My training partner, Midge, and I did an optional 13.1 mile run today. Isn't it funny to know that there are people who "opt" for a half Ironman as noted on the schedule. It's even funnier that I opted to do a half marathon on a Sunday when I could have surely taken advantage of sleeping in late. This was to have been a RECOVERY week. Nevertheless, we did a 13.4 mile run actually. I think we did pretty well! Focus today was running in my HR zone. This was successful even after seeing the alligator nearby in the canal. However, there was a sweet lady walking behind me...I would venture to say that HR, had she been wearing a monitor, most likely altered just a weeeeeeeee bit! :)
"Competitive stage" of training begins this week. Endurance swims, lots of brick workouts and a lot of split workouts ahead. I'm sure I will have more to blog in the 84 days ahead but for now, I am going to sign off.
My new nicknames are "Railroad" and "Tracks"...deserving I suppose. Happy training!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Throwing Myself in Front of a Train
We ventured to the "other side of the river" today as we headed to Augusta, Georgia for a trial run of the Augusta Half IM course. We had a nice 10-15 car paceline zipping down I-20 with our bikes in tow, drafting along the way. There was a moment of clarity and childlike excitement within as reality hit me that all of the cyclists in line and I will actually soon be a part of something "bigger" when we complete 70.3. What a unique experience!
In addition to checking out the unknown route ahead, I was looking forward to meeting my Atlanta tri buddy,Teri, for the first time. I feared, like several times in the past, that it wasn't going to happen today either! The morning started off relatively chaotic. I won't use the terminology that a fellow cyclist used but I will say that it was a little short of a mess initially. Early obstacles included a short jaunt (NOT) down the Riverwalk to find the bathroom which became a 20 minute round-trip endeavor that resulted in me checking out the host hotel and the dirty waters we would be swimming in; we didn't park where I'd told my Atlanta buddy we were going to park; Google maps got one cyclist lost before we even started and when we finally hit the route, I soon realized that I may not get to see Teri afterall given that we never even made our way onto a few roads that were on the cue sheets. Nevertheless, despite the delays, we headed out onto the course.
As always, it was a quick start. Like horses out of the gate, we were off! Once we realized that we were not on the cue sheet mileage, several of us gave chase for about an hour with the lead pack. Although totally invigorating and quite a confidence booster, it was also a bit draining both physically and mentally cycling without a warm-up. We soon dropped several riders and a few of the guys dropped the bulk of the pack, too. As we began to find our groove, finally!!!, the meeting that seemed as if it would never happen took place in the passing of two cyclists on the highway. Teri and I finally got to meet and how appropriately so on the bike! It was short but seemed to be just the way it was meant to happen. Amazing how a random FB posting about a wetsuit led to this moment.
The route, overall, was a good route. There were some really good, long flats, some quick downhills and as always, a few inclines that left you begging for a chairlift to pick you and your bike up to take you to the top. Taxi!!! The cue sheets offline weren't accurate and this was a bit frustrating at times. Lots of "we missed the turns" and "that was our road". We stopped for directions once and close to the end of the ride, realized we'd overshot our final destination. Needless to say, we found our way back and were able to make a fairly quick transition into a run. Success!
Aside from meeting Teri and her friends, the highlight of the trip was undoubtedly my first official initiation into the hardcore cycling community. In an attempt to avoid the bolt-heads on the railroad tracks, I turned my front wheel slightly to the left. This proved to be quite an error in judgment as I soon found myself on the ground checking out the bolt-heads up close and personal and bringing new meaning to "throwing yourself in front of a train". In that instant, I saw my IM days flash quickly before me. It's amazing what you think of in the span of 10 seconds. Luckily, I wasn't injured (nor Barry who took a similar fall right behind me) and my body (today I was thankful for a meaty booty) broke Buzz's fall as I left no bike parts, only my own DNA, on the pavement. I think that I can honestly say, I got a Georgia peach tattooed on my hiney! As we gathered the group back together, a ringing bell and blaring horns reminded our group of exactly where I'd fallen...on the tracks! Oncoming train! LOL. This made for a much quicker recovery.
We ended the day, including the missed turns, downtown traffic and redlights, and my first crash averaging 17.1 MPH. We did a little over 65 miles in 3:52:12. Not exceptional, but today, I'll take it! :) And at the end of the day, Teri and I actually had a chance to stop and talk, if only for a little while. I have no doubt that we'll meet again on these same roads in near future. IM Augusta 70.3!
