pretty new to running so we kept it short. We did a one mile easy warm-up and 4 x400 each and then a mile cool down. We timed each other and I ended up doing my broken mile in 6:23!! I was really shocked! Granted I did get to rest between each 400 but to me that is really fast, even with a sore throat! We ended with a one mile easy cool down. It was a fun track workout especially with a buddy!

On Sunday my mom and I met up with a new running group. They just formed Memorial Day weekend. They were started by a new running store in my area, West Seattle Runner. On Sunday they offer a 3, 6 or 10 mile run. We were both set to run the 10 miles and I still was feeling not so great, but didn't have a full on cold yet. It was a beautiful day for running, warm and sunny! We started out really fast because it seemed like everyone there is faster than me (I guess that could be a good thing!). We weren't exactly sure where to go for the 10 mile route and someone accidentally pointed us to the 6 mile route. It was ok with me, I was not feeling good at all! I think 10 miles would have been way too much for me. It was really fun to run with a large group and I am definitely going back. On Wednesday the Mizuno bus is coming to hand out free goodies and size shoes plus the running group will be going on a three or six mile run. It should be a fun Wednesday for running!.

Monday I felt terrible. I really wanted to go to my Zumba class but I really needed a rest! I am feeling much better today and I am ready for a running workout.I have a new route planned. I have no idea how many miles it will be I just know there will be some steep hills involved.

Happy Training!

Girls on the Run Tea!

2010-06-09T18:39:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday my mom and I hosted a small fundraiser tea for the Puget Sound Chapter of Girls on the Run (http://www.girlsrun.org/ Seattle) (http://www.girlsontherun.org/ national). We had a small crowd of about 20 women and tons of yummy deserts and tea. When the event started everyone just kind of mingled and got to know each other. We invited the director of the chapter to come and speak about the program and answer any questions. She also had one of the coaches come to talk about what the curriculum is like and what they do on a weekly basis. It was great, many of the women there either didn't know about the organization or wanted to know more.

We just heard back from the director today and we raised $1800 for GOTR Puget Sound! Yay! Not bad for a small turnout. We are planning on doing the event next year and hopefully we will have a bigger turnout. The director was ecstatic about the money raised for GOTR!!

The director told a great story of one school that doesn't even have the girls families pay for attending the program. Most of the families live in low-income areas and can't afford to pay. New Balance is a sponsor and was generous enough to donate new pairs of shoes to all the girls at this particular site. The coach received a crash course in shoe fitting and was able to size the girls. She ordered them and handed them out to the girls. They were so happy to have new shoes they wouldn't even wear them home, they kept them at school so they could be kept clean and no one would take them. Here is a video of the "New Shoe Experience!"

Today I Will...

2010-06-08T09:51:00.001-07:00

Be going on a 50 mile bike ride. If I don't write it down, I won't do it. I will be updating later today with a re-cap of my solo LOOOOOOONG ride.

Do you solo, coach, or group??

2010-06-03T16:58:00.000-07:00

I wanted to go on a 60 mile bike ride today... it ended up being 37 miles. I was all alone, by the end I really needed a push because I was done pushing myself. I was hungry and it was getting late and I was just done. I think if I had my friends along the ride with me it would have been easily attainable. Strength in numbers right??

So as I was riding I was thinking of asking you guys how you train.

Are you lucky enough to have a personal coach?

Are you part of a club and are able to go on group rides, runs or swims?

Do you only train solo?

Do you train mostly solo but have group rides or runs on occasion?

What do you think works best for you?

If you are solo do you think you would get better if you trained with a group?

I know lots of questions but it would be interesting to see how everyone trains and how it works for them.

I was able to take a few pictures this afternoon on my ride. It was a beautiful Seattle day. NO RAIN!!!!! YAY! So I had to take some pictures of it!.

Races, Races, Races!!!

2010-06-03T06:52:00.000-07:00

I love finding and signing up for new races. I signed up for three more races for the summer, and probably no more because my bank account is sure taking a beating, sometimes I wonder why it's so expensive? These entry fees I am sure leave out a whole section of people who would love to race but can't because of the cost :(

Summer Race Schedule:

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, June 6th. One of my dear, dear friends from middle school and high school was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, she was 27. So young! She is in remission and healthy thankfully! Last year I did the 5k and then met up with her to walk. I will be doing the same this year. It should be a fun event!

Subaru Women's Triathlon Series, July 11: This will be the third time I will do this sprint race. It's a great one! Great support, smaller than say a Danskin race. I really hope to PR in this again! This race benefits Ovarian Cancer research.

Chelanman Multisport Weekend, 70.3: This will be the big one! Not sure what I got myself into with this! I know I will finish, just not sure how or when! I've been working hard but probably should be working harder, I have a little over a month left to train. It's really scaring me!

Lake Stevens Olympic Triathlon, September 11: My cousin told me about this race and I thought why not? He said he was interested in doing the sprint, it would be his first! Hopefully he will sign up, it would be fun to have him there!

That's all for now unless I miraculously make more money or there is a fantastic race I can't live without doing!

Happy Training and Racing!

Here We Go Again!! Marathon Number 2!!!

2010-05-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

After a VERY difficult first marathon including tears the last two miles my mom and I have decided to give it another try! When I finished the first time I swore I would never do another, well here we are again! The race will take place Thanksgiving weekend, so we have plenty of time to get ready! This year I will be running more during the week instead of once and then a long run on the weekend. Yeah, that wasn't smart!

In the meantime I have the half-ironman to train for. Everything is going well despite not being on the bike as much as I would like. I think I may just have to do some riding in the rain. It will make me tougher... right??

Happy Training!

T-30 Swim

2010-05-27T19:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a crappy weather day; rain, fog and cold. I am a fair-weather bike rider for sure, so no bike ride for me. I wanted to get in a very long bike ride, but not in that kind of weather. So I decided to hit the pool. My pool workouts have been very sparse as my running and biking need more of my attention than swimming.

I decided I wanted to see what my 100 yard pace was for a long timed swim and a great way to do that was to swim constantly for 30 minutes. I was a little worried that someone would join me in my lane and screw up my time and make me slow down, the pool at the Y is like that when you swim in the afternoon. But I was blessed with my own lane for my entire workout.

I started with a very easy warm-up , 200 swim, 200 kick, 200 pull, 200 kick. After the warm-up I started my swim. I started cautiously because I wanted to make sure I could do this without stopping. I was able to pick up my pace the last part of the swim because I felt great! I finished strong with 200o yards which is a 1:30 per 100 yard pace. I was pretty happy with that pace given I am not at the pool very often. This set is able to tell me what my pace should be when I do interval workouts and long swims. There is definitely room for improvement but it's OK if I continue not to swim as much as I thought I would need to.

Today, I was able to finally go on a short ride 19 mile ride and I ended with a 15 minute run. First brick workout in a long time, I actually felt fine, I probably could have kept running! That's a good sign I guess!

Happy Training!

Half Marathon and 5k!

2010-05-23T08:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been super busy with work and training lately that I haven't blogged in quite awhile.

Two weeks ago I signed myself up for the Kirkland half marathon on Mother's day morning. I signed up a week before. I wanted to see how I would do given the fact I have been running a lot but my distances are pretty short, about 7 miles.

I showed up to the race without my usual entourage; mom and husband. I was all by myself, I really missed them :( I had no clue how hilly this half was going to be. The first 6 miles were all up hill and the last half there were quite a few shorter steeper hills. I didn't PR but I had the same time as my last half marathon which was all flat. So in my mind I think I would have done great if this course was flat! I had a great time and finished and felt good about where I stand in terms of my half marathon.

Girls on the Run 5k! This race was so fun! It is the culminating experience for girls who have been part of this program. It was an untimed race but I brought along my watch to get an unofficial time. There were so many kids at the start it was impossible to go fast so my mom and I decided to take it easy, the race wasn't for us! It was so neat to hear all of the encouraging words from the coaches to the girls they were coaching. That was the best part!

I ended up beating my mom at the end. I tricked her. I told her to go ahead of me and then I caught up to her at the finish and passed her! Sneaky, sneaky me!

I'm trying to think of a swimming tip of the week, it's been awhile. Any ideas or things you want to know??

Happy training!

2010 Race Goals Revisited

2010-05-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

Here are my original race goals that I wrote in January. Here is an update and I would like to add a few more.

1. Run in at least two more marathons, I would be happy with one as I have found it's pretty tough on my body. I want to run in 4:30 or faster. Need to find a race or two and sign up.

2. PR in a 5k. I can't believe how long it's been since I have PRd in a 5k. I am embarrassed to admit that my best time is only 28 minutes... yeah, I'm slow! Check! I have another 5k coming up May 22, except it's untimed. Will it still count if I use my own watch? I would like to go a :26 or faster!

3. PR in a half marathon. I think the 1/2 is the best race distance. I need to go faster than a 2:13. So far the last three 1/2s I have done have all gotten slower. Here is to a fast 2010 for my half marathon. I am on the fence about doing a half marthon this weekend. I'm not really ready, but it would be nice for a training run and perhaps a PR!

4. Sign up for and finish my first half ironman. I just got a new bike trainer and I am hoping that will keep me in bike shape until I can get outside. Well I have signed up for this race and I am scared to death! Now I just need to finish and finish strong!

5. Swim a sub 6 minute 500 free at a masters meet! I haven't done this since high school. I think I can do it for sure. My first meet in 2010 is in April. It would be helpful to achieve this goal if I actually signed up for a swim meet!

New 2010 Goals:

6. Sign up for a 10k. I've never done one before.

7. Get a PR in a sprint triathlon. I need to go faster than a 1:29. I think I can smash that this summer!

8. Get a new PR in an Olympic distance tri.

That is enough for now!! I'll update in a few months!

