So today was pretty scary while riding my bike. The last time I took the front wheel off was 2 weeks ago to bring it up to Sycamore. Obviously when I was up there, Nels put the tire back on for me. When I got back home and had to put it on, it was sort of a guessing game but I thought I had it right.
On my ride back home today I started hearing a jingling noise, so I looked down at my tire and noticed that one of the pieces that locks the wheel in was loose. I stopped to tighten it and as I reached for the other side, realized...the nut that locks in place was gone entirely. I was praying the whole ride home that the wheel wouldn't fly off and send my face smashing into the ground!!!!
Besides that freaking me out, I had a great workout today and I'm feeling really good. Training for today called for a 30 minute bike and a 15 minute run. I completed the bike ride then immediately started running. Lasted 2 miles/20 minutes. My legs felt so much better already! It only took about a minute for me to transition from bike to run.
Just checked out my training schedule and I don't have to worry about biking till Sunday. I plan on bringing my bike to Sycamore over the weekend so that Nels can teach me how to properly put my tire on. Focus on swimming and running for the rest of the week.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Triathlon training: Week 2, Day 2
WOW so I learned something BIG tonight that changes quite a bit with my swimming...I've been counting the laps wrong and have actually been doing DOUBLE what the actual race will require!!! I was counting one lap as going down to one end of the pool and back. It turns out that just going from one end to the other constitutes as a lap. So last week when I felt so great doing an "extra" lap by swimming 11...I actually swam 22 laps that day!
This is such a relief, because I could not understand why I was getting so winded. I can run a 5K in 30 minutes, have been working out like crazy, and have been biking for hours. It just wasn't making sense! I feel so embarrassed that I've been like, "Yeah I swim 250 yards in 24 minutes! Woo, hope I can get down to 20!" I feel a lot better about the swimming portion now and am actually looking forward to working on my training for it.
I also *officially* signed up for the race today! Registered and paid, so no going back now.
Today was a strength day, so I went to my boot camp class in the evening. After the class, I ran for a bit over 25 minutes outside. It was a perfect, gorgeous night for a run. I ran 2.75 miles - just enough after my hour long class : )
Pretty proud of myself that during my first week of training, I pushed through 20 swimming laps. *Pats self on back*
This is such a relief, because I could not understand why I was getting so winded. I can run a 5K in 30 minutes, have been working out like crazy, and have been biking for hours. It just wasn't making sense! I feel so embarrassed that I've been like, "Yeah I swim 250 yards in 24 minutes! Woo, hope I can get down to 20!" I feel a lot better about the swimming portion now and am actually looking forward to working on my training for it.
I also *officially* signed up for the race today! Registered and paid, so no going back now.
Today was a strength day, so I went to my boot camp class in the evening. After the class, I ran for a bit over 25 minutes outside. It was a perfect, gorgeous night for a run. I ran 2.75 miles - just enough after my hour long class : )
Pretty proud of myself that during my first week of training, I pushed through 20 swimming laps. *Pats self on back*
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Triathlon training: Week 2, Day 1
Today's training called for 30 minutes of swimming followed by a 30 minute bike ride.
I don't know what went wrong, but I felt like I hadn't exercised in a year. I headed to the gym around 5:30 p.m. to use the pool - which, by the way, never has more than 1 person in it. Of course when I get there all the lanes are full - a guy doing laps in one, and then these 2 older women hogging 2 lanes just walking from one end of the pool to another. I sat on the pool steps with my goggles in hand hoping they would get the hint and SHARE a lane since they were just walking, but nope. 7 minutes later the guy doing laps got out of the pool. Now I was aggravated and self-conscious...I don't like people watching me swim.
I tried toughing through my laps, but was starting to feel nauseous. I also forgot to wrap my ankle, and while it felt fine for most of the swim, a few kicks at the wrong angle had it aching again. After 7 laps and 15 minutes or so of swimming, I got out of the pool. *sigh* looks like I will have to go back to the pool tomorrow morning...
This was my first time biking after a swim, and just as with the running, it took about 5 minutes to get into the groove of it. I took a route that my brother and I would often take with my dad as kids, and this one huge hill on the way back kicks my ass now just as much as it did when I was 12. I really hope that hill is not part of the race route, but it's possible because it's somewhat near the starting area. Ugh. I biked 8 miles in 40 minutes.
Feeling a little disappointed about the swim today, but just have to keep working on it. Hoping to see some improvement later this week.
I don't know what went wrong, but I felt like I hadn't exercised in a year. I headed to the gym around 5:30 p.m. to use the pool - which, by the way, never has more than 1 person in it. Of course when I get there all the lanes are full - a guy doing laps in one, and then these 2 older women hogging 2 lanes just walking from one end of the pool to another. I sat on the pool steps with my goggles in hand hoping they would get the hint and SHARE a lane since they were just walking, but nope. 7 minutes later the guy doing laps got out of the pool. Now I was aggravated and self-conscious...I don't like people watching me swim.
I tried toughing through my laps, but was starting to feel nauseous. I also forgot to wrap my ankle, and while it felt fine for most of the swim, a few kicks at the wrong angle had it aching again. After 7 laps and 15 minutes or so of swimming, I got out of the pool. *sigh* looks like I will have to go back to the pool tomorrow morning...
