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!!
Monday, August 29, 2011
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.
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