Well, it's here, it's time to slow down and start making a game plan for Sunday! As I wind down and start making checklists of things not to forget when I'm nervously packing for Rev3, I am also planning my strategy to successfully complete 70.3 miles. Physically I think I am ready, scratch that, I know I'm ready. Mentally, I have some work to do. I'm starting to put together my plan to keep my legs moving when they start to tire and when I know it would be easier to stop than to keep going.
This isn't my first endurance event, but it is the longest and most challenging to date. As most of you know, when it gets tough for me, I start to think about people who inspire me to do this. I think about people who I know without a doubt would be doing similar things if they could and I think of those people who would much prefer the pain I'm about to endure than the things they are faced with on a daily basis. I am so fortunate to be able to go out and do this every day and I try to never forget that. The list is long but to name a few -
First there is my Dad, I am so inspired by him and I know if he could do the things that I am doing, he would be right there next to me...doing just that. For him, I do this because I CAN.
There's my coach who, despite Lupus and Asthma, goes out and does this every day. Some days pushing past immense pain. For that, I know I have no reason to complain about the temporary pain I feel.
For my classmate who was on one of the flight's that hit the WTC and for all the victims of September 11. It's no coincidence that I am doing this event on September 11. For the past 3 years I do something hard on this day, because I know there are people who would much rather be in my pain than to have had to make the hard decisions of that day. I would much rather face the fear of an open water swim, than face the fear that the victims of September 11 faced. Nothing about pushing myself for 6 or 7 hours would ever compare to one minute, to one second of that day. It reminds me of how thankful we should all be that we were given the gift that each day offers us.
I think about my brother in-law, Ray who I know sits on my right shoulder keeping me strong, keeping me safe. When I feel the warmth of the sun shining down on me, I can't help but to think it's him giving me a high-five. I remember last fall standing in my kitchen announcing to Ron and Ray that I was going to do a half-Ironman on September 11, 2011 and in his normal, selfless way, he made me feel like what I was telling him was the most exciting news he has ever heard. He made me feel like I could've gone out that day and got it done! I miss him everyday and I am so fortunate to have have him in my life.
These are just a few of the people and things I think about to keep my legs moving. I am so fortunate to know so many strong people, who have overcome emmense obstacles, endured pain and come of it of it stronger, smarter, better. I am lucky to have a supportive husband, family and close network of friends who I know are thinking about me and are just as excited for me as I am, as I set out to complete this goal. I will be thinking of all you next Sunday as I do every day.
So as the week starts to shape up - I begin my list of mantra's that I will use to help me finish the last few painful miles:
1. I get to swim, bike or Run today
2. You got this
3. I'm so proud of you
4. You can't say you did it, unless you do it (my favorite)!
5. Just a few more miles and you can do anything you want
6. Look who you've become
So as I think about this journey, and we all know it's not over once the race ends on Sunday. I think about all the training I've completed, holy cow! I think about all the people who keep encouraging me which helps more than you know to keep getting back on my bike or lacing up my running shoes and I think about how far I have come...I was driving in the car the other day and the song playing on the radio was one I have heard a thousand times, one that's really easy to sing along to, but one I think I only really heard on this particular day- I leave you with this thought from Fleetwood Mac -
Don't stop thinking about tomorrow,
Don't stop it'll soon be here
It'll be better than before
Yesterday's gone, yesterday's gone
How true...don't let your yesterday ruin your tomorrow. Keep living for the next goal, the next acheivement, the next celebration, what ever that will be! How exciting to think about all the possibilities. I love you guys!!!
Monday, September 5, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Let the Taper Begin!!
Wow, two weeks to go! The race is right around the corner. I have essentially completed all of my training and now I'm tapering. Which is the process of cutting back on excercise two weeks prior to a big event. In some ways, I'm really excited to take a break and not have to do so much. However, I'm also nervous about it, I'm hoping I've done enough and I'm ready to go the distance.
