Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Trudi
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Rear view Mirror
You know how it is when you are speeding down the highway and something on the side of the road catches your eye. Your going by so fast the only way you can really get a good look is to check the rear view mirror. That's been life at the Moon house lately.
The month of October was jam packed and November is proving to be just like it. Molly traveled with the SGA and also attended 6th grade camp. Molly's picture was in the local newspaper too. Logan and Macy had homecoming week. With Macy being a Freshman homecoming maid that meant a pageant, parade and presentation at the football game.During all this she landed the another community theater role which she plays a Swedish ice dancer toy in the production A Christmas Toyshop. Football season wrapped up and wrestling season is beginning within days of each other. Logan's 5th year wrestling and Macy's first year as a mat maid and trainer. Halloween quickly approached we did the normal trick or treating hoopla and all had a blast. Parker and Collin are just starting youth basketball and Brian is coaching the 5-6 year olds. Collin trectly had a special field trip to the Pumpkin Patch and a Thanksgiving feast at school.
Hudson doing well with preschool. I think we are over the initial germ shock since he has been well for a couple of weeks now (knock on wood). In the last couple of months I have seen my fair share of doctors, dentist and orthodontist. Right after Molly has a birthday and turned 12 years old. She had outpatient surgery for her ingrown toenails.The surgery was a huge success and she is doing so well now.
I am happy to say even with life on the fast track the kids all brought home outstanding report cards. I couldn't be any prouder. I give the kids all the credit. We do try to hold them to the fire and check up on things but with 5 in school they have to hold themselves accountable too. The last 2 months have been so very busy ones. The future is looking so bright for us all. We are looking forward to the Holiday season and new year.
The month of October was jam packed and November is proving to be just like it. Molly traveled with the SGA and also attended 6th grade camp. Molly's picture was in the local newspaper too. Logan and Macy had homecoming week. With Macy being a Freshman homecoming maid that meant a pageant, parade and presentation at the football game.During all this she landed the another community theater role which she plays a Swedish ice dancer toy in the production A Christmas Toyshop. Football season wrapped up and wrestling season is beginning within days of each other. Logan's 5th year wrestling and Macy's first year as a mat maid and trainer. Halloween quickly approached we did the normal trick or treating hoopla and all had a blast. Parker and Collin are just starting youth basketball and Brian is coaching the 5-6 year olds. Collin trectly had a special field trip to the Pumpkin Patch and a Thanksgiving feast at school.
Hudson doing well with preschool. I think we are over the initial germ shock since he has been well for a couple of weeks now (knock on wood). In the last couple of months I have seen my fair share of doctors, dentist and orthodontist. Right after Molly has a birthday and turned 12 years old. She had outpatient surgery for her ingrown toenails.The surgery was a huge success and she is doing so well now.
I am happy to say even with life on the fast track the kids all brought home outstanding report cards. I couldn't be any prouder. I give the kids all the credit. We do try to hold them to the fire and check up on things but with 5 in school they have to hold themselves accountable too. The last 2 months have been so very busy ones. The future is looking so bright for us all. We are looking forward to the Holiday season and new year.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Beautiful Inside and Out
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
On my soap box
I hear a lot of women say they just can't lose weight and how they wish they could. Usually I try to encourage them with if the statement .If I can do it, anyone can and I really do believe that. Women seem to want a quick fix , a magic pill or surgery to just make it happen for them. Then if it fails they have something else to blame it on.
The show Biggest Loser has been preaching that majority weight loss surgery patients lose muscle along with fat. If they do gain back the weight they are even more unhealthy because of all the fat and having less muscle mass. Season after season they have people on the show who are weight loss surgery failures so there obviously must be a good number of these people in the US. I am not saying that there aren't people who take the opportunity to lose a good bit of weight and begin an exercise program and never look back. But truth be told you don't need surgery to get the same result.
People's excuses drive me crazy. I just want to shake them and say GET REAL! I restrain myself because you can't really do this to people but man it's what I am thinking. If you tell me you can't lose weight it's because you are not trying hard enough. Exercise, healthy food (veggies,fruit,lean meats ) and plenty of water everyday will lead to weight loss. It will not all fall of instantly but it will come off in time.
