Careful what you wish for

OK followers- there is that saying-careful what you wish for. Well today was supposed to be my open water swim but because of the rain, thunder and lightening, it was of course cancelled due to safety reasons!

So you would think I would be somewhat happy and relieved about this situation-at least I thought I would be-but not so! I am actually upset that this did not occur. Why-because as per my usual state these days, I am starting to panic about not having practiced this and my first triathalon is in 2 weeks!

Fortunately Mr. P has temporarily calmed my nerves and is optimistic about getting me out to swim prior to the race. All I can think about are the stories I have heard from other's (none of which have been positive) so I will have to brace myself for this event!

On a more positive note, I did get my hair cut and thinned, so hopefully my swim cap will stay on much better. Will keep you posted!

As of June 1st, my training is going to be kicked up into high gear- I think Mr. P's exact words were that the "next 5 weeks are going to suck!" Thus I am letting you know that I probabally will not be posting as often but will do my best to provide updates.

OK weather-smarten up and I need to get in the water! Giddyup!

Traumatized

OK followers-I think I am still in shock that I managed to live through the duathalon on Tuesday evening. You see Winnipeg had a wind warning in effect, and just so we are all clear, the wind was gusting at times to over 90km/hour. Psychological trauma definitely occured for me!

Here I was soo concerned about how to pace myself -all that went out the window, when I realized that I just needed to focus on staying on the bike and throw out any aspirations of improving time. At points on the ride, I nearly got blown off. The biggest problem is that the gusts were completely unpredictable so that at any moment you could be caught off guard.

I learned very quickly that I could use a lot more leg power-and that will be a long term goal of mine to work on. Going up a hill in those conditions was absolutely horrible. And while I don't tire out aerobically on the bike very often, it is my leg muscles that burn baby burn! This is not good when after the bike you have to run. The result is rubber chicken legs and the potential for bonking!

I guess at the end of the day, I did learn something very valuable. This is it....that despite how much training you put in, despite how hard you have worked, despite all the reading you have done, there is nothing that you can do to prepare for the unknown-whether that be bad weather, a flat tire, a broken bone etc. All you can do is be the best you can, but the dissapointment and heartache one feels at not being able to perform at your best is undescribable. I guess though it is at these moments, that I feel more determined then ever to carry on-to improve, and ultimately reach the goals I set out for myself.

Mind games

Slugfest is officially over. Anxiety is setting in for 2 reasons:

1. Mr. P text'd me last night and informed me (I think with sinister laughter) that there is a change to my program. Instead of the short duathalon tonight, I am scheduled to go long! My biggest worry is falling off the bike as the wind speed today is crazy and it often takes you by surprise and jerks you violently on the bike.

2. I will be doing my very first open water swim this week-so I guess I better wear the wetsuit around the house again to further assist in the molding process! I also spoke with another woman who completed her first open water swim this weekend and cried her eyes out as she couldn't even complete 800meters and she is way fitter than me!

I am not sure why, but these duathalons get me quite anxious-tonight will be my fourth so you think I would be less freaked-not so! Having said this, it is an awesome feeling to complete it and I guess that is why I keep putting myself in a tremendously uncomfortable situation. Oh and I guess it's also good practice for the Big One, which if I think about it, is not that far off in the future.

I now totally understand why people benefit from sports psychologists-the mind is so powerful and can work in your favor or detriment. In my case, it's not really helping me out too much, but I know I have the power to change this.

My task for the next while is really to get a handle on this mental game. I know I must sound so self-absorbed and I appologize, but who knew that it could get the better of you. At the end of the day, its just a silly race-in the whole scheme of things this really does not matter. Other things matter way more. This really should be viewed as fun, because when I look around me I see things that people struggle with daily that are way harder. For that matter, if I turn on the news one can see that in most parts of the world it really is a matter of life and death to survive on the planet. I need to focus on this and remember this when I get anxious-after all things really need to be put into perspective in moments of panic! Shame shame on me!

Positive-calm vibes

Hello my faithful followers, I am still enjoying slugfest and was able to sleep in until 7am-very unusual but obviously the body needed it!

Right now I am thinking about my sister and how she might be extremely nervous right about now. I am sending positive-calm-vibes to her right now as she is about to embark on an incredible goal. You see she has been training to run 10 miles and the big race start in about 40 minutes!

My sis kinda poo poo's this incredible feat she has undertaken, and like the rest of us in this world (aside from quite possibly socio and psychopaths) does not give herself enough credit! What makes this even more challenging is that my sis has Asthma-so she has to work extra hard at developing her cardio fitness. My sis also has an incredibly busy work life, and raises 2 fantastic children with her hubby. I so wish I could see her cross the finish line, but will await anxiously for the phone call later this morning.

