Before and After

Alas, this is not a post about amazing triathlon related makeovers.

Sweet Fezzy, at just over five months old, completed his puppy shots yesterday. Assured he would not catch kennel cough or some other puppy ailment, we scheduled his first grooming for today. All the way home from swimming, I was smiling thinking about his transformation.

Check out his before picture:




















And his after shot:



















He is absolutely adorably handsome with his new haircut. It is nice to see his expressive eyes - and to actually be able to detect his little tail wagging. And there is nothing like the smell of a freshly groomed furkid.

But I have to say, I loved his sheepdog style, too.

Bragging Rights

Wow, my nieces can swim - FAST.

They were both in the Senior Short Course Championships held in New York this weekend - and I just shook my head in awe when looking at their results.

B placed first in the 100 yard breaststroke finals with a 1:08:19 time, qualifying for sectionals. And S did so well with her 100 yard freestyle time (55:30) that her coach placed her in the "A" relay - and her team came in 5th place. At the meet, Jenny Thompson made an appearance and swam freestyle and breaststroke - breaking the pool record and inspiring quite a few young swimmers.

The last time I saw the girls swim I think they were about seven or eight. I remember their enthusiasm - and energy - as they raced each other and the rest of the family countless times across the length of their family pool. I really hope that we'll get the chance to attend one of their meets and see firsthand just how much they have grown and matured into amazing swimmers.

I've teased my sister-in-law that we may have future triathletes in the making. And if they ever do decide to take on a triathlon - I want them on my team!

Wipe Out!

Put me in a roller coaster – one that goes every which way, as fast as possible – any day or time – and I will love it.

Or let me ride as a passenger on a motorcycle or plane while someone else navigates its dips and turns – and I’ll think it is cool.

Place me on a bike with clipless pedals - and I’ll start envisioning being splayed out at a traffic light in front of a truck.

My fear of clipless pedals started about five or six years ago when I first purchased a used pair for Vinho Verde. I expected to fall a few times. The problem was I kept falling. When trying to stop, I’d push my foot down, twist and end up mangled on the curb. When climbing a hill, I’d reach a point where I couldn’t turn the pedals fast enough to keep moving forward and would perform an oh so graceful little dance of slowing to a crawl on the incline with my handlebars veering right, then left, before plummeting to the ground. Note the amazing aero form and pedal power from my early triathlon days. (Thank goodness for all the bike class training which will hopefully help with making it up those hills - or at least with taking a better photo.)

After about six months of embarrassing spills and countless bruises, I gave up, and put the pedal cages back on Vinho. As a matter of fact, probably a few months after that, I put Vinho in the garage for a few years for all but an occasional outing.

Until a little over two years ago, when Vinho and I started to hit the road again after joining TRIgirls. At first, I didn’t even notice who was riding what. And then, when I did, it was just the hard core folks with the upscale bikes who would be clipping in and out. But after more and more members of the group were dressing up their bikes with the clipless pedals, I started to feel the pressure and decided to give them another try.

This time, I purchased a new set - and a well known brand – after hearing that my problems may have been exacerbated by using a defective or worn out used pair. And I haven’t fallen – yet. Then again, I have only taken my bike on very safe and protected roads – places where I could clip out yards (and I mean yards) before needing to turn or stop.

But I want to feel comfortable using them. Like Mundy, who recently took a tour, not only through the hills of Brooklyn, but also across the Verrazano Bridge. Like my seventish aunt and uncle who ride together nearly every morning for 20 or 30 mile trips, with a regular donut stop along the way.

So, I’ve practiced clipping in and out – at various stages of a pedal stroke – during bike class the last few months.

Yesterday, we had a particularly tough class with Coach B. Lots of speed and intensity intervals. All of a sudden, the person next to me had a problem - her bike fell off the trainer - and was heading my way. It was one of those split seconds where a bunch of thoughts start flying through your head.

Oh my gosh, is she going to be OK?
Aack – she is falling onto me.
That can only make her fall worse.
Can I break her fall?
Can I stop myself from falling?
Are we both going to break our legs?

