So the real deal is...I'm SUPER busy these days. I'm in school 4 days a week, training 6 days a week and sleeping during any extra hours that I have. That does not leave much blogging time...so they might be far between. I'll try to recap the last few days...
Yesterday I did an open water swim out at Saguaro Lake with Dave, Brig and Jason. Stupid me decided to wear just a sports bra and top instead of my swim suit. AND, I didn't wear bodyglide. Not just my arms are burned but my sides under my sports bra too. It's so painful! I won't make that mistake again...bodyglide is my friend! Anyway....we swam for an hour and I felt really good. Maybe it was because I was familiar with my surroundings, but it felt much better then when I swam my 1/2 a few weeks ago. The part I didn't care for was the lake weed touching my legs. That did put me into somewhat of a panic in a couple areas. I can't stand that! And when he made us tread water I had a pretty challenging time...I don't know why I have these panic attacks.
I'm officially part of the racelab Saturday bike ride group. These are some serious contenders too! There are about 20 or so riders on any given Saturday, most of which I believe are already IM so I do have to push to keep up, which is great because Dave is pushing my speed. (Oh, don't let me forget to tell you about our brick workout Tuesday) Last Saturday we rode from Chandler to Coolidge and back, which was my longest ride of about 70 miles. Well, it was not intended to be my longest but I followed the leaders out and ended up doing an extra small loop - oops.... Next time I'll stay with the pack and let the leaders go without me :) The best part of the whole ride was jumping into the pool when we were done. PERFECT!!! Total time was just under 5 hours. Not bad, but Dave wants better. The previous Saturday we rode the Tour de Scottsdale route which took us through Fountain Hills. Yeah HILLS is right!
Speaking of Dave...we did a brick workout (bike/run) the other day and although I think he was not super excited about my run performance (he is really pushing me out of my comfort zone these days) I was happy. Let me tell you why...I remember when it would take me an hour just to ride 10 miles. For my brick I biked 12 miles and ran 2 miles in an hour 5 minutes. My transition was pretty pathetic, but he's not too worried about those during IM. So my speed is improving, but I still have far to go.
Today is my day off and let me tell you - Thursdays are my most favorite days! Tomorrow is our last Friday gym workout. Dave is changing my schedule so not sure what we will be doing. I'm a little sad about it because my gym workouts are my most favorite. We'll still do them on Monday...just not Fri too.
I'm leaving for Tahoe tomorrow. I'm going to hike some trails, bike some single track and gamble until I'm broke! HURRAY FOR ME! Have a great week....
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
It's been a long time...
It's been so long since my last post that I'm not even sure where to start or what to say. It's like seeing a long lost friend almost.
Well, these past couple of months have been a challenge, to say the least. I did my first 1/2 Ironman and had a blast. I did so much better than I expected and while I was there (in Northern CA) I remembered why I signed up for all this....then I came home to AZ weather and suddenly it all changed.
I've had some real struggles with getting my workouts done in this heat. I fear I'm at a breaking point. When it's 104 at 9AM everyday it takes the fun out of everything I do and I dread my workouts daily. I told Dave today that I feel so far behind....I can't do anything quickly in this weather and the fact that it's getting me so down is starting to weigh on me. It's not fun and I just don't care to do it anymore. Unfortunately for me, quitting is not at option, but each day that passes I get more and more bitter. I just need some cooler weather so that I can enjoy being outside again.
I'm starting to do my long weekend rides with racelab and I'm happy about that. Last week we did part of the Tour de Scottsdale route and man...it was not my best day. I started pretty nervous about riding with people I didn't know and I wasn't sure where I was going either so I didn't eat much and ran out of water. I managed 4 hours. I'm not in the IM to break any time records but I do want to make the cutoff times so I'm worried about my speed. My hope is that I do fine. I did the 1/2 bike in 4 hours and it was all hills...
Sunday I have a 10 mile run on my schedule. I'll be up at 4am trying to beat the heat and home before the sun is up. Man I am really hoping for just a section of cool weather along the canal. Knowing that I can actually run 10 miles is a little surreal to me. Sometimes I just can't believe what I pull off. I do breakdown long workouts. I plan 5 miles out and don't count the second 5 home so it doesn't seem so bad. I think that's how I'll get through IM too...it's just 3 bike loops and 3 run loops. Easy - right?
I staring at this screen desperate to remember why I signed up for Ironman. I'm trying to remember how I felt on the Mill Ave. bridge waiting for Dave and Windy to speed by on their bikes when they did IM. Why am I doing this, really? I need that motivation and that desire back in order to finish this. Why? Why am I doing this? I don't remember and that scares me. I need a nap. And that's another thing! Am I the only IM in training that is always tired? After a workout I shove food into my mouth and sleep for 3 hours...
Well, these past couple of months have been a challenge, to say the least. I did my first 1/2 Ironman and had a blast. I did so much better than I expected and while I was there (in Northern CA) I remembered why I signed up for all this....then I came home to AZ weather and suddenly it all changed.
I've had some real struggles with getting my workouts done in this heat. I fear I'm at a breaking point. When it's 104 at 9AM everyday it takes the fun out of everything I do and I dread my workouts daily. I told Dave today that I feel so far behind....I can't do anything quickly in this weather and the fact that it's getting me so down is starting to weigh on me. It's not fun and I just don't care to do it anymore. Unfortunately for me, quitting is not at option, but each day that passes I get more and more bitter. I just need some cooler weather so that I can enjoy being outside again.
I'm starting to do my long weekend rides with racelab and I'm happy about that. Last week we did part of the Tour de Scottsdale route and man...it was not my best day. I started pretty nervous about riding with people I didn't know and I wasn't sure where I was going either so I didn't eat much and ran out of water. I managed 4 hours. I'm not in the IM to break any time records but I do want to make the cutoff times so I'm worried about my speed. My hope is that I do fine. I did the 1/2 bike in 4 hours and it was all hills...
Sunday I have a 10 mile run on my schedule. I'll be up at 4am trying to beat the heat and home before the sun is up. Man I am really hoping for just a section of cool weather along the canal. Knowing that I can actually run 10 miles is a little surreal to me. Sometimes I just can't believe what I pull off. I do breakdown long workouts. I plan 5 miles out and don't count the second 5 home so it doesn't seem so bad. I think that's how I'll get through IM too...it's just 3 bike loops and 3 run loops. Easy - right?
I staring at this screen desperate to remember why I signed up for Ironman. I'm trying to remember how I felt on the Mill Ave. bridge waiting for Dave and Windy to speed by on their bikes when they did IM. Why am I doing this, really? I need that motivation and that desire back in order to finish this. Why? Why am I doing this? I don't remember and that scares me. I need a nap. And that's another thing! Am I the only IM in training that is always tired? After a workout I shove food into my mouth and sleep for 3 hours...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Moving forward
I'm feeling pretty good today. I found a really great place that I can afford, so that's put my mind at ease and relieved some major stress. I quickly learned that first, I don't have time to fall apart here...I gave myself about 30 minutes yesterday to cry and just let everything go, but now it's total survival mode. I refuse to stop living because one part of my life has come to a halt. I'm fortunate to have so many people reaching out to help me with whatever I need...from home cooked meals, moving boxes, nights out on the town, tons of people who just want to talk and even a movie, it's support everywhere I turn and it helps so very much! It's a process and one that I can handle with so many good friends.
Second, I better get organized, and fast. I didn't realize just how dysfunctional I was until I started looking around at my junk. Holy WOW I have a lot of papers. My apartment is only 400 sq ft so I'm cleaning out my clutter and starting over fresh. Moving day is in 6 days so I've got to start shredding this crap now.
Yes, IM training continues. I had goals for June but as of today I'm not sure where I'm at with them. I lost track about a week ago and have not taken the time to sit and recalculate. I'm sure I was close, but probably missed the mark on both the run and bike..I've been a little distracted here. I am on the hunt for a PT job...I applied for a couple places yesterday so I hope to find a way to make it all work. I can't imagine giving up IM, but I also can't imaging being homeless so a job will always come first.
My posts might be slow coming as I find myself focused on other things at the moment but I'll try and keep it updated at least weekly. A million thanks to friends! You make this process so much easier! As my relationship comes to an end just know that we are not fighting or making it nasty...we both want to remain friends with each other, and all of you.
Second, I better get organized, and fast. I didn't realize just how dysfunctional I was until I started looking around at my junk. Holy WOW I have a lot of papers. My apartment is only 400 sq ft so I'm cleaning out my clutter and starting over fresh. Moving day is in 6 days so I've got to start shredding this crap now.
Yes, IM training continues. I had goals for June but as of today I'm not sure where I'm at with them. I lost track about a week ago and have not taken the time to sit and recalculate. I'm sure I was close, but probably missed the mark on both the run and bike..I've been a little distracted here. I am on the hunt for a PT job...I applied for a couple places yesterday so I hope to find a way to make it all work. I can't imagine giving up IM, but I also can't imaging being homeless so a job will always come first.
My posts might be slow coming as I find myself focused on other things at the moment but I'll try and keep it updated at least weekly. A million thanks to friends! You make this process so much easier! As my relationship comes to an end just know that we are not fighting or making it nasty...we both want to remain friends with each other, and all of you.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The hardest
Today's workout was by far the hardest I've had yet. I'm not sure if it was the heat, along with the uphill ride, or the combination of my tired legs, the heat and uphill climb. It flat out sucked!
The plan was to ride up Pima out to Bartlett Lake, meet Dave there and swim. Almost immediately I could feel my quads say, no, no, no...so the ride just up Pima was the slowest I think I've ever done...it took me over a hour just to get 10 miles...ugh. I seriously thought several times about giving up. I was just getting baked in the sun, sweat was pouring down into my eyes and all I could think about was the hill that started at Pima and Cave Creek...why did I sign up for all this? OMG
I can't believe it only took me 3.5 hours to get there...it was the longest most difficult time of my entire training - multiplied by 10. HARD! I do not want to visit that workout again for a long time. Part of the ride up towards the lake my quads felt like somebody punched them so I walked about 6 miles and considered more but I needed to just get it done and cool off. I was surprised at how many cars passed me but nobody stopped to see if I was okay....clearly anyone walking that long road with a bike in hand is not okay...I would have accepted a ride at that point.
Well look who comes pulling up - DAVE! At this point I had less than 5 miles to go with a huge decent coming so as he asked if I wanted a ride to the finish I said no...what the hell was I thinking? There is no shame in getting a ride but something inside didn't want to disappoint him, and I was so close to being done. I finally made it and that water was a perfect ending..it was very cool and over too quick...I wanted to sit in the cool spots for awhile, but also wanted to get the hell out of there. Not sure how far we swam, but it was nice to be off my bike.
I'm toast. These past 3 days have really challenged me and I can't keep this pace. No matter how early we start, the heat is going to get worse. I have to think that if I can endure these next 4 months, I can get through the Ironman. Right??
The plan was to ride up Pima out to Bartlett Lake, meet Dave there and swim. Almost immediately I could feel my quads say, no, no, no...so the ride just up Pima was the slowest I think I've ever done...it took me over a hour just to get 10 miles...ugh. I seriously thought several times about giving up. I was just getting baked in the sun, sweat was pouring down into my eyes and all I could think about was the hill that started at Pima and Cave Creek...why did I sign up for all this? OMG
I can't believe it only took me 3.5 hours to get there...it was the longest most difficult time of my entire training - multiplied by 10. HARD! I do not want to visit that workout again for a long time. Part of the ride up towards the lake my quads felt like somebody punched them so I walked about 6 miles and considered more but I needed to just get it done and cool off. I was surprised at how many cars passed me but nobody stopped to see if I was okay....clearly anyone walking that long road with a bike in hand is not okay...I would have accepted a ride at that point.