I do get defensive if people ask or assume I have had weightloss surgery. I am quick to correct them and let them know I worked for every single pound. Self discipline and sweat not surgery. My journey started on Nov. 1 2008 and I am closing in on 3 years. Sometimes it feels like longer but I am so glad I started when I did and there is no going back!
Here are the proof in pictures. Sometimes I forget where I started from. What a reminder!
I am still struggling with 20 pounds I want to lose. I inquired at the gym about the new weightloss group they started and the girl laughed at me. She said I would make the others feel bad if I went. I explained my struggle with the last bit of weight and she looked at me like I was crazy. She said I could teach the class, nice compliment.Most people don't get my desire to lose the next 20 but for me it's just finishing up what I started. It will help my running and future fitness goals.
I have realized that I am craving sugar at night. I am trying to break this bad habit or replace it with fruit, lower calorie options or distracting myself and not giving in. It's good be realistic with yourself why your not getting the results you want. I am trying to tweak my eating again. Reduce the carbs and sugars and be honest and own up to what I do eat. Back to tracking calories to keep me accountable. I really need to work on not going so long without food to, I get busy and forget then I am very hungry at meal time and eat a larger portion. Theses changes will help me to slowly get the ball rolling on the last twenty.
Focusing on diet is critical right now because I am injured. Over the weekend I shut my left foot in the car door and now I have a beautiful black boot to wear. I am hoping to only be limited for a few weeks but to have no cardio could be very bad. I did an upper body and ab workout yesterday and worked up quite the sweat. This won't hold me back for long I will just find ways to over come.
This is my little space in the cyber word. I write about things on my mind. It is CHANGING from being all about kids to be about WHATEVER I want to talk about. The kids are in school full time and things are just humming along. Nothing really to report right now but when there is I will do so don't worry they aren't forgotten about.
The show Biggest Loser has been preaching that majority weight loss surgery patients lose muscle along with fat. If they do gain back the weight they are even more unhealthy because of all the fat and having less muscle mass. Season after season they have people on the show who are weight loss surgery failures so there obviously must be a good number of these people in the US. I am not saying that there aren't people who take the opportunity to lose a good bit of weight and begin an exercise program and never look back. But truth be told you don't need surgery to get the same result.
People's excuses drive me crazy. I just want to shake them and say GET REAL! I restrain myself because you can't really do this to people but man it's what I am thinking. If you tell me you can't lose weight it's because you are not trying hard enough. Exercise, healthy food (veggies,fruit,lean meats ) and plenty of water everyday will lead to weight loss. It will not all fall of instantly but it will come off in time.
I do get defensive if people ask or assume I have had weightloss surgery. I am quick to correct them and let them know I worked for every single pound. Self discipline and sweat not surgery. My journey started on Nov. 1 2008 and I am closing in on 3 years. Sometimes it feels like longer but I am so glad I started when I did and there is no going back!
Here are the proof in pictures. Sometimes I forget where I started from. What a reminder!
I am still struggling with 20 pounds I want to lose. I inquired at the gym about the new weightloss group they started and the girl laughed at me. She said I would make the others feel bad if I went. I explained my struggle with the last bit of weight and she looked at me like I was crazy. She said I could teach the class, nice compliment.Most people don't get my desire to lose the next 20 but for me it's just finishing up what I started. It will help my running and future fitness goals.
I have realized that I am craving sugar at night. I am trying to break this bad habit or replace it with fruit, lower calorie options or distracting myself and not giving in. It's good be realistic with yourself why your not getting the results you want. I am trying to tweak my eating again. Reduce the carbs and sugars and be honest and own up to what I do eat. Back to tracking calories to keep me accountable. I really need to work on not going so long without food to, I get busy and forget then I am very hungry at meal time and eat a larger portion. Theses changes will help me to slowly get the ball rolling on the last twenty.
