For those who don't iknow, I took on the challenge of the Mortal Man Tri for the month of August. Basically you complete the distance of a full Ironman over the course of a month. Everyone who is participating is linked on a shared spreadsheet where you update your distance as you go and it tells you your percentage complete, how much farther you have left to swim, bike or run and I have to say - it's pretty awesome. I was off to a pretty good start the first of the month...and then I went to Raleigh for my cousin's wedding the weekend of the 13th and I just lost my motivation. I finally got it back after the month was about 2/3 of the way over but I am done not finishing things. I looked at what I had left and knew if I was diciplined enough, I could do it. As I write this wiith 3 days left in August (including today), here's what I have left and how I will accomplish it:
Today: Bike 15.1 miles, zumba
Tuesdasy: Bike 15 miles, run 3.1
Wednesday: Bike 15 miles, swim 974 yards
Then I will be done. I worked hard over the weekend (covering a full sprint tri), another 15 miles on the bike and line dancing. I may have completed the sprint tri backwards (run-bike-swim instead of swim-bike-run) but that didn't make it any easier. About 10 minutes into the bike, my legs were killing me and I wished I had stretched but 1- I was trying to simulate race day conditions and 2 - if I stopped the bike to stretch,all my distance would be wiped from the bike. Side note - I think it's a bit ridiculous that the bike gives you about 5 seconds of stopping before it resets itself. I wanted to quit so many times and contemplated doing so, but I knew I needed to knock out this big chunk to get me ahead in the mortal man tri but also with irene coming, I knew I wouldn't be able to get any training in the next day and was just hoping the roads would be clear and the gym open on Sunday. All that to say, I'm SO glad I did the distance. My total time for all 3 was 1 hour 50 minutes 51 seconds. Obviously this was all done inside and it will be different outside on race day but I've already made improvements and I have some more things to work on but I'm pretty proud of myself. I think I may do a mock tri again in about 3 -4 weeks to measure my improvements and maybe even do it in the correct order. August has been a challenging month but well worth it. I'm finishing August strong with my training and completing the full Ironman distance. How are you finishing the month strong?
Monday, August 29, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
2 steps forward, 1 step back.
Sunday marks the end of the 4th week of my triathlon training. I haven't really mentioned it because, quite honestly, it scares the crap out of me and because of that - I'm training but I have yet to sign up for the race. Maybe part of me is hoping it fills up so I don't have to actually take the step and maybe part of me is waiting for the other shoe to drop but the other part of me checks the race website daily to see how long I can go before I have to sign up because I want to do this...what can I say, I'm a complex person. Yes, I've done a triathlon before but this is me coming off of a year of sporadically working out. The last time, I had been consistently working out for months before even thinking about taking on this challenge.
I'm scared I can't do this. I'm scared I'm going to fail. I'm scared I will be disguting in my swimsuit - last time I felt like my legs were strong and no matter what, that's what I saw when I looked in the mirror. Now? Not so much. I'm afraid I'll be slower than I was last time. I'm afraid of the new course since it's starting from a new location. Yes, the other one had a massive hill to climb but the new course has rolling hills - lots of them.
What has happened to me? What happened to the girl that could take on anything and was ready for anything that came her way? I miss that person, but I know I'm slowly getting that person back. One thing I've struggled with and had to come to terms with is: I'm not where I used to be and that's a really hard thing to accept...it's like now that I'm "back on the wagon" so to speak, I feel like I should be kicking butt and taking names. There are days where I feel like that and then there are days where my legs feel like stumps which take every ounce of energy I have to simply take a step. Some days it's really hard for me to wrap my head around everything and when that happens I just have to keep telling myself to keep going - keep moving forward. DON'T go back. I did that long enough. Never again. Never.
I'm scared I can't do this. I'm scared I'm going to fail. I'm scared I will be disguting in my swimsuit - last time I felt like my legs were strong and no matter what, that's what I saw when I looked in the mirror. Now? Not so much. I'm afraid I'll be slower than I was last time. I'm afraid of the new course since it's starting from a new location. Yes, the other one had a massive hill to climb but the new course has rolling hills - lots of them.
