New Goals, New Challenges

I am ready to go, I am ready to train, I am ready to race. Yep, yep, I am feeling super ambitious. Fresh off an excellent showing in my last race I am all set.

As soon as I finished my last race, I mentioned to one of my friends that I had seen such a huge improvement, putting me on par with my friends and training buddies, that I wasn't sure where to go from there. She said, "Two minutes off your next race." Oh, right, keep working to improve. What a concept? I spent a minute feeling like a schmuck. I got over it quickly and starting planning out what I want to do next.

Summer vacation for this kids is also up us. I am clearly a very selfish invdividual and none too excited about giving up my three free mornings every week. I am working so hard to change my perspective and try to see this forced hiatus as a gift.

So, first, here on my racing goals.

Triathlons
Firecracker Relay (I'll be on the bike) - July 3
Tri for Acts of Kindness, Sprint - Sept. 17
Tinfoilman (Tucson Tri Series), Sprint - Oct. 16
Desert Grande, Sprint - Early Nov.

Cycling
El Tour de Tucson, 66 miles

Running
Improve my 5k time through the Fall
Disneyland Tinkerbell Half Marathon, January 29, 2012

Some of these are no-brainers. In fact all to the tris fall in that category. I will continue to train, these races are mostly local, and there is no reason not to race. The El Tour is a whole different beast. I am so new to cycling and just getting my legs under me. I figure this challenge is going to let me shift my focus completely to cycling for a few months. This will be a nice change. It will be one of those self-realization moments when I cross the finish line. Much like the first half marathon I ran 10 years ago. I cried when I finished it, not from pain but from feeling self-doubt be put to rest and knowing that I could re-invent myself. This is the same sort of thing. Now, the Disneyland Half Marathon is admittedly a self-indulgent excuse to go to Disneyland with my girlfriends. There, I own it.

Lifestyle Goals

I need to get a better grip on my nutrition. I am not all that concerned with losing weight since that is a challenge that makes me feel mentally ill. I am doing a pretty good job of letting that obsession slip away. I am seeing consistent body improvement, a little weight loss, lots of new muscle. That is all good. I need to fix my nutrition. I toy with the idea of going vegetarian just because I know I would have to make better nutrition choices if I had to revamp my normal menu. Either way, I need to start incorporating my vegetables, fruits and whole grains. I need to work more consistently at avoiding sugar and empty foods. I can feel the difference in my body almost instantly.

I also want to start incorporating some cross training activities. I see weight lifting and yoga in my future. Mostly yoga though since it forces me to quiet my mind and makes me stretch my hamstrings.

Work Goals

I need to focus on getting my math course in order for the Fall semester. This will mean many hours re-teaching myself the basics of algebra. I can do it, I just don't particularly like it. BUT, teaching this course will put me one step closer to an awesome weekend away with my friends. I also need to submit my paperwork to apply for a teaching position in the Fall of 2012. I am the oppositve of interested in going back to work full time but I also know that I won't be able to justify so much free time once the kids are both in school full time.

So, I have an exciting summer planned (see, I am really trying to be happy). I want to try some new things and continue improving some stuff I've already got going. Oh, I almost forgot, I am going to start taking a camera with me when I train. I've had too many wasted photo opportunities. Particularly, yesterday I had the most awesome ride through Saguaro National Monument. I wish I had something to commemorate it. Will fix that next time.

I borrowed this picture. You get the idea though, beautiful scenery, gorgeous morning, lovely ride.


"To succeed, you need to find something to hold on to, something to motivate you, something to inspire you." -Tony Dorsett

Big Improvement

I completed my third triathlon on May 22. I am just going to copy and paste my race report because, seriously, why to do I want to rewrite that?

I was excited about doing this race but not sure what to expect from myself. My first ever tri was the Tinfoilman last October and I felt like I did well considering it was my first time out. I knew I wanted to improve my time since my fitness has increased and my training has been consistent. I knew my swim would be faster, I prayed my run would be faster, and I was clueless about the bike since I really only ride on Old Spanish Trail and it looks nothing like the course.

I was happy with my ~7:41 wave start because it gave me plenty of time to get in a decent breakfast before my two hour food cutoff. I didn't sleep well, at all, the night before and was starving when I woke up. First breakfast happened before I left my house. I was out the door by 4:30. Setting up in transition was uneventful. Had plenty of time to make multiple bathroom trips, get tattooed and eat second breakfast. I was finally not hungry anymore but then the queasy nervous stuff was kicking in. Spent time cheering for the earliest waves and then warmed up for the swim.