Well look who comes pulling up - DAVE! At this point I had less than 5 miles to go with a huge decent coming so as he asked if I wanted a ride to the finish I said no...what the hell was I thinking? There is no shame in getting a ride but something inside didn't want to disappoint him, and I was so close to being done. I finally made it and that water was a perfect ending..it was very cool and over too quick...I wanted to sit in the cool spots for awhile, but also wanted to get the hell out of there. Not sure how far we swam, but it was nice to be off my bike.
I'm toast. These past 3 days have really challenged me and I can't keep this pace. No matter how early we start, the heat is going to get worse. I have to think that if I can endure these next 4 months, I can get through the Ironman. Right??
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Let's wrap this up
Training has continued and this week has not been any easier then weeks past. In fact, this week has really kicked my butt so far. I'm working harder then I've ever worked before. It started with a 16 mile run on Monday...with a gym workout in the middle. Today Dave and I biked 1 Ironman loop, which was a little more brutal then I had expected. It's a really LONG route out there with nothing but dry, hot freeway. Right now I can't imagine doing it 3 times. Tomorrow I'm biking to Bartlett again (3rd time) followed by a swim, which I'll certainly enjoy after a hot ride. I'm looking forward to a day off sometime this week.
Getting prepared for the Bartlett ride is kinda fun. I get to buy chips and candy and NOT feel bad about it. It's only 44 miles, but it's a brutal uphill ride the entire way pretty much so I'll need all the calories I can get - especially with a swim planned right after the ride. One thing I've learned about myself is that my body needs lots of food and drink in order to perform. I fall apart when I go too long without food.
Dave and I talked today about my training and I really only have 4 months left because the last month is pretty easy training..it's coming up fast!! He's confident I'll be ready, but I'm not a consistent rider....he told me today that I still back off on the hills.
These past 3 days have really pushed my limited. Each workout I think is the hardest and I can't believe I'm still able to walk at this point. I am encouraged by Dave's confidence in my ability...I hang on every word he says so as long as he says I can....then I can...
Getting prepared for the Bartlett ride is kinda fun. I get to buy chips and candy and NOT feel bad about it. It's only 44 miles, but it's a brutal uphill ride the entire way pretty much so I'll need all the calories I can get - especially with a swim planned right after the ride. One thing I've learned about myself is that my body needs lots of food and drink in order to perform. I fall apart when I go too long without food.
Dave and I talked today about my training and I really only have 4 months left because the last month is pretty easy training..it's coming up fast!! He's confident I'll be ready, but I'm not a consistent rider....he told me today that I still back off on the hills.
These past 3 days have really pushed my limited. Each workout I think is the hardest and I can't believe I'm still able to walk at this point. I am encouraged by Dave's confidence in my ability...I hang on every word he says so as long as he says I can....then I can...
Friday, June 19, 2009
What a week
Wow..this week has gone by pretty fast...I need more days...I need more time. I was going to have a "girls night out" with a friend but Dave put the brakes on that by giving me 60 bike and 15 run miles to get done in two days...plus I have to study for a math exam, see my Dr., and get my hair cut. I'm exhausted just thinking about all of it.
Just about all my friends are headed up to Flag. to race in the Barn Burner this weekend...I was thinking about going, but have too much goin on so I don't think I'll make it. Best of luck and happy riding friends.
Just about all my friends are headed up to Flag. to race in the Barn Burner this weekend...I was thinking about going, but have too much goin on so I don't think I'll make it. Best of luck and happy riding friends.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Fixes
I did get my car fixed..it turned out to be my battery. I'm SO glad it wasn't more. I also got my neck fixed..or feeling better at least. The Chiropractor "aligned" my neck (more like cracked the hell out of it) and wow, it felt so much better after. I'd like to get "aligned" all the time! It's in the same feel good category as a massage.
This week has been tough with Dave gone. I managed to bike/run, but not at the level I'm sure he'd like. I eagerly await his return on Monday. I'm not behind on miles, but not as far ahead as I could be.
My friend Mayita is doing the 1/2 Boise IM today so I'm watching for her updates online. The race starts at 2pm, which seems a little odd to me, but keep her in your thoughts. Go Mayita!
This week has been tough with Dave gone. I managed to bike/run, but not at the level I'm sure he'd like. I eagerly await his return on Monday. I'm not behind on miles, but not as far ahead as I could be.
My friend Mayita is doing the 1/2 Boise IM today so I'm watching for her updates online. The race starts at 2pm, which seems a little odd to me, but keep her in your thoughts. Go Mayita!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
urg
Well, so much for my workout...my car won't start and Rick is out of town..I think it's a bad ignition switch so now I have to wait for a tow truck...
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Checkin In
I received an email from Dave today...In case I failed to mention it, he's in Canada with his wife right now. I was doing great...in my own little world until the email came. It didn't say anything other then, "how's it going so far." Up until that point, it was going good - so I thought. I think I had myself talked into believing that this week would be easier since he's gone. You know, I could go at my own pace, on my own path and I could stop and rest when I wanted to...Total freedom over my own workout... That email said something else to me..it said - you better get your ass outside and run sister. It said - you better not get behind on your workouts. I didn't plan on running today because I swam, but about 20 or so minutes after reading the email I was putting my shoes on. It's almost as if he knew that my effort might not be 100%..but maybe 80% this week. I ran, and I felt SO MUCH BETTER after I was done. What stinks worse then a sweaty chlorine smell? Eeks...I stink! It was nasty. Isn't it funny how just five words from my trainer and I'm poopin my pants!I saw Hollon's Chiropractor today. He did some voodoo on my neck and the range of motion is a little better. He did recommend easy swimming. After today's swim I was a little stiff but I guess the Dr. knows best. He put me on this massage machine...oh man! I'll go back twice a week just to lay on that thing.
Biking tomorrow and a run. After my accident I stopped biking with an iPod. I didn't have it that day, but I now realize the seriousness of biking..it's definitely not a game to take so lightly.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Bike ride update
Yesterday's ride to Cave Creek and Carefree could not have been more perfect. Vickie and I headed off super early so we could enjoy the cool weather, and it was a little chilly when we started!I should probably back up just a little. The thing about the Nelson's is...if you want a push, they will push! If you want your butt kicked, they will gladly serve your ass on a platter... If you want a nice easy ride, they are totally on board...they are SO EASY to be around that I can't help but call them about once a month for a ride. I can also gauge my progress riding with them so it's an extra bonus.
Back to the start...I told Vickie right away that I wanted to really push my speed. It's something I need to focus on with distance so I expected to be tired and I expected to really push my mental limits. (If I want to play with the big girls, I HAVE to work hard....there are no short cuts.) The last time I did this loop the Nelson's were chasing me (a little game we played) and what took me an hour about 2 months ago took me 45 minutes yesterday...I was REALLY glad to see that 15 minutes gone!
The Carefree hwy delivers a climb (from our starting point) and nice down hill followed by another nice incline to Cave Creek Rd...so you get a little of everything here. My quads were swollen from the first 12 miles we did so I was getting worried about the ride through Cave Creek and Carefree from the start...it's a pretty steady uphill climb that never fails to test my mental endurance. I kept my focus on Vickie's bike (it was just her and I yesterday) and keeping little distance between the two of us. I tried NOT to draft, so I stayed to the left of her tire for what seemed like most of our ride (where the road would allow it too).
We got passed by this dude who was SO TALL that his seat sat about where Vickie's head height was..holy smokes we could not believe how tall this guy was. At any rate, the ride down Pima Rd was a beautiful reprieve for my quads.
Riding back to Vickie's was still challenging. We kept a great 19-20 mph pace up most of Union Hills but I had made a huge mistake in not getting more water 10 miles from her house. Here is a huge lesson. Just because you are 10 miles from home does not mean you stop drinking and eating. I bottomed out fast...meaning I went from a good speed to a slow speed with nothing between. I should have gotten water...I had been eating all day and once I stopped, my legs gave out about 4 miles from home. I just couldn't get a good push to start my speed after that.
What a great time. Thanks Vickie for pushing me over some humps and offering a great workout..total time was 3 hrs 2o min with 53 miles.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Somebody please poke my eyes!
Okay now come on! Sometimes we just know that when we do certain things, or dress a certain way that we will attract negative attention or stares. Dave and I were biking the other day and this is what we both saw. A man (I'm sure he was nice, right?)...a rather hefty man with no shirt riding his bike with what almost looked like red speedo shorts! Why? Why are you doing this? Please put some clothes on!!! Why do people think it's okay to show that much skin? That was one of those situations where you really can't believe what you just saw....and I wanted to put pencils into my eyes...
It's been a pretty good week overall I guess. I don't have accident visions anymore and I've pretty much forgotten about it. The cold sore on the tip of my lip is crusted over so it doesn't hurt....sounds like I'm back into the swing of things. Still stiff so I see the chiropractor on Tuesday. I'm hoping for a quick fix here so I can start swimming soon. Dave is gone next week so I can focus on just my mileage and maybe get ahead. Today is a 7 mile run with a 12 mile in my near future....it's hard for me to believe I can actually run that far. Tomorrow my bike will get me just a little ahead on mileage, but more is always better. I'm biking with 2 girlfriends that I have not seen in weeks so I'm super excited about the ride and you can plan on seeing pictures with my post.
On a more personal note...I guess the previous posts were not personal? (anyway) School is HARD...I have a very good friend coming to tutor me twice a week. Without her I would not pass this stupid math. I think this whole math thing needs to be redone. In my entire adult life I don't remember ever wondering if P=a+b+c, for c...do you? It's just stupid. TONS of homework but very thankful this class is only 8 weeks.
Gotta run now..I'm going to email Hollon and see if he'll come over and dance to Stayin Alive for us... ;)
It's been a pretty good week overall I guess. I don't have accident visions anymore and I've pretty much forgotten about it. The cold sore on the tip of my lip is crusted over so it doesn't hurt....sounds like I'm back into the swing of things. Still stiff so I see the chiropractor on Tuesday. I'm hoping for a quick fix here so I can start swimming soon. Dave is gone next week so I can focus on just my mileage and maybe get ahead. Today is a 7 mile run with a 12 mile in my near future....it's hard for me to believe I can actually run that far. Tomorrow my bike will get me just a little ahead on mileage, but more is always better. I'm biking with 2 girlfriends that I have not seen in weeks so I'm super excited about the ride and you can plan on seeing pictures with my post.
On a more personal note...I guess the previous posts were not personal? (anyway) School is HARD...I have a very good friend coming to tutor me twice a week. Without her I would not pass this stupid math. I think this whole math thing needs to be redone. In my entire adult life I don't remember ever wondering if P=a+b+c, for c...do you? It's just stupid. TONS of homework but very thankful this class is only 8 weeks.
Gotta run now..I'm going to email Hollon and see if he'll come over and dance to Stayin Alive for us... ;)
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
I'm Out
Well, I have officially pulled out of the Sprint Tri I was signed up for on Saturday. My neck and back are just really stiff so I don't think I'll make the swim without some real issues...Thanks to DCB Adventures for the race credit. It's unfortunate, but I can't turn my head to the right, let alone try and breath each stroke. Hollon gave me the number to his chiropractor so I'm going to give him a try.
Thanks to Trailhead Bike & Cafe for fixing my bike so fast. I didn't want bike fear to come over me...it often happens after an accident, a little fear and anxiety so I decided early on that I wanted to ride again today. I knew I would not feel 100%, but as Hollon always says, "it's conditioning for something!" so Dave and I met at the same place for the same workout that was planned yesterday. As it turns out, he's feeling pretty sore and stiff too. He told me that today he was going to say at least 50 feet behind me lol... Seriously though, I saddled up my ride and off I went.
