Race

So, the race did not go amazingly. When I was flying there I didn't feel great on the plane and I just assumed it was motion sickness. After I got there when I was riding with Kory I told him his driving was making me sick...I probably should have caught on at this point. We went to my hotel and it was a nice hotel. It was located right on the Oceanside Pier. My room had a nice bed and a very nice bathroom which consisted of a stand alone shower and a jacuzzi tub.

On Friday my head hurt so bad I took my meds for headaches and it didn't work. I went to bed really early, which is what I usually do, but this time because I felt so bad. I woke up with a headache and a queasy stomach. Then I had to ride my bike a mile to the race start, while Kory walked the mile.

Onto the swim. The water was cold but my wetsuit worked very well. People were jealous that I had the booties, because everyone thought they were banned...but I was the smart one that actually emailed USAT. The hat thing worked awesome too. I have been practicing "sighting" the buoys while swimming and so I didn't swim off track that much. This time I was swimming with other people in my group, unlike last time most had left me. I was passed by some guys that were swimming really fast. When I got out I thought I had swam a lot faster but it was only about 2 minutes faster than my last one (which wasn't in an ocean). Then I had a long long run to where my bike setup was.
When I got to my bike I tried to get on my arm sleeves but when you are wet that is impossible. So, then I gave up took off the one I got on and decided to just wear my jacket and capri running pants.

Now out on the bike...the first 20 miles I was flying along. Then came the "MONSTER" I guess it is what they call this gigantic first hill. It was huge, people looked like ants from a distance because it was so long and so steep. I felt like I was riding vail pass. Then there were 4 more hills that were not as long but just as steep. It was quite difficult, considering I have never ridden a hill that steep and 5 of them on top of it. There was also a headwind, not like the 30mph colorado headwinds, but a decent one. My headache continued and I couldn't eat much on the bike (suppose to have 500 calories an hour). After the huge hill my bike decided it wasn't happy and wouldn't let me shift to my big ring so on the flats I couldn't go as fast.

Then to the run. I changed out of those clothes into lighter clothes because it was pretty hot. My leg was fine until I had to run on dirt or turn corners. Then pain would shoot down my leg and I would walk for a second than start jogging again. Here my heart rate was still ridiculously high and no matter what it wouldn't go down. It was a two loop run, mainly on cement along the beach. Pretty run...as far as runs go. It was kind of defeating when you are on your first lap and you see signs of what mile you would be on if it was your second lap (so I was on mile 2 but second lap would be mile 8 or something). I must have been limping some because my opposite bad leg quad was nearly ready to cramp. I thought about eating a banana but my stomach wouldn't have been happy. I finished the run mainly because I wanted my race t-shirt and you had to finish to get the shirt..lol

Lessons learned here would be that if you haven't run outside at all in 6 weeks and then run a race of 13 miles, don't expect the run to be great..and expect to have some sore leg muscles like I still have (2 days later). Practice biking on hills and when you read that there is a hill that climbs 800 feet or so, just because it is at sea level doesn't make it any easier :)

2 days...

After further thought, two days is a bit deceiving. It is really 3 days to race day. The race is Saturday and today is Weds. Today I got up and it was only about 45 degrees but no wind. Today was suppose to be hot (and was about 70) but windy. So, I decided to get in my bike workout before the wind picked up. I rode for about 75 minutes. While out riding I noticed that my stupid bike computer still was not getting the correct speed even though yesterday I got new batteries for it, thinking it was that. So, after I got home I had some good eggs and rice then headed out to the bike store..again. This time I went back to where I got the bike and told them it wasn't working. They called the company that made it and they had said to change the sensor...this time the whole thing didn't work at all. Long story short they gave me a whole new system for free...since it was still under warranty. It hadn't worked for awhile..even before it fell off my bike (which I didn't mention). Then I went to runners roost and I had struck a deal to borrow a wetsuit for just $15 for the whole week. This one fits a little better in the legs, but it is still going to be interesting to swim with in the ocean.
After all of this I went to the gym did 30 min of elliptical and a 1500 yd swim. Now I have lessons and then a massage..then I have to pack since I leave tomorrow.
Wish me luck :)

3 days....

Today I had lessons and practice but no workouts. I have one more day of workouts and then off to Cali. I tried on the full wetsuit...it seems tight on my legs, not sure how much better a bigger one would fit so I guess I will go with it...?

That's it for today!

4 days....

Today I had lessons early in the day. Then I decided to take spin class for my bike workout. After spinning I went and had a yummy pomegrante paradise smoothie from Jamba. Then went and swam at another gym for 2000 yds. Nothing else really exciting going on for the day. I'm trying to figure out hotel stuff for CA since Kory wants me to stay in San Diego because it is closer on Thurs and then Saturday. Staying in Oceanside on Friday night. But it appears the hotel is really expensive Thurs night and cheap on Saturday night so it's not looking good for that. Also, trying to figure out practice for the week since the schools are closed up here and so we don't have a gym.