Next thing I knew, my training buddy (who I hope will please forgive me for posting this on my blog) was sitting on the ground – my bulk may have possibly slowed down her fall a little. Her elbow had a nasty cut and her back was a little sore, but overall, she was OK.

After the excitement died down and class was about to resume, I realized that I never did fall. I had made it through - still standing with my left foot out of the pedal. I didn’t remember consciously thinking about pulling my foot out. And I don't know if this whole clipping thing has become instinctive yet, but who knows, maybe it will after a few more scares on my trainer...

More Vacation Training - Swim, Cough, Run

After the 8.5 mile run (at a surprising 10:08 pace) early Saturday morning, the rest of my girls-weekend-mini-vacation featured an unusual triathlon training regime – swim, cough, run.

Saturday, we headed out to the Miami Seaquarium for a dolphin swim. Several years ago, I set a few lifetime goals. One was to do a triathlon. Another was to swim with the dolphins. Last year, I had my first opportunity to share the water with these amazing animals – and was really looking forward to repeating the experience. How often do you get to accomplish a life goal more than once (well, other than triathlons!)?

I just love dolphins. In general, I am fascinated by animals - and am a proud anthropomorphist. Spending time up close and personal with four beautiful dolphins was a highlight of the trip for me. They flipped, jumped, twisted and waved for us. We even received a few kisses. One of the dolphins was a proud new mother – and we watched as her baby swam nearby, keeping close tabs on her Mama. Most memorable were the “rides” with the dolphins – one on the dorsal fin and one on a boogie board as the dolphin propelled us forward by our feet. If only I could latch onto a dolphin in Panama City next November!

Sometime between the dolphin swim and Sunday morning, the cold I had been fighting for a few days took a turn for the worse. Major sore throat, chest phlegm, sneezing, coughing, yada, yada, yada. Thankfully, TRIgirl MJW (she and DL were also feeling under the weather) was equipped with Zicam and aspirin – and I was able to pump enough meds into my body to still enjoy the great dinners (loved Bed, Nobu and Opa!), dancing, shopping – and even a few hours of beach time.

South Beach has one of the most fabulous oceanfront boardwalks I’ve ever seen – it seems to go on forever – with views of the gorgeous aqua waters, white sands, swaying palm trees and upscale hotels. On Monday morning, I decided I wasn’t going to let some stupid cold force me to forgo my last chance to run along it – especially because the weather was finally warming up a bit. So I joined TRIgirls MJW and DL for a five mile run – including a 4 mile negative split. And while my negative split wasn’t so hot (20:45/19:45) – it was still one of the most beautiful and enjoyable runs I’ve ever experienced.

Now it is back to reality – and a tough, slightly guilt-ridden decision to take a rest day to send this cold off on its merry way before slipping back into the normal training schedule.

Vacation - A New Definition?

How did it happen?

I am on a girls’ weekend trip in South Beach, with two other TRIgirls. Are we hopping the bars? Are we dancing in clubs? Are we on the beach (OK, surprisingly, it is pretty chilly here in Miami to be anywhere near the ocean)?

Nope.

We are tucked in our beds, since about 10:00 pm, winding down for an 7-8 hour slumber.

Why?

Because we are all in agreement that we want to wake up early tomorrow for our scheduled 8 mile training run.

We’ve also planned a run for Monday before we head back home.

Our IPODs and Garmins are charging. We packed our workout gear and sneakers with as much deliberation as our beach and nightlife outfits.

And if the predicted chilly temperatures end up being just bad weather predictions, we have our bathing suits in tow for an open water swim.

I’d write more, but my other training cohorts are fast asleep – and I best wrap this up so I will be just as chipper as they will be when our wake-up call rings at the crack of dawn.

Think Pink!

To celebrate Valentine’s Day – and the first official TRIgirl run of the season – here are some new pink items I’ve added to my repertoire.

After misplacing my goggles after Monday’s guppy class, I was forced to buy new ones. My Dad had sent me an Amazon gift certificate (Thanks, Dad!) – so I browsed their selection. Lo and behold – pink goggles!

