I'm happy to announce that I am the third place winner in the Athena group!
It's really been an excellent journey. I took last week off from workouts,
however got back to running over the weekend and my 5-mile run felt great.
Starting to think about future races! And check out the photos my dad took here!
7.07.2010
6.27.2010
I Did It!
I completed my first triathlon in 1:33 today. It was fun, perfect weather,
and had an awesome cheering section of family from MN and MA in the
house (or shall I say, on the beach)! Woke at 6:19a (nerves hit a little
during the night), ate breakfast, and did a "slow and low" 4.8mile
bike ride (+gear) from Fulton house to Sandy Beach in Cohasset.
Upon arrival, ocean was dead still. Set up transition area and took
a quick dip in the water (57 degrees) with wetsuit. I was in the 9th
wave, so hung out for a bit on the beach watching other groups
hit the swimming section and listening to music by 92FM "The River".
From the start of the swim to the finish it was go-go-go, although the
running felt a little slow. However, kept it at a nice constant pace
(there were definitely some rolling roads on that section). I was
wiped at the end, however I think the 8-week training paid off!
The Supah Stealth team now have t-shirts designed by Kathleen.
They are creating some "supah" conversations.
This has been dedicated to BJW.
and had an awesome cheering section of family from MN and MA in the
house (or shall I say, on the beach)! Woke at 6:19a (nerves hit a little
during the night), ate breakfast, and did a "slow and low" 4.8mile
bike ride (+gear) from Fulton house to Sandy Beach in Cohasset.
Upon arrival, ocean was dead still. Set up transition area and took
a quick dip in the water (57 degrees) with wetsuit. I was in the 9th
wave, so hung out for a bit on the beach watching other groups
hit the swimming section and listening to music by 92FM "The River".
From the start of the swim to the finish it was go-go-go, although the
running felt a little slow. However, kept it at a nice constant pace
(there were definitely some rolling roads on that section). I was
wiped at the end, however I think the 8-week training paid off!
The Supah Stealth team now have t-shirts designed by Kathleen.
They are creating some "supah" conversations.
This has been dedicated to BJW.
6.26.2010
Less than 24hrs
I'm officially registered. Went down to Cohasset this morning.
They highly suggest the day before to beat the race day rush
(1,000 racers!) and get packet + free goodies. The Supah
Stealth team did a drive around (thanks Fulton family!) on
the bike course which was awesome because I'm not familiar
with the area and now have a picture of race ahead. Whoo-hoo!
They highly suggest the day before to beat the race day rush
(1,000 racers!) and get packet + free goodies. The Supah
Stealth team did a drive around (thanks Fulton family!) on
the bike course which was awesome because I'm not familiar
with the area and now have a picture of race ahead. Whoo-hoo!
6.25.2010
State of Mind
I'm getting excited. Picked up wetsuit after work last night.
Made a new recipe -Garlic Scape Carbonara. Yum!
Packed 99% of needed things this morning.
Weather now looks like cloudy and high 71 for Sun. A.M.
Listening to tons of inspiring music on The Current.
Nice, slow 8-mile commute on bike today.
It's all good.
Made a new recipe -Garlic Scape Carbonara. Yum!
Packed 99% of needed things this morning.
Weather now looks like cloudy and high 71 for Sun. A.M.
Listening to tons of inspiring music on The Current.
Nice, slow 8-mile commute on bike today.
It's all good.
6.24.2010
Last Run
Today was run(30min.). I did my usual 5k (3 mile) run in the hood.
It's sticky out there...ended up like a sweaty mop.
It's sticky out there...ended up like a sweaty mop.
6.23.2010
I Am A...
The training for today was swim(30min.)/run(30min.). I got to the
pool late, so got in 15min. swim and then a warm, muggy 25min. run.
I just looked at the weather for the weekend: "Isolated thunderstorms.
Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the low 60s." Not too bad.
On a side note, I want to give a shout out to the USA soccer team for
advancing to the Round of 16 today. I'm not usually a sports fan, however
I am now. Just like I've never been known as a triathlete, but...I am now!
pool late, so got in 15min. swim and then a warm, muggy 25min. run.