The Georgia peach tattoo and I will run 13.1 miles in the morning. I can hardly wait :)
In addition to checking out the unknown route ahead, I was looking forward to meeting my Atlanta tri buddy,Teri, for the first time. I feared, like several times in the past, that it wasn't going to happen today either! The morning started off relatively chaotic. I won't use the terminology that a fellow cyclist used but I will say that it was a little short of a mess initially. Early obstacles included a short jaunt (NOT) down the Riverwalk to find the bathroom which became a 20 minute round-trip endeavor that resulted in me checking out the host hotel and the dirty waters we would be swimming in; we didn't park where I'd told my Atlanta buddy we were going to park; Google maps got one cyclist lost before we even started and when we finally hit the route, I soon realized that I may not get to see Teri afterall given that we never even made our way onto a few roads that were on the cue sheets. Nevertheless, despite the delays, we headed out onto the course.
As always, it was a quick start. Like horses out of the gate, we were off! Once we realized that we were not on the cue sheet mileage, several of us gave chase for about an hour with the lead pack. Although totally invigorating and quite a confidence booster, it was also a bit draining both physically and mentally cycling without a warm-up. We soon dropped several riders and a few of the guys dropped the bulk of the pack, too. As we began to find our groove, finally!!!, the meeting that seemed as if it would never happen took place in the passing of two cyclists on the highway. Teri and I finally got to meet and how appropriately so on the bike! It was short but seemed to be just the way it was meant to happen. Amazing how a random FB posting about a wetsuit led to this moment.
The route, overall, was a good route. There were some really good, long flats, some quick downhills and as always, a few inclines that left you begging for a chairlift to pick you and your bike up to take you to the top. Taxi!!! The cue sheets offline weren't accurate and this was a bit frustrating at times. Lots of "we missed the turns" and "that was our road". We stopped for directions once and close to the end of the ride, realized we'd overshot our final destination. Needless to say, we found our way back and were able to make a fairly quick transition into a run. Success!
Aside from meeting Teri and her friends, the highlight of the trip was undoubtedly my first official initiation into the hardcore cycling community. In an attempt to avoid the bolt-heads on the railroad tracks, I turned my front wheel slightly to the left. This proved to be quite an error in judgment as I soon found myself on the ground checking out the bolt-heads up close and personal and bringing new meaning to "throwing yourself in front of a train". In that instant, I saw my IM days flash quickly before me. It's amazing what you think of in the span of 10 seconds. Luckily, I wasn't injured (nor Barry who took a similar fall right behind me) and my body (today I was thankful for a meaty booty) broke Buzz's fall as I left no bike parts, only my own DNA, on the pavement. I think that I can honestly say, I got a Georgia peach tattooed on my hiney! As we gathered the group back together, a ringing bell and blaring horns reminded our group of exactly where I'd fallen...on the tracks! Oncoming train! LOL. This made for a much quicker recovery.
We ended the day, including the missed turns, downtown traffic and redlights, and my first crash averaging 17.1 MPH. We did a little over 65 miles in 3:52:12. Not exceptional, but today, I'll take it! :) And at the end of the day, Teri and I actually had a chance to stop and talk, if only for a little while. I have no doubt that we'll meet again on these same roads in near future. IM Augusta 70.3!
The Georgia peach tattoo and I will run 13.1 miles in the morning. I can hardly wait :)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
BlueSeventy Siren Swim Goggles
Finally, a pair of swim goggles that rock! On the advice of a good friend, I decided to check out the goggle selection offered by BlueSeventy, the same company that makes my wetsuit. The product, Siren, are women specific goggles that are exceptionally light, comfortable and remarkably clear. I decided to try them in both the pool and in the lake. Both were remarkably successful. I would highly recommend these goggles to anyone having trouble with pain around the eye socket or if they are just looking for a comfy pair of goggles.
We did an open water swim last night for 45 minutes, non-stop. This was a great swim and I felt very strong overall. Continuing to work on spotting, stroke efficiency and endurance. I can't wait to put it all together and see how it turns out at the Half IM. I think this will be a good test of what I need to focus on in the remaining weeks before IMAZ.