As for me, I will continue to move slow and then am supposed to do some easy stretching or yoga. It's hard to believe in some ways that rest is what in the end makes you stronger. If you do not take breaks your body will break down. The body needs to repair-and as I sit and type, my body is doing some marvelous things that I am completely unaware of right now. Amazing!

Slugfest begins!

Ok followers-I completed my brick workout of swimming and cycling and now the celebration begins (temporarily!) I plan to laze around for the next 24hours and make like a slug.

Slugfest is especially good today, as I don't have to make dinner and remarkably I am caught up on laundry. I also have planted most of my gardern, put down grass seed and tidied the house to an acceptible level.

The sun is shining, the grass is green and the kids are playing. I plan to induldge and have a glass of wine, and soak up some sun. I plan to move slow and eat lots. Gotta go and enjoy this while I can!

Regeneration- so close but yet so far!

Hello-back again, and this time, I am very tired. In fact yesterday I was playing with my baby girl and dozed off for10 minutes-that has never happened!

I am once again nearing the peak of my workouts, and have a long day tomorrow before my regeneration week-which means cutting back my workouts and then re-building. I could not possibly explain the science behind this, but it works.

This week also has the potential to be quite challenging as Mr. P is encouraging me to do an open water swim. We haven't firmed up the day but last night I had nightmares about this! I really have got to be careful as to error in a lake can well........result in a very very bad situation. I told Mr. P he better have lifesaving skills just in case.

Now swimming in a pool to me is luxury compared to a lake. In fact I really hate swimming in water where I can not see my toes. Bird's Hill has the added bonus of lots and lots of reeds, minnows and excrement from water fowl, children, and lazy ass adults who couldn't be bothered to pee in a lavatory.

All I can hope for is that first I don't drown and second, I don't contract something like E.Coli or another bug as I think I have mentioned before that I swallow a lot of water. I am also very shy to be putting on a "second skin" (aka wet suit) as every single bump and ripple show. It's pretty much like being naked-and while many have told me that I should not worry about this-it is not helpful! (although I know it's all good intentions).

Distractions are also a good thing, when stressed, and I had the good fortune to do just that with my family this afternoon. We went to the Art Gallery to see the Art of Warner Bros, and loved it! Course the waskly wabbit is my all time favourite toon! (Sponge Bob is second) Ah yup-still a kid at heart!

Psychology

Ok my fellow followers- I am engulfed with rage! I should channel this into a positive form but for right now I will vent.

For those of you who know me, this has to do with my mother. How should I begin? Well lets just say ..........that at her best she is usually unsupportive in any venture I undertake. When I went to University she couldn't quite understand why on earth I would spend money to complete a graduate program after my underdegree. When I cut my hair in a certain way, she is the first to smirk and tell me how horrible it looks. My house is never clean enough, I don't feed my children properly....the list goes on and on. She will never acknowledge her role in a disagreement-suffice it to say that I have never ever heard her say sorry in my almost 40 years on this planet.

The problem is that because she is involved in my children's lives, some information about my life gets passed to her. About two months ago, she found out (not by me) that I am competing in a triathalon. She asked me about this, and I haven't really revealed too much other than to say it involves running, cycling and swimming. Immediately I heard the berated comments about how crazy I am and that I am simply doing a ridiculous amount of excercise (note-she has no clue about how long this is so you can imagine the comments that would follow if she really knew).

How does one deal with this? When I was younger, I desperately wanted her to change, however I have come to terms with the fact this will never happen. I am OK with this, and my strategy for dealing with her for the most part is to disdance. There is absolutely no point in discussing any issue that she already has an opinion about. Therapy has served me well in this regard. She is toxic to me and such is life. I believe that other people have it way harder so I can not complain. Life is hard for everyone-that I know for sure- even if on the surface it looks like a person has everything going for them-they don't-life is not like that.

So my rage began as I was sitting on the computer checking my email. My mother and daughter were outside talking to my neighbour. I could hear the conversation perfectly as the window was open. My mother was telling my neighbour about how stupid I was for doing triathalons, blah blah blah. Now its one thing to insult me to my face, but quite another to diss me behind my back. This upsets me greatly-not so much about what my neighbour may or may not think of me, but because my little daughter is obviously hearing how her grandmother is putting down her mother.

Fortunately, I have spoken to both my children about how their grandmother "is" . I suppose my mother never learned that if you can't say something nice-don't say it at all. I am also very glad that I have done lots of work pofessionally and personally about talking with children, so I am holding on to that and try and address things with my little people as best I can.

I am also very greatful for my husband who is so supportive of me in this venture. He truly models this support in front of my little people-and since they are both attatched to us, I am hoping that at the end of the day, this will be reparative.

