R- Week 2 Day 3

I couldn't ride for the 60 minutes I was supposed to ride yesterday.  Instead, I spent the afternoon at UVU watching a Division I wrestling team practice!  It was AWESOME!  Those guys are quality, quality athletes!  It was fun to reminisce about the good old days.  I'd LOVE to be in shape again like those guys.  Wow! 

The swim went well this morning.  After the warm up I did a 2x500.  The first 500 was 8:05 and the second I really pushed it.  Finished it in 7:40ish.  I really am getting my confidence back in the pool.  Had to swim next to rocket man again.  I swear he laps me every second or third lap.  Stinkin' fish!  Haha!

R-Day 8 

Today is supposed to be a half hour run followed by an hour bike ride.  I woke up again at 4:45 and headed over to the gym to get the run in.  Wow!  That was hard!  I ran at a 6.0 and could only hold that for 10 minutes before I had to walk!  I kept thinking to myself, "What is GOING ON?"  Then it dawned on me.  I hadn't eaten after my workout yesterday and a half of banana wasn't cuttin' it this morning.  So I walked the second half of the thirty minute "run".  It wasn't what I was hoping for but I'll live to run/ride/swim again!  Today is gonna be hard to get the ride in.  I will be in Orem this afternoon observing a NCAA Division I wrestling practice to get some ideas for the upcoming wrestling season.  It oughta be a lot of fun!

Just finished the forty minute run scheduled for today.  I decided to push it on the first 5k and did that in 23:04 then walked for 3-4 minutes.  Just casually ran the remainder of the time at a nice easy pace!  Was good to get it in.  I need to drink MORE WATER!!!

Creativity and Flexibility

   As I looked over this week's workout schedule and our family's schedule I said, "Yikes!"  Creativity and flexibility is a must to get through.  We've got pumpkin carving on Monday, Ward Trunk-or-Treat on Tuesday, Halloween on Wednesday, and a Piano Recital on Thursday.  Phew!

    Yesterday, Travis and I came down with some stomach bug and were not feeling great at all.  Regardless, I got up and met my running partner for a 49-minute 5.6 mile run this morning.  The rest of the day, I've felt awful and haven't been able to function well.  Travis stayed home from work and we were sick together.  Therefore, I'm gonna have to switch my swim workout scheduled for today to Wednesday night.  We're going to take the kids swimming instead of trick-or-treating! :)  I know some parents will think we're mean, but we are doing the ward trunk-or-treat the night before where they get a TON of candy, so I think we're good.  One year we took them to a movie on Halloween night......best movie night ever!  There was no one else in the theater!  Anyway, this sickness better pass soon, because I have spin class in the morning!

R- Week 2 Day 1

I had a great workout in the pool this morning.  I REALLY enjoy swimming.  I'm getting to the point where I can zone out a bit and just enjoy thinking while I'm swimming.  Lately, I've been really working on stretching out my stroke and keeping high elbows so my stroke entry is correct.  I've also been working on a one kick per stroke method which is supposed to help keep the legs fresh for the bike and run.  We'll see how that pans out!  This evening I'm gonna have to find some time to run.  Sounds like I'm going to swim in the kiddie pool with the kids while Camilla gets her workout and then we'll switch and I'll get my run in.  Sounds like fun, right?

Finally.....a Real Bike Ride!

Check out my new wheels!!  :)  Got me a Fuji Pro SL-1 and am so excited!

Look what else I got!  Clipless pedals!  Woot!

   I convinced Dad to come down and ride with me on my 90-minute workout.  Thankfully, the weather cooperated and we were able to get out and have a really enjoyable ride.  I was nervous about the clipless pedals and thought I was going to crash for sure.  Happily, I really enjoyed them!  I was surprised and pleased by the difference in how much more power I could get.
     At the turnaround point, I noticed something stuck in my front tire......yep, it was a sticker!  We discussed what to do and Dad said to leave it in and just keep riding.  That's when we noticed another sticker in my back tire and that tire was completely flat.  Ugh!  Good thing Dad was there to help!  So after my first 20 min. ride, the front tire went flat and then after my second ride, the back tire went flat.  Geez!  Cheap-o tires come from the factory, I guess.
    All in all, it was a really pleasant ride along a nice trail that didn't have too many roads to cross.  The weather was sunny and cool and we had a great time.  The bike felt light and fast and almost like it rode itself.  I'm looking forward to next week's ride!