When I went to bed last night and closed my eyes, the accident was all I could see in my head over and over. When I woke I could hardly move. My Cure - Pop 2 Advil, drink some hot tea and start moving! I met Dave at Granada Park so I just really took my time and tried to warm up slowly because I knew the workout to come.
Once we started moving down the canal I had visions of the accident again in my head...fight, fight, fight! Stay to the right and just ride Kim, that accident was yesterday's news!!...I said over and over...it did go away, and I'm glad. I can say that I didn't have fear, but I had caution and more awareness. Dave was pushing my speed to stay consistent so I was thinking about circles with my legs in order to keep my mind off the pain going down my back and neck. I'm pretty happy with the ride, though the headwind at the end really took my speed from me. My mental endurance has improved for sure.
Tomorrow I'm kayaking and running. With a long ride planned for Sunday with the Nelson's, I think I can focus on my running and be on track for the week's 100/25.
Thanks for all the emails and text messages.
Thanks to Trailhead Bike & Cafe for fixing my bike so fast. I didn't want bike fear to come over me...it often happens after an accident, a little fear and anxiety so I decided early on that I wanted to ride again today. I knew I would not feel 100%, but as Hollon always says, "it's conditioning for something!" so Dave and I met at the same place for the same workout that was planned yesterday. As it turns out, he's feeling pretty sore and stiff too. He told me that today he was going to say at least 50 feet behind me lol... Seriously though, I saddled up my ride and off I went.
When I went to bed last night and closed my eyes, the accident was all I could see in my head over and over. When I woke I could hardly move. My Cure - Pop 2 Advil, drink some hot tea and start moving! I met Dave at Granada Park so I just really took my time and tried to warm up slowly because I knew the workout to come.
Once we started moving down the canal I had visions of the accident again in my head...fight, fight, fight! Stay to the right and just ride Kim, that accident was yesterday's news!!...I said over and over...it did go away, and I'm glad. I can say that I didn't have fear, but I had caution and more awareness. Dave was pushing my speed to stay consistent so I was thinking about circles with my legs in order to keep my mind off the pain going down my back and neck. I'm pretty happy with the ride, though the headwind at the end really took my speed from me. My mental endurance has improved for sure.
Tomorrow I'm kayaking and running. With a long ride planned for Sunday with the Nelson's, I think I can focus on my running and be on track for the week's 100/25.
Thanks for all the emails and text messages.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
"click, click, boom!"
Ya know, sometimes I just need to listen and do what I'm told.I met Dave for our Tuesday ride. He asked me the other day about how much time I spend in my aerobars so I had a sneaking suspicion that he'd been thinking about some upcoming training opportunities. When he asked me to meet him at Granada Park, which is near the canal I had a hunch that today I would spend more time in the bars total then I have since I bought them. I was right!
Off we go and it feels pretty good. Of course the tail wind was helping me some but overall, I felt pretty comfortable and relaxed. There's never much traffic on the canal so it was open territory. Or so I thought. I have a horrible habit of riding the center line. I'm not sure why, but I do know that when I'm on the road I worry about hitting the curb so I tend to stay pretty close to the left. Dave yells at me ALL THE TIME about riding over, or close to that center line and today wasn't any different. You can't see a line, but there is certainly one there and he reminded me soon after we started to get over on my own side of it.
A few miles into our rid
e and Dave says we are doing great at 19 - 20 mph, which is excellent for me. I was super excited to work hard and show him that yes, I can bounce back strong and hard. It's unfortunate that I couldn't stay on my side of the line heading down under Central Ave. because I had a pretty nasty sort-of head on, side clip kinda collision that left all of us on the ground dazed and wondering if all our parts were still functional.
I don't really remember how it all happened because just seconds after I saw him coming up towards me we made contact. We both tried to over correct I think and smashed into each other, but I take the blame for NOT BEING ON MY SIDE OF THE LINE!!! Had I been on the right and not down the middle, I probably could have given him more room and not hit him. I'm not sure if I went over the top of my bike or sideways, but I do know that Dave flipped over me, my head hit the ground pretty dang hard and my neck and back are pretty stiff. I remember laying there feeling scared saying to myself, okay Kim, can you feel your body? Do you need an ambulance. As I'm thinking this everyone is asking, are you okay, are you okay and I wonder, gosh - I don't really know yet but give me just a second to process what just happened.... About the time I realized that I was indeed okay, I was just scared and sore, all I wanted at that point was my phone so that I could call Rick. At that moment he was all I was thinking about and nothing more. Besides the fact that my bike was not ridable, I was pretty much done. I could not believe how fast he made it down there!
Dave walked away with some abrasions...he said he did a tuck and roll, which I kinda want to see! The other guy was also okay with just a sore knee I think.... My lesson - stay on MY SIDE of the line, not down the middle.
My bike is at the shop now and I hope to get it back today. I'd like to try biking again tomorrow. I suspect I'll still be stiff, but I can't get behind on my miles at this point and today's bike/run workout didn't get done.
(see the bars in the photo. I think they took the brunt of the fall. My front tire was messed up too...)
Off we go and it feels pretty good. Of course the tail wind was helping me some but overall, I felt pretty comfortable and relaxed. There's never much traffic on the canal so it was open territory. Or so I thought. I have a horrible habit of riding the center line. I'm not sure why, but I do know that when I'm on the road I worry about hitting the curb so I tend to stay pretty close to the left. Dave yells at me ALL THE TIME about riding over, or close to that center line and today wasn't any different. You can't see a line, but there is certainly one there and he reminded me soon after we started to get over on my own side of it.
A few miles into our rid
e and Dave says we are doing great at 19 - 20 mph, which is excellent for me. I was super excited to work hard and show him that yes, I can bounce back strong and hard. It's unfortunate that I couldn't stay on my side of the line heading down under Central Ave. because I had a pretty nasty sort-of head on, side clip kinda collision that left all of us on the ground dazed and wondering if all our parts were still functional.I don't really remember how it all happened because just seconds after I saw him coming up towards me we made contact. We both tried to over correct I think and smashed into each other, but I take the blame for NOT BEING ON MY SIDE OF THE LINE!!! Had I been on the right and not down the middle, I probably could have given him more room and not hit him. I'm not sure if I went over the top of my bike or sideways, but I do know that Dave flipped over me, my head hit the ground pretty dang hard and my neck and back are pretty stiff. I remember laying there feeling scared saying to myself, okay Kim, can you feel your body? Do you need an ambulance. As I'm thinking this everyone is asking, are you okay, are you okay and I wonder, gosh - I don't really know yet but give me just a second to process what just happened.... About the time I realized that I was indeed okay, I was just scared and sore, all I wanted at that point was my phone so that I could call Rick. At that moment he was all I was thinking about and nothing more. Besides the fact that my bike was not ridable, I was pretty much done. I could not believe how fast he made it down there!
Dave walked away with some abrasions...he said he did a tuck and roll, which I kinda want to see! The other guy was also okay with just a sore knee I think.... My lesson - stay on MY SIDE of the line, not down the middle.
My bike is at the shop now and I hope to get it back today. I'd like to try biking again tomorrow. I suspect I'll still be stiff, but I can't get behind on my miles at this point and today's bike/run workout didn't get done.
(see the bars in the photo. I think they took the brunt of the fall. My front tire was messed up too...)
Monday, June 1, 2009
I know..I know
I know, it's been too long since my last post. I 
had some real motivation issues in May...that I think really started in late April. I began questioning why I wanted to do all this, and did I want to finish it..surely I could find an excuse as to why I couldn't finish my training, and couldn't do the IM race. As much as I thought about it, I knew Rick would not buy into any excuse I could make up...there are no other option but to race. This event has cost me nearly $10,000 in training, races, travel, bike and repairs...all that adds up to a huge weight on my shoulders. All that money could have paid off several bills...and I drowned my sorrows in pity during May. My body and my mind where both just exhausted so I didn't do much more than my workouts with Dave. After we came home from Bishop I got really lazy and didn't do anything at all except stuff my face full of ice cream, cookies and milk and soda. I gained back the weight I had lost working with Dave in March and now I'm horrified, disappointed and surely didn't want to blog about to all of you.
During May I also realized the situation I put myself in when I signed up for the half IM in Northern CA. The excitement of seeing my girlfriend had me registering so fast that I didn't look at the course much, which has ended up being my worst nightmare. I'm more worried and stressed out about the 1/2 then the full, and I'm being honest. How weak am I on hills? How long have I been working on watts and "attacking" hills with minor improvements? Well, the entire bike course for my first 1/2 is nothing BUT hill climb after hill climb and I'm scared. Sometimes not knowing is better. Following is a 1/2 marathon, and I know how a 1/2 marathon feels WITHOUT all that biking before. How can I do this? How am I going to get this done? I wish I had somebody to run with. I feel so alone and that race isn't for several months.
I'm going on and on...April and May are over, and not soon enough. I knew Dave would have lofty goals for me and he didn't disappoint. I'm ready...and I'm excited again. I have to get this ice cream weight off my thighs so when he told me I was riding 400 miles and running 100, I was okay with it. I think he was waiting for me to freak out some, but I just said okay...followed by a "I can't believe I'm about to do all this" laugh. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who struggles... I can't always reach out for help..sometimes my arms just aren't that long.
Seriously, June is going to be my month of accomplishments. I'm on target, I'm feeling much
better and I'm having fun again. My fear is still there, but I can't continue to sabotage myself by letting my worry cripple my workouts. I don't know what will happen at the 1/2 but all I can do it try. If I don't make the cutoffs, well, then I don't. Will it hurt me, deeply I'm sure but this pre-race fear is killing me now and everyday I wake up, I fight it.
Here are some random photos from an Adventure Race Rick and I did this past weekend in Laguna Mtn, CA. We trekked, mtn bike and orienteering. PERFECT navigation from Rick!!! Nicely done.
This was the first AR I did where I had to pack all my gear for the bike and run so my pack was heavy with shoes, 100oz of water and food. What an experience. We traveled the Pacific Coast Trail - WOW - it was sooo beautiful!!!!
Following the race we had a big BBQ with everyone. That was the best part..everyone brought potluck food and we swapped stories, compared navigation choices and enjoyed the moments we had in common.
(high-five Ann!!) I love her! She's the kind of gal you see a couple times a year, but you feel like you've known her your whole life. Super nice!!! Go Ann Hall! I wish I could race with her...
Look at how dirty my legs are!
Final note.... yes, I'm biking 400 miles and running 100. My only event this month is the Tribal Tri on Saturday so if you are free, maybe you'll come.
had some real motivation issues in May...that I think really started in late April. I began questioning why I wanted to do all this, and did I want to finish it..surely I could find an excuse as to why I couldn't finish my training, and couldn't do the IM race. As much as I thought about it, I knew Rick would not buy into any excuse I could make up...there are no other option but to race. This event has cost me nearly $10,000 in training, races, travel, bike and repairs...all that adds up to a huge weight on my shoulders. All that money could have paid off several bills...and I drowned my sorrows in pity during May. My body and my mind where both just exhausted so I didn't do much more than my workouts with Dave. After we came home from Bishop I got really lazy and didn't do anything at all except stuff my face full of ice cream, cookies and milk and soda. I gained back the weight I had lost working with Dave in March and now I'm horrified, disappointed and surely didn't want to blog about to all of you.During May I also realized the situation I put myself in when I signed up for the half IM in Northern CA. The excitement of seeing my girlfriend had me registering so fast that I didn't look at the course much, which has ended up being my worst nightmare. I'm more worried and stressed out about the 1/2 then the full, and I'm being honest. How weak am I on hills? How long have I been working on watts and "attacking" hills with minor improvements? Well, the entire bike course for my first 1/2 is nothing BUT hill climb after hill climb and I'm scared. Sometimes not knowing is better. Following is a 1/2 marathon, and I know how a 1/2 marathon feels WITHOUT all that biking before. How can I do this? How am I going to get this done? I wish I had somebody to run with. I feel so alone and that race isn't for several months.