Now followers, just so we are clear, I am not trying to berate or say anything bad about my mother-I am venting, because this hurts but it is what it is. I really do not want to be viewed as a hypocrite. My mother has had a really hard life-there are not many stories I have heard that can top hers (and trust me I have heard a lot of stories) and if you knew-this explains alot.

But, this blog is about my process, of who I am and why I do what I do. I am sharing this information with you not to garner sympathy-but just so you know. And if my children ever read this one day, I want them to also know that life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, good and bad, and that no matter what we must carry on. Psychology has a huge part to play and its intersting that like life with all its curve balls, a triathalon is a microcosim of this too.

Lemony Snicket

Short post, as I am off to read my boy some Lemony Snicket!

As an update to my followers I completed the long course duathalon in scortching heat last evening. There were over 200 participants and while I had no idea of how to pace myself in the race, I ended up placing 3rd in my age category.

Fortunately the sticker solution worked, and I put on my helment the right way. I still have difficulty with the transitions, and now I fully understand why it is called the 4th sport of the triathalon.

Of note, is that I really need to get a better handle drinking on the bike. I think I dehydrated some as result. Maybe my solution will result in a get rich scheme! Luvs ya

Backwards

Ok, so further to yesterday, I decided to try on my wetsuit. It took me an unusually long time to get it on and immediately I began to sweat. I kept thinking back to the the swimsuit clerk who said "you want it to fit like a second skin.....you want it fit like a second skin.....you want it..." Well it was fitting like a second skin and both my children immediately got excited and thought we were all going to go swimming.

After I explained to them the purpose of why I was wearing the wetsuit in the house, they began to take great interest. As I was lying on the floor with them, my son, Isaac tried to read the logo. At first I thought he was being funny, and sounding out the word IronMan in a backwards sorta way. Then I looked down at my wetsuit and realized that the word IronMan was backwards. Immediately I thought I got some shoddy product shipped to me from China and was angry that the sales clerk would have sold me the wetsuit with the logo printed backwards. I paid a freakin lot of money and it's not something that I can exactly return. I made up my mind that I was going to call the store when it opened and give them a piece of my mind.

So, I headed upstairs and was by this time soaked in sweat. I tugged and finally got the wetsuit off......and then......realized.......that I had it on inside out! Thank goodness I did not call the store, and thank goodness, I did not show up like this to my first triathalon. I know I am a newbie, but seriously!

Backwards seems to be a reoccuring theme with me. I can not recall if I revealed that in the last duathalon I put on my helmet backwards and lost time as a result. I have also been known to show up to spin class with my shorts on backwards, and once I even went to go run and realized I had two different running shoes on my feet.

Fortunately my voice of reason (Snags) has a brilliant idea for me tonight re: my helmet. I am going to put one of my daughter's stickers on the front (I chose a butterfly and flower). I may look kind of foolish but I think it will be a lot better than the embarassment that occured last week. As for the wetsuit, I now know that the logo really does say Ironman NOT namnorI.

Tonight I am very nervous once again, but am telling myself to suck it up. A friend of mine has just undergone a very trying and difficult day today, and has done so with courage and strength. She has given me inspiration in ways she will never know and for that I am eternally greatful. You know who you are, and this one tonight is for you my friend!

Pooping delima perhaps solved?

Hello my followers wha ha ha ha (I love saying that) Shame on me for not posting for a few days, but I must confess that I have been extremely busy. After Saturday's long run, I had to attend 2 children's party's for my kids, had a family dinner, planted flowers, became worried as my son got sick with strep (or possible scarlet fever), tried to tackle the never-ending laundry pile, did some work on a movie set.....the list goes on.

Yes life is busy, and training must somehow fit in there. Since I elected to take my rest day yesterday, I went swimming this morning. I now purposely leave my fins at home to wean myself from the dependency. At first it was really hard getting used to the freestyle without them, but I managed 2000 meters today and felt good. I now have to get serious about the wetsuit, and will put it on today for an hour. Since we do not have air conditioning, and it is quite warm in the house already, I am psyching myself up for sweating perfusely. I just hope no one comes to the door as getting the wetsuit off (or on) is well....not that easy.

As far as training goes, this week looks wicked. It's the hardest training prior to a regeneration week. Once again my nerves are getting to me about Tuesday as it is the long course duathalon that I will be doing. I have no idea of how to pace myself, and hope that I will not burn out in the race! I know that I tend to go out hard and this has backfired on my when running races as once you cross that lactate threshold, it is very difficult to compose and carry forward. Ahh... I guess it just means more experimentation!

Oh and I found out why I am still struggling with fatigue-my iron is still low! As such, I have FAITHFULLY been taking it and seem to have rebounded some. The problem with Iron, as some of you might know-is that it can be constipating. Wait a minute......I think I have just solved my ahem pooping delima on the bike! Hey Sis what do you think? Should I double up on the iron before the ironman? Must look into this more!