Focusing on diet is critical right now because I am injured. Over the weekend I shut my left foot in the car door and now I have a beautiful black boot to wear. I am hoping to only be limited for a few weeks but to have no cardio could be very bad. I did an upper body and ab workout yesterday and worked up quite the sweat. This won't hold me back for long I will just find ways to over come.
This is my little space in the cyber word. I write about things on my mind. It is CHANGING from being all about kids to be about WHATEVER I want to talk about. The kids are in school full time and things are just humming along. Nothing really to report right now but when there is I will do so don't worry they aren't forgotten about.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
My favorite
I want to introduce you to a blog that I always look forward to each post. Liz is my kind of girl and we think alot alike. She shops at all my favorite stores like Ross, Kirklands, Hobby Lobby and so on and buys all the things that I myself would be eyeballing.Good thing she is in Seattle or we'd be fist fighting over items in the decor aisle! The great thing about Liz is she buys things when they are marked down or on a good sale. She brings home all these fabulous treasures and makes them look like the expensive designer pieces just buy adding her own touches.
Now I will warn you I think she might have a team of maids that live in one of her closets in that gorgeous new house. My reasoning is with 4 beautiful daughters and Husband plus all that shopping and decorating she manages to keep her house magazine picture perfect all the time. I am not hating her I am just jealous. Haha.
I encourage you to follow her blog and comment that MOONMANIA sent you over. You must see her house turn into Christmas Wonderland! It should be on a home tour and in magazines for sure. I keep reading her blog post hoping maybe one day she introduces us to her personal cleaning crew . Even if she doesn't share her secret I am hooked on her ideas, style and love for all things Tuscan. Pop over and check it out yourself!
http://www.savvyseasons.com/
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Iphone Photos
I am getting to be one of those people who rarely has my good camera
with me. Every night when I plug in my iphone it downloads whatever
random pictures I have taken each day. Here are a few from the last few
days.
Brian took it upon himself that he needed to correctly set up the checkerboard at Cracker Barrel as we were leaving. His random act of kindness or was it his touch of OCD ? He can always make me laugh.
By the 6th child you pick your battles with even less effort. Yes he is wearing long sleeves and shorts with crocs in October. He dressed himself and most likely his underwear is on backwards too. He prefers to be able to see the picture on the front and as long as the underwear are clean who does it hurt? Hudson may have eating 1/2 a box of animal crackers on the way home from the grocery store but he washed it all down with a bottle of water. Somewhat healthy, I guess. My younger self would have never let any of this happen but I live by "don't sweat the small stuff" motto now.
Despite being sore from my previous workouts I was determined to get in my 5 mile run Friday. I took some fast walk breaks but I pushed through even when my thighs were screaming STOP. Work outs have been fairly good lately. Some days are just long runs or spin class but it's a good sweat and great cardio. It's good for me to switch it up and keep it fresh.
Brian took it upon himself that he needed to correctly set up the checkerboard at Cracker Barrel as we were leaving. His random act of kindness or was it his touch of OCD ? He can always make me laugh.
This is Tony Hawk's replacement. I never dreamed that Collin would take to skateboarding like a fish to water. He practices every single day and has made great improvements. I am asked 1,000 times a day to come watch his latest trick.
Friday, September 30, 2011
More wreaths
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
My Thoughts
This week has been a step in the right direction. I finally seem to have my head on straight ,with new goals mapped out I am looking forward to new things and reaching new milestones.
I have found myself missing being in group situation to workout. My Wednesday night spin class does help with that some. Since the Biggest Loser's newest season just started up it makes me miss that kind of workout intensity pretty bad. I think I will look for more classes to include in my weekly workouts.
The biggest light bulb moment I had this week was realizing I have been eating with entitlement. For instance training for the triathlon all summer lead to me eating without as much caution. I didn't focus as much on my portions and calories because I was working hard at the pool,on the bike and running. I figured I was entitled to brownies and cookies more often than I normally would. With all my training I didn't really lose any weight, I did change shape in some area. I have lost a couple inches on some places but as far as the scale number it has been within the same 5 pounds all summer long. I have read alot that being able to maintain for awhile after losing a decent amount of weight is good for your body. So maybe my body just needed that break too but Break time is OVER!