This was my first time biking after a swim, and just as with the running, it took about 5 minutes to get into the groove of it. I took a route that my brother and I would often take with my dad as kids, and this one huge hill on the way back kicks my ass now just as much as it did when I was 12. I really hope that hill is not part of the race route, but it's possible because it's somewhat near the starting area. Ugh. I biked 8 miles in 40 minutes.
Feeling a little disappointed about the swim today, but just have to keep working on it. Hoping to see some improvement later this week.
Triathlon training: Week 1, Days 6 & 7
Day 6 on the schedule was designated as a rest day. I went to Moline for the weekend and went with Nels and his family on his cousin Heather's awesome boat:
Nels' stepmom Laurie, sister Heidi and his dad:
Nels' uncle Daniel and cousin Heather:
View from the Mighty Miss:
Heather's dog Ozzie:
Group photo: Me, Nels, Laurie, Heidi, David:
Docking for dinner:
I like this random photo Nels' uncle snapped of us walking:
I wish we would have had more time to be on the boat, but it was fun and good to see everybody. I also got to check out Nels' new apartment in Moline this weekend. It's an older apartment, but has a lot of good space and storage. It desperately needs to be organized and fixed up though : ) he just has boxes of things laying everywhere! Once Nels moves the rest of his stuff out of his Sycamore apartment, we'll try to get the place fixed up and in order. Doubt Nels will keep it that way with me only being up there twice a month ; )
Saturday I was supposed to go for a 30 minute run. I had every intention of making this happen. I packed all my running stuff. Nels isn't a runner, so he was going to lead the way for me on his bike since I don't know the area. We woke up around 8:45 and made some waffles and rested for a bit. Before we knew it was about 10 a.m. and we had to shower and get ready to meet his mom and stepdad for lunch. So then we agreed that we'd go at 8 p.m. that day. Things came up with his dad and sister, and before you knew it...day was over and I didn't go running : (
Nels' stepmom Laurie, sister Heidi and his dad:
Nels' uncle Daniel and cousin Heather:
View from the Mighty Miss:
Heather's dog Ozzie:
Group photo: Me, Nels, Laurie, Heidi, David:
Docking for dinner:
I like this random photo Nels' uncle snapped of us walking:
I wish we would have had more time to be on the boat, but it was fun and good to see everybody. I also got to check out Nels' new apartment in Moline this weekend. It's an older apartment, but has a lot of good space and storage. It desperately needs to be organized and fixed up though : ) he just has boxes of things laying everywhere! Once Nels moves the rest of his stuff out of his Sycamore apartment, we'll try to get the place fixed up and in order. Doubt Nels will keep it that way with me only being up there twice a month ; )
Saturday I was supposed to go for a 30 minute run. I had every intention of making this happen. I packed all my running stuff. Nels isn't a runner, so he was going to lead the way for me on his bike since I don't know the area. We woke up around 8:45 and made some waffles and rested for a bit. Before we knew it was about 10 a.m. and we had to shower and get ready to meet his mom and stepdad for lunch. So then we agreed that we'd go at 8 p.m. that day. Things came up with his dad and sister, and before you knew it...day was over and I didn't go running : (
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Triathlon training: Week 1, Day 5
Tomorrow is my 1st rest day!!!!! YAY! Haha, I was thinking of still going for the Stairmaster or crossramp tomorrow morning, but with the way I'm feeling right now, I think I'm just gonna take the rest day!
Today's training called for a 20 minute swim and a 25 minute run. I swam the 20 minutes today and I felt like my breaks inbetween the laps were a lot shorter. I felt pretty good for most of the laps. I still got my 10 laps done, and that's an improvement on my time from yesterday - again, not as many breaks. My arms and legs were feeling more tired than yesterday though - likely because this was the 2nd day in a row of a swim/run combo.
I toughed out the 25 minute run. Just like yesterday, the first 10 minutes or so were pretty hard to push through. But I didn't stop and kept at a pace of 5.8/6.0 mph for the run.
Can't wait to take a day off tomorrow : )
Today's training called for a 20 minute swim and a 25 minute run. I swam the 20 minutes today and I felt like my breaks inbetween the laps were a lot shorter. I felt pretty good for most of the laps. I still got my 10 laps done, and that's an improvement on my time from yesterday - again, not as many breaks. My arms and legs were feeling more tired than yesterday though - likely because this was the 2nd day in a row of a swim/run combo.
I toughed out the 25 minute run. Just like yesterday, the first 10 minutes or so were pretty hard to push through. But I didn't stop and kept at a pace of 5.8/6.0 mph for the run.
Can't wait to take a day off tomorrow : )
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Triathlon training: Week 1, Day 4
Crazy storms we had tonight!!!! Glad my training didn't call for any biking outside, because today was definitely a day for indoor workouts only.
Tonight was my first brick workout and only my 2nd swim, so it was a tough one. I was supposed to swim 30 minutes and run 30 minutes. I completed 11 laps and swam for 24 minutes. I wanted to push myself for the full 30, but I just couldn't take it any longer. I wanted to stop after 10 laps but forced myself to complete one more.
