It's official!!! I am a triathlete! And I LOVED every minute of it.
I want to thank all my family, friends, and coaches for their love and support. You guys are awesome.
So many people want to hear how I did.
So, here is a brief recap of the race. I hope to get a more detail one with pics later this week.
I started our the day with 3 goals. Goal one was to have fun.Goal number two was to finish. Goal three was to finish in under two hours. Tada!!! Completed all 3!!!
Final time: 1:58:42
So Marc, the swim coach at the Y, said a 20 min swim time was a respectable time, when i told him i was doing Danskin he said I better add 5mins. Well, i didn't need the 5 mins i hit the swim 20 mins on the nose (20:00min) Honestly, i could have picked up the pace but i had no way of gauging my swim pace. I thought I was swimming on the slower side and with the dang waves and weaving around some slow, I just wanted to finish and finish without having to breast stroke (again accomplished) But the swim was AWESOME!!! It was my favorite out of all three. I loved passing people!! Sighting was easy and I never had to redirect myself. I swam as straight as can be. It felt sooo good when I looked at my watch coming out of the water I had to do a double take!! Really? Oh and thanks to Joel's little tidbits of knowledge, I happened to notice that the inside lane was deserted!!! I was able to have a nice relaxed start with no one around me as well as a direct line to the buoy.
So T1 was one heck of a doozy. The 30-34 were racked in the absolute farthest corner of the transition station. Geez!! I jogged from the water and it took me 1:30 just to get to my bike!! Pretty smooth transition though once i got to my bike. I spent an extra 20-30 secs to put on bike gloves which came in handy when your all wet!!!Final T1 5:26.
Off on to the bike! I was told by a million people about the super steep hill on the bike to get onto 90. And you know me and hills? I HATE them!! We are not good friends. A lot of people have to walk it. So I made a mental note that I would just walk it. Honestly I really never planned to bike it.When I neared the hill I tried to increase my speed and and get ready to drop my gears on by one. Made it half way up on speed and planned the dropping of the gears perfectly. The last bit of the hill was hard (but super short) but I stayed on my bike!!!!! Hit 90 and found a good cadence. But my speed was so slow (11mpr) I found out on the way back that what I thought was flat was actually a slight incline. Loved flying on the hills!! Hit 30mpr! Such an adrenaline runs!! Bike goal was 45mins to 55min (heck anything under an hour. Final time Bike 48:27
Transition 2 was super smooth. But given my timbucktoo location T2 took me 2:18.
Off on the run! Ugh. The first 200yds were tough! But I made a joke (okay I think I groaned super loud) and she laughed and we made small talk. Turns out our running paces were a spot on match! So I had a running buddy (Tarra, 35, from Seattle, just finished her masters in nursing). Hehehe I know. I'm a chatty Cathy. We made a goal to only walk the water stations. Oh, thank you to who ever said grab a cup to dump on your head. I would have never thought of that!! It helped in the very toasty weather! (oh course Seattle was going to have a heat wave this weekend ;) chatted back and forth. It was a great way to pass the time put also track our exertion. Too easy to talk, step it up!! I had run a 5k in December in 40:41 so my goal was to be close to that. I
Ran a 42:29. SWEET!!!! I actually could have gone another mile or two. I was feeling good on the run. Steady pace. Each mile within 10 seconds of the mile before.
Break down
Swim 20:00 953/3313 sweet!!!
T1 5:26
Bike 48:27 (avg 14.8 mpr) 1801/3313
T2 2:18
Run 42:29 (avg 13:42 per mile) 2557/3313
Total 1:58:42 finished overall 1813/3313 not half bad!!! And to think I was scared I'd be last!!
I loved it!! And surprise, surprise can't wait to do another one!!!
And another treat was running into Joel (one of my tri coaches from the Y) at the finish line! Thanks for the hug!!!
Thank you all again for everything! This has been such an amazing journey that I can't wait to do again. Maybe Olympic distance? ;) let's do it!!!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
I think I'll try Defying gravity
You know how before a MLB player goes up to bat, they play a little song? Something to get him pumped up and in the mood? Well, I've been looking for "my" song. Something that encompass this journey and my emotions. Something to get my "motor running." Since the rules of the triathlon, ban the use of personal music players, I needed something to keep my mind "busy."
I've played around with a few songs, but none seemed to completely fit. But then the right song, just dropped in my lap. Okay, more like crossed my tv screen.
This week, I stumbled across the BEST show ever this week, Glee. If you haven't seen it, DVR it!!!
Well, during the episode untitled "Wheels." a certain song made my mouth drop.
(Note: I did not record this. It's the only version I can find.)
the words just hit me like a ton of bricks.
So this is my new "pump up" song. If you hear me humming this weekend (and you most likely will), it will be this song.
I'm through accepting limits cause someone says they're so. Some things I cannot change, but till I try, I'll never know
I think I'll try Defying gravity and you won't bring me down
I've played around with a few songs, but none seemed to completely fit. But then the right song, just dropped in my lap. Okay, more like crossed my tv screen.
