I haven't written here in a while. I wont lie and say it's been because my training has been going so well and I haven't had time to sit down and write. It's because, I'm burnt out. I've been burnt out for quite some time of training, and I'm counting down the days until my event and can begin focusing on something new. The past 3.5 weeks have been a wake up call for me. A good friend's life has been turned upside down and it happened in a blink of an eye (literally). After my Tri, I'm going to start focusing on putting together a team of friends, who are willing to do a 5k race back in NY, CT or NJ. We will doing it in honor of my friend who has shown so much strength, resolve and dedication to making this completely unexpected life change a positive instead of a negative. So after my tri, I will be focusing on raising money and awareness for Transversemyelitis, but getting a few friends together to complete a 5k in honor of our friend, back in the NY/CT/NJ area.
My tri is in 18 days, and although my training hasn't been great, I plan on giving it my all and what happens, happens, and hopefully, there'll be at least one person behind me when I cross the finish line. =)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
IT'S OFFICIAL!!!
Got the below in my email this afternoon!
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Dear SUPERSEAL & SEAL Sprint Participants!!
Congratulations!! You are registered for the SUPERSEAL Olympic distance Triathlon or the NEW SEAL Sprint Triathlon.
Please read this entire email so that you will be ready for your race!
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the start lines,
THE SUPERSEAL STAFF
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Dear SUPERSEAL & SEAL Sprint Participants!!
Congratulations!! You are registered for the SUPERSEAL Olympic distance Triathlon or the NEW SEAL Sprint Triathlon.
Please read this entire email so that you will be ready for your race!
Looking forward to seeing everyone at the start lines,
THE SUPERSEAL STAFF
Sunday, January 23, 2011
paradise
Training this weekend went well. Saturday's bike and run repeats were pretty good. In total I rode 13 miles and ran 3. The first sessions went well. By the third and last bike ride, I felt a cramp in my left calf, it kinds of felt like an electrical shock, as I was almost to the top of the hill at the end of the ride, and shortly there after the same thing happened in the right calf. I knew I was short on my salt/sodium intake, and that was probably the reason, for the cramping, so I took a salt supplement and headed out for my run, the cramping continued on the run, and I decided that I was better off turning around and seeing what happened. I went back to the transition area, stretched continued to drink water, and hope that the cramping would subside. The stretching definately helped, but under the advisement of a mentor I called it a day, and headed home.
Sunday, is now open water swim sessions, the swells are a bit crazy so instead of meeting at the ocean, we swam in the bay. It was calm and much easier to swim with out battling all those waves. I swam a half mile which is a bit longer than half of the distance I'll be swimming at my event. I'm learning how to take advantidge of my wetsuit. I was also told that the water I'll be swimming in for my event will be similar to today's water than the ocean. I was happy to hear that and realized that I'll be able to finish the swim session.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Stronger than the thoughts
What a weekend! It was a busy one in regards to my training. Saturday was had our first long bike ride. 25 miles round trip, along with a run part way around Lake Hodges. I'm not going to lie, I had my doubts. Each time I got tired, on the first leg of the bike ride and thought about how I had to go back. I made myself stop and appreciate what I was doing at that moment. There were times I wanted to quit, especially going up "damn hill". Damn hill is a steady incline uphill for approximately mile and a half to two miles. It was there wher I had the hardest time, and started doubting my ability to get to the top. I had one of my mentors Lisa riding with me, and she kept encouraging me. And as cliche as it sounds, I also kept reminding myself how Tyler, Raul, Virginina, Van, NoJo, Cousin Roy, and the many others going through their cancer treatments didn't have a chance to stop when they became uncomfortable. It didn't make going up the hill any easier, in fact it made it harder, (side note, tears don't make riding a bike up hill very easy.) I did stop at one point and walk my bike for a while, and that pissed me off. eventually the hill leveled out and I started on my way again, only to be surprised by yet another incline. Thankfully, that was the top of the hill, and all that was left was a short down hill, and then I reached the transition area, and off to the run I went. (after refueling and rehydrating myself). I walk/ran 2 miles. hit the porta potties that were there, and then started my trek back to the starting point.
The second leg of the ride wasn't as bad as the first. (there were no tears) It helped that for a while I got to ride with Jay (an assistant coach), and he was riding his bike back after falling on the first part of the ride, and was riding with missing low gears. It was also good to talk to someone who had also lived in CT for a while, and we compared notes about the differences of CT and CA. He also complemented me a few different times on how (even though I wasn't going fast up hill,) I never slowed my cadence down (speed of pedelling) uphill. It made me feel like I knew what I was doing.