My stomach flips every time I think about standing at the starting line waiting for the swim to start. I've also started to think about what I have learned during the training process. The first thing I learned that I'm stronger than I thought I was, I had no idea that I had the ability to sustain the hard efforts. I've learned self discipline, I'm happy to say that there were very few workouts that I skipped. Even with a busy work schedule, I managed to fit 15 - 20 hours of training in each week. I really can only think of three work outs in 16 weeks of training that I missed. Although, my house could be cleaner, I'm behind on answering personal emails and phone calls and I've had to say no to things that I would normally be happy to do (I think there is a lesson in that as well) I know I'll catch up in a few more weeks. Most of all, I have really enjoyed spending time with so many great people who are also training for the same or similar events and my sister in-law Becky, who has committed to doing Rev3 with me and is sure to Rock it!!
I think it's going to be hard to cut back on excercise - I will miss the last week of Boot camp and the amazing instructor Tammy. It's no secret that this is one of my favorite classes at the Cranberry Y and it's only offered in the summer. With Tammy's instruction and encouragement, you find yourself pushing harder than you knew possible. After every class, I find myself thinking... I can't believe I could do that and that used to be so hard and now I can do 10 or 20. Tammy, thanks for always raising the bar and for encouraging me to reach higher to grab ahold of it! I dream bigger in part because you inspire me to. I really appreciate all your cheerleading.
If you haven't already, check out Tammy's blog http://thestrengthforlife.blogspot.com/ it's full of great information regarding health and fitness and tips to stay motivated. Every day is something new.
Well, I'm in the home stretch now and even if I didn't get to the starting line, which won't happen, but if I didn't I already feel like I have won, I've gained so much. Now...Let's Get this Party Started!!
My stomach flips every time I think about standing at the starting line waiting for the swim to start. I've also started to think about what I have learned during the training process. The first thing I learned that I'm stronger than I thought I was, I had no idea that I had the ability to sustain the hard efforts. I've learned self discipline, I'm happy to say that there were very few workouts that I skipped. Even with a busy work schedule, I managed to fit 15 - 20 hours of training in each week. I really can only think of three work outs in 16 weeks of training that I missed. Although, my house could be cleaner, I'm behind on answering personal emails and phone calls and I've had to say no to things that I would normally be happy to do (I think there is a lesson in that as well) I know I'll catch up in a few more weeks. Most of all, I have really enjoyed spending time with so many great people who are also training for the same or similar events and my sister in-law Becky, who has committed to doing Rev3 with me and is sure to Rock it!!
I think it's going to be hard to cut back on excercise - I will miss the last week of Boot camp and the amazing instructor Tammy. It's no secret that this is one of my favorite classes at the Cranberry Y and it's only offered in the summer. With Tammy's instruction and encouragement, you find yourself pushing harder than you knew possible. After every class, I find myself thinking... I can't believe I could do that and that used to be so hard and now I can do 10 or 20. Tammy, thanks for always raising the bar and for encouraging me to reach higher to grab ahold of it! I dream bigger in part because you inspire me to. I really appreciate all your cheerleading.
If you haven't already, check out Tammy's blog http://thestrengthforlife.blogspot.com/ it's full of great information regarding health and fitness and tips to stay motivated. Every day is something new.
Well, I'm in the home stretch now and even if I didn't get to the starting line, which won't happen, but if I didn't I already feel like I have won, I've gained so much. Now...Let's Get this Party Started!!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Three Weeks and Counting!
Let the Taper begin!! This past weekend was my last long effort before the race, just three weeks from today.
This weekend Becky & I headed to Cedar Point to preview the Rev3 race course - at least the bike course anyway. We had a short swim clinic giving us the opportunity to swim in Lake Erie which was followed by 59 miles most of which was on the actual bike course for Rev 3. This was great, it's nice to know what you will be dealing with come race day and be able to plan accordingly. The bike course is completely flat, well with some small rollers along the way. I know, you're saying Oh good....but a flat course brings it's own challenges. You have to pedal a lot more than if you had hills that you can coast off of and it puts a lot of strain on your lower back and quads. Mostly because I have done a lot of my training on a hills. Needless to say we will be looking for flatter rides over the next few weeks. Then there is the constant wind, which at times, pushing the wind really felt like climbing a hill. But all in all it was a successful ride, Becky & I completed 56 miles in 3 hours and 15 minutes. We then followed that up with a two hour run...I wish I could say that went as well. I have been cramping up really bad during my long runs off the bike. I'm not sure why but I have 3 weeks to figure that out. It may be that I am drinking too much too fast on the bike or not getting enough calories or electrolytes....it could be so many things. All I can say if I have to run with those cramps on Sept. 11 it is going to make for a very long run!! Ouchie!!