This week, I stumbled across the BEST show ever this week, Glee. If you haven't seen it, DVR it!!!
Well, during the episode untitled "Wheels." a certain song made my mouth drop.
(Note: I did not record this. It's the only version I can find.)
the words just hit me like a ton of bricks.
So this is my new "pump up" song. If you hear me humming this weekend (and you most likely will), it will be this song.
I'm through accepting limits cause someone says they're so. Some things I cannot change, but till I try, I'll never know
I think I'll try Defying gravity and you won't bring me down
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Angels on the Sammamish RIver Trail
Do you remember that movie "Angel in the Outfield?" where a young boy witnesses angels helping the California Angels win? It even included a very young Matthew McConnaughey.
Well, I have been seeing angels lately. No, they don't look like Christopher Lloyd and no they don't have halos or wings, but they are angels none the less.
When I began this triathlon journey , I knew I would need a lot of support and encouragement. I knew my family and friends would be there for me and they have. You guys are the best!!!
But what I would have never have expected is all the angels that have appeared. First there are my tri angels. People who have taken the extra time to give me the much needed push from doing the hills in Bothell, to finding the motivation for a workout, to sending me some facebook lovin'. Thank you for sharing your love of tri with me!
But the angels that have surprised me the most are the anonymous ones. For these past few weeks, i have been getting words of encouragement from strangers while I bike and run on the Sammamish River Trail. "Looking good." "Keep it up."and my favorite "You go Girl!." At first I thought they were yelling at someone one else, but I slowly started to realize it was me they were yelling at.
Why me? I don't know but what I do know is those "shout outs" always seemed to come at the moments I needed them the most. Coincidence? I don't think so.
They are the angels on the Sammamish River Trail. My angels and I am thank for them and all the other angels in my life.
Now, I just hope all my angels are preparing for next weekend cuz I'm going to need them!!!!
Well, I have been seeing angels lately. No, they don't look like Christopher Lloyd and no they don't have halos or wings, but they are angels none the less.
When I began this triathlon journey , I knew I would need a lot of support and encouragement. I knew my family and friends would be there for me and they have. You guys are the best!!!
But what I would have never have expected is all the angels that have appeared. First there are my tri angels. People who have taken the extra time to give me the much needed push from doing the hills in Bothell, to finding the motivation for a workout, to sending me some facebook lovin'. Thank you for sharing your love of tri with me!
But the angels that have surprised me the most are the anonymous ones. For these past few weeks, i have been getting words of encouragement from strangers while I bike and run on the Sammamish River Trail. "Looking good." "Keep it up."and my favorite "You go Girl!." At first I thought they were yelling at someone one else, but I slowly started to realize it was me they were yelling at.
Why me? I don't know but what I do know is those "shout outs" always seemed to come at the moments I needed them the most. Coincidence? I don't think so.
They are the angels on the Sammamish River Trail. My angels and I am thank for them and all the other angels in my life.
Now, I just hope all my angels are preparing for next weekend cuz I'm going to need them!!!!
Monday, July 26, 2010
THIS IS WHY I TRAIN
Its hard when you set a goal to not lose sight of the big picture and to not get wrapped up in the details especially when your milestones come so small that some times you don't recognize them happening. These past few weeks,I have been obsessing about the "What nots"." How I am NEVER going to get close to these other athletes times. How I hopefully won't be the last person to cross the finish line. How after 9 months on running, I run a 12 minute mile.
But I have to look back a year ago how I couldn't even run a block. How I went from a walk to a walk/run to a 15 min mile to a 13 min mile and now a 12 minute. How daily exercise was not even on my radar and now I get antsy if I don't work out for a day or two. How I am so much happier.
This past weekend put the icing on the cake for me. It brought to light the REAL reason I "tri" The reason I had started this journey in the first place. It was all for my little girl. I didn't want her to have a mommy that was too tired, too big, too weak, too out of shape to do the things she wanted to do. I trained to be the best Mommy I could be.
So this weekend, while we were at the water park in Chelan, as a lug a 30 pound toddler on my hip while I make numerous trips up the step hill so she can have the thrill of going down the "big" slides, it all hit me. THIS IS WHY I TRAIN. To watch my daughter beam with joy and giggle with delight. There is no way I'd would have been able to make all those trips up those hills last year by myself let along lugging an extra 30 pounds. but this year I could and this year I CONQUERED that water park.
I still may be the last person to cross that finish line next month. But that doesn't matter. What does matter is that I finished.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Here is a glimpse at the joy I got to experience this weekend. (My sister, Melissa is catching Lauren)
But I have to look back a year ago how I couldn't even run a block. How I went from a walk to a walk/run to a 15 min mile to a 13 min mile and now a 12 minute. How daily exercise was not even on my radar and now I get antsy if I don't work out for a day or two. How I am so much happier.