We did an open water swim last night for 45 minutes, non-stop. This was a great swim and I felt very strong overall. Continuing to work on spotting, stroke efficiency and endurance. I can't wait to put it all together and see how it turns out at the Half IM. I think this will be a good test of what I need to focus on in the remaining weeks before IMAZ.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Gimme A Break
Wow! What a weekend...I am so thankful that today is the beginning of a recovery week. Saturday was unbelievably hot and humid for a 90-mile bike ride. We started exceptionally early and joined in with some friends who started cycling at 8:00AM. By then, we were "warmed up" to say the least and rode with them for about 17-miles before breaking off and venturing out to climb the hills of Newberry County as we'd originally planned. This was an L1/L2 ride for us and despite pedaling at a consistent pace, neither of us could find our groove. Several times I looked down to check my gears - I felt like we were pushing through a dense wall of humidity and thick air. I can honestly say that this ride today was not fun. By the time the ride was over, all we wanted to do was hit the lake and that's what we did. No run like we had on the schedule. Some days are just like that right?...
Day two - Some days are just like that right? We were supposed to do an open water swim this morning. Feeling guilty from yesterday, we decided we would run first to get some mileage in so we headed to Riverfront Park with the IM ladies + 1. We ran a little under 6-miles and then were off to swim. ROADBLOCK - our swim location was unavailable as one of our fellow swimmers was sick! EEK! Change of plan. We decided that we would swim later in the afternoon. Ummm, yeah, that didn't happen. My training partner and I were just tired. Simply put.
I am so relieved that this is a recovery week. Perhaps this past weekend was a subconscious anticipation of the week ahead. We are going to take it easy except for a few days where we are going to add a few things in just for good measure and a little extra mileage. The weekend allows for an "optional half Ironman"...I find that so funny to think about...it's on there like today you decide, yeah, I'll do a half this weekend...hope I can find one. Anyway, we're going to Augusta on Saturday to ride the Half IM cycling route. Sunday will be a long run and then we begin the "Competitive Phase" of our training schedule. This is intensity at it's finest.
33 Days Until IM Augusta 70.3!!!
Day two - Some days are just like that right? We were supposed to do an open water swim this morning. Feeling guilty from yesterday, we decided we would run first to get some mileage in so we headed to Riverfront Park with the IM ladies + 1. We ran a little under 6-miles and then were off to swim. ROADBLOCK - our swim location was unavailable as one of our fellow swimmers was sick! EEK! Change of plan. We decided that we would swim later in the afternoon. Ummm, yeah, that didn't happen. My training partner and I were just tired. Simply put.
I am so relieved that this is a recovery week. Perhaps this past weekend was a subconscious anticipation of the week ahead. We are going to take it easy except for a few days where we are going to add a few things in just for good measure and a little extra mileage. The weekend allows for an "optional half Ironman"...I find that so funny to think about...it's on there like today you decide, yeah, I'll do a half this weekend...hope I can find one. Anyway, we're going to Augusta on Saturday to ride the Half IM cycling route. Sunday will be a long run and then we begin the "Competitive Phase" of our training schedule. This is intensity at it's finest.
33 Days Until IM Augusta 70.3!!!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Drills, Drills and No Thrills
The last two days have been tiring, tedious and torture! One-legged cycling drills, speed running drills, speed cycling drills, etc. Between the indoor trainer and the treadmill, I am ready for some open road action this weekend. The plan ahead: today is a 1.8 mile set of swim drills. If I can make it through tonight's workout, I get an off night tomorrow and then the weekend begins. YAY!!!
The plan for the weekend includes some fun things like lake activities, shopping, dinner with friends, etc. BUT, the real fun is the 90-mile bike ride followed by a 3-mile run on Saturday with a 1.75 mile open water swim on Sunday. I know, for many, that sounds like the REAL torture but that's so much more fun than any "stationary" exercise.
The plan for the weekend includes some fun things like lake activities, shopping, dinner with friends, etc. BUT, the real fun is the 90-mile bike ride followed by a 3-mile run on Saturday with a 1.75 mile open water swim on Sunday. I know, for many, that sounds like the REAL torture but that's so much more fun than any "stationary" exercise.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Return to Open Water Swimming
I was supposed to race yesterday in the Tri the Parks Series in Georgia but had opted out given my lack of open water swimming time over the last month. This was my first post-op open water swim and admittedly, I was a little nervous, especially given the fact that it would not be just my training partner and I. Laura, Sheila, Midge and I had decided to meet to swim at Lake Murray in a cove where one of them lives. I'd heard and seen previous swim times and knew that Sheila is a very good swimmer. Last year she swam the 2-mile dam swim in a little over an hour. I think that's a very respectable time to say the least given the comparison to me. Being the competitive one that I am, I decided I'd give chase for a little while and see where that got me. Off the dock, into the water and in hot pursuit. Surprisingly, I actually wasn't that far behind her. My training partner and I really only had to swim a mile and we had a pretty good idea of what this entailed for us based on Sheila's previous GPS tracking of the area. This area is absolutely ideal for swimming.