5 days....

Easter Sunday began early with me setting my alarm for pm and not am. I was lucky to wake myself right before we had to leave for church. We went to church then ate pancakes, eggs, a muffin and fruit...then went to brunch. At brunch they had breakfast and lunch. I like the omlete man and he wasn't there so, it was not as exciting as I hoped, but good none the less. Then I came home and slept for two hours after we showed Kory how to take and put together my bike, since he will be the one who has to do this in CA. When I woke up it was nice out so I sat outside while Pedro washed both cars and his motorcycle. Then we ate dinner, nothing exciting my usual boca burger was good.
That's about it...two more days of workouts to go (1 run, 2 bikes and 2 swims).

6 Days...

Today I had to do 60 min of elliptical. However, I got to the gym late and so I only had time for 40 minutes before my lesson. I did the 40 minutes, finished my lesson and headed up to the Pecks house to meet the new members of their family...baby chicks. No, they didn't buy chicks because it was Easter. They are going to have about 30 chickens or so for their eggs...and possibly other farm animals. I have never seen a chick but I was told I had to get up there this weekend because they were growing so fast. They were definitely cute, black and redish colored. They also gave me my belated bday present of a pair of Nike ID shoes. They are very nice shoes. Then I drove back down and went back to the gym for the final 20 minutes of cardio (though it doesn't work the same as doing all 60 minutes at one time) and a 3000 yd swim. I also tried out my new goggles today and I liked them a lot. They seemed to have left less of an imprint on my face. By the time I got done swimming I was starving, since I usually eat about 4 times before 600 and I had only eaten yogurt with granola, coffee, pomegrante juice, a protein odwalla smoothie, and another pomegrante limeaid. Needless to say I needed food. So, we had Chipotle for dinner...it was sooo good :)
Now I need to figure out what I can wear for church and brunch tomorrow, since it will be cold it does limit the choices some.

7 days and counting...

One week to race day. A little nervous since I haven't run in nearly 6 weeks really and I have only biked outside about 10 times (maybe?)...On top of that the cold water should be a lot of fun. I now have a neoprene swim cap for the swim to keep my head warm and booties to keep my feet warm. Then I bought smoke goggles today for the swim in case it is sunny (though it might be foggy). I can use the goggles again when I start swimming outside so that was fine.
Today for workouts I did short elliptical and then a short swim. Nothing too exciting. I have a total of three more workouts before my race.

Note to self...

The weather man is smarter about the weather than I am. When they say there is wind and I go outside and don't feel any...I think geez they must be wrong. Today I was 15 miles out when the massive wind gusts of 20-30 mph were knocking me into the road left and right. Then when trucks would pass I was almost sure I was going to end up in a ditch. I got back home 1.5 hours into my ride and I was thankful I had made it back without incidence. Since it was nice, if I wasn't riding...I took my trainer out and put it outside and road outside for another hour.
That's it for workouts today...lessons and practice later.

Not much excitement...

Nothing too interesting today. I biked inside for 1.5 hours and watched last years Ironman championships on dvr. It was nice out temperature wise but way too much wind for me to battle. Then I went and did the usual pt. Had my very yummy yogurt and granola with pomegrante and blueberry juice (my absolute favorite) to drink. Made some more of that dressing I had the other day because we are going to have grilled portobello mushrooms for dinner with that dressing on them...then a side of pasta with vodka sauce.
Feel kind of like a bum with so little working out...

Just a note.

Today was another short day. I woke up ate breakfast...then went to the gym. I did the elliptical for only 35 min moderately then went swimming. I took my time at the pool today and only had to swim 2500 yds. However, the slightly annoying part was that I had to swim 15 100's, two of them with 10 second rest and one with 45 second rest and continuing until I swam all 15. 15 100's is a lot of 100's. Not necessarily tiring, though it is because you swim slightly faster because it is only 100 yds before a rest, but because it is the same thing over and over. I also had to swim 20 25 yd swims with rest and swimming 4 different strokes each 5 times. I'm slow and I am really slow swimming other strokes. Then I went to Horizon and did the ultrasound and iced. I came home and ate..and now will watch some tv before practice tonight. I also need to plan something for dinner.

On a race note. I read today that the water temperature might be something like 55 degrees. Holy cow! I have a wetsuit without arms and I am thinking I will have to wear one with arms or I might freeze to death!!!....I traditionally don't like the wetsuits with sleeves because of my shoulders but I haven't really done shoulders so maybe they are smaller and I will be able to manage the one with arms. Ugh.