Since I had a more left to spend, I decided to check out athletic wear sunglasses. I’ve resisted this long, but think with the upcoming ultra long workouts – it might be a good idea to give them a try. I found a pair online that matched my criteria (pink and cheap). They seem like too much of a good deal with an $80 discount – but what the heck.

Finally, the hubby surprised me with a cool Valentine’s Day gift – a pink MP3 speaker case for my IPOD. I’m already envisioning bringing it with me to the beach and pool, post-workouts.

Too much pink? Never!

Happy Valentine’s Day – and a big welcome to all the new TRIgirls who came out for our first workout. You all looked wonderful and strong. Speaking of today's run – I had a PR for one of my ½ mile repeats – 3:46! (Must have been the after effects of lots of yummy chocolate sent by my brother and sister-in-law!)

A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words

A few TRIgirl members and coaches have been sharing several Ironman video clips available on the internet.

Coach B. found this one – a slick little movie – definitely conveys the excitement and energy of the race. Plus there is the glimpse of a pink bike:
http://www.nasports.com/mediacenter/index.php

TRIgirl CD spent some time online and uncovered the following on YouTube – which, as she noted, “Not only does it show some of the details about registration, race packets, hotel setup, etc. for Ironman Florida, it's also REALLY inspiring because it shows three women -- all of whom seem to be able to relate to those of us who may be in the category of ‘first-timer,’ ‘might have to walk it’ or ‘love to breaststroke!’”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QAPuXx2-DA

Finally, a few months back, right before finalizing my decision to register for IMFL, Coach G sent out a clip about Team Hoyt. Their story reminded me that there are far greater challenges out there than my own – and that with the right motivation and determination, people like the Hoyts overcome the impossible to inspire us all:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPSUrR3ipQc&mode=related&search=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D52rJd9GX10&NR

Surviving the Repeats

It is over. For this week, anyway.

I made it through this morning’s workout due in part to:

• An observation made last night during a play session with Fezzy. As I threw his various toys about 50 feet across our house, I watched his exuberance and joy as he charged down his stuffed frog and squirrel. He happily ran as fast as he could – and while his splayed leg transition turns may need some technique work, his efforts made me smile. He played long and hard – never giving up the chase. And made me realize that maybe I needed to approach the repeats with a little less of a “training” perspective – and with more with a “hey, let’s go for it” kind of spirit.
• An email from my sister-in-law – whose twin daughters are competitive – and I mean like regional and national caliber – swimmers. From the email “Good luck with tomorrow's workout! If it makes you feel any better, the girls will already be in the pool at 6 am, which means a 5:15 am rise time, 15 minutes later than they do all week for school. They will swim and do dryland until 8:30 am.” And it did make me feel better. I remembered being their age – and sleeping late on weekends till 10 or 11 o’clock – and thought – if they can have such discipline and commitment at their young ages, the least I can do is stop whining and work on a better attitude.

So, I went to bed fairly early. When the alarm buzzed at 6:15, I stole a few extra winks, but resisted the urge to find some sort of excuse to stay in bed until bike class. During the car ride, I chuckled as the car temperature gauge dropped from 28 to 22 degrees - when I pulled into the Maramarc parking lot, a few minutes late, but before the group had headed off to start the run drills.

First was the timed mile. Honestly, it was cold. It was tough. My breathing was less than great. And I wouldn’t have minded stopping about half-way through. But I finished with a more consistent pace than some earlier attempts and with a 20 second gain after the first drill in December – an 8:20 mile time.

After a few minutes rest, it was time to start the four half miles. My first one was rather awful – a 4:30. The next three were consistent, better and within an acceptable deviation from my target pace - 4:19, 4:20 and 4:18.

My legs were a wee bit more tired than usual during the subsequent hour and a half bike. And afterwards, while heading to TRIgirl coffee, I realized, in the midst of the relief that the workout was over, that I was relishing the idea of a nap.

An idea I happily indulged a few hours later.

Gearing Up for Saturday

I am trying to get in the right mindset for Saturday’s workout.