On Sunday, Joella held another open water swim clinic, yup in the same lake I wrote about earlier in my training (see my post on June 21). First, let me just say the vegetation is growing nicely. There were a lot more lillie pads and sea weeds to contend with than there were in June, which was helpful (not). However this time I was mentally prepared for it and with a little strategy and help from some good friends I was able to get through the weeds without panicking...Victory!!! After the clinic I swam a mile....yup I did with out panicking and actually kind of enjoying it. Wow, a mile is a long way to swim, every time I picked up my head to see where the buoy was, it seemed like it was not getting any closer. But I just kept at it and soon enough I was rounding the farthest buoy and heading back for shore. Yippee!!! I did it!....there were a few times where the sea weed was thick and freaked me out but I was able to get back into a rhythm pretty quick. It was big confidence booster to know that I can swim the distance and I was pretty happy with my time too. On Saturday, we had the chance to swim a little in Lake Erie and I'm happy to report that although the water is not clear, I don't remember seeing on plant or weed and the bottom was nice and sandy...no slime at all. Phew!
What an amazing process this has been and it's not over yet, I'm sure there will be more challenges to face before I find myself standing at the starting line, but I'm ready....I can't wait to get this show on the road.
This weekend Becky & I headed to Cedar Point to preview the Rev3 race course - at least the bike course anyway. We had a short swim clinic giving us the opportunity to swim in Lake Erie which was followed by 59 miles most of which was on the actual bike course for Rev 3. This was great, it's nice to know what you will be dealing with come race day and be able to plan accordingly. The bike course is completely flat, well with some small rollers along the way. I know, you're saying Oh good....but a flat course brings it's own challenges. You have to pedal a lot more than if you had hills that you can coast off of and it puts a lot of strain on your lower back and quads. Mostly because I have done a lot of my training on a hills. Needless to say we will be looking for flatter rides over the next few weeks. Then there is the constant wind, which at times, pushing the wind really felt like climbing a hill. But all in all it was a successful ride, Becky & I completed 56 miles in 3 hours and 15 minutes. We then followed that up with a two hour run...I wish I could say that went as well. I have been cramping up really bad during my long runs off the bike. I'm not sure why but I have 3 weeks to figure that out. It may be that I am drinking too much too fast on the bike or not getting enough calories or electrolytes....it could be so many things. All I can say if I have to run with those cramps on Sept. 11 it is going to make for a very long run!! Ouchie!!
On Sunday, Joella held another open water swim clinic, yup in the same lake I wrote about earlier in my training (see my post on June 21). First, let me just say the vegetation is growing nicely. There were a lot more lillie pads and sea weeds to contend with than there were in June, which was helpful (not). However this time I was mentally prepared for it and with a little strategy and help from some good friends I was able to get through the weeds without panicking...Victory!!! After the clinic I swam a mile....yup I did with out panicking and actually kind of enjoying it. Wow, a mile is a long way to swim, every time I picked up my head to see where the buoy was, it seemed like it was not getting any closer. But I just kept at it and soon enough I was rounding the farthest buoy and heading back for shore. Yippee!!! I did it!....there were a few times where the sea weed was thick and freaked me out but I was able to get back into a rhythm pretty quick. It was big confidence booster to know that I can swim the distance and I was pretty happy with my time too. On Saturday, we had the chance to swim a little in Lake Erie and I'm happy to report that although the water is not clear, I don't remember seeing on plant or weed and the bottom was nice and sandy...no slime at all. Phew!
What an amazing process this has been and it's not over yet, I'm sure there will be more challenges to face before I find myself standing at the starting line, but I'm ready....I can't wait to get this show on the road.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Why?
On a few different occassions, over the past couple of weeks, I have been asked the following question by friends...Why do you do it? Why can't you just be happy working out?