This past weekend put the icing on the cake for me. It brought to light the REAL reason I "tri" The reason I had started this journey in the first place. It was all for my little girl. I didn't want her to have a mommy that was too tired, too big, too weak, too out of shape to do the things she wanted to do. I trained to be the best Mommy I could be.
So this weekend, while we were at the water park in Chelan, as a lug a 30 pound toddler on my hip while I make numerous trips up the step hill so she can have the thrill of going down the "big" slides, it all hit me. THIS IS WHY I TRAIN. To watch my daughter beam with joy and giggle with delight. There is no way I'd would have been able to make all those trips up those hills last year by myself let along lugging an extra 30 pounds. but this year I could and this year I CONQUERED that water park.
I still may be the last person to cross that finish line next month. But that doesn't matter. What does matter is that I finished.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Here is a glimpse at the joy I got to experience this weekend. (My sister, Melissa is catching Lauren)
Monday, July 12, 2010
Today, I ROCK!
I am on cloud 9 right now! I can't stop smiling. Why? Cuz i just completed my first open water swim and it felt AMAZING!!!
I have "struggled" with biking. I tend to be in the back of the pack especially on the hills. I huff and I puff and my legs burn. But today, I got to see what it felt like to run (or in this case swim) with the big boys.
My tri group met at Cottage Lake in Woodinville. We talked about what supplies you need and how to "site" while swimming when you can't see beneath you and then hopped in the lake for a "little swim." Once in the water, a few of the members decided to stay close to shore and practice while other of us started out swimming across the lake (about 1/3 of a mile one way). I started of slow and steady per the training advice. Per coach Marc, your first 100 yards should be the same speed as you last 100 yards. (Let me mention it was his voice I kept hearing the whole way Reach, glide, pull all the way through, don't kick so much. Such a warm, encouraging voice to swim to) I found myself a good rhythm but only to look up and find I was swimming off course! I redirected my elf and started swimming. One stroke after another. Look up every 8th breath to see where I was going. When I made it to the other side, I was SHOCKED!!! Not only had a made it, I was the only one from my beginning Tri group to make it! The rest stayed near shore or turned back shortly after starting. I had kept up with "seasoned" tri guys and gals who had volunteered to help us newbies. I was blown away!!!
So we started back. This time I found it easier to stay straight and keep a consistent pace. I have no idea how fast I swam but I am proud of the distant I covered and NO BREASTSTROKING!
When we made it back to the other side, I felt fabulous, so much so that I actually didn't want to stop swimming!!! So I kindly asked Ironmen Joel (he's completed 3 ironmen!) to swim another lap with me. This time we swam straight across and back (round trip about 1/3 of a mile). I felt so strong and smooth in the water. I was livin' it up.
All said and done, I swam just under a mile. I ROCK!!! OMG! It felt so good to complete something and complete is well.
This gives me so much motivation to keep going. I mean who would have guessed Id be able to swim across a lake 6 months a go. But to day I did it...TWICE!!! If I can rock the water, those hills of Bothell better beware! I'm coming to get you!
I have "struggled" with biking. I tend to be in the back of the pack especially on the hills. I huff and I puff and my legs burn. But today, I got to see what it felt like to run (or in this case swim) with the big boys.
My tri group met at Cottage Lake in Woodinville. We talked about what supplies you need and how to "site" while swimming when you can't see beneath you and then hopped in the lake for a "little swim." Once in the water, a few of the members decided to stay close to shore and practice while other of us started out swimming across the lake (about 1/3 of a mile one way). I started of slow and steady per the training advice. Per coach Marc, your first 100 yards should be the same speed as you last 100 yards. (Let me mention it was his voice I kept hearing the whole way Reach, glide, pull all the way through, don't kick so much. Such a warm, encouraging voice to swim to) I found myself a good rhythm but only to look up and find I was swimming off course! I redirected my elf and started swimming. One stroke after another. Look up every 8th breath to see where I was going. When I made it to the other side, I was SHOCKED!!! Not only had a made it, I was the only one from my beginning Tri group to make it! The rest stayed near shore or turned back shortly after starting. I had kept up with "seasoned" tri guys and gals who had volunteered to help us newbies. I was blown away!!!
So we started back. This time I found it easier to stay straight and keep a consistent pace. I have no idea how fast I swam but I am proud of the distant I covered and NO BREASTSTROKING!
When we made it back to the other side, I felt fabulous, so much so that I actually didn't want to stop swimming!!! So I kindly asked Ironmen Joel (he's completed 3 ironmen!) to swim another lap with me. This time we swam straight across and back (round trip about 1/3 of a mile). I felt so strong and smooth in the water. I was livin' it up.
All said and done, I swam just under a mile. I ROCK!!! OMG! It felt so good to complete something and complete is well.
This gives me so much motivation to keep going. I mean who would have guessed Id be able to swim across a lake 6 months a go. But to day I did it...TWICE!!! If I can rock the water, those hills of Bothell better beware! I'm coming to get you!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
JUST WATCH ME!!!