I just looked at the weather for the weekend: "Isolated thunderstorms.
Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the low 60s." Not too bad.
On a side note, I want to give a shout out to the USA soccer team for
advancing to the Round of 16 today. I'm not usually a sports fan, however
I am now. Just like I've never been known as a triathlete, but...I am now!
6.22.2010
Fabulous Recovery
Yesterday was strength(60min.), while today was ride(45min.)/run(30min.).
I did today's training at the gym with spin class and treadmill work.
In both cases, my heart rate came down quite nicely and I'm pretty
happy with how I feel afterwards.
I did today's training at the gym with spin class and treadmill work.
In both cases, my heart rate came down quite nicely and I'm pretty
happy with how I feel afterwards.
6.20.2010
Holy Hotness
Yesterday was a beautiful rest day --sitting by/in lake at friends cabin.
However, today was a run(60min.) and was super intense. It was hot
and 83, starting at 9:30am. I was lucky to be running with Kathleen,
otherwise I may have ran half of it and walked the second half.
Triathlon one week from today! Not only is it my last week of official
training, but will be looking at important nutritional needs and keeping
well hydrated.
However, today was a run(60min.) and was super intense. It was hot
and 83, starting at 9:30am. I was lucky to be running with Kathleen,
otherwise I may have ran half of it and walked the second half.
Triathlon one week from today! Not only is it my last week of official
training, but will be looking at important nutritional needs and keeping
well hydrated.
6.18.2010
Done and Done
Woke up and biked a mile to the pool.
Swam(30min).
Biked home.
Ran(60min.) --the good ol' river run.
It's sunny and getting hot today.
Swam(30min).
Biked home.
Ran(60min.) --the good ol' river run.
It's sunny and getting hot today.
6.17.2010
Pace
Swim(30)/run(20) tonight. The temps have gone down, so it was a
cool, pleasant run. The get-go of running is rarely my favorite time.
It's after I've been going and have a pace and breathing is in control,
that I feel like I could run forever (well, not really). Tomorrow, I do
this all over again, but with more running time. Yeah!
cool, pleasant run. The get-go of running is rarely my favorite time.
It's after I've been going and have a pace and breathing is in control,
that I feel like I could run forever (well, not really). Tomorrow, I do
this all over again, but with more running time. Yeah!
6.16.2010
Count Down
I basically have 7 days left of training (and 3 'rest' days thrown in there)
before the event. This week kicked off with strength(60min.) on Monday,
run(40min.) on Tuesday, and today was ride(45)/strength(15min.) at
the gym. Feeling tired after bike settings were at high resistance for the
majority of class. Anywho, in the spirit of setting new goals, if anyone
has recommendations for upcoming fun sports races, etc. - let me know!
before the event. This week kicked off with strength(60min.) on Monday,
run(40min.) on Tuesday, and today was ride(45)/strength(15min.) at
the gym. Feeling tired after bike settings were at high resistance for the
majority of class. Anywho, in the spirit of setting new goals, if anyone
has recommendations for upcoming fun sports races, etc. - let me know!
6.13.2010
WC Fever
It has started. The 2010 World Cup in South Africa kicked off on Friday.
I'm a HUGE fan. Generous friends have offered their t.v.'s for viewing
(whoo-woo!) and my sports watching will jump to max. In fact, yesterday's
workout was about pool opening time and soccer game time. I got the
swim(30min.) in, but not the run(45min.). However, today, in celebration
of this super event, my run (slotted for 55min.) went to 75min. (6.14 miles)!
I even grabbed my soccer ball in the basement and thought about dribbling
this during my run. It needs some air, but next time! And, just around the
corner is the triathlon --2wks from today!!
I'm a HUGE fan. Generous friends have offered their t.v.'s for viewing
(whoo-woo!) and my sports watching will jump to max. In fact, yesterday's
workout was about pool opening time and soccer game time. I got the
swim(30min.) in, but not the run(45min.). However, today, in celebration
of this super event, my run (slotted for 55min.) went to 75min. (6.14 miles)!
I even grabbed my soccer ball in the basement and thought about dribbling
this during my run. It needs some air, but next time! And, just around the
corner is the triathlon --2wks from today!!
