Besides doing pilates on the reformer (with my daughter agian!) today, I did a short swimming workout. I would have done 30+ minutes, but my daughter really wanted to play. So, I asked her to let me have 20 minutes to swim laps and then we'd play. After doing the reformer today, do you know what she 'played'? Aqua Yoga! It was a pretty good workout, too!
Anyway, I found a 'new' site called "trinewbies" and have been reading over it the past 2 days. I wanted to find new drills to improve my swimming. This site has 4 drills and says you might work on one at a time, so that's what I did! Tonight, I started with the "thumb to thigh" drill. www.trinewbies.com/tno_s
wim/tno_swimarticle_13.asp Basically, this drill helps you to make sure you are pulling the maximum amount of water by keeping your hand underwater until your thumb grazes your thigh! (You can read more on the site.)
So, tonight's swim workout was as follows:
20 x 25 yards of "thumb to thigh" with fins w/4 breaths between 25s
100 yards freestyle w/o fins
100 yards freestyle with paddles
100 yards freestyle w/o fins...FAST!
Oh! My coach had suggested I use the paddles to develop arm strength. And, the lady at the pool store warned me to be careful with me...you can hurt your shoulders! So, I decided just to do the 100, and WOW!!! you can certainly feel the difference! I swam it SLOW!
I'm a little uncertain about what I'll do tomorrow. Hubby is out of town so I can't wake up & run or bike. And, it's my dd's last day of summer! I might either swim in our pool in the morning or do a Jillian Michael's DVD or something off of NetFlix. Or, I might see if my dd wants to go for a run or bike ride in the morning, though it'll be pretty slow.
On Thursday I have my first 'real' HILL workout! And, I need to do Strength Training. On Friday I plan on SPINning! Then, Saturday is my long run...7 miles. And, I'll probably bike Sunday morning and take Monday off. We'll see, though! But, that's the general plan for now.
With my 5K, 3 half marathons, and sprint triathlon coming up, my basic plan is to: run 3x, swim 2x, bike 2x (1 on the road & 1 spinning), pilates 1x, other strength training 1x. That's 9 workouts, but with my dd in school I should have time! At least until my volunteer 'job' starts in less than a month!
Showing posts with label swimming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swimming. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Changing up the runs is FUN!
Today my coach had me do a different kind of run. I warmed up for a mile (as always!) and then did the following. 1 min at 12:45 pace, 1 min at 11:45 pace, 1 min at 10:45 pace, and 1 min at 9:45 pace. Then, I was allowed a recovery minute (I slowly jogged the first time but walked the others) and then I started it all again! I did this 4 times. Then, I ran a little longer and ended up doing 3.4 miles.
First of all, my Garmin isn't quite sensitive enough to tell me immediately what my pace is...it often takes half a minute for it to figure it out! So, it was basically impossible to do these paces correctly. (It'd been better to do on a treadmill.) I actually just kept bumping up the pace every minute...and ended up at about 9:00 instead of 9:45.
Anyway, I'm really enjoying all of these different kinds of runs! It's fun to watch my watch and try different speeds. I don't know how to explain it, but it is so much better than just running 'x' miles or 'x' minutes every time!
Hope you are having a great start to your week! I guess I'll be hitting the pool in the morning. Not my favorite thing, but I found a new drill I'm going to work on. Hopefully, it'll help!
First of all, my Garmin isn't quite sensitive enough to tell me immediately what my pace is...it often takes half a minute for it to figure it out! So, it was basically impossible to do these paces correctly. (It'd been better to do on a treadmill.) I actually just kept bumping up the pace every minute...and ended up at about 9:00 instead of 9:45.
Anyway, I'm really enjoying all of these different kinds of runs! It's fun to watch my watch and try different speeds. I don't know how to explain it, but it is so much better than just running 'x' miles or 'x' minutes every time!
Hope you are having a great start to your week! I guess I'll be hitting the pool in the morning. Not my favorite thing, but I found a new drill I'm going to work on. Hopefully, it'll help!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
I'm a triathlete who is dreading swimming!
Dreading laps, that is. I have not swam laps since my 2nd sprint tri which was May 10th, I believe. I wasn't sure I ever wanted to do another tri. I was scared during the open water swim. And, swimming laps sounds like drudgery right now. And, I feel like my form isn't so great, so why keep practicing with poor form?
So, why am I headed out to swim laps this morning?
#1...because it's good for me! I had a REALLY hard run yesterday, and my legs need a rest.I also have a tough run coming up tomorrow. I'd rather go do a couple of classes, but it'd be better for my body to SWIM! (No impact, works entire body, gives legs some rest.) So, I've made the TOUGH choice & decided to go for it.
#2...because I DO want to do a triathlon again next spring and I need to get over this fear!
I'll let you know how it goes!!! And, I do plan on joining some kind of weekly group this fall. I just haven't quite figured out the specifics!
Here I go...
So, why am I headed out to swim laps this morning?
#1...because it's good for me! I had a REALLY hard run yesterday, and my legs need a rest.I also have a tough run coming up tomorrow. I'd rather go do a couple of classes, but it'd be better for my body to SWIM! (No impact, works entire body, gives legs some rest.) So, I've made the TOUGH choice & decided to go for it.
#2...because I DO want to do a triathlon again next spring and I need to get over this fear!
I'll let you know how it goes!!! And, I do plan on joining some kind of weekly group this fall. I just haven't quite figured out the specifics!
Here I go...