With the holidays fast approaching I must get this ball rolling now.I want that ball rolling downhill and see some payoff by time my birthday rolls around in January. I am being more aware of what goes in my mouth. I am cracking down on night time eating again (Man, I keep falling into that bad habit). Pushing water and pushing away bread (Again!). Loading up on veggies and trying hard to eat a protein filled breakfast everyday.
Also after doing some reading I am going to start limiting my running to 3-4 day max each week. The other days I will do spin class or work with weights and bootcamp exercises. I will do some running sprints on the track or running for a 10 minute warm up but running long distances will be saved for those running days each week.Oh I will continue doing the stair master too. My favorite new exercise.
I am trying to focus on other things other than the awful saggy skin that hangs and rubs on my arms. It is the biggest disappointment of my journey . When I run long distances it literally creates raw places so I run with my arms in such a way it makes my shoulders and back ache. I hate the skin, people notice it , clothes fit weird, and it is the one thing I seem to focus on in the mirror. It's hard for me to see the forest for the trees . I know I have some muscle in my arms but I don't notice it due to the flag waving on the underside of each arm, with my right side hanging even more than the left just to add insult to injury. But because I lost my weight with good ol' fashion diet and exercise insurance will pay nothing to correct this saggy baggy skin issue. Only thing to do right now is distract myself from thinking about it , experiment with tuck tape and find a winning lottery ticket. I am joking, I think.
To wrap up on a good note Brian got a bicycle. It is a pretty nice road bike and he is going to be riding with me. This is also a exercise he can do that doesn't hurt his knee that he had operated in the Spring. We went on an almost 3 mile ride last night and had a really nice ride. It is good for me to be able to ask him which gear I should be in if I am in doubt. I already learn some things and look forward to more rides in the future. Maybe we could even do a bike race together , I bet he would beat me!
I have found myself missing being in group situation to workout. My Wednesday night spin class does help with that some. Since the Biggest Loser's newest season just started up it makes me miss that kind of workout intensity pretty bad. I think I will look for more classes to include in my weekly workouts.
The biggest light bulb moment I had this week was realizing I have been eating with entitlement. For instance training for the triathlon all summer lead to me eating without as much caution. I didn't focus as much on my portions and calories because I was working hard at the pool,on the bike and running. I figured I was entitled to brownies and cookies more often than I normally would. With all my training I didn't really lose any weight, I did change shape in some area. I have lost a couple inches on some places but as far as the scale number it has been within the same 5 pounds all summer long. I have read alot that being able to maintain for awhile after losing a decent amount of weight is good for your body. So maybe my body just needed that break too but Break time is OVER!
With the holidays fast approaching I must get this ball rolling now.I want that ball rolling downhill and see some payoff by time my birthday rolls around in January. I am being more aware of what goes in my mouth. I am cracking down on night time eating again (Man, I keep falling into that bad habit). Pushing water and pushing away bread (Again!). Loading up on veggies and trying hard to eat a protein filled breakfast everyday.
Also after doing some reading I am going to start limiting my running to 3-4 day max each week. The other days I will do spin class or work with weights and bootcamp exercises. I will do some running sprints on the track or running for a 10 minute warm up but running long distances will be saved for those running days each week.Oh I will continue doing the stair master too. My favorite new exercise.
I am trying to focus on other things other than the awful saggy skin that hangs and rubs on my arms. It is the biggest disappointment of my journey . When I run long distances it literally creates raw places so I run with my arms in such a way it makes my shoulders and back ache. I hate the skin, people notice it , clothes fit weird, and it is the one thing I seem to focus on in the mirror. It's hard for me to see the forest for the trees . I know I have some muscle in my arms but I don't notice it due to the flag waving on the underside of each arm, with my right side hanging even more than the left just to add insult to injury. But because I lost my weight with good ol' fashion diet and exercise insurance will pay nothing to correct this saggy baggy skin issue. Only thing to do right now is distract myself from thinking about it , experiment with tuck tape and find a winning lottery ticket. I am joking, I think.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Lesson to Learn
This week a has been a bit of an off week for me. With the high of the triathlon behind me , with no training schedule popping up on my phone everyday I felt very out of sorts. I did go to the gym a few times. I went and introduced myself to the stair climber machine at the gym. I enjoyed it so much that I stuck it out a whole 30 minutes. Here is my stats after my first meeting with this machine 1891 steps with 126 flights of stairs.Woohoo!