It’s not the hour and a half bike that concerns me.

It’s the darn timed mile, then four half mile repeats, at the crack of dawn, in the freezing cold, before getting on the bike.

OK, I won’t be hearing any roosters crowing at 7:00 am – but waking up at 6:15 on a Saturday morning, to arrive on time for what promises to be a torturous workout, seems pretty early and unnecessarily evil to this sleep loving TRIgirl.

And maybe it won’t be quite as cold as the past Tuesday and Thursday when I ran with temperatures in the teens, but I have a feeling it will not be the most pleasant running conditions.

Then there is the “go as fast as you can” factor. I have done enough timed miles and repeats to know, all too well, the burning lung, lactic acid and thigh exploding feelings integral to these workouts.

Plus, it is just plain hard for me. To go fast. As fast as I can. Which really isn’t very fast at all.

So far this year, the "running fast" drills have probably been my least favorite part of this Ironman training experience. Up until now, I’ve only done two half mile repeats in a row. Not sure if I mentioned – this week - we are slated to do four repeats – after the 1 mile timed run. I’d rather do the 1 hour bike, 8 mile easy run, workout planned for a few weeks from now. I'd possibly rather do an hour of sculling.

Rant aside; I’m going to spend the next 32 hours trying to:

• Enjoy the day off from workouts.
• Focus on the good training week I’ve had so far. Two PRs – for a six mile run last Saturday that even started off at my easy pace (60:26) - and a 300 meter swim even after six 50 meter sprint drills on Tuesday (6:03).
• Visualize feeling strong and capable, running effortlessly for the timed mile and 4 repeats. (I have a feeling this will be a slightly amusing and unrealistic vision – but if I can daydream about winning the lottery…)
• Remind myself that what seems hard now, will seem easier in a few weeks. If I completely screw up this Saturday – hopefully – I will have nowhere to go but up the next time this workout is scheduled.
• Appreciate that so much of the progress I have seen is due to pushing myself during the drills I dread the most.

With any luck, maybe the worst part about this coming Saturday will be dragging my sorry body out of bed when the alarm clock sounds.

Battle Wounds

“What happened!” has been the reaction of several folks who have seen me in a bathing suit the past two days.

Lovely bruises of various colors, shapes and sizes decorate my hips and upper thighs – with very nice symmetry on both sides of my body.

I wish I could say they resulted from an impressive bike crash or from an over zealous pre-Super Bowl game of football. I can’t even blame a fall down the stairs or some other more normal cause.

Instead, this Pollock style body art is due to the hour and a half I spent in my neighbor’s hot tub on Friday night – rotating from side to side in front of a powerful set of jets. What felt wonderful at the time must have been a little too much for me – as I’ve been bruised by a four pound Fezzy walking on my arms to wake me in the morning.

Anyone know of remedies to help bruises heal quickly?

Snow! Snow! Snow!

Or not. Or maybe not yet.

All I know is that after last night's weather report and a few emails back and forth with Coach G, I was looking forward to a run this morning with dainty little flurries drifting by my face. I’ve read other bloggers’ recent postings about a jog through the snow – and thought it sounded so whimsical and lovely.

Instead, I had a later than planned start due to a slightly upset tummy. I did make it to the course, but must have arrived between the TRIgirl groups – because it was me and about 10 other non-TRIgirl folks, braving the elements (aka a cold, but not bitterly so, 7 o’clockish run, with about twenty snowflakes total if I counted the tiny little white droplets that I could see by squinting at the still mostly dark sky).

Less than stable stomach and all, I had a decent run, with a warm up mile at a 10:12 pace, mile two at a 9:43 pace and mile three at a 9:10 pace. I fit in one ½ mile repeat at a 4:13 pace. Considering I missed Tuesday’s run because my body needed a break and yesterday’s workout due to a work commitment that went longer than expected, I felt that I was getting back on track (no pun intended) and was close to meeting my target paces.