Happy Training!!

A PR Makes you Feel Good!!!!

2010-04-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

Today was my first 5k in a long time and first PR in two years!! Yay! I did it. Now it may not be fast by some standards but to me it was a long time coming! I am really proud of myself. My last PR was a high :28 and the last 5k I did was :32 minutes and today's PR was :27.46!! I'm thinking I could have gone much faster if my legs weren't like bricks from my cold and windy 36 mile bike ride yesterday!

During the whole run I felt good but right at about the end when speed really matters my legs would not go any faster, they felt like bricks! I came in 95th out of 509 women in the 30-39 age group. Which I am quite proud of! :) I really can't express how happy I am right now. I know it's not like I broke a record or came in first in my age group but this took me forever to do!! I love running... today at least. And I am dork for wearing the race shirt at the actual race. I had no clean running clothes and I thought they were cute shirts!

Girls on the Run Come as you are Auction

2010-04-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

My mom and I have been trying to get our Girls on the Run fundraiser up and going. We are having a women's tea in June. At first it was set for March and then life got in the way. If you have never heard of Girls on the Run you need to check out their website sooner rather than later http://www.girlsontherun.org/ . Since we both love to run and both love doing things for our community we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give back.

Tonight my mom and I are meeting for a quick run around the lake and then heading to the annual Girls on the Run come as you are auction. Come as you are meaning if you just ran or had a workout don't bother changing just come and bid on some items and help out the organization and have fun while doing it! This is my kind of event!

Happy Running!

Two Years Ago: was the last time I PRd a 5k

2010-04-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

No joke! I don't race 5ks that often, but I can't seem to PR...ever. The last time I recorded a personal best was two years ago and I was sick. My PR isn't even that fast, a high :28 I believe. I just signed up for the Doughnut Dash 5k which will take place on Sunday. I keep having to tell myself the faster I run the sooner I will be able to partake in doughnuts and coffee! Yum!

I normally do the least required amount of running to just finish a race and nothing more. Since I signed up for my 70.3 it scares me to death to run a half marathon after swimming and biking. So scared in fact that I am running much, much more! I know there are some, well, many runners out there who get in 40 or more miles a week, that's not me. But I am happy to say that I am at about 38 miles of running so far for the month of April. Perhaps a little more since some parts of my runs didn't get recorded into my chart. This is huge for me! So with all of my running I hope it's enough to break the elusive 28 minutes once and for all!

Notes to Self

2010-04-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

1. Delete Christmas music off running playlist, "Baby it's Cold Outside" does not make me feel invincible or fast.

2. There is a reason I bought new shoes and there is a reason why I should wear them and not my old ones... ouch.

3. Find a flatter running course, walking up hills and lots of stairs really slows my average pace down... way too much!

Things That Can't Be Safe (but is so freakin' awesome): Part Three

2010-04-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

Juggling while running.

I wish I took a picture. My mom and I were out for a Sunday run and here comes Mr. Juggler running around the lake. He looked like he was having such a great time and he was a fantastic juggler.

The not so safe part: What if he ran into someone?

Swimming Tip of the Week: How to Put on and Take Care of a Swim Cap

2010-04-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

"Eeeeeeek!" You are saying to yourself, "I will never wear a swim cap, I will look like such a dork in one of those!!" Trust me you won't look like a dork, you will look like a swimming bad ass!!

Swim caps are practical for many reasons.
1. They keep your hair out of your face while you are swimming.
2. They keep your goggles secure and snug.
3. They somewhat protect your hair against chorline, but not completely. They do not keep your hair dry.
4. They are used in open water swimming events and triathlons to easily spot a swimmer and usually written on a bright colored cap is the swimmer's number. Great to have if you are a swimmer in distress! (which hopefully you will never be that swimmer because you have prepared yourself so well!) So, please wear your swim cap.

Here are some tips on how to easily put on a swim cap.

There is a simple solution to getting that wonderful looking swim cap up on your head. All you need is a dry swimming cap and a small amount of baby powder. If the cap is wet you are going to be making baby powder paste and you don't want that!

Gently shake some baby powder inside your cap. Just like this:

Next, rub the swim cap to evenly disperse the baby poweder, as shown below.

Place the front of the swim cap on your forehead.

Continue to pull the cap over your entire head.

Tuck in your hair on the sides of your head.

Continue to tuck your hair in on the back of your head. (ooops, forgot some hair)

Now it's, time to hit the water. Don't forget your goggles!

I hope this has helped your swimming endeavours! To be honest, most of the time I don't even use powder in my cap, but I do get it wet before I put it on my head! And don't forget that you will look like a bad ass with your cap on and everyone will get out of the water when they see you struttin' out to the pool!

Happy Swimming!!!

P.S. When you get home hang your cap up on a doorknob to dry.

Self Doubt and What the Hell Did I Sign Up For?

2010-04-09T07:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I ran a simple 3.5 mile run. I have done this run a million times. It sucked. And all the while I kept saying to myself "how in the world and I going to run 13.1 miles after a long hard 55 mile bike ride,if I can't even run a decent short run? What the hell did I sign up for?" I kept thinking to myself over and over I'm not going to be able to do this. It's weird some days I feel like I can conquer the world and go fast and try to be a superstar and other days just blow! Yesterday was one of those days for sure. It also doesn't help that you have two ginormous hills I must walk up because of my IT band, it makes for god-awful average running pace. Which then makes me feel even slower.

Okay, running is not my thing. I can say I enjoy it on occasion but most of the time it feels like a real chore to me. It's hard, I'm not fast I make up any excuse in the book as to why I need to stop:

my ponytail isn't tight enough
my shoelaces are too loose
my nose is running
I need to check my phone
I can't change the song on my iPod without stopping
My sunglasses are all fogged up
I need to stretch my hip
My knee hurts (that's legit)
and on and on and on

When I got home from my run I decided to pick up the lastest Triathlete magazine. I hate that magazine. You want to feel self-defeated, pick up one of those puppies. Of course they are going to feature all of the top altheletes in the sport, feature gear that is so expensive, but "so needed" (according to them) and people with all the time in the world that they can dedicate to training their tushies off. Blarghhhhhhhh! I want to read about real people who have a hard time fitting it all in. I want to read about real people using old gear, used gear and don't have the latest and greatest bike but do their best to cross the finish line!

Anyway, back to the grind today! Not sure what I am doing tonight. I think it's supposed to be a swim and run, but I already swam a ton this week, I need to focus on my bike and run, so maybe I'll do that!

Happy Training!

The Goal Today Was...

2010-04-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

To swim and then run down to the track and do some sprints. I only swam. Oh well, I was really, really hungry and didn't bring any food with me. So I went home and had some lunch! Here is my swimming workout for the day:

200 SKPS (200 each of swim, kick, pull, swim)

400 IM Drill

4x125s
1. 25 fly easy, 75 free moderate, 25 fly hard
2. 25 back easy, 75 free moderate, 25 back hard
3. 25 breast easy, 75 moderate, 25 breast hard
4. 25 free easy, 75 free moderate, 25 free hard

400 easy free
4x100s choice hard
300 easy free
4x75s choice hard
200 easy free
4x50s choice hard
100 easy free
4x25s choice hard

4x25s underwater no breath 25s (with fins)

200 easy warmdown

I almost didn't want to get out of the water today, but lap swimming time was over :(
Teaching Zumba tonight as a sub! I always get nervous, even though I know the routine backwards and forwards!

Swimming Tip of the Week: How To Get the Chlorine Out of your Locks

2010-04-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

We've all had that chlorinated build-up in our hair at one point in our lives or another. I am here to tell you that you don't need a "special" swimming shampoo to get that lustre back in your locks.

All you need is two ingredients that are easily found in your kitchen cabinets: Baking soda and vinegar! It's so simple, so cheap, so easy, and it works like a charm!

Combine the vinegar and baking soda to make a thick paste. Don't forget about that chemical reaction that takes place when you mix the two together!! ;)

Mix together with your finger to create a thick paste.

Work into hair while in the shower. Let stand in your hair for a few mintues. Rinse well. Condition as normal. There. Chlorine free hair!

You can also pack a small container of this miracle paste with you when you go to the pool!

Happy training!!!

Bad Weather= No Bike

2010-03-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

My plan yesterday was to ride my bike for 75 minutes. It was just crappy out; rain, wind, cold and everything in between. I decided to nix the bike workout for a swim and a treadmill run. Here is what I did:

200 SKPS (200 swim, 200 kick, 200 pull, 200 swim)

400 IM Drill

4x100s (des. 1-4 on 1:30)
4x100s IM (des. 1-4 on 1:40)

300 Kick

3x200s pull

200 warm down

Took a quick dip in the hot tub and got dressed for my run on the treadmill. 40 minute run that included hills, and sprints. Walking cool-down.

Much better than freezing for 75 minutes on my bike. Today the sun is shining but it's still cold, I think I just may ride the trainer tonight unless it warms up considerably!

Happy Running and Training!

Things that can't be Safe: Part Deaux

2010-03-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

Riding your bike and talking on your cell phone, without a helmet.

Feel free to add your own "Things that can't be Safe" cycling or otherwise!!

Things that can't be Safe

2010-03-27T20:23:00.000-07:00

I went on a 2 hour bike ride today and noticed two things that can't be safe:

1. Tethering yourself to your giant dog while running. Now, I am sure this person made it home just fine and dandy. But what if the dog got spooked and took off? Do I need to explain anymore?

2. Tethering yourself to your giant dog, whilst riding a bike with your baby attached to the seat behind you. Again, I am sure all three of them made it home safe and sound... but again I ask, what if the dog got spooked? Do I need to explain anymore?