6.10.2010
Ahh, Yoga
Today was marked run(40min.)/strength. It was more of that drizzle
so didn't feel like doing run in the a.m. Instead, I went to the gym after
work and only did 20min. run and then to my favorite yoga class for
90min. Realized I haven't been to yoga in 2 months! Way too long.
so didn't feel like doing run in the a.m. Instead, I went to the gym after
work and only did 20min. run and then to my favorite yoga class for
90min. Realized I haven't been to yoga in 2 months! Way too long.
6.09.2010
Drizzle
Ugh, it was drizzle after work. Drizzle on my way to the pool.
Still drizzle after I did the 15min. swim and started to run.
Drizzle on the bike ride home. Drizzle did not help my spirits.
6.08.2010
No Breaks
Today was spin (45min.), then run (15min.). I was feeling pretty
spent after that spin class with only two quick rest periods.
Then, I went to run (keeping it at 5.7mph). When finished,
the legs had been going for sometime so as I started to
walk, there was a lightness of touch and I really felt like
I could've just floated away. Already thinking about tomorrow's
workout and what I need to pack and so on and so on...
spent after that spin class with only two quick rest periods.
Then, I went to run (keeping it at 5.7mph). When finished,
the legs had been going for sometime so as I started to
walk, there was a lightness of touch and I really felt like
I could've just floated away. Already thinking about tomorrow's
workout and what I need to pack and so on and so on...
6.07.2010
Crazy Motivator
My gym instructor said at strength class (60min.) today that
she's just the "crazy motivator", while we're doing the work.
It's true. I've been going to this 'body pump' class since last
September and I can feel the difference. She'll say things like,
"there's nothing to it, but to do it" or "there should be no
motion on the ocean" or "keep it close to your chest like a
baby kitten" (while lifting 38lbs.). Hehe.
she's just the "crazy motivator", while we're doing the work.
It's true. I've been going to this 'body pump' class since last
September and I can feel the difference. She'll say things like,
"there's nothing to it, but to do it" or "there should be no
motion on the ocean" or "keep it close to your chest like a
baby kitten" (while lifting 38lbs.). Hehe.
6.06.2010
Supah River Run
Friends and I have a route we do called the "river run". Leaving the
Somerville hood, popping over to Cambridge, down to the Charles
River, and back through Inman and Union Square. It's just shy of
5 miles. Ran this with Kathleen today. Legs feeling good and that
Acai Berry drink kept me going.
Somerville hood, popping over to Cambridge, down to the Charles
River, and back through Inman and Union Square. It's just shy of
5 miles. Ran this with Kathleen today. Legs feeling good and that
Acai Berry drink kept me going.
6.04.2010
Modification
Yesterday, got hit in a deluge on my bike on the way to the pool.
So, instead of swim(30)/run(25), I did an extra 20min. of swim and
skipped the run outside. Today, was a rest day. However, I have an
all day commitment tomorrow, so the swim/run combo is out and
went for an early evening run for 40min. in perfect temps, light breeze.
So, instead of swim(30)/run(25), I did an extra 20min. of swim and
skipped the run outside. Today, was a rest day. However, I have an
all day commitment tomorrow, so the swim/run combo is out and
went for an early evening run for 40min. in perfect temps, light breeze.
6.02.2010
Bike/Strength
I'm just cooling off as I write this...finished a 45min. spin class and
15min. strength workout. I was super tired walking into it, but it
feels great to be done.
15min. strength workout. I was super tired walking into it, but it
feels great to be done.
6.01.2010
End of the Day
The plan was to run 40min. before work, but loads of rain made
me go to plan B. I thought about running at the gym after work
because clouds were still dark and light rain. However, I took
my chances and came home, changed, and took off into the west.
Sun had just came out and was beaming on the horizon.
It was a good good run.
me go to plan B. I thought about running at the gym after work
because clouds were still dark and light rain. However, I took
my chances and came home, changed, and took off into the west.
Sun had just came out and was beaming on the horizon.
It was a good good run.