After the run, I went to work, still waiting for the predicted white stuff to start falling. A few hours later, the much anticipated snowflakes began to twinkle down. So much so that I thought the bad weather might interfere with the evening's wine club. So much so that during an email exchange with Coach B – I wrote that I hoped the snow would end in time for Saturday’s workout – and he told me that a trail run in the snow would be great fun. So much so that I was looking forward to getting home to see how Fezzy would react to snow.

Well, as of now, looking outside my window to a completely dry and clear evening, it seems that the weatherman was a bit off. But part of me is still hopeful that maybe it is a timing issue, and I could wake up tomorrow to a big ole blizzard!

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Chapter 1

When I first started this blog, I mentioned there would be times when I’d share the good, the bad and the ugly. The past few days have seen a little of each.

The Good
90 minute bike class on Saturday – Tightened my trainer to almost Coach B’s standards. One and a half hours in aero position. Actually enjoyed the standing drills at levels 9 and 10. After class, Coach B said I did well in the aero. Felt strong.

Five mile easy run on Sunday – Met up with TRIgirls DL, Devil Face, TD, SJG, and LD at my favorite local park for a two loop run, including hills. Was my best time of day to run (late morning) and my preferred weather conditions (cool and dry). Finished up the last mile of run with TRIgirl SJG at a 9:15 pace – and, for once, felt like it was a little push, rather than a major effort, to keep up that stride.

The Bad
Missed the Saturday pre-bike run - Made the choice to stay in bed for an extra hour instead of doing dreaded half mile repeats. Little bit of guilt, but I got over it.

The Ugly
February’s schedule – Received our schedules for February. Runs are gearing up – several 6 and 8 mile brick workouts. Did I read that right – is there a day where we do 6 half mile repeats?

Floor work during this morning’s swim – Knew it couldn’t be good when the other guppies started groaning when Ironwoman Canada laid down mats at the far side of the pool. Boy, were they right. Swim 50 fast, plank pose for a minute, swim 50 fast, “V” kick for a minute, swim 50 fast, wall sit for a minute, swim 50 fast, push ups for a minute – repeat from beginning. And, oh, did I mention, throw in some sculling afterwards for good measure? Could barely lift myself out of the pool after the hour.

Tag, I'm It!

Alas my slow running has caught up with me once again. I was tagged on my blog by Ironmom with the following game of Tri Blogger Tag. I'm going to tag some of the people in my favorite blogs list:

Triathonmom, TriJinx, TriDi, I’m TRI-ing, Florida-Bound and Nancy Toby.

If you've been tagged, answer these six questions, then tag six more folks.

1. Describe a memory from your first triathlon ever
2. Describe a memory from your most recent triathlon
3. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in a tri?
4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri?
5. What is something you discovered about yourself by doing triathlons?
6. What is The Big Goal that you're working towards?

My answers:

1. Describe a memory from your first triathlon ever
My first triathlon was in 2000 – I registered for an open water sprint in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Doing a triathlon was a life goal – and I trained on my own and with a friend – without a real coach, group – or even reading a book. I had no idea what to expect. I remember not sleeping much the night before. I remember thinking how cool it was to receive a race packet with a swim cap. I remember being surprised about having my race number magic markered on my arms and legs. I remember that I had never practiced a transition – and just kind of strolled through them, smiling the whole time. Most of all, I remember the feelings of accomplishment, exhilaration – and exhaustion – after finishing.

2. Describe a memory from your most recent triathlon
My most recent triathlon was the ACAC Sprint in Richmond last October. Overall it was a great race – my best performance in my age group. But I can still feel the cold – it was a bitterly chilly morning. I remember the swim to bike transition, so grateful for a towel wrapped around my shoulders, kindly provided by TRIgirl LD who had volunteered during the race. I remember the hill from Hades that soon warmed up my frigid bones. And I remember finishing the race, with an amazing sense of support and encouragement from the other TRIgirls and Coach G – and joining them to cheer in the others who crossed the finish line after me. Oh yeah – there was an awesome and delicious celebratory, pig-out brunch that followed at Hondo’s – uh waiter, another mimosa, please.

3. What's the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you in a tri?
Ah – my unsuccessful wetsuit experience from the Very Big Nut triathlon. Please see my blog entry if you want to hear the gory details as it is too embarrassing to have to relive again!

