The more I write in this blog, the more I realize how quirky I am. It's not a good thing. I've spent a lot of time thinking about my goal for my triathlon. I actually have three goals (time-wise). Of course, I know that for every race you should have a goal to do your best and have a good time. (bla, bla, bla..) Now, going past that, I always have three goals. The first is the "This is what I really want my time to be, but it may not be realistic" goal. The second is "I'll still be happy if I get this time" goal. And the third is "Not my best race but still respectable" goal. I do it for every race. I guess it's a way of protecting myself from failing. I usually fall in the second category which I guess is good. I rarely meet my highest goal, but I also rarely get my lowest one.
It's hard to predict my triathlon time because I've never done one. You'd think that would stop me from trying. I know I should go into it with the goal of having a good time. I do want to have a good time, but I also think that having a bigger goal gives me something to push for. I remember when I ran my first marathon I was told by most people not to have a time goal and that just finishing should be enough. The director of the training group I was in wanted us to have a goal, in fact he sat down with each of us to go over our goals. If you went into the meeting without a time goal, he made sure you left with one. I completely agree with him. Again, I had three goals and I met the middle one. I had to push myself to meet that goal and I know I would be disappointed overall if I just wanted to finish. There would always be the question of "Could I have done better?". Having the goals I did, I know I did my best.
I'm not going to put my time goals in print because it's too scary, especially given the fact that I don't know what I'm getting myself into. They might be way off. But, for better or worse, they're there and I hope to at least meet my middle goal.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Playlists
This is a post I've thought about before but just haven't found the time to write.
I'm obsessed with playlists.
Hi, my name is Lisa, and I'm obsessed with playlists. It's not so much the playlist itself but finding the perfect music to match my running. I can remember as early as highschool trying to create the perfect playlist. I need slow songs at the right time and fast songs to get me going when I need it most. It's a hard thing to do. Believe me, I have tons of old tapes to prove that I've tried. I actually enjoy listening to my old efforts. They make me laugh.
I got an iPod for Christmas and it has not helped the obsession. My playlist called "Lisa Run" has 38 songs on it. That's a pretty long run. I've never listened to the whole thing on one run. Then there's my "Country Run" mix which only has 16 songs. I have a partial "Christian Run". It's not complete yet. I haven't found the perfect combo on any of them. I think it's because it doesn't exsist. When I run (or now bike on my indoor trainer), I need a different mix depending on my mood and type of workout I'm doing. There's no way I can find a mix that captures each mood. Let me say that I've been partially sucessful, so at least I'm getting somewhere.
So, I know you're thinking, "She's wasting her time. Why is she so obsessed?". The answer has two parts. Firstly, it's fun. I love to find songs that I love and put them together. Secondly, because when it works, IT REALLY WORKS! There's nothing better than running to the perfect song that helps me get through a workout.
Here are some examples from my playlists:
Your Love is Better than Life- Newsboys
Voice of Truth- Casting Crowns
I'm So Excited- Pointer Sisters (Jackie stop laughing!)
Punp It- Black Eyed Peas (lyrics aren't great)
Cotton Eyed Joe-Scatman John (there's a better version out there)
Over You- Daughtry
There's just a sample. Kevin just made an 80's mix so I know my list will soon be getting longer. I've wasted countless hours surfing websites with running mixes. They even have them on iTunes. None of them fit my criteria.
I know what I'll do... When I finally make the perfect mix, I'll sell it and make millions of dollars.
I'm obsessed with playlists.
Hi, my name is Lisa, and I'm obsessed with playlists. It's not so much the playlist itself but finding the perfect music to match my running. I can remember as early as highschool trying to create the perfect playlist. I need slow songs at the right time and fast songs to get me going when I need it most. It's a hard thing to do. Believe me, I have tons of old tapes to prove that I've tried. I actually enjoy listening to my old efforts. They make me laugh.
