It's been three weeks since the race and I've sturggled a little with focus and motivation. I guess that's natural after training for so long. I ran a 4 mile race with my oldest daughter the week after the tri. She did great! I was so proud of her. Her goal was to run the whole thing without walking which she did without a problem. She was able to really pick up the pace at the end and had a great kick through the finish. Way to go Bailee!
I was wiped out after the race and actually sore. I didn't push myself so I was confused. I think it was still from the tri. I took the week off after straining my hamstring doing a workout video with my husband (that's a whole different post!). I've been semi working out ever since. I just can't seem to pull myself out of bed in the morning. I think I just need something to work towards.
Anyway, I've been thinking about the triathlon and how poorly I did on the bike. I'm really mad at myself. What I didn't mention in my first post was how much my seat hurt during the race. I knew it wasn't the most comfortable seat, but WOW I was in pain! My bottom hurt so much that I was almost in tears by the end. I was in pain for several days afterwards. I know that was a factor. I need a new seat! I haven't ridden my bike since the race and I won't until I get a new seat.
That's where I am right now. Recovery and searching for something new.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
It's official- I'm an IRON GIRL!
I did it! I finished my first triathlon! I'm exhausted (not just from the race but from driving 6+ hours afterwards), but I feel good. I felt really good after the race, both physically and emotionally. I've had a lot of time to think about it, but I'll share my initial thoughts first.
My overall feeling before the race was fear and nervousness. I woke up at 2:30 am this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. Surprisingly, I was able to eat something but my stomach was a mess. I knew rationally that I could do it, I just couldn't shake the doubts. I had a great support group at the race; not only Kevin, but friends from home and family. It was great to have them there. I felt very loved.
My swim wave went off at 7:21 and it was so hard to get ready for that. I fought back tears as I went to get in line with my age group. I tried so hard not to cry. I just knew that at that point there was no going back and I was going to have to face my fears. I actually laughed at myself, but I still couldn't help it. Once I got swimming I was fine. I did way more freestyle than in the practice. I still did a fair share of breaststroke but I was okay with that. It was way less crowded which was a huge help. I struggled getting out of the water and going to my bike. I was tired and feeling a little queasy. I didn't go as fast as I could have, I was just concentrating on getting myself together.
Transition #1 was slow. I messed up cleaning off my feet and had to do it 2x. I also didn't tighten my bike shoes enough so I had to stop and do that too. I clipped on without a problem and off I went.
The theme of the bike was getting passed. I got passed my a lot. I had some fears to conquer on the bike and I think I did that. I was very afraid of riding in traffic and passing people but got more comfortable as the ride went on. I was also afraid of switching gears from high to low because I've had a problem of dropping my chain doing this. Even though I had my bike looked at and the problem fixed before the tri, I didn't ride it enough beforehand to be comfortable at the race. I spent the first 10 miles of the bike on my small gear which means I paid for it in speed on the downhills. I was hoping to get my bike time to about an hour and 5 minutes. Didn't happen but I feel like under the circumstances, I can't ask for more. The other thing I need to work on is drinking on the bike. I didn't get in enough fluids because I'm not comfortable drinking while I petal. Another thing to work on.
Transition #2 was great. I had a great spot right to the side of the bike entrance and it made a huge difference in my time. I felt pretty good. My calves cramped a little and my legs were tired, but overall things were good.
I was dreading the hills of the run and just tried to keep and even pace. I passed tons of people in my age group. I was thinking "You may have passed me on the bike but who's passing who now!". The hills were hard, but I slugged through them. I picked up the pace a little near the end and sprinted to the finish. I had way too much left at the end. I guess I should have pushed a little harder, but again, I'm just happy I finished strong.
My overall feeling at the end was relief. I'm happy that I finished, and feel like I did well, especially since it was my first time, but mostly I'm just glad the pressure's off. I felt so much pressure leading up to this event and I'm so happy to be done.
I left feeling like I'd like to do it again. Kevin asked me if I liked it. I wouldn't say liked. It was definitely hard, but I liked the challenge. I liked that it pushed me to try new things and train in a way I've never done before. I think Iron Girl Columbia may be seeing me again next year.
My overall feeling before the race was fear and nervousness. I woke up at 2:30 am this morning and couldn't get back to sleep. Surprisingly, I was able to eat something but my stomach was a mess. I knew rationally that I could do it, I just couldn't shake the doubts. I had a great support group at the race; not only Kevin, but friends from home and family. It was great to have them there. I felt very loved.