4. What's the most thrilling thing that's happened to you in a tri?
There are usually points during the swim and bike, where I overcome the worry about finishing – and begin to get into a groove - enjoying the experience of feeling one with the water or noticing the beautiful scenery around me. I start appreciating the race – and concentrate on thanking all the volunteers – or at least giving them a big smile of gratitude. I’ll try to commiserate, in an encouraging way, with other participants who may be struggling worse than I am.

But, if I had to pick one moment – it would be crossing the finish line at Naylor’s Beach with TRIgirl Devil Face. We had both had a tough race – from the grueling heat and humidity to an unplanned change in the race course. Running those last few hundred yards together recharged my spirit, as well as my very tired and dehydrated body.

5. What is something you discovered about yourself by doing triathlons?
I’ve learned that this asthmatic, approaching middle-age, non-athlete has the willingness, drive and determination to accomplish tough physical (and mental challenges). While many of the natural athletes from my childhood have grown inactive or out of shape, this “tortoise” from their past may actually finish the race ahead of those “hares” – or at least will be in the race as they lounge about on their couches.

6. What is The Big Goal that you're working towards?
Ah, an easy one to answer – Ironman Florida! The absolute biggest and scariest goal I’ve ever set for myself.

I Forgot to Eat

I am not doing so well with the “fourth” leg of the triathlon – nutrition.

I knew the whole “eat during a race thing” was going to an issue. Haven’t even started to address that yet.

What I didn’t realize, until a few weeks ago, is that incorporating healthy habits during training would be a challenge.

Before I go any further, please know, I do not lack for overall caloric consumption. I am a social eater – and, especially recently, allow myself to enjoy the whole food experience with friends and family. So, I splurge, probably more than I should, at parties or evenings out. I’ve lost my holiday pooch – but the pounds are not melting off my body. There is no reason to worry.

On a regular, nothing special planned type of day, I’ll sometimes forget to eat. This is a habit developed from years and years of struggling to keep my weight down by focusing on non-food related activities. With training dominating more of my time – fitting in meals or snacks is further pushed to the wayside. I’ll forget my resolution to grab a piece of fruit on my way out the door to work. On weekends, I’ll submerge myself in house chores – and discover it is 2:00 pm and nothing besides water, Gatorade and a Starbucks latte has crossed my lips – even after a two hour bike/run workout.

Take a recent Monday, when I woke up early for a Guppy lesson, proud that I grabbed a bag of sports jelly beans to munch on during the drive to the pool, swam for an hour, headed off to work, ate a sandwich and a fruit cup for lunch, went to a two hour weight and bike workout with just a Gatorade in my stomach – and arrived home around 8:30, not feeling terribly hungry, nor tempted by anything in our rather scantily clad refrigerator. But about three hours later, my belly finally reminded me, with big hearty growls, that it was empty. I didn’t want to eat. I’d tried eating after a late workout – and that kept me up, too – in a much more uncomfortable way – between the adrenalin still pumping through my body and the food working its way through my digestive track.

So I need to figure out – and, more importantly, carry through – a meal plan that provides enough sustenance for training, but that works with my busy schedule - as well as my reluctance to eat too close to a workout. To realize it is just as important to plan for small, healthy snacks throughout the day as it is to plan my weekly training. To take the time to pack my lunch bag as well as my gym bag. And to incorporate greater consistency, with more food on a regular day and less binging during social outings.

Could it Be?

After the past two swim classes, I am wondering, is it possible, could it be…am I getting a little faster?

Just the tiniest bit, maybe?

At Coach S’s class yesterday, we ended the main set with seven laps - 25 meters easy, 25 meters fast. I really tried to push myself during the fast lengths, kicking and pulling harder, while still keeping a controlled stroke. And there were a couple of times, for half a length here or there, where it felt “right” - like I was putting all the pieces together, remembering all the little and big form mechanic details - and gliding through the water.