R-Day 6  

So my sister and her family came to visit from Alaska yesterday and will be staying through Monday morning.  THUS I didn't get my bike workout in yesterday.  I'm improvising.  Camilla, Dawnette and I went to the spin bike room at the Sports Academy and worked out for an hour.  I'll get on the trainer tonight and ride for another 1.25 hours while watching the Ironman Kona special on NBC.  That'll get me the time I'm supposed to ride.  I was a little frustrated that I couldn't make time in my day yesterday, but I have to remember to keep priorities straight.  Glad it's the weekend!!!

Bike Trainer Novice

Jumped in the pool at 5:15 this morning and was greeted by a Master's Swim Club.  There was a coach there and a bunch of mostly men doing the same swim workout.  Apparently, a bunch of them are training for the St. George or Bear Lake Half Ironman races and they workout together MWF from 5-6am.  I chatted with the coach and the athletes for a while and they invited me to join them.  I'm tempted because I like working out with others.  But I'm nervous because I like to follow a program to the T.  So we'll see.......  The coach said in January they start heavy training for triathlons.

After showering and returning home, I had to get ready to teach a piano lesson so did my hair and makeup.  Student didn't show up, and then I faced the bike trainer.  I've never ridden one so I was a little nervous.  I put my old road bike on the trainer and switched out the pedals (all by myself, might I add!), then hopped on.  Here is my getto set-up in the basement.

And here is me riding on the trainer (Mason took the picture).  Notice I am smiling.......that is because I haven't started my workout!

Riding on a trainer was easier for me than the old exercise bike we used to have.  However, it was still hard and I had to push to get through it.  At minute 12, I  had to go find Ragen who had disappeared outside.  Minute 20, she needed to go potty.  Minute 35, Mason started pushing on the brakes for me.  Minute 42, Mason and Ragen kept asking if I was done yet.  I'll admit, I kept asking myself that question!  But I did it and can now say I've ridden on a trainer.  I was surprised how hard of a workout it was as I was sweating profusely and then I had to shower again!  Not sure I like this shower twice a day thing.  I'm excited to get better at biking, though!

R- Day 5

Good MORNING!!!!  Wow, 4:45 comes really early!  If I immediately get out of bed and start moving, it isn't so bad!  Got to the gym right as they were unlocking the doors.  Went in and wasted no time getting started.  They're keeping the pool quite warm which has its advantages and disadvantages.  Regardless, today was a speed day.  WU: 1x400 with last 25 of each 100 kicking.  MAIN:  8x100 easy 25, build 25, easy 25, hard 25.  I was able to maintain each 100 at between 1:20 and 1:30.  Rested 30 second between each and hit the next one.  Cool down: 6x50 (oops!)  It was supposed to be 6x25.  Meh.  This afternoon I have a 45 minute ride!  This week has felt pretty good overall.  My body is a little tired, but better than this time last year.  

R- Day 4  I had to be creative with my scheduling to get the workout done today!  The kids had an orchestra concert this evening at 7pm and I was supposed to be at my school until 5 so I broke away a little early and had a mid-afternoon workout.  I knew that if I waited until after the concert I would talk myself out of getting to the gym.  All day today I have been limping around because of a left hip/groin issue.  Took some  Ibuprofen and stretched really good.  That seemed to help quite a bit.  Within five minutes of being on the treadmill I was feeling ok.  It's amazing how quickly you get out of shape when you don't train consistently!  I  had another one of those workouts where I had to will myself to the finish. One hour on the treadmill=7 miles.  I'm going to bed.  Five comes early and I need to be in the pool!

C First Swim Workout!

Aaaahhhh......I LOVE swimming!!  Is there anything better than the silence of slicing through the water with controlled deep breaths and nothing but your thoughts?  I did the full workout, although it was probably pretty slow.