5.31.2010
Strength
Mondays are a "strength" day and I usually do an hour class, however
gym closed for Memorial Day. So, I took up the dumbbells at home
and did a few reps. Nice and easy.
gym closed for Memorial Day. So, I took up the dumbbells at home
and did a few reps. Nice and easy.
5.30.2010
First Thing
First thing this morning, got up and ran 45min. (that's just over 4 miles
at my pace). It's a nice feeling to get it over with and now I have the rest
of the day to play!
at my pace). It's a nice feeling to get it over with and now I have the rest
of the day to play!
5.29.2010
Salt Water
I'm now half way through training (triathlon is in 4wks!) and it calls for swim(30)/ride(30)/run(30). So, I took this opportunity to do a trial
run at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester MA. Rented a 3/2mm wetsuit,
used friends car (thanks Amy!), packed swimsuit, running shoes, and
bike. Weather was gorgeous and the wetsuit soaked up the warmth of
the sun. However, as my face hit the 50 degree ocean water, I went into
a bit of a shock and my breathing was off. I didn't quite get into a
rhythm, but now I feel a little more prepared and hopefully will
manage the salt water when the time comes (ocean temps closer to 60
in a month). I then biked along the coast to East Gloucester and back,
put on the running shoes and ran opposite direction into Rockport and
along the boardwalk (a delightful find!) and back. I was happy that my
legs felt good and I could run at the end of all this. An hour long nap
afterwards on the beach was a perfect way to finish.
run at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester MA. Rented a 3/2mm wetsuit,
used friends car (thanks Amy!), packed swimsuit, running shoes, and
bike. Weather was gorgeous and the wetsuit soaked up the warmth of
the sun. However, as my face hit the 50 degree ocean water, I went into
a bit of a shock and my breathing was off. I didn't quite get into a
rhythm, but now I feel a little more prepared and hopefully will
manage the salt water when the time comes (ocean temps closer to 60
in a month). I then biked along the coast to East Gloucester and back,
put on the running shoes and ran opposite direction into Rockport and
along the boardwalk (a delightful find!) and back. I was happy that my
legs felt good and I could run at the end of all this. An hour long nap
afterwards on the beach was a perfect way to finish.
5.25.2010
Hot
Today's training called for bike (45min.)/run (15min.) combo. So, I did
ride class, then treadmill at the gym and glad to be inside as temps are
climbing to 90! Even though inside, I went through extra water.
And, I can still feel the effects of yesterday's strength class (60min.).
Hopefully that will dissipate in the coming days (lunges with weights...
not my favorite).
ride class, then treadmill at the gym and glad to be inside as temps are
climbing to 90! Even though inside, I went through extra water.
And, I can still feel the effects of yesterday's strength class (60min.).
Hopefully that will dissipate in the coming days (lunges with weights...
not my favorite).
5.23.2010
Sun&Fun
If today's light breeze, sun, and 60 degrees is anything like the weather
for the triathlon, I'm going to be really happy. Did a nice 40min. run
today, while yesterday was a 45min. run right after a 30min. swim.
I bought a "sport" drink this weekend. It's 85% organic, gluten/dairy/
soy free and the flavor is Acai Berry. I might have been pulled in by the
wording used on the packaging like "energy, stamina, mental focus,
recovery"...but I was able to taste it and I like it!
for the triathlon, I'm going to be really happy. Did a nice 40min. run
today, while yesterday was a 45min. run right after a 30min. swim.
I bought a "sport" drink this weekend. It's 85% organic, gluten/dairy/
soy free and the flavor is Acai Berry. I might have been pulled in by the
wording used on the packaging like "energy, stamina, mental focus,
recovery"...but I was able to taste it and I like it!
5.19.2010
Still Going
I sorda forgot about the blog. But, not the training.
Thu=ran 30min./strength class 30min.
Sat=swam 30min./spin class 45min.
Sun=ran 35min.
Mon=strength class 60min.
Tue=ran 35min.
Wed=spin class 45min./strength 15min.
If anything, the mental power might be more important than the
physical? The continual planning about when and where (home vs
gym vs pool) the training takes place in a non-stop activity. For
example, yesterday needed to get up early and run because I had
an 8:30am mtg (lv house by 8) and the rest of the day/evening was
booked! I've realized, no one is telling me to do this except myself.