Short day...salad mmm

Today I woke up late because I didn't have much to do today in workouts. The taper has really begun since I am less than two weeks away from my race. So, according to the schedule I had to run, bike, swim tomorrow...but I had emailed and asked if I could divide them up some. So, today I did speed elliptical, very light lifting and then speed bike. The elliptical and bike were each about 45 minutes so it wasn't much, comparatively. Then tomorrow I will just swim. I am hoping for a nice day to ride later this week when I have a long ride for only 2 hours or so. I am suppose to have Weds off as well and then workout Thurs, Fri, Sat and Sunday but I might change that up since Sunday is Easter and I am not sure how much I will get done. Then I have only two workouts or so next week.

Tonight I made the best salad ever. I like the show Healthy Decadence and today I made the bbq chop chop salad for dinner. It was chicken that I had to cut up and flattened then cooked and tossed in bbq sauce. I cut up romaine and spinach...then added cut up squash and carrots. Then I had to make the dressing which was amazing. It was made from balsamic vinegar, olive oil, basil, dijon mustard and honey. It was sooo good. Then I made sweet potatoes for dessert with some honey butter and cinnamon butter.

Sunday

I had lessons this morning and was still tired from a late night last night. I then came home and had my favorite Boca and then took a short non-sleeping nap :) Then we left to go to mom's for a St. Patricks Day dinner. On our way to dinner we stopped and bought some new bar tape for my bike (royal blue) and a gel flask for the bike. Then we had an early dinner. I mainly had potatoes and veggies, then of course brownies and fruit salad. Polar and Stella got to play in the backyard during dinner so they were also very excited!

I went home and got on my bike for a 1hr 25min ride. And the writers strike has really killed the indoor biking experience because I now have nothing to watch while biking. So, I had to settle for Oprah's Big Give. After I was done I cleaned the fridge and the kitchen...fun right? Then we put the new bar tape on my bike. It now has royal on the outside bars and red on the tri bars. A little different look but gives my bike some of my personality.

After this I showered and did my most favorite thing...hand washed my bike shorts while in the shower. So, annoying already having to hand wash the bike shorts. I sometimes put them in the wash on gentle but it says to hand wash so it's great fun. Now I am hungry again but it is almost 11 so I guess I will just have a small snacky snack.

Sleepy...z'z'z'z...

Saturday

Today has been a long day. As always the weekends seem to be busier for me. I had lessons this morning and after those I decided to do an hour of moderate cardio. I went home and ate then I had to begin the search for tickets. I searched and found good tickets to Virginia for a tournament in April. Then I had to call and buy them which took like an hour. After this I sat down for about twenty minutes and then left again to go swimming. Today's swim was suppose to be 2,500 yds. However, with about 500 yds left I was told the gym was closing in 10 minutes so I went quick as I could through about 200 of the yds and then had to go jump in the shower. They turned off the lights for the gym while I was showering. A sure sign I needed to get out. I got home changed and left for two hours of cosmic bowling with some of the parents and kids from my team. It's now 1am and I am waiting to take another shower and go to bed. You always feel like you need a shower after bowling...especially my feet...in other peoples shoes...gross.

Alright that's it for the day.

Friday..

Today I woke up late and had to hurry to eat before I took spinning. I decided to take spin class today for a speed biking workout, not only because I didn't have my bike back, but because I wasn't planning on trying to ride outside and biking inside has gotten old. Needless to say I am excited for some nice weather to be consistent, without wind.

So, I went and took spin class and the teacher made the class a little shorter than I was hoping for, she went for about 40 minutes. Then I lifted and then finished off the workout with 30 min of easy elliptical.

Then I went and picked up my bike from it's maintenance and it looks clean and good. They added my new waterbottle holders on the back and fixed my bike computer (which had fallen off on a ride and I had to go back and search for it).

That's it....for now.

Lazy

I was lazy today. I got up and went for a 3,500 yd swim (which took about 1 hr 10 min including rest) and then I came back home and had my free Chipotle, since I am a VIP. Then I was full and tired and didn't feel like going to do any cardio before lessons and practice, so I didn't. Well, in reality if it was running then I would have been fine to go, but the elliptical just gets so boring.

Anyway, that was my lazy day.

Tune up...

Dropped off my bike today for a tune-up and to put a new waterbottle holder on the back. Hopefully, it will be done by Friday because I have bike workouts to do. Then I went and did the elliptical for 30 minutes, an easy day...then I went and did a speed swim for 3,000 yds. Today I had to swim many different sets but one set consisted of 100 yds fast followed by 50 easy, then rest one minute, eight times. I swam my fourth set of 100 in 1 minute and 29 seconds...so that means I swam 25 yds in 22.5 seconds. Not fast, not sure how I can go faster...but at least it is something I can kind of compare to at a later date.

Then I came home for my boca burger...yummy. Now I am done for the evening, so I guess I will watch tv, not like there is anything on to be excited about but whatever :)

Wind...