People, don't tether your giant dog to anything!!

Swimming Tip of the Week

2010-03-25T18:15:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about something to add to my blog every week and since I LOVE me some swimming I thought I would give a swimming tip a week. I was thinking about drills, etitquette, open water swimming, gear, workouts etc.

Introducing your first swim tip for the week and it's a biggie!

Lap Swimming Etiquette
You enter the pool area and you are overwhelmed by a myriad of swimmers filling each lane and you think to yourself, "Where should I go?"

1. Most lap swim times will have designated lanes: slow, medium, fast, very fast and possibly a lane for a masters group. If you are unsure of your speed take some time to look at each lane to see how people are swimming. I often think of myself as a fast swimmer, but when I scan the lanes there might be some faster swimmers in the fast lane and I should not be there. Time to pick a new lane.

2. Once you have decided your lane, wait until there is an opening or a space for you to slide into. Please make sure you start right away and don't hang out on the wall too long. Have your cap and goggles ready to go, especially if the lane is crowded, no one likes a wall-sitter!

3. Please circle swim to the right of the lane if there are more than two swimmers in a lane. If there is just you and another swimmer, politely ask them if you could split the lane (one swimmer on the right of the lane and one swimmer on the left). Once someone joins you or you are joining lane splitters please let both of them know you will be joining them. No one likes to be surprised when they see someone swimming head-on directly towards them.

3. If you are consistently passing slower swimmers in your lane you need to move to a faster lane. No one likes to be passed all of the time. Same goes if you are being passed many times... time to suck it up move to a slower lane.

4. Have you noticed the big black + on the wall? Please don't stand in front of it. That is where swimmers turn. If you have made a swimmer mad, they will flip-turn on top of you. Please be aware of other swimmers around you.

5. Please don't start swimming when you know a fellow swimmer is about to do a flip-turn or open turn at the wall, you will get in their way.

6. What if you need to pass someone who is kicking or doing drill work or just plain going slow? Tap them on the feet to let them know you are there. They should move to the right and you pass in the middle, or you can wait to the wall to pass them.

7. If you notice someone in your lane is trying to do a workout and using the pace clock, try to stay out of their way. Or if don't know just politely ask, "Are you using the pace clock?" If they are just let them go first when their rest time is up. Or they may just tell you to go if their rest is longer.

8. If all else fails and you find yourself following the rules and your fellow swimmers aren't, have a little chat with the lifeguards about your concerns, they'll almost happily want to help you out!!

9. Now go have fun!!

Spring Bike Ride

2010-03-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Today being Spring, a Saturday and warm, it was time for a bike ride. I posted on my facebook about anyone knowing of any routes that were safe to ride for someone not used to aerobars. My friend commented back that her and some of her friends were going on a 25 mile ride on a popular Seattle trail. Much better to go with a group than by yourself. To top it all off it would be the first ride for all of us on our new bikes! It was awesome!

I would say that this ride was more of a leisure ride than a training ride because half of Seattle must have been on that trail this morning and it was busy. Not only did we have a good idea to ride our bikes but so did everyone else. I was able to use my aerobars a few times, I was scared at first but after awhile it felt just fine, it's just that there were way too many people out and about to use them for the whole ride.

At first we were going to do a 25 mile ride but decided to tack on the extra 5 miles to make it an even 30. I LOVE my new bike, it's sooooo speedy and soooooo light. I was easily going 20 mph just without trying or putting a ton of effort into it. With my old bike I could barely hold on 17mph and was much more comfortable at 16mph. It was a tad bit cold this morning. I wish I would have brought some gloves, my hands and fingers were so numb by the time we were done! Can't wait to do it again!

Bondi Band Review

2010-03-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

I just ordered three headbands from a company called Bondi Band ( http://www.bondiband.com/ ). I often see them at race expos, look at them and think how cute they are and walk on. I looked up the company and decided to order three of them. If you order three (at least for now) you can get a free gift, I chose the water bottle.

The bands came in the mail today. I bought the wicking bands with quotes on them. One band says "Slow... It's the New Fast", Tri: Swim, Bike, Run and I Run Like a Girl. I tried one out today for my Zumba class. I used it to hold my bangs back instead of using a clip and to catch all of the sweat. It stayed in place, I didn't have to futz with it, and it did exactly what it was supposed to do. I am sure it would do just fine for running as well. I think it's a great head band for working out in. Buy one NOW!!!

Post Zumba workout.

New Swimming Gear... Finally!

2010-03-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

After five years of swimming in the same old ugly polyester swim suit I finally broke down and bought a new one. On sale of course!! At first I thought I would dabble in the size 28s. Ummm I could get them on but my booty sure was hanging out the back. I thought I should get a little real with myself and try a 32. Ahhhhhhhhh, much better coverage and I could actually move in it!

I also broke down and bought some fins. I usually just borrow the pool ones, if the pool I am at even has them. I settled on the cheaper of the training fins from TYR. The Zoomers were about $8 more and I am always about getting a better deal.

And last but not least my Swedish goggles have been sans a strap for a very long time. Which really makes them quite useless. Instead of buying a whole new pair of Swedes, I bought a new strap and nose piece. Yay for an awesome swim shop!!!

Training:

Saturday: 5 mile run with hills and my lovely mom!

Sunday: Supposed to do a 120 minute ride on the bike. Very busy day tomorrow I may have to break it up into one hour chunks.

Monday: Zumba and Spin

Happy Running and Training!!

Hello Stairs!!!

2010-03-10T18:39:00.000-08:00

Hello Stairs!! I have a wonderful stair climb in my neigborhood, 234 stairs. This picture shows about 75% of them. I was finally able to get out today and do a 4 mile run that included climbing the stairs two times. I forgot how hard it was. The stairs shown here are very, very steep. The stairs before are steep, but the are shorter which makes it easier to run up. I also added in some hills. I have to say I had a nice run tonight. Running is usually my least favorite thing to do, so it's nice to like it once and awhile!

I Like to Ride my Bicycle

2010-03-08T16:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was going to take a rest day, really I really was. I ended up getting a little bored. Our house was clean, our laundry was caught up and why not? Why not hop on the bike for 30 minutes, just to get my legs moving. That 30 minutes turned into 90. I did a mish-mosh of hills, steady-state riding, sprint intervals and just spinning. Surprisingly it went by very quickly. My husband kept me company while he caught up with his grading. He also decided that he should get the camera and take some pictures. So here they are:

Training this week:

Monday: Zumba, 30 minute spin class

Tuesday: 60 minutes on the trainer

Wednesday: 45 minute swim, 45 minute run

Thursday: 105 minute ride

Friday: 45 minute swim, 45 minute run

Saturday: 60 minute run

Sunday: ??

Do you call yourself an athlete??

2010-03-07T16:22:00.000-08:00

I was at Barnes and Noble today and was skimming Sally Edwards' book "Triathlons for Women". I came across some interesting things. One, about women who do triathlons and don't call themselves a triathlete. Women often feel that they need to compare themselves to uber triathlete women who are at the top of their game, are fit, and do the sport so beautifully that they can't compare. Edwards' goes on to say that even if you have done one sprint triathlon you ARE a triathlete. I would like to agree with her. But it's hard. I have done many, many races and some of them I did really well, but I still have a hard time calling myself a triathlete. Same with the marathon. I've only done one, but I have hard time calling myself a "marathoner". Anyone else have trouble calling themselves an athlete of any type?

As far as training goes I would like to congratulate myself on two weeks of some awesome training. I did have to modify some days because of my schedule, but ultimately I feel like I have accomplished something! I have about three more weeks of base building to finish and then the real workouts start. I still have not taken my new bike outside yet. I had the perfect opportunity yesterday to do that, but I am afraid of my aerobars! I don't want to fall with my new bike. I am hoping to take a class soon at bike shop I bought the bike at.

My training plan. I flip-flopped my weekend workouts. I am supposed to ride my bike today for 90 minutes. I was going to take a day off today, but I really want to get my time in today!!

The bad news... something is up with my knee. I noticed it after my marathon was over that I had this lump on the right outer side of my knee and it just never went away. It's not really painful, although sometimes it is. The lump is not getting smaller, but may have acutally been getting bigger. I went to my primary doctor about two weeks ago. She seemed to think it was fluid, but she wasn't entirely sure. So in a week I have an appointment with the sports medicine doctor. Here is a picture, but you may not be able to tell.

And the best news of all??? I bought two new Nike Dri Fit sports bras!! I was at the gym the other day running on the treadmill that happens to be in front of a mirror. I was looking at the girls and noticing how much they were flopping around and it was just not right. I am not large chested by any means, it just meant that the cheapo sports bras from Target don't do anything for support while running. I can't wait to try them out this week!!

Happy running and training!!!

Starting Month Three of Accutane

2010-03-01T15:56:00.000-08:00

Just had my appointment today with my dermatologist. He is very pleased with the results so far. As am I. It's still a royal pain to go to the lab every month to get a blood and pregnancy test, but I understand why they ask accutane patients to do this.

It's interesting, much of what I have read, mostly on the internet (so it's not hard scientific data, just anectdotal) says that many, many people suffer some annoying to bad side effects. I was certain that I would fall into that category. The only side effects so far is very dry lips, dry nose, and some achy muscles. Nothing bad at all. I have read some stories that people wake up with blood everywhere from nosebleeds. Thankfully, I do not have this problem!!!

I also asked the doctor about scar treatments after my final dose of accutane. He said my skin will change much more three months from now and I may not need anything at all! That brought a smile to my face for sure. If I do need any treatment for scars after accutane, he will talk to me about my options. For now we wait and see.