What has happened to me? What happened to the girl that could take on anything and was ready for anything that came her way? I miss that person, but I know I'm slowly getting that person back. One thing I've struggled with and had to come to terms with is: I'm not where I used to be and that's a really hard thing to accept...it's like now that I'm "back on the wagon" so to speak, I feel like I should be kicking butt and taking names. There are days where I feel like that and then there are days where my legs feel like stumps which take every ounce of energy I have to simply take a step. Some days it's really hard for me to wrap my head around everything and when that happens I just have to keep telling myself to keep going - keep moving forward. DON'T go back. I did that long enough. Never again. Never.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Change, change, change
As I was driving home the other day, I realized this summer marks my 6th year here in Richmond...which ties with the longest I've lived in a place before...which was Richmond from when I was born until I was 6. Most of y'all know I've been searching a lot lately for a new job and what exactly will make me happy. Lately I've been thinking maybe I could make it in the Peace Corps or maybe Americorps - meeting a lot of new people, helping, making a difference. What more could a girl ask for? All I know is I'm ready for a change, to be out of my comfort zone and to do something that makes me happy. I'm still trying to figure all of this out and find the best place for me. Have any ideas? Pass them my way. The unknown can be scary but it's also exciting and hopefully the change I'm seeking and hoping for will happen soon.
Friday, July 15, 2011
A little bike ride and a few thoughts
Richmond has been hit with two days of absolutely beautiful weather! What was I supposed to do...stay inside at work? I don't think so! I took the day off today so I could enjoy the weather. Seriously, can you blame me?
I decided I was going to get a quick bike ride in and head down to the park Ronnie and Deana showed me a couple weeks ago. The only part I forgot was having train tracks to go over and not knowing if they were smooth or if I'd faceplant on my way to the park. I was only about 5 minutes into the ride and all I could think was how miserable it was, how much my legs hurt and how I still had 30 minutes left to bike. But I kept going...and for a lot longer than 30 minutes. I finally made it to the park and I loved every second of it and on the way back, I saw so many things that made me smile - kids playing in the park, a tractor pulled over so the guy could go in and talk to the guys at the service station, an F150 logo from the back of a truck that had fallen off, etc. It's so easy to go through your day and not take in all these small things and get annoyed at that biker you can't get around because there's traffic coming the other way. (Yes, you're welcome cars on Purcell and Mountain.) Me? For today and right now, I'm thankful I was on that bike, slower than in a car, so I could see and experience those things, being reminded how amazing the small things can be sometimes and to enjoy just being outside, being a biker, being 28, being me.
I decided I was going to get a quick bike ride in and head down to the park Ronnie and Deana showed me a couple weeks ago. The only part I forgot was having train tracks to go over and not knowing if they were smooth or if I'd faceplant on my way to the park. I was only about 5 minutes into the ride and all I could think was how miserable it was, how much my legs hurt and how I still had 30 minutes left to bike. But I kept going...and for a lot longer than 30 minutes. I finally made it to the park and I loved every second of it and on the way back, I saw so many things that made me smile - kids playing in the park, a tractor pulled over so the guy could go in and talk to the guys at the service station, an F150 logo from the back of a truck that had fallen off, etc. It's so easy to go through your day and not take in all these small things and get annoyed at that biker you can't get around because there's traffic coming the other way. (Yes, you're welcome cars on Purcell and Mountain.) Me? For today and right now, I'm thankful I was on that bike, slower than in a car, so I could see and experience those things, being reminded how amazing the small things can be sometimes and to enjoy just being outside, being a biker, being 28, being me.