Yeowza

Hello followeres-I am headed to bed at an insanely early hour. I did a mega workout today consisting of a 1.2 miles swim and 45 miles on the bike. There was a large separation of several hours (roughly 6 1/2 hours) so no it was not done all at once, but it was done, and I feel pretty great that I did it!

Because the bike portion took me 3 hours to complete, I had a lot of time to think. Fortunately I picked a bike route, where there were manly walkers and seniors that were riding these giant bicycles resembling tricycles. It made me sad to think that these folks have reverted back to toddlerhood but happy that they had the gumption to get out and ride. 40 yeears has almost gone by for me and in another 40 years God willing, that could be me on the trike. It sucks getting old!

On another note, I have noticed that when I do the long rides, my fingertips become numb. This lasts for several days and kinda freaks me out. I don't know if I am putting too much pressure on my hands when holding on for dear life or if this is a common malady. I think I will take a trip to my local bike store to see what they say/reccommend, oh and of course must consult the internet. Anyone who knows anything about any of this, please comment, as your feedback would be extremely helpful!

On yet another note, I did practice drinking from my water bottle some more. The heat got to me (I think it was over 20degress in the city today!) and I succeeded in getting the bottle out of the cage and drinking just fine. But putting the bottle back resulted in losing it twice to the pavement. Obviously I still need to work on this. I was also set to try and pee....but was so dehydrated that there was only salt left in my bladder! I suspect that if things continue the way they are, I could conceivably do the whole 70.6 miles without ever having to pee!

Speaking of peeing-I now do have to go, so I will say goodnight as I have a long run ahead of me tomorrow bright and early. Cheers!

Just doing it

Yes that's right, chugging along-my tempo run was not the greatest today-had to stop a few times but was glad I could do it as I seriously thought my cough was going to develop into something more severe. Hopefully I have caught it in the nick of time, although chest is not 100 percent!

This afternoon I am scheduled for another swim lesson with my coach. Feeling a bit anxious as she wants me to do another pyramid drill-this time without flippers. I hope in the end this is going to help. I seriously would be completely content to do laps at my own pace as I really dislike the drills-they hurt, are hard, and not enjoyable. The only thing I look forward to is taking a long hot shower after the pool!

In addition, Mr. P has suggested that I attend a few of the triathalon swim sessions at the Pan Am Pool. They go for 1 and a half hours in the evenings. I know I should do this but I am getting to the point where I just can not possibly fit everything in.

At the end of the day, what is most important to me is my family. Thus if I suck at the swim, and my time is slow, I will be ok with this. I have come to the conclusion that I will try and do my best, and if I am under trained, I will find this out soon enough as I will be entering my first small triathalon on June 13 at Bird's Hill Park!

Oh so tired

Sorry for the short post, but I am exhausted and think quite possibly that I am getting sick after shivering outside following the duathalon last evening.

The duathalon went well aside from a terrible time in T1 (I put on my bike helment backwards and it took precious time to fix this problem while I was trying to clip into the bike). How I ended up doing the thing 2 minutes faster than last week is puzzling, and just found out that I finished third in my age group so I feel pretty good about that.

This morning, I woke up and did it all over again-only this time a longer run, and harder spin on the spin bike.

Unfortunately I can not go to bed and nurse this cold-thank goodness for Cold FX! I am off to see my boy play soccer and then attend a block party planning meeting-hopefully I will see my bed by 10pm if I am lucky!

Series #2

Nerves are frayed. I completed my swim this morning and am scheduled to compete in the second of five duathalons this evening. Now I know logically that this should be less anxiety provoking than last week because I have done it, but I am still freaked. The weather today is once again going to be lousy-cold- 8 degrees and rain. I know this time that I am bringing a second set of dry warm clothes to change into after the race as I can't bear the thought of being that cold again.

This afternoon I have been practising getting in and out of the my clips. I don't know if it's because I am clumsy or if it's because I am so used to my other clip shoes for the spin bike, but whatever way I choose to look at it, I have concluded that this is a definite area of weakness and will cost me time. I have gone so far as to mark my shoes with permanent marker, with limited success.

Today my blood was also drawn as I suffer from hypothyroidism and have low iron. The technician took 3 vials from me and of course now I am worried that this loss of body fluid will impact my race- I am feeling tired already-arg! Red Bull is definitely going to be on the menu, and since I won't likely be able to sleep until well after midnight (due to the Red Bull), I can at least look forward to obsessing about some crazy tips in the triathalon book I scooped up from the library yesterday!

If I haven't said it to all of you already, I do want each and every follower who supports me to know how much it means. This training can be a lonely road. Much of the time it's you and your thoughts while putting in the miles. Most times this is good, but like every human being on the planet, it can be difficult because life is hard. It's my people that surround me that also need to get credit-so thank you. I couldn't do it without you!