Triathlon training:
Sunday: Swam only 15 minutes. Note to self: check schedule for water aerobics class taking up entire pool! ;) Treadmill workout: hills and intervals, 40 minutes.

Monday: My fun day!! Zumba (one hour), spin class (30 mintues) , easy swim (30-45 minutes).

Calorie Counting: Is making me anal. I have been tracking 95% of what goes into my body. I went out to brunch yesterday and ordered a 3 egg white veggie omelette sans cheese. I ate only about 1/2 a cup of hashbrowns and gave the rest to my husband. This would not have happened if I didn't have my "Lose It" program on my iPhone! It was still yummy after taking away all the good stuff!! I haven't weighed myself yet, I think I might give it another week or two before I get on the scale.

Happy Running and Training!

I did it! I signed up!

2010-02-28T13:51:00.000-08:00

I literally just signed up for my first half-ironman! I have been following the training plan for a week now, and decided there is no time like the present to just do it!!

Follow me on my journey!!

Happy running and racing!!

Calorie Counting and Half Ironman Training

2010-02-25T06:17:00.000-08:00

The hubs and I bought new iPhones last week. I was browsing around the apps store and found the "Lose It" App. It's a simple and convienent way to count calories and track what you are eating. I started three days a go with a goal to lose about 10-15 pounds. It is so simple I can't believe it. For some of my foods I have even measured out my portions just to see what an actual portion size is for certain foods. You can even add in exercise to your day. Thankfully I have a heart rate monitor so I can track actual calories burned instead of an estimate. I don't plan on weighing myself for quite awhile, I just want to get in the habit of tracking what I eat. I am also hoping that shedding some pounds will help me be a bit faster when I race.

2 Days of Half Ironman Training Done!!! So far so good, I have stuck to the plan... so far!

Monday: supposed to be a rest day, but wanted to go to Zumba. I also took a 30 minute spin class and did a nice 30 minute swim after. I will probably not be doing this every monday.

Tuesday: 60 minute bike ride on the indoor trainer. Hills and intervals.

Wednesday: 45 minute swim, mostly drills. I haven't done a real swimming workout since October. 30 mintute run, first run in the past few weeks.

Thursday: 90 minute bike ride. Not looking forward to riding my bike for 90 minutes indoors.

A Very Long Week

2010-02-21T11:09:00.000-08:00

This week has been an incredibly long week. My grandmother unexpectedly passed away last Monday. My husband and I drove up to be with our family and to help out with my grandfather a short time after we lost her. I worry about him the most. He has been married to my grandma for over 65 years! I couldn't even begin to imagine what he feels like right now. I have never seen my grandpa cry until last Monday, that made me so sad. We are having the memorial for her today are expecting quite a few family members and family friends to join us this afternnon. It's probably going to be one of those bittersweet moments, where you are sad but enjoy seeing so many people you haven't seen in a long time. I love you grandma!

During all of this craziness my husband and I were able to take some time out to ourselves and we were able to pick up my bike from the shop. They had to do a few adjustments and that is what I was waiting for. I was only able to get on it one time. It was the longest hour of my life. I didn't have a workout planned, no intervals, no hills, I just pedaled and watched the Olympics. I really, really love the bike and can't wait to take it outside of my basement to actually ride it for real!!

My goal this past week was to start training for my half-Ironman that I plan on signing up for. That didn't happen. Once everything settles down after today that is my new goal! The training plan that I have picked out seems really doable and actually looks like fun. We'll see!!

Happy running and training!

10 Reasons why you should volunteer at a race

2010-02-13T13:52:00.000-08:00

This morning I was able to volunteer for a local 5k, with 3,000 plus participants. I have never volunteered at a race before only particicpated in them. I had no idea what to expect. I arrived at around 6:15 in the morning to help set up for the event. Wow! These people are pros! They knew exactly what they have to do to keep everything running on time. I felt like I was in the way as I had no clue what I was doing. I met up with another first time volunteer and we were responsible for making the chutes at the end of the race. It took us quite awhile but we finished.

My next task was to work the packet pick-up booth and hand out t-shirts. There were a ton of volunteers ready to help. We came across some packets that were missing but they were able to get squared away with new timing chips and numbers. One thing I learned about this is, arrive as early as you can to pick your packet up just in case there is a problem with it and a new number can be reassigned no questions ask. Or better yet, pick your packet up the day before if you can. One gentleman who is very well-known in the Seattle running world came about 5 minutes before the start time and we could not find his packet. I looked up his name and couldn't find it. I let him look up his name and he couldn't find it. I directed him to someone who could help him and he tossed my list he was holding at me. RUDE!!!! Here is a little nugget of advice: COME EARLY TO YOUR EVENT JUST IN CASE THERE IS A PROBLEM!!

The last thing I did was to cut time chips off of shoes. This was really fun and not as bad as it looks. I was able to watch the first runners cross the line and congratulate them! Wow! They are amazing! This job also allows you to watch many first time racers cross the finish line for the first time. Watching that is just as inspiring!

Everyone should volunteer at least once!!!

10 Reasons why you should volunteer for a local race:

1. You get to know what goes on behind the scenes of a race: what it takes to get it set-up, take-down and everything in between.

2. Most race participants are extremely polite and you will hear a ton of "thank-yous' during your volunteer time.

3. You get a free t-shirt!

4. You may even be rewarded with a free entry to an upcoming race.

5. You get to witness those who are extremely rude to volunteers because there has been a mistake with their registration. (I only saw a few of those today)

6. You are able to eat the food if you so wish.

7. You get to watch the first speedy racer to cross the finish line.

8. You get to watch a ton of people complete their first race with smiles on their faces.

9. Yout get to meet a ton of new people who are passionate about what they do and want to give back to the sport.

10. You get to wake up even earlier than if you were actually participating in the event!

Pro Bike Fit

2010-02-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

Last night I was finally able to do my pro bike fit for my new bike. I bought my bike and was fitted at Cycle University http://www.cycleuniversity.com/ It was really interesting. I was set up on a computrainer to warm-up a bit. During my warm-up the fitter watched me ride to see what adjustments he needed to make. I knew when I first bought the bike the saddle needed to be swapped because right away my girly bits were hurting. I think I now want to get a computrainer. Ooooooh, so many toys out there and soooooo not enough money for them all!

The fitter adjusted the aero-bars so I didn't have to reach so far, adjusted the saddle height and swapped out the men's saddle for a women's. The bike is still at the shop where they need to do some final adjustments, make the cables a bit shorter, and I guess they are cutting part a part of the aero-bar so it doesn't stick out and become a safety hazard. I should finally be able to take my bike home next week. It really doesn't matter anyway as it is pouring down rain today. But I do have all next week off and if the weather shapes up I am definitely taking it out for its innaugural ride!

I found my ipod!

2010-02-08T16:24:00.000-08:00

My iPod has been missing since the beginning of my marathon training. I looked high and low and still couldn't find it. I went swimming the other day and opened up a pocket in my bag and "POOF" there was my missing iPod. I swear I looked in that pocket a million times and it wasn't there before. Go figure!

My workouts lately have been very sparse compared to when I was training for my marathon. It's been nice to just relax a little and not worry about an upcoming race. I have decided I am going to do my first Half Ironman this summer and need to get back on the wagon. I looked at some training plans and realized that I need to get started soon. I can't seem to find a plan that seems really good for someone who mainly trains on their own. I emailed my cousin who is an Uber triathlete to see if she can give me some good advice. The good thing about starting now is that I can get a good base built up so I can be ready to train hard. That's the plan at least ;)

Recently, I downloaded two great workouts from www.itrain.com for my indoor bike trainer. It's been hard just hopping on the bike and making things up as I go as far as intervals etc. These workouts can be pricey but if you are looking for some motivation on the treadmill, elliptical, or bike these are really WONDERFUL workouts. I ended up spending $20 for two workouts but I can always use them in the future and I don't have to use them all the time, just when I need a little push when I am down in my basement trying to get a workout in.

Workouts planned for this week (I just need to stick with them!)
1. Monday: Zumba and 30 minute spin class
2. Tuesday: if not called to sub, swim and run
3. Wednesday: I usually take off but if I am not working,bike trainer
4. Thursday: Zumba
5. Friday: off
6. Saturday: swim and run

Triathlon Race Schedule

2010-02-02T13:06:00.000-08:00

Last year I met up with a friend who I used to swim with at a triathlon and she introduced me to her triathlete friends and then we all did a tri together last summer. So fun to know and race with active people! I just got an email with our potential racing schedule. I sooooooo wish I had an endless supply of money because there are several races in California and even one in Hawaii (not Ironman). How fund would that be to travel to a race with an awesome group of people? For now I will be participating in some local and some travel by car races. But it looks as though this will be my busiest triathlon season since I started three years ago, with a half ironman possibility in July. Let the racing begin!!!

Bike Trainer

2010-01-31T17:54:00.000-08:00

I'm totally bored, so I thought I would post pictures of my bike trainer set-up in my basement. I had many intentions today to ride for an hour but alas, it 6pm, dinner is cooking and it might not happen. So enjoy my lame pictures!

This isn't my new bike, still waiting for me at the shop for a fitting!

My New Bike WILL Make Me go Faster!

2010-01-30T16:03:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting a new bike for awhile. I have been looking and looking and found a great deal at a new bike shop that opened up down the street from me. After calling around to other local shops I decided to go with them. I now have a Specialized Transition Elite. It's an entry level tri bike, nothing over the top, but will be a huge difference in comfort and speed compared to my old bike. This is also a great bike to upgrade as far as components go. I can even rent carbon wheels for any race that I want this summer if I choose.

I am so excited. I have a bike fit in the next few days and then I can take her home and use the trainer until the weather is nicer and is lighter out later in the day. Now I need to sign up for some races!