I'm going on and on...April and May are over, and not soon enough. I knew Dave would have lofty goals for me and he didn't disappoint. I'm ready...and I'm excited again. I have to get this ice cream weight off my thighs so when he told me I was riding 400 miles and running 100, I was okay with it. I think he was waiting for me to freak out some, but I just said okay...followed by a "I can't believe I'm about to do all this" laugh. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who struggles... I can't always reach out for help..sometimes my arms just aren't that long.
Seriously, June is going to be my month of accomplishments. I'm on target, I'm feeling much
better and I'm having fun again. My fear is still there, but I can't continue to sabotage myself by letting my worry cripple my workouts. I don't know what will happen at the 1/2 but all I can do it try. If I don't make the cutoffs, well, then I don't. Will it hurt me, deeply I'm sure but this pre-race fear is killing me now and everyday I wake up, I fight it.Here are some random photos from an Adventure Race Rick and I did this past weekend in Laguna Mtn, CA. We trekked, mtn bike and orienteering. PERFECT navigation from Rick!!! Nicely done.
This was the first AR I did where I had to pack all my gear for the bike and run so my pack was heavy with shoes, 100oz of water and food. What an experience. We traveled the Pacific Coast Trail - WOW - it was sooo beautiful!!!!
Following the race we had a big BBQ with everyone. That was the best part..everyone brought potluck food and we swapped stories, compared navigation choices and enjoyed the moments we had in common.
(high-five Ann!!) I love her! She's the kind of gal you see a couple times a year, but you feel like you've known her your whole life. Super nice!!! Go Ann Hall! I wish I could race with her...
Look at how dirty my legs are!
Final note.... yes, I'm biking 400 miles and running 100. My only event this month is the Tribal Tri on Saturday so if you are free, maybe you'll come.
Friday, May 22, 2009
The ball is rolling
So I'm headed to the gym to see Dave and I expect a really great workout followed by a road trip to Vegas to help Rick with the Mad Mud Run. I'm hearing that the turnout will be fantastic with 3 live News crews showing up! eeks.
I have a BIG announcement to make too! B-I-G!!! Are you ready??? I'm going back to school to finish my Bachelors Degree and applying to Nursing school! WOW!!! Classes start June 2nd so I'm pretty excited about that. I'm fortunate enough to have a lot of these classes already done so I hope it won't take me very long...my guess is 2 more years. The nursing program is 16 months.
Gotta run...I'll write more when I get back - my routine will be back to something that resembles normal by then.
I have a BIG announcement to make too! B-I-G!!! Are you ready??? I'm going back to school to finish my Bachelors Degree and applying to Nursing school! WOW!!! Classes start June 2nd so I'm pretty excited about that. I'm fortunate enough to have a lot of these classes already done so I hope it won't take me very long...my guess is 2 more years. The nursing program is 16 months.
Gotta run...I'll write more when I get back - my routine will be back to something that resembles normal by then.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Who doesn't love a vacation!
Here we go!
I am LOVING my vacation. We packed up and left town on Wed headed towards Bishop CA for an event Rick was timing. This was his first official timing job so we were both pretty excited. Me, I was excited to get out of town, Rick was excited to see if his system could handle 19 hours of timing straight...both of us are satisfied.
I did manage to get some work done while away. Vacations don't stop IM training so though this week has been an easy pace, here is the scoop on my work...Day 1 - 5.25 mile run
Day 2 - 20 mile bike
Day 3 - 10 - 12 mile run
Day 4 - Drive home
Day 5 - Recover from 10 hour drive
Day 7 - Mtn bike
So, you can see that it's been pretty easy going. It was really HOT in Bishop and extremely dry. We were fortune enough to be in a nice grassy area where I just couldn't resist a nap. The grass was so cool and the shade had a nice breeze so I think I was napping for about a hour or more... best nap ever on a vacation!
If you haven't been to Bishop then I suggest you pass on through and head towards Mammoth Lakes. It was beautiful and snow packed. What a sight for eyes that see nothing but desert. While checking out the sites we came across a beautiful water fall down the middle of a snow packed mountain..we had fun hiking through some snowy patches to get the best photo we could.
I only have a couple more fun days until I get back to business with Dave. We meet on Friday and I don't expect things to get any easier, especially with the heat. I'm going to join a gym so I can get my run workouts done inside. I have a tendency to go down hill fast in the heat, unfortunately, but I'm feeling pretty good about my running lately and can't let it slip. Here are more random photos from our trip.
Rick has been giving me surprises for the past two days as his way of saying "thanks for all you do" and WOW, they are great surprises!!! Day one, pedicure and manicure...days 2 (today) an hour massage and tomorrow is a facial!!! Can you believe it. What a great guy...I love you babe.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Vacation!
FINALLY!!! We are leaving for vacation today so I'm not sure how my posts will go. Watch for photos to come when I return next Wed.
Monday, May 11, 2009
This just added
I just posted but forgot something else super important....
Today was my gym workout. This will be the last time I see Dave until May 22nd so I'm happy and sad for the break. These past couple weeks I've been slacking. I mean, I haven't skipped a lot of workouts but I certainly have not put my best effort into them either. I'm just getting over the burnout and Dave reminded me today that when I return we are back to 100%.
Speaking of Dave...have I mentioned lately how fortunate I am to have him on my side? Dave has never given me negative feedback...he's never told me I won't finish something or that I can't do this or that. He's NEVER given me anything negative to dwell on. Oh believe me, we've had our laughs about my "train wreck" workouts, but he's never told me flat out that I can't do something. He seems very aware of what he says, like, "you could, but that's not a natural progression." I feel so fortunate to have such a positive energy on my side.
Did you know, Rick fills me with laughter before events...he almost always has something funny to say to lighten my mood. For my weekend race he kept saying over and over, "you're going to kick those b*tches asses so hard today" it was hilarious... I felt like a boxer getting ready to hit the ring. I never had much laughter in my life, or in my heart until I met Rick... The smile lines that are growing around my mouth are from him! He's making me wrinkly... :)
Today was my gym workout. This will be the last time I see Dave until May 22nd so I'm happy and sad for the break. These past couple weeks I've been slacking. I mean, I haven't skipped a lot of workouts but I certainly have not put my best effort into them either. I'm just getting over the burnout and Dave reminded me today that when I return we are back to 100%.
Speaking of Dave...have I mentioned lately how fortunate I am to have him on my side? Dave has never given me negative feedback...he's never told me I won't finish something or that I can't do this or that. He's NEVER given me anything negative to dwell on. Oh believe me, we've had our laughs about my "train wreck" workouts, but he's never told me flat out that I can't do something. He seems very aware of what he says, like, "you could, but that's not a natural progression." I feel so fortunate to have such a positive energy on my side.
Did you know, Rick fills me with laughter before events...he almost always has something funny to say to lighten my mood. For my weekend race he kept saying over and over, "you're going to kick those b*tches asses so hard today" it was hilarious... I felt like a boxer getting ready to hit the ring. I never had much laughter in my life, or in my heart until I met Rick... The smile lines that are growing around my mouth are from him! He's making me wrinkly... :)
Danskin Women's Tri
Well, it turns out that I DID participate in the Tri this weekend and yes, I'm glad I did. Going into this event I didn't have expectations. I had no idea how I was going to perform and honestly, I just wanted to participate without feeling like I had goals to try and overcome.
I talk a lot of smack....Lisa also participated in the race and I'll say this, it was nice knowing that she was going to be out there somewhere too. Before we started of course I told her that on the bike I was going to hunt for her...ooohhhh scary! ha-ha Will I ever learn to keep my mouth shut?
My swim was okay. My time was so much better then I had expected. I didn't put much effort into getting it done, or effort into my technique. In fact, I was telling Rick that I kept my head above water for what seemed like most of the time...
On the bike things started to breakdown for me. It was getting hot by this time and I had a difficult time catching my breath out of the TA. The bike was two loops so I shoved some food into my mouth, tried to catch my breath and just relaxed on my bars.
I saw all kinds of bikes...old looking road bikes, mtn bikes...tricked out Tri bikes as well as crazy looking people. Hard core athletes and those who looked like maybe they had just been talked into doing it.
My run SUCKED. It took me 44 minutes to basically WALK 3.1 miles! By far my worst performance to date on the run. I can usually pull off a shuffle, but not this day. I was so thirsty after the bike that I gulped down anything I could find and now my stomach was sloshing around and cramped...forget it. I was hot and tired so screw it I said and walked pretty much all of it until I reached the Marina. I started my shuffle and made my way over the Mill Ave bridge where I saw Lisa coming back for me. Now, after I talked all that smack about coming for her on the bike I wasn't sure what I was going to get...maybe she could see my suffering...or she probably knew I was suffering by how long it was taking me so she just talked me through the last 1/2 mile or so, held my water and told me to finish strong and so I did...the last little effort I had was for the last 100 yards. She saved my spirit and touched my heart....I trust Lisa....I do...
I talk a lot of smack....Lisa also participated in the race and I'll say this, it was nice knowing that she was going to be out there somewhere too. Before we started of course I told her that on the bike I was going to hunt for her...ooohhhh scary! ha-ha Will I ever learn to keep my mouth shut?
My swim was okay. My time was so much better then I had expected. I didn't put much effort into getting it done, or effort into my technique. In fact, I was telling Rick that I kept my head above water for what seemed like most of the time...
On the bike things started to breakdown for me. It was getting hot by this time and I had a difficult time catching my breath out of the TA. The bike was two loops so I shoved some food into my mouth, tried to catch my breath and just relaxed on my bars.
I saw all kinds of bikes...old looking road bikes, mtn bikes...tricked out Tri bikes as well as crazy looking people. Hard core athletes and those who looked like maybe they had just been talked into doing it.
My run SUCKED. It took me 44 minutes to basically WALK 3.1 miles! By far my worst performance to date on the run. I can usually pull off a shuffle, but not this day. I was so thirsty after the bike that I gulped down anything I could find and now my stomach was sloshing around and cramped...forget it. I was hot and tired so screw it I said and walked pretty much all of it until I reached the Marina. I started my shuffle and made my way over the Mill Ave bridge where I saw Lisa coming back for me. Now, after I talked all that smack about coming for her on the bike I wasn't sure what I was going to get...maybe she could see my suffering...or she probably knew I was suffering by how long it was taking me so she just talked me through the last 1/2 mile or so, held my water and told me to finish strong and so I did...the last little effort I had was for the last 100 yards. She saved my spirit and touched my heart....I trust Lisa....I do...
Friday, May 8, 2009
Better
I'm starting to feel better physically. My stomach has finally calmed itself and I've been back on food for 2 days...LOVE IT. I was feeling pretty groovy so I came home from work and went for a run...not far, maybe 3 or 4 miles. After all I have just been through my body feels detoxed and good.
I'm scheduled to do SheRox tomorrow but think I'll pass...or maybe I'll go...I'm not sure yet. Do you think I should do it?