I went to my usually Wednesday night spin class. The core group was there along with some new people. Really enjoy this class and look forward to it each week. But this week I didn't do any running at all. And felt pretty guilty about it.
Toward the middle of the week our child who rarely gets in trouble became grounded for a few days. The next day she spent a good bit of time deep cleaning the kitchen. I had been gone and came home and didn't really notice her hard work. It wasn't till she mentioned it that it dawned on me it did look alot better. Now if I had come home to it a mess I would have noticed right away and not been happy at all. I did thank her and apologize for not noticing because that happens to me all the time. I know how disheartening it can be.
This applies to more than just the kitchen. This applies to my "off" week too. I didn't really give myself credit for what I did right this week. I did just do a triathlon on Sunday, I kicked tail on the stair master and spin class. I made good food choices and drank plenty of water. I only focused on what I didn't do. I need to remember to not only see the bad but praise the good in many situations.
So with the triathlon behind me I need to find me something else to work on. I spent some time looking online and decided I wanted to do an 8k race. Right now I am thinking my next event will be the Run Away from Domestic Violence 8k on October 22. Great cause and great motivation to work on my running. This might seem like a step down from a triathlon but it is something I haven't done yet and it will help me build up for the bigger events I am planning for 2012.
In other family news. The 5 school kids had great A-B progress reports. Yippee! Molly was honored to be asked to be a school ambassador at the National SGA conference coming up in October . We are pleased with how well she has stepped up to becoming a leader in middle school and doing so well on her school work. Logan is ROCKING Spanish and really loves it. Parker's teachers raved on his great behavior and manners. Macy has several play auditions coming up this fall, one of which is private invitation audition. Collin loves school and is soaking it up like a sponge. Hudson is going to school 2 days a week and loves being with his cousin Blaze and Phoenix. We are starting to settle into the new routine and looking forward to the months ahead.
I have been using some of my free time making wreaths. Here are the 2 I made this week. I have alot of ideas and supplies for more Halloween, Fall/Harvest and Christmas wreaths.
I went to my usually Wednesday night spin class. The core group was there along with some new people. Really enjoy this class and look forward to it each week. But this week I didn't do any running at all. And felt pretty guilty about it.
Toward the middle of the week our child who rarely gets in trouble became grounded for a few days. The next day she spent a good bit of time deep cleaning the kitchen. I had been gone and came home and didn't really notice her hard work. It wasn't till she mentioned it that it dawned on me it did look alot better. Now if I had come home to it a mess I would have noticed right away and not been happy at all. I did thank her and apologize for not noticing because that happens to me all the time. I know how disheartening it can be.
This applies to more than just the kitchen. This applies to my "off" week too. I didn't really give myself credit for what I did right this week. I did just do a triathlon on Sunday, I kicked tail on the stair master and spin class. I made good food choices and drank plenty of water. I only focused on what I didn't do. I need to remember to not only see the bad but praise the good in many situations.
So with the triathlon behind me I need to find me something else to work on. I spent some time looking online and decided I wanted to do an 8k race. Right now I am thinking my next event will be the Run Away from Domestic Violence 8k on October 22. Great cause and great motivation to work on my running. This might seem like a step down from a triathlon but it is something I haven't done yet and it will help me build up for the bigger events I am planning for 2012.
In other family news. The 5 school kids had great A-B progress reports. Yippee! Molly was honored to be asked to be a school ambassador at the National SGA conference coming up in October . We are pleased with how well she has stepped up to becoming a leader in middle school and doing so well on her school work. Logan is ROCKING Spanish and really loves it. Parker's teachers raved on his great behavior and manners. Macy has several play auditions coming up this fall, one of which is private invitation audition. Collin loves school and is soaking it up like a sponge. Hudson is going to school 2 days a week and loves being with his cousin Blaze and Phoenix. We are starting to settle into the new routine and looking forward to the months ahead.