The funny thing is, at first, I didn't know how to answer that question. For that reason, I have spent a lot of time thinking about just that, why? Because I can? Well, that's true but that's not the reason. Because I'm stronger than I thought? Closer but still not the reason. Because I didn't think it was possible...I think that's it, well something like that any way.
First, training for an event like a half Ironman is not a work out. It is much different, it's a sport, so like any athlete, you have to train for it. But why did I decide that I should cross over from working out by biking and running to training? I think that's really the question. At least, that's the question I have been contemplating over the past few weeks.
From the time I was a little kid I had no athletic ability, at least I didn't think I did. I remember being afraid to try new things. To put myself out there and actually try to climb rocks or a tree or even monkey bars. I would be in the woods with my friends and I would look on as they walked across logs, jumped over creeks, etc. never having the courage to try it myself. As I got older, I would look on as my friends docked a boat by jumping off the side onto the pier, never would I be able to do that! Why Not??? I remember the first time I climbed a "mountain" of rocks in Marblehead, I was so proud of myself for making it to the top, at the time, of what I thought was a steep climb. The reason? Because the guy I was with was cute, seriously!! But that guy is gone and I still remember the feeling I had when I reached the top! Amazing!!
Turn the clock ahead to age 4o and as I contemplated purchasing a bike I went back in my mind to the time I climbed the rocks in Marblehead. I want this....I can do this!! Ha, until we took the bikes out on a bike trail and I had to ride between the barrier posts, you know the poles where the trail intersects a road to keep larger, motorized vehicles off the bike trail. The first time, I got off my bike and walked - I can't do that...Arrgh, why do I do that? The next time, I went really slow and still got off my bike to get through...a few more tries and I worked out that if you look past the poles to where you want to go, you go right through without any problems...Success!!
That was probably my Eureka moment...as Oprah would say, "My A ha" moment. I apply that same theory to everything I do now, I look past the obstacle to where I want to be and that's where I always end up. Granted, there are still times that I have to talk myself into it, I visualize the situation and derive a plan to get through the fear. Even now, although not as often, I still feel like that awkward kid not capable to doing physical activity. I struggle through, usually by kicking myself in the ass and forcing myself see past the obstacle to where I want to be.
I guess the moral to the story is once you raise the bar high enough, you cross over from just working out, to training the way an athlete trains for their sport. One day you wake up and realize your an athlete, not really understanding how or why, but finding yourself there nonetheless.
I love who I am becoming and the best part....I know this is just the beginning!
The funny thing is, at first, I didn't know how to answer that question. For that reason, I have spent a lot of time thinking about just that, why? Because I can? Well, that's true but that's not the reason. Because I'm stronger than I thought? Closer but still not the reason. Because I didn't think it was possible...I think that's it, well something like that any way.
First, training for an event like a half Ironman is not a work out. It is much different, it's a sport, so like any athlete, you have to train for it. But why did I decide that I should cross over from working out by biking and running to training? I think that's really the question. At least, that's the question I have been contemplating over the past few weeks.
From the time I was a little kid I had no athletic ability, at least I didn't think I did. I remember being afraid to try new things. To put myself out there and actually try to climb rocks or a tree or even monkey bars. I would be in the woods with my friends and I would look on as they walked across logs, jumped over creeks, etc. never having the courage to try it myself. As I got older, I would look on as my friends docked a boat by jumping off the side onto the pier, never would I be able to do that! Why Not??? I remember the first time I climbed a "mountain" of rocks in Marblehead, I was so proud of myself for making it to the top, at the time, of what I thought was a steep climb. The reason? Because the guy I was with was cute, seriously!! But that guy is gone and I still remember the feeling I had when I reached the top! Amazing!!
Turn the clock ahead to age 4o and as I contemplated purchasing a bike I went back in my mind to the time I climbed the rocks in Marblehead. I want this....I can do this!! Ha, until we took the bikes out on a bike trail and I had to ride between the barrier posts, you know the poles where the trail intersects a road to keep larger, motorized vehicles off the bike trail. The first time, I got off my bike and walked - I can't do that...Arrgh, why do I do that? The next time, I went really slow and still got off my bike to get through...a few more tries and I worked out that if you look past the poles to where you want to go, you go right through without any problems...Success!!