After that crazy bike ride, I swore my thighs were on fire and were going to make walking a bit difficult for me. So I had planned on using some of my marathon training and stop at the store for some ice (and chocolate milk) and take a nice cold ice bath once I got home. However, it turned out that we were right by the water, and myself and a few others decided to take a plunge in the ocean. It was cold! but once our feet became numb it was great. It was also a good indicator of what would be in store for us on Sunday.
Sunday was our first open water swim with our wetsuits. All I know, is that I am forever in debting to the person who invented wetsuits. It's amazing how those things work. Our open water swim was difficult, each time I put my head in the water (with my goggles on) I couldn't see anything, and it was difficult to swim with out seeing. I've gotten so used to wearing my goggles and seeing where I'm going in the pool. So I kept my head out of water, Which by the way is completely useless and makes swimmer in the water a gazillion times harder. We swam out to some of our support staff hanging out in kayaks in the water. And then swam back. We had to find some buddies to swim with and stick with while out in the water. So in order to push myself a bit I stuck with two others that were a bit faster than me, and I attempted to stay with them for as long as I could, and really I didn't do to bad. We did that twice, and then we got to "play" in the water, the coach wanted us to try to catch a wave and have it bring us in. Needless to say, body surfing for this east coast gal isn't so easy.
As I continue to put myself in situations that are outside my comfort zone, I learn how important it is to not let the negative thoughts that creep so easily inside my head to get to me. I am stronger than those thoughts!
The second leg of the ride wasn't as bad as the first. (there were no tears) It helped that for a while I got to ride with Jay (an assistant coach), and he was riding his bike back after falling on the first part of the ride, and was riding with missing low gears. It was also good to talk to someone who had also lived in CT for a while, and we compared notes about the differences of CT and CA. He also complemented me a few different times on how (even though I wasn't going fast up hill,) I never slowed my cadence down (speed of pedelling) uphill. It made me feel like I knew what I was doing.
After that crazy bike ride, I swore my thighs were on fire and were going to make walking a bit difficult for me. So I had planned on using some of my marathon training and stop at the store for some ice (and chocolate milk) and take a nice cold ice bath once I got home. However, it turned out that we were right by the water, and myself and a few others decided to take a plunge in the ocean. It was cold! but once our feet became numb it was great. It was also a good indicator of what would be in store for us on Sunday.
Sunday was our first open water swim with our wetsuits. All I know, is that I am forever in debting to the person who invented wetsuits. It's amazing how those things work. Our open water swim was difficult, each time I put my head in the water (with my goggles on) I couldn't see anything, and it was difficult to swim with out seeing. I've gotten so used to wearing my goggles and seeing where I'm going in the pool. So I kept my head out of water, Which by the way is completely useless and makes swimmer in the water a gazillion times harder. We swam out to some of our support staff hanging out in kayaks in the water. And then swam back. We had to find some buddies to swim with and stick with while out in the water. So in order to push myself a bit I stuck with two others that were a bit faster than me, and I attempted to stay with them for as long as I could, and really I didn't do to bad. We did that twice, and then we got to "play" in the water, the coach wanted us to try to catch a wave and have it bring us in. Needless to say, body surfing for this east coast gal isn't so easy.
As I continue to put myself in situations that are outside my comfort zone, I learn how important it is to not let the negative thoughts that creep so easily inside my head to get to me. I am stronger than those thoughts!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Mystery Solved and Jacket received
Today was my first brick workout (a run and then bike), and I have to say, I was nervous for the few days leading up to it. Part of the nerves came from not being where the coaches schedule says I should be with my running mileage;
I know, I've been training, but my shins have been a major area of contention for me since I started with marathon training in 2006. However, I think I've solved the mystery of the hurting shins. While running last Sunday, I realized (I'm not sure how) that I was running with my toes bent as if grabbing the bottom of my shoes. So surprisingly when I stopped doing that, I was able to run with out pain. I concentrated on keeping my toes straight the next time I ran, and.....No pain!! Who knew it was such an easy fix. Instead of dwelling on the if only I knew that when.... I focused on the positive this should make running easier and I should be able to get myself up to a 10K distance by the time of the event. Yay me!!
But I was still nervous, I was nervous about letting myself down and not being able to finish my training session today, and secondly letting my coach down. He has set expectations for us, and expects us to use our full potential. That is something that has always been expected of me, and I don't like letting others down, especially myself by not using that potential (Yes, mom, I've used the "P" word, and admit that I'm not successful when I don't use my full potential). But I then realized that I've been dealing with issues and that the schedule is to be used as a guideline for what we should be doing, and that each of us are at different levels and that even though I'm not at the top of my game, I'm a heck of a lot higher than I was when I started this thing back in November, and now that the mystery of shin pain has been solved (hopefully), I should be able to get to the top of my game, by race day (March 27th).