I'm scheduled to do SheRox tomorrow but think I'll pass...or maybe I'll go...I'm not sure yet. Do you think I should do it?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
How's your week
This hasn't been my best week. I've really been struggling with my stomach since Saturday and think it might be something more then just food poison. I keep hoping it goes away but if it's not better today, I think I'll call the Dr. ugh
Training wise, this week has been pretty weak. I missed a workout with Dave because I was not feeling great, and my motivation has dropped to just a tiny flicker of a flame now. I'm leaving for vacation next Wed and Dave's advice, just relax, do a little of this and a little of that and when I return, maybe I'll get my excitement back. I hope he's right. My horrible attitude has got me pretty fed up with everyone about everything and I'm not happy...Rick would say I've lost my smile - but he's in Omaha so he can't.
In an effort to find sometime positive about this week, I did a workout with Buddy yesterday that was fun. We scootered and he ran. I love Buddy and always feel goofy and fun when I see him.
Training wise, this week has been pretty weak. I missed a workout with Dave because I was not feeling great, and my motivation has dropped to just a tiny flicker of a flame now. I'm leaving for vacation next Wed and Dave's advice, just relax, do a little of this and a little of that and when I return, maybe I'll get my excitement back. I hope he's right. My horrible attitude has got me pretty fed up with everyone about everything and I'm not happy...Rick would say I've lost my smile - but he's in Omaha so he can't.
In an effort to find sometime positive about this week, I did a workout with Buddy yesterday that was fun. We scootered and he ran. I love Buddy and always feel goofy and fun when I see him.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Blah
I've been sick since Saturday afternoon...not much to post. I pretty much have the blahs...nothing excites me..nothing motivates me. I did make it to the gym today but had to walk my bike part way home because I felt dizzy and nausea. I'm really in a slump and the light at the end of my tunnel is tiny at the moment... It's late afternoon and I still don't feel well.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Game ON
I've had my two days off and I'm feeling SO much better! Game on now.. I've got my goals mapped out and I think that I can still get all of it done before my deadline, starting with my 12 mile run tomorrow morning. Since Rick's event is about 12 miles away, I'll be leaving EARLY to get there by 7:00am. I've planned for 3 hours, though my 1/2 marathon time is only 2.5...so I'll have time to stop for traffic, water and whatever other issues I might encounter.
It's crunch time so I have to put my head down and really stay focused. SheROX is also next weekend so that will help get some mile done...looking forward to a pretty intense week here.
Wish me luck!
It's crunch time so I have to put my head down and really stay focused. SheROX is also next weekend so that will help get some mile done...looking forward to a pretty intense week here.
Wish me luck!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
I'm sick
I must have hit my head...because after just 2 days of rest, I miss my training and working super hard...I'll be glad to hit the gym tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
For the most part
For the most part, I'm taking a couple of days off from training. I have a swim class tonight that I'll probably go to, and Rick and I are going to pre-bike his race course for this weekend but that's about all I have planned...
Taking it down a notch...catching my breath and then we'll see were it goes from there...
Taking it down a notch...catching my breath and then we'll see were it goes from there...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
I'm back
Okay - things with my mom went pretty well today so I'm back earlier then expected. She's alert, now feeding herself and asking LOTs of questions about what's going on...good news.
Rick is finally home from CA where he successfully hosted the OC Adventure Race. Absence does make the heart grow fonder... welcome back babe...
From a training perspective, I'm a little stressed out. We are in full IM training now and I see the miles and hours adding up each month. Since I have a vacation in the middle of May, I have another 2 week goal...
175 bike miles
50 run
50 bike/5 mile run brick
12 mile long run
swim/swim/swim
I'm overwhelmed with worry. I worry about the time I have to put into training. I worry about my job and not making any money. I worry that this vacation is a working vacation so maybe I won't get as well rested as planned. I'm upset that this year Rick and I won't make our annual road trip because of IM training and costs. I worry about my ability to actually pull all of this off. How am I going to get all of this done in only 2 weeks? It never ends and there are days I want it to all go away. I don't want to talk about it, see it, train for it or anything - NOTHING!!!!! RROOAARRRRRRR!!!!! damnit!! All of this CRAP is chipping away at me and this whole process is just not fun anymore. And NO, I don't have PMS right now so if you are thinking it, DON'T.
So I have my 1/2 IM coming up in Aug and the entire 54 mile bike is hills....like BIG freakin hills. I'm so weak on hills. I get tired going up the freakin Dreamy Draw...that's it.... I can't write about this anymore. I'm done! I'm DONE!
Rick is finally home from CA where he successfully hosted the OC Adventure Race. Absence does make the heart grow fonder... welcome back babe...
From a training perspective, I'm a little stressed out. We are in full IM training now and I see the miles and hours adding up each month. Since I have a vacation in the middle of May, I have another 2 week goal...
175 bike miles
50 run
50 bike/5 mile run brick
12 mile long run
swim/swim/swim
I'm overwhelmed with worry. I worry about the time I have to put into training. I worry about my job and not making any money. I worry that this vacation is a working vacation so maybe I won't get as well rested as planned. I'm upset that this year Rick and I won't make our annual road trip because of IM training and costs. I worry about my ability to actually pull all of this off. How am I going to get all of this done in only 2 weeks? It never ends and there are days I want it to all go away. I don't want to talk about it, see it, train for it or anything - NOTHING!!!!! RROOAARRRRRRR!!!!! damnit!! All of this CRAP is chipping away at me and this whole process is just not fun anymore. And NO, I don't have PMS right now so if you are thinking it, DON'T.
So I have my 1/2 IM coming up in Aug and the entire 54 mile bike is hills....like BIG freakin hills. I'm so weak on hills. I get tired going up the freakin Dreamy Draw...that's it.... I can't write about this anymore. I'm done! I'm DONE!
No Post
So real quick....having some issues with my mom, who suffers from Parkinson's Disease...no time to post so please check back in a couple days and I'll try to catch up.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Pretty long weekend
Okay, Friday night was the Splash & Dash and my goal was to simply get out of the water without looking back to see how far behind I was...did I do it or not?? What do you think? The answer is within this post :)
I felt pretty good going into the event...as in more prepared this time. I have been going to my swim classes twice a week and of course running my @ss off so I was curious to see if my time improved...which it did!!! By about 3 minutes. I had just a little anxiety before the race though...just not knowing if Dave would be there so I was very distracted in the beginning. I kept looking around and he's so quiet that he could have been standing behind me and I wouldn't even know it. As crazy as this sounds, I always want to make him proud and I want to work hard to impress him. Both Dave and his wife Windy made it, about 10 seconds before the gun went off so I could relax and just play hard...I put a lot of focus on NOT being so delicate in the water, and he noticed my effort :) I want to share all of my personal victories with everyone who helps me...it's a victory we all share together...I love my friends (and Buddy too)
My friend Lisa did the Splash & Dash too so the pressure was really on to give a good performance. She's a great competitor, and since we are about the same speed - trying to beat her keeps my mind focused...maybe she'll be my pacer at IM??
My step-mom went into the hospital on Saturday so I was not able to get much else done over the weekend. She's back home tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to getting back into the game. The Dr. thought she had a stroke, but since ruled it out...lots of tests...lots of hospital food - yuke!
I felt pretty good going into the event...as in more prepared this time. I have been going to my swim classes twice a week and of course running my @ss off so I was curious to see if my time improved...which it did!!! By about 3 minutes. I had just a little anxiety before the race though...just not knowing if Dave would be there so I was very distracted in the beginning. I kept looking around and he's so quiet that he could have been standing behind me and I wouldn't even know it. As crazy as this sounds, I always want to make him proud and I want to work hard to impress him. Both Dave and his wife Windy made it, about 10 seconds before the gun went off so I could relax and just play hard...I put a lot of focus on NOT being so delicate in the water, and he noticed my effort :) I want to share all of my personal victories with everyone who helps me...it's a victory we all share together...I love my friends (and Buddy too)
My friend Lisa did the Splash & Dash too so the pressure was really on to give a good performance. She's a great competitor, and since we are about the same speed - trying to beat her keeps my mind focused...maybe she'll be my pacer at IM??
My step-mom went into the hospital on Saturday so I was not able to get much else done over the weekend. She's back home tomorrow, so I'm looking forward to getting back into the game. The Dr. thought she had a stroke, but since ruled it out...lots of tests...lots of hospital food - yuke!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Define "Easy Week"
Yeah, the next time I hear "easy week" I'm going to get a written statement from Dave on what that actually means. What are the TERMS of "easy week" exactly. [by the way - you still owe me .55]
Today during "easy week" we rode our bikes UPPP South Mtn. Oh man...the easy part was that he was not timing us. Here is what I think...and let me try to say this in a way that makes sense (sometimes I confuse technical terms etc). Going up a hill, my watts (power output) had been really low, which translates into slow motion speed - is that an oxymoron? Dave and I have been doing a lot of work to improve my output and get those watts up. I think the last time we checked on the trainer my watts had improved, though not for long periods of time. In short, I'm starting to power up hills (good news). My theory though...because I'm working harder up hills now, my legs get tired really fast. I don't have the leg endurance to power up all of those South Mtn hills so I started getting sluggish through some of them, especially towards the top. I knew my watts had gone down...I could feel the difference but being EASY WEEK and all, I opted to keep my mouth closed about it...I'm fairly confident that he knows... :)
The Splash & Dash is Friday and this time I will not get out of the water and turn around to see how many people are behind me!!! I WILL NOT!
Today during "easy week" we rode our bikes UPPP South Mtn. Oh man...the easy part was that he was not timing us. Here is what I think...and let me try to say this in a way that makes sense (sometimes I confuse technical terms etc). Going up a hill, my watts (power output) had been really low, which translates into slow motion speed - is that an oxymoron? Dave and I have been doing a lot of work to improve my output and get those watts up. I think the last time we checked on the trainer my watts had improved, though not for long periods of time. In short, I'm starting to power up hills (good news). My theory though...because I'm working harder up hills now, my legs get tired really fast. I don't have the leg endurance to power up all of those South Mtn hills so I started getting sluggish through some of them, especially towards the top. I knew my watts had gone down...I could feel the difference but being EASY WEEK and all, I opted to keep my mouth closed about it...I'm fairly confident that he knows... :)
The Splash & Dash is Friday and this time I will not get out of the water and turn around to see how many people are behind me!!! I WILL NOT!
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Gym
Here is a picture of the small gym I go to on Mon & Fri...it's a private gym that personal trainers take their clients to, so it's rarely full...which is super nice!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Skinny girl trapped inside a fat body
Scouting an area is key! A few weeks ago Windy took a group up to scout the area where the Women's Adventure Race was going to be held and it sure paid off. The race was yesterday and as soon as we saw the map, we knew exactly where all the CP's were. I was SO HAPPY, and a little relieved. I wanted to come home a winner and this was one advantage I knew we had in the bag.
My teammate Lisa was our captain yesterday...she's very strong and I just kept trying to imagine myself on tow with her. If I could just keep a steady pace we'd do well. Our navigation was spot on, and our team dynamic could not have been any better. I won't bore you too much with race details, but we paddled, biked, hiked & paddled with 3 "mystery events" between...super fun!
As you can imagine, I came home with a pretty big high from winning twice...1st for our division and 3rd overall. WOW - I didn't plan on that and still can't wrap my brain around any of it.I'll be honest though..today, when I looked through all of the pictures I do not look as strong as I feel, and I'm not happy about it. In fact, it upsets me very much. I feel like I work really hard but the results just don't show. How many more hours in a day can I exercise? Freakin seriously! I'm at this shit for hours at a time and my body just does not reflect it...I don't feel like a winner. There is a void inside me and it gets bigger and bigger. I don't know how to fill it...I don't know why I keep feeling worse about myself. The longer I go through this process the bigger my hole gets and the more frustrated I am. Geez, you'd think I was on steroids with all my emotional ups and down - but maybe that's what I need in order to get my body into the shape I want!
I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to see the results of my hard work - is there? I want a body builders body and I'm tired of waiting for it!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Winners!