Hello? PE Job Are you There?

2010-01-27T13:10:00.000-08:00

I have been subbing in a wonderful job the past three weeks. I get to teach swimming lessons...how awesome is that? And get to teach kids how to be healthy and fit... even better. I interviewed on Monday and have been waiting nervously for two days. People keep saying to not worry, but I have to, I've been let down too many times. I'll worry until someone says I have it or I don't. I am keeping all of my crossables crossed and hoping for the best but possibly expecting the worse. I hope they call me today!!!

Girls on the Run Fundraiser Meeting

2010-01-16T14:05:00.000-08:00

Today, my mom and I met with the local director of Girls on the Run. We have set the date for our fundraiser brunch, for March 21. 100% of the money raised will go directly to the program. If you have never heard about this program it is amazing!! They help girls ages 8-13 run a 5k as well as learn about healthy self-esteem, values, etc. This past year is the biggest year for the Seattle chapter of Girls on the Run. They went from 150 participants to 400! They are in need of money to help keep the program up and running. The program has sponsorships through New Balance and Nuun, so we are trying to get them on board with donating shoes and sport drinks. We are so excited to take on this project! See if there is a local chapter in your area and volunteer to become a coach! It's a great way to mentor a young girl!
Happy Running!

http://www.girlsontherun.org/

Mercer Island Half Marathon

2010-01-11T06:29:00.000-08:00

This will be our next race. We haven't signed up yet but started training for the race which will be at the end of March. I feel FANTASTIC!!! Yesterday, my mom, husband and I ran for 70 minutes. Which is a very long time for the hubs. He usually lasts about 20 minutes on the treadmill. He was a little sore when he finished.

The last part of our run we sprinted back to the car and I actually beat my mom and husband! I looked at my HRM and realized that I could go much faster than I was, my heart rate wasn't even at 190, which is where it should be for sprints! Does this mean I have a PR lurking around the corner? I certainly hope so.

Tonight a Zumba class awaits me and maybe I'll get on the 'mill for a quick three miler.

Resolution Run and Polar Bear Dip!!! Race Review

2010-01-01T14:58:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun this morning! The race started at 10:30am, which usually I would complain about such a late start, but this morning I didn't mind at all. I woke up at 6:45, which meant I had plenty of time for breakfast and coffee. I looked outside to check the weather: downpour and lots of wind, but not too cold. (pic to the left is post-dip)

My husband and I met my mom at the race. It started late because so many people showed up for day of registration, hopefully next year they won't have "day of registration". So, we ended up waiting around for about 45 minutes. Bless my husband's soul for waiting around and getting soaked!

The race finally started and it was a very narrow course with tons of mud and puddles. My mom and I ran together, we weren't worried about going fast, just having fun and enjoying the race. We were trying really hard not to get our shoes wet, which ended up being really funny, because we were jumping into a lake at the end of the race anyway. We had a good laugh about that at the end of the race.

After traipsing through the muddy muck we finally made it to the lake. It was a crisp 42 degrees in the water. It was warmer outside than in the lake. We ran in laughing and holding hands. We were told we had to dunk our heads or we would get disqualified, and we stopped and looked at each other like there is no way we are doing this, but we did! It actually felt so good after the race to jump in the water. Then we ran to the finish line, laughing the whole way! It was such fun race, we are going to recruit people to do it with us next year!

Our time was about 31 minutes, which included the dip in which we stopped to contemplate whether or not to put our heads in ;)!

We placed third (even with our slow times!) overall in the female team division! Go Team Whimsy!!

A quick video of us dipping. We are in the pink and blue.

Race Goals for 2010

2009-12-31T12:02:00.001-08:00

Taking after my fellow bloggers I am going to list my goals for 2010. They are as follows:

1. Run in at least two more marathons, I would be happy with one as I have found it's pretty tough on my body. I want to run in 4:30 or faster.

2. PR in a 5k. I can't believe how long it's been since I have PRd in a 5k. I am embarrassed to admit that my best time is only 28 minutes... yeah, I'm slow!

3. PR in a half marathon. I think the 1/2 is the best race distance. I need to go faster than a 2:13. So far the last three 1/2s I have done have all gotten slower. Here is to a fast 2010 for my half marathon.

4. Sign up for and finish my first half ironman. I just got a new bike trainer and I am hoping that will keep me in bike shape until I can get outside.

5. Swim a sub 6 minute 500 free at a masters meet! I haven't done this since high school. I think I can do it for sure. My first meet in 2010 is in April.

That's all for now! Maybe I'll add some the faster I get!!! Here's to a healthy, fast and fit new year!! Congrats to all of you who have stuck through your training and made some awesome accomplishments in 2009!!

Non-Running Related: Starting Accutane

2009-12-28T19:44:00.000-08:00

I usually wouldn't post something like this but maybe some people can relate.

I am starting Accutane tomorrow morning. Acne has been a struggle for me for many, many years. And it's not little break outs here or there, it's ugly, cystic, scarring acne. It's Yucky! It always makes me mad when people complain about one little zit that they have. Ummm, hello! I have a whole face full of them, they are ugly and painful.

I have tried everything under the sun to make my face look and feel better. Oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, vitamins, birth control, no birth control, elimination diet, intense pulse light therapy and on and on! I have even had a prescription for accutane before but decided against it because of all the potential side effects. Nothing has worked.

It's hard to look in the mirror because all I see is a red, zitty, scarred face. Most people say " Ohhhh, it's not THAT bad!" Well it shouldn't even be a little bad. I look like a teenaged boy. I ALWAYS exercise with make-up on, ALWAYS! I never leave the house without make-up, covering up the yuck, makes me feel a little better.

It has been quite the process to obtain accutane, as it can cause some pretty severe birth defects. I am sure it's easier to buy a gun legally than it is to get accutane. So after 2 negative pregnancy tests, blood work and registering for the IPledge Program (a government run website to track pregnancies while on Accutane) I finally received my pills today and I will start tomorrow. Apparently, it gets worse before it gets better. How can my fact get any worse? I am soooo dreading the next few months. It would be nicer if I could just go into hiding for 60 days and re-emerge with beautiful skin! If only!!! I thought about posting before and after pics but it is just way too embarrassing to take my make-up off for a picture.

Anyways, I don't want to turn this into a blog about zits, I want to keep it fitness related. But maybe someone out there can relate!

Happy running and exercising!

Team Whimsy Races Again!

2009-12-22T15:50:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! My mom and I are signing up for the Resolution Run 5k on January 1st! We will be running as a team, so our times combined will decide our standings. Last time we ran as a team we placed third!! There is an option at the end of the race to do a polar bear dip in Lake Washington, I am all for it, but my mom will not be doing it. I think as a team you have to decide if you both are doing it or not. So I probably won't be dipping!

I have been doing some very short runs during the week on the treadmill. A little boring since I can't find my ipod shuffle at all. Hopefully Santa will bring me a new one!

Starting again today!

2009-12-14T14:28:00.000-08:00

I have been taking it real easy since our marathon. At the most I have been going to Zumba 2 days a week. No running. I finally feel like I am ready physically to start again. With my knee hurting the way it did on marathon day I knew I needed to take a much needed break. I am going to start slow today with a Zumba class and a 2 mile run on the treadmill and probably just stick with shorter treadmill and outdoor runs the next couple of weeks.

The next race we want to do is "The Capital City" marathon on May 16th. I don't think I have to start really training until mid-January. We haven't signed up yet but we know we will be doing this. My mom is going to really try to qualify for Boston at this race. From what we hear it's flat and fast! I am just hoping to go for a sub 5 hour marathon! This time I will be following a strict plan, I think that will be the only way I can reach my goal!

Happy Running and Resting!

Girls on the Run Fundraiser Brunch

2009-12-03T19:43:00.000-08:00

Now that the marathon is over I/we can concentrate on other things. It's been so nice to have some time off of working out. I plan on taking some more days off and then start slowly back again.

Team Whimsy's next endeavor will be hosting a fundraiser brunch for the Girls on the Run of Puget Sound (www.girlsontherun.org). Girls on the Run "uses the power of running to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living." So far we have come up with a date, created a list of friends and family to invite and have been in contact with the director of the Puget Sound affiliate. We will also be racing a 5k with graduates of the fall program on December 12th. This is a great organization. Think about volunteering or even starting your own where you live.

Seattle Marathon Post Race Review

2009-11-30T17:34:00.000-08:00

Morning Wake-Up Call: My husband and I stayed over at my parent's house so we could drive to the race together. I woke up at 5am. Had my coffee and an egg and bagel sandwich. It was hard to eat because my stomach is always so upset on race days, but I knew I had to eat the whole thing. I'm glad I did.

Off to the Races: The traffic wasn't too bad and we got to the race at 7:15 with an hour to spare. The weather wasn't too bad. A little misty, not too cold.

There They Go: I was feeling really good about this race. I knew it would be hard, but I didn't know what was in store for me a few hours after the gun went off. Our plan was to stick to the 4:45 pacer group, it was a great plan until my knee started to hurt. We also trained using a 4:1 run/walk interval. But we wanted to not stop at the beginning, it's too hard to do that with so many people around and it's too exciting. We stayed with the pacer group up until about mile 7. It was a perfect pace, I wish I could have kept it up.

Mile 13: "If I signed up for the half, I'd be done!!" The first words out of my mouth. I knew that my husband and aunt and uncle would be waiting for us here, so that got me more motivated. My knee at this point was killing me. I have been going to PT for my hip, and that didn't even hurt, but my stupid knee HURT. I am pretty sure it is due to my tight IT band.

It was wonderful to see my family at this point. I really needed it!