My swim wave went off at 7:21 and it was so hard to get ready for that. I fought back tears as I went to get in line with my age group. I tried so hard not to cry. I just knew that at that point there was no going back and I was going to have to face my fears. I actually laughed at myself, but I still couldn't help it. Once I got swimming I was fine. I did way more freestyle than in the practice. I still did a fair share of breaststroke but I was okay with that. It was way less crowded which was a huge help. I struggled getting out of the water and going to my bike. I was tired and feeling a little queasy. I didn't go as fast as I could have, I was just concentrating on getting myself together.
Transition #1 was slow. I messed up cleaning off my feet and had to do it 2x. I also didn't tighten my bike shoes enough so I had to stop and do that too. I clipped on without a problem and off I went.
The theme of the bike was getting passed. I got passed my a lot. I had some fears to conquer on the bike and I think I did that. I was very afraid of riding in traffic and passing people but got more comfortable as the ride went on. I was also afraid of switching gears from high to low because I've had a problem of dropping my chain doing this. Even though I had my bike looked at and the problem fixed before the tri, I didn't ride it enough beforehand to be comfortable at the race. I spent the first 10 miles of the bike on my small gear which means I paid for it in speed on the downhills. I was hoping to get my bike time to about an hour and 5 minutes. Didn't happen but I feel like under the circumstances, I can't ask for more. The other thing I need to work on is drinking on the bike. I didn't get in enough fluids because I'm not comfortable drinking while I petal. Another thing to work on.
Transition #2 was great. I had a great spot right to the side of the bike entrance and it made a huge difference in my time. I felt pretty good. My calves cramped a little and my legs were tired, but overall things were good.
I was dreading the hills of the run and just tried to keep and even pace. I passed tons of people in my age group. I was thinking "You may have passed me on the bike but who's passing who now!". The hills were hard, but I slugged through them. I picked up the pace a little near the end and sprinted to the finish. I had way too much left at the end. I guess I should have pushed a little harder, but again, I'm just happy I finished strong.
My overall feeling at the end was relief. I'm happy that I finished, and feel like I did well, especially since it was my first time, but mostly I'm just glad the pressure's off. I felt so much pressure leading up to this event and I'm so happy to be done.
I left feeling like I'd like to do it again. Kevin asked me if I liked it. I wouldn't say liked. It was definitely hard, but I liked the challenge. I liked that it pushed me to try new things and train in a way I've never done before. I think Iron Girl Columbia may be seeing me again next year.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
practice tri
Well, I haven't posted in forever. Mostly because I've been so discouraged from the practice tri. It's not that it was absolutely horrible; just harder than I thought. I'm 3 days away from the real thing. I can't believe it's finally here. I've struggled with motivation these past three weeks. Combine that with a week at the beach and a kitchen remodel- needless to say, it's been hard.
But back to the practice tri. I got to Columbia at around 10pm Thursday night. Traffic was really heavy, and I didn't know where I was going. I got settled and went to bed. I had a really nice room and was temped to skip the whole practice tri and spend the day by myself in my room. I woke up at 4:50 to get to Centennial Park by 7. I was really nervous and couldn't really stomach my oatmeal. You have to understand, I'm not comfortable doing new things by myself. It's way out of my comfort zone. The fact that I drove to MD by myself, stayed in a hotel by myself and went to the start of the practice event by myself is huge! I struggle with feeling of inferiority and I had to fight them.
I'd say there were about 500 women there. At around 7:30 they started the swim. I was one of the last waves to go (based on age). They were giving the waves a 3 minute separation, but by the time they got to me they just sent everyone. The swim was good and bad. Good in that I didn't freak out swimming in open water. I didn't think I would as I've spend many summers swimming at a lake. What wasn't good was that I couldn't get into a rhythm at all. Every time I tried to do freestyle I either ran into someone or was run into. Now, I'm not a straight swimmer and really rely on the lines at the bottom of the pool. I know it's going to be a struggle for me to stay straight. However, I did breast stroke about 75% if the time. That's just not acceptable. It took me 26 minutes to do 800M. The race is 1100M. Not good. I was also a little wobbly when I got out of the water which I didn't like. I'm sure my breathing wasn't regular.