So, after all the TNT particulars were discussed, off we went to do our first of many run repeats. We were running approximately 1.5 miles up to 6 times (depending on speed). so off I went with the team, keeping towards the back of the pack, so I didn't start out to fast, and burn out before I finished, and had to head out on my bike for the first bike repeat. So, I did great for the first .5 mile. I kept my pace steady, concentrated on keeping my toes straight, and then at the turn around, I hit the sand portion of our run. All I have to say was OUCH! I automatically felt my toes bend, and the shins start yelling at me. But I kept going for a while, I did start walking thinking that might help, but it didn't. Thankfully, I found a stairway back up to the pavement, and started back. Unfortunately the damage was already done. My shins were unhappy, and were letting me know. Running at this point was out of the question. so I walked back to the starting point, and transitioned to get ready for the first bike session.
Now that's where it gets real fun! A few weeks back we learned how to change out bike tires. Well, ever since I took the back wheel off my bike, the wheel hasn't been working well. So last night, I went online downloaded the manual for my bike, and attempted to get it inline and ready for the ride. I got it to work, and by the time I was ready to go out and ride with the team, I did a quick loop around the parking lot to make sure things were working properly. They seemed to be. Well, I was wrong. As I got close to the mount line (where you are allowed to get on the bike in a tri), I started pedaling and the next thing I knew my bike tired stopped and I started to go forward over my handlebars. Thankfully, I caught myself and I did NOT fall. But I did get a "good save!" from a few of the mentors. After checking out the bike, I did a few laps around the parking lot again, and off I went. I felt the bike dragging a little, but I figured the break was probably rubbing against one of the tires, but I chalked it up to resistence training and I'd look at it again when I got back. Well, towards the turn around point, there was a nice hill, that I was getting ready to go up, and sure enough as I put more pressure on the pedals, I almost found myself going over the handlebars again. Obviously something wasn't right. I walked the bike up the hill, saw Coach at the turn around and had him check it out. He noticed a few things that could be causing it, but gave me the ok to head back with the team, and with two mentors by my side, I trudged back, and was quite happy with finishing. Coach then worked on my bike while I went out for my second run, and did a little tune up and then gave me the clean bill to ride. Unfortunately, plans being made previously prevented me from going out for that second ride, but I'll see how it goes this coming weekend. We're scheduled for a 24 mile bike and 5 mile run this coming Saturday, and our first open water swim on Sunday!! yikes... time to find a wetsuit!
See you next week. I hope.......
And the Jacket:
I know, I've been training, but my shins have been a major area of contention for me since I started with marathon training in 2006. However, I think I've solved the mystery of the hurting shins. While running last Sunday, I realized (I'm not sure how) that I was running with my toes bent as if grabbing the bottom of my shoes. So surprisingly when I stopped doing that, I was able to run with out pain. I concentrated on keeping my toes straight the next time I ran, and.....No pain!! Who knew it was such an easy fix. Instead of dwelling on the if only I knew that when.... I focused on the positive this should make running easier and I should be able to get myself up to a 10K distance by the time of the event. Yay me!!
But I was still nervous, I was nervous about letting myself down and not being able to finish my training session today, and secondly letting my coach down. He has set expectations for us, and expects us to use our full potential. That is something that has always been expected of me, and I don't like letting others down, especially myself by not using that potential (Yes, mom, I've used the "P" word, and admit that I'm not successful when I don't use my full potential). But I then realized that I've been dealing with issues and that the schedule is to be used as a guideline for what we should be doing, and that each of us are at different levels and that even though I'm not at the top of my game, I'm a heck of a lot higher than I was when I started this thing back in November, and now that the mystery of shin pain has been solved (hopefully), I should be able to get to the top of my game, by race day (March 27th).
So, after all the TNT particulars were discussed, off we went to do our first of many run repeats. We were running approximately 1.5 miles up to 6 times (depending on speed). so off I went with the team, keeping towards the back of the pack, so I didn't start out to fast, and burn out before I finished, and had to head out on my bike for the first bike repeat. So, I did great for the first .5 mile. I kept my pace steady, concentrated on keeping my toes straight, and then at the turn around, I hit the sand portion of our run. All I have to say was OUCH! I automatically felt my toes bend, and the shins start yelling at me. But I kept going for a while, I did start walking thinking that might help, but it didn't. Thankfully, I found a stairway back up to the pavement, and started back. Unfortunately the damage was already done. My shins were unhappy, and were letting me know. Running at this point was out of the question. so I walked back to the starting point, and transitioned to get ready for the first bike session.