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Interval Running & Pilates
I REALLY doubted my ability to do the interval run my coach assigned me for today. I was to warmup for a mile then do an 11:00 pace for 2 mins followed by an 10:00 pace for 2 mins. I was to repeat this 6 times. Then, finish up 'easy' for a total of 4 miles. For the middle part, that would be averaging 10:30 miles for over 2 miles. My fastest 2 miler averaged almost 10:50! But, that was outside AND on hills. Still, this seemed REALLY agressive to me...and scary! But, I DID IT! YEAH!
I did walk the 1st minute, but completed the first mile in 13:00. Then, I ran the 11:00 & 10:00 for 2 mins each, 6 times. This was a HUGE mental challenge! In fact, I kept telling myself I only needed to do 3 sets, then I could walk. Then, of course, I told myself "just one more set & you can walk!" And, again...until I finished!
I actually set the treadmill at 5.5 & 6.0, so the 5.5 was a little different...I don't remember the exact number. Since that had me running for 24 mins at a 10:30 average, I actually ran closer to 2.3 miles at that pace! WOW!! If I could do my 5K at a 10:30 pace, that'd be quite a bit faster than my 'dream' pace!!! (My 'regular' goal is to hit 35 minutes and my 'dream' goal is 33!)
I walked for 1 minute after the 6 intervals, then finished up my last mile...about .7 miles. I started at about 13:00 and bumped it up a click faster at each 1/10th of a mile! Afterwards, I walked for about 3 minutes and did a long stretching session.
For the first 3.1 miles, my time was 34:50. That beats my 'old' 5K PR from last week of 36:23!!! (But, I did hang on to the treadmill probably a dozen times...never more than 10 seconds and usually only for a few.) The total 4 miles was at 45:55, which is a 11:29 pace! I'm thrilled!
I showered, got to read for about an hour while waiting for my daughter's camp to be out, ran by McDonald's and got an oatmeal, then headed to my coach's house for pilates reformer! This is my 3rd session, and we did a lot of new things! I'm really enjoying these sessions. And, my dd tried it out, too!
My coach has down 'swimming' for tomorrow, but I'm debating on that. In fact, I sent her an email asking if it was OK to do a different workout. I know it is important to rest my legs some. I have another 'big', scary run on Thursday! But, there are several classes at the & that I'd love to try...I could do a level 2 step class (love step, but I know it isn't resting my lets), "bodycombat" (martial arts, cardio-intervals), "bodyjam" (a dance type class), or "absolutely yoga" (but, I'm unsure about yoga). These would all be new to me! And, I love trying out new classes. I could also do the elliptical or something, but I prefer a group class.
I'm waiting to hear back from my coach, and will swim if she thinks that's best. I'm hoping to be cleared to try the Step or something else, though.
I did walk the 1st minute, but completed the first mile in 13:00. Then, I ran the 11:00 & 10:00 for 2 mins each, 6 times. This was a HUGE mental challenge! In fact, I kept telling myself I only needed to do 3 sets, then I could walk. Then, of course, I told myself "just one more set & you can walk!" And, again...until I finished!
I actually set the treadmill at 5.5 & 6.0, so the 5.5 was a little different...I don't remember the exact number. Since that had me running for 24 mins at a 10:30 average, I actually ran closer to 2.3 miles at that pace! WOW!! If I could do my 5K at a 10:30 pace, that'd be quite a bit faster than my 'dream' pace!!! (My 'regular' goal is to hit 35 minutes and my 'dream' goal is 33!)
I walked for 1 minute after the 6 intervals, then finished up my last mile...about .7 miles. I started at about 13:00 and bumped it up a click faster at each 1/10th of a mile! Afterwards, I walked for about 3 minutes and did a long stretching session.
For the first 3.1 miles, my time was 34:50. That beats my 'old' 5K PR from last week of 36:23!!! (But, I did hang on to the treadmill probably a dozen times...never more than 10 seconds and usually only for a few.) The total 4 miles was at 45:55, which is a 11:29 pace! I'm thrilled!
I showered, got to read for about an hour while waiting for my daughter's camp to be out, ran by McDonald's and got an oatmeal, then headed to my coach's house for pilates reformer! This is my 3rd session, and we did a lot of new things! I'm really enjoying these sessions. And, my dd tried it out, too!
My coach has down 'swimming' for tomorrow, but I'm debating on that. In fact, I sent her an email asking if it was OK to do a different workout. I know it is important to rest my legs some. I have another 'big', scary run on Thursday! But, there are several classes at the & that I'd love to try...I could do a level 2 step class (love step, but I know it isn't resting my lets), "bodycombat" (martial arts, cardio-intervals), "bodyjam" (a dance type class), or "absolutely yoga" (but, I'm unsure about yoga). These would all be new to me! And, I love trying out new classes. I could also do the elliptical or something, but I prefer a group class.
I'm waiting to hear back from my coach, and will swim if she thinks that's best. I'm hoping to be cleared to try the Step or something else, though.
Friday, July 15, 2011
My Plans & Fears
Here's an email I sent my sister-in-law today. She's now scheduled to run her first marathon in less than 90 days. She's also starting to consider an IronMan triathlon and sent me a link to a blog about 4 moms training for an IM in 2012.
Wow! I read the entire blog...pretty impressive. As far as triathlons...for me, the swimming is just plain HARD! I was fine in the pool. It gets kind of relaxing and it's so quiet when you practice. But, I do find it more 'boring' than running & swimming. And, when I did my OWS (open water swim) practice & the real tri in the lake, yikes! It is downright SCARY! I felt like I could drown, and I've never had that kind of panic before.