It was nice to be back in the open water again. I still think breathing for me has improved. I also made a slight adjustment to my swim stroke based on some advice I'd received from my training partner's observation. This made a huge difference, too.
Two days off this week...Monday and Friday. I broke down and ordered some women specific Blue Seventy Siren goggles for a friend and I tonight. We've both had issues with a cramp about 2700+ meters into the swims right below the eyebrow and slightly adjacent to the bridge of the nose. Will give these a try during Thursday's swim workout. Looking forward to trying them out. I'll give a review of them perhaps.
It was nice to be back in the open water again. I still think breathing for me has improved. I also made a slight adjustment to my swim stroke based on some advice I'd received from my training partner's observation. This made a huge difference, too.
Two days off this week...Monday and Friday. I broke down and ordered some women specific Blue Seventy Siren goggles for a friend and I tonight. We've both had issues with a cramp about 2700+ meters into the swims right below the eyebrow and slightly adjacent to the bridge of the nose. Will give these a try during Thursday's swim workout. Looking forward to trying them out. I'll give a review of them perhaps.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Rise and Shine and 99
Anticipation hit today for real! I logged into my blog and there is was...then end of the triple digits. We have 99 days until IM Arizona. The emotions are unbelievable and a bit overwhelming as our goal nears. I cannot believe how much time has passed and how much preparation has gone it. I can't wait to count up the mileage in the end that has gone into training.
Today was an 85-mile bike ride. Rhea, Alison, Shelly, Midge, Rick and I completed the Tour de Cure Route plus 20 miles. This was a much better ride today not doing the route unhealthy. I am starting to reap the benefits of the tonsillectomy I think. Several things feel different...could be real or imagined, either way, I am okay with the outcome minus some lingering memory issues and temperature regulation problems that I am having, and based on research, am attributing to the effects of anesthesia. Neither have an incredible impact on my training so I'm not complaining.
Very strong endurance ride today. Overall, it was consistent. Bike time was 5:18:57 and average speed 16.3mph. The run afterwards, well, we weren't all that successful in this department. It was relatively slow and given the hilliness of the 3-mile run course, we all had to walk a bit. It rained off and on during the run and was sooooo exceptionally hot by this time off the day. We'd started out this morning at 6:30AM which was an awesome start time. Nevertheless, the mileage was completed and I keep being told that walking isn't a bad thing and more people do it than don't. Several folks actually walk the entire marathon - let's hope I am not one of them! But if I am, I will do it to hear, Tonya Lewis, you are an IRON(wo)MAN!
Today was an 85-mile bike ride. Rhea, Alison, Shelly, Midge, Rick and I completed the Tour de Cure Route plus 20 miles. This was a much better ride today not doing the route unhealthy. I am starting to reap the benefits of the tonsillectomy I think. Several things feel different...could be real or imagined, either way, I am okay with the outcome minus some lingering memory issues and temperature regulation problems that I am having, and based on research, am attributing to the effects of anesthesia. Neither have an incredible impact on my training so I'm not complaining.
Very strong endurance ride today. Overall, it was consistent. Bike time was 5:18:57 and average speed 16.3mph. The run afterwards, well, we weren't all that successful in this department. It was relatively slow and given the hilliness of the 3-mile run course, we all had to walk a bit. It rained off and on during the run and was sooooo exceptionally hot by this time off the day. We'd started out this morning at 6:30AM which was an awesome start time. Nevertheless, the mileage was completed and I keep being told that walking isn't a bad thing and more people do it than don't. Several folks actually walk the entire marathon - let's hope I am not one of them! But if I am, I will do it to hear, Tonya Lewis, you are an IRON(wo)MAN!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Raindrops Keep Falling on My Helmet
What a great afternoon to ride yesterday! I love the rain and I love working out in the rain even more than just watching it. The four of us (and then one we added along the way) debated throughout the day as to whether or not we were going to have a storm that would prohibit us riding. In the end, we decided to chance it and how happy I am that we did.