Real life got in the way a bit this morning proving difficult to get up and get to the workout.  Alayna was throwing up until late last night which made the alarm (who was actually Ragen coming in) at 4:30am difficult to experience.  Then as I walked outside I was greeted by this:

It was still snowing hard and I knew the drive to the Clearfield Aquatic Center would be slow.  So I jumped in my van only to discover this:

A flat tire?  Really?  Man, this day was getting worse and worse.  By now, I knew I had very little time so I took Travis's car, made my way to the pool, and then spent a good 15-20 minutes at the registration desk signing up for a family pass.  Had to get my picture taken, a card made, etc.  Took forever!  I finally got in the pool, did the full workout, and made Travis late for work. :(  Sorry, babe!

And now I need a nap.  My body is starting to wear down.  It was sure fun to swim, though!  I'm looking forward to swimming again tomorrow!  Love the burn in my arms. :)

C Day 3

I swapped day 3 and 4 to coincide with my running partner's schedule.  She was nervous about the weather and told me the night before she might wimp out on me.  However, she was a trooper and we both braved the snow and cold to get our run in.  Brrrr.......it was cold that first mile, but then we settled into a rhythm and kept going.  The wind was blowing and it was snowing lightly, but we still enjoyed our run.  She did 5.5 with me like normal, then I did another mile after dropping her off.  60 minutes.....6.5 miles.  Felt great!  My legs are feeling the burn, though and I'm excited for a swim workout tomorrow......it'll be a nice break for my legs. :)

Q.O.D.--- Posted this quote of the day in my classroom yesterday.  Thought it'd be appropriate to share here as well.   "You can control two things in this life:  your attitude and your effort."-- Andy Potts (Professional Triathlete)

 R DAY 3----  I'm glad it is just a swim day.  I have grown to love being in the pool!  I get a wonderful workout, but I don't hurt after!  Today went well.  Yes, I was next to the torpedo and his mother again.  That's ok.  It pushes me to try a little harder.  Warm up felt great.  On the 3x400 I really tried to follow the recommended effort levels for each.  On the third set I really pushed myself to see what kind of time I could get.  I touched the wall at the end of 400 yards in 6:05.  I'll take it!  Time to have a incredible day!  Life is good!

C Day Two - Much Better than Day One

Day Two.......Biking.......

    I didn't sleep much last night.  I had too much nervous energy in anticipation of my first spinning class.  Alarm went off at 4:30 am.  Ate my oatmeal and headed to the gym for spin class.  I had really high hopes that this spin class would be the motivation and help I need to get over my biking mental block.  I'm thrilled to say that it was EXACTLY what I needed and AWESOME!!
    I almost had a one-on-one session with the instructor as there was only one other spinner there.  The instructor took a lot of time with me explaining how the bikes worked, fitting it to me, and giving me tips on spinning.  Spin bikes are a bit different from regular bikes in that the pedals are hooked to a big disc wheel and you can't stop pedaling if the wheel is spinning.  Needless to say, I forgot this tidbit of info a few times and received an uncomfortable jolt in my legs.  The workout for today was HILLS!  My initial thought was, "Oh, great."  Then I thought, "Bring it on!"  I was amazed at how hard yet satisfying the workout was.  I was sweating like crazy, quads were burning, but I liked it!  I actually liked it!  It was great to have a bunch of different activities to do and I learned a lot about rpms and cadences.  I'm looking forward to my next one!

   Running was saved for the evening.  I jumped on the treadmill thinking it would be no big deal to run for 30 minutes.  Boy, was I wrong!  I really struggled during that run and wanted to stop every minute.  It took incredible mental toughness to keep going.  I only set it at 6.5 which is slower than what I normally run outside.  I don't know how you do it, Ryan!!  Treadmills are the worst!

C Day One

I'm a little slow in posting.......Day One went great for the first half.  Got up early (5:00am) to run with my running partner.  We've been running together for about a month and run 5.5 miles at a 8:45 pace.  This morning was no different, although we were both a little slower, running a 9:00 pace.  She's great and keeps me going.  We have a blast and talk the entire time about kids and family.  This morning we discussed teaching kids about money and finances.

My plan was to take the whole family swimming in the evening for the second half of my workout.  However, we hosted a farewell dinner for some good friends who are moving to Belgium in a few weeks and the dinner went long.  So I didn't get my swim in. :(  The kids were pretty disappointed, too.