That doesn't look like a very good time or pace for swimming, and that's because I had to take short breaks after each lap to catch my breath. Nels is going to try and help teach me a little more about the breathing and swimming this weekend, because this just isn't adding up. I don't feel like I should be so out of breath when I do 60 minutes of cardio regularly and run regularly. I still feel like I am just "gulping" air straight to my stomach when lifting my head out of water for a breath. It's hard to inhale through my nose when you come up, because there's always water around your nose that you end up swallowing/choking on...ugh. Still, I pushed through the laps.
I had about a 7 minute break in between the swim and run because I had to change. Now during the actual race, I'll just be throwing a sports bra, tank, shorts, and gym shoes over my swimsuit. But at the gym, I don't want to look like a weirdo so I changed completely. It is such a pain to try to get clothes and socks on when you're soaking wet! I cannot imagine doing this whole race in a sopping wet swimsuit.
Then came the run. By minute 7, my thoughts were, "I'm not going to make this." But I did - largely in part to the Black Eyed Peas, Usher, and Ludacris. I ran the full 30 minutes and completed 2.8 miles. At minute 21, I had completed 2 miles, so I am still on my regular pace even after the swim. However, I have to remember that running on a treadmill is easier than running outside. The next time we have nicer weather, I'll have to put my pacing to the test.
I'm trying to stay positive that the swimming will improve, after all, this is only the first week. So I'll continue to stick to the plan and see what happens.
Tonight was my first brick workout and only my 2nd swim, so it was a tough one. I was supposed to swim 30 minutes and run 30 minutes. I completed 11 laps and swam for 24 minutes. I wanted to push myself for the full 30, but I just couldn't take it any longer. I wanted to stop after 10 laps but forced myself to complete one more.
That doesn't look like a very good time or pace for swimming, and that's because I had to take short breaks after each lap to catch my breath. Nels is going to try and help teach me a little more about the breathing and swimming this weekend, because this just isn't adding up. I don't feel like I should be so out of breath when I do 60 minutes of cardio regularly and run regularly. I still feel like I am just "gulping" air straight to my stomach when lifting my head out of water for a breath. It's hard to inhale through my nose when you come up, because there's always water around your nose that you end up swallowing/choking on...ugh. Still, I pushed through the laps.
I had about a 7 minute break in between the swim and run because I had to change. Now during the actual race, I'll just be throwing a sports bra, tank, shorts, and gym shoes over my swimsuit. But at the gym, I don't want to look like a weirdo so I changed completely. It is such a pain to try to get clothes and socks on when you're soaking wet! I cannot imagine doing this whole race in a sopping wet swimsuit.
Then came the run. By minute 7, my thoughts were, "I'm not going to make this." But I did - largely in part to the Black Eyed Peas, Usher, and Ludacris. I ran the full 30 minutes and completed 2.8 miles. At minute 21, I had completed 2 miles, so I am still on my regular pace even after the swim. However, I have to remember that running on a treadmill is easier than running outside. The next time we have nicer weather, I'll have to put my pacing to the test.
I'm trying to stay positive that the swimming will improve, after all, this is only the first week. So I'll continue to stick to the plan and see what happens.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Triathlon training: Week 1, Day 3
I'm hurtin' today! All my muscles are aching from boot camp, felt it as soon as I woke up this morning. Today's training scheduled called for a 30 minute run, and that's all I did. Actually, my run ended up being 28 minutes with a distance of 2.67 miles. Eh, close enough.
Wasn't feeling it today, maybe because I was carrying a cheeseburger and hot dog in my stomach. There was a cookout at the office today, so that's what I had for lunch...along with a cupcake. I really frustrate myself sometimes. I knew I shouldn't have eaten those things - and since it was those frozen hamburgers bought in bulk and cheap-o hot dogs, they weren't worth it taste wise or calorie wise. I once saw this episode of "True Life" on MTV where this guy pretty much refused to leave his apartment in order to lose weight - didn't see family, friends, didn't work. Of course this is crazy, but some days, it feels like that's what it would take in order for me to eat right!
Nevertheless, I finished today's training and am still on the right track there. Tomorrow calls for a swim/run combo...eek.
Wasn't feeling it today, maybe because I was carrying a cheeseburger and hot dog in my stomach. There was a cookout at the office today, so that's what I had for lunch...along with a cupcake. I really frustrate myself sometimes. I knew I shouldn't have eaten those things - and since it was those frozen hamburgers bought in bulk and cheap-o hot dogs, they weren't worth it taste wise or calorie wise. I once saw this episode of "True Life" on MTV where this guy pretty much refused to leave his apartment in order to lose weight - didn't see family, friends, didn't work. Of course this is crazy, but some days, it feels like that's what it would take in order for me to eat right!
Nevertheless, I finished today's training and am still on the right track there. Tomorrow calls for a swim/run combo...eek.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Triathlon training: Week 1, Day 2
Boot camp killed me tonight! I haven't gone to the class for 4 weeks because of my ankle. BOY was it tough! Halfway through our first lap of squats, I thought I was going to fall over. I'm glad I forced myself to go though, really have to get back into it.