Miles 14-20: Didn't feel too bad, except my knee hurt. We were doing our intervals and we just kept running along. We both made potty stops. Boy did it feel good to sit down! Oh, yeah! The last half of the race was all hills. Steep hills, long hills and hills in between. I knew it would be hard but this just about killed me. And it really wasn't the going up part that was hard, the painful part was trying to run down them! OUCH!!!!

Miles 20-24: Hurting pretty bad at this point. Everything, my feet, my knees my hips. My PT says I am hyper mobile in my joints and I keep reading that running is really painful for those of us that are hyper mobile. I would like to trade bodies with a speedy runner to see if they hurt as much as I do!

Miles 24-26: The most difficult and challenging of the whole experience! I am so glad my mom was with me to keep me going. I kept crying because my knee hurt so bad and I just wanted to be done, I didn't want to go another two miles. My mom and I crossed the finish line together and I cried. I cried because I was glad I finished. I cried because I hurt so bad. I cried because I got to do this with my mom and not too many daughters out there can say that their 59 year old mom is a marathoner!!

As you can see in these pictures I look like I am in pain, I could not even force a decent smile!! I tried, but my smile muscles wouldn't work either!

Things I learned:

1. Moderate hills mean "there are lots of them, train for it!"

2. I felt great with my nutrition plan, didn't feel hungry once during the course. Definitely sticking to this!

3. I don't need to use walk/run ratios, just walk at the water stops every two miles.

4. Don't train using your own modified training plan, use a tried and true training plan, created by someone who knows what they are doing! ;)

5. You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to!

6. Even though I didn't meet my time goal, I still finished and the next marathon I do I will get a better time, because the course will be flat ;)

Overall experience: I had fun. I don't think I will sign up for this race again. Mostly because of the time of year. You can't depend on the weather. We really lucked out and it was perfect. It was a challenging course. If I do this one again, I have to work on hills!!

Seattle Marathon Health and Fitness Expo

2009-11-27T13:56:00.000-08:00

My mom and I headed to the Seattle Marathon packet pick-up and Health and Fitness expo this morning. We were really early which meant that we were about 15th in line to pick up our bibs and chips and head over to the expo to pick up our swag quickly without many people around.

For some reason I was hoping the the expo was going to be great. You know, we are running 26.2 miles so the expo has got to bigger and better than any other expo right? Wrong. Same old thing you always see, nothing too impressive. We got our free samples and looked at all the cool gear that of course I wanted but didn't get.

I did buy mom and I the obligatory "26.2" sticker to put on our cars after we finish the race. I know it's kind of cheesy, but it's well deserved!

I found some super cute shirts with great quotes on them. I really wanted to buy one, but I really don't need another t-shirt I probably won't wear very much. So, a picture will do just fine!

I liked this marathon quote the best! My mom and I had to get a picture together with this one!

I told my husband that he has to make signs for us. He didn't seem enthused about taking on this project. So we went ahead and made some for him! Aren't we nice?

I'm excited for the race on Sunday and can't wait to be finished! It's been a long process to get here, but I know we can do this for sure! Marathons are fun... or so I've heard!!

Happy Running!

Not much going on these days!

2009-11-20T14:09:00.000-08:00

Well it now gets dark around here at about 4pm. It's icky! I've been really laying low in terms of exercising. I just don't want to injure myself even more and I want to continue to run for the rest of my life so it's not worth it to me to push through pain. I went to PT yesterday and she congratulated me on my resting. I am eager to run our race next weekend, take some more rest and start fresh again. My mom and I already have our next marathon planned, although we have not signed up just yet.

T-minus 11 days!

2009-11-18T18:36:00.000-08:00

Getting so close to race day! I am excited, nervous and as ready as I am going to be. I have been taking it real easy the past few days as directed by my PT. Perhaps too easy and it makes me worried? But nothing like a real taper to get you to the finish line!

"Back off the running and exercise classes"

2009-11-13T16:28:00.000-08:00

Says my physical therapist! At my last appointment I kept telling her my hip hurt during and after dance class, running, zumba, and the elliptical. She told me to listen to myself talk and to just take a break once and for all. It's so hard for me to do, but I know I need to do it so I don't injure myself further. She reminded me that I have done my training for my marathon and I will finish, but I want to meet my goal of a 4:30 or under marathon time! It's so frustrating!

This weekend I am meeting up with my mom to go on a very quick 3 mile run and have some coffee (of course!!) afterwards. Only two more weeks to go until race day! I have even sent out a mass email begging friends and family to come and cheer us on. Hopefully some will show up and surprise us!!

Happy Running!

Marathon Swimming

2009-11-06T10:17:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I was watching the Art of the Athlete and they were featuring Diana Nyad, Marathon Swimmer. She is amazing! She swam from the Caribbean Islands to Florida, which is something like 103 miles! That is a TRUE marathon swim.

For a swim to be considered a marathon swim it has to be over 15 miles, you cannot have contact with a boat and you can't wear a wetsuit. My husband asked if I would ever do something like that. I immediately shook my head no, but part of me is considering trying something like that at some point in my life. I have even (very briefly) considered the Manhattan Island Marathon swim (around Manhattan Island). Maybe after this running marathon I will have to think about what to do next!

Training: Nothing like starting PT 3 weeks before your first marathon! My hip has been killing me, I hope I can get this worked out before the race. My mom and I completed our last long run and I was in some pain despite having bettered our long run time by 12 minutes!

My husband also asked me if I ever thought I would ever be running a marathon. I again sad no! A few years ago I would curse the ground I ran on. I could barely run 10 feet without huffing and puffing and hating every minute of it. It's been a long running road, but here we are running our first marathon!

Costume Night at Zumba!!!

2009-10-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight we were supposed to come in costume to Zumba class. I attend a pretty tight knit class and we have a lot of fun together, it doesn't feel like working out at all! It's definitely a party! I have been thinking all week about what I could be and for cheap. Ahhhhhh! An 80's Aerobics Lady!! Perfect!!!

I went to Target and bought some super cute purple leggings and of course hairspray. I don't think I have purchased a can of hairspray in 15 or so years. I didn't even know where to look for it, but found a great deal on some Aussie Freeze It for $2.99. I was seriously thinking about getting a can of Aquanet, but the smell would be a bit overpowering, but the hold is amazing!! I have a pair of trunks (think the bottom half of a leotard) and a pink shirt that I did a whole lot of cutting and tying too. I have a pair of ballroom dancing shoes that I was going to wear but decided against since there is a heel and I didn't want to hurt myself right before our race!

Of course I was the first one to show up and lots of people at the Y were giving me the stink eye and then I thought "oh, crap! What if I am the only one??" Then a girl showed up in her pumpkin costume much to my delight! There weren't too many other that dressed up, I guess they didn't' get the memo!! Oh well, I had fun and looked fantastic!!

Girlfriends Half Marathon and Other Running Related Updates

2009-10-27T17:07:00.001-07:00

On October 18 my two wonderful friends and I drove down to Vancouver, Washington to run and walk in the Girlfriend's half marathon. This is one of my favorite races for three reasons. 1. It's an all women's race and it benefits breast cancer research 2. At the end of the race you can get a massage, get stretched, eat chocolate and see some gorgeous firefighters 3. you get some nice swag!

My two girlfriends had never done a half marathon before and one of them had never done a single race before. We were all very excited to be there, we had a ton of fun and can't wait for next year. My friend even said that she would be running next year. We are already in pre-planning stages for an appearance at the Seattle Rock N Roll half/full marathon.

As far as time goes for my 4th half marathon (WOW! 4 already I would have never thought I could do that even a year ago!!) it was not my fastest at all. I was nearing the end of a cold and was up all night coughing and didn't feel 100% on race day. Oh well! I loved being with my girlfriends!!

And in other marathon training news: After ignoring a painful and popping hip for a very long time I finally went to the doctor. I also asked about my painful and popping shoulder (from swimming). Doctor diagnosed my hip problem as a very tight IT band which is causing what is called "Snapping hip syndrome". Need to do lots of stretching and go to physical therapy. I can still run though. As for my shoulder, rotator cuff tendinitis. Need to do strength training and physical therapy. I can swim as long as there is no pain, once there is pain I need to get out.

Mom and I have one more long run to hammer through and then we are almost to marathon time. I really can't wait to get this over with!!

Turn your iPod off and say HELLO!!!

2009-10-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

My mom has been a runner for a long time, well before ipods became a popular item to run with. She never runs with music, she doesn't need to. She also gives a nice hello to every person she passes. Lately, we have noticed that most people we pass on our long runs are to into themselves and are listening to their MP3 players and don't even give a nod or a wave.

Ipods are a great tool for exercising they motivate a lot of people to get outside and to the gym and get moving. Along with this it has created much less communication with those around us. So, when you go on your next run, say a nice hello to everyone you see and take out those ear buds for one of your upcoming runs and enjoy the company and scenery!

Happy Running!

Three Marathon Goals

2009-10-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

I was doing some reading about first time marathoners and came across some good advice about goal setting. Yes, we all want to finish and that is a fine goal but we can do better. Set three goals. The first goal should be something attainable, the second goal should be attainable but more of a challenge to reach and the third goal should be somewhat lofty. Here are my three first time marathon goals:

1. Finish in under 5 hours
2. Finish at 4:30
3. Sub 4 hour marathon

What are your three goals for your first race, marathon or otherwise?

Happy Running!

Gut Checks!

2009-10-10T17:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made it up to swim with an old high school friend and her girls' swim team that she coaches. It was so fun, she even swam too! I didn't quite reach my goal of swimming those 100s on 1:15 but I did finish 22 100s, which was a lot more than some of those high school girls did! Go me!! When I couldn't make the last send off, I moved over a lane and finished up the set doing 10 more 75s.