I tried as fast as I could to have a quick transition which I did. I put on my shoes and socks and took a swig of water and off I went. I thought I heard there's be water on the course. It turned out there wasn't. Had I know that I would have brought some with me. I was really hurting as it was very hot. The run was more discouraging than the swim! I couldn't believe how hilly it was. I wasn't expecting it, so in that case it's probably good I ran it before hand. I was exhausted afterwards (I ran about a 9:30 pace) and all I could think was that I hadn't even biked yet.
I brought my bike but didn't think I would do the course. It was so late by the time I finished the run (and so hot), I decided to drive it in my car. It's also on a very busy road and on a Friday I didn't feel safe riding it. I'm glad I didn't. When I drove it in my car, I saw that there's very little shoulder and traffic was very heavy. There were women riding it, but I'm glad I wasn't one of them. There are two big hills but nothing I don't see here. I think I'll be okay. I just have to figure out how hard to go in order to save my legs for the run. One of the things that disappointed me during my trial tri here was that my bike was so slow. I thought I could do the distance in a little over an hour and it took me more than an hour and 15 minutes. I'm not sure what to expect race day.
After the drive I headed back to the hotel to shower and nap. I was really tired from not being able to sleep the night before. When I took my tri suit off there was green lake grass underneath. Gross. I had it on my goggles during the swim and it was pretty thick during the swim. Yuck! My feet were also soaked from the water dripping down after the swim. I felt the squishing during the run. I hope that won't happen during the race as I'll be biking before I run. I showered and passed out for about 30 minutes and then headed home.
In the time I've had to think about my experience, Ive realized it was good to go. I think I had some unrealistic expectations about the tri and I'll be happy just to finish. I've really struggled getting myself motivated to keep up the level of training. I'm ready though. I need to remind myself that I am and I can do this!
But back to the practice tri. I got to Columbia at around 10pm Thursday night. Traffic was really heavy, and I didn't know where I was going. I got settled and went to bed. I had a really nice room and was temped to skip the whole practice tri and spend the day by myself in my room. I woke up at 4:50 to get to Centennial Park by 7. I was really nervous and couldn't really stomach my oatmeal. You have to understand, I'm not comfortable doing new things by myself. It's way out of my comfort zone. The fact that I drove to MD by myself, stayed in a hotel by myself and went to the start of the practice event by myself is huge! I struggle with feeling of inferiority and I had to fight them.
I'd say there were about 500 women there. At around 7:30 they started the swim. I was one of the last waves to go (based on age). They were giving the waves a 3 minute separation, but by the time they got to me they just sent everyone. The swim was good and bad. Good in that I didn't freak out swimming in open water. I didn't think I would as I've spend many summers swimming at a lake. What wasn't good was that I couldn't get into a rhythm at all. Every time I tried to do freestyle I either ran into someone or was run into. Now, I'm not a straight swimmer and really rely on the lines at the bottom of the pool. I know it's going to be a struggle for me to stay straight. However, I did breast stroke about 75% if the time. That's just not acceptable. It took me 26 minutes to do 800M. The race is 1100M. Not good. I was also a little wobbly when I got out of the water which I didn't like. I'm sure my breathing wasn't regular.
I tried as fast as I could to have a quick transition which I did. I put on my shoes and socks and took a swig of water and off I went. I thought I heard there's be water on the course. It turned out there wasn't. Had I know that I would have brought some with me. I was really hurting as it was very hot. The run was more discouraging than the swim! I couldn't believe how hilly it was. I wasn't expecting it, so in that case it's probably good I ran it before hand. I was exhausted afterwards (I ran about a 9:30 pace) and all I could think was that I hadn't even biked yet.
I brought my bike but didn't think I would do the course. It was so late by the time I finished the run (and so hot), I decided to drive it in my car. It's also on a very busy road and on a Friday I didn't feel safe riding it. I'm glad I didn't. When I drove it in my car, I saw that there's very little shoulder and traffic was very heavy. There were women riding it, but I'm glad I wasn't one of them. There are two big hills but nothing I don't see here. I think I'll be okay. I just have to figure out how hard to go in order to save my legs for the run. One of the things that disappointed me during my trial tri here was that my bike was so slow. I thought I could do the distance in a little over an hour and it took me more than an hour and 15 minutes. I'm not sure what to expect race day.