According to my training, a strength workout was the only thing on the agenda today. I still woke up at my regular gym time this morning, so I decided to get a jump start on my swimming. I pulled on my ankle wrap, strapped on my waterproof sports watch, and was ready to conquer the pool. As I walked into the locker room, I kept telling myself, "Your ankle is going to be fine...there will be no pain and you can practice swimming...you have goggles, ear plugs, the whole 10 yards...let's do this!"
The goggles helped tremendously - they're a good pair that keeps the water out so that I don't have to worry about my contact lenses floating away. I'm having serious issues coordinating my breathing properly while swimming. Every time I made it about half way to the pool, I felt like I was suffocating. There were a couple laps that I REALLY concentrated on - my form, stroke, etc. - and I noticed that I didn't have to come up for air as much when I focused and took it slow.
Swimming takes so much more out of me than running or biking. I felt so wiped out! I am adding 3-4 morning swims to the training plan for the next few weeks, and will keep doing so if I feel it's necessary. I was in the pool for about 25 minutes, but had to take 20-30 second rests after each each lap.
After work (right after I had indulged in a s'more...) Robin texted me asking if I wanted to go for a run. I figured why not. This was at about 5:30 and it was SO hot out. Robin, her sister, and I ran a little over 2 miles.
Workout Summary:
20 minute swim (AM)
25 minute run (PM)
60 minute boot camp class (PM)
I cannot wait to go to sleep tonight!
According to my training, a strength workout was the only thing on the agenda today. I still woke up at my regular gym time this morning, so I decided to get a jump start on my swimming. I pulled on my ankle wrap, strapped on my waterproof sports watch, and was ready to conquer the pool. As I walked into the locker room, I kept telling myself, "Your ankle is going to be fine...there will be no pain and you can practice swimming...you have goggles, ear plugs, the whole 10 yards...let's do this!"
The goggles helped tremendously - they're a good pair that keeps the water out so that I don't have to worry about my contact lenses floating away. I'm having serious issues coordinating my breathing properly while swimming. Every time I made it about half way to the pool, I felt like I was suffocating. There were a couple laps that I REALLY concentrated on - my form, stroke, etc. - and I noticed that I didn't have to come up for air as much when I focused and took it slow.
Swimming takes so much more out of me than running or biking. I felt so wiped out! I am adding 3-4 morning swims to the training plan for the next few weeks, and will keep doing so if I feel it's necessary. I was in the pool for about 25 minutes, but had to take 20-30 second rests after each each lap.
After work (right after I had indulged in a s'more...) Robin texted me asking if I wanted to go for a run. I figured why not. This was at about 5:30 and it was SO hot out. Robin, her sister, and I ran a little over 2 miles.
Workout Summary:
20 minute swim (AM)
25 minute run (PM)
60 minute boot camp class (PM)
I cannot wait to go to sleep tonight!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Triathlon training: Week 1, Day 1
Started my training today! Off to a great start. According to the schedule, today I was supposed to swim 30 minutes and run 30 minutes. However, being out at Nels' apartment in the morning and knowing that I'd be too busy with Father's Day stuff to make it to the gym meant I had to do something else. So instead I went with Wednesday's plan - biking 45 minutes. I'll do Sunday's plan on Wednesday. Nels and I biked 8 miles on the trail near his place. I had a blast on the trail! It was so nice to bike without worrying about traffic. After the bike, I ran for about a half mile then called it a day. Tomorrow is a strength day, so I'll be heading to boot camp.
This weekend was a total pig out weekend. Didn't want it to be, just sorta happened. Cheeseburger and fries Friday night...breakfast skillet Saturday morning...Thai food Saturday night...leftover breakfast skillet Sunday morning...followed by some cake, dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse, and then some s'mores at a bon fire...ugh. Just writing all that out makes me feel awful! But what's done is done.
Well, that about wraps it up for the day. As promised, here's a picture of the big cat fish Nels caught yesterday and some Father's Day pictures : ) Had a great time with my dad today, he's the best and I look up to him so much!
This weekend was a total pig out weekend. Didn't want it to be, just sorta happened. Cheeseburger and fries Friday night...breakfast skillet Saturday morning...Thai food Saturday night...leftover breakfast skillet Sunday morning...followed by some cake, dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse, and then some s'mores at a bon fire...ugh. Just writing all that out makes me feel awful! But what's done is done.
Well, that about wraps it up for the day. As promised, here's a picture of the big cat fish Nels caught yesterday and some Father's Day pictures : ) Had a great time with my dad today, he's the best and I look up to him so much!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Triathlon training starts tomorrow!!!
My triathlon training officially starts tomorrow! I am so excited!
I was looking over the training plan I found a couple months ago, and it started to concern me because it doesn't seem challenging enough. The training plan should include doing back to back workouts (also known as brick workouts) of swimming & biking, or biking & running, or running & swimming, etc. This plan doesn't have that. Also, many of the workouts are LESS than what my regular workouts are...only 20 minutes of an exercise?! No good. I needed to find a new training plan.
Found it! This plan has exactly what I want. It designates Mondays as strength days, which for the race should involve lifting lighter weights at higher reps, and that is exactly what my boot camp class entails - which also happens to be on Mondays! : ) It has at least an hour of cardio most days, and focuses on brick training. This plan is just enough of a challenge without looking to be impossible. I may combine some of the first plan with this one, but mostly I will be using this plan.