Getting Info

Ahhh, just enjoying a cup of coffee in the quietness of the morning. I have been up since 530am and today is a regeneration day. I LOOOOOVE Monday's!

I've been surfing the net looking at newbie triathalon sites, and have found a few more useful tidbits of information.

The first one is that you should never wear a swim cap that is black. Why? Well in case it falls off and you drown no one will see you. Guess I will be going back to Swimming Matters to get a neon cap and use my black one for pool swims!

The next tip I learned is to put your goggles under your cap. That way if you get kicked in the face, (which according to all sites I have researched is a high probability) you will be less likely to loose then in the murky water.

If you are going to invest in anything to increase speed, it should be the bike-ie. getting fancier wheels, aerobars, etc. In the majority of races, you spend the most amount of time on the bike, and therefore it stands to reason that this investment will pay the largest of dividends.

Today I am also picking up a book at the library that was suggested to me for further tips on Triathalon's. I must admit, that getting into this venture, I had no idea how much one needs to know. If you are not informed, I think a person could have a terrible experience and give up on the sport entirely.

Personally, it is fear that is driving me to find out information. I have always been that way-I need to try and find out everything-good, bad, indifferent so at least I trick meself into being psychologically prepared (likely a control thing). I also know meself, that I tend to focus on the negative, way more than the positive and wish I could change that about me. I am also driven and my worst enemy. So if anyone of you out there have these characteristics, welcome to the low self-esteem club! I will share any tidbit of info you want (including useless facts) so you can complete a triathalon too! Any takers?

Abducted by an alien

This my friends is a very short post owing to the exhaustion I am feeling, and anxious to have a glass of red wine because it is Mother's Day and I am going to treat myself!

Today's workout was a brick-swim and cycle. I felt very discouraged today as my swim sucked and I just did not have the umph on the bike. I think I am tired despite having over 10 hours sleep last night! Tomorrow is a regeneration day-and I am doing Nothing!

In addition to the fatique, I am very very hungry-my snack in the afternoon was 2 giant hamburgers and 2 bottles of water. I then had dinner and seriously could have eaten a snack-but needed my bed.

I am not sure how many calories I am consuming-but I can now understand why some athlete's claim they eat over 4000 calories in a day. Speaking of food...must go grab a snack! Luv's ya

White Knuckles

So, I begin this post with my thank you to God, for allowing me to have survived the bike ride yesterday.

Let me also begin by saying that yesterday was one of the most scarriest experiences of my life. Mr. P met me at the end of Henderson Highway for a ride of approx. 32 miles-to Lockport followed by a detour along River Road.

Once again the weather conditions were awful-it was cold-perhaps 8 degrees and extremely windy. Even with my Oakley's on, my eyes were tearing constantly. Now folks if you will recall, I just started to ride a road bike. Cycling down a highway with cars zooming past you at over 100km is not, I reapeat NOT a comfortable feeling. Throw in the gusts of wind which were extremely unpredictable, causing your 18lb road bike to suddenly jerk from side to side. Did I mention that on one side of me was traffic zooming by at 100km? Oh and then the other lovely part was that on the other side of me was a long slanted ditch full of water with lots and lots of jagedy rocks. Also note, that vision is extremely impaired when eyes are blurry!

As I was riding along, I just prayed that if I was going to flip off my bike I wanted to go ditch side. Course perhaps what was even worse, (YES it gets worse in terms of fear factor) was crossing a bridge that is at Lockport to get to River Road. This bridge has NO shoulder whatsoever, so you have to go as fast as you can and pray for very kind drivers to edge as close to the center line as possible.

At one point in time as I was cycling, the wind gust was so strong, I seriously was cycling on an angle. I can't tell you how relieved I was when I returned from the ride and saw my vehicle. Also, I am so greatful that Mr. P was with me, as this was definitely something I would not have done on my own! BTW Mr. P also made me drink from my water bottle. Can you believe it? It took me 3minutes to get comfortable to get the bottle out, and 2km of riding before I was able to put it back in the cage. My heart was beating so hard, I think it almost leapt out of my body!

When I returned home from the ride, I noticed that I was in a lot of pain-especially my shoulders and neck. I think I was so tense that these muscles kinda seized on me. Fortunately advil did the trick although I am still feeling it.

This morning was my scheduled long run. I had a fight with my alarm clock and myself as I was so tired and did not want to go. In the end, I knew that the guilt I would feel would be worse, so I got up at 630am for a 12 miler. I thought my legs would be toast, but remarkably I had a really great run. I can only assume this has to do with another muscle set you use that is different than cycling.