The Tri has been registered for, I'm in full swing in my workouts, and I'm loving my new bike.
So, what's left to do? Well, maybe watch a Tri? And thanks to YouTube, Tri footage is at your finger tips 24/7. Now, if you're going to watch a Tri, what is a better Tri to watch then the Mother of a all Tris. The Ford Ironman Championship in Kona, Hawaii. A 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike, followed by a 26.2 marathon. To be an Ironman you must not only finish this
140.6 mile journey but do it under 17 hours. 17 hours 1 minute? Thanks for trying.
Oh, can I mention NO iPods, MP3 players, or Walkmen allowed.
Now, started with watching this.
Ironman Hawaii World Championship 2008 highlights.
And it so moved me. I wanted to know who these people were, what were their stories?
That in turn lead me to watch not only the complete recap of the 2008 championship, but the 2006, 2007, and 2009 championships as well. What did nearly 5 hours of Ironman footage do to me? It brought me to me knees. It brought me to tears.
Of course I was blown away by the greats: Chrissie, Ferris (you got at love a man that runs a marathon in a speedo), Norman, Craig, Chris. I mean who doesn't dream of running at a 6 minute mile pace let alone doing it after nearly 5 hours of biking. These athletes opidomize what an Athlete is. They are beyond amazing, but they are not the ones that moved me. It was the ones that you have never heard of and probably never would. The underdogs, the " no bodies" The ones that are running not for the spotlight and fame, but for an purpose known only to themselves. They are teachers, bankers, servicemen, postal workers, "regular joes." Just your average men and women, some overcoming obstacles that many of us could not begin to imagine.
For example,
Jon Blais, a man handed the fatal diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gherig's disease) who had already lost the function of one of his hands ran the 2005 Ironman Hawaii to bring attention and hopefully a cure for ALS. By the 2006 ironman he was confined to a wheelchair and by 2007 had lost his battle with ALS but had won the hearts of Tri community.
Sister Madonna Buder, a Nun, who at the age of 76 finished the Kona Ironman in 2006 with less than a minute so spare.
An American soldier who lost his leg in Iraq. A blind man. Men and women in wheelchairs. And of course the empowering Team Hoyt, a father, Dick, that swam the 2.4 miles towing his son, Rick, in a special raft, biked the 112 miles with his son in a customized bike seat, then ran the 26.2 mile marathon pushing his son in a wheelchair. Why does Dick do this? Because Dick wanted to give his son, Rick, the experience his cerebral palsy body wouldn't allow him to do on this own.
These men and women are beyond remarkable. They embody the courage, faith, and perseverance that moves mountains. They take your breath away and make you drop to your knees.
If these men and women overcame obstacles that few said they could and became an Ironman. A title that must be earned with blood, sweat, and tears, and a boat load of faith.
If they could overcome the obstacles in front of them, why couldn't I overcome mine. All my obstacles are trivial in comparison.
So this is where it starts.
I DARE you, I dare you to take the "I can't" out of your vocabulary. I dare you to say I will figure a way to DO IT!!!! JUST DO IT! Push that extra mile, take that extra step, hold strong in your faith.
The Danskin Triathlon has now become the beginning of my new found journey. June 2012, I will be standing on the banks of Lake Stevens. A 1.2 mike swim, a 56 mile bike, a 13.1 mile run. A half Ironman. I may be 130 pounds. I may still be over 200. Either way, I am not going to let my weight be an obstacle in my life any longer. I am going to take life by the horns and charge on. One step at a time. One step at a time. Keeping the faith.
And an Ironman? It's on my to-do list. :) It won't be next year and it may not be in 5 years. But, I WILL be an IRONMAN.
JUST WATCH ME!!!
So, what's left to do? Well, maybe watch a Tri? And thanks to YouTube, Tri footage is at your finger tips 24/7. Now, if you're going to watch a Tri, what is a better Tri to watch then the Mother of a all Tris. The Ford Ironman Championship in Kona, Hawaii. A 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike, followed by a 26.2 marathon. To be an Ironman you must not only finish this
140.6 mile journey but do it under 17 hours. 17 hours 1 minute? Thanks for trying.
Oh, can I mention NO iPods, MP3 players, or Walkmen allowed.
Now, started with watching this.
Ironman Hawaii World Championship 2008 highlights.
And it so moved me. I wanted to know who these people were, what were their stories?
That in turn lead me to watch not only the complete recap of the 2008 championship, but the 2006, 2007, and 2009 championships as well. What did nearly 5 hours of Ironman footage do to me? It brought me to me knees. It brought me to tears.