I do feel good about it and believe it will help when the time comes.
However, there is something nice about knowing this will end.
In fact, less than 6 weeks!
Thu=ran 30min./strength class 30min.
Sat=swam 30min./spin class 45min.
Sun=ran 35min.
Mon=strength class 60min.
Tue=ran 35min.
Wed=spin class 45min./strength 15min.
If anything, the mental power might be more important than the
physical? The continual planning about when and where (home vs
gym vs pool) the training takes place in a non-stop activity. For
example, yesterday needed to get up early and run because I had
an 8:30am mtg (lv house by 8) and the rest of the day/evening was
booked! I've realized, no one is telling me to do this except myself.
I do feel good about it and believe it will help when the time comes.
However, there is something nice about knowing this will end.
In fact, less than 6 weeks!
5.12.2010
Inspiration
Today I was suppose to swim (15) and run (30) before work, but I didn't feel so hot this morning and needed to go back to bed to recover. I was bummed. However, now I'm looking ahead to tomorrow which will be a run and strength class combo. A discussion at my studio tonight highlighted the question of "inspiration" and where did it come from to do a triathlon. I think there were many sources of inspiration and going forward with this felt similar to the way I approach creative endeavours --you know something good has started, but you might not know the outcome.
5.11.2010
Regiment
Yes, I'm on a regimented schedule. Every day (except Friday) is some mixture of strength, swim, bike, and/or run. Designed by Hal Higdon for sprint triathlons. For example, today I was given a little hint what it might be like to transition from biking to running. Did a 45min. spin (bike) class, then casually changed my socks/shoes, stepped up to the treadmill and ran for 15min.
At the moment, the bike situation feels a little out of control because there's the bike I use for commuting (10-speed) and the gym (stationary). Plus, recently picked up the bike from a tune-up that I'd like to use for the triathlon (21-speed; owned for 12+yrs). They all feel slightly different. Oh well.
At the moment, the bike situation feels a little out of control because there's the bike I use for commuting (10-speed) and the gym (stationary). Plus, recently picked up the bike from a tune-up that I'd like to use for the triathlon (21-speed; owned for 12+yrs). They all feel slightly different. Oh well.
5.09.2010
Movement
"Moms Run 5K Walk/Run for Cancer" in Somerville and I were doing a similar route this windy morning. It was great to see everyone out and moving. My friend, Britt, was in town visiting for the weekend and we did some moving around Boston, including walking and biking... it's all good!
5.08.2010
Rain
Yesterday was a "rest" day. Love rest days. These are every Friday.
Rain and thunder today. Good morning to sleep in and make some
popovers. While baking, I did a quick 20min. run and back in time
just as they were coming out. Skipped the 30min. swim.
Too much water.
Rain and thunder today. Good morning to sleep in and make some
popovers. While baking, I did a quick 20min. run and back in time
just as they were coming out. Skipped the 30min. swim.
Too much water.
5.06.2010
Mini Tri
Official kickoff for 8 week training began on May 3. I started with an hour strength class on Monday, run for 30min on Tuesday, another 30min strength and 45min spin class on Wednesday. Tonight, I actually did a mini triathlon! Biked 5.5 miles from work to the pool, 20min. lap swim, and 25min. run through Somerville/Cambridge. Didn't have a course in mind, which lent to exploring new streets and checking out hot spots for blossoming lilac bushes. When finished, I felt alright. Good thing I have some weeks to improve these running legs. And bonus, learned today my family is coming in from Minnesota to be part of the spectators!
To Begin With
I've never really thought about doing a triathlon. The idea came onto the horizon of thoughts only in November. Being on a journey of getting fit since last summer and having a goal to pull me through the winter workouts seemed like a good thing. I asked my friend Kathleen for suggestions of triathlons in the area. Quickly learned, signup deadline December 1. Decision made. Cohasset Triathlon on June 27. K came up with team name "Supah Stealth" (her brother and wife will be racing too). This will be an ocean swim, bike, and run event. I like to swim, but haven't done this in over a year. I bike for commuting at a nice leisure pace. And, I'm not fond of running. However, I've made a commitment to this thing. Yeah!
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