Monday, September 19, 2011
I did it!
If you would have told me 3 years ago I would be apart of a triathlon I would have busted out laughing. But yesterday I sprinted across the finish line of my very first one. I had a blast and really can't wait to do it again! Maybe that seems alittle crazy to immediately think that but it was the first thought I had.These were the thoughts running through my mind....Wow I did it!!!! Wow!!! It was so fun!! Man, it's already over?? I wonder when I can do another one?
Let's back up to getting there----
We left Birmingham a little after 10 with Mom and Dad in caravan behind us. Us being Brian,Logan,Macy and myself with my trusty bike on the back of Brian's car. With a stop for lunch and gas we made it into Knoxville, TN around 4 to pick up my race packet, just having my race number in hand started my excitement. It was off to the hotel to check in and we wasted no time checking out the location of the pool, the bike course and the run path. I really wanted to go see where all this would be happening. With the pool just 1 1/2 miles away and knowing I have not really exercised since Wednesday we decided to just walk over and check it out. Mom and Macy went along too. It was nice to stroll the campus and just get out and move after the long car ride. We made it to the pool area, we discussed the bike path but decided to come back and travel it by car later on the way to dinner. Time to head back to the hotel to cleaned up for dinner. On our way to the restaurant we traveled the bike course by car , and there it was the 2 dreaded hills at the end. I knew this would be the hardest part of the race for me but I knew I had it in me to overcome.
The morning of-----
I actually went to sleep pretty easily before everyone else. I had not slept well the night before and I made sure to have no caffeine so that I was not wired. With a prime rib and baked potato filling (pre race treat) my belly coupled being tired from traveling I was off to dreamland . I woke up to Logan's school alarm going off on his phone and laid there a minute. I was excited to get up and get this day started so I made my way to the shower. I thought the others would get moving as I showered but when I returned they were all still nestled in their beds. With 30 minutes till our set leave time I got everyone up and hurried them along. We got to the race area and unloaded and set up. Brian and I went over my bike making sure the air and gears were where I needed them. I had my things all laid out ready for a smooth transition. I was marked with my race number on my arms and my age on the back my right leg. My race anklet on my left leg and I was starting to get even more excited. I did get in the pool for some warm up. Brian and I discussed possibly doing a flip-turn lane change that I saw some other people practicing. I did a few laps and even practiced the flip-turn. I could do it but it did take more thought and breath. I decided to just do what felt right in the moment. Time passed quickly and before I knew it the racers were moving to the pool deck to begin.
*The start -Swim 12 laps with lane changes*
The staggered swim start seemed to take forever. Basically it was left to the racers to figure out who started where based on time. With over 200 people you just do the best you can and get into a jumbled line and hope for the best. While we waited I chit-chatted with another group of women who have each done several triathlons and road races . They all admitted biking was their strong point and swimming their least favorite. Out of the group I went first on the swim as it is a strong point for me. My nerves about the swim were calmed as I looked toward the pool I saw some people struggling with the swim. The swim that I considered easy. As I inched closer and closer to the start I was just excited and ready to get my race going. I gave my family one last thumbs up and it was RACE TIME!
You had to jump into the water feet first when you were told to start. I was in and swimming feeling great. I went with the lane change of touch and dip under the rope. It worked out just fine and I quickly found myself passing people. Passing people felt pretty weird but empowering too. Before I knew it I was on my last lap and swimming toward the pool exit. I did my swim in 6:01 which was better that we had thought I would do. Once you left the pool you ran up to the bike station.