I so want to get a t-shirt made for our marathon that says "I would rather be swimming 26.2 miles!!"

Happy Running and SWIMMING!!!

Swimming tonight!!

2009-10-09T11:53:00.001-07:00

I was invited by a friend from high school to swim with her team this afternoon. It's going to be fun and interesting. She coaches a high school girls team and they are doing something called "Gut Checks" today. The last time I did this WAS in high school. Keep in mind I have been out of the water a good solid month so I can focus on marathon training, but I could not pass up this opportunity. Some would call me crazy, some would call it awesome, I say both!!

Here is how "Gut Checks" works:

5x100s free on 1:45

5x100s free on 1:40

5x100s free on 1:35

5x100s free on 1:30

and on and on until you can no longer make the send off. In high school I could get down to 1:00, tonight my goal is to at least do a few 100's on the 1:10, not sure if I can make the 1:05s, we'll see.

Training: yesterday did a nice 5 mile run with hills, swimming tonight, easy short run on Saturday, long run with mom on Sunday.

19 mile day

2009-10-05T11:29:00.000-07:00

My daughter was such an encouragement yesterday on our 19 mile run. We had a beautiful run along the sound with the mountains in the background. - sunny--gorgeous. At the 15 mile mark we were both starving. She made some chocolate chip cookies and all I could think about was biting into one. Note to self. (eat more food before you leave 3 egg whites, a bagel and piece of cheese isn't enough). Today recovering, but looking forward to next Sunday's long run.

Mom and Daughter 19 miler yesterday!

2009-10-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

My mom was able to come down to my house yesterday for a nice 19 mile run. My mom is a pretty fast lady but I urged her to go slow so we could make the whole way which she did. We were prepared with our gels, and our Nuun and went out the door. It was a beautiful fall day, slight breeze and tons of sun! Oh and I also had on brand new never been worn shoes. Note to self: Do NOT wear new shoes on a 19 mile run!

We did really well and had a nice steady pace, made it to the turn around, all the while my foot was aching, but seemed to ache more the further we went. I had to stop a few times and adjust the laces and that didn't help much.

Around mile 16 or so my mom wasn't doing too hot. She was really hungry, as was I. I have done a previous 18 mile run on Monday, I wouldn't say I was used to the distance but I knew to take it slow. She basically pooped out, which I have NEVER seen before. We have decided we must eat a bigger breakfast and eat better the day before and possibly try some chews every 20-30 minutes. Of course after our LONG run we went out to Starbuck's for some coffee and breakfast.

My mom also mentioned that she will not be signing up for a marathon, she says it's too much training. We'll see if this still holds true after she finishes Seattle.

Team Whimsy Succumbs to Minor Injury

2009-10-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I posted that I had fallen on one of my runs and was just fine. Well, my dear mother was out on her long run and tripped over something and hurt her foot. Thankfully it wasn't very bad, but hurt enough to take some time off running and working out altogether. This coming Sunday we should be able to run together for the first time in over a month! I am really excited to run, hopefully there will be no falls involved on our next run!

We have a little over two months left for our training before the big day. I think I am a little ahead of myself with my long runs. I am already at 18 miles and I know according to some plans out there you only have one long run of 20 miles, but I think I am going to try for a 22 or 23 mile run before the race, because I am doing the Team Whimsy Training plan and I can!!

Happy Running!

Marathon Training the Seattle Way

2009-09-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

Today I did my long run of 18 miles. I was doing really well until I turned at my half way point to come back. I had my gels, my water, my Nuun, everything was going as planned. Until I started thinking about food constantly, and my toe was killing me from a blister. I stopped and fiddled with my toe and popped the blister which made it feel much better. I still could not get food out of my head and my tummy was getting very hungry, and then I started thinking about coffee.

I brought $10 with me just in case and I ended up stopping for a sweet treat and a latte! Yum! It hit the spot and helped me power through the last half of my run! It took me forever to finish since I took a coffee stop but it was well worth it!!

Now I am hoping Starbucks will be adding a coffee stop come race day!!

Happy Running!

Long run tomorrow...ooops!

2009-09-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

After putting off my long run on Saturday and again today, it will have to happen on Monday. I did a breast cancer walk today with my friend who is training to walk the half marathon that we are doing in mid-October. We did the 5k walk and then did 4 miles after that and got lunch. By the time I reached home it was past three and didn't want to start running so late in the day. I cannot put off this run another day, I wan to do it, but there's no time in my day to start and finish it.

Our walk today benefited the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer organization. It was fun, but I would definitely rather be running than walking, it took way too long!!

Tempo run blues!

2009-09-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I tried a 3 mile tempo run. I've never really done one before and I am trying to do all I can do go faster than my mom at our marathon. Sorry mom, I'm 32 and your are going to be 59, so I need to go faster!

Anyway, it was a bit hot yesterday and I decided to go on my run in the late afternoon. I didn't bring any water, because I thought it's only three miles I don't need any water! I used my heart monitor as well I wanted to keep my heart rate up at 85-90% for the entire run.

Things I learned from my first tempo run:
1. Warm-up first. I kept stopping because I felt horrible. With a short warm-up I would have been fine.
2. Bring water. It's OK to drink water when it's hot and you are only doing a three mile run!
3. I don't need to stop!

I ended up running the three miles in 26 minutes with stopping, so I know I can run it much faster without stopping. This is the fastest I have ever done this loop!

Training: 8-9 mile run this afternoon. abs class and Zumba class this evening!

Happy Running!

No real training plan anymore...

2009-09-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

Both my mom and I love to start things and then never finish them! We started out this whole marathon thing thinking we could follow the Jeff Galloway training program. We started out strong for a few weeks and even tracked the progress of each run. Well, that was very short lived.

I know when I do tris I don't really follow a set training plan, I look at a few plans and get an idea of what I need to do and then do my own thing. The same holds true for this marathon. I know one thing that is certain; it's that I have never done so much running in my life!!! That must mean I am going to get a rockin' time at this marathon and beat my mom right?? Because I am actually ahead of her right now in terms of longest runs. However, she is still faster than me!! She better watch out though I am what they call an "Outside smoker" the swimming world!

Yesterday I did a 17 mile run sans Team Whimsy running partner. It's been hard for us to get together every weekend as you know that thing called life and making money can get in the way of the things we would rather be doing! It was a tough run yesterday, it took about 3 miles for me to feel good and then at mile 4 I tripped and fell. My mom isn't surprised as I am very klutzy!! I got up, dusted myself off and continued running. I felt really good once I got going again. I brought along 2 Hammer Gels with me and I really noticed a difference in how my body held up during the run. The last two miles were really tough, but I finished!

When I got home I downed a 12 oz. Endurox R4 drink to aid in recovery. It didn't taste great but I did notice some difference this morning in how I felt when I woke up. I went to Zumba tonight and plan on doing some sort of speed work tomorrow, maybe a tempo run or intervals. I'll see how I feel!!

Happy Running!

Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon 2009 Shadow Run in Baghdad

2009-09-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

From the Seattle Marathon website www.seattlemarathon.org : (I thought this was very cool that this is going to happen on race day!)

Date/Time: Sunday, November 29, 2009 @ 6:00 AM
Local Baghdad Time (10 hours ahead of Pacific Time) Location: Victory Base, Baghdad, Iraq Start Times:
Full Marathon Run - 6:00am Half Marathon Run - 8:00am Note: There are no walking events.

The Story Behind The Race Mark Piccone and some of his fellow service members stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA wanted to run the Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon 2009. The problem: They are currently deployed in Iraq. The solution: Bring the Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon to them! MORE

Official Event Shirt $2 from the sale of each shirt will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project .
DETAILS
PURCHASE
EVENT DETAILS The Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon 2009 Shadow Run in Baghdad will be as much like a stateside run as possible, including a pre-race pasta party and entertainment along the route! The pasta dinner will be held in the Victory Base Dining Facility for runners and volunteers and will include a special room for the runners. There will be bib and race packet pick-up and inspirational running videos during the meal. Official Race Items provided by the Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon and its sponsors The Seattle Marathon Association, thanks to generous donations from Amica Insurance and its other sponsors, is providing official race items at a greatly reduced entry fee of $20 per runner. Official items include:
Finisher Certificates
Finisher Medals
Age Division Awards
Race Results posted on the SMA website
Participant Shirts
Filled Goody Bags
Volunteer Shirts and Certificates
Video from the Amica Insurance Seattle Marathon 2008
Event Guides
Results Issues
Event Poster
Runner's Bibs
Banners to hang at Shadow Run
Space Blankets
Powdered drink concentrate provided by Gatorade
Energy gel packets provided by GU In addition, Amica Insurance will be providing special care packages for each Shadow Run participant.Event Size Shadow Run organizers are anticipating 150-200 half marathon runners and 50-100 full marathon runners. Race Organizers For more info on the Shadow Run organizers, click here. Volunteers 50+ volunteers are expected to help with the race, including firemen stationed at the base. Race Day Temperatures Average high and low on November 29th is 73/52 degrees F. After the Race Shadow Run organizers will send the Seattle Marathon Association a video of the finish, the elite athletes, etc. Because of the time difference (Baghdad time is 10 hours ahead of Seattle time), we are anticipating being able to show the video and post race results on Race Day in Seattle.
THE COURSE
The course will be a 13.1 mile loop around Victory Base and Camp Liberty and will include Lost Lake, the Al Faw Palace and the palace where Saddam was held by U.S. forces after being captured. On the course we will have our unit band providing live entertainment (including a bag piper) at 4 different points including the start/finish line. Volunteers will provide traffic control and water stations.
THE CAUSE
Show your support of the troops with your purchase of an official event shirt. $2 of the proceeds from each shirt will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization that honors and empowers injured service men and women through its direct programs and services. For more information, click here.
Course Highlights: Victory Base and the Al Faw Palace

Someone wanted a swim workout, so here it is:
From USMS Swimmer Magazine, September/October Vol. 5, No. 5

Warm-up
500 Free breathe every 3/5 by 5, long push-offs on each turn
200 kick- no board streamline (50 on your side/50 on your back, repeat)
100 drill of choice

IM Set
1x300 IM
4x50 fly 1:05 swim strong with relaxed face
1x200 IM
4x50 back 1:05
1x100 IM

Freestyle Set
4x (3 x100 Free) swim each round at the same pace- no breaks. Keep focus on the black line and relax your back and shoulders. The challenge is, as the interval decreases , to maintain the pace without starting too slow.