I've been getting very nervous about my ankle bothering me during swimming, because when I last tried to swim a couple weeks ago I immediately had pain in my ankle. Today, Nels and I went to his apartment pool and I did a little "test lap" - no noticeable pain! I am still going to wear a slip-on Ace ankle wrap in the pool when doing my laps, just to be safe.
Then we went for a long bike ride from Sycamore to DeKalb and did a portion of a bike path. I mapped it out when we got home and it ended up being 12 miles! Felt great and was a lot of fun, too.
We went fishing later in the day and only caught one fish - Nels caught a huge catfish! I don't have my photo uploading device with me so I'll have to post the pictures tomorrow. Fishing is so boring when you don't catch anything! >:(
So, here's to training day starting tomorrow! I'm pumped!
I was looking over the training plan I found a couple months ago, and it started to concern me because it doesn't seem challenging enough. The training plan should include doing back to back workouts (also known as brick workouts) of swimming & biking, or biking & running, or running & swimming, etc. This plan doesn't have that. Also, many of the workouts are LESS than what my regular workouts are...only 20 minutes of an exercise?! No good. I needed to find a new training plan.
Found it! This plan has exactly what I want. It designates Mondays as strength days, which for the race should involve lifting lighter weights at higher reps, and that is exactly what my boot camp class entails - which also happens to be on Mondays! : ) It has at least an hour of cardio most days, and focuses on brick training. This plan is just enough of a challenge without looking to be impossible. I may combine some of the first plan with this one, but mostly I will be using this plan.
I've been getting very nervous about my ankle bothering me during swimming, because when I last tried to swim a couple weeks ago I immediately had pain in my ankle. Today, Nels and I went to his apartment pool and I did a little "test lap" - no noticeable pain! I am still going to wear a slip-on Ace ankle wrap in the pool when doing my laps, just to be safe.
Then we went for a long bike ride from Sycamore to DeKalb and did a portion of a bike path. I mapped it out when we got home and it ended up being 12 miles! Felt great and was a lot of fun, too.
We went fishing later in the day and only caught one fish - Nels caught a huge catfish! I don't have my photo uploading device with me so I'll have to post the pictures tomorrow. Fishing is so boring when you don't catch anything! >:(
So, here's to training day starting tomorrow! I'm pumped!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Bike Ride
So I went on a long bike ride today - it's been forever since I've had a bike, so I'm willing to bet it was the longest ride I've been on yet. I rode for a little over an hour, all over my neighborhood's bike trail - which is really quite nice. I'd like to ride the whole thing some day...though that would require me figuring out the entire loop, haha. Many points on the trail tell you you can go one way or the other, so I'm not sure how the whole thing connects.
Learned some important things while biking today:
1. Nobody gets out of your way, even on the bike trail...this includes people with baby strollers, people walking dogs, and 7 year old little girls playing an unannounced game of chicken with you.
2. I hate riding with traffic. So scared someone is going to run me over. Sidewalk/trail only, please.
3. Slow the F down when riding downhill on a curvy path...I almost wiped out!!!!
Since my triathlon training officially starts Sunday (SCARED!!!!) I decided to try and run a bit after the bike. Trying to ease my ankle back into running, so I only did about a mile and a quarter. The triathlon training is called "brick" training - because you build one activity (like swimming) on top of another (biking) and build your training, brick by brick. Another piece of info I read also says it's called brick training because you feel like a brick by the time you move onto the second exercise! Haha, totally agree with that one! As soon as I started running, I felt like I was a tortoise...super slow motion.
However, I'm pretty proud of myself that with no training beyond regular gym workouts I completed an hour bike ride and then ran a mile. I have 8 weeks of training, so I feel pretty confident I'll be OK. Still...simply put, training for this is gonna be a bitch! No point in doing it if it wasn't a challenge, right?
I've been doing two-a-days for the last couple days. Tuesday morning I did the cross ramp for 30 mins, then Stairmaster for 30 minutes in the evening. Also did weights before cardio Tuesday night. Then this morning I did another 30 minutes on the cross ramp, my one hour bike ride and then mile run.
Going again Thursday morning and then taking it easy at night. Hopefully going Friday, but have to take my car for emissions testing before work so we'll see what happens.
Learned some important things while biking today:
1. Nobody gets out of your way, even on the bike trail...this includes people with baby strollers, people walking dogs, and 7 year old little girls playing an unannounced game of chicken with you.
2. I hate riding with traffic. So scared someone is going to run me over. Sidewalk/trail only, please.
3. Slow the F down when riding downhill on a curvy path...I almost wiped out!!!!
Since my triathlon training officially starts Sunday (SCARED!!!!) I decided to try and run a bit after the bike. Trying to ease my ankle back into running, so I only did about a mile and a quarter. The triathlon training is called "brick" training - because you build one activity (like swimming) on top of another (biking) and build your training, brick by brick. Another piece of info I read also says it's called brick training because you feel like a brick by the time you move onto the second exercise! Haha, totally agree with that one! As soon as I started running, I felt like I was a tortoise...super slow motion.
However, I'm pretty proud of myself that with no training beyond regular gym workouts I completed an hour bike ride and then ran a mile. I have 8 weeks of training, so I feel pretty confident I'll be OK. Still...simply put, training for this is gonna be a bitch! No point in doing it if it wasn't a challenge, right?