I guess it's just a matter of getting used to it. People actually practice OWS with others close beside you - even knocking into you on purpose. At this point, I can kind of imagine running for 26.2 miles or biking for 112, but I can NOT imagine swimming one inch farther than I already did!
Yes, I'm scared to do it again! So, my friend who has done sprint tris says I need to get back there and do it again. But, at this point, I'm saying 'why'? I don't care if I ever swim again...at least at this point in time.
I know one of the ladies on the blog said she could only doggy paddle when she started in '08, I believe. Maybe I just need to train with a real group. I'm undecided as to what I'm doing beyond the 3 half marathons I have planned for Nov-Jan. I was going to then train for the MS150 (180 miles in 2 days) in April, but I try to do most of my training on 'my' time instead of family time. But, there's just no way around it when training for those kinds of distances...I'd have to do long rides on Sats &/or Suns for about 10 weeks. So I'm undecided.
If I don't start training for MS150, I will probably join a group and start trianing for some more tris in the spring/summer. But, I'd just HAVE TO be more comfortable in the water before I do another tri with an OWS.
Oh, and I ran this morning. First time ever that I didn't eat or drink before hand - plus I didn't bring any water. Well, I paid for it! After 1st mile, I got really dizzy & lightheaded...felt faint. It happened again after 2nd mile. So, I just ended up walking the 3rd mile. Felt much better after about 5 mins, some water & a banana. Lesson learned!
Have a great day! I still plan on doing some ST or pilates today, too.
Wow! I read the entire blog...pretty impressive. As far as triathlons...for me, the swimming is just plain HARD! I was fine in the pool. It gets kind of relaxing and it's so quiet when you practice. But, I do find it more 'boring' than running & swimming. And, when I did my OWS (open water swim) practice & the real tri in the lake, yikes! It is downright SCARY! I felt like I could drown, and I've never had that kind of panic before.
I guess it's just a matter of getting used to it. People actually practice OWS with others close beside you - even knocking into you on purpose. At this point, I can kind of imagine running for 26.2 miles or biking for 112, but I can NOT imagine swimming one inch farther than I already did!
Yes, I'm scared to do it again! So, my friend who has done sprint tris says I need to get back there and do it again. But, at this point, I'm saying 'why'? I don't care if I ever swim again...at least at this point in time.
I know one of the ladies on the blog said she could only doggy paddle when she started in '08, I believe. Maybe I just need to train with a real group. I'm undecided as to what I'm doing beyond the 3 half marathons I have planned for Nov-Jan. I was going to then train for the MS150 (180 miles in 2 days) in April, but I try to do most of my training on 'my' time instead of family time. But, there's just no way around it when training for those kinds of distances...I'd have to do long rides on Sats &/or Suns for about 10 weeks. So I'm undecided.
If I don't start training for MS150, I will probably join a group and start trianing for some more tris in the spring/summer. But, I'd just HAVE TO be more comfortable in the water before I do another tri with an OWS.
Oh, and I ran this morning. First time ever that I didn't eat or drink before hand - plus I didn't bring any water. Well, I paid for it! After 1st mile, I got really dizzy & lightheaded...felt faint. It happened again after 2nd mile. So, I just ended up walking the 3rd mile. Felt much better after about 5 mins, some water & a banana. Lesson learned!
Have a great day! I still plan on doing some ST or pilates today, too.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
1st Open Water Swim Tri!!!
I did it! It has been a hard week, especially since the OWS (Open Water Swim) clinic last weekend when I had a panic attack. I've worried & worried about the OWS portion of this week's tri... and I did it!!! I also worried about coming in last in my age group. Well, I was at the BOP (back of the pack), but not quite last. And, what matters more, is that I came in a little better than my goal time. Yeah!
So, here are the details...
I woke up at 4:10 wide awake & ready to go. I got to the parking lot about 5:20 and joined my friend/personal trainer (Sara), who was doing her first triathlon, at the bike rack. I went to get my timing chip... and there was a problem. I was #707, and they did NOT have a chip for me! They called over someone in charge & she assigned me a different number & said she would go officially switch it over. (Apparently this did NOT happen as my new #1100 is listed as "unknown participant" and the time is 36 minutes off because they started that chip with the elite wave. Ugh! I'll try to fix this problem on Monday.)
We had lots of time to walk around. We had a great position on the rack - just one rack in and near the bike in/out. We walked that path a few times to make sure we knew where our bikes were racked. We also walked down to the water to look at the buoys, but they weren't up yet. Sara had several friends (she also teaches boot camp) who were there competing - either individually or in relays - so we stopped & talked with them.
As the transition area got set to close, I grabbed my banana & water (I'd already drank a protein drink) and headed towards the port-o-potties. But, as we approached them, we noticed the park bathrooms & got in line there instead. Nice!
After that little necessary trip, we headed to the water to watch the elite wave (6 athletes!) and the men start. We watched several waves (we were #10 of 15) and saw what the mass start would look like. This is an 'in water' start, but about 2/3rds of the swimmers actually got in the deep water & treaded, while the rest stayed nearer the shore where they could stand. We decided we'd be in the latter group!
(Oh... side note... I had STRUGGLED with the decision about whether or not to wear a wetsuit. They are only legal if the temp is 78 or lower. How great for us who didn't wear suits, and those who wanted to, that the water temp was 77.9!!! Legal for them and relatively 'warm' for us! No gasping & shock from the COLD like I felt even last week at 75/76!)
We moved to the start area & my husband & daughter found me! I stopped & hugged/kissed them and thanked them for coming. It was an EARLY day for a weekend!!!