Once the swim started my nerves settled down and I felt great. My only problem was that the gentleman sharing the lane either thought his side included the black line or he had no concept of how to swim in a straight line. This would have bothered me more if he was faster than I was, but he wasn't so I just kept having to swim past him. I was thrilled I counted all my laps correctly and got the stop sign right when I expected it. First personal "woohoo" of the day was being able to pull myself out of the pool. I did an excellent beached whale impersonation but I was out.

T1 was smooth and I didn't feel all lightheaded and disoriented like I did in October. I felt awesome until I turned on Euclid for the first time. My legs turned to lead and I felt like I was slogging along. I did my best to keep hydrating throughout the ride. I got passed a handful of times but still knew I was moving faster than I did in October. I was waiting and waiting for Jen to pass me. I knew had a couple of minutes on her from the swim but was convinced she was going to catch up and pass me on the bike. I turned into transition and loved all the cheering; felt like part of something when people actually knew me by name. Then, just as I approached my rack I saw Jen coming into transition and she said something to me which I don't remember but I am sure it was intimidating. I couldn't control the expletive that I yelled as I moved faster than I could have imagined out of transition, I think I literally threw my bike on the rack. See, I am only faster than Jen on the swim. We train and race together and I am always chasing her down on the run. I knew if I was even going to finish close to her I had to go out fast and stay consistent.

The run hurt at first, I couldn't catch my breath and felt panicky. After the first turn around at Campbell I fell into a steady pace and felt good. At the turn around at Old Main, I started to doubt myself again and I didn't see Jen so I knew she had to be right behind me. I was desperate for water when I got the water station but the kids were too busy goofing off to have any cups of water filled. I said, "I need water!" as I approached but they were fumbling for a cup to fill and I wasn't going to wait. By the second lap, I was feeling a little delirious but could not escape the feeling of being chased. If I was Jen's carrot, she was the T-rex chasing me down.

My goal was to be completely empty when I crossed the finish line and I was. My second goal was to try to knock 5 minutes off my Tinfoilman time. I dropped a whopping 13 minutes off my Tinfoilman time. This time I didn't just feel like I just showed up but actually raced. It was a great experience and I can't wait to do it again.

Needless to say, this race was awesome. I saw a huge improvement from my last Tucson Tri series race, I had so much fun hanging out and racing with friends, and it was great to be part of a larger "team". I am hooked on the triathlon lifestyle and all that it has given to me.

We only become what we are by the radical and deep-seated refusal of that which others have made of us.
Jean-Paul Sartre

Pre-race Sickies, Good or Bad?

I'm going to be answering my own question this Sunday. My third triathlon is a go this Sunday and for the past two days I have been nursing a stomach bug. It took me out, completely, yesterday and today I am weak but on the mend. Before I was stricken my plan was to hit the training hard for the early part of the week and then take it easy up to Sunday. Plans have changes. I think my body is ready so long as the illness hasn't taken a toll.

Duathlons Suck

Yep, I said it, I am not a duathlon fan. The whole concept of run/bike/run just seems wrong to me. Could be that running is so not my talent. But, alas, last Friday I felt the draw of an awesome workout and hanging out with friends and decided to attempt this duathlon thing. Worst part is that I kept thinking that it was going to be a piece of cake since there was no out of water transition involved and much less gear. Um, I forgot about the fact that I was still going to have to run and ride my bike and then, oh, run again.

The morning started out great. I was very wise and decided to load my bike and gear up the night before and had so much less to worry about in the morning. I am definitely going to do that again for my next tri. I had to drive about 45 minutes to the race location and tried to get there a few minutes early since I wasn't even registered yet. Luckily it was a very low-key, small event so registering and transition set up and such was very easy. I was still snacking on an apple and banana as I wandered around with friends. A kid's race started at 8:00 am and it was the cutest thing ever. Watching kids on tricycles race made my whole day. I can't wait to be able to get my kids out there. Then, finally, after numerous potty breaks we were ready to run at 8:30.

Figures it would be unseasonable warm on this particular day. Unseasonable warm in spring in Southern Arizona = hot. The race distances were 2 mile run/15.5 mile bike/ 2 mile run. The first 2 miles were uneventful, the coure seemed long and I could not settle into my pace. A friend ran up behind and told me that, according to her Garmin, we were running 2.5 miles. Say what?? Back to transition, chugged water (did I mention it was hot?) and then off on the bike.