Team Little Fish Energy Lab came in 1st in their division, 3rd overall! 
Little Fish caught between two Big Fish!Friday, April 17, 2009
A Note From Kim Nelson
Tomorrow is the Women's Adventure Race and I'm super excited! I'm seriously looking to come home with a medal around my neck for this one.
Our team name is Little Fish Energy Lab. HA-HA It's an inside joke that would take too long to explain - but it's freakin hilarious to the rest of us. Dare I say, this race is dedicated to the "wanna be" Nelson's? LMAO
Watch for my post on Sunday or Monday for a race report and pictures....should be an adventure for sure...
Kim Nelson :D
Our team name is Little Fish Energy Lab. HA-HA It's an inside joke that would take too long to explain - but it's freakin hilarious to the rest of us. Dare I say, this race is dedicated to the "wanna be" Nelson's? LMAO
Watch for my post on Sunday or Monday for a race report and pictures....should be an adventure for sure...
Kim Nelson :D
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I'm still a baby duck
Okay some really great news! Last night at the pool, our coach moved me up a lane!!!! Fantastic huh? I know, I'm really excited myself. I have about six more lanes to go but one foot in front of the other and I'll surely make it soon. The last lane is where the serious "swim masters" are...wooooooo
Anyway - yesterday was a pretty serious workout day for me. With my 2-week challenge ending this week I put a good 6 or 7 hours into getting some mileage out of the way. Easy biking, gym, 10 mile run and then 2300m swim in class last night. Needless to say, I was a little worried about the long ride with Dave today - especially if he was taking me up hills (which he likes to do). He was pretty happy to hear I did my long run so maybe we avoided the majority of Mummy Mtn to give my legs a rest. Instead he chose a long steady climb up Via Linda. Such a doll that man....
I was watching those cute baby ducks at the canal the other day. They swim close to their mother for a few seconds, then a little bit away from her and then come back super fast with their little quackers honken... as if to ask mother duck if they are okay to swim farther. They are testing the waters, but still rely on their mother for comfort and assurance. Sometimes I feel that way with Dave. He's very good at giving me praise and pushing me to go further on my own...but he's always there when I need to pull back and stay close. He's like a daddy duck LMAO!!! hahahaha That's freakin hilarious! I wonder if he still reads my blog? All I can picture is Dave's head on a duck body...floatin down the canal hahahaha Sometimes when he hollers at me it sounds like a quack! QUACK, QUACK, QUACK....HAHAHAHA okay - if he does still read my blog, I better stop while I'm ahead... :D
Anyway - yesterday was a pretty serious workout day for me. With my 2-week challenge ending this week I put a good 6 or 7 hours into getting some mileage out of the way. Easy biking, gym, 10 mile run and then 2300m swim in class last night. Needless to say, I was a little worried about the long ride with Dave today - especially if he was taking me up hills (which he likes to do). He was pretty happy to hear I did my long run so maybe we avoided the majority of Mummy Mtn to give my legs a rest. Instead he chose a long steady climb up Via Linda. Such a doll that man....
I was watching those cute baby ducks at the canal the other day. They swim close to their mother for a few seconds, then a little bit away from her and then come back super fast with their little quackers honken... as if to ask mother duck if they are okay to swim farther. They are testing the waters, but still rely on their mother for comfort and assurance. Sometimes I feel that way with Dave. He's very good at giving me praise and pushing me to go further on my own...but he's always there when I need to pull back and stay close. He's like a daddy duck LMAO!!! hahahaha That's freakin hilarious! I wonder if he still reads my blog? All I can picture is Dave's head on a duck body...floatin down the canal hahahaha Sometimes when he hollers at me it sounds like a quack! QUACK, QUACK, QUACK....HAHAHAHA okay - if he does still read my blog, I better stop while I'm ahead... :D
Monday, April 13, 2009
Codependent
Yep..I'm very codependent. This past week I've had a pretty challenging time with..well...time management. I can't get my head to do longer workouts without Dave. That's not entirely true. I can't get my @ss on my bike without Dave babysitting me...that's the real truth. I'm not sure why but it's been challenging for me to transition from run to bike. I can do bike to run, but man...my head does not want to turn it around and so I haven't been on my bike as much as I need to be. I'll reach my 2-week goals, but I'll be working my @ss off this week to play catch up on the bike. UGH!
I was suppose to do a long ride this weekend but blew it off. I did worry about what would happen at the gym this morning. eeks. I tried to play it low key hoping that Dave would not really ask too much about it, but I felt like a giant elephant was in the room so I just let it out...I didn't do my long ride [big sigh of relief] There - I said it!
Dave made me an offer - 20 minutes on "THE MACHINE" for 5 bike miles. Five bike mile was the better choice, but I did choose the machine for my own punishment, and to remind myself how challenging it was. Don't tell Dave this, but it was not really that bad ;D
Today I'm feelin pretty good so once my breakfast settles I'm going to get this 10 mile long run done for the week....My run yesterday was really fast so I'm curious to see if it was a fluke, or if I really am getting faster.
I was suppose to do a long ride this weekend but blew it off. I did worry about what would happen at the gym this morning. eeks. I tried to play it low key hoping that Dave would not really ask too much about it, but I felt like a giant elephant was in the room so I just let it out...I didn't do my long ride [big sigh of relief] There - I said it!
Dave made me an offer - 20 minutes on "THE MACHINE" for 5 bike miles. Five bike mile was the better choice, but I did choose the machine for my own punishment, and to remind myself how challenging it was. Don't tell Dave this, but it was not really that bad ;D
Today I'm feelin pretty good so once my breakfast settles I'm going to get this 10 mile long run done for the week....My run yesterday was really fast so I'm curious to see if it was a fluke, or if I really am getting faster.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
One week to go
Wow, the clock is ticking on my two week goals! I calculate the numbers in my head and on paper at least 3 times a day just to make sure I didn't skip a mile here or there. Then if I don't ride, run or swim the entire configuration changes so fast. Keeping track of all this is like adding a discipline into the mix - geez.
I had a long run on my schedule today - 8 miles. I was feeling pretty good so I added almost another mile. I prepared properly with water and fuel so I'm happy to get the extra time on my feet. The best part of the whole thing was seeing the baby ducks along the canal. I have to admit...I stopped twice just to watch them swim - they were too cute to pass up.
So yesterday was my first day back to the Tri-group swim class. The same coach, Jon was still teaching and mentioned how much better I looked in the water. He put me in the slow lane where I kept drafting off the folks in front of me...I've gotten so much faster then a year ago...if only it showed in open water.
Pretty boring post.....here is some good info! I have a blister on my @ss from that freakin computrainer! I sweat SO MUCH and just sitting in the same position without the ability to move around or get some wind to dry me out is just too much - I can't take it. I have a heat rash and blister where the sun don't shine... :D
I came this close [ this is how close ] to getting hit by a car yesterday. I was crossing the street during my run and a woman was not looking as she turned the corner....had I been looking any other direction except in front of me, she would have hit me....
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
A Train wreck of a workout
What is the deal? I've been on the computrainer for 3 hours before and didn't fall apart like I did today. Dave describes it as a train wreck workout - lmao! I knew I was going to be on the trainer today and was ready for it, kind of. Our goal was to do the first 20 miles of the Vineman course, which I'm doing in August, just to see what it's like. Well, I hate that freaking machine! I'm so frustrated...not with how I did, I'm frustrated that the computrainer has to be a part of my training. I have never hated a machine so much. My body just goes completely numb and in all honesty, I didn't know a person could sweat so much. I hated it, and my performance reflected in the numbers across the computer.
It's so true, it was a train wreck and I'll own that...bundle the whole thing up, bless it and toss it out the window (just like Dave told me too)...
My running goal is coming along great... I'd much rather be outside then inside! I'm currently at 4 miles a day, with an 8 mile run coming on Thursday. Tonight I start back with the Sun Devil Swim Masters in order to improve my swim time. I look forward to getting back into a swim routine. So much to do and not enough hours to do it all...
It's so true, it was a train wreck and I'll own that...bundle the whole thing up, bless it and toss it out the window (just like Dave told me too)...
My running goal is coming along great... I'd much rather be outside then inside! I'm currently at 4 miles a day, with an 8 mile run coming on Thursday. Tonight I start back with the Sun Devil Swim Masters in order to improve my swim time. I look forward to getting back into a swim routine. So much to do and not enough hours to do it all...
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Blessing
[Please don't forget that this blog is my public journal. I try to make it funny in order to entertain you, but some of these posts are intended just for me..well, they all are actually. I can't help but feel a roller coaster of emotions though so...hold on to your seat belts folks!]
Let's talk about my training goals first.... I have to finish 150 bike miles, 50 run miles and 5000 swim meters in just two weeks! That's a lot of running, I know! Remember last week I said Dave had a gift for me..well, this little gift is one I'd like to return please :0 No, seriously....I have to include two long runs - one 8-miles and one 10-miles. Oh man - I'm a little nervous about how I'm going to get all this done. I'm looking at some long days ahead of me and I was also warned that in May my challenges and goals will be increasing. I knew it was coming...so as I always say, "let's just get this shit done!!" yeeehaw baby ;)
I was watching a pod cast today from Joel Ostein who said, "Thank God for the fullness of His blessings." I just sat for a while after hearing his message and started making a list of my blessings. About half way down my list, something I wrote stood out from the rest, "The desire is in my heart to improve in every aspect of my life." Yes, I do consider the desire itself to be a blessing... I want to improve so much so fast that I'm missing some valuable lessons. This competitive spirit I have is not part of the deal. It's not humble, and that is key for me to realize.
I believe with my whole heart that my friends are here to teach me humility through example. You know who you are..you have a whole closet full of medals and awards for just about everything you have done or touched in your life. But I notice that when asked who won, you say, "I did" or, "we did" quietly and with enormous humility. You never want the spotlight on you, you're never flamboyant and THAT is what you are here to teach me. That is why God has put our paths together. Now, just because I know this does not mean my issue is solved....the hard part is fighting through this change internally...and that I cannot do alone so I lift up my problems, my lack of humility to my Lord and I'm asking for supernatural change in my life. I'm ready, I'm willing and I'm asking.....
Let's talk about my training goals first.... I have to finish 150 bike miles, 50 run miles and 5000 swim meters in just two weeks! That's a lot of running, I know! Remember last week I said Dave had a gift for me..well, this little gift is one I'd like to return please :0 No, seriously....I have to include two long runs - one 8-miles and one 10-miles. Oh man - I'm a little nervous about how I'm going to get all this done. I'm looking at some long days ahead of me and I was also warned that in May my challenges and goals will be increasing. I knew it was coming...so as I always say, "let's just get this shit done!!" yeeehaw baby ;)
I was watching a pod cast today from Joel Ostein who said, "Thank God for the fullness of His blessings." I just sat for a while after hearing his message and started making a list of my blessings. About half way down my list, something I wrote stood out from the rest, "The desire is in my heart to improve in every aspect of my life." Yes, I do consider the desire itself to be a blessing... I want to improve so much so fast that I'm missing some valuable lessons. This competitive spirit I have is not part of the deal. It's not humble, and that is key for me to realize.
I believe with my whole heart that my friends are here to teach me humility through example. You know who you are..you have a whole closet full of medals and awards for just about everything you have done or touched in your life. But I notice that when asked who won, you say, "I did" or, "we did" quietly and with enormous humility. You never want the spotlight on you, you're never flamboyant and THAT is what you are here to teach me. That is why God has put our paths together. Now, just because I know this does not mean my issue is solved....the hard part is fighting through this change internally...and that I cannot do alone so I lift up my problems, my lack of humility to my Lord and I'm asking for supernatural change in my life. I'm ready, I'm willing and I'm asking.....