I've been doing two-a-days for the last couple days. Tuesday morning I did the cross ramp for 30 mins, then Stairmaster for 30 minutes in the evening. Also did weights before cardio Tuesday night. Then this morning I did another 30 minutes on the cross ramp, my one hour bike ride and then mile run.
Going again Thursday morning and then taking it easy at night. Hopefully going Friday, but have to take my car for emissions testing before work so we'll see what happens.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Get back on the wagon...
I feel like I've "fallen off the wagon" as they say since my birthday. I haven't been making it to the gym as much, and I've been having serious difficulty getting out of the bed in the morning to hit the gym before work. Goal for this week: up & out the door at 5:30 a.m. to get my morning workout in and have plenty of time to cook up a healthy breakfast.
I've also been dining out and pigging out on things too much the last few days. This weekend was just a diet disaster, let's just leave it at that.
Ankle progress seems the same...still noticing pain when doing certain things. Getting very, very nervous about this as triathlon training starts next Sunday. The podiatrist recommended that I get one of those slip-on ankle wrap things when swimming in the pool, because your foot motion moves so freely against the water that it may trigger it hurting again. I am so terrified of trying to swim laps and experience the ankle pain again, you have no idea...
I was hoping to get back to boot camp class tonight after taking a few weeks off due to the ankle injury, but forgot that I have to attend a wine and cheese networking event downtown for work. So looks like I'll have to try to get back into things tomorrow.
I've also been dining out and pigging out on things too much the last few days. This weekend was just a diet disaster, let's just leave it at that.
Ankle progress seems the same...still noticing pain when doing certain things. Getting very, very nervous about this as triathlon training starts next Sunday. The podiatrist recommended that I get one of those slip-on ankle wrap things when swimming in the pool, because your foot motion moves so freely against the water that it may trigger it hurting again. I am so terrified of trying to swim laps and experience the ankle pain again, you have no idea...
I was hoping to get back to boot camp class tonight after taking a few weeks off due to the ankle injury, but forgot that I have to attend a wine and cheese networking event downtown for work. So looks like I'll have to try to get back into things tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Ankle is A-OK!
If you don't know the story by now, Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend I was jogging on a trail near Nels' apartment. At the end of my run (I was sprinting), my ankle hit a dip in the trail, rolled/bent weird, and I fell. Well, went flying and scraped up my right side is more like it.
I iced and rested it for about 3 days, then by Wednesday was back at the gym. Sunday I ran on it again, no pain or problems.
Monday morning I went to swim in the pool at the gym and felt pain and a burning sensation as soon as I started kicking my left foot. So I decided to make an appointment with a podiatrist to get it checked out.
The office was near my work and they were super speedy, I was in on time and out in about 40 minutes. I explained everything that happened and he examined my ankle. He kept pushing on several areas of my foot and ankle and asked if there was pain. "No...no...no...no...nope...no..." I was starting to feel like I was coming off as a hypochondriac haha. There was one area where I sort of felt something, but it wasn't anything bad. He decided to do a quick X-ray just to be safe, but felt it was likely a soft tissue injury.
X-rays came back with no problems. He explained that I have some inflammation to the lining around the ankle bone due to the fall. Keep icing it, wear supportive shoes, rest it. No running till after next week, but I can do some light activity. But best of all...I can start my 8-week triathlon training plan on time! Training starts Sunday, June 20th. Can't wait!
I iced and rested it for about 3 days, then by Wednesday was back at the gym. Sunday I ran on it again, no pain or problems.
Monday morning I went to swim in the pool at the gym and felt pain and a burning sensation as soon as I started kicking my left foot. So I decided to make an appointment with a podiatrist to get it checked out.
The office was near my work and they were super speedy, I was in on time and out in about 40 minutes. I explained everything that happened and he examined my ankle. He kept pushing on several areas of my foot and ankle and asked if there was pain. "No...no...no...no...nope...no..." I was starting to feel like I was coming off as a hypochondriac haha. There was one area where I sort of felt something, but it wasn't anything bad. He decided to do a quick X-ray just to be safe, but felt it was likely a soft tissue injury.
X-rays came back with no problems. He explained that I have some inflammation to the lining around the ankle bone due to the fall. Keep icing it, wear supportive shoes, rest it. No running till after next week, but I can do some light activity. But best of all...I can start my 8-week triathlon training plan on time! Training starts Sunday, June 20th. Can't wait!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Happy Birthday to ME!
FINALLY Blogger is back up! I've been wanting to post this since yesterday, ugh!
Friday was my 24th birthday, and it was one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had! I got great gifts, had a wonderful time at dinner with my good friends, and a blast dancing at Saddle Up later in the evening! And I have to be honest, I felt absolutely fabulous all evening – my dress, shoes, hair, jewelry, everything was perfect!
I worked just 9-3 on Friday, and my bosses took me out for a birthday lunch and brought me cupcakes. I had a delicious flatbread pizza with diced ham, pineapple, onion, and a sweet sauce drizzled on it…it was amazing!