That was probably my Eureka moment...as Oprah would say, "My A ha" moment. I apply that same theory to everything I do now, I look past the obstacle to where I want to be and that's where I always end up. Granted, there are still times that I have to talk myself into it, I visualize the situation and derive a plan to get through the fear. Even now, although not as often, I still feel like that awkward kid not capable to doing physical activity. I struggle through, usually by kicking myself in the ass and forcing myself see past the obstacle to where I want to be.
I guess the moral to the story is once you raise the bar high enough, you cross over from just working out, to training the way an athlete trains for their sport. One day you wake up and realize your an athlete, not really understanding how or why, but finding yourself there nonetheless.
I love who I am becoming and the best part....I know this is just the beginning!
Friday, August 5, 2011
So sorry it has been so long since my last post. I have been on vacation over the past couple of weeks and things have been crazy. My parents and sister were in town visiting the first week, we had a great time and I was sad to see them go. It is really tough being so far away from everyone but I do love it here. Then I was in New Hampshire with my girls last week, we had a blast!! I have really been blessed with an amazing group of friends. It was great to spend time with everyone! The highlight of the week was biking 67 miles around Lake Winnepasaukee with Nancy & Karen. It was such a beautiful ride, challenging at times but a lot of fun. What an accomplishment and we all did amazing.
In between all that I competed in the Cincinnati Triathlon. My first Olympic distance triathlon (1300 meter swim, 24 mile bike and 10K), it was great to put my training to the test and let me just say, I passed!! Wow, I couldn't believe how tough it was and there were a couple of times where I questioned my sanity for sure, especially jumping into the Ohio river to start the swim. I hope that gets easier over time, I really struggle with the mental part of swimming in open water. The course was beautiful and parts were super fast...The swim was down stream with the current, I loved the extra little push. The toughest part was the run, it was in the 90's, hot and humid. I took it slow, kept drinking water and gatorade at every water station and grabbed an extra cup of water to pour over my head. I finished the triathlon in 2 hours and 49 minutes, 3rd in my age group, 11th woman and 78th overall. I couldn't ask for much more from myself.
It was difficult to stay on track while travelling, but for the most part I got my workouts done, in between drinking and eating way too much. I should have taken advantage of being able to swim in the lake, but I really struggle with that. I got home on Wednesday and I'm still trying to straighten things out and get back into my routine. I have one last sprint triathlon this weekend and then the next event is the 1/2 Ironman...just 6 weeks to go!!
I promise to post more often, one good thing about endurance training is you have a lot of time to think while your out there biking & running, so I have a lot of great topics that I will writing about over the next few weeks. So Stay Tuned.....thanks for all your support, your encouragement really does make it easier to get out there and do this stuff.
In between all that I competed in the Cincinnati Triathlon. My first Olympic distance triathlon (1300 meter swim, 24 mile bike and 10K), it was great to put my training to the test and let me just say, I passed!! Wow, I couldn't believe how tough it was and there were a couple of times where I questioned my sanity for sure, especially jumping into the Ohio river to start the swim. I hope that gets easier over time, I really struggle with the mental part of swimming in open water. The course was beautiful and parts were super fast...The swim was down stream with the current, I loved the extra little push. The toughest part was the run, it was in the 90's, hot and humid. I took it slow, kept drinking water and gatorade at every water station and grabbed an extra cup of water to pour over my head. I finished the triathlon in 2 hours and 49 minutes, 3rd in my age group, 11th woman and 78th overall. I couldn't ask for much more from myself.
It was difficult to stay on track while travelling, but for the most part I got my workouts done, in between drinking and eating way too much. I should have taken advantage of being able to swim in the lake, but I really struggle with that. I got home on Wednesday and I'm still trying to straighten things out and get back into my routine. I have one last sprint triathlon this weekend and then the next event is the 1/2 Ironman...just 6 weeks to go!!
I promise to post more often, one good thing about endurance training is you have a lot of time to think while your out there biking & running, so I have a lot of great topics that I will writing about over the next few weeks. So Stay Tuned.....thanks for all your support, your encouragement really does make it easier to get out there and do this stuff.