At the end of the day, I am glad for my experience. Not sure I would want to do this again-but maybe next time, it would be less scary. As I was running, I also thought lots about what a gift it is to be alive!

Long Ride

Ahhh......was actually able to get a great sleep in. Put my kiddies in the tub-and Ava and I were asleep by 745pm. I was then able to sleep until 6am and did not go to the gym this morning because Mr. P has yet another challenge in store for me today.

What you may ask? Well it is just an itty bitty ride....Ha Ha Ha....it's more like a 2 hour plus ride out past Lockport. The issue for me, is that this happens to be on the highway and I hate riding in traffic at the best of times. The only saving grace, is that we will be riding in the middle of the afternoon, I have a great pair of Oakley's to protect my eyes (can' say enough about how good these things are) and I plan on wearing my red jacket (hopefully the red will caution them to back off!).

Now if only the weather holds up, the ride will be less stressful. Right now it looks chilly (I think the temp went below zero) and on the verge of rain. I also hope my calf muscles loosen up as yesterday my swim instructor was relentless in giving my kick drills. Must eat a few bananas as I can not have a repeat of seized calf muscle-especially on a long ride! Oh and then after I get home from the long ride, I am hosting a Board Meeting for my daughter's Montessori school so I am very glad I am rested today!

One thing I have noticed is that all this cycling is rubbing off on my better half. I think I mentioned that Michael has adopted Bart (my old Mountain bike. In reality, the bike is not old-it was purchased last year in a moment of panic when I was being pressured by a sales clerk to buy another bike-part of the negative experience I made reference to earlier). Anyways Bart and Michael have been getting along swimmingly and Michael is now combining his workouts with both running and cycling. This is good I say, as one of my dreams is to go on a cycling vacation in the South of France through the country side. I know this will have to wait until the children are grown which means we have lots of time to practice. Hell maybe by that time we can cycle all of Europe-maybe even Asia! In all seriousness, I am so proud that my husband is taking on cycling-maybe by next year I can even get him in the pool! One step at a time! Wha Ha Ha Ha

My eyes nearly popped out!

Yes you read that right my followers, my eyes nearly popped out of my head. Last night, I went to look at the results of my duathalon and discovered that I placed first in my age category and first overall for Short Duathalon female. There were a total of 102 participants and the weather was 8c -wind was of 40KPH NE wind, and steady steady rain. I know there was some skill involved, but probably a little beginners luck combined with the fact that I bet many people stayed home. Having said that, I will still take it and be proud-at least for a little while!

Today I did another brick workout, and I saw him again on my run. Mr. Fox! Now I don't know if it was the same fox I saw a while back, but this fox was beautiful and crossed my path approx. 2 feet in front of where I was running. Incredibly, the fox stood off to the side and just looked at me and after I had passed, he trotted away. Strange I say to meself, because this is the only wild creature that I haven't been freaked by. And BTW if I should of gotten freaked today would have been the day as I had spent last evening watching Billy the Exterminator!

I have to say, it is great moments like these that I truly wish I had my dad with me to celebrate. He always knew what to say. He has missed so much, meeting my Michael, dancing with me at my wedding, and meeting his grandchildren! I wonder if the fox is in someways connected to nature and my dad-I just had that thought-probabally nothing to it!

Did it!

I did it! I still can't quite believe it, but I completed my first duathalon ever last evening in a torrential downpour and with gale force winds for an extra added bonus. Thinking back, I really should have considered wearing my wet suit-and I could have sprayed the PAM all over my body without worrying about a sunburn scenario-Oh well, maybe next time!

The race was much better than I psyched myself up for. I was even keeping up with the 20 something young boys out there on the course-not bad for an old lady! I am so thankful I did the race, and now feel like at least if I have bad weather conditions out in Calgary, I will have at least one dreadful day of weather experience (actually two if you count the first time out with Mr. P when the wind was gusting to a gazillion mph). Thank the good Lord for Snaggle (aka Seema) who also insisted that I complete the course even if the race got cancelled. I needed to do this, even though I was freakin scared out of my mind!

The physical component of the race was very doable. However, I did elect to take a Red Bull Shot prior to the race which spelled disaster for me when I tried to sleep (or lets say I didn't sleep) last night! Funny, the can says that consuming a Red Bull shot is "equivelent to consuming a premium cup of coffee". Crap I say-it's more like consuming 10 cups of coffee-and trust me I can drink a lot of coffee!

The one thing that I did not prepare meself for was the cold I felt after the race. I was soaking wet from head to toe and I am sure that the temperature in the Park was roughly 7 degrees (that's not taking wind chill into effect). Hence, when I was done, I was shivering uncontrollably and had a hard time holding onto the steering wheel of my vehicle for the 40 minute drive back. Once at home, I think I used up all the hot water, showered for over an hour, and put on two layers of PJ,s my wool socks and wool toque. I also needed an extra comfortor on the bed as I had such a hard time getting warm.