Monday, July 11, 2011
I will not burn out....hopefully
I've come to the conclusion on why I get burnt out so much when I train for something. I love having a goal to work towards and a culmination of all the hard work when I know I can relax but sometimes I seem to get too focused. The closer I get to a big race, the more afraid I become of getting hurt so I stop doing the "fun" things like combat or zumba or anything that might tweak any part of my body. That's when the fun goes out. So now I'm making an effort to keep the fun things when I'm training. Especially if it's a lite training day, I can throw in a fun class or every few times, throw out a lite day for some cross-training. It truly seems to be a mental game and hopefully this way, when the race is completed, I'm still in the gym, having fun. Yes, I can take time off to recover from the running and biking and whatnot, but I won't get burnt out. At least this is the plan.
I mentioned this is the year of Elaine and 2 weeks in, it's going pretty well. ;) I'm slowly taking back my life and doing things for me. When I get up the guts to tell the world a few things I have on the burners right now, it will just keep the momentum going for this to be a kick butt year!
I mentioned this is the year of Elaine and 2 weeks in, it's going pretty well. ;) I'm slowly taking back my life and doing things for me. When I get up the guts to tell the world a few things I have on the burners right now, it will just keep the momentum going for this to be a kick butt year!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Old habits die hard
You know what's interesting about grocery shopping? You get in habits and you just kind of go through the store on cruise control. Today I went to the fancy, new Kroger at Short Pump and I realized quite a few things.
Nutritionists will tell you to stick to the outside of the grocery store for the healthiest, most natural food and the great thing about the new Kroger is the the outside "aisles" are loaded with LOTS of yummy, delicious options AND it is a pretty far distance from the inner aisles and processed foods. Now don't get me wrong, I eat packaged foods, I can't stick to just the outsides but I try to at least eat some natural foods. As I was searching for the bagel thins, I came upon my weakness of sweets like Swiss Rolls and oatmeal pies. The interesting point to all of this is I realized how much I was into my old routine - when I wanted to put the Swiss Rolls into my basket, I looked around and realized I was in the front of the store which is a very open area that can be seen from almost all sides of the store. That's when it hit me - I was ashamed of what I was about to do. I know I don't need that trigger food in my house when I'm trying to get back on track, yet there I was. So I quickly turned my cart around and went to the next aisle. It amazed me how I was so comfortable with my normal Kroger because my yummy, "bad" foods were in an area in the back of the store, so I could quietly slip the food into my cart, go to the self-checkout and no one would be the wiser I just bought a box of something I swore I wouldn't buy again after the last time I devoured a box. What have I learned? I think I need to get out of my comfort zone - try new grocery stores, new floor plans that keep me honest and be more aware of what I'm doing.
Nutritionists will tell you to stick to the outside of the grocery store for the healthiest, most natural food and the great thing about the new Kroger is the the outside "aisles" are loaded with LOTS of yummy, delicious options AND it is a pretty far distance from the inner aisles and processed foods. Now don't get me wrong, I eat packaged foods, I can't stick to just the outsides but I try to at least eat some natural foods. As I was searching for the bagel thins, I came upon my weakness of sweets like Swiss Rolls and oatmeal pies. The interesting point to all of this is I realized how much I was into my old routine - when I wanted to put the Swiss Rolls into my basket, I looked around and realized I was in the front of the store which is a very open area that can be seen from almost all sides of the store. That's when it hit me - I was ashamed of what I was about to do. I know I don't need that trigger food in my house when I'm trying to get back on track, yet there I was. So I quickly turned my cart around and went to the next aisle. It amazed me how I was so comfortable with my normal Kroger because my yummy, "bad" foods were in an area in the back of the store, so I could quietly slip the food into my cart, go to the self-checkout and no one would be the wiser I just bought a box of something I swore I wouldn't buy again after the last time I devoured a box. What have I learned? I think I need to get out of my comfort zone - try new grocery stores, new floor plans that keep me honest and be more aware of what I'm doing.
Monday, June 27, 2011
The culmination of Do Life 5k's and bday celebration week
My birthday celebration week has officially come to an end with a trip to Atlanta. It was such a fun trip filled with lots of sweet niece hugs, kisses and a blowing-kisses-off and a little peek-a-boo thrown in there for good measure. It was also the last leg of the Do Life 5k tour I was able to attend. As Andrea and I pulled into the parking lot, I was excited to see we pulled up next to the Do Life car!