Now that's where it gets real fun! A few weeks back we learned how to change out bike tires. Well, ever since I took the back wheel off my bike, the wheel hasn't been working well. So last night, I went online downloaded the manual for my bike, and attempted to get it inline and ready for the ride. I got it to work, and by the time I was ready to go out and ride with the team, I did a quick loop around the parking lot to make sure things were working properly. They seemed to be. Well, I was wrong. As I got close to the mount line (where you are allowed to get on the bike in a tri), I started pedaling and the next thing I knew my bike tired stopped and I started to go forward over my handlebars. Thankfully, I caught myself and I did NOT fall. But I did get a "good save!" from a few of the mentors. After checking out the bike, I did a few laps around the parking lot again, and off I went. I felt the bike dragging a little, but I figured the break was probably rubbing against one of the tires, but I chalked it up to resistence training and I'd look at it again when I got back. Well, towards the turn around point, there was a nice hill, that I was getting ready to go up, and sure enough as I put more pressure on the pedals, I almost found myself going over the handlebars again. Obviously something wasn't right. I walked the bike up the hill, saw Coach at the turn around and had him check it out. He noticed a few things that could be causing it, but gave me the ok to head back with the team, and with two mentors by my side, I trudged back, and was quite happy with finishing. Coach then worked on my bike while I went out for my second run, and did a little tune up and then gave me the clean bill to ride. Unfortunately, plans being made previously prevented me from going out for that second ride, but I'll see how it goes this coming weekend. We're scheduled for a 24 mile bike and 5 mile run this coming Saturday, and our first open water swim on Sunday!! yikes... time to find a wetsuit!
See you next week. I hope.......
And the Jacket:
Sunday, January 2, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Happy New Year! I hope that 2011 brings you and your family happiness and joy.
Training has been going well. Although I have not had any training sessions with my team in the last 2 weeks, I have been keeping up my training. I've been getting my training done in the gym. I have to admit, I've been enjoying sleeping in on the weekends for the last 2 weeks, and I'm not looking forward to waking up at 5:30 this coming Saturday, but I am looking forward to seeing my teammates again.
And I hope I'm not jinxing myself. I went to the gym today for a run, and I don't know what happened, but I had no pain in my shins. I also increased my distance by double, and now I have 3 months to increase the distance by half again.
This is short and brief. Thanks for reading!
Training has been going well. Although I have not had any training sessions with my team in the last 2 weeks, I have been keeping up my training. I've been getting my training done in the gym. I have to admit, I've been enjoying sleeping in on the weekends for the last 2 weeks, and I'm not looking forward to waking up at 5:30 this coming Saturday, but I am looking forward to seeing my teammates again.
And I hope I'm not jinxing myself. I went to the gym today for a run, and I don't know what happened, but I had no pain in my shins. I also increased my distance by double, and now I have 3 months to increase the distance by half again.
This is short and brief. Thanks for reading!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
What is normal?
Today, December 18th, 2010, I filled out my paperwork, handed it and have recommited to the team, and promised them that I will continue to train with the team, so that they can buy my entry into the superseal triathlon on March 27th, 2011. I also need to thank everyone for their donations to date. I have met the minimum amount needed (first time doing that before recommitment) and was kept out of the TNT jail. But I still have a personal goal of raising $3,000, and I hope to meet that goal with your continued support.
As you have read in past posts, I am dedicating this event to Tyler and Raul, but I have not forgotten about my cousin Roy, NoJo, Virginia, and the many others out there who are battling cancer, and those who have lost their battle. I am honored to be doing this race in their honor. I'm adding one more person to the list, which really gets me mad. This morning at our training session, one of the participants on the team, Laurence, gave his mission moment (for those of you who are not part of the TNT family, that's when someone tells you their story of why they are involved with TNT) Laurence, is a funny guy, he's always there to tell a joke, give a sarcastic comment, and he's an all around great guy. So when he got up there to give his moment, and he was a little quieter then usual, I knew this was serious. Laurence informed the team that he's been battling Non Hodgkins Lymphoma since 2001. He went into remission, and right after his 5th anniversary of being cancer free. It returned, and he's been battling it every since. I was shocked, this seemingly carefree, class clown, has been battling a deadly disease and I didn't know. I couldn't tell, he was out there on his bike riding 20 miles with us, he was out there running a mile time trial (in a time so much faster then mine), and getting into the pool with us and swimming laps. He was healthy, he was laughing, he was "normal". But he isn't. He's sick, he's no longer going to be able to continue training with us, as he is about to start chemotherapy in the next few days. His body is going to be pecked and poked, he's going to most likely lose his hair, he's going to be "sick". And you know what he said? He said thank you, Thanks for helping him get better, to have something to look forward to (he plans on coming to the events to cheer us on).