I had planned on wearing a pair of black heels I already had with my dress, but of course the day of my birthday wanted to swing by Payless to get some special shoes for the occasion. I found these adorable (and SUPER comfy) heels:
Also bought them in white since BOGO was going on…and may have to go back for the brown ones this weekend : )
Then I went home to spend some time with the fam. My brother got me a cute necklace and a Chelsea Handler book (way behind on these, I know!). He also gave me an awesome birthday card that had a weiner dog on it, LOL!
My parents got me some kickass workout gifts! I got 3 pairs of workout shorts & a sports bra (was desperately needing more of these!), weightlifting gloves, good Nike socks, and a waterproof sports watch so that I can start timing my running, biking, and swimming during triathlon training.
Not too long after that, my wonderful boyfriend Nels called and told me to come outside. I went out the front door and he was riding my new bike down the street haha! Nels always does his research when making serious purchases (when buying his TV, he went to Best Buy about 12 times before making a decision) and he’d been researching bikes for me for a week or so. He got me a Trek bicycle and it’s the nicest bike I’ve ever had. I was all set to grab a bike from Wal-Mart for the triathlon, but now I see/feel the difference in quality!
I had dinner with a group of about 15 at Cabana Charley’s in Woodridge. The restaurant did such a great job – they had balloons and “Happy Birthday Desiree” signs on the table:
Then they gave our whole party a free shot on this crazy bamboo shooter thing where you all drink it at the same time! My dad even did it haha and I don’t think I’ve seen either of my parents drink any alcohol my whole life. The shot was called “Scooby Snacks” and it was a yummy one! They let me keep the shot glass too.
Next I opened my gifts. My friends Burcu & Sean gave me a $25 gift card to Bed, Bath & Beyond. I think I’m going to use it to get one of those scales that measures body fat & water weight too. Gonna go to the store and check things out : )
Jacklyn got me 2 adorable shirts from Wet Seal:
I gotta be honest, while I loved them immediately, I was also so nervous to try them on…they were both mediums, would they fit?! I never buy anything from Wet Seal because I feel like their stuff runs small. Well, Jacklyn did a GREAT job because they fit, which made me love them even more haha! I was so surprised and happy that they did!
Lisa gave me a very sweet gift - a coffee thermos that she decorated herself! She cut out all the pictures and arranged them:
I cried when I opened it! She also gave me a candle holder that matches my newly decorated room and an adorable white basket with green fabric that matches my room also.
Family pic at Cabana and group photo:
After Cabana, about half the group headed to Saddle Up and my friends Phil, Shanti, Marla, Jeff, and Brent met us there. Marla got me one of those decorated wine glasses – I’ve been wanting one for so long! She got me a bikini one, perfect for my summer birthday : )
I had a blast dancing at Saddle Up. These pictures are courtesy Lisa’s hubby Joey. I wish I had some pictures of Marla and I dancing like crazy later in the night, but Nels doesn’t think of these things and I wasn’t going to stop dancing to tell him to take pictures LOL!
So overall…24th birthday was AWESOME. Thank you to everyone who made it so special!
Friday was my 24th birthday, and it was one of the best birthdays I’ve ever had! I got great gifts, had a wonderful time at dinner with my good friends, and a blast dancing at Saddle Up later in the evening! And I have to be honest, I felt absolutely fabulous all evening – my dress, shoes, hair, jewelry, everything was perfect!
I worked just 9-3 on Friday, and my bosses took me out for a birthday lunch and brought me cupcakes. I had a delicious flatbread pizza with diced ham, pineapple, onion, and a sweet sauce drizzled on it…it was amazing!
I had planned on wearing a pair of black heels I already had with my dress, but of course the day of my birthday wanted to swing by Payless to get some special shoes for the occasion. I found these adorable (and SUPER comfy) heels:
Also bought them in white since BOGO was going on…and may have to go back for the brown ones this weekend : )
Then I went home to spend some time with the fam. My brother got me a cute necklace and a Chelsea Handler book (way behind on these, I know!). He also gave me an awesome birthday card that had a weiner dog on it, LOL!
My parents got me some kickass workout gifts! I got 3 pairs of workout shorts & a sports bra (was desperately needing more of these!), weightlifting gloves, good Nike socks, and a waterproof sports watch so that I can start timing my running, biking, and swimming during triathlon training.
Not too long after that, my wonderful boyfriend Nels called and told me to come outside. I went out the front door and he was riding my new bike down the street haha! Nels always does his research when making serious purchases (when buying his TV, he went to Best Buy about 12 times before making a decision) and he’d been researching bikes for me for a week or so. He got me a Trek bicycle and it’s the nicest bike I’ve ever had. I was all set to grab a bike from Wal-Mart for the triathlon, but now I see/feel the difference in quality!
I had dinner with a group of about 15 at Cabana Charley’s in Woodridge. The restaurant did such a great job – they had balloons and “Happy Birthday Desiree” signs on the table:
Then they gave our whole party a free shot on this crazy bamboo shooter thing where you all drink it at the same time! My dad even did it haha and I don’t think I’ve seen either of my parents drink any alcohol my whole life. The shot was called “Scooby Snacks” and it was a yummy one! They let me keep the shot glass too.