So, as I was driving to Ironwoman Canada’s class this morning, I was a bit curious how my arms would hold up. Usually there is a slower lane (where I am almost always the slowest of the two or three guppies assigned) and a faster lane. Today, the folks who sometimes share my lane were not there, hence no apparent slower/faster lane. For a couple of the laps during the 1300 – 1400 meter set (I lost count today), I was able to keep up with the others, and there were a few other laps where I didn’t lose too much ground. (OK, the longest drills were just 100 meters, but still…)

My weakened arms were further put to the challenge – of tackling five laps doing various “sculling” drills using a buoy. Ironwoman Canada’s interest in adding sculling to our workouts was sparked by a magazine article. Sculling - "the way a swimmer moves through the water by using only the hands and forearms" – was a new concept to me. I found an article online that explains the drills better than what I could put into words.

All I can add is that sculling is exhausting – and my arms felt a burn similar to what is typically experienced during weight lifting. For one drill – where we sculled feet first on our backs, it seemed like I was hardly moving forward at all – and it took forever to get to the wall.

Anyway, I am actually supposed to start paying attention to my times during various drills at Masters class, so I should know more in a few weeks if I’m really any quicker or if it just feels I like I am faster because I am working so hard!

Changes to My Race Calendar

My credit card saw some action this weekend as I registered for several races.

After some debate, I'm in for the Shamrock and Roll 8K the weekend of St. Patrick's Day. Coaches G and M had figured out a way to fit the half marathon into the full and half ironman training progams. But after some discussion - and even a little back and forth between the coaches, I'll still be doing the 8K. Right now, working on increasing the miles at a pace closer to my tempo pace is a bigger challenge than running 13 miles - so I'm aiming for a sub 10 minute/mile as my goal for the race.

TRIgirl Devil Face and I were orginally going to skip the Shamrock, until another TRIgirl offered us a place to stay (there tends to be a three night minimum at most hotels for the race - and it seemed like quite an expensive hassle to participate in an 8K). So, we concocted the idea for a local alternative - fun (emphasis on fun) St. Patty's run. We're still planning on coordinating this race - with festive beverage stops along the way - but it will probably be the weekend before or after the Shamrock.

Soon after the Shamrock (and the *hiccup* fun run), TRIgirls will be participating in teams for the Monument 10K. I guess that will be another chance to try and hit the sub 10 minute goal - but I'll see how the 8K goes before setting this objective in stone. There are about five teams of five TRIgirls each - so there will be lots of pink charging down Monument Avenue this year. We are also looking for ways to raise donations for the Massey Cancer Center as part of our committment to the race.

The last charge on my credit card for the weekend was for the Smith Mountain Lake Sprint triathlon - a recent addition to the race schedule - but a good one - as it gives us another opportunity for an open water swim.

There is one more race I may throw on the card before the work week begins - the Shady Grove Sprint - but I'm waiting to hear back from Coach G to see if it fits into our taper as it is scheduled for the weekend before Eagleman. Keeping my fingers crossed since I like this race because it is less than 10 miles from my house - and I'm curious if all the training this year will help improve my times from 2006.

Better go update all my calendars!

Growing the Family

TRIgirls has a new program - Big Sister/Little Sister.

TRIgirl KB is my fabulous new little sister - and I couldn't be happier. Being a back-packer, I don't have much to offer in terms of training advice - but I hope to be able to support and help answer any questions as she embarks on her first year as a TRIgirl.

TRIgirl KB and I share several similar experiences and outlooks. We both turn 40 this year. We both perviously worked with children. We both are currently employed by the same company. We both want to live life to the fullest. And, we both believe in striving to be the best we can be. Oh, and of course, we both love wine!

My little sis will be giving Vinho Verde some much needed love and attention this year. We've also started meeting a few minutes before Sunday swim classes to spend some time reviewing stroke concepts. I truly believe she not only will be the embodiment of TRIgirls, but will be inspiring me, with her humor and wisdom, over the upcoming months.

Active Wear vs. Slacker Wear?

Wow – it has been awhile since I’ve been able to get my act together to post something new.