I was a lot less nervous than I expected. At least until we actually got to the water & got the '3 minutes to go'. I waded in to my head and moved my arms & jumped around. I was trying to get used to the chill. It was hard to hear the speaker, but I finally realized he was counting down our last 10 seconds... and then it was time to GO!
I started swimming freestyle. It wasn't long before I was getting 'crawled over'. It's HARD swimming like this! For several minutes, I had ladies hitting my feet and it feels like they are pulling you under. It makes it hard to swim! But, I kept going. Once or twice, I gave a harder kick when I'd gotten hit several times in a row.
Finally, we were spread out enough & I was clear. I was breathing every other stroke... the entire way. That wasn't my plan, but it was all I could do! I was a LOT better at sighting the buoys than I'd been at the clinic, too. I kept going & going... it feels like a LONG time.
After awhile, the next wave caught up with me... and started climbing over me again! What a terrible feeling! I was afraid wave after wave would catch me! I was in a 'pink swimcap' group, and all I could see were yellow caps! I figured, by then, that I was the last pink swimmer. It was kind of upsetting, but I told myself to be proud... I WOULD finish!
About 100 meters from the end, I saw another pink cap near me. YEAH! I wasn't out here all alone. I pushed near the end and swam until my hand hit the ground. Then I got up, and was actually able to run a little! (Unlike the 1st tri.)
I got to my bike rack and saw Sara's bike still there. (She's also in my age group.) So, I knew I wasn't last! She came up while I was putting on my shoes. She had Lock Laces & I didn't, so she got out slightly before me.
I ran with my bike until the MOUNT line. I hopped on and struggled to pedal. It was hard to catch my breath, too. I saw Sara just up ahead. She had to pully over. I asked if she was OK... she needed to adjust her pedal. I don't wear clipless shoes & neither does she. But, she had cages & her feet weren't in them right.
She stayed behind me until about mile 7 when she passed me. I told her I'd keep her in my sight, though. And I did! My hips, especially my left, REALLY started hurting by this point. I was near tears & making faces. I tried adjusting my body and my feet, but I was in a lot of pain. Finally, at around mile 11, I thought I should just try moving faster. I did, and it worked! It relieved the pain! I was able ot pass Sara, too, and stay in front of her for the rest of the bike ride. I saw my husband & daughter near the bike finish. And, again, Sara & I finished so close together that we saw each other at transition.
I racked my bike, took off my helmet, grabbed my sunglasses & visor and 'ran' towards the run exit. I was struggling. I was thinking I could NOT run. Sara caught up with me and we walked and talked. Then we ran and couldn't talk. I could not catch my breath. We kept walking, then running, then walking. At about 1.5 miles I told her she should go out and run. I needed to walk but she looked strong. I told her I wouldn't let her out of my sight. She ran some, but we both kept running & walking. I kept her in sight and she never got too far ahead, but I just couldn't stick with her.
At about mile 2 (of 3.1) I saw 2 other ladies in our age group pass me!!! I SO wanted to run after them and catch them! I tried... I ran a little. They were slow. But, I just couldn't catch them OR Sara. At the last water station, I saw they all 3 got water & walked. So, I kept 'running.' But, it didn't do me a lot of good. I was just so tired.
At about .5 miles to go, I started talking with a male runner. All of the males go before the females start, so he was quite a bit behind. He said it'd been a hard race. I agreed! We both walked & ran some together. When I could finally see the finish line, I started to run. I wanted to walk again, but I didn't let myself. I ran through the finish!!! I did it! I finished the triathlon!!!
Here are my times:
500 meter swim 17:01 (3:24 pace...vs 2:41 at 1st tri in pool)
TT1 2:50 (vs 2:21 1st tri)
15 mile bike 58:25 (15.4 mph pace...vs 13.1 mph 1st tri, but that was hillier & very windy)
TT2 1:06 (vs 1:14 1st tri)
5K run 36:45 (vs 40:17 1st tri, but that was hillier)
Biggest news: I can't believe my 5K time. That is a PR for me!!! And, I honestly walked about 1/3rd of the time! Am I really running that much faster???
My goals were:
18 min swim (did 17:01)...yeah!
2 min TT1 (did 2:50)... further from water than figured
58 min bike (did 58:25)...a little disappointed because I thought I was riding faster
2 min TT2 (did 1:14)...actually, I should have realized this would be faster
40 min run (did 36:45)...WOW! My thought is that maybe it was short, but I'll take it!
(photo from friend's iPhone)
So, here are the details...
I woke up at 4:10 wide awake & ready to go. I got to the parking lot about 5:20 and joined my friend/personal trainer (Sara), who was doing her first triathlon, at the bike rack. I went to get my timing chip... and there was a problem. I was #707, and they did NOT have a chip for me! They called over someone in charge & she assigned me a different number & said she would go officially switch it over. (Apparently this did NOT happen as my new #1100 is listed as "unknown participant" and the time is 36 minutes off because they started that chip with the elite wave. Ugh! I'll try to fix this problem on Monday.)
We had lots of time to walk around. We had a great position on the rack - just one rack in and near the bike in/out. We walked that path a few times to make sure we knew where our bikes were racked. We also walked down to the water to look at the buoys, but they weren't up yet. Sara had several friends (she also teaches boot camp) who were there competing - either individually or in relays - so we stopped & talked with them.
As the transition area got set to close, I grabbed my banana & water (I'd already drank a protein drink) and headed towards the port-o-potties. But, as we approached them, we noticed the park bathrooms & got in line there instead. Nice!