Wind is a mysterious thing. I went out for a 3 hour bike ride today and before I left I checked the weather to see which way the wind was blowing. The weather channel said it was coming from the south. Ok, I thought. I will head out going north then ride east/west so the wind won't bother me. Well after I got to the point of heading east, the wind was still coming from the south. I was flying along...then I turned around and headed west..and for some strange reason the wind had shifted now so I was riding against the wind. Ok, I thought after about 15 miles of of this I decided to go north since the wind was now coming from the west. So, I start riding along and the flags are all blowing from the west...then they shifted to blow from the east. I swear I am not making this up, I was watching the flags on the side of the road. Then I got to Longmont and the road was under construction so I decided to head back south. After I turned around, the wind suddenly shifted so I was riding back into the wind! After a few miles of this it shifted back from the east, then I realized I was about to make a turn and head up a hill going straight back into the wind. It was almost hilarious. I rode back going south and the wind was shifting from in my face to a strong east cross wind. I then turned to go directly into the wind, back east...it wasn't that strong but enough to slow me down. Then I headed back home going south. While going south the wind decided to pick up again and slow me to a near crawl pace. Anyway, needless to say WIND is the most demoralizing thing ever and it was out to get me today.

Another day...

Sunday I had lessons and then I went bike box shopping. I bought one for $185 it was supposedly on sale from $345 or something. It looks like it will fit my bike but I don't want to take my bike apart yet because I wanted to take advantage of possible nice weather...and I didn't feel like taking it apart and putting it back together yesterday. Then we went to some friends for another belated birthday party :) We had Carabbas and then an ice cream cake...my favorite.

Today I continued with the annoying elliptical. I went for 1hr and 25 minutes. It is definitely boring. Then I came home ate and went for a short bike ride on Riverdale. It seemed quite warm before I started but I when I came home my feet were numb. Besides that I am done for the day and now I have to start thinking about what to make for dinner.

Weekends

Nice to have no basketball for the first time in months. I had lessons this morning and then I had 65 min of moderate running...well elliptical. However, today I added 5 minutes of real running at about the half way point. Everything is starting to taper so this is shorter than what it was. So, it is pretty easy, but the elliptical sucks.

I had wanted to go buy my bike box, but it is already almost 3oo and I need to go to the store to buy some food for dinner. Which is going to be tortellini served in an acorn squash...so the whole meal would be edible. Problem is the recipe calls for cream and so I am searching for a substitute before I go buy the ingredients.

Then I have to go swim, a relative short swim of 2,500 yds. And of course I am hoping to get a nap in before I go swim :)

Rich...

You have to have a lot of money to do triathlons. Holy cow. Today I called around to find a box for my bike to bring it on the plane. $300 for a stupid bike box..is killer. Then I have to go and get my biked tuned up and cleaned for another $100. Then you have to pay to have the bike on the plane, another $100 EACH WAY. Plus, flights, race entry, hotel...it is ridiculous.

Today I am going to do an easy bike inside, since the weather doesn't want to cooperate. Then I am going to do weights. I have more free time this weekend since basketball is over for a few weeks, so I am going to do more swimming and running(elliptical) this weekend. Kory being a jerk informed me that maybe I would be lucky at my race and they will let me do the elliptical instead of running..haha.

Tonight is my beleated bday dinner. Bubba Gumps...yum.

Faster?

So, I finished my elliptical today and it is definitely harder to get my heart rate to anaerobic levels. But then I had my 3,500 yd swim. I swam it in 1 hr and 6 minutes, that includes some very slow kickboarding for 200 yds. I can't seem to figure out how you can go faster in swimming in general, but especially just using the kickboard..ugh. So, I think I am getting a lot faster. That was almost 2 miles and my full ironman in sept is just barely longer than that, so hopefully by then I will get maybe even a tiny bit faster.

Alright, off to see Horizon play and get some food. I swear there is never enough food around, I could eat all day long :)

Long swim...blah

Today I have a long day of swimming. It never sounds good to go swimming when it is cold outside. I have a 3,500 yd swim followed by speed running. Well, not really speed running, but speed elliptical. Then I have to go do treatment for my leg and then up to the high school playoff games.

That is my day today and I got up late so time is running short :)

3 weeks and counting....

Right now I am about 3 weeks and 3 days from Cali 70.3 race. I have been training for nearly 15 weeks at a much slower pace, since I have decided to do heart rate training. I am hoping in the end it pays off. Being able to go faster at a lower heart rate. However, right now I have leg pain and haven't been able to run for 3 weeks and it isn't looking good for future runs. I have been going and getting treatment done...but it looks like I am going to have to hope that the elliptical works enough to get me through the run portion.

Today I had to bike inside for almost 3 hours. I hate biking inside. I watched the Biggest Loser, Lost, Seinfeld and Friends....all while biking. I can't wait until it is warm again so I can get back outside :)