Round 1: 1:40
Round 2: 1:35
Round 3: 1:30
Round 4: 1:25

Easy 100 Free

Hypoxic Set
12 Doughboy 25s-no breath- with 20 seconds rest. Breath control with relaxation. (The Yogis say fall down seven times, get up 8, so if you need to take a breath just start again)

4x50s easy, then the hot tub!!!

I haven't had a chance to do this yet, but will be the workout I do next when I hit the pool. I've been running too much to have a chance to swim!

lazy days

2009-09-16T15:56:00.001-07:00

I have done nothing this week. Food poisoning on Sunday. today finally working out abs class and spin class. Daughter doing fantastic racking up lots of miles. I am so proud of her. We are running together on Saturday. I think we will do 17 miles. I hope I never get to old to run, I would be impossible to live with. tata

Shhhhhhhh! Don't tell my mom...

2009-09-16T12:04:00.001-07:00

I think I enjoy running more than ever since I started about 5 years ago! I'm not sure why this sudden change, maybe it 's the heart rate monitor, maybe it was how good I felt on my first 15 mile run? I don't know! But it's nice to have a change of heart and maybe this change will lead to some faster times and perhaps a skinnier me!

Training: Went to a dance class and abs class yesterday. I also did some minimal speed work on the treadmill. I had to pee so bad and I knew if I got off the darn thing I would not want to get back on. So only 2 miles of running yesterday.

I think I am going to do another 15 or 16 miles this weekend for my long run. I am also going to be walking 6 miles with my friend on Sunday. Swimming today, my goal is 4000 yards. I found a great workout in my USMS Swimmer magazine. Possible short run Thursday or Friday.

Happy Running!

The Spirit of the Marathon and Heart Rate Training!

2009-09-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

My husband bought me a new heart rate monitor and how cool and simple are they to use!!! I ran 15 miles yesterday and it calculated my average heart rate, my percentage of my maximum heart rate and even calories burned. Oh how I love this little piece of technology.

I read a great article on the Runner's World website that gives some breakdowns of what percentage to be training at for a particular distance. I tried this on my run last night and I was AMAZED at how great I felt and how long I could go! I think I am officially ditching the Jeff Galloway method. Sorry Jeffy!! I just can't do it anymore. Here is the link to the article. http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--1039-0,00.html

I also watched a fantastic movie that was recommended by a poster on a Health and Fitness message board that I love! The Spirit of the Marathon. You can find it on Hulu.com
I was so inspired by this documentary. It features every day runners attempting their first marathon, to runners who have participated in multiple races and elite runners trying to win the Chicago marathon! I loved it, maybe that's why I was so motivated to run 15 miles yesterday. I think ANYONE can do a marathon, just watch this movie and you to will want to run, no matter how fast or how slow!

Happy running!

Half marathon with my besty!

2009-09-13T13:45:00.001-07:00

I convinced my best friend to sign up for a half marathon that takes place in October. She has never done any kind of running/walking race in her life! I think it's so awesome that she is doing a half for her first race! She will be walking, I will be running and our other friend will be doing a combination.

It's been difficult to try to get her to come out and start walking with me. But today she came out for a walk around Greenlake! We ended up walking real slow but I enjoyed our conversation. She asked how long it took us for 2.8 miles, and it was 53 minutes. And she said, "Holy **%&&! It's going to take me 5 hours to do this race!!!" I told her next time we need to walk a little faster and go a little longer! I think she will be more than fine and maybe I can convince her to become a runner!! We'll see about that one!! Of course every Greenlake adventure ends with a trip to Starbucks!!

Training: I was going to do 13 miles today but ended up walking with my friend instead. Going to move my long run for tomorrow. My poor mom is sick today, throwing up and all so she of courses is taking today off! Get well soon mom!!

32 Today!!

2009-09-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

I feel better and look better at 32 than I did at 25!! Go getting older!!!

It feels like Fall!

2009-09-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

I walked down to the pool today and it felt like fall, already! The picture above is what I get to look at on my walk down and during my swim, I'm going to miss it over the winter! It was cold, dark, and a little on the breezy side. The pool was packed for the second to last masters workout of the season. There are two lanes assigned for masters and there had to have been 10 people in each lane. Thankfully the water was nice and warm.

oops!

2009-09-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

Daughter has been bugging me about not blogging. I am too busy training to blog. Half-marathon on Monday. bought new running shoes today. We ran today but only about 3 miles then of course made a stop at Starbucks. that always makes the run worthwhile. The weather sounds perfect for the run a high of 61 and maybe some rain. My daughter has been working hard to improve and I think she will be able to set a personal best this time. The whimsical journey continues.......

My future's so bright I gotta wear...

2009-09-02T19:59:00.000-07:00

Shades!! I just ordered some new sunglasses today which has been a long time coming. I have the worst eyesight as confirmed by the doctor today. I have a really bad astigmatism. On a scale of 1-10 the good doctor gave me an 8! I even have to get high index lenses (a thin lens) so I don't look like I am wearing Coke bottles for glasses.

My current shades are so beat up and scratched that I can't stand it any longer. I must run and bike using my sunglasses as my regular glasses would just annoy me, slipping off my nose from sweat, and bouncing up and down from running! It just does not work.

So here are the new ones, both great for sports and for just wearing about town!

Training: I went on a long run on Monday and if my calculations are correct I could potentially run a 2:10 at our race next Monday. That is 5 minutes off my last half marathon time! I totally think I can do it!!

My mother has been scouted!!

2009-08-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

The other day my mom received an email from a local running group. Apparently this group really keeps track of race data and noticed my mom's name at the top of her age group in every single race she has done. They invited her to come and join them to be part of the club. Anyone can actually join the club but I thought it was pretty cool that she was given a personal invitation.

I think I am going to join the group as well and participate on some of the runs the group does. I definitely need some motivation. I know when I swim with a master's group it's much easier to go faster and keep training consistently. I am hoping the same goes for running!

www.eastsiderunners.com

A Lesson From Phoebe!

2009-08-29T06:10:00.000-07:00

I love the show Friends! I was running last night (go me, it was hard to get my rear off the couch!), and I totally thought of Phoebe and how I should be more like Phoebe!

If you don't know what I am talking about take a look at the video. Phoebe doesn't care what she looks like, doesn't use any fancy gadgets, she is able to get her friend on board with her and she is having a blast! I need to be more like Phoebe. Well, maybe not so silly looking!! I want to be able to enjoy running as much as she does!

Enjoy!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_0Ta_DIWuU

(for some reason I couldnt' get the video to post in the blog)

Last Tri of the season: Done!

2009-08-26T16:29:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I met up with a friend from high school swimming and her friends for an Olympic distance triathlon! It was great fun to meet new people who are into working out and doing triathlons! Camping was spectacular and the race was less than spectacular.

The race was super small, 75 racers in all! The swim was the worst open water swim ever. The Columbia river is freakin' cold! I almost didn't make it to the bike portion I was so cold! It's time to invest in a wetsuit! The bike was OK, except that it was on a highway in which cars were traveling upwards of 60 miles per hour! A little too scary for me. No bike support on the course either. The run was boring, two loops around a park. We all decided we were not going to be going to this race next year. I didn't improve my time, but I didn't do any worse either. The one good thing about the race is that my race pictures didn't turn out all that bad. I am considering ordering one!

Training: I am going swimming tonight as this will be one of the last times the outdoor pool will be open. I must run tomorrow for sure!!

Ice Skating Sister!

2009-08-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

I picked up my 12 year old sister yesterday from her ice skating lesson! Yes! I have a 12 year old sister! She looked so great out on the ice and she even practiced her axles yesterday for the first time! I am so proud of her. I took ice skating lessons when I was younger but never really liked it. I am so glad she has found something she loves to do!

She is spending two nights with us and we have some shopping, swimming and just hanging out with each other! Yay for sisters!!

8.65 Miles with Mom and my HUSBAND!!!

2009-08-17T12:28:00.001-07:00

My mom drove out to our house this morning and we all went on a nice 8.65 mile jaunt down at Alki beach! It was beautiful! My husband rocked it because he usually doesn't run as much, or really not at all and he did 7 miles! We picked him up in the car when we finished, much to his happiness!

Then we all went to Starbucks (of course) for a nice cup of coffee and good conversation! Did I mention in any of my previous posts, this is really the only thing that keeps me running?

Training: I have ran a total of 15 miles since Saturday (I don't usually even run this much during the entire week, I'm a running slacker!), I feel great, but a little sore! Tonight I am going to my beloved Zumba class and new routine awaits me!

Next Sunday is my second Olympic distance triathlon. I am excited because I am going on my own and meeting some people I don't really know... well one I knew in high school as we swam together and we will all be camping together. There will be 4 of us doing the triathlon. It should be fun and quite the adventure! All of these plans put together through the social experiment known as Facebook!