Friday, July 15, 2011
The Proof is in the Pudding!
Consistency is key to the success of any goal you set. I know this first hand. This past week proved to me that the patience I have given to the process and my determination to acheive each goal is paying off. I know it's difficult to remain true to your objectives when the process is challenging and the results are slow to come. Setting small acheivable goals helps if you remain consistent to the process and determined to succeed.
I started running 3 years ago now, and my goal at that time was to be able to run 5 minutes straight, next to run a mile and then to run a 5k. My next goal was to run a 5k faster than my first and so on. If you told me then that I would eventually run a marathon I would have truely laughed out loud! That wasn't my goal then, I was deliberate in setting short term acheivable goals. Last week we ran a mile time trial at running club. This is where you go to a track and run a mile as fast as possible. I ran a 7:35 mile....are you kidding me? I know there are people who are running miles in the 4 - 5 minute range... but they aren't me. I ran a 7:35 which is 45 seconds faster than the time trial I ran 9 months earlier.
I started biking before I began running. I was sticking to the trails and taking my time all the while Becky & Rhonda, my sister in-laws, were biking on the road to train for their first triathlon. Secretly I wanted to ride on the road more than anyone knew, but I kept riding the trails until I felt strong enough to try the road. I will never forget the first time I went out with the "big kids". Becky stayed with me, even though she was training for her own event, and as we were climbing hills she was coaching me all the way. When it got really tough, and it did, she told me to watch her pedals as she attempted to pull me up the hills. And when I told her I had to walk my bike up the bigger hills, she walked with me. I can't tell you how much that meant to me...it was that day that I told myself that can't was no longer an option and that would be the last time I would push a bike up a hill (well not really) but I made a pact with myself not to give up on myself, that I could get up those hills. Last weekend I participated in the same sprint triathlon that Becky & Rhonda were training for that first summer I attempted to climb those hills. This was my second time doing this race - shaving 8 minutes off last years overall time and I rode that that bike course the fastest I ever have. Unbelievable!!
On Sunday, my workout was to climb 10 hills to be named by my coach Joella. I had no idea what was coming but I had heard rumors about one of the climbs and believe me I was more nervous about this ride than I was about the race the day before! I had no idea what was in store for me that day but I knew I would do my best no matter what. I climbed hills that I know for sure I would have walked even last year. It was such a good feeling as I reached the top of each climb, huffing and puffing but still seated securely on my bike. Oh and I wasn't the last person up the hill either but I was sure to encourage them as I descended past them, knowing that if they keep at it, they won't be next time either.
You need to celebrate your victories, all of them, the small ones and the ones that blow your mind. Create a plan and stick to it....I can't tell you how good it feels when you can measure your success. The proof is in the Pudding!!
I started running 3 years ago now, and my goal at that time was to be able to run 5 minutes straight, next to run a mile and then to run a 5k. My next goal was to run a 5k faster than my first and so on. If you told me then that I would eventually run a marathon I would have truely laughed out loud! That wasn't my goal then, I was deliberate in setting short term acheivable goals. Last week we ran a mile time trial at running club. This is where you go to a track and run a mile as fast as possible. I ran a 7:35 mile....are you kidding me? I know there are people who are running miles in the 4 - 5 minute range... but they aren't me. I ran a 7:35 which is 45 seconds faster than the time trial I ran 9 months earlier.
I started biking before I began running. I was sticking to the trails and taking my time all the while Becky & Rhonda, my sister in-laws, were biking on the road to train for their first triathlon. Secretly I wanted to ride on the road more than anyone knew, but I kept riding the trails until I felt strong enough to try the road. I will never forget the first time I went out with the "big kids". Becky stayed with me, even though she was training for her own event, and as we were climbing hills she was coaching me all the way. When it got really tough, and it did, she told me to watch her pedals as she attempted to pull me up the hills. And when I told her I had to walk my bike up the bigger hills, she walked with me. I can't tell you how much that meant to me...it was that day that I told myself that can't was no longer an option and that would be the last time I would push a bike up a hill (well not really) but I made a pact with myself not to give up on myself, that I could get up those hills. Last weekend I participated in the same sprint triathlon that Becky & Rhonda were training for that first summer I attempted to climb those hills. This was my second time doing this race - shaving 8 minutes off last years overall time and I rode that that bike course the fastest I ever have. Unbelievable!!