*The bike-7 miles with 2 hills to conquer twice*
I did my transition as quickly as I could and got on my bike and out on the course. I was feeling good and ready to get the dreaded bike part behind me. The start of the bike went well. It was fairly flat and I was doing just fine. I did good on the downhill portions , not feeling the need to brake too much on the turns all in all I was doing well feeling confident . The camelback water pack was a lifesaver and I was very happy I had it. I passed a few people and I was being passed too, by 1/2 way thru the first lap I was passed by some of the girls I had been talking with before the swim. Then came the big hill. I think I was in the wrong gears and I was really struggling. I was about half way up the hill when my left calve cramped up. I tried to keep peddling but it wasn't helping. I jumped off my bike and pushed it up the hill a few feet. I was talking to myself saying get the cramp out and get back on and ride it out! Before I crested the hill I got on and peddled to the top and the it was the smaller hill next. I made it up the smaller hill to complete my first lap. I saw and heard my family cheering me on and it gave me a bit of a boost.I knew the next few miles were the easy part of the bike so I relaxed alittle. I enjoyed this part of the ride. I knew I had lost some ground on that hill but I was just doing the best I could. I told myself this is about doing not winning, get your head right. I found myself smiling as I was riding past the river front and just feeling happy I really was half way done with my first triathlon! Before I knew it there was the dreaded hill AGAIN! I started up feeling better this time, probably in a better gear for a hill too. Around half way up I was struggling but digging deep. I put my foot down to the ground and pushed myself a for a few pushes. And I said aloud Okay, you are almost there DIG, come on almost done. And I did just that I peddled for all I had in me and I made it without getting off the bike at all. I took the smaller hill to the bike transition and then it was time to get running. My bike time was 38.13.
*The Run-3 miles with several hills*
After the bike I was almost thrilled to be running. I know running, running is familiar. I didn't have any fear about the run and needed it to stretch out the cramp I got on the bike. I threw on my running hat and grabbed my water and was on my way. I was jogging at first when I found my breathing too fast. I took a short walk break and calmed my breathing and took in some water. Then it was back to running. I passed a few people. I heard words of encouragement from other racers such as looking strong and doing good. I don't recall responding to any of these except with a smile or nod. I just keep running, I wish I had more indication of time or my distance. I felt alittle out of sorts just following the path signs with no idea where I was or what my pace was (it felt really slow to me). I did take a few small walk breaks but they were short and then I was off running again. When running I felt like I was running so very slow, when I wanted so badly to sprint but with no real idea how much further I didn't want to go all in too quickly. Then finally I heard someone say 1/2 a mile left . I was surrounded by a few people and we all turned it up a notch knowing the finish was closer. I ran as quickly as my tired jello legs would let me. I saw my kids on my right side and it was the push I needed to sprint up the small hill to the finish. My Dad was in sight when I made my way up the hill and it fueled me as I kept running all the way in to the finish line. I crossed the finish line and my name and my hometown was announced over a loud speaker. It was such a cool feeling almost surreal! My run time was 31.43.
I hugged my family, kissed my coach and downed a bottle of water. I had just done something that I at one point in my life I could not have done. I had stared down my fear (the bike), I had built up my endurance and rocked one portion (the swim) and I had pretty much just kept moving forward without too much thought on the last leg (the run). The event I had trained for and looked forward to for so long was over and done . Wow, what a great feeling!
I will do it again! I will become better at the bike. I want to do the same race next year and laugh at those hills as I soar up them on my bike. This was just a beginning and I think it was a GREAT beginning. I am happy with the fact I set my mind to it, I overcame obstacles and I completed it . I wasn't the fastest or the slowest. I wasn't the most in shape or the most out of shape competitor. I wasn't the best swimmer,biker or runner. But I am a TRIATHLETE and nothing or no one can take that away from me.
I encourage everyone to make a goal and work hard to achieve it. It is the best feeling in the world!
Thank you all for the encouragement, the love and support has been more than I could ever dream of. All of you who sent me a text , email and facebook comment helped fuel me when I had any small moment of doubt. I am so grateful for each and every one of you guys. I am so very blessed!