Last Friday was a rest day – a much relished day of relaxation. Yet, the remainder of the holiday weekend included over six hours of swimming, biking and running. As a result of this gradually increasing training, my active wear wardrobe has started to get more and more use – as I’ll wake up on weekends or holidays and throw on exercise clothes, even if my workouts are scheduled later in the day – like Sunday’s 5 pm swim practice. This gives my gym bag a slight break – and may also reassure my dad - who sent me a very funny email, “never thought my little girl would ever be a ‘bag lady’ ha ha. You are doing great!!!”

So in addition to my emerging hobo habits, I find myself running all over town in my workout attire between training classes. On Monday, after a lunchtime swim but before the evening's weight training and bike class, I made a quick detour to pick up some groceries - still bearing lovely raccoon goggle eye marks, wet swim cap hair and no make-up. As I was leaving the store, I heard someone call out my name. I reluctantly turned around to discover it was one of my clients. As we stood there talking, I thought to myself - we’ve compared running races in the past – there is a chance he might chalk off my less than stellar appearance to training – ugh – but there is also the embarrassing possibility that he might think I am just some slacker who can’t pull it together on a day off. While we chatted, I tried to figure out a graceful way to drop a “Oh, I just came from the gym – I don’t normally look like this – I’m training for an Ironman so I have an excuse” type of comment into the conversation, but the right opening never materialized.

Then I had an even scarier realization – he had recognized me right away – in a quite out of work context. Yikes!

Some Pomp and Circumstance, Please!

Yesterday, I arrived at Masters swim class and Ironwoman Canada gave me a “400!” welcome. As I started to put on my cap and goggles, she pointed to the second lane.

I have spent the past two-three months in the first lane (well, actually it is probably the last, but since it is the first when looking from left to right, I consider it lane one). This is the “special lane” – where I’ve been fortunate enough to receive quite a bit of Ironwoman Canada’s individualized instruction to improve my form.

I said, “You want me in THAT lane?” and Ironwoman Canada and a fellow Guppy began teasing me about how I had graduated.

And yes, there are still four or five more lanes, occupied by other Guppy alumni and ex-collegiate swimmers, to aim for future commencements, but for now I’ll proudly add a tassel to my swim cap and give it a good ole flip to the side.

Why My Gym Bag is Tired

Sunday – Put on bathing suit, sweats, flip-flops. Pack gym bag with dinner clothes, shoes, socks, make-up, brush, comb, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer. Go to swim practice. Swim 1300 meters with Coach S and TRIgirls. Shower at gym. Wrap wet bathing suit in towel. Put in gym bag with swim cap and goggles. Meet friends and hubby for dinner. Go home. Unpack gym bag. Hang bathing suit up. Cross fingers that bathing suit is dry by next morning. Repack gym bag with work clothes, make-up, etc.

Monday – Put on bathing suit, sweats, flip-flops. Breathe sigh of relief that bathing suit is mostly dry. Go to Guppy swim lesson. Swim 1400 meters. Spaz out during drill using tennis balls and buoys. Shower at gym. Wrap wet bathing suit in towel. Put in bag with swim cap and goggles. Go to work. Meet friends for dinner. Drive home. Unpack gym bag. Hang bathing suit up. Repack gym bag with bike shorts, shirt, bike shoes, socks. Realize another bag is needed for tomorrow’s work clothes. Pack second bag. Lay out running pants, fleece, sneakers, socks and Garmin for next morning’s run.

Tuesday – Put on running clothes. Run 3 mile negative split. Go to gym near work to shower. Go to work. Drive to bike and weight training. Change out of work clothes into bike shorts, shirt, sneakers, socks packed in second bag. Do weight exercises. Run back to gym bag, take off sneakers and put on bike shoes. Shoot, forgot towel. Bike on trainer for one hour. Hit level 10 for first time. Go home. Unpack both gym bags. Repack one gym bag with towel, bathing suit, swim cap, goggles for tomorrow’s Masters class.

Realize that I haven’t showered at home in three days.

And that I’ve been getting dressed from clothes stuffed in a bag way more often than from hangers or drawers.