I got an iPod for Christmas and it has not helped the obsession. My playlist called "Lisa Run" has 38 songs on it. That's a pretty long run. I've never listened to the whole thing on one run. Then there's my "Country Run" mix which only has 16 songs. I have a partial "Christian Run". It's not complete yet. I haven't found the perfect combo on any of them. I think it's because it doesn't exsist. When I run (or now bike on my indoor trainer), I need a different mix depending on my mood and type of workout I'm doing. There's no way I can find a mix that captures each mood. Let me say that I've been partially sucessful, so at least I'm getting somewhere.
So, I know you're thinking, "She's wasting her time. Why is she so obsessed?". The answer has two parts. Firstly, it's fun. I love to find songs that I love and put them together. Secondly, because when it works, IT REALLY WORKS! There's nothing better than running to the perfect song that helps me get through a workout.
Here are some examples from my playlists:
Your Love is Better than Life- Newsboys
Voice of Truth- Casting Crowns
I'm So Excited- Pointer Sisters (Jackie stop laughing!)
Punp It- Black Eyed Peas (lyrics aren't great)
Cotton Eyed Joe-Scatman John (there's a better version out there)
Over You- Daughtry
There's just a sample. Kevin just made an 80's mix so I know my list will soon be getting longer. I've wasted countless hours surfing websites with running mixes. They even have them on iTunes. None of them fit my criteria.
I know what I'll do... When I finally make the perfect mix, I'll sell it and make millions of dollars.
Friday, June 20, 2008
trisuit and more in NYC
I am in NYC with Kevin for a mini-vacation. While we're here I thought I'd try to get some workouts in. I did horribly last week as Kevin was away and my sister was visiting. I actually freaked out for the first time and had some doubts as to whether or not I can do this. I went six days without doing anything and then when I had to do a long run, I completely lost my confidence. It's amazing how fast I lost my fitness, at least I thought I did.
Anyway, here I am in NYC and I did a spin class today and also ran. Yesterday I did some core work and tomorrow I'm running. It's been a productive time.
The highlight of this trip (or you'll see soon, the low point) was that I bought my outfit for the triathlon. We went to a tri store called SBR. I really struggled with what to wear and knew I needed to try on some stuff. I must have tried on at least 10 different things and let me say it was quite humbling. There wasn't a mirror so I depended on Kevin to let me know how things looked. Let me say, I didn't need a mirror to figure out things weren't looking too good. Have you ever tried on a one piece TIGHT spandex outfit? It is not a fun experience. I did end up buying one, and it's motivated me big time to work on my weight, (specifially my stomach). I'm going to embarass myself if I don't do something. I've really learned about my issues with body image and how I thought I looked a certain way and don't. (That's a whole other post.)
So, I'm officially ready. I have 10 weeks of training left (maybe nine?) and I'm scared. I'm hoping if I put the time in and stick to the schedule things will be okay.
Anyway, here I am in NYC and I did a spin class today and also ran. Yesterday I did some core work and tomorrow I'm running. It's been a productive time.
The highlight of this trip (or you'll see soon, the low point) was that I bought my outfit for the triathlon. We went to a tri store called SBR. I really struggled with what to wear and knew I needed to try on some stuff. I must have tried on at least 10 different things and let me say it was quite humbling. There wasn't a mirror so I depended on Kevin to let me know how things looked. Let me say, I didn't need a mirror to figure out things weren't looking too good. Have you ever tried on a one piece TIGHT spandex outfit? It is not a fun experience. I did end up buying one, and it's motivated me big time to work on my weight, (specifially my stomach). I'm going to embarass myself if I don't do something. I've really learned about my issues with body image and how I thought I looked a certain way and don't. (That's a whole other post.)
So, I'm officially ready. I have 10 weeks of training left (maybe nine?) and I'm scared. I'm hoping if I put the time in and stick to the schedule things will be okay.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Open Water Swim
Last weekend my family went camping at Sherando Lake. My girls love to swim so we knew we'd be spending time at the lake. I thought I'd bring my suit and goggles in case I wanted to try an open water swim.
Friday afternoon I did just that. At least, I think it might have passed for a form of swimming. Now, I've read that if you're planning on doing a triathlon with an open water swim it's imperative to try it beforehand because it's much different than swimming in a pool. I understood that in my mind but really thought it couldn't be that much different. I also assumed I wouldn't have any open water JAWS type issues. I swam in a lake every summer at camp and it never bothered me. I didn't think swimming a triathlon in a lake wouldn't really effect me but thought since there was one sitting right in front of me, it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.