We biked 2 hours at a 16+ MPH rate. It was an L1/L2 ride for my training partner and I so we tried to stay in the ballpark although I was way ahead quite a bit. However, the long straightaways and downhills were a chance to push it. Still feeling exceptionally strong on the bike and looking forward to riding this weekend. I absolutely love my cycling buddies. I can't say enough how nice it is to have such a great group of friends to take this journey with.
Thursday night is a run night and a long swim tomorrow.
We biked 2 hours at a 16+ MPH rate. It was an L1/L2 ride for my training partner and I so we tried to stay in the ballpark although I was way ahead quite a bit. However, the long straightaways and downhills were a chance to push it. Still feeling exceptionally strong on the bike and looking forward to riding this weekend. I absolutely love my cycling buddies. I can't say enough how nice it is to have such a great group of friends to take this journey with.
Thursday night is a run night and a long swim tomorrow.
Monday, August 10, 2009
That's an Improvement!
Tonight, I was able to double my swim distance that I swam yesterday. I think that this was a very good confidence boost on the heels of yesterday's not-so-good experience. I had written down a drill set from an earlier week of training and I think that was very helpful. Tomorrow night I will swim again and try to add a little bit more in hopes of doing an open water swim at Lake Murray this weekend.
I had a good time talking with one new tri newbie that we met yesterday and one tri friend (Fred) that we've met solely while swimming at Drew. The new tri newbie stopped us on our way out yesterday apprehensively and said she didn't want to bother us but we look like triathletes so she wanted to ask a question. She asked us about flip-turns and how a pool swim works. I personally don't do flip turns and don't see the benefit of them for triathlon training, although others may disagree. They aren't done in an open water swim and unless you are sticking to pool swims, you really aren't going to benefit rather it's almost more counter-productive like the benefit of pushing off the wall in my opinion. Today, she was back in the pool working with the Janice, the swim coach, on flip turns. She is doing her first sprint triathlon this weekend and wanted to be able to do them since it is a pool swim. Tonight's conclusion as she left the pool..."I think I will just duck under the lane lines." I had to giggle as I told her I would totally agree and it would also reduce the pressure she was putting on herself.
There was also a lady, she's a regular, that swims during the times we're at the pool. I shared a lane with her today. It was quite a compliment when she inquired about which swim fins I was wearing after beating her as she swam and I used the kickboard. I giggled and told her I wasn't wearing swim fins. She was quite amazed. I explained to her that my kick makes up for the upper body strength that I am lacking in the swim, especially the past two days returning to the pool. I thought, my ugly feet finally were paid a compliment :)
I had a good time talking with one new tri newbie that we met yesterday and one tri friend (Fred) that we've met solely while swimming at Drew. The new tri newbie stopped us on our way out yesterday apprehensively and said she didn't want to bother us but we look like triathletes so she wanted to ask a question. She asked us about flip-turns and how a pool swim works. I personally don't do flip turns and don't see the benefit of them for triathlon training, although others may disagree. They aren't done in an open water swim and unless you are sticking to pool swims, you really aren't going to benefit rather it's almost more counter-productive like the benefit of pushing off the wall in my opinion. Today, she was back in the pool working with the Janice, the swim coach, on flip turns. She is doing her first sprint triathlon this weekend and wanted to be able to do them since it is a pool swim. Tonight's conclusion as she left the pool..."I think I will just duck under the lane lines." I had to giggle as I told her I would totally agree and it would also reduce the pressure she was putting on herself.
There was also a lady, she's a regular, that swims during the times we're at the pool. I shared a lane with her today. It was quite a compliment when she inquired about which swim fins I was wearing after beating her as she swam and I used the kickboard. I giggled and told her I wasn't wearing swim fins. She was quite amazed. I explained to her that my kick makes up for the upper body strength that I am lacking in the swim, especially the past two days returning to the pool. I thought, my ugly feet finally were paid a compliment :)
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Swim, Bike Run...Gotta TRI!