Of course I was blown away by the greats: Chrissie, Ferris (you got at love a man that runs a marathon in a speedo), Norman, Craig, Chris. I mean who doesn't dream of running at a 6 minute mile pace let alone doing it after nearly 5 hours of biking. These athletes opidomize what an Athlete is. They are beyond amazing, but they are not the ones that moved me. It was the ones that you have never heard of and probably never would. The underdogs, the " no bodies" The ones that are running not for the spotlight and fame, but for an purpose known only to themselves. They are teachers, bankers, servicemen, postal workers, "regular joes." Just your average men and women, some overcoming obstacles that many of us could not begin to imagine.
For example,
Jon Blais, a man handed the fatal diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gherig's disease) who had already lost the function of one of his hands ran the 2005 Ironman Hawaii to bring attention and hopefully a cure for ALS. By the 2006 ironman he was confined to a wheelchair and by 2007 had lost his battle with ALS but had won the hearts of Tri community.
Sister Madonna Buder, a Nun, who at the age of 76 finished the Kona Ironman in 2006 with less than a minute so spare.
An American soldier who lost his leg in Iraq. A blind man. Men and women in wheelchairs. And of course the empowering Team Hoyt, a father, Dick, that swam the 2.4 miles towing his son, Rick, in a special raft, biked the 112 miles with his son in a customized bike seat, then ran the 26.2 mile marathon pushing his son in a wheelchair. Why does Dick do this? Because Dick wanted to give his son, Rick, the experience his cerebral palsy body wouldn't allow him to do on this own.
These men and women are beyond remarkable. They embody the courage, faith, and perseverance that moves mountains. They take your breath away and make you drop to your knees.
If these men and women overcame obstacles that few said they could and became an Ironman. A title that must be earned with blood, sweat, and tears, and a boat load of faith.
If they could overcome the obstacles in front of them, why couldn't I overcome mine. All my obstacles are trivial in comparison.
So this is where it starts.
I DARE you, I dare you to take the "I can't" out of your vocabulary. I dare you to say I will figure a way to DO IT!!!! JUST DO IT! Push that extra mile, take that extra step, hold strong in your faith.
The Danskin Triathlon has now become the beginning of my new found journey. June 2012, I will be standing on the banks of Lake Stevens. A 1.2 mike swim, a 56 mile bike, a 13.1 mile run. A half Ironman. I may be 130 pounds. I may still be over 200. Either way, I am not going to let my weight be an obstacle in my life any longer. I am going to take life by the horns and charge on. One step at a time. One step at a time. Keeping the faith.
And an Ironman? It's on my to-do list. :) It won't be next year and it may not be in 5 years. But, I WILL be an IRONMAN.
JUST WATCH ME!!!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Just call me Speedy Gonzalez!!!
I can't believe how behind I am in blogging!!! but it is all for a very good reason... I'm in training! Shortly, after signing up for the Danskin Triathalon a sign at the Northshore YMCA magically appeared. Try a Sprint Triathlon( or TST). Hmm? The class offered clinics on running, bike maintenance, nutrition, as well as group workouts. So what did I do? I signed up of course!
Well, this course has been PHENOMENAL!! The coaches and volunteers are amazing and oh so inspirational. I have had an amazing time, that is until I did my first bike ride two weeks ago, when we had our first Bike workout. Now, they told us not to go out and buy a new bike, just use what you have or borrow from a friend. Well, I didn't have a bike that as up to the challenge, so I borrowed one from my parents. It was a beautiful men's mountain bike. I adjusted the seat and thought I was ready to go. I even did a few test rides. That was all until I "really" went riding, all 16 miles of it. i was in trouble... BIG TIME. The majority of the group was on road bikes, and they cruised with easy and grace. I on the other hand was DYING!!!! I struggled with every peddle. My rear was aching and half of my right hand was numb. I could not understand why people biked for exercise let alone recreation!!! I ended the ride in near tears. I was the last one to arrive back to our cars by a long shot. I was really second guessing this whole triathlon decision. What had I gotten myself into!!!!
So the next week was filled with some tears (okay, a lot of tears), a bunch of research, support from my hubby, and a lot of prayers. What came out of all that was a NEW BIKE!!!! I got a Specialized Dolce 9 speed from Gregg's Cycle.
Not only was it pretty (It is isn't it?), it was super light, and made for a women's smaller frame. Derek, the sales guy took so much time and effort fitting me but also explaining to me what he was looking at in a good fit and how all the bike components worked. (Can I just mention that I brought the bike back to the store less then an hour after I got it, scared I had broken it. Turns our it was a rookie mistake with shifting). So along with the new bike, I sucked in my pride and got those padded bike shorts that I use to make fun over other people wearing and some padded ridding gloves. I was good to go, wasn't I? I prayed I was.
The following week I did a few long "test" rides, 12 miles on Tuesday and 14 miles (broken in to two legs) on Wednesday. But was I ready to ride with the "big boys" at our Saturday ride? I don't think I could take coming in dead last again.
But I sucked up my ego and showed up for our Saturday ride.
Now, I could easily write about what happened, but I am instead going to repost a blog from one of our volunteer riders, Peter, who brought me to tears ready his post this morning.
Here's Peter's Blog.
Todays ride was with the Y Tri group. Only 2 of the folks in the group showed up along with another “leader” and myself. One of the gals that showed up was an “accomplished” cyclist. In other words, cycling was certainly her strong point. She brought her husband along for a little workout. They’ve done lots of cycling before and were great to have along! Another gal had just recently purchased a new road bike and had very little time on it. Our previous group ride she was there with a Mens full suspension MTB. Now, please don’t get me wrong. Any bike is a good bike as long as your biking its a good thing! I could CARE LESS what you’re riding! But, I knew that if there was any means for her to get on a bike that suited her better, it would be a MUCH better experience for her.
So, we headed south from the park towards Marymoore at a leisurely pace. Just wanted to make sure we stayed together and it was a comfortable Zone 1-2 ride. Nothing fancy. We hit the turnaround point, paused for a little Q&A, a few sips of H2O and we were off again.
As we were headed back from Marymoore, Ryan was leading, the gal with the new bike was 2nd and I was pulling up the rear. Jill (the “accomplished cyclist” had gone on ahead with her husband. So the 3 of us were cruising along at a decent clip, and all of a sudden I hear this “HEY! Can we go FASTER!” (notice it wasn’t a question but more of a statement).
I laughed so hard I almost crashed into on coming traffic!
I have had many a “break through” rides, however, this is the first “break through” ride I’ve been apart of. I felt this overwhelming sense of joy and glee come across. I only hope that my friends have had a small glimpse of the same feeling that I had today when they were with me on a “break through” ride.
Christina - You freakin rocked it today! You kicked ARSE! Good for you! I’m honored that I got to be a part of your ride today. Thank you for empowering me to be there with you.
And, you know what she said at the end…”OK! Who’s ready for a 5K?”
NO! THANK YOU, PETER. Both my heart and ego needed that and yes, I was serious about that 5K. I had so much fun I think I am going to hit the trails again today. DANG! Biking is addicting!
Well, this course has been PHENOMENAL!! The coaches and volunteers are amazing and oh so inspirational. I have had an amazing time, that is until I did my first bike ride two weeks ago, when we had our first Bike workout. Now, they told us not to go out and buy a new bike, just use what you have or borrow from a friend. Well, I didn't have a bike that as up to the challenge, so I borrowed one from my parents. It was a beautiful men's mountain bike. I adjusted the seat and thought I was ready to go. I even did a few test rides. That was all until I "really" went riding, all 16 miles of it. i was in trouble... BIG TIME. The majority of the group was on road bikes, and they cruised with easy and grace. I on the other hand was DYING!!!! I struggled with every peddle. My rear was aching and half of my right hand was numb. I could not understand why people biked for exercise let alone recreation!!! I ended the ride in near tears. I was the last one to arrive back to our cars by a long shot. I was really second guessing this whole triathlon decision. What had I gotten myself into!!!!
So the next week was filled with some tears (okay, a lot of tears), a bunch of research, support from my hubby, and a lot of prayers. What came out of all that was a NEW BIKE!!!! I got a Specialized Dolce 9 speed from Gregg's Cycle.
Not only was it pretty (It is isn't it?), it was super light, and made for a women's smaller frame. Derek, the sales guy took so much time and effort fitting me but also explaining to me what he was looking at in a good fit and how all the bike components worked. (Can I just mention that I brought the bike back to the store less then an hour after I got it, scared I had broken it. Turns our it was a rookie mistake with shifting). So along with the new bike, I sucked in my pride and got those padded bike shorts that I use to make fun over other people wearing and some padded ridding gloves. I was good to go, wasn't I? I prayed I was.
The following week I did a few long "test" rides, 12 miles on Tuesday and 14 miles (broken in to two legs) on Wednesday. But was I ready to ride with the "big boys" at our Saturday ride? I don't think I could take coming in dead last again.
But I sucked up my ego and showed up for our Saturday ride.
Now, I could easily write about what happened, but I am instead going to repost a blog from one of our volunteer riders, Peter, who brought me to tears ready his post this morning.
Here's Peter's Blog.
Todays ride was with the Y Tri group. Only 2 of the folks in the group showed up along with another “leader” and myself. One of the gals that showed up was an “accomplished” cyclist. In other words, cycling was certainly her strong point. She brought her husband along for a little workout. They’ve done lots of cycling before and were great to have along! Another gal had just recently purchased a new road bike and had very little time on it. Our previous group ride she was there with a Mens full suspension MTB. Now, please don’t get me wrong. Any bike is a good bike as long as your biking its a good thing! I could CARE LESS what you’re riding! But, I knew that if there was any means for her to get on a bike that suited her better, it would be a MUCH better experience for her.
So, we headed south from the park towards Marymoore at a leisurely pace. Just wanted to make sure we stayed together and it was a comfortable Zone 1-2 ride. Nothing fancy. We hit the turnaround point, paused for a little Q&A, a few sips of H2O and we were off again.
As we were headed back from Marymoore, Ryan was leading, the gal with the new bike was 2nd and I was pulling up the rear. Jill (the “accomplished cyclist” had gone on ahead with her husband. So the 3 of us were cruising along at a decent clip, and all of a sudden I hear this “HEY! Can we go FASTER!” (notice it wasn’t a question but more of a statement).
I laughed so hard I almost crashed into on coming traffic!
I have had many a “break through” rides, however, this is the first “break through” ride I’ve been apart of. I felt this overwhelming sense of joy and glee come across. I only hope that my friends have had a small glimpse of the same feeling that I had today when they were with me on a “break through” ride.
Christina - You freakin rocked it today! You kicked ARSE! Good for you! I’m honored that I got to be a part of your ride today. Thank you for empowering me to be there with you.
And, you know what she said at the end…”OK! Who’s ready for a 5K?”
NO! THANK YOU, PETER. Both my heart and ego needed that and yes, I was serious about that 5K. I had so much fun I think I am going to hit the trails again today. DANG! Biking is addicting!
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
A drowning rat
Pretty much the minute I hit submit on my triathlon registration, I had already began googling training plans. I have been running with my trainer, so I got that part. Now biking and swimming. From what I read, it seems that if you can rock the swimming it makes the triathlon so much easier. So, I guess swimming is next on my check list.
I can swim. I was a lifeguard. I taught swimming lessons. But I am so not a swimmer.
So, Friday I got the courage to go to the Y and give swimming a shot after over a decade. I got a pair of chic goggles and a swim cap and trudged out to the pool. An average pool is 25 meters. The down and back (a lap) is 50 meters. Doing the math, a half mile is 16 laps. Not so scary, right? Wrong!!!!! After the first lap my lungs were on fire!!! I had to switch to breathing every stroke. After each lap I'd pause for a breath then do the next lap. Two laps, three, four. Break. Five, six. Finally 16. Not bad. A bit winded and my left shoulder was cramping but I did it. And with 4 months to training, I think I have a chance at rocking this swimming thing.
I found out that the Y has a master’s swim Tuesday and Thursday evenings. (Masters Swimming is a national organization that provides organized workouts, competitions, clinics and workshops for adults aged 18 and over. Programs are open to all adult swimmers (fitness, triathlete, competitive, non-competitive) who are dedicated to improving their fitness through swimming.) So, this Tuesday I packed up my Speedo and headed to the Y.
I was sooo nervous. It was like the first day of school. I didn’t know who my teacher was or the other “students.” “Dear Lord,” I prayed as a walked up to the group. Coach Mark is a tall, older man with a wonderful smile. “I’m new,” I said. “Great,” was his reply. He asked me why I was here to swim and told me to jump in the water to do a few laps so he could see my swimming level. Off I swim trying to look like a snail’s version of Michael Phelps. I felt pretty proud. Not half bad. Then came Mark's critique. You need to kick less. Kick less??? Huh? In a triathlon you need to swim with your arms so you can save your legs for the bike and run. Off I swim trying to kick less. “Less.” He kept telling me. Finally, confused, I asked, “If I kick any less I won’t be kicking at all? “Great!” was his reply. “Don’t kick.”
Okay, so no kicking. I can do that. So I grab a pull buoy. Those little pieces of foam swimmers put between their thighs to work on their stroke. Between my legs it goes. Right away I see I’m going to have a probably. My bottom half is rocking back and forth like a dingy in rough water. I kept drifting into the ropes. I can’t figure out how to breathe without doing this ballet-like move with my right leg. I am trying so hard not to laugh. I pull my head up to look at Mark and he is just smiling away. I smile back and keep splashing along. After 45 minutes of swimming I was done and I thank Mark for his help and said I would be back Thursday. I laugh and tell him that I didn’t realize swimming to so much balance. He chuckles and tells me I did a good job for not swimming in so many years. “Promise?” I ask him? Because I felt like a drowning rat. I couldn’t swim straight. I couldn’t do “catch-up stokes without literally drowning. I can only breathe on my right side and my flip turns? Let's not even talk about my flip turns. But he gives me a big grin and says, “We’ll work on that next time.”
Well, today is “next time” so THIS drowning rat will be back at the Y doing masters swim tonight. “Lord, help me!”
I can swim. I was a lifeguard. I taught swimming lessons. But I am so not a swimmer.
So, Friday I got the courage to go to the Y and give swimming a shot after over a decade. I got a pair of chic goggles and a swim cap and trudged out to the pool. An average pool is 25 meters. The down and back (a lap) is 50 meters. Doing the math, a half mile is 16 laps. Not so scary, right? Wrong!!!!! After the first lap my lungs were on fire!!! I had to switch to breathing every stroke. After each lap I'd pause for a breath then do the next lap. Two laps, three, four. Break. Five, six. Finally 16. Not bad. A bit winded and my left shoulder was cramping but I did it. And with 4 months to training, I think I have a chance at rocking this swimming thing.
I found out that the Y has a master’s swim Tuesday and Thursday evenings. (Masters Swimming is a national organization that provides organized workouts, competitions, clinics and workshops for adults aged 18 and over. Programs are open to all adult swimmers (fitness, triathlete, competitive, non-competitive) who are dedicated to improving their fitness through swimming.) So, this Tuesday I packed up my Speedo and headed to the Y.
I was sooo nervous. It was like the first day of school. I didn’t know who my teacher was or the other “students.” “Dear Lord,” I prayed as a walked up to the group. Coach Mark is a tall, older man with a wonderful smile. “I’m new,” I said. “Great,” was his reply. He asked me why I was here to swim and told me to jump in the water to do a few laps so he could see my swimming level. Off I swim trying to look like a snail’s version of Michael Phelps. I felt pretty proud. Not half bad. Then came Mark's critique. You need to kick less. Kick less??? Huh? In a triathlon you need to swim with your arms so you can save your legs for the bike and run. Off I swim trying to kick less. “Less.” He kept telling me. Finally, confused, I asked, “If I kick any less I won’t be kicking at all? “Great!” was his reply. “Don’t kick.”
Okay, so no kicking. I can do that. So I grab a pull buoy. Those little pieces of foam swimmers put between their thighs to work on their stroke. Between my legs it goes. Right away I see I’m going to have a probably. My bottom half is rocking back and forth like a dingy in rough water. I kept drifting into the ropes. I can’t figure out how to breathe without doing this ballet-like move with my right leg. I am trying so hard not to laugh. I pull my head up to look at Mark and he is just smiling away. I smile back and keep splashing along. After 45 minutes of swimming I was done and I thank Mark for his help and said I would be back Thursday. I laugh and tell him that I didn’t realize swimming to so much balance. He chuckles and tells me I did a good job for not swimming in so many years. “Promise?” I ask him? Because I felt like a drowning rat. I couldn’t swim straight. I couldn’t do “catch-up stokes without literally drowning. I can only breathe on my right side and my flip turns? Let's not even talk about my flip turns. But he gives me a big grin and says, “We’ll work on that next time.”
Well, today is “next time” so THIS drowning rat will be back at the Y doing masters swim tonight. “Lord, help me!”
In the beginning
Here I go!
While hanging out at preschool last week a mommy mentioned to me that I should look at doing the Danskin Triathalon in August. She knows I recently taken on running and plan on doing Beat the Bridge (5 miles) in May. The Danskin is something I had secretely looked at doing the past few years, but I kept saying, "when I'm skinnier, I'll do it." But skinnier never came, and then something happened. I turned 30. I had enough of putting my life on hold because of my weight.
So in October I hired a trainer and started working out with her once a week. And the strangest thing happened. I realized I actually enjoy working out, sickening I know!!! Now the weight didn't drop off liked I hoped but I am 20lbs lighter then I was when I got pregnant. Slow and steady wins the race, right? But I did notice myself getting stronger and breathing easier during my workouts.
Okay, back to the traiathalon (more background history later), so any-who, I realized where does it was that you have to be a 110lbs to do a triathalon? Why can't I do it at (cough-cough) 230 pounds? Gosh darn it, I can do it!!!! I'm going to prove to myself that weight is just a number and that I am a strong women who can give those skinny b$&@! a run for their money.
So here I go training for my first sprint triathalon. 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3.1 mile run. And blogging something both totally new to this stay-at-home mommy.
K, now that I laid done some back ground, funnier and inspirational blogs are to come.
Lord, give me strength!!!!
While hanging out at preschool last week a mommy mentioned to me that I should look at doing the Danskin Triathalon in August. She knows I recently taken on running and plan on doing Beat the Bridge (5 miles) in May. The Danskin is something I had secretely looked at doing the past few years, but I kept saying, "when I'm skinnier, I'll do it." But skinnier never came, and then something happened. I turned 30. I had enough of putting my life on hold because of my weight.
So in October I hired a trainer and started working out with her once a week. And the strangest thing happened. I realized I actually enjoy working out, sickening I know!!! Now the weight didn't drop off liked I hoped but I am 20lbs lighter then I was when I got pregnant. Slow and steady wins the race, right? But I did notice myself getting stronger and breathing easier during my workouts.
Okay, back to the traiathalon (more background history later), so any-who, I realized where does it was that you have to be a 110lbs to do a triathalon? Why can't I do it at (cough-cough) 230 pounds? Gosh darn it, I can do it!!!! I'm going to prove to myself that weight is just a number and that I am a strong women who can give those skinny b$&@! a run for their money.
So here I go training for my first sprint triathalon. 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3.1 mile run. And blogging something both totally new to this stay-at-home mommy.
K, now that I laid done some back ground, funnier and inspirational blogs are to come.
Lord, give me strength!!!!
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