Saturday, April 4, 2009
I have so much to learn
I have so much to learn. So, here is what happened. I did the first Splash & Dash on Thursday night. It was an eye opener...or eyeS opener I should say. First, my swimming stinks. I have not been giving enough time to swim practice and Dave's response to my swim was, "You look delicate when you swim" What? I was working really hard, but not hard enough. After that I decided to sign up with the Sun Devils Tri-Club and swim twice a week again. The only way to get myself to swim is if I pay for it..so, chaaaching...Ironman is making me a poor woman.
I left feeling really defeated - and it's my own fault. I have a tendency to suck the fun out of some of the things I do by being competitive. After making my way out of the water on Thursday I turned around to see how many people were behind me. That's terrible! If I'm not in the middle of the pack then horrible things run through my head like, "why are you even doing all this Kim...this is way over your head. You are not strong enough or good enough to race with these people" and I'm just completely shattered by the whole thing. I'm my worst enemy at times. I measure my success based on my position and because I'm always at the bottom...it pretty much stinks down here. ugh... I don't know how to stop being this way. My friends, (whom I love dearly so don't take this wrong) always come home with a medal around their necks....they are quick to tell me to compete only with myself but come on. If you have never been on the bottom you have no idea how it feels to watch everyone succeed while I continue to fail. It's pretty tough sometimes.
So how do I pick up the pieces? Well, my original plan was to go on a long bike ride and figure things out in my head but last night I felt like I needed some help getting through this slump so I called on my friends Butch and Vickie. We ended up doing a mtn bike ride today and though I begged them to ditch me soon after we started because I could not keep up, they refused and we ended up having a challenging and fun ride. I needed that hard push...I needed to overcome those challenges and I just needed to get beat up a little..it felt really great and I feel much better.
I know that something is broken inside me so now it's time to try and fix it...I do suppose I better figure it out fast. One final note...and I mean this in the kindest way. I know some of you will read this and email me with great comments and accolades about how far I've come and I sincerely appreciate all of it...but you don't need to this time. Just let me figure this out - cool?
I left feeling really defeated - and it's my own fault. I have a tendency to suck the fun out of some of the things I do by being competitive. After making my way out of the water on Thursday I turned around to see how many people were behind me. That's terrible! If I'm not in the middle of the pack then horrible things run through my head like, "why are you even doing all this Kim...this is way over your head. You are not strong enough or good enough to race with these people" and I'm just completely shattered by the whole thing. I'm my worst enemy at times. I measure my success based on my position and because I'm always at the bottom...it pretty much stinks down here. ugh... I don't know how to stop being this way. My friends, (whom I love dearly so don't take this wrong) always come home with a medal around their necks....they are quick to tell me to compete only with myself but come on. If you have never been on the bottom you have no idea how it feels to watch everyone succeed while I continue to fail. It's pretty tough sometimes.
So how do I pick up the pieces? Well, my original plan was to go on a long bike ride and figure things out in my head but last night I felt like I needed some help getting through this slump so I called on my friends Butch and Vickie. We ended up doing a mtn bike ride today and though I begged them to ditch me soon after we started because I could not keep up, they refused and we ended up having a challenging and fun ride. I needed that hard push...I needed to overcome those challenges and I just needed to get beat up a little..it felt really great and I feel much better.
I know that something is broken inside me so now it's time to try and fix it...I do suppose I better figure it out fast. One final note...and I mean this in the kindest way. I know some of you will read this and email me with great comments and accolades about how far I've come and I sincerely appreciate all of it...but you don't need to this time. Just let me figure this out - cool?
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Bike Shorts Review
Okay, the long awaited Bike Shorts Review is done. Look to the right, down just a bit and you'll see it on the right hand side. Enjoy and feel free to ask questions. I'll warn you, I'm pretty up front about how some of these shorts make me feel so read with caution.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Happy Anniversary
This month I will celebrate my Ironman anniversary. Sounds funny, but it's true. I started training with Dave a year ago this month and look at how things have changed. I remember the first time he told me to start riding my bike to the gym. I was sure he was kidding because it was 16 miles and that seemed like a century ride to me then....now I'm up to 67 miles in a day!
I also remember one of our first workouts where I told him I wanted to do the Ironman. He must have thought I was out of my mind! I certainly was in no condition for an IM! I think a lot of my friends were shocked at my choice of races too. I could hear it in their voices when they would say, "Oh wow, that's great" .... didn't you really mean, "um....yeah, good luck with that". Don't worry, I knew it sounded too big for me but I'm not afraid. I don't think about the distance overall, I think of it in segments. Each segment has a certain number of laps and I can wrap my head around all of it. I'm going to be okay - I can feel it. I'm going to finish what I started.
Since all this started I've gone through a tremendous transformation mentally, as well as physically. My eyes are bigger and my goals are lofty. I've started thinking beyond IM about other events and races I might want to participate in so I'm creating a plan for myself. I do enjoy being on my bike for long distances more then I ever thought I would so I see it in my future. Speaking of - I do need to post my bike shorts review. It's just sitting down and taking the time to write it out. Some of these shorts are crotch killers so I want to save you the discomfort I've been through...hey - I'm saving one crotch at a time! :) I'm getting off subject....
What's my point? Hell, I don't know. My dogs are barking and now I lost my train of thought.... I do have goals for this month, but I don't know what they are just yet. This is all I know - yesterday Brigid towed my ass all the way around Papago Park. She was working on strength, I was working on speed so we made a good team. She's a strong running and gave me a great workout. We made it around in 22 minutes! I could never make that time on my own. Well done Brig. That was the last of my 70 miles for March. My reward - time off for good behavior. No, just one day off. Dave says that on Monday I'll be starting a pretty tough 2-week challenge so I'm super excited to hear what it is!!! It's almost like knowing he has a present for me, but I can't open it until Monday...that's how excited my stomach feels.....hurray!!! He does keep things super fun and alw
ays fresh.
Tomorrow is the Splash n Dash - burrrrrr - anyone have a wetsuit I can borrow? Mine doesn't have sleeves so I'm going to be SO COLD! ugh....
I also remember one of our first workouts where I told him I wanted to do the Ironman. He must have thought I was out of my mind! I certainly was in no condition for an IM! I think a lot of my friends were shocked at my choice of races too. I could hear it in their voices when they would say, "Oh wow, that's great" .... didn't you really mean, "um....yeah, good luck with that". Don't worry, I knew it sounded too big for me but I'm not afraid. I don't think about the distance overall, I think of it in segments. Each segment has a certain number of laps and I can wrap my head around all of it. I'm going to be okay - I can feel it. I'm going to finish what I started.
Since all this started I've gone through a tremendous transformation mentally, as well as physically. My eyes are bigger and my goals are lofty. I've started thinking beyond IM about other events and races I might want to participate in so I'm creating a plan for myself. I do enjoy being on my bike for long distances more then I ever thought I would so I see it in my future. Speaking of - I do need to post my bike shorts review. It's just sitting down and taking the time to write it out. Some of these shorts are crotch killers so I want to save you the discomfort I've been through...hey - I'm saving one crotch at a time! :) I'm getting off subject....
What's my point? Hell, I don't know. My dogs are barking and now I lost my train of thought.... I do have goals for this month, but I don't know what they are just yet. This is all I know - yesterday Brigid towed my ass all the way around Papago Park. She was working on strength, I was working on speed so we made a good team. She's a strong running and gave me a great workout. We made it around in 22 minutes! I could never make that time on my own. Well done Brig. That was the last of my 70 miles for March. My reward - time off for good behavior. No, just one day off. Dave says that on Monday I'll be starting a pretty tough 2-week challenge so I'm super excited to hear what it is!!! It's almost like knowing he has a present for me, but I can't open it until Monday...that's how excited my stomach feels.....hurray!!! He does keep things super fun and alw
ays fresh.Tomorrow is the Splash n Dash - burrrrrr - anyone have a wetsuit I can borrow? Mine doesn't have sleeves so I'm going to be SO COLD! ugh....
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Holy Freakin Cow
Well geez....where do I start. I have been chipping away at my bike/run miles all month but it seems like a scramble towards the end to makes sure I'm not one mile short on either. With my cutoff tomorrow, I've spent most of my days biking and haven't had the time or energy to post updates...sorry. I am very happy to say, however, that I just finished 325 bike miles! HURRAY! Thanks to Lisa aka Lucinda, for pushing me through those last 16!!
Saturday was Rick's Camp Verde race so I was not able to get any miles that day. I did enjoy seeing all of my friends. It inspires me to see people push themselves but I noticed a huge change in my attitude. I use to be so happy being everyone cheerleader....seriously - I enjoyed it but it's not as satisfying anymore. Don't get me wrong here. The difference is, now I want to race. I feel like a little piece of life just passed me by standing there with my little "hurray" bell. ugh I missed out on all the stories and experiences teams go through when they struggle and overcome together. My story is I got to put up and take down equipment - wooohooo. I want to play....play, play, play!
Sunday made up for my lack of exercise Saturday. I'm thrilled to say I ran my best 5k in 27 min 12 sec and came in 2nd in my age group. Damn I love being 40! There are less people in my division so MAYBE I have a better chance at winning something??? It was super fun just to hang out with girlfriends and cheer for each other. See, this cheering was different because I also got to play. I feel like a slug when I don't exercise. Get the difference?? Anyway...Georgie did her run in 23 freakin minutes!!!! Can you believe that? She's a MONSTER! ROAR (*wink) And thanks to Lisa for being drugged up on allergy meds :) hurray for Kim...
After our 5k I road my bike home and spent some serious time getting use to my aerobars. I had 18 miles to figure them out so I went in and out of them the entire ride home. Now I can be in the low position, take one hand off and fix my helmet or change gears and not have to take both hands up. I don't love them yet...but I don't dislike them as much. We are becoming friends....slowly.
Later in the afternoon Sunday I met Georgie, Lisa and Christine for a mtn bike ride. With the women's race coming up we all want to get some mtn bike time in so trail 100 is perfect for a quick diverse ride. It was fast and furious...without injury. Super fun!!
Dave kicked my @ss today in the gym. He pulled out some new stuff, bumped up some old stuff and my arms have been suffering for it all day. I had a swim today and WOW! I'm jello now. I LOVED IT! Sometimes I feel strong and today was one of those days. My shoulder still holds me back just a little, but I'm still trying to get her to catch up.
I'm tired...I have sweat on top of chlorine on top of sweat and now I need to go run for more sweat. ugh....that is gross.
Saturday was Rick's Camp Verde race so I was not able to get any miles that day. I did enjoy seeing all of my friends. It inspires me to see people push themselves but I noticed a huge change in my attitude. I use to be so happy being everyone cheerleader....seriously - I enjoyed it but it's not as satisfying anymore. Don't get me wrong here. The difference is, now I want to race. I feel like a little piece of life just passed me by standing there with my little "hurray" bell. ugh I missed out on all the stories and experiences teams go through when they struggle and overcome together. My story is I got to put up and take down equipment - wooohooo. I want to play....play, play, play!
Sunday made up for my lack of exercise Saturday. I'm thrilled to say I ran my best 5k in 27 min 12 sec and came in 2nd in my age group. Damn I love being 40! There are less people in my division so MAYBE I have a better chance at winning something??? It was super fun just to hang out with girlfriends and cheer for each other. See, this cheering was different because I also got to play. I feel like a slug when I don't exercise. Get the difference?? Anyway...Georgie did her run in 23 freakin minutes!!!! Can you believe that? She's a MONSTER! ROAR (*wink) And thanks to Lisa for being drugged up on allergy meds :) hurray for Kim...