Day two was a success!  I didn't do anything this morning as I wanted this workout to be a true brick workout.  The bike was tough.  My legs felt lethargic and my attitude was lacking, but I got through it.  Spinning while looking at a wall is pretty freakin' boring!  Got off the bike and went downstairs (Sports Academy in Logan) and got on the treadmill to run.  At first I felt like I wasn't even going to be able to run the full thirty minutes.  I felt terrible!  I had to set the treadmill to 6.0 (10 minute/mile pace) until I was able to ease into a rhythm.  After about five minutes I was able to drop it to an 8:30 pace and for mile number three I pushed myself to run it in 7:20ish.  The final five to six minutes were cool down numbers.  I feel really good about this run!  Not my fastest 5k but solid right after an hour on the bike.  Off to bed.  The swim comes really early tomorrow.  It is a swim, right?  Keep on pushing!!!  Day two---DONE!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ah9nz4AaouDtdE5LRkhhZm1jTm1mNXpjaFJTNHdzTXc#gid=0

The link to a spreadsheet that I'll be using to track my progress.  It's always fun to go back and see how I'm doing in comparison to previous weeks.  I created a space for you to put your workouts in as well, Camilla.

ry

Day One!

Well, half of day one is in the books!  My alarm woke me up at 4:45 this morning!  I jumped out of bed and headed over to the Sports Academy for a nice long session in the pool!  I was feeling pretty optimistic about everything until I saw Sean O'very and his mother jump in the lane next to me.  Sean is a senior at Mountain Crest High School and won the overall title in every sprint and olympic triathlon he entered this year.  Needless to say,  I spent the morning getting lapped over and over and over again.  Nothing like a big piece of humble pie first thing in the morning!  The nice part about this experience is that the old me would have been devastated at how out of shape and pathetic I had become.  This morning I was completely motivated by how fast that kid was!  I couldn't help but think maybe I had a little improvement left in me!

I didn't have time to get out of the pool, dry off, and hit the road so this evening I'll get the 40 minute easy run in!  I'm so freaking excited to get this training program underway!  We're gonna kill it in June, Camilla!  Woohoo!!!!!!

Overlooking Pineview Reservoir on a mountain biking ride over the Fall Break weekend!  What a fun ride!

Ok, I finished my workout.  I went back to the Sports Academy this evening while MaKayla was at tumbling and got my run in.  I did the forty minutes and ran 4.7 miles.  That's an 8:30 average pace.  I felt fairly comfortable while running, but it wasn't as easy a pace as the plan suggested.  I REALLY struggle to go easy.  Can't seem to bring myself to do that.  Don't know why.

Inspirational Email

Some excerpts from the email Ryan sent me......Thanks, Ryan!!

#1  June 8 (June 9 last year) will be one of the most, if not THE most
fulfilling days (from an athletic perspective) of your life!  When you
finish, you will feel like you can conquer the world.  Focus on the
FINISH, not on the beginning of that day.

#2  You have SO SO SO much support!  Remember though, they aren't
depending on you to get this done.  You are still as valuable to them
without the title.  This is just something they see as an AWESOME
accomplishment, not something that defines you as a better mom, wife, or
sister-in-law.

#3  You already HAVE the athletic base you need to make this happen.
PERIOD!  When I competed last year, I was absolutely AMAZED at the
different body styles, fitness levels, ages, etc... I'm not kidding when I
say you are probably in the top 10-15% of the people who will be racing
that day regarding fitness level.  So you have the base, now build on
it...

#4  ...which brings me to this point.  Big goals are achieved by taking
little steps to get there.  Let's put together a plan and stick to it
(with some flexibility obviously).  Trust that your plan will have you
prepared.  We make the mistake of being overly worried about some future
challenge because we compare that challenge to our current fitness level
and preparation.  YOU ARE NOT READY for the Boise Half today, but you will
be if you simply follow your plan! It IS that simple. In the meantime,
enjoy the journey.  Let's track our progress and celebrate milestones!
Let's get registered for the winter racing series and use those as
mini-goals!

#5  Listen to your body.  If you hurt, stop.  If you feel good, push it.
Don't let your competitiveness overshadow common sense.  You already know
this.  Just thought I'd say it anyway!