After the drive I headed back to the hotel to shower and nap. I was really tired from not being able to sleep the night before. When I took my tri suit off there was green lake grass underneath. Gross. I had it on my goggles during the swim and it was pretty thick during the swim. Yuck! My feet were also soaked from the water dripping down after the swim. I felt the squishing during the run. I hope that won't happen during the race as I'll be biking before I run. I showered and passed out for about 30 minutes and then headed home.
In the time I've had to think about my experience, Ive realized it was good to go. I think I had some unrealistic expectations about the tri and I'll be happy just to finish. I've really struggled getting myself motivated to keep up the level of training. I'm ready though. I need to remind myself that I am and I can do this!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Thoughts
I can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. I've kind of been in a rut. I've done all (almost) my workouts and feel like I'm just going through the motions a little bit. I was mildly sick for almost 10 days (stomach). It was weird, I worked out in the morning and felt mostly fine but by mid-afternoon my stomach cramped. Every day for almost 10 days. I'm pretty sure it's related to being on the pill which I'm on short term. We'll see what happens this month. I'm better now though, and so thankful. It's amazing how when I get sick I realize how much I take my health for granted. Thank you God, for each and every day you've given me.
I leave tomorrow for the trial tri. If I'm honest with myself, I'm terrified. When I get through the swim I'll feel so much better. I just read an article last night about several triathletes who've died during the swim this year. I shouldn't have read it. I'm not really worried about it, but I don't need any doubts right now. On a happier note, this morning I got positive feedback on my swimming. There are some hard-core swimmers at the pool where I swim. About a month ago, one gave me some tips on my kick, which is really bad. Another one today commented that my stroke is much better and I'm swimming faster. He also had a few additional tips for me. I've been working so hard on my kick. It's nice to know it's making a difference. I'll try to incorporate his tips in the next few weeks to see if it makes a difference.
I'll post Friday or Saturday after I finish my trial tri.
I leave tomorrow for the trial tri. If I'm honest with myself, I'm terrified. When I get through the swim I'll feel so much better. I just read an article last night about several triathletes who've died during the swim this year. I shouldn't have read it. I'm not really worried about it, but I don't need any doubts right now. On a happier note, this morning I got positive feedback on my swimming. There are some hard-core swimmers at the pool where I swim. About a month ago, one gave me some tips on my kick, which is really bad. Another one today commented that my stroke is much better and I'm swimming faster. He also had a few additional tips for me. I've been working so hard on my kick. It's nice to know it's making a difference. I'll try to incorporate his tips in the next few weeks to see if it makes a difference.
I'll post Friday or Saturday after I finish my trial tri.
Monday, July 14, 2008
forced rest
I've been taking the past few days off... I pulled my hamstring. I'm not sure how I did it. I think it was last Tuesday. I was feeling especially tired on my way to the gym but did a Jillian workout and then ran. I struggled through the whole thing and by the evening my hamstring was very sore. Wednesday was even worse, but I swam anyway. I took Thursday and Friday off. Saturday I woke up with a headache so I didn't bike. However, Kevin and I went mountain biking Saturday (thanks, Barbara) and I had a killer workout. I wiped out once and had some trouble with Kevin's bike. It wouldn't shift to the easiest gears. I almost didn't make it up a few hills, but I figured it was a better workout in the long run. Yesterday I ran 4 miles and today I swam and biked and then ran with Bailee (while pushing the double jogging stroller!). So.... I guess I'm back on track.
I made my hotel reservation for the trial run on August 1st. I'm going to go by myself which should be interesting. It's starting to seem real to me. I have a little less than six weeks left. In a way that's a long time, but I also know it will fly by. I feel really good about my bike workout today. It was on the indoor trainer (which I can't stand!) and I really pushed myself. I've got to get that bike time down. Tomorrow I'm going to do some core work and run on the treadmill and try a tempo run. I'm giving up Jillian for the time being. I think it's just too much stress on my already fatigued muscles.
I made my hotel reservation for the trial run on August 1st. I'm going to go by myself which should be interesting. It's starting to seem real to me. I have a little less than six weeks left. In a way that's a long time, but I also know it will fly by. I feel really good about my bike workout today. It was on the indoor trainer (which I can't stand!) and I really pushed myself. I've got to get that bike time down. Tomorrow I'm going to do some core work and run on the treadmill and try a tempo run. I'm giving up Jillian for the time being. I think it's just too much stress on my already fatigued muscles.