On Friday, I went to see the ENT surgeon who performed my tonsillectomy. I had decided that I wouldn't tell him what I had done the night before until he had taken a look and given me his initial thoughts on my throat. In with the tongue depressor, light on and then his initial observation. He said that my throat was looking good and healing nicely. I responded with the news that I sure was glad since I had run 8.5 miles on Thursday night. He gave a giggle and said that was great if I hadn't had any problems. He then provided me with information about the lingering possibility of bursting a blood vessel but stated that the healing was far enough along that if it were to happen, it could be resolved relatively easy. I explained to him that I had tried to transition slowly and had avoided swimming so as to not ingest any unnecessary germs. Before leaving, he released me. Of course, this was followed by me sharing the news that I had a 70-mile bike ride planned for Saturday morning. LOL
We biked 72 miles Saturday morning. It was absolutely spectacular to be back in the saddle again. Other than some minor bike cage problems, we all successfully completed the ride and several ladies ran afterwards, too. I, however, wasn't ready to add that yet. During the ride, I made the decision not to compete in the triathlon I was scheduled to participate in next weekend. I think that pushing myself to compete after only a week back in training would result in me forcing myself regardless of how I felt for fear of a "DNF" and I absolutely don't want that. Of course, this decision was reinforced by today's afternoon swim.
How do I describe the swim today? Hmmm, perhaps a little short of disastrous. Only 700m. The only thing that would have helped me was a small motor or some self-propelling swimmies. I honestly thought the return to the pool would be as easy as the return to the bike and run. Boy was I mistaken. Breathing wasn't an issue although my throat did dry out much quicker. My arms and legs couldn't power me forward. I was sharing a lane with an elderly woman and at times I thought she could take me.
With this said, this week will include some extra swim workouts no doubt. I have added 3 building sets to the schedule. I am hoping that this will get me back on track perhaps a little quicker. Time's a ticking and the half is approaching...gotta TRI! :)
We biked 72 miles Saturday morning. It was absolutely spectacular to be back in the saddle again. Other than some minor bike cage problems, we all successfully completed the ride and several ladies ran afterwards, too. I, however, wasn't ready to add that yet. During the ride, I made the decision not to compete in the triathlon I was scheduled to participate in next weekend. I think that pushing myself to compete after only a week back in training would result in me forcing myself regardless of how I felt for fear of a "DNF" and I absolutely don't want that. Of course, this decision was reinforced by today's afternoon swim.
How do I describe the swim today? Hmmm, perhaps a little short of disastrous. Only 700m. The only thing that would have helped me was a small motor or some self-propelling swimmies. I honestly thought the return to the pool would be as easy as the return to the bike and run. Boy was I mistaken. Breathing wasn't an issue although my throat did dry out much quicker. My arms and legs couldn't power me forward. I was sharing a lane with an elderly woman and at times I thought she could take me.
With this said, this week will include some extra swim workouts no doubt. I have added 3 building sets to the schedule. I am hoping that this will get me back on track perhaps a little quicker. Time's a ticking and the half is approaching...gotta TRI! :)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
We Were Running With the Night
What an absolutely wonderful evening. I had the opportunity to have dinner with two friends I haven't seen in a while as a result of the tonsillectomy. Catching up with them and enjoying some "friend time" was the perfect way to set the tone for the remainder of the evening. I came home after dinner and allowed myself about 30 minutes to unwind and mentally prepare for what I wanted to accomplish this evening with respect to my run workout.
The plan was to run with my training partner from the house, across the Lake Murray Dam and back home. This was going to mean cranking out 8.5 miles following two weeks off. It definitely was not completed in the time that I had hoped. Final time was 1:39. EEK! I focused on low HR zones and consistency. The only walking was to drink and to refill water bottles on the other side of the dam. We also ran the length Lake Murray Dam entirely in the dark. This was quite a challenge as it was hard to see foot placement unless a car passed or a runner/walker passed by with a flashlight.
Regardless of the final time, I felt very accomplished just getting back out there and getting in the mileage. Again, hoping to be released tomorrow by the doc. I wonder if he'll be surprised that I have been running and cycling. :)
The plan was to run with my training partner from the house, across the Lake Murray Dam and back home. This was going to mean cranking out 8.5 miles following two weeks off. It definitely was not completed in the time that I had hoped. Final time was 1:39. EEK! I focused on low HR zones and consistency. The only walking was to drink and to refill water bottles on the other side of the dam. We also ran the length Lake Murray Dam entirely in the dark. This was quite a challenge as it was hard to see foot placement unless a car passed or a runner/walker passed by with a flashlight.