Since I went out and did this all by myself not knowing a soul, I must admit I felt rather intimidated. But everyone was so nice. When I told one of the race directors that this was my first duathalon, he smiled and told me that once I completed my first race I would be hooked. I am not sure if I am hooked, but I do know I am committed to doing the series (4 more races) and that I will feel a lot less anxious going forward now.

The best part you ask? It's not my time, its not the endurance. Its's the fact that I faced fear in the face (with a whole lot of encouragement) and did it!

Nervous

Well my official first race of the season is on for tonight-the short course duathalon. I am very nervous about this, and ate a whole bunch more waffles this morning! I don't normally excersise in the evening and am usually in bed by 9pm. This duathalon begins at 630pm, so I am going to be one tired girl! My biggest contemplation is whether to take an energy shot or Gu as these containe caffeine. I know if I do, I may be up half the night. On the other hand, if I don't I just might not be alert enough-and that would be bad on the bike!

I did a longish swim without my fins this morning (60 laps) and felt really good. My stroke today just felt right-but my kick still sucks! I found out from Mr. P that the first triathalon last year the water temperature was 13 degrees c. I really don't know how I am going to hack this-my wetsuit better hold up!

Sorry for the short post, but I can't seem to focus, and I've got to get a grip! Serenity now!

Sausage Casing

Ok there has been a big problem with my swim suit as of late. I believe it has something to do with the glue they use to ensure the thing is hemmed properly and does not rip. Well my suit has malfunctioned in a big way, and after every swim I have been noticing this black goo all over my body. It is kinda like the substance of tar and does not wash off easily at all.

Well today I had it! After my swim, and being covered in black goo, I say to meself, self, I am going to the store and blow even more money that I really had not intended. A good suit is usually anywhere from 60-80 bucks, and I can think of a lot of other things I would rather spend my money on at this moment. However, this black gue I can no longer take, and I am not entirely confident that it would be "harmless" staying on my skin with repeated exposure!

So off I go to the swim store. The ladies there know me by name, what with all the swimming caps and goggles I have been going through. As I walk through the doors they are smiling, and I know something is up. They reveal that they recieved their shipment of wetsuits in. Yeah I say to meself, after consuming 4 waffles this morning and feeling like I am 4 months pregnant! But they convince me to try some on.

Fortunately for me, I have an extremely patient little daughter, who was very interested to see how her mommy could stuff her body into a teeney weeney wetsuit. In fact I almost laughed out loud when they handed me the first one to try on.

Now the saleslady was very knowledgeable in helping me. She told me, that putting on a wetsuit should be done like how one would put on a pair of nylons-only the wetsuit does not stop at the waste. I followed her advice and tried very carefully not to tug too much as the ouside shell of the wetsuit is very suseptible to tears and nicks from fingernails.

By the time, I got the thing up to my neck, I was sweating perfusely and felt like I was choking when I zipped the thing up. Then I looked in the mirror-and was horrified to see a giant sausage staring back at me. These suits are not very forgiving and are supposed to fit like "a second skin". Repeat, 4 waffles before trying on a wetsuit is not a good combo!

When I walked out of the changing room, the 2 salesladies circled me like sharks, checking out where the suit gaps, how tight it was in certain places and pulled and tugged in all directions to ensure I had it on properly. Once my wetsuit was adjusted in the crotch area (clearly embarassing for me, but not the pro's) I felt less like choking. After spending about ten minutes walking around and getting the feel of it, I tried on another. Then I tried on the first one again, and then the second one. An hour and a half later, I not only spent 70 bucks on a swimsuit, but a whole whack of money on the wetsuit.

I have been clearly instructed not to swim with the wetsuit on in a pool, as the chlorine or bromide solutions in pools will eat away at the neoprene. The clerk was very kind in saying that I could try it out in Bird's Hill Park and likely aim in the next two weeks. (Yikes I say to meself, as I am sure the water will be very cold-but then again probabally not as cold as the glacier fed river I will be swimming in at Ghost Lake in Calgary!)

The clerk has encouraged me to wear my wetsuit around the house, as these suits will tend to mold to your body and give a bit. I expressed fear in not being able to get the thing on properly or efficiently. She smiled at me and said, that in order for the suit to get on easier, I could use a product called Body Glide (I actually use this when I wear new runners to prevent blistering until the shoe is worn in). This comes in a stick like deodorant, and I said, that to her that I would need several sticks to cover my body. She laughed again and then told me a secret that some people do: They spray themselves with PAM prior to putting the suit on. She did caution me that PAM tends to stain clothes.