Friday, July 4, 2008
I DID IT!
It's done. I did my first unofficial triathlon. I am very tired, but nothing hurts and I am encouraged.
I woke up at 5 and headed to the pool for my 40 laps. I can't believe how well it went. I was not tired afterward and not dizzy or lightheaded. My time was 26:43. Not awesome but better than I hoped for. I left the pool very encouraged and feeling great. Off to the bike.
I was a little intimidated by the bike when I mapped my route yesterday. It's way longer than I've ridden. I had a time in my head that I thought I could ride in. Lets just say I didn't come close. I finished the bike in 1:16. I was surprised that I struggled so much. It's not that I felt horrible but I didn't push myself very hard because I was afraid of over working my legs for the run. I definitely need to work on the bike. I'm not discouraged though, I have 7 weeks to train and that's plenty of time. Now for the worst part...
Oh my legs were tired for the run. So much for trying to save my legs. I was exhausted. I was trying to keep my focus mentally, but it was hard. I thought going into it that my legs would feel better as the run went on. They did periodically, but overall they were just tired. Another area I need to work on. My time was 32:17 which translates to a 9:31 minute per mile. I hope I can run much faster on race day.
When I was done, I was exhausted. In fact, I'm off to get a nap soon. I feel so empowered. I know I can do it. I am so glad I did the whole thing because now I know where I need to work. I've got some serious work to do on the bike and the transition to run. I've spent so much time on the swim that I've neglected the other areas. 7 weeks tomorrow and counting.
I woke up at 5 and headed to the pool for my 40 laps. I can't believe how well it went. I was not tired afterward and not dizzy or lightheaded. My time was 26:43. Not awesome but better than I hoped for. I left the pool very encouraged and feeling great. Off to the bike.
I was a little intimidated by the bike when I mapped my route yesterday. It's way longer than I've ridden. I had a time in my head that I thought I could ride in. Lets just say I didn't come close. I finished the bike in 1:16. I was surprised that I struggled so much. It's not that I felt horrible but I didn't push myself very hard because I was afraid of over working my legs for the run. I definitely need to work on the bike. I'm not discouraged though, I have 7 weeks to train and that's plenty of time. Now for the worst part...
Oh my legs were tired for the run. So much for trying to save my legs. I was exhausted. I was trying to keep my focus mentally, but it was hard. I thought going into it that my legs would feel better as the run went on. They did periodically, but overall they were just tired. Another area I need to work on. My time was 32:17 which translates to a 9:31 minute per mile. I hope I can run much faster on race day.
When I was done, I was exhausted. In fact, I'm off to get a nap soon. I feel so empowered. I know I can do it. I am so glad I did the whole thing because now I know where I need to work. I've got some serious work to do on the bike and the transition to run. I've spent so much time on the swim that I've neglected the other areas. 7 weeks tomorrow and counting.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Brick!
Here's the plan for tomorrow. 5:30 AM- swim for 30 minutes. Rush home and hit the bike by 6:15 for a 30 minute ride. Rush to a 5K that starts at 7:30 and register and run.
It's my first official "brick". It should be interesting. I'm hoping to get a nap today to prepare and also hydrate myself. I'm nervous (mostly because there's not a lot of time to get from one point to the next), but excited. I'll try to post tomorrow before we head off camping for the weekend.
It's 10PM and I have a much better idea for tomorrow. I'm going to bag the 5k. First I'll start off swimming my total distance- no pressure on the time. Then I'll bike the full 17 miles (I measured it by car today and it's an awfully long way!). I'll finish with a 3.4 mile run. I save myself $25 and can take my time getting through each element. Good luck to me.
It's my first official "brick". It should be interesting. I'm hoping to get a nap today to prepare and also hydrate myself. I'm nervous (mostly because there's not a lot of time to get from one point to the next), but excited. I'll try to post tomorrow before we head off camping for the weekend.
It's 10PM and I have a much better idea for tomorrow. I'm going to bag the 5k. First I'll start off swimming my total distance- no pressure on the time. Then I'll bike the full 17 miles (I measured it by car today and it's an awfully long way!). I'll finish with a 3.4 mile run. I save myself $25 and can take my time getting through each element. Good luck to me.
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