After that little necessary trip, we headed to the water to watch the elite wave (6 athletes!) and the men start. We watched several waves (we were #10 of 15) and saw what the mass start would look like. This is an 'in water' start, but about 2/3rds of the swimmers actually got in the deep water & treaded, while the rest stayed nearer the shore where they could stand. We decided we'd be in the latter group!
(Oh... side note... I had STRUGGLED with the decision about whether or not to wear a wetsuit. They are only legal if the temp is 78 or lower. How great for us who didn't wear suits, and those who wanted to, that the water temp was 77.9!!! Legal for them and relatively 'warm' for us! No gasping & shock from the COLD like I felt even last week at 75/76!)
We moved to the start area & my husband & daughter found me! I stopped & hugged/kissed them and thanked them for coming. It was an EARLY day for a weekend!!!
I was a lot less nervous than I expected. At least until we actually got to the water & got the '3 minutes to go'. I waded in to my head and moved my arms & jumped around. I was trying to get used to the chill. It was hard to hear the speaker, but I finally realized he was counting down our last 10 seconds... and then it was time to GO!
I started swimming freestyle. It wasn't long before I was getting 'crawled over'. It's HARD swimming like this! For several minutes, I had ladies hitting my feet and it feels like they are pulling you under. It makes it hard to swim! But, I kept going. Once or twice, I gave a harder kick when I'd gotten hit several times in a row.
Finally, we were spread out enough & I was clear. I was breathing every other stroke... the entire way. That wasn't my plan, but it was all I could do! I was a LOT better at sighting the buoys than I'd been at the clinic, too. I kept going & going... it feels like a LONG time.
After awhile, the next wave caught up with me... and started climbing over me again! What a terrible feeling! I was afraid wave after wave would catch me! I was in a 'pink swimcap' group, and all I could see were yellow caps! I figured, by then, that I was the last pink swimmer. It was kind of upsetting, but I told myself to be proud... I WOULD finish!
About 100 meters from the end, I saw another pink cap near me. YEAH! I wasn't out here all alone. I pushed near the end and swam until my hand hit the ground. Then I got up, and was actually able to run a little! (Unlike the 1st tri.)
I got to my bike rack and saw Sara's bike still there. (She's also in my age group.) So, I knew I wasn't last! She came up while I was putting on my shoes. She had Lock Laces & I didn't, so she got out slightly before me.
I ran with my bike until the MOUNT line. I hopped on and struggled to pedal. It was hard to catch my breath, too. I saw Sara just up ahead. She had to pully over. I asked if she was OK... she needed to adjust her pedal. I don't wear clipless shoes & neither does she. But, she had cages & her feet weren't in them right.
She stayed behind me until about mile 7 when she passed me. I told her I'd keep her in my sight, though. And I did! My hips, especially my left, REALLY started hurting by this point. I was near tears & making faces. I tried adjusting my body and my feet, but I was in a lot of pain. Finally, at around mile 11, I thought I should just try moving faster. I did, and it worked! It relieved the pain! I was able ot pass Sara, too, and stay in front of her for the rest of the bike ride. I saw my husband & daughter near the bike finish. And, again, Sara & I finished so close together that we saw each other at transition.
I racked my bike, took off my helmet, grabbed my sunglasses & visor and 'ran' towards the run exit. I was struggling. I was thinking I could NOT run. Sara caught up with me and we walked and talked. Then we ran and couldn't talk. I could not catch my breath. We kept walking, then running, then walking. At about 1.5 miles I told her she should go out and run. I needed to walk but she looked strong. I told her I wouldn't let her out of my sight. She ran some, but we both kept running & walking. I kept her in sight and she never got too far ahead, but I just couldn't stick with her.
At about mile 2 (of 3.1) I saw 2 other ladies in our age group pass me!!! I SO wanted to run after them and catch them! I tried... I ran a little. They were slow. But, I just couldn't catch them OR Sara. At the last water station, I saw they all 3 got water & walked. So, I kept 'running.' But, it didn't do me a lot of good. I was just so tired.
At about .5 miles to go, I started talking with a male runner. All of the males go before the females start, so he was quite a bit behind. He said it'd been a hard race. I agreed! We both walked & ran some together. When I could finally see the finish line, I started to run. I wanted to walk again, but I didn't let myself. I ran through the finish!!! I did it! I finished the triathlon!!!
(post race photo by dd10)
Here are my times:
500 meter swim 17:01 (3:24 pace...vs 2:41 at 1st tri in pool)
TT1 2:50 (vs 2:21 1st tri)
15 mile bike 58:25 (15.4 mph pace...vs 13.1 mph 1st tri, but that was hillier & very windy)
TT2 1:06 (vs 1:14 1st tri)
5K run 36:45 (vs 40:17 1st tri, but that was hillier)
Biggest news: I can't believe my 5K time. That is a PR for me!!! And, I honestly walked about 1/3rd of the time! Am I really running that much faster???
My goals were:
18 min swim (did 17:01)...yeah!
2 min TT1 (did 2:50)... further from water than figured
58 min bike (did 58:25)...a little disappointed because I thought I was riding faster
2 min TT2 (did 1:14)...actually, I should have realized this would be faster
40 min run (did 36:45)...WOW! My thought is that maybe it was short, but I'll take it!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Disappointing Run, but Today I Swam/Ran/Biked!
I had to run on a treadmill today. I really don't like running on a treadmill and this is the first time I've done it since starting C25K. Anyway, I forgot my iPod and the PodCast was supposed to help me find my pace.
