The New Lane of Joy

Ironwoman Canada stirred things up a bit at yesterday's Masters class.

First, instead of sequentially placing us in the pool from slowest to fastest, she re-orged the lanes. The Lane of Dread, normally the 3rd lane, was moved to the 5th lane, typically occupied by the second fastest swimmers (who seem to have a completely different workout than a bunch of us). I have no idea where those guys ended up - but it was kind of neat to not feel so obviously "ranked."

Second, she placed more TRIgirls in the Lane of Dread. I think out of the six or seven swimmers - 2/3 were TRIgirls. TRIgirls Fave and KO have joined me in the Lane of Dread before (and have kindly let me draft off them) - but I was so happy for TRIgirl SQ, who, I believe, completed her first entire Masters in the LoD, with much more grace and speed than my initial attempts.

Thanks to them, the Lane of Dread might need to be renamed - it might need to be called the new Lane of Joy.

We've got a few more TRIgirls who are on the verge of graduating. Soon the Lane of Dread Lane of Joy II, will be the "IT" place to be.

"The Wizard"

While blog hopping this weekend, I found an awesome post, "Off to See the Wizard," by Elizabeth Fedofsky.

For those out there like me, finding The Wizard is not always easy.

Some of you may not know this, but I used to be a teacher, actually, a special educator, for nine years. (This will become more relavant, please bear with me.)

When teaching, especially kids with special needs, you become proficient in task analysis. I wanted my students to succeed - and I would figure out the interim objectives and activities needed to help them master their long term goals. For some, the next step would be just a tiny jump from a previous accomplishment. Some preschoolers would learn a letter a day merely looking at flashcards. Some would need a week, adding songs and games. Some would need a month, requiring multiple lessons using every modality, from drawing in sand to physically creating the letter (think the YMCA song).

I’ve been able to apply this skill to other areas of my life. Like training. But I’ve always considered my non-athletic self to be like the preschoolers who needed plenty of extra time and a lot of creative tutoring to learn the entire alphabet compared to their peers. I'd defined myself as slow for so long, I made assumptions about my limits and extrapolated my slowness to cover longer distances.

There were a few moments during last year’s training when, reflecting back, I think The Wizard might have been peeking in. Eagleman morning. The torturous BB&T trail run. Miles 80-90 during the Eastern Shore Bike ride. But, thanks to my excellent coaches, most of my Ironman workouts were a gradual progression of building up hours and miles. Like a giant 140.6 mile task analysis.

Since Ironman, but before learning about The Wizard, I’ve been wondering about strange, new ideas – like pushing beyond my comfort zone and believing improvements are possible.

I think there have been a few times these past few months when I could have caught a glimpse of The Wizard had I known he existed. A few PR runs. My first 25 meter no breather.

He still has not made grand entrance, but I think he is inching closer.

A New Triathlon

Shower....

Nap...

Wine.

That is the mantra that helped me survive today's workouts. Especially the chilly, damp bike ride (including some icy rain) with TriDi, Popsrcr and REB60.

I wasn't able to fit in the nap, but truly enjoyed the other two legs of this new triathlon this evening.

The "Just Do What You Can" Workout

For various reasons, the past two weeks included a couple of missed workouts. Some of the reasons were fun - like having family in town. Some of the reasons were stressful - like a few very long work days.

The hump day was Wednesday, which started with hectic last minute tasks to pull off an open house/services showcase at work - which was planned for that evening - which continued with post event celebrating with staff and corporate bigwigs - and ended with me waiting around 1:00 in the morning to have the boot removed off my car because I parked in the wrong spot in our parking garage when dropping off wine and beer 17 hours earlier.

Needless to say, I missed Wednesday's swim.

Thursday, I was exhausted. I convinced myself to attempt a six mile run and an hour on the trainer but lowered my expectations to just keeping one foot in front of the other. After the first two miles of my run, I had to push myself to continue after seeing some pretty pitiful paces.

But then something weird happened. The guilt that drove me to start my workout was replaced with relief to be outside, even though it was cold and damp, and acceptance of whatever it was my body was willing to do. Strangely enough, without consciously trying, the paces for the last four miles picked-up.

The hour on the trainer was solid - not my best, but enough of a workout to leave my legs feeling a little tight and tired.

The overall exhaustion was still lurking behind the scenes as I started nodding off around 9:00 that evening.

After a great night's sleep, my battery has begun recharging. I'm looking forward to riding tomorrow with TriDi, Popsrcr and REB60. I'm almost looking forward to running 10 miles this weekend. And I'm itching to get back into the pool!

Next week's schedule looks promising for getting back on track.

But I am oddly satisfied with yesterday's less than stellar workout.

Ding! Round 2!

Not surprisingly, Jonah has made the first cut in the Evotri contest!