On Sunday, my workout was to climb 10 hills to be named by my coach Joella. I had no idea what was coming but I had heard rumors about one of the climbs and believe me I was more nervous about this ride than I was about the race the day before! I had no idea what was in store for me that day but I knew I would do my best no matter what. I climbed hills that I know for sure I would have walked even last year. It was such a good feeling as I reached the top of each climb, huffing and puffing but still seated securely on my bike. Oh and I wasn't the last person up the hill either but I was sure to encourage them as I descended past them, knowing that if they keep at it, they won't be next time either.
You need to celebrate your victories, all of them, the small ones and the ones that blow your mind. Create a plan and stick to it....I can't tell you how good it feels when you can measure your success. The proof is in the Pudding!!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
All in a Day of Training
Happy 4th of July! This is such a fun weekend for us, Ron's family has a reunion/cook off every year on the fourth. It's always a great time, a weekend with family filled with lots of laughs and a ton of great food!
Last Thursday when I checked training peaks for my weekend work outs I couldn't believe my eyes. Saturday was a 6 hour brick (2000 yd swim, 3 hour bike, 2 hour run). Are you kidding me? Am I ready for that??? In addition to that, our cookoff team was scheduled to serve lunch on Saturday. Now how am I going to get a 6 hour work out in and make lunch for 57 people? LOL! After a few text messages, we were able to swap our lunch for dinner that night. Now back to how the heck am I going to get this work out done? In addition to Saturday's work out there was Sunday's 3 hour brick (2 hour bike, 1 hour run) and Monday's 2 hour and 20 minute brick (2 hour bike, 20 minute run). OMG! Can I do this? Of course I can....
First, I made a pact with myself to attack one work out at a time, I was not allowed to think about the next day until I finished the work at hand. Still, Holy Crap!!! On Saturday, the triathlon club I belong to was planning to meet at the Park at 5:30 am to swim, bike & run. Thankfully Judy was also scheduled to do the same work out as I had, her half Ironman is in 2 weeks, so we decided to stick together. I can't begin to tell you how important that factor was going to be in my success for this workout. She was a true god send! It really helps to have friends who share the same goals as you to do this with.
I felt great during the swim and the bike, nutrition was spot on, I had plenty of energy and when we came in from the bike I couldn't believe how good I felt, I definitely had a run in me. Judy and I changed our shoes, strapped on our water belts filled with water, powerade and honey stinger waffles. The first hour & 20 minutes of the run were great, I was still feeling strong at mile 8. The sun was starting to come out and it was getting hot, I went through all of my water and filled up at the next water bubbla (that's Bostonian for water fountain). At mile 10 we passed my coach Joella and Jeremiah, high fived each other and kept on running. Soon after that is when I hit a monster wall...it was like falling off a cliff how sudden the drop in energy was. At an hour and 45 minutes self doubt started to creep in to my head. I kept trying to shake it off, telling myself I can't say I did this huge work out unless I do it and you already have 5 hours and 45 minutes in, you are not giving up now! Still my pace was dropping off dramatically and I just wasn't sure where I was going to get the energy to finish this. Then Judy started to pull away from me on the trail and I kept trying to catch back up to her. Finally, she circled back to get me and said, we have 6 minutes left...you can do anything for 6 minutes. She was right, we finished right by the lake. We took our shoes off and headed for the water....Aahh!! Thanks to Judy and my determination not to quit I finished a monster work out. Sure I couldn't form a full sentence when I was done and I'm pretty sure I was completely delirious for 30 minutes following the run but I was done! I also have to mention how grateful I am that Ron waited around for hours after he finished his work out to take me home....which turned out to be the best thing as I'm not sure I could have actually driven a car!
Judy & I decided to stick together for the rest of the weekend. We met up with 3 other women from our group on Sunday to ride for 2 hours and then we ran an hour. On Monday it was just the two of us, we met for an "easy" 2 hour ride and 20 minute run. I have to say that Judy is going to do awesome at her event, she is so ready for it! I learned so much from her this weekend.