I couldn't believe how hard it was. First of all, I couldn't swim straight. I sighted every 4 or so strokes but if I went any further, I was way off to the right. i was laughing to myself (and later on found out my husband was also laughing on shore) when I'd look up to see how off course I was. Then I'd have to swim back to where I was supposed to be. I didn't freak out in the water, but definitely didn't like it. I was afraid to put my feet down even when I know I could touch. My heart rate was elevated throughout the swim and I fatigued much more quickly than I thought I would. I was disappointed that after swimming what felt like forever, it was less than 20 minutes. I have no idea how far I swam but know it wasn't close to what my race will be. When I got out of the water and walked up the beach I was lightheaded and dizzy. I could barely walk, let alone run 3.4 miles!
Initially I was very discouraged. I know my swim is weak- very weak, but I didn't think it would be THAT bad. I was most concerned that I couldn't keep up freestyle and had to go to breaststroke so quickly and that I was so dizzy at the end. I was kind of down the rest of the weekend and really wondered about my ability to do this tri. I've kind of thought all along that if I had to do the race today I could. It wouldn't be pretty but I could do it. I started thinking maybe I was wrong and this is going to be much harder than I anticipated.
I've had a few days to really ponder and soul search and am feeling better. I know my swim is weak and have to realize I just started my official training. This is the first week I've swam 2x a week and I'll be doing that from here on in. I know why I was dizzy- my breathing wasn't correct and I was holding my breath instead of blowing it out underwater. I think this had huge impact. I swam for 26 minutes today and even though I had to stop a few times, I felt much better when I got out of the water.
I have a little more than 11 weeks until my race and have plenty of time to work on the swim. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to try an open water swim so I don't take it for granted on race day.
Friday afternoon I did just that. At least, I think it might have passed for a form of swimming. Now, I've read that if you're planning on doing a triathlon with an open water swim it's imperative to try it beforehand because it's much different than swimming in a pool. I understood that in my mind but really thought it couldn't be that much different. I also assumed I wouldn't have any open water JAWS type issues. I swam in a lake every summer at camp and it never bothered me. I didn't think swimming a triathlon in a lake wouldn't really effect me but thought since there was one sitting right in front of me, it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.
I couldn't believe how hard it was. First of all, I couldn't swim straight. I sighted every 4 or so strokes but if I went any further, I was way off to the right. i was laughing to myself (and later on found out my husband was also laughing on shore) when I'd look up to see how off course I was. Then I'd have to swim back to where I was supposed to be. I didn't freak out in the water, but definitely didn't like it. I was afraid to put my feet down even when I know I could touch. My heart rate was elevated throughout the swim and I fatigued much more quickly than I thought I would. I was disappointed that after swimming what felt like forever, it was less than 20 minutes. I have no idea how far I swam but know it wasn't close to what my race will be. When I got out of the water and walked up the beach I was lightheaded and dizzy. I could barely walk, let alone run 3.4 miles!
Initially I was very discouraged. I know my swim is weak- very weak, but I didn't think it would be THAT bad. I was most concerned that I couldn't keep up freestyle and had to go to breaststroke so quickly and that I was so dizzy at the end. I was kind of down the rest of the weekend and really wondered about my ability to do this tri. I've kind of thought all along that if I had to do the race today I could. It wouldn't be pretty but I could do it. I started thinking maybe I was wrong and this is going to be much harder than I anticipated.
I've had a few days to really ponder and soul search and am feeling better. I know my swim is weak and have to realize I just started my official training. This is the first week I've swam 2x a week and I'll be doing that from here on in. I know why I was dizzy- my breathing wasn't correct and I was holding my breath instead of blowing it out underwater. I think this had huge impact. I swam for 26 minutes today and even though I had to stop a few times, I felt much better when I got out of the water.
I have a little more than 11 weeks until my race and have plenty of time to work on the swim. I'm thankful I had the opportunity to try an open water swim so I don't take it for granted on race day.
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