I started walking. First of all, I was disappointed to see that my "warm up" was only a 20 min/mile! Then, when I started my 'run' (jog), I was only going a 16.5 min/mile. Yikes! I know it isn't about speed at this point, but I thought I was going about 13-14 min/mile.
Another disappointment: on week 4 you are supposed to run the following mins: 3-5-3-5. Monday was my first try and I made 3-5-3-3, so I changed the last 5 to a 3. Today? Hmmm... I ran 3-3-2. That was it! I turned off the treadmill after 22 minutes. I just couldn't (or wouldn't) do it.
Another thing was that I was wearing my HRM. My HR is supposed to stay between 134-150. Well, I don't know what is "dangerous" (I'll do some research), but at the 3 minute mark it was up to 162. Maybe that's fine... but I wasn't sure and didn't want to push it.
That being said, I have worked out hard all week long. And, I had already swam 30 minutes 3 hours before this (675 yards... including my first official 100 yards!). I did have some energy left, though, and got on my favorite stationary bike... the Expresso (virtual...kind of game like). I ended up riding a fairly flat course of 3.67 miles in 21 minutes! Not bad for me.
So, I kind of did my own tri today. I swam. I ran. I biked. (Though the swimming was at 6:30 and the running & biking were at 10:00.)
Tomorrow I plan on swimming in the morning and then trying my first 10 mile bike ride (on the Expresso). I'll be running again on Saturday - outside! - and hope to get back to some 5 minute runs!!! If not, though, I'll keep pushing myself and I'll get there eventually.
I started walking. First of all, I was disappointed to see that my "warm up" was only a 20 min/mile! Then, when I started my 'run' (jog), I was only going a 16.5 min/mile. Yikes! I know it isn't about speed at this point, but I thought I was going about 13-14 min/mile.
Another disappointment: on week 4 you are supposed to run the following mins: 3-5-3-5. Monday was my first try and I made 3-5-3-3, so I changed the last 5 to a 3. Today? Hmmm... I ran 3-3-2. That was it! I turned off the treadmill after 22 minutes. I just couldn't (or wouldn't) do it.
Another thing was that I was wearing my HRM. My HR is supposed to stay between 134-150. Well, I don't know what is "dangerous" (I'll do some research), but at the 3 minute mark it was up to 162. Maybe that's fine... but I wasn't sure and didn't want to push it.
That being said, I have worked out hard all week long. And, I had already swam 30 minutes 3 hours before this (675 yards... including my first official 100 yards!). I did have some energy left, though, and got on my favorite stationary bike... the Expresso (virtual...kind of game like). I ended up riding a fairly flat course of 3.67 miles in 21 minutes! Not bad for me.
So, I kind of did my own tri today. I swam. I ran. I biked. (Though the swimming was at 6:30 and the running & biking were at 10:00.)
Tomorrow I plan on swimming in the morning and then trying my first 10 mile bike ride (on the Expresso). I'll be running again on Saturday - outside! - and hope to get back to some 5 minute runs!!! If not, though, I'll keep pushing myself and I'll get there eventually.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Why You Might Want a HRM (Heart Rate Monitor)
I got my HRM yesterday and got to use it for the first time today. First of all, I had a hard time getting it to work, but I finally placed it up higher (really under the base of my sports bra) and it worked! And, boy was I in for some surprises!
First of all, I did 8 minutes on the elliptical for warm up for my personal trainer, which is what I usually do. I burned 51 calories. The last two times I've done this warmup, the elliptical told me I burned 81 calories. (The HRM is programmed with my age, weight, and height.)
My other surprise was during my swim. I've been unsure how to log it. When I've logged a 25 minute swim under "general", it shows I burn 168 calories. When I've logged a 25 minute swim under "crawl" (just once), it shows I burn 308 calories. Well, I only did a 13 minute swim tonight (long day!), and the HRM showed I burned only 72 calories! If I would have went for 25 minutes, it would have showed around 140 calories. So, I guess "general" is close, but "crawl" is way off. (By the way, my swim is 25 yards at a time, which takes about 33 seconds, followed with about a 30 second breather. I guess when you are logging "crawl" they might expect that you are CONSTANTLY moving.)
I got a pleasant surprise during my weight training. (Of course, I didn't know how many calories I was burning before.) I burned 271 calories in 1 hour!
I can't wait to see how my run shows tomorrow. It's going to be on an treadmill, though, because that is just how this week is working out. I really don't like running on the elliptical, but maybe with my podcast I'll be able to find the right rhytym.
Oh! In case you're wondering...I bought a Polar Women's F6 (in pink) from Amazon. It cost about $85 and shows calories burned, has a fitness "diary" (which I haven't figured out yet), and you can sync it with your computer (ditto - don't know how yet). It also shows where your HR should be and how many minutes you were in the target range. It is waterproof (thus I swam in it) and seems to be just what I needed!
First of all, I did 8 minutes on the elliptical for warm up for my personal trainer, which is what I usually do. I burned 51 calories. The last two times I've done this warmup, the elliptical told me I burned 81 calories. (The HRM is programmed with my age, weight, and height.)
My other surprise was during my swim. I've been unsure how to log it. When I've logged a 25 minute swim under "general", it shows I burn 168 calories. When I've logged a 25 minute swim under "crawl" (just once), it shows I burn 308 calories. Well, I only did a 13 minute swim tonight (long day!), and the HRM showed I burned only 72 calories! If I would have went for 25 minutes, it would have showed around 140 calories. So, I guess "general" is close, but "crawl" is way off. (By the way, my swim is 25 yards at a time, which takes about 33 seconds, followed with about a 30 second breather. I guess when you are logging "crawl" they might expect that you are CONSTANTLY moving.)