Next I opened my gifts. My friends Burcu & Sean gave me a $25 gift card to Bed, Bath & Beyond. I think I’m going to use it to get one of those scales that measures body fat & water weight too. Gonna go to the store and check things out : )
Jacklyn got me 2 adorable shirts from Wet Seal:
I gotta be honest, while I loved them immediately, I was also so nervous to try them on…they were both mediums, would they fit?! I never buy anything from Wet Seal because I feel like their stuff runs small. Well, Jacklyn did a GREAT job because they fit, which made me love them even more haha! I was so surprised and happy that they did!
Lisa gave me a very sweet gift - a coffee thermos that she decorated herself! She cut out all the pictures and arranged them:
I cried when I opened it! She also gave me a candle holder that matches my newly decorated room and an adorable white basket with green fabric that matches my room also.
Family pic at Cabana and group photo:
After Cabana, about half the group headed to Saddle Up and my friends Phil, Shanti, Marla, Jeff, and Brent met us there. Marla got me one of those decorated wine glasses – I’ve been wanting one for so long! She got me a bikini one, perfect for my summer birthday : )
I had a blast dancing at Saddle Up. These pictures are courtesy Lisa’s hubby Joey. I wish I had some pictures of Marla and I dancing like crazy later in the night, but Nels doesn’t think of these things and I wasn’t going to stop dancing to tell him to take pictures LOL!
So overall…24th birthday was AWESOME. Thank you to everyone who made it so special!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Officially an 8!
I've been MIA from my blog lately. Overall, last week was pretty drama filled and it was hard to focus on anything else. I'm still having a hard time focusing on things right now (like work) and I know I need to get my act together pretty quickly here.
I'm happy to announce that I'm officially a Size 8!!!!! Now "officially" just comes from my own determination that most Size 8 clothing at most stores now fit! This is so exciting. I haven't worn an 8 since sophomore year of college. When I started working out in January, I was a 10, so I've lost a full dress size. I also weighed in at 136.5 today, bringing my weight loss to 11.5 pounds, and I've lost 1.5 inches from my hips.
This weekend, Nels and I went to the pool and for the first time in a long time I felt 100% comfortable in a swimsuit. Now of course I want to keep getting more and more fit, but the fact that I felt at ease and felt GOOD was an amazing feeling! Interesting how 11 pounds is the difference between feeling great and feeling awful. I remember feeling gross and unhappy last summer. It is great to feel confident and comfortable with myself.
My 24th birthday is this Friday, and it was my goal to lose at least 10 pounds by my birthday. Glad I've made it there! Here is a photo of me from my birthday last year, and then me wearing the same shirt in Florida a month ago:
2009:
2010:
Interesting running incident this weekend...I was jogging on a trail near Nels' apartment on Sunday with his buddy Jeff who runs quite a bit. There are mile markers on the trail, so we ran 2 miles in and then turned around. Walked maybe 1/2 a mile, then ran the rest of the way. At the very end, Jeff said we should sprint, so we did. As my left foot was about to land, it hit an uneven dip in the trail, my ankle rolled, and I went flying! Twisted my ankle and scraped up my right side. Not fun! Thankfully, I was able to get up and hobble back, because the second I hit the ground about 20 mosquitos were all over me! Got about a dozen bites on my legs and arms! Blood sucking bastards.
I've been icing my ankle and it feels a lot better today, but I am reluctant to do any exercise, even the elliptical, for a few days. I'm going to do some arm/shoulder weightlifting at the gym today just to keep up something.
I'm happy to announce that I'm officially a Size 8!!!!! Now "officially" just comes from my own determination that most Size 8 clothing at most stores now fit! This is so exciting. I haven't worn an 8 since sophomore year of college. When I started working out in January, I was a 10, so I've lost a full dress size. I also weighed in at 136.5 today, bringing my weight loss to 11.5 pounds, and I've lost 1.5 inches from my hips.
This weekend, Nels and I went to the pool and for the first time in a long time I felt 100% comfortable in a swimsuit. Now of course I want to keep getting more and more fit, but the fact that I felt at ease and felt GOOD was an amazing feeling! Interesting how 11 pounds is the difference between feeling great and feeling awful. I remember feeling gross and unhappy last summer. It is great to feel confident and comfortable with myself.
My 24th birthday is this Friday, and it was my goal to lose at least 10 pounds by my birthday. Glad I've made it there! Here is a photo of me from my birthday last year, and then me wearing the same shirt in Florida a month ago:
2009:
2010:
Interesting running incident this weekend...I was jogging on a trail near Nels' apartment on Sunday with his buddy Jeff who runs quite a bit. There are mile markers on the trail, so we ran 2 miles in and then turned around. Walked maybe 1/2 a mile, then ran the rest of the way. At the very end, Jeff said we should sprint, so we did. As my left foot was about to land, it hit an uneven dip in the trail, my ankle rolled, and I went flying! Twisted my ankle and scraped up my right side. Not fun! Thankfully, I was able to get up and hobble back, because the second I hit the ground about 20 mosquitos were all over me! Got about a dozen bites on my legs and arms! Blood sucking bastards.
I've been icing my ankle and it feels a lot better today, but I am reluctant to do any exercise, even the elliptical, for a few days. I'm going to do some arm/shoulder weightlifting at the gym today just to keep up something.
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