My legs were so happy to be spinning. Yep, it was ecstacy until I got the on the actual road and found the wind. Say what?? Rode right into a headwind for about the first 7 miles, turned away from the wind and onto a crappy bumpy narrow road. I could not get my legs under me, I felt like I was the last person on the road and could not find a decent pace. Finally got to some nicer road with a substantial shoulder and my knee started talking to me. I have a bad knee. Back in 2001 I was training for a marathon and on a training run managed to tear the mensicus in my right knee. I didn't think much of it, I think it happened on Tuesday, and I tried to push the pain/irritation away since I was scheduled to run a half marathon that very Saturday. I ran the half marathon on a torn mensicus. After about the fourth mile my knee had just gone numb from pain and I didn't feel it again until the moment I stopped running. Two years and two surgeries later, my orthopedist said I would never run again. Nope, I am not a runner.

So, back to the du. My knee has been giving me signals that is unhappy with my attempt to increase my running speed. It had never bothered me on the bike until this duathlon. It wasn't exactly painful but more like unresponsive. I felt like I was working harder then my knee was allowing me to push. I overcompensated and my upper quad started yelling at me to. I was done and ready to stop. I couldn't stop though, the only friend I could think of coming to get me was well ahead of me and probably wouldn't be checking her phone anytime soon. My dear husband was at least an hours drive away and taking care of my kids. I kept going. My mind drifted off to the chant, "there is no glory without pain." Sounds a little sadistic in hindsight. I turned the last two corners and the end of my pain/frustration/ordeal was in sight. My legs would not turn over and I could not find any speed to finish the ride.

I wobbled off the bike and doubled over grabbing my upper quad. Oh wait, I still have to run two mile. Shit. If not for peer pressure I would have loaded up my car right then and there and driven home but I knew my friends would be waiting for me. I grabbed a bottle of lukewarm water and set off on my run. Did I mention it was hot? It was only about 10 am at this point and the air temp had to be at least 90 degrees. It was miserable. I think I ran about the first quarter mile before I started doing this pathetic run/walk routine. I managed to cross the finish line in 1:58 with 2:00 being my goal so my time wasn't as bad as it could have been but I felt broken. Self-doubt and a little self-loathing snuck up on me. Of course that means I made a beeline for the food at the finish. I promptly downed a slice of Hawaiian pizza and a cupcake. I promptly felt sick to my stomach. As I made my way to my car to load up my bike I didn't even bother to say any goodbyes. I was done and exhausted and probably even a little delusional.

I cried a good portion of the way home but felt better once I was made it to my house. Where do I go from here? I refocus. I am determined to increase my run speed and have started doing weekly track workout and plan to sign up for as many road races as I can in these cooler months. I am also trying to settle back into my low sugar diet. My ultimate goal would include losing about 15lbs before my May 22nd triathlon. I must be disciplined though and that is so hard for me. Will I attempt a duathlon again? Of course! I can't let the damn thing beat me down.

It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. ~Edmund Hillary

Yes, I Do Triathlons

Wow, I have truly neglected this blog. I think about it often but rarely take the time to sit down and do anything about it. It seems like I can get plenty of wasted time on the computer but if I actually intend to get something accomplished by kids sense it and start circling.

A lot must have happened since last December. Yes, life and focus got caught in a tailspin when my grandfather, Tata, got very sick in early December and ultimately died on January 20. I come from a very close family and while I certainly did see my Tata everyday, he was a very important part of my life. I will miss him dearly but am grateful for everything he did for us and that my children had the opportunity to know him.

Back to triathlons. I tried to take some downtime in the winter but was not very successful. Seeing as how training is my outlet to avoid mental breakdowns, too much time off makes for a very unhappy mother and wife. I don't remember much of December and early January but I know by the end of January I was back in full training.

In February, Jamie (my husband) and I competed in the TriCats Splash and Dash. I splashed and he dashed. We finished in the middle of the relay group and had a really good time. I love it when he watches me swim, I can tell he is proud of me. I love that he is a good runner even if he is down on himself after nearly every race for not being fast enough. Geesh.

In late February I finally, finally, finally got a new road bike. I love it. Here is a picture of the beauty.

My speed on the bike increased almost instantly once I was riding something that actually fit my size and was professionally fit for me. I am finally able to keep up with other riders.

My swim times have also been improving nicely. As part of my weekly training I force myself to swim a semi-timed 800 yards. This has helped me learn to 1) count laps and 2) acclimate my body to swimming for that long. I really think this has been very helpful. For my swim class midterm I was able to swim 800 yards in 14:56 which is a huge improvement from last October's 16:41.