I got a pleasant surprise during my weight training. (Of course, I didn't know how many calories I was burning before.) I burned 271 calories in 1 hour!
I can't wait to see how my run shows tomorrow. It's going to be on an treadmill, though, because that is just how this week is working out. I really don't like running on the elliptical, but maybe with my podcast I'll be able to find the right rhytym.
Oh! In case you're wondering...I bought a Polar Women's F6 (in pink) from Amazon. It cost about $85 and shows calories burned, has a fitness "diary" (which I haven't figured out yet), and you can sync it with your computer (ditto - don't know how yet). It also shows where your HR should be and how many minutes you were in the target range. It is waterproof (thus I swam in it) and seems to be just what I needed!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Weigh In, Cancelled Plans, & Breathing While Swimming
First of all, I had my weekly weigh in this morning. I'm glad the scale is still moving, but I only lost 1/2 pound this week. (Total lost: 6.5 pounds in 6 weeks.) Kind of disappointing, but hopefully next week will be more.
As far as workouts today, I had 2 planned: swimming with my friends and workout with trainer. Well, the first got cancelled because my hubby needed to go into work early. So, I swam in the backyard. The second is cancelled because my daughter is sick... or maybe she ate something bad. Either way, we need to stay home today as she was vomitting last night. She doesn't have a fever, so I hope she's fine tomorrow. (She's supposed to be in camp all week.) So, I'll be using Wii Boxing, I think.
As far as the breathing, I learned something from a book I'm reading! I've been swimming my first 25 yards with only about 3 breaths because it is so nice and relaxing. Then, on the 2nd 25 yards, I'm really wearing out and having to breathe a lot... and then I have to stop and catch my breath.
Well, in this book (I'll look up name), it said that to swim distances you need to breathe every 2nd or 3rd breath. I tried both today, and prefer every 3rd. So, I tried that today and it helps SO MUCH! I was able to swim 100 yards twice!!! Well, actually, I'm swimming 96 yards since my pool is 12 yards across. So, I swim 8 times across (instead of the normal 4 you'd do in a "real" pool), and that is my "100." I'm not counting this as a "goal met" (my goal was to swim100 yards) until I do it in the big pool and feel like it is official, but I'm sure I can do it!
As far as workouts today, I had 2 planned: swimming with my friends and workout with trainer. Well, the first got cancelled because my hubby needed to go into work early. So, I swam in the backyard. The second is cancelled because my daughter is sick... or maybe she ate something bad. Either way, we need to stay home today as she was vomitting last night. She doesn't have a fever, so I hope she's fine tomorrow. (She's supposed to be in camp all week.) So, I'll be using Wii Boxing, I think.
As far as the breathing, I learned something from a book I'm reading! I've been swimming my first 25 yards with only about 3 breaths because it is so nice and relaxing. Then, on the 2nd 25 yards, I'm really wearing out and having to breathe a lot... and then I have to stop and catch my breath.
Well, in this book (I'll look up name), it said that to swim distances you need to breathe every 2nd or 3rd breath. I tried both today, and prefer every 3rd. So, I tried that today and it helps SO MUCH! I was able to swim 100 yards twice!!! Well, actually, I'm swimming 96 yards since my pool is 12 yards across. So, I swim 8 times across (instead of the normal 4 you'd do in a "real" pool), and that is my "100." I'm not counting this as a "goal met" (my goal was to swim100 yards) until I do it in the big pool and feel like it is official, but I'm sure I can do it!
Friday, June 18, 2010
one way to do it...
I went on my walk/jog this morning and was still debating about whether to do W1D6 or go on to W2D1. Well, somehow, when I'd charged my iPod, I must have deleted W1! So, I 'had to' do W2! And, I did it!! I ran for 1.5 minutes at a time! I don't think I've ever done that before! Yeah, me! 
I even came home and swam 250 yards!
I'm having a rough day in other ways, but I did have a special treat today. My daughter is on a swim team and, every year, team members (& some moms) get pedicures the day before divisionals. So, today was that day!
Now, I've only had 4 pedicures in my life, and 3 of them weren't much fun. I've had one at a spa that was wonderful. Well, this was incredible! I went ahead and splurged on mine. My feet are in BAD shape! And, I've been working hard and felt I should do this for myself!
Well, I think I lost a pound with all of the deadskin Courtney scraped off! And, I got a 40 minute message by the chair! I had pulled a muscle yesterday, and the message was so wonderful! Ahhh...
I even came home and swam 250 yards! I'm having a rough day in other ways, but I did have a special treat today. My daughter is on a swim team and, every year, team members (& some moms) get pedicures the day before divisionals. So, today was that day!
Now, I've only had 4 pedicures in my life, and 3 of them weren't much fun. I've had one at a spa that was wonderful. Well, this was incredible! I went ahead and splurged on mine. My feet are in BAD shape! And, I've been working hard and felt I should do this for myself!
Well, I think I lost a pound with all of the deadskin Courtney scraped off! And, I got a 40 minute message by the chair! I had pulled a muscle yesterday, and the message was so wonderful! Ahhh...
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Rocket Fuel & Positive Bedtimes
Yesterday I went to the bookstore to look for an exercise journal (bought one!) and books about 5Ks and triathlons. I ended up getting a beginners book for triathlons. (Oh, and do you have a favorite book about 5Ks? triathlons? eating/living healthy &/or exercise? I'd love some recommendations.)