So now it is time for Round 2! To vote, email vote@evotri.com with "Jonah Holland - Round Two" in the subject line before. Round two voting will continue until 11:59 PM PST Saturday, February 23, 2008.

Go Jonah!

Go Vote! by Buttercup, Fezzy and TRIgirl 40

No, no, not the primaries!

Buttercup, Fezzy and TRIgirl 40 are endorsing Jonah Holland for Team EVOTRI!

Buttercup and Fezzy love that Jonah is an animal lover.

But TRIgirl 40 has been inspired by Jonah since joining TRIgirls.

Jonah's platform:

1. Conquer obstacles and fears
2. Support your community
3. Inspire all triathletes
4. Give your heart and soul to triathlon

But you all can see for yourselves - check out Jonah's video application.

Then go vote! (just put "Jonah Holland" in the email subject line.)

Thresholds

After you've trained for an endurance race, I wonder if your workout perceptions become skewed?

I remember when a three mile run seemed tough.

Feeling justified in consuming decadent post race breakfeasts after my first few sprint triathlons.

Taking naps after three hour bike/run bricks.

Today, with understanding family in town, turned out to be a four hour workout. My brother and sister-in-law even joined me for the swim leg.

Four hours - seems to be what it takes - to rev up the hungry belly monster, to wish for a nap, to feel "worked out."

I've missed this feeling.

Happy Valentine's Day!

This morning my husband left waiting for me what might be my most favorite Valentine's gift ever:

I just can't stop smiling looking at this cuddly bear with the cutest pink workout attire and accessories.

Thank you, hubby!

Taking a Break

Coach G said something to me the other day that hit home with the way I’ve been feeling lately, “A few years ago I lost ten minutes and have never been able to get them back.”

That is what the past week or so has been like. Sometimes I’ve found myself unconsciously holding my breath or with my shoulders tensed up to my ears.

But, for the most part, it is just the stress of a slightly over crammed everyday life. And I am going to take a few minutes away from it to reflect on some good training stuff from this past weekend.

Saturday, I joined TRIgirl BL, her husband, TRIgirl SJG, her husband and a few of their friends for an early bike ride – the same challenging hilly course from a few weeks ago. Our pace was over 2 miles per hour faster this week – and I made it up the tough hill without having to jump off and walk. OK, I have to admit, another rider gave me a little push to make it easier – though I consider it negated by being pulled down the next uphill climb by the devilish Mr. SJG.

Time was running out, so while I couldn’t completely finish my brick, TRIgirl SJG and I squeezed in a West Creek nub – almost at our tempo pace – which was pretty impressive considering TRIgirl SJG was battling a cold.

Good stuff!

On Sunday, I met up with TRIgirl BL for a longer run. At the suggestion of TRIgirl SJG, we headed off to Deep Run Park. It had been a long time since I’ve run at this park – and for good reason – there are quite a few challenging hills and even a little off-road turf to deal with. Combined with 40-50 mile per hour winds, the run felt much longer than it actually was. But we completed it – and at a pace that was much better than I expected.

Then it was off to the pool for a solitary swim workout. 2600 quiet, easy meters. A decent timed mile thrown in.

Good stuff!

Bright and early Monday morning, it was time for Guppies. For the first time, I was able to complete a 25 meter no breather swim lap. And 3 25s in a row of (my attempt at) fly.

Good stuff!

I’m about to return to reality, but ahhh, look at that, for now my breathing has slowed down and I’m feeling more relaxed.

Good stuff!

A Spring Tease

A gorgeous weekend is winding down here in Richmond, Virginia. Both Saturday and Sunday were unseasonably warm, temperatures in the 50s and 60s, with the sun shining strongly.

Which meant two great workouts and a perfect excuse to put in a few extra miles!

Our Saturday bicycling group dwindled down to just REB60 and me. REB took me on an extended version of what is called the "Ashland Coffee and Tea Breakfast Ride." We headed out through the backroads of Hanover County which, for the most part, were traffic free, smooth and pretty. Only one hill of consequence - a nice long gradual twisting climb that just went on and on and on, but really didn't seem that bad. We both agreed that the ride felt easier compared to last weekend's. REB is laying the groundwork for riding the "Three Sisters." TRIDi and Popsrcr's stories of these killer ladies have me a bit nervous, but if I am going to even consider MoM...which I am not saying I am...

Yes, this is most definitely a good time to change topics.

So, today, I met up with TRIgirl BL for a long run. I wore shorts and short sleeved shirt - and regretted not breaking out a tank top to catch some rays. It was THAT warm. We were both a little, uhm, dehydrated, from our different previous night's festivities (thank goodness I stayed away from the Hurricanes). We didn't break any records, but felt better and better as the miles ticked by, finishing the distance in a respectable time.

Then it was off to the pool for an easy recovery swim. TRIGirl BL bringing up a good point that today would be a great day to know someone with a heated pool.

And I am dancing in my chair seeing the following weather predictions for the week: