Monday, August 15, 2011

Almost time

It has officially been forever since I updated this. What can I say? Ironman training took over my life. Clearly, so much has happened since my last post. Countless hours in the pool and at Warriors swimming in the duck poo lake. Yes friends, duck poo. I have pedaled more miles than i ever dreamed possible. Jamie and I finally completed our first 100 mile ride! it was a great riding day for us. I think that might have been one of my favorite accomplishments to date! Thankfully, the past few weeks have been great running weather. I have found my love for running again with this approaching fall weather.

Rather than spend this blog talking about the ups and downs of the past few months of training, i want to start by thanking people, personally, whom have supported me along the way (in no particular order :) )-

Jamie Williams- My Ironman faithful training partner and friend. Wow, what a blessing to have met you and the friendship we have formed over the past 6 months. I cannot wait to hug you and cry with you when we are finished and holding our medals!!! I couldnt have done this without you. You are a wonderful friend and person. And my rock through these past few months.

Tony Williams-Thank you for sharing Jamie with me over the past few months. and the countless miles you rode with us. Had it not been for your words of wisdom and coaching, i would still be spinning without getting anywhere. I appreciate your help more than words can ever express.

Jason Lewis-You are ultimately responsible for me being here. Even though I know you dont have facebook and will only get wind of this from someone else telling you...Thank you for believing in me, supporting me, picking me up when i was down, and most of all being my best friend. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. When i found out that you too had broken your wrists, my heart was sad for you, but...I knew you, and knew it wouldnt stop you for a minute. So here is to qualifying for Kona. Go big or go home...broken wrists and all :)

Jamie Mains- I love you sweet friend. You have encouraged me every step along the way, when i thought i couldnt run anymore, you cheered me on. You are the ultimate running partner. and my partner in crime. Thanks for dragging me through many hot sweaty miles early in the am. and late at night. You believe in me even when i havent believed in myself. "that's what friends are for..." :) <3 u bestie

Jill Hayter (and David)- What a joy and blessing it has been training with you all over the past several months. I could go on and on about how much i love you and am glad to be a part of your life. Thank you for pedaling through the past 6 months with me. And ALWAYS being encouragers.  There is not a time I could feel down or unsure when you are around. that is a gift, and I appreciate you sharing it with me. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend and such a big fan. And to answer your question, should you choose to embarq on this journey...I will join u

To my foot Rx Running family (Allison, Steve, Chris, Terry, Sherry, Teresa, Debi,  Hannah, Ben, Tom, Linda, Jason S., Brinson, niki and everyone else) Thank you thank you thank you!!! Every mile i have ran over the past 6 months has been with one of you all or more by my side. Words of gratitude will never be enough. As the next few weeks come to a conclusion, I look forward to starting my next journey with you all...Fall marathon training. here is to long runs on the creeper followed by stops at the port a pottys and trips to wendy's. Hoo Rah!

My cycling friends (Melissa, Varinka, Spencer, Dave, Rachel, Kathy, Alan, Scott, and Gretchen)- as you all know, the bike has been my biggest obstacle to over come. Thank you all for pedaling through it with me. I am a runner, through and through. but...I have grown to love my bicycle equally as much. thanks to you all for sharing your passion and enthusiasm with me.

I am sure there are so many more of you I have forgotten to add on here. Considering it is nearly midnight, please forgive me. I will try and chronicle my thoughts/feelings over the next few days on here. and please please please follow myself, Jamie, Alan, Scott, Gretchen, and Jason at Ironmanlive.com on raceday! let us hear it!

















Monday, April 25, 2011

Blog Slacker

I am as bad as I originally thought I would be at blogging. It has been over a month. So, the cliff notes version of my training will be as follows: 

Swimming: I am progressing right along to where I think I should be. My  biggest problem is failing to go to the Monday class. I need an accountability partner! Monday's are the days we work on technique, and I still need all the help I can get! Typically, Monday's have been the scheduled rest day in my program and I find it very difficult to get up and go at 6 am! I am going to change my rest day in the upcoming weeks. Maybe that will aid in me getting up and going...

Cycling: I guess I am coming along. As I knew it would be, this is still my greatest struggle. I fight with all I have to hang on to the wheel. Yet, still loose it. Jason tries to remind me that I am new to the sport and this is my first real season on a bike. Go figure, I would pick this year to do an Ironman. I have been taught to spin a high cadence, but every time i do, i drop the wheel. Aghh!!! I am working on it though. I have had a bike fit thanks to Ronnie, and I feel so much more comfortable on my bike! If you haven't had one of these and plan on spending a significant amount of time in the saddle, I would strongly recommend getting one. This weekend, I am riding a 50 mile benefit ride. I am hoping that I will average 15 mph for the whole ride. To those of you that are experienced, that seems like nothing. But for me, it will be a huge gain to hold my Ironman pace for a long ride. Here is to hoping!

Running: Wow, this part of my life has changed drastically. I went from running 50-60 mile weeks to 25-30 mile weeks. And, my times have dropped dramatically. I now average about a 9 min long run. Don't get me wrong, I know that is respectable, but i am used to running for speed. In the past, a long run would have been 830-845. So, I am trying to get used to my new pace and enjoy the run. I am now only running about four days a week. Program calls for 2 one hour runs, a 30 min run, a 15 min run, and a 1 1/2 hour run. Typically, I count Tuesday Foot Rx speed work as one of my one hour runs. The other is dedicated to the Thursday night Foot Rx group run. The shorter two runs are followed after cycling, concluding with the longer run on the weekend. Although, as Debi would say "My body is tired and my legs are toast, I am going to go out and give this run my most!" I can say I am doing that. Running less has increased my love for the sport all the more! Now, I cant wait to hit the pavement. :)

I have also completed my first sprint TRI of the season coming out with a second age group placement! I was very pleased to place, but disappointed in my performance. The swim I completed in 8:51 (51 seconds slower than I would have liked), with a swim-bike transition of 4 min. That is terrible!! i should have been out of transition in approx 1:30!! The bike I averaged about 16 (and for the most part, I was pleased). The run on the other hand...ugh. I did it in 2530. I felt like my legs were cement! But, it was an awesome experience and I cant wait to do it again!

Until the next post- "Race confident, calm, and free."~Adam Goucher, as said to Kara Goucher as she prepared to run Boston 2011!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Bring On Spring!

It has officially been forever since I posted here. So I will try to make my active endeavors as short and sweet as possible. Suprisingly, I actually ran well at the Disney Princess Half. Offical time of 1:45.09. Pretty pleased. Especially considering my weekly mileage has dropped drastically and I have felt my runs are not that quality over that past month and a half. There are countless stories to tell from this trip. Despite the no sleep, delayed flights, and random hotel knockings, we had a good time. I felt like a kid all over again especially since I havent been to Disney World since I was a kid. After race results were posted, I did get to see myself running out of Cinderella's castle. I offically have the worst running side ever! Looking at myself, I am extremely suprised I can run as fast as I can. Guess Jason wasnt just picking on me, I really do run funny. I got Jason a GoPro for Valentine's Day. I have a feeling it is going to come in handy for me as well.

On to Ironman-now that the half is out of the way, I think I have decided not to do a spring marthon and focus solely on becoming a better cyclist (or a cyclist at all) and training effectively for the ironman. Long few weeks ahead. But now that I am healthy (at least for now) I am ready to hit this full on. Bring on spring and warm weather and longer daylight hours! Here is to happy training!

I just found out that I got into the Honey Hive Program (Honey Stinger). Woo Hoo for being a sponsored athlete by the best tasting products there are! (yes, i called myself sponsored, because technically I am :)). No, I am not getting loads of free gear and products, but I am getting a nice discount on the best tasting energy all natural products there are. As many of you know, I hate hate hate all energy gels, chews, etc. At least until I tried Honey Stinger products. I could seriously eat everything they make like candy. And it is good for you! I can testify that thier products rock. Before the race, I had the mint chocolate protein bar and a few smoothie energy chews. Yum! About mile 8 I had a ginsing honey gel. It tasted great and gave me that extra push to the finish line for a big PR! (First one in the half in a year!) Please please please go try thier products. I cant say enough good things!!


If anyone is up for a ride this weekend give me a shout. (or run-will likely run chasing snakes practice run on sat) happy thursday all!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Boston Athletic Organization Announces Changes

So...BAA (Boston Athletic Assosiation) announces new standards. To sum it up-from September 24, 2010 until Boston 2012, race qualifying times remain the same. However, you will be allowed to register in waves. They faster you are, the quicker you get to register. Since I qualified with only about three minutes to spare, my group will be the last to get the chance to register. So who knows if there will be any spots left. Come 2013, standards will be lowered by five minutes for each age group and continued wave registration. For the most part, I am ok with these changes. I think it makes it more fair for everyone. Plus-i like a challenge :) My goal was to break 3:35, so I am ready for this upcoming to challenge!! I just hope they have some kind of system worked out to make it fair for all age groups. What happens to the 60 year old whom just qualified by only 10 seconds? Does he have to wait for the last wave to register just because he cant run a 2:30?? Only time will tell.

What I am not thrilled with is that over 20% of entrants are charity runners. First, let me say, I think it is great that people donate large amounts of money to charity. I for one plan to run my first race for charity this upcoming October at the Marine Corps Marathon. Hopefully, I will run for TAPS (tragedy assistance program for surviors) in memory of Senior Airman Benjamen White whom gave his life for his country. (I will not forgot). I will raise money and proudly run for in his memory.

However, as far as Boston is concerned, I think one should have to qualify for it. (Sorry, it is my opinion-if you dont like it, quit reading my blog). Reason being, the race was begun and founded upon the fact that you must qualify for it. It is a prestigous race and is known as the end all be all of marathons. It is all of our ultimate running goals. I admit, i want one of thsoe blue jackets with yellow lettering that says "Boston Finisher". But...I want to earn it by quallifying for it. The problem with charity slots is that you have to typically donate astronomical amounts of money. Another issue I have is that people can get in by writing essays, knowing the right people, or being on the biggest loser. What about the rest of us who work our asses off to qualify????? Just doesnt seem fair to me. I would be highly pissed off if Kona Ironman allowed charity entrants. One should earn it. Just saying.

Now that I am off that soap box, I will give you a brief training update. Being sick last nearly two weekends ago really took it out of me. So I was slow getting back at it. However, I was able to complete a 12 miler on Saturday at an 8:50 pace on the creeper. I will take it! Sunday, I complete a long ride...approx an 1:35 minutes with Jamie and Tony Williams as well as Jason. I was SLOW!!! I blamed it on the wind ;). I think i averaged right about 14 mph. I will get faster! I will get faster! (say it with me!)

Monday, I was lucky enough to spend the afternoon with my Valentine-Jason bike shopping in Asheville. And I have now purchased one...pictures to come soon :).

Tuesday I completed a difficult speed workout. 2 mile warm up followed by 10 400 meter repeats! I averaged a 1:33 pace. Pretty good for me. Finished up with a slow cool down -about 2 miles. As always, it is such fun to spend time with my running family. I love the encouragement and uplift I get from them! Thanks everyone!

Today, I went to Master's Swim. Interestingly enough, we worked on the flip turn. Flip Turn=1, Me=0. haha. In all seriousness, I think I will get better. They say, practice makes perfect. This evening, I completed a 45 minute run with 5.25 miles. I am already looking forward to spin class in morning and a foot rx group run. Happy training to all!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Back at it...sort of

Needless to say, due to a diagnosis of flu (yes, i had the flu shot), my workout week has been non existant since last Thursday. I felt bad after group run last week and it progressively got worse from there. I decided not to go to Master's swim on Friday, but made it to work for a whopping 3 hours. I spent the rest of the day and night sleeping on my couch. Saturday morning I woke up and felt even worse. I took myself to the doctor and had the pleasure of two q-tips going up my nose. Results-FLU. Ughh. Good news, I got medication that proceed to make me comatose until late Monday afternoon. Hence, no working out. Boo. I was so terribly disappointed to miss not only my long run, but my ride! Sigh.

Tuesday, I began to perk up so i ventured to the wellness center that evening for Power Pump. As usual, it kicked my butt. Back, chest, legs, and abs all within an hour. As I write this two days later, I am still feeling the after effects. After the class, I attempted a treadmill run. FAIL. I felt terrible and my legs were heavy despite being off for so many days.

Wed=long day at work. No swim or run.

Today, I felt a bit better. I was signed up for my typical spin class this morning. Due to that horrific white fluffy stuff, class was cancelled. However, those of us who still showed up made our own spin class for an hour. Then directly there after completed my brick workout-2 mile run on treadmill in 17:08. Not bad. By mile two, I was beginning to get my legs under me again. Tonight, I braved the cold with my fellow Foot Rx family and ran the loop averaging about an 8:09 pace. Pretty pleased with my pace with all things considering. However, not so pleased with how my legs feel. Ton of led bricks.

Not sure about what the weekend holds. Hopefully a long run and ride if my legs and lungs are up to it. I have heard we are expected to get into some 60 degree weather next week. Keep your fingers crossed and rub your rabbit's foot for that one!!!!

On the non workout side of the weekend, Ava Estelle is turning one! Can't believe it. I will be celebrating her birthday Saturday afternoon with her mama, daddy, and rest of her family. So blessed to know them. :)

Friday, February 4, 2011

Too much, Too little...WTH?

Interesting workout week thus far. Wed morning I got up and went to master's swim. Endurance sesssion and it went well. I have come to find that i really love being in the water. I think its fun to challenge myself to things I would have never thought possible. If you had seen me swim at my first sprint tri you would have understood exactly what i am referring to. After a long day at work between home health and pediatric PRN i made it to the gym. Only completed a 3.5 mile run. I was planning on 5, but then out of no where, I was starved. As crazy as it sounds, I became fixated on getting something to eat. Clearly, the obvious solution was to jump off the treadmill (aka "the dreadmill") and head straight to Cracker Barrell to meet Jason.

Thursday morning I got up as promised and headed to spin class with Holly. If you are a member of the Wellness Center and are looking to have a good spin workout, her Tuesday/Thursday classes are the way to go. She challenges you up hills (long ones I might add), sprints, and down flat roads with resistance. I feel I get one of the best workouts when I am in her class. It is just sooooooooooooo hard to get that early at least 4 of 5 days a week. Anyone have any tips? As always, Thursday nights consist of Foot Rx Group Runs. I ran with my friends Lianne and Lana and we finished in 41:30. A bit under an 8:30 mile. Good as always to see my running family. Thursday nights are one of my favorite nights of the week. I always get so inspired to be with a group of people whom love doing the same thing I do. I am never short of amazed of the dedication and determination of the people I see week after week. Rain or shine, hot or cold...they are faithfully there, ready to run. I love it! If you are in the area, you should come run with us and meet some of the best people I know :)

Today-not so happy day. I am officially sick. I have admitted it. Not. Happy. At. All. I tried taking Nyquil and sleeping it off last night. Unfortunately, I had to miss Master's Swim this morning (insert sad face here). Although, I tried to make it to work, I only lasted a couple of hours. I am now back home laid up on the couch. Hopefully, if i rest today and maybe tommorrow, I will feel like either a long ride or run on Sunday. I am disappointed becasue I had been having such a good trainging week. Perhaps I was doing too much exercise on too little sleep? Eh. Who knows.

Time to sniff some Vics Vapor Rub.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

It's Back...

Today marked the return of speed work outs. And what a rude awakening it was. Despite building miles and endrance, speed work has been non existant. We began with a lesson on taking water during races. Thanks to Allison and Steve, good tips and advice were shared. Example: if cup is being handed on left side, take with your left hand. Do NOT reach across your body! Also, pinch the cup to drink so it does not fly up your nose. Helpful tips to use when racing.

The workout today consisted of 5 x 400 meters with a 90 second rest break. 400 splits were- 1:26, 1:28, 1:28, 1:34, 1:35. Defenitly tired towards the end. Although speed work is likely my least favorite workout of the week, I find it one of the most rewarding. Not to mention the fact that I like seeing my race times improve :)

Tommorrow is my long day at work. First-meeting at Gentiva, home health patients, and then pediatric clinic. Not sure what workouts will consist of. I plan on going to master's swim in the morning and then...possibly a short run tommrrow evening? Then again, maybe a rest after work might be good.

I read something in a book that challenged me to do workouts in the am for 21 days. Ugh. Who wants to get up at 530 for 21 days????? But...there is something to getting it over with in the am. Hmmmm...just a thought.