Anyway, I read portions of several (my daughter was at camp) and I came away with 2 major thoughts:
"Food is my rocket fuel." It really is! And, I've been thinking about food differently. With my tracking, when I get to my last snack of the night I look and ask myself "What else does my body need today?" Maybe some fiber? or calcium? or even fat? (Yes, I often need more fat.) When I'm tempted, I'm going to try and remember that fact... "Food is Rocket Fuel."
The other thought was that, when you are lying in bed at night, you should tell yourself what "positives" happend that day. For example, yesterday I did C25K W1D5... and I made it! I wanted to quit, but I didn't! And, I've been "running" for 5 days now!!! That has never happened. Also, I swam 250 yards. That's a LOT for me. And, I did my longest stretch without stopping ever... 125 yards! (It wasn't pretty, but I tried to do it and I did it!) I'm also working on the goal of 200 crunches & 100 pushups... well, yesterday I did 80 crunches & 19 modified pushups. That's big for me!
Maybe these 2 thoughts will help you:
Food is your rocket fuel.
End your day by reviewing what went right.
Happy Thursday! I hope you fuel up and do some things you can be proud of tonight!
Anyway, I read portions of several (my daughter was at camp) and I came away with 2 major thoughts:
"Food is my rocket fuel." It really is! And, I've been thinking about food differently. With my tracking, when I get to my last snack of the night I look and ask myself "What else does my body need today?" Maybe some fiber? or calcium? or even fat? (Yes, I often need more fat.) When I'm tempted, I'm going to try and remember that fact... "Food is Rocket Fuel."
The other thought was that, when you are lying in bed at night, you should tell yourself what "positives" happend that day. For example, yesterday I did C25K W1D5... and I made it! I wanted to quit, but I didn't! And, I've been "running" for 5 days now!!! That has never happened. Also, I swam 250 yards. That's a LOT for me. And, I did my longest stretch without stopping ever... 125 yards! (It wasn't pretty, but I tried to do it and I did it!) I'm also working on the goal of 200 crunches & 100 pushups... well, yesterday I did 80 crunches & 19 modified pushups. That's big for me!
Maybe these 2 thoughts will help you:
Food is your rocket fuel.
End your day by reviewing what went right.
Happy Thursday! I hope you fuel up and do some things you can be proud of tonight!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Sprint Triathlon...Am I Crazy???
So, I've finished Week 1 of my Couch to 5K training. Yeah! And, I've scheduled two 5Ks. I'll be doing one on September 11th (probably more walk/run) and one on October 2nd (try to run this one).
About 5 years ago I started training for a Sprint Triathalon. I was jogging on a treadmill (not very well or very long), doing spinning classes twice a week, and I took semi-private swim lessons for 6 weeks or so. Anyway, life interferred and I had to stop.
Now, I really want to do a sprint (or mini) triathalon! I found one where my mom lives that takes place on April 24th. That gives me almost 10 months to train! I think I can do it, but I'm really scared to even "announce" this to anyone. Right now, I couldn't complete any of the 3 events. (Oh... and I love that this one has the swimming indoors!) How will I find the time to train for all 3 events? Will I even be able to do all 3 events?
Here's my plan:
running - I will continue with my training. I will redo week 1 so my new buddy can catch up. Plus, we have the time and I don't know if I'm ready to go on yet. I will run MWF.
cycling - I am headed on vacation next week and my sister-in-law is going to go riding witih me. I haven't been on a bike in 20+ years! So, this will show me if I can ride and if I like it. I plan on buying a bike when I get back.
swimming - I started tonight by swimming 10 back & forth laps in our pool. It took my 9 minutes to go about 250 yards. The swim will only be 275 yards. So, I know I can do it eventually, but tonight I was stopping after every 12.5 yards.
I plan on signing up for some kind of classes when I return from our trip.
So, can I do this? Is this just a beginner's enthusiasm? I'm not sure!!!! And, should I sign up for a few more things before the sprint triathalon... like a bike ride? And, how do I go about finding a local training group? or a trainer? I'm in a big city, but it'd have to be early in the morning or on the weekends.
About 5 years ago I started training for a Sprint Triathalon. I was jogging on a treadmill (not very well or very long), doing spinning classes twice a week, and I took semi-private swim lessons for 6 weeks or so. Anyway, life interferred and I had to stop.
Now, I really want to do a sprint (or mini) triathalon! I found one where my mom lives that takes place on April 24th. That gives me almost 10 months to train! I think I can do it, but I'm really scared to even "announce" this to anyone. Right now, I couldn't complete any of the 3 events. (Oh... and I love that this one has the swimming indoors!) How will I find the time to train for all 3 events? Will I even be able to do all 3 events?
Here's my plan:
running - I will continue with my training. I will redo week 1 so my new buddy can catch up. Plus, we have the time and I don't know if I'm ready to go on yet. I will run MWF.
cycling - I am headed on vacation next week and my sister-in-law is going to go riding witih me. I haven't been on a bike in 20+ years! So, this will show me if I can ride and if I like it. I plan on buying a bike when I get back.
swimming - I started tonight by swimming 10 back & forth laps in our pool. It took my 9 minutes to go about 250 yards. The swim will only be 275 yards. So, I know I can do it eventually, but tonight I was stopping after every 12.5 yards.
I plan on signing up for some kind of classes when I return from our trip. So, can I do this? Is this just a beginner's enthusiasm? I'm not sure!!!! And, should I sign up for a few more things before the sprint triathalon... like a bike ride? And, how do I go about finding a local training group? or a trainer? I'm in a big city, but it'd have to be early in the morning or on the weekends.
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