#6  It's nice to have someone to talk to about your worries and concerns
as well as your successes!  As I've chatted here and there with Travis,
I've grown to sincerely respect him.  He is your #1 support on this
journey.  Lean on him a little if you aren't already!  I'm sure he LOVES
hearing you talk about your progress.  I'd love to do a shared blog with
you that we can encourage the family to read as well!  Think about that
and whether or not you'd be interested in that!

#7  YOU, my sister-in-law, CAN DO THIS!  LET'S RIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Th

Initial Thoughts

Well, I said “Yes”……..again……..not sure why…….but I did.  Ryan must have some pretty persuasive powers because I just officially registered for the Boise Half Ironman. 

 The last three weeks have been up and down for me mentally.  After telling Ryan I was in for the race, I experienced a short period of excitement followed by a long period of overwhelming dread.  I felt as though this race was my impending doom.  I went through two weeks of having no desire to exercise, eating a bunch of junk, and, yes, even crying about it.  I appealed to Ryan for help, and he sent me a long email with some powerful words of motivation.  That email will serve as motivation for me throughout this process.

I realize that many people look at me and think, “Oh, that’ll be easy for her.”  But I’m here to tell you that this race feels almost insurmountable to me.  I have some pretty significant physical and mental challenges to overcome to be able to compete:

1. I hate swimming in cold water.  Ok, let’s be honest…..I hate being cold, period. Last year’s race was in rainy weather and water that was only about 50 degrees.   This past winter, I did conquer running outside in the bitter cold as I trained for a half marathon, though.  So maybe there is hope of conquering the cold swimming as well……then again, maybe not…….we’ll see.  It will be a while before I have to face that challenge, though as all my swim workouts will be in an indoor pool until summer.

2. I am a weak biker.  Not just a weak biker physically, but mentally as well.  When I am on the bike and my quads are screaming at me to stop, I give in.  In my mind, I start scolding myself for getting into these things where a bike is involved.  Don’t misunderstand me, I love doing triathlons……..I just hate the bike portion.  However, if I can conquer this biking thing, I will be able to significantly improve my standings as I am a strong runner and swimmer.  Spinning class, here I come!

3. I have heart problems.  During my training for the half marathon, as I started running longer and longer miles, my heart problem occurred more and more often.   For those who don’t know, one of my electrical nodes that controls the tempo (the word is rate, but I couldn’t think of it at the time and my piano terminology took over) of my heart misfires which causes my heart rate to rapidly increase to above 220 bpm.  Initially, I was concerned and annoyed that it was happening more frequently.   To control the rapid heart rate, I have to stop all activity, sit down, and wait for the heart to return to normal.  It typically happens with one hard beat, nothing, and then it resumes a regular heart rate.  In the past, I have been in a place where I could stop all activity and then just walk home.  However, while on a long run, I was six miles out when it occurred and walking home would take too long.  So I was happy to find out that after stopping and controlling the problem, I was able to resume running (at a slower pace) and finished the training session with no more episodes.  If you’re wondering, yes, I’ve been to a cardiologist and, yes, we have run numerous tests.  The problem has been catching and recording an episode on one of their special monitors.  Maybe all this training will give me the opportunity to actually record an episode.  The cardiologist has assured me it is a quick fix with surgery to sever the electrical impulse that is causing the problem.  We just have to know which one is misfiring.  One of my biggest fears is that it will occur during a race.  Previously, it has threatened to misfire, but has never happened on race day.  Hopefully that trend will continue.

4. I am competitive.  When it comes to athletics and racing, I have to be at my best every time or I am disappointed.  I tasted some victory this past racing season and now hunger for more.  I won’t be satisfied to just finish this Half Ironman, I want to finish well……like in the top 30%.  I don’t know if this competitive spirit will be an asset or a liability as I prepare.  And I have to beat Ryan in the run! J

        5. I am worried about the time commitment.  Thus far, I have spent 30-45 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week exercising.  Preparation for the Half Ironman will require 60-120 minutes a day, 6 days a week.  This will be a significant challenge for me as I am raising five children, working two days a week in a real estate office, and teaching a thriving piano business of over 20 students.  I already feel as though I have no time for anything else.  

Let's Do This!!