At least that meant we were in the right place. =) We met up Sunday afternoon at Centennial Olympic Park and as we were walking to the meetup, I couldn't believe how nervous I was even though this was my third event. Andrea and I walked in and let Maddie run around for a little bit and as I was sitting on the bench making sure Maddie didn't get into trouble, Ben called me out for not coming over to say hi....though I assured him I was only letting everyone else get their time and pictures with him since I had already hung out with him twice. Of course I had to document Maddie's first "run".
What event would be complete without a little run-in with the cops? Thank you Atlanta cops for trying to stop 55 people from running...the horrors that can come from people exercising are just astonishing. After we assured them no money was exchanged - we were just going to go for a run, we were about to set off until the cop told us he couldn't let us leave until his supervisor arrived. Everything turned out fine and they let us leave to run our 5k. It was blazing hot in the Georgia sun but definitely not as humid as DC. I'm happy that everyone finished, no one had heat stroke and then we were off for lunch...where Sasha showed up!! I haven't seen Sasha since the end of 9th grade when my family and I moved to Charlotte. It just made the trip THAT much more enjoyable. I was sad to see my time with the Do Life tour come to an end but I can't wait to see what fun things await this team in the cities coming up. Seriously, if you're near a city they're visiting - you should go! Check out the site and click on the map to find a city they're coming to near you!
Some things I have learned from the Do Life 5k's:
I'm stronger than I think
I may have an aversion to running in the heat, but I can do it and be proud at the end.
Everyone has a story and you can be inspired around every corner.
Whether you are first or last, there is nothing to be ashamed of; as long as you go out there and take a step in the right direction, you have won.
If you have a passion for something, others will see it and build you up and support you. Case in point: Ben & Do Life.
I had a fabulous weekend with my brother, sister-in-law, niece and the Do Life crew. I have never been more motivated to get back to my triathlon training and I'm so excited about it! I've already started laying out my workouts for the week so I will be ready! What goals are you taking on?
At least that meant we were in the right place. =) We met up Sunday afternoon at Centennial Olympic Park and as we were walking to the meetup, I couldn't believe how nervous I was even though this was my third event. Andrea and I walked in and let Maddie run around for a little bit and as I was sitting on the bench making sure Maddie didn't get into trouble, Ben called me out for not coming over to say hi....though I assured him I was only letting everyone else get their time and pictures with him since I had already hung out with him twice. Of course I had to document Maddie's first "run".
What event would be complete without a little run-in with the cops? Thank you Atlanta cops for trying to stop 55 people from running...the horrors that can come from people exercising are just astonishing. After we assured them no money was exchanged - we were just going to go for a run, we were about to set off until the cop told us he couldn't let us leave until his supervisor arrived. Everything turned out fine and they let us leave to run our 5k. It was blazing hot in the Georgia sun but definitely not as humid as DC. I'm happy that everyone finished, no one had heat stroke and then we were off for lunch...where Sasha showed up!! I haven't seen Sasha since the end of 9th grade when my family and I moved to Charlotte. It just made the trip THAT much more enjoyable. I was sad to see my time with the Do Life tour come to an end but I can't wait to see what fun things await this team in the cities coming up. Seriously, if you're near a city they're visiting - you should go! Check out the site and click on the map to find a city they're coming to near you!
Some things I have learned from the Do Life 5k's:
I'm stronger than I think
I may have an aversion to running in the heat, but I can do it and be proud at the end.
Everyone has a story and you can be inspired around every corner.
Whether you are first or last, there is nothing to be ashamed of; as long as you go out there and take a step in the right direction, you have won.
If you have a passion for something, others will see it and build you up and support you. Case in point: Ben & Do Life.
I had a fabulous weekend with my brother, sister-in-law, niece and the Do Life crew. I have never been more motivated to get back to my triathlon training and I'm so excited about it! I've already started laying out my workouts for the week so I will be ready! What goals are you taking on?
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