Well, I am not sure I will go with PAM especially if it is a sunny day. Can you imagine the sunburn one would get if one were covered in PAM for 7 plus hours in the sun? I think, I will practice putting on and taking off my wetsuit as much as I can. If any of you come to visit me, and wonder why I have a wetsuit on-Now you know! (just please don't put me on the BBQ)

Regeneration week is coming to an end

Sniff....sniff....easy week is over-I am awaiting my new program for May-which Mr. P told me would be kicked up a notch. Yikes!

Today my legs feel quite tired and achy. I did not anticipate this, as I have regularly been doing workouts just as long or longer than yesterday's. Strange how that happens!

Last night before bed, I was surfing the net for any information I can find about triathalons. I do this quite regularly-especially when there is crapola on the TV. Interesting tid-bit I found out was in regards to "hitting the wall" (runner's term) or "bonking" (cyclist's term). I am quite certain, that had I run a long distance at the pace I was running yesterday I most definitely would of "bonked on the wall" (Donna's term).

The article talked a lot about how this happens when your glycogen stores in your muscles get depleted. Glycogen is produced by ingestion of carbs-hence you often hear about runner's carbo loading before a race. This needs to happen well in advance, as a night of spaghetti before the big one is just not going to cut it. In endurance sports, your body will also pull energy from the glucose in your bloodstream and from any stored fat that you might have kicking around. The problem with the blood and fat energy sources, is that they peter out quite quickly, and your body can't use the fuel in fat efficiently. The key is to stay hydrated, eat consistently throughout the race (approx one power bar or it's equivilent every hour) and stay at an endurance heart rate pace-avoid anaerobic racing-unless you are doing short distances or are doing this in your training.

What perhaps was even more interesting to me is what you eat after the race. Apparently if you can get a whole whack of carbs into your system within 30 minutes of finishing a race, your muscles act like a sponge and can absorb glycogen even better than weeks of pre-race carbo-loading. In the end, this leads to faster regeneration, and a way better recovery.

Maybe I should have eaten a whole lot of pasta last evening, and my legs might have felt better this am? I guess, I will be doing more experimenting! In the meantime-bring on the KD!

Trial Run

Ok, so today was the Big Day- the trial run of the short distance duathalon that I will be doing in the park on Tuesday.

I picked up my fine feathered friend, Miss J and can't tell you how great it was to have her with me! She is an awesome person, and did fantastic despite having some technical issues that were completely out of her control.

Her courage and strength today I totally admire, and brought me back to the times when I tried new things. Not so long ago I remember swimming my first 25meters in the pool and thought of what an impossible task further distances would be. I also recall trying to ride a road bike for the first time last summer and because of the negative experience, I let a year slip by before I was to try again. Here I am today, actually doing this, because at the end of the day, I decided I was not going to let those horrible, humiliating feelings stop me from accomplishing this goal. I hope Miss J feels the same way I do, and will continue on to do some duathalons with me!

So today, Mr.P and his lovely wife Mrs. L were so kind and gracious in helping me. Mr. P did not waste any time in cracking the whip and got me standing on my road bike. I must admit I felt like I was hyperventilating as it is a very wobbly feeling. Much much different then standing on a stationary spin bike! It did get easier and I realize I need to be in a bigger gear to feel more stable, but I obviously need to practice a whole lot more of this.

Perhaps the biggest accomplishment for me was drinking from my water bottle while riding (albeit I was riding considerably slower while trying to manage this task). This was soooooo huge for me, and I did it a total of 3 times without falling! I amaze myself to think that when I was 12 years old, I would cycle around the Army Base without holding onto my handle bars with ease. Now the thought of doing this terrifies me! Crap I say to anyone who maintains that you never forget how to ride a bicycle!

After having completed a 7 mile practice loop, Mr. P got me to do the whole duathalon, starting with the run (2k) bike (13k) run (2k). It felt pretty good although the last leg of the run, my legs were feeling a bit like lead weights. However, now I have a better idea of pacing myself!

One thing I am a bit nervous about, is the transitions which means changing shoes and racking/un-racking your bike. Since I have a hard enough time trying to find my car in a parking lot when I go shopping, finding my bike could be a very Big problem. I am seriously considering coming up with some sort of marker-a balloon? a flag? something!

As for the weather, I got a mix of it all, some sun, some wind, lots of cloud, and yes-rain. I asked about the whole rain issue and if I would slip and slide all over the place. Both Mr. P and Mrs. L were able to reassure me, that unless I took corners uber fast, that I would likely be just fine. Mrs. L also gave me a little tip and told me not to ride on the painted lines on the road, as they tend to get more slippery then unmarked concrete-who knew?

All in all, I must say, I had a very good training session. I feel much more confident knowing that I can complete the distance. I am still quite anxious about having to ride in a situation where there are many many people-I guess one scary thing at a time!