Well, I made it - we travelled 108 miles on our legs this weekend 88+ miles on the bike and 20 miles of running.
Having friends to work out with really makes hard work outs so much nicer and it's easier to get moving when you know someone is meeting you. Surrounding yourself with positive, encouraging people who share similar goals with you is key. When you start to doubt yourself, they remind you of how strong you are. Having a supportive family who made me feel like a rock star after each workout is priceless! I really am so blessed!
This weekend made me even more confident in my goal - I am really doing this thing!!
Last Thursday when I checked training peaks for my weekend work outs I couldn't believe my eyes. Saturday was a 6 hour brick (2000 yd swim, 3 hour bike, 2 hour run). Are you kidding me? Am I ready for that??? In addition to that, our cookoff team was scheduled to serve lunch on Saturday. Now how am I going to get a 6 hour work out in and make lunch for 57 people? LOL! After a few text messages, we were able to swap our lunch for dinner that night. Now back to how the heck am I going to get this work out done? In addition to Saturday's work out there was Sunday's 3 hour brick (2 hour bike, 1 hour run) and Monday's 2 hour and 20 minute brick (2 hour bike, 20 minute run). OMG! Can I do this? Of course I can....
First, I made a pact with myself to attack one work out at a time, I was not allowed to think about the next day until I finished the work at hand. Still, Holy Crap!!! On Saturday, the triathlon club I belong to was planning to meet at the Park at 5:30 am to swim, bike & run. Thankfully Judy was also scheduled to do the same work out as I had, her half Ironman is in 2 weeks, so we decided to stick together. I can't begin to tell you how important that factor was going to be in my success for this workout. She was a true god send! It really helps to have friends who share the same goals as you to do this with.
I felt great during the swim and the bike, nutrition was spot on, I had plenty of energy and when we came in from the bike I couldn't believe how good I felt, I definitely had a run in me. Judy and I changed our shoes, strapped on our water belts filled with water, powerade and honey stinger waffles. The first hour & 20 minutes of the run were great, I was still feeling strong at mile 8. The sun was starting to come out and it was getting hot, I went through all of my water and filled up at the next water bubbla (that's Bostonian for water fountain). At mile 10 we passed my coach Joella and Jeremiah, high fived each other and kept on running. Soon after that is when I hit a monster wall...it was like falling off a cliff how sudden the drop in energy was. At an hour and 45 minutes self doubt started to creep in to my head. I kept trying to shake it off, telling myself I can't say I did this huge work out unless I do it and you already have 5 hours and 45 minutes in, you are not giving up now! Still my pace was dropping off dramatically and I just wasn't sure where I was going to get the energy to finish this. Then Judy started to pull away from me on the trail and I kept trying to catch back up to her. Finally, she circled back to get me and said, we have 6 minutes left...you can do anything for 6 minutes. She was right, we finished right by the lake. We took our shoes off and headed for the water....Aahh!! Thanks to Judy and my determination not to quit I finished a monster work out. Sure I couldn't form a full sentence when I was done and I'm pretty sure I was completely delirious for 30 minutes following the run but I was done! I also have to mention how grateful I am that Ron waited around for hours after he finished his work out to take me home....which turned out to be the best thing as I'm not sure I could have actually driven a car!
Judy & I decided to stick together for the rest of the weekend. We met up with 3 other women from our group on Sunday to ride for 2 hours and then we ran an hour. On Monday it was just the two of us, we met for an "easy" 2 hour ride and 20 minute run. I have to say that Judy is going to do awesome at her event, she is so ready for it! I learned so much from her this weekend.
Well, I made it - we travelled 108 miles on our legs this weekend 88+ miles on the bike and 20 miles of running.
Having friends to work out with really makes hard work outs so much nicer and it's easier to get moving when you know someone is meeting you. Surrounding yourself with positive, encouraging people who share similar goals with you is key. When you start to doubt yourself, they remind you of how strong you are. Having a supportive family who made me feel like a rock star after each workout is priceless! I really am so blessed!
This weekend made me even more confident in my goal - I am really doing this thing!!
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