It's not fair. I'm really hoping to help find a cure for this disease that knows no boundries, that thinks it can do what ever it wants, to whom ever it pleases. So if you can, please take a moment to go to my fundraising site, and make a donation. Just like cancer, LLS does not care how much, ou give, every penny from this point on that I raise, goes directly to LLS and research, support services, and so many other things, that I can't name them all. We need to find a cure so that people like Laurence, Roy, Tyler, Raul, Virginia, Natalie, et al. don't have to put up a fight like this anymore.
I'll resume my regular training updates soon. But this was a bit more important this week.
As you have read in past posts, I am dedicating this event to Tyler and Raul, but I have not forgotten about my cousin Roy, NoJo, Virginia, and the many others out there who are battling cancer, and those who have lost their battle. I am honored to be doing this race in their honor. I'm adding one more person to the list, which really gets me mad. This morning at our training session, one of the participants on the team, Laurence, gave his mission moment (for those of you who are not part of the TNT family, that's when someone tells you their story of why they are involved with TNT) Laurence, is a funny guy, he's always there to tell a joke, give a sarcastic comment, and he's an all around great guy. So when he got up there to give his moment, and he was a little quieter then usual, I knew this was serious. Laurence informed the team that he's been battling Non Hodgkins Lymphoma since 2001. He went into remission, and right after his 5th anniversary of being cancer free. It returned, and he's been battling it every since. I was shocked, this seemingly carefree, class clown, has been battling a deadly disease and I didn't know. I couldn't tell, he was out there on his bike riding 20 miles with us, he was out there running a mile time trial (in a time so much faster then mine), and getting into the pool with us and swimming laps. He was healthy, he was laughing, he was "normal". But he isn't. He's sick, he's no longer going to be able to continue training with us, as he is about to start chemotherapy in the next few days. His body is going to be pecked and poked, he's going to most likely lose his hair, he's going to be "sick". And you know what he said? He said thank you, Thanks for helping him get better, to have something to look forward to (he plans on coming to the events to cheer us on).
It's not fair. I'm really hoping to help find a cure for this disease that knows no boundries, that thinks it can do what ever it wants, to whom ever it pleases. So if you can, please take a moment to go to my fundraising site, and make a donation. Just like cancer, LLS does not care how much, ou give, every penny from this point on that I raise, goes directly to LLS and research, support services, and so many other things, that I can't name them all. We need to find a cure so that people like Laurence, Roy, Tyler, Raul, Virginia, Natalie, et al. don't have to put up a fight like this anymore.
I'll resume my regular training updates soon. But this was a bit more important this week.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Other Side
Another week down, another week closer to the big day. Once again, my weekly training was uneventful, especially since I wasn't exactly consistent with it. You know when you throw my birthday into the mix it kind of took a back seat. I did however have a moment where I didn't want to to go to my the track training session last Tuesday. I realized there was a bit of intimidation on my part. As you know I was able to complete a mile time trial a few weeks ago in a little over 11 minutes a mile. Now, I know that's actually a pretty good pace, especially since my endurance is a bit low, however, when I compare myself to others on my team, I'm slow. I hate being slow, I hate people being done with their workout before me, and then watching me finish. As much as I'd like to think I'm immune to caring about what other's think of me, I'm not. I care and I'm trying to get over it, but boy is it hard. But I bite the bullet and went anyway, granted my shin splints showede their nasty head, and made the run a bit miserable for me, and I couldn't finish the whole work out. But I went, I did my best and felt bpretty good about it afterwards.
I'm trying to take a new approach on things, I could sit here and dwell on the fact that my shins hurt, I didn't do the complete workout, but I'm not. I'm looking at the other side, the side that I did what I could, I did not let my self doubt and insecurities prevent me from going.
People who have cancer don't ask to be uncomfortable, they don't get the opportunity to back out and take a break when they're feeling sick or having pain. That's been my motto, and I'm letting myself remember it as much as I can.
I'm trying to take a new approach on things, I could sit here and dwell on the fact that my shins hurt, I didn't do the complete workout, but I'm not. I'm looking at the other side, the side that I did what I could, I did not let my self doubt and insecurities prevent me from going.
People who have cancer don't ask to be uncomfortable, they don't get the opportunity to back out and take a break when they're feeling sick or having pain. That's been my motto, and I'm letting myself remember it as much as I can.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
A week in the Making
Last week we were scheduled to have our first team bike ride. Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate, and we did a 3 mile run in the rain instead. Rain isn't that big of a deal, it's the wind that sucks. Thankfully, I had previous experiences with running in the rain, and I remembered my garbage bag. What I didn't think of was to bring some extra bags with me and work on my fundraising. Damn lack of enterpeneurail spirit. Oh well, maybe next time. Who am I kidding! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there's no more experiences with rain during training times. =)
So I had an extra week to anticipate my first team bike ride. Thankfully, I had some distractions, no work, and preparing for Thanksgiving to keep the nerves at bay. So on November 27th, I woke at 5:30 so that I had plenty of time to have food, and get myself to our meeting site approximately 20-25 mins away. Thankful I had gotten myself an early birthday present of a portable Garmin GPS navigation system to use for my car. I made it to our meeting spot w/ plenty of time, to attach my bike wheel, and get some of the butterflies out of my system.