Regardless of the final time, I felt very accomplished just getting back out there and getting in the mileage. Again, hoping to be released tomorrow by the doc. I wonder if he'll be surprised that I have been running and cycling. :)
Getting Back on Track
Last night was a double brick night, although not as long or as far as I've been doing. My training partner got to swim and since I haven't been released to swim, I rode the bike indoors and then ran the track. An hour long double brick. Still feeling great and strong...mending nicely! My hope is that the doctor says that I am 100% and can be released tomorrow. Cross your running toes :)
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
On the Road Again
Last night felt awesome! It wasn't my best time or the prettiest run but just being back outside exercising was well worth it. Temps had cooled down somewhat by the time I opted to venture out for a run. My training partner and I ran 3.5 miles. I opted to walk 3 of the bigger inclines/hills in an attempt to keep my heart rate in my zone. A lot of the reading I'd done about returning to exercise after a tonsillectomy has to do with extreme fluctuations in blood pressure. I felt this was the safest way to get myself back into it. Legs felt good and weight loss really feels good. I am hoping that I can keep the pounds lost off or at least half of them. Admittedly, I am bummed that I am doing 3.5 miles when the schedule this week calls for 16.5 miles. Unfortunately, we aren't always in control of what our bodies need. I can't believe it's 54 days until the half IM in Augusta!
Monday, August 3, 2009
My Mini Triathlon
Spin, run and shower. Okay, so maybe I could have skipped the shower but the spinning and running felt really good. Nothing strenuous, just enough to remind the old muscles that they have major work to do over the next 111 days. I definitely don't want them to forget that they have a job to do!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Road to Recovery...Step It Up
I woke up this morning determined to endure whatever pain comes my way without the need for pain medication. I also decided that I would take Bailey for a walk up to the entrance of the subdivision. A whopping 0.8 mile! Off we went and surprisingly, that seemed to go much better than the attempt I made yesterday. We made the trip and returned home. Of course, this walk got me thinking...if I can do that, I can surely walk to the Lake Murray Dam and back. I was running this route in my sleep without any problems pre-surgery. I sent my training partner a message that I would be headed that way (she had met some buddies to swim and run up there) and I told her she could just pick me up on her way back. The entire route would mean walking about 5 miles with 3 inclines. Surely, an Ironwoman in training could accomplish this minor task.
I grabbed a bottle of water, turned on my iPod and headed out the door. Walking...slowly. I had made it back to the entrance of the subdivision without too much difficulty. Proudly, I turned right as if it were my first days of Ironman training. Just as I did then, I looked UP. Understand that this first right turn includes an incline that leads up to a redlight. Not an easy feat after 14 days of not working out but seriously, surely I can do it! After a few steps, I made the decision that I should probably go halfway to the dam. The more steps I took, the more it became evident that sometimes in life we set our sights on lofty goals much too quickly. In other words, we set ourselves up for failure. A few more steps...Goal #3 for the day...I simply want to make it up the hill to the redlight and I will turn around and go home...
The moral of this story is you should be able to eat more than toast before you decide to walk 5 miles. I didn't make it to the redlight, not even halfway. But, I made it out the door and a total of 1.5 miles. Yes, I was sweating. Yes, I was breathless. No, it didn't kill me. But, it was a start and we can't move forward in anything in life unless we get started. Even though I didn't achieve my original goal today, I did more than I did yesterday. For that, I am pleased.
And now, I must take a nap. I am exhausted!
I grabbed a bottle of water, turned on my iPod and headed out the door. Walking...slowly. I had made it back to the entrance of the subdivision without too much difficulty. Proudly, I turned right as if it were my first days of Ironman training. Just as I did then, I looked UP. Understand that this first right turn includes an incline that leads up to a redlight. Not an easy feat after 14 days of not working out but seriously, surely I can do it! After a few steps, I made the decision that I should probably go halfway to the dam. The more steps I took, the more it became evident that sometimes in life we set our sights on lofty goals much too quickly. In other words, we set ourselves up for failure. A few more steps...Goal #3 for the day...I simply want to make it up the hill to the redlight and I will turn around and go home...
The moral of this story is you should be able to eat more than toast before you decide to walk 5 miles. I didn't make it to the redlight, not even halfway. But, I made it out the door and a total of 1.5 miles. Yes, I was sweating. Yes, I was breathless. No, it didn't kill me. But, it was a start and we can't move forward in anything in life unless we get started. Even though I didn't achieve my original goal today, I did more than I did yesterday. For that, I am pleased.
And now, I must take a nap. I am exhausted!
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