Finally, I did my first tri of the year on March 2o. It was the Tri for the Cure in Chandler, AZ. This was an interesting weekend since Jamie and I left the kids with my parents and were alone for the first time in two years. It was strange and not as relaxing as you'd think. We raced to Scottsdale on Saturday afternoon for packet pick-up. For big races I am used to big expos so I was excited to get there early enough to check everything out. Apparently expos for tri's are very different than expos for marathons and even half marathons. Basically, there was no expo just packet pickup. Since I had only done one triathlon up to this point, I still feel very much like a newbie. I was still shocked, though, when some woman asked during the mandatory course meeting where in the pool it was okay to stop and rest. Say what? It is a little 400 m swim. With this information I knew I was appropriately trained and ready to go.

I had registered for the Athena division and so I lucked out and got a really early start time. I need to work on getting a decent breakfast in before I race. I had a great plan for this race but that all fell apart when our hotel room did not have a fridge or a microwave. What is up with that? My frozen breakfast sandwiches completely thawed by Sunday at 4:00 am and the only microwave available was in the hotel lobby. Holy inconvenient! Needless to say, I was starving when I started racing at 7:20

The swim went well. There are pros and cons to the serpentine swim. No lap counting is nice and going from point A to point B rather than back and forth was pleasant as well. Getting stuck behind slow people sucks. Having to pass is also a pain in the butt. I was coming up fast on the girl in front me and so at about the 200 m point I turned on the after burners and took off. Little did I know that right in front of her was another woman so I had to pass them both. I would have liked to take a little breather but the first girl I passed wasn't too pleased with me. I swear she chased me down for the rest of the swim. I jumped out of the pool and ran the very

long route to my bike.

My ride was awesome. My legs felt strong and I passed everyone in front of me and did not get passed once. I know I out there with the bigger girls but still thought is was pretty amazing that I was able to maintain my speed. I thought about slowing down a couple of times to reserve something in my legs for the run but the adrenaline pushed me to keep going. It was awesome.

The run hurt. Can't lie. Jamie was yelling at me to run hard but my legs felt like some strange combination of jelly and tree stump. Couldn't quite control them and they felt so very heavy. My ultimate goal was to finish the race in under an hour. The thought was in the back of mind but didn't seem like reality until about a mile into the run. I realized that if I maintained my pace or even pushed it a bit I could get it done in under an hour. It felt like time was standing still while I finished my last run around the track toward the finish line. I finished in 59:38. Yay!!

Not only did I reach my goal but I actually placed 3rd in the Athena Division. Woohoo! I'm still waiting for my award to show up in the mail. I'll be adding a picture once it arrives.

So, what am I up to now. Still training with my sights set on improving my October time in the Tucson Tri on May 22. I have started working on improving my run time and hopefully it will pay off. Also, I am seriously working on improving my nutrition. I've noticed that my body does not respond well to sugar and I have cut back significantly. Just by doing this and keeping up my training, I've lost 15 lbs since October and 10 just since February. I would like to lose another 15 lbs before the May race but it is going to be a super human feat to achieve. I'm up for the challenge. :)

Tired for now. The kids are circling. Must be better about my updates.

Life Upside-Down

Life always manages to throw us curve balls. I'm living through one of those times this week.

I'll be back to my tri life soon. For now I have bigger fish to fry.

Off and Running

I've taken on a new challenge. I need a new challenge as I have fallen into a training/off-season rut. I'm not even sure I qualify for an "off-season" yet but my mind is enjoying it. I think my body would prefer that I keep pushing it hard though.

I digress.

I have taken on a December Runathon challenge. Each day in December I will run at least 2 miles. This fun little adventure is organized by the Tri Girls and so, a whole slew of us are off and running. We report our mileage as well as successes and obstacles each week. Apparently there is also some sense of competition to see who can put in the most miles. Competition makes me crazy. Usually it is a good crazy.

Today I managed to squeeze in a 2.25 mile run between teaching and picking up the kids. I have a feeling that many of my short runs are going to be crammed between obligations/responsiblities or in the dark. Last night I hammered out two miles in my neighborhood just as the sun was setting. I can see that a benefit of this runathon is going to be enjoying the Christmas lights in the neighborhood. Yay!

You'd think that attempt to run every day would be enough of a challenge but I've decided to put down a few goals as well.

1. To add speed work to my runs.
2. To drop 3 minutes from my 5k time.(currently 34:40)
3. Add core work to my workouts at least 2 days a week.
4. To keep it all fun and remember that is it an opportunity and not a chore.

I've also started back on Weight Watchers. I've got these pesky 30lbs weighing me down and holding me back. I want them gone. It seems to me like I should use my training down-time to focus on eating better. Two days into it and I'm feeling okay. I need to hide the scale from myself though. It can be my worse enemy.

And, so, I am off and running. I'm excited and energized.

On a side note: I've only been on the bike once in the last month. I removed my pedals and I'm riding in running shoes again. I have little interest, no motivation, and I still hate it. Enough said.