Coach had a lot of information to go over with us, and standing around in the cold wasn't any fun, again, thankful to my previous training experience I dressed in layers and was ready to listen. Then it was finally time to get into our groups and start our ride. We were doing a 2.5 mile loop approximately 5-10 times, depending on ability level. I went 5 loops and was relieved to have bought and worn my bike shorts. I don't know if I could have dealt with sitting on a bike saddle for that length of time with out 'em. =)
With the first team bike ride going so well, I got out to join the team again today for another 10 mile bike ride. There were rolling hills on the course today, and I felt good. Let's see how the legs hold up for my birthday swim tomorrow.
So I had an extra week to anticipate my first team bike ride. Thankfully, I had some distractions, no work, and preparing for Thanksgiving to keep the nerves at bay. So on November 27th, I woke at 5:30 so that I had plenty of time to have food, and get myself to our meeting site approximately 20-25 mins away. Thankful I had gotten myself an early birthday present of a portable Garmin GPS navigation system to use for my car. I made it to our meeting spot w/ plenty of time, to attach my bike wheel, and get some of the butterflies out of my system.
Coach had a lot of information to go over with us, and standing around in the cold wasn't any fun, again, thankful to my previous training experience I dressed in layers and was ready to listen. Then it was finally time to get into our groups and start our ride. We were doing a 2.5 mile loop approximately 5-10 times, depending on ability level. I went 5 loops and was relieved to have bought and worn my bike shorts. I don't know if I could have dealt with sitting on a bike saddle for that length of time with out 'em. =)
With the first team bike ride going so well, I got out to join the team again today for another 10 mile bike ride. There were rolling hills on the course today, and I felt good. Let's see how the legs hold up for my birthday swim tomorrow.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Getting into the Swing of Things
This was the first full week of coached and uncoached training sessions. It was long and emotional. Monday the team had our first coached swim session. It started at 7:00pm in a community pool in LaJolla, which means it didn't make sense for me to come all the way home from work before going, considering work is the half way point (note to self: need to seriously look into moving closer to work). So I stayed late at work, and made my way to the pool. Up until Monday, I was feeling pretty good about this whole Triathalon training, but by Monday, I was pretty nervous, and unsure of what I had gotten myself into. I haven't swam for true exercise or purpose since I had instructional swim while in summer camp as a kid. I began to seriously question my ability to do it. But while I was sharing my nerves with one of my co-workers, I said, "no one asks to be uncomfortable when going through chemo, or they're not scared of what will happen when they are diagnosed with cancer, especially kids." It put my fears into perspective, and got me a bit more prepared for the swim. I however, was still nervous as HELL. I couldn't help it, but I didn't let my fears get the best of me. There's approximately 100 people on the tri team at this moment, (that's including support staff) and the coach asked if there were any beginners out there. Knowing that my endurance sucks, and that I was nervous, I raised my hand with approximately 20 other people. I was relived to see the other hands. The coach then separated us when it was time to get into the water. He gave us pointers, on form, position, and a few other things, and then had us get in the water. Coach continued to give us pointers as we were in the water, and I have to say, by using the pointers the coach gave, I felt a difference in my swim from when we started and when we finished. I believe being a beginner gave me the confidence boost I need to be successful right now. I also forgot how much I enjoy being in the water.