After our 5k I road my bike home and spent some serious time getting use to my aerobars. I had 18 miles to figure them out so I went in and out of them the entire ride home. Now I can be in the low position, take one hand off and fix my helmet or change gears and not have to take both hands up. I don't love them yet...but I don't dislike them as much. We are becoming friends....slowly.
Later in the afternoon Sunday I met Georgie, Lisa and Christine for a mtn bike ride. With the women's race coming up we all want to get some mtn bike time in so trail 100 is perfect for a quick diverse ride. It was fast and furious...without injury. Super fun!!
Dave kicked my @ss today in the gym. He pulled out some new stuff, bumped up some old stuff and my arms have been suffering for it all day. I had a swim today and WOW! I'm jello now. I LOVED IT! Sometimes I feel strong and today was one of those days. My shoulder still holds me back just a little, but I'm still trying to get her to catch up.
I'm tired...I have sweat on top of chlorine on top of sweat and now I need to go run for more sweat. ugh....that is gross.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Despite it all
Despite everything...... I LOVE my training! I would not change a single thing. No matter how hard or how easy - it's worth every second.
I've got something to say!
Let me tell you something...having strong friends makes a huge difference on the days I struggle - well, even on the days I don't struggle for that matter! It's no secret that this week has really been difficult for me so I was quick to commit myself to a workout today with Laureen...my new "accountability coach". This is what I love about Laureen. She NEVER stops short. If I tell her I want to ride 15 miles we won't be under even .99 miles. We will either be 15 or over but NEVER under. The same with both our run and swim...and when I'm this tired I appreciate her really holding my feet to the fire.
I barely pushed myself today and my quads were just cramping during most of the bike ride. Honestly, could I still be recovering from last week? I have my eye set on doing two IM loops soon so I'm curious to see how many miles Dave gives me next month. Then all I have to do is talk him into riding both of those loops with me *wink, wink* before it gets too hot.
What the hell? In the past two months or so I have been getting these bumps all over my face. No, not pimples! I think it's from sweating so much under my bike helmet because they are all over my forehead. The other day I noticed it's now on my chin and spreading like a rash. Finally I have a Dr. appointment to get it looked at but eeks - don't look at me until I get it fixed because it's nasty.
Only 14 run miles and 62 bike miles to go before I reach this months goal!!! HURRAY Can't wait for the clock to roll over April 1st.
I barely pushed myself today and my quads were just cramping during most of the bike ride. Honestly, could I still be recovering from last week? I have my eye set on doing two IM loops soon so I'm curious to see how many miles Dave gives me next month. Then all I have to do is talk him into riding both of those loops with me *wink, wink* before it gets too hot.
What the hell? In the past two months or so I have been getting these bumps all over my face. No, not pimples! I think it's from sweating so much under my bike helmet because they are all over my forehead. The other day I noticed it's now on my chin and spreading like a rash. Finally I have a Dr. appointment to get it looked at but eeks - don't look at me until I get it fixed because it's nasty.
Only 14 run miles and 62 bike miles to go before I reach this months goal!!! HURRAY Can't wait for the clock to roll over April 1st.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Taking a turn
My last post was not so great, but I think things are turning around. I've talked before about being more aware of my thoughts and controlling my actions...plus a good gym workout really makes me feel better. I made up for Monday today at the gym. I sure do love a hard workout.
Let's talk aerobars. I'm in a love/hate relationship right now. When my bars were ordered I thought I was getting adjustable, but it didn't end up that way. Returning them is not an option because I got a deal through a friend....on the downlow. That means I'm stuck. The bars take all of my comfortable space and as my biker friends know, we don't always want to be in that low position. I'm looking for an easy fix in different attachements.
Next week starts the Splash n Dash series and I'm looking forward to the challenges. I'm ready to start racing and get the ball rolling towards the IM. Let's see how my times have changed since last year.
My next post is going to be a DO NOT MISS post!! I'm doing the "Soft Tissue Challenge". Yep...it's a rating of bike shorts by me and some of my biker friends. Having good bike shorts can make or break a ride. Stay tuned for more....
Tomorrow, swim/bike/run/rest...looking forward to all of it.
Let's talk aerobars. I'm in a love/hate relationship right now. When my bars were ordered I thought I was getting adjustable, but it didn't end up that way. Returning them is not an option because I got a deal through a friend....on the downlow. That means I'm stuck. The bars take all of my comfortable space and as my biker friends know, we don't always want to be in that low position. I'm looking for an easy fix in different attachements.
Next week starts the Splash n Dash series and I'm looking forward to the challenges. I'm ready to start racing and get the ball rolling towards the IM. Let's see how my times have changed since last year.
My next post is going to be a DO NOT MISS post!! I'm doing the "Soft Tissue Challenge". Yep...it's a rating of bike shorts by me and some of my biker friends. Having good bike shorts can make or break a ride. Stay tuned for more....
Tomorrow, swim/bike/run/rest...looking forward to all of it.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
*Bitch Post Warning*
**Bitchy Post Warning**
I'm desperately trying to fight burnout right now. It's such a battle and this is another reason I see Dave everyday....to make sure I stay focused even when I don't want to. I have so much fun with some of the things he and I do but then there are days I feel like he's just dragging me along and I don't want to get motivated. I don't want to run or swim. I'm really tired lately and it's taking a toll on my head. I can't sleep through a night and even with a sleeping pill last night I was up three times. I'm very aggravated!!! I'm hungry all the time too. Not just like I need a snack hungry but my "metabolic furnace" is burning so fast that I have to eat all the time or I'm starving. I can't stand it!!I'll say it again...I'm frustrated that I'm so tired. AH-HA!!! That's it!!! I'm not frustrated with my training, I'm frustrated with how tired my training makes me!!!!! (Wait..did I already say that? geez, now I'm confused. ) Either way, there's a HUGE difference and I'm so glad to have figured that out. Now I'm going to eat my lunch and take a nap.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Weekend to remember
It has been a weekend to remember, for sure. It started with hiking 4-peaks on Saturday, (in this order) North Mtn, Shaw Butte, Lookout Mtn & Squaw Peak. I had done this challenge before so I knew what I was getting myself into. What I like most about doing the peaks is the mileage goes towards my run goal for the month!!! I have 22 miles left with 9 days to get them done.Sunday I met my girlfriends for
some Saguaro Lake scouting. We all plan on doing the Women's Adventure Race coming up in April so Windy Marks took us all on some great trails that I had never been on before. Since Lucinda, Christine and I are a team, Windy gave us the maps and let us navigate our way to each point...it was a blast!!! Okay, so pretty challenging too. There was a HUGE hill climb that went on forever and nearly zapped all of my strength. I hope that Luc brings a tow line to the race because I might need some of her help getting through some of these areas. I think total we clocked 10 miles, which is great and leaves me with 93 more to reach my bike goal this month. I took a couple of spills on the bike and today I feel pretty beat up and sore. Nothing broken, but lots of bruises.Following the bike was the best part of all - adventure rafting. I can't even describe to you how fun it was to know Dave fell into the cold water! I wish I had seen it... It's the simple things in life that bring me the most pleasure :)
As last week, and the weekend came to an end I could feel my body getting pretty worn out and needing a rest....I biked 140 miles last week and ran 13 so I'm pooped. This morning it kinda said enough so I canceled my workout with Dave and my swim partner to take what ended up to be a 5 hour nap. One of my spills yesterday landed me on a chunk of ice in my camelback and I feel like I was kicked in the back...hurts pretty well.
I am definately popping a sleeping pill tonight and hope to be rested enough for a ride tomorrow. Can't take too many days off...I'm getting so close to reaching my month goals!!
Friday, March 20, 2009
A little secret
Okay so check this out!! My bars are on and my bike is totally dialed in. (Yes, this photo was indeed taken in my kitchen, but the light is better) The fitting was really cool...every inch was measured and adjusted. Perry, the bike guru said this bike was made for me....which really makes me happy. I was getting stressed about riding a road bike for IM instead of a tri bike. He told me one of his clients qualified for Kona on a road bike and as long as it's dialed in right, I shouldn't have any issues at all. I left for the gym this morning and I was pretty nervous. I just kinda looked at them and wasn't really sure about the whole thing. Was I ready to try it? Not ready? Am I sure? Seriously - I was perplexed. Okay...it took several miles before I got the guts to do it. Nice and slow, down I go....eeks.... I was all over the place. If you have biked with me you know I can't hold a very steady line most days. I like to go outside the white or yellow lines ALOT. Well, today was a little worse...it took me several minutes to calm down and try to straighten things. Speed is not a concern at the moment - it's comfort and as best I could tell, I was comfortable.
After the gym workout today I had a completely DIFFERENT view of my bars. Dave really killed my arms and shoulders so I was very happy to rest on my bars almost the entire ride home.
Okay - a little different post now. I had some folks email me about going on long rides, or rides in general with me and I'm going to tell you a little secret about me and riding. I kinda don't do that great in groups - and here's why. It's not ALL the time, but sometimes I get a helpless mentality when I'm with other people. Again - not all the time...but enough times that I'm often uncomfortable. I worry about my pace and my ability the entire time I'm with other people and it kinda takes the fun out of riding for me. I work harder and smarter when I'm alone and yes, I do get lonely sometimes but I never see that as a bad thing...I enjoy my solitude and being in my own thoughts and ideas. Now, that doesn't mean that I never want to ride with people...I do, but I try to be cautious about who I'm with and when or where we go so I don't hold you back....and so I don't have to be stressed out for the entire ride. If I say I can't ride with you - don't take it personal. Cool?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
I made it!!!
What a day. I knew that sometime this month I was going to be riding out to Bartlett Lake again. Dave had already told me weeks ago to be prepared for it, so I really was. I got the message on Tuesday afternoon that Wednesday was the day...so I was ready.Let me refresh your memory. The last time I biked to Bartlett (towards the end of summer last year) I said I would never do it again...but I was probably fresh off the ride and tired. It was miserable. My will was bigger then my ability at the time and the ride really was too much for me. I had pretty much begged Dave to let me try it.... I walked almost every hill, both up and down. My legs were not strong enough at the time, though I did finish it. Remember, I had a flat and had to go into Cave Creek, which added another big climb so I was not happy most of the ride...and that's a long way to go when you're not happy. Okay - is it all coming back to you know?
When Dave posed the Bartlett challenge I was a little excited, but then not so much. Here's why....I knew this time I could ride those hills. After all the hill riding Dave makes me do I just kinda knew that my legs were ready this time...I had more confidence in my ability. Not excited because that's a long & lonely ride - plus the traffic makes it a stressful ride.
The longest, more challenging section was up Cave Creek Rd to the Bartlett turn. That is the longest worst climb ever. It just doesn't stop and as I passed every section I walked the last time my confidence grew and grew. I was really proud of myself for putting in the effort that I did. I stood up and pounded it up that hill as best I could and when I finally reached the top I knew everything else to come was icing on the cake.
By the time I reached the bottom Dave was waiting for me. I felt really good and had plenty of food so I had him drop me off at Pima and Cave Creek for a fun downhill ride home. Overall I hit 67 miles, which is now my longest ride so far. When I hit the 60 mile point things kinda started to fall apart. My legs felt fine my my back, neck, arms and hands were really feeling it and I wanted to be done at this point. One stop for cold water and a stretch and I was going to push it home....
The shower was the best I've ever had!!! A quick hike up Lookout Mtn and now my legs are done!!! Sore and tired for sure.
I'm getting my aerobars put on today. I'm in for a 2-hour bike fitting and I can't tell you how happy I am.
Hurray for all the rides up and down every freakin hill on this side of town!!! It paid off yesterday for sure...
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