On to our first coached run session. That was Tuesday night, thankfully, not as late as our swim, but late enough that again it didn't pay for me to go home from work first. I got to the track for our pace assessment. We were going to run a mile at our fastest and then Coach is going to devise a training plan for us to do our best 10K distance. Coach had us do a mile warm up, with some breaks for stretching, and lecturing. I took my time on the warm ups. I was paranoid that my shins were going to act up, since they hurt like crazy from the run we did on Saturday. So slow like a turtle I went, and surprisingly no shin pain! I kept anticipating the pain as I did each warm up lap. But it never showed up. I was relived again, and I just figured as I ran faster for the assessment, it would show up. Well, I started somewhat slow, again with a crazy amount of people at varying running speeds, it wasn't so easy to get out of the starting gate fast. I also conciously made myself go slow, I knew I had 4 laps to complete and my goal was not to walk to much. So I completed the first lap, and I didn't walk. There were 2 other people who I was pitting myself against. I would pass one, and then another and then one of them would pass me, and on it went, for laps, 1, 2 and 3. I think I had my first walk break towards the end of lap 2, but since I was so close to the start/end I kept it short. I then hit lap three and breathing was becoming difficult for me, so I took more walk breaks, but tried to keep them short. By lap 4, forget it. I couldnt' breath, but kept my arms up and swinging, and tried to speed walk. I think my speed walking is as fast as my running is at this point. But I kept telling myself, keep one foot in front of the other. So I did. and I finished my one mile in a little over 11 mins. At first I was shocked and relived. I wasn't the last one to cross the finish line. Then I was proud of myself for the time I finished in. Then.....I....got.....mad..."how could you walk so much?....If you didn't walk you would have finished faster....etc....etc..." I couldn't believe how fast I was able to take away any and all pride I had in myself. I seriously would have kicked my own butt if my legs weren't so darn tired. But I did make myself stop, and remember that I wasn't last, and I was proud of my time. I still have moments where I begin to beat myself up over my walking breaks, but how much faster I could have gone. But then I remind myself, it can only get better.
Wow! this is long, so I wont bore you with the rest of the long details, plus these two events were the most news worth anyway.
I'm off to prepare myself for my first team bike session (weather permitting) tomorrow. Can't wait to share how that goes with you.
Thanks again for the support and don't forget to make a donation if you can. I still have a ways to go until I hit my fundraising goal!
http://pages.teamintraining.org/sd/sealtri11/stunick
On to our first coached run session. That was Tuesday night, thankfully, not as late as our swim, but late enough that again it didn't pay for me to go home from work first. I got to the track for our pace assessment. We were going to run a mile at our fastest and then Coach is going to devise a training plan for us to do our best 10K distance. Coach had us do a mile warm up, with some breaks for stretching, and lecturing. I took my time on the warm ups. I was paranoid that my shins were going to act up, since they hurt like crazy from the run we did on Saturday. So slow like a turtle I went, and surprisingly no shin pain! I kept anticipating the pain as I did each warm up lap. But it never showed up. I was relived again, and I just figured as I ran faster for the assessment, it would show up. Well, I started somewhat slow, again with a crazy amount of people at varying running speeds, it wasn't so easy to get out of the starting gate fast. I also conciously made myself go slow, I knew I had 4 laps to complete and my goal was not to walk to much. So I completed the first lap, and I didn't walk. There were 2 other people who I was pitting myself against. I would pass one, and then another and then one of them would pass me, and on it went, for laps, 1, 2 and 3. I think I had my first walk break towards the end of lap 2, but since I was so close to the start/end I kept it short. I then hit lap three and breathing was becoming difficult for me, so I took more walk breaks, but tried to keep them short. By lap 4, forget it. I couldnt' breath, but kept my arms up and swinging, and tried to speed walk. I think my speed walking is as fast as my running is at this point. But I kept telling myself, keep one foot in front of the other. So I did. and I finished my one mile in a little over 11 mins. At first I was shocked and relived. I wasn't the last one to cross the finish line. Then I was proud of myself for the time I finished in. Then.....I....got.....mad..."how could you walk so much?....If you didn't walk you would have finished faster....etc....etc..." I couldn't believe how fast I was able to take away any and all pride I had in myself. I seriously would have kicked my own butt if my legs weren't so darn tired. But I did make myself stop, and remember that I wasn't last, and I was proud of my time. I still have moments where I begin to beat myself up over my walking breaks, but how much faster I could have gone. But then I remind myself, it can only get better.
Wow! this is long, so I wont bore you with the rest of the long details, plus these two events were the most news worth anyway.
I'm off to prepare myself for my first team bike session (weather permitting) tomorrow. Can't wait to share how that goes with you.
Thanks again for the support and don't forget to make a donation if you can. I still have a ways to go until I hit my fundraising goal!
http://pages.teamintraining.org/sd/sealtri11/stunick
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Training Session 1 and Expo
Today I went to my first team training session. I've been directionally challenged lately, and I didn't want to be late, so I gave myself an hour to go 30 mins.And guess what?! I made it with plenty of time and didn't get lost at all. I signed in, got my picture taken, received my nice florescent green swim cap, and started mingling. Not surprising, I met some really nice people, some who actually live near me (I see carpooling in my future) a few that share my name, (but they still don't know how to spell it correctly), and someone who lived in CT for a few years for work. It's nice to have met people who I have some basic commonality with, to help build up relationships with.
After spending 2.5 hours going over important information about what we are getting ourselves into, and what we need to know about each sport we will be participating in for our triathalons. we set out on our first full team training run. The coaches split us up depending on the distance we wanted to run. The lowest mileage was 2 miles, while the highest was 8 miles. It had gotten a bit warm, but then again it's San Diego, so even though it felt warm, it was so nice to run. I ended up running with a woman from the team (who surprisingly I 've forgetten her name already) and we chatted and compared notes. as everyone knows whose reading this blog, it's nice to spend your training time with others, it helps it to go faster.
I've also volunteered to help organize a team fundraiser with the team captain. We will be doing a Jail N Bail fundraiser. So I'm off to go try and get donations for us to use.
After spending 2.5 hours going over important information about what we are getting ourselves into, and what we need to know about each sport we will be participating in for our triathalons. we set out on our first full team training run. The coaches split us up depending on the distance we wanted to run. The lowest mileage was 2 miles, while the highest was 8 miles. It had gotten a bit warm, but then again it's San Diego, so even though it felt warm, it was so nice to run. I ended up running with a woman from the team (who surprisingly I 've forgetten her name already) and we chatted and compared notes. as everyone knows whose reading this blog, it's nice to spend your training time with others, it helps it to go faster.
I've also volunteered to help organize a team fundraiser with the team captain. We will be doing a Jail N Bail fundraiser. So I'm off to go try and get donations for us to use.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Trying not to compare
I went to my second event for the San Diego/HI triathalon team last night. They had kick off last night. It was different to be at kickoff during the week. I'm so used to waking up early on a Saturday to go to a large school gym with hundreds of my closest "friends". Instead there was a small group of us from the marathon, cycle and tri teams, and maybe 3 vendors sharing their expertise and giving out some coupons.
The small size was the biggest difference I found. I guess I can get past that, especially since I found the people were the same, and that's really all that matters.
To top off kick off, I received an email at work today regarding my honored teammate Raul....
Raul's father called one of our co-workers who wrote... Mom and Dad "went to a meeting with Raul’s team of doctors yesterday to get the results of the imaging tests that were performed on Raul. They were told that all the tumors in his abdomen, neck and cheeks are all gone. He had a great response to the chemo and they are so HAPPY!"
The small size was the biggest difference I found. I guess I can get past that, especially since I found the people were the same, and that's really all that matters.
To top off kick off, I received an email at work today regarding my honored teammate Raul....
Raul's father called one of our co-workers who wrote... Mom and Dad "went to a meeting with Raul’s team of doctors yesterday to get the results of the imaging tests that were performed on Raul. They were told that all the tumors in his abdomen, neck and cheeks are all gone. He had a great response to the chemo and they are so HAPPY!"
Friday, October 15, 2010
First Blog Post
Hi and welcome to my blog. This is going to be my place to share my experiences as I train for my first Triathalon. I will be completing the Superseal Tri in March 2011. I will be training with an amazing organization called Team in Training (TNT). It is the number 1 endurance training program in the US. The money that is raised goes back to the Leukemia and Lymphomia Society (LLS). Although this is my first Triathalon, this is not my first time being a volunteer athelete with the Team.
I started my journey with the Team back in May 2006, when I signed up to complete marathon. Yes, that's right, I decided that I wanted to run 26.2 miles. So I spent the next 5 months training with an amazing group of people, who all had different reasons for joining TNT. Regardless, these people and myself helped to raise money to find a cure for blood cancers. I then decided to return to the team for the next 4 years, and was not only a participant, but a mentor, and captain for the team. I met some of the most amazing people, who have now become my friends and are continuing to support me and inspire me.
I then took a year away from the team in order to adjust to my new surroundings and new job. While adjusting two families were dealing and struggling with the effects of cancer on a daily basis, and I realized that I needed to get outside of my comfort zone, and do something that is bigger than myself. So I rejoined TNT, to raise money to help find a cure.
I plan on dedicating a post to the 2 boys that have inspired me to do this at a later date.
Thank you for supporting me, inspiring me.
I started my journey with the Team back in May 2006, when I signed up to complete marathon. Yes, that's right, I decided that I wanted to run 26.2 miles. So I spent the next 5 months training with an amazing group of people, who all had different reasons for joining TNT. Regardless, these people and myself helped to raise money to find a cure for blood cancers. I then decided to return to the team for the next 4 years, and was not only a participant, but a mentor, and captain for the team. I met some of the most amazing people, who have now become my friends and are continuing to support me and inspire me.
I then took a year away from the team in order to adjust to my new surroundings and new job. While adjusting two families were dealing and struggling with the effects of cancer on a daily basis, and I realized that I needed to get outside of my comfort zone, and do something that is bigger than myself. So I rejoined TNT, to raise money to help find a cure.
I plan on dedicating a post to the 2 boys that have inspired me to do this at a later date.
Thank you for supporting me, inspiring me.
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