Let's back up to getting there----
We left Birmingham a little after 10 with Mom and Dad in caravan behind us. Us being Brian,Logan,Macy and myself with my trusty bike on the back of Brian's car. With a stop for lunch and gas we made it into Knoxville, TN around 4 to pick up my race packet, just having my race number in hand started my excitement. It was off to the hotel to check in and we wasted no time checking out the location of the pool, the bike course and the run path. I really wanted to go see where all this would be happening. With the pool just 1 1/2 miles away and knowing I have not really exercised since Wednesday we decided to just walk over and check it out. Mom and Macy went along too. It was nice to stroll the campus and just get out and move after the long car ride. We made it to the pool area, we discussed the bike path but decided to come back and travel it by car later on the way to dinner. Time to head back to the hotel to cleaned up for dinner. On our way to the restaurant we traveled the bike course by car , and there it was the 2 dreaded hills at the end. I knew this would be the hardest part of the race for me but I knew I had it in me to overcome.
The morning of-----
I actually went to sleep pretty easily before everyone else. I had not slept well the night before and I made sure to have no caffeine so that I was not wired. With a prime rib and baked potato filling (pre race treat) my belly coupled being tired from traveling I was off to dreamland . I woke up to Logan's school alarm going off on his phone and laid there a minute. I was excited to get up and get this day started so I made my way to the shower. I thought the others would get moving as I showered but when I returned they were all still nestled in their beds. With 30 minutes till our set leave time I got everyone up and hurried them along. We got to the race area and unloaded and set up. Brian and I went over my bike making sure the air and gears were where I needed them. I had my things all laid out ready for a smooth transition. I was marked with my race number on my arms and my age on the back my right leg. My race anklet on my left leg and I was starting to get even more excited. I did get in the pool for some warm up. Brian and I discussed possibly doing a flip-turn lane change that I saw some other people practicing. I did a few laps and even practiced the flip-turn. I could do it but it did take more thought and breath. I decided to just do what felt right in the moment. Time passed quickly and before I knew it the racers were moving to the pool deck to begin.
*The start -Swim 12 laps with lane changes*
The staggered swim start seemed to take forever. Basically it was left to the racers to figure out who started where based on time. With over 200 people you just do the best you can and get into a jumbled line and hope for the best. While we waited I chit-chatted with another group of women who have each done several triathlons and road races . They all admitted biking was their strong point and swimming their least favorite. Out of the group I went first on the swim as it is a strong point for me. My nerves about the swim were calmed as I looked toward the pool I saw some people struggling with the swim. The swim that I considered easy. As I inched closer and closer to the start I was just excited and ready to get my race going. I gave my family one last thumbs up and it was RACE TIME!
You had to jump into the water feet first when you were told to start. I was in and swimming feeling great. I went with the lane change of touch and dip under the rope. It worked out just fine and I quickly found myself passing people. Passing people felt pretty weird but empowering too. Before I knew it I was on my last lap and swimming toward the pool exit. I did my swim in 6:01 which was better that we had thought I would do. Once you left the pool you ran up to the bike station.
*The bike-7 miles with 2 hills to conquer twice*
I did my transition as quickly as I could and got on my bike and out on the course. I was feeling good and ready to get the dreaded bike part behind me. The start of the bike went well. It was fairly flat and I was doing just fine. I did good on the downhill portions , not feeling the need to brake too much on the turns all in all I was doing well feeling confident . The camelback water pack was a lifesaver and I was very happy I had it. I passed a few people and I was being passed too, by 1/2 way thru the first lap I was passed by some of the girls I had been talking with before the swim. Then came the big hill. I think I was in the wrong gears and I was really struggling. I was about half way up the hill when my left calve cramped up. I tried to keep peddling but it wasn't helping. I jumped off my bike and pushed it up the hill a few feet. I was talking to myself saying get the cramp out and get back on and ride it out! Before I crested the hill I got on and peddled to the top and the it was the smaller hill next. I made it up the smaller hill to complete my first lap. I saw and heard my family cheering me on and it gave me a bit of a boost.I knew the next few miles were the easy part of the bike so I relaxed alittle. I enjoyed this part of the ride. I knew I had lost some ground on that hill but I was just doing the best I could. I told myself this is about doing not winning, get your head right. I found myself smiling as I was riding past the river front and just feeling happy I really was half way done with my first triathlon! Before I knew it there was the dreaded hill AGAIN! I started up feeling better this time, probably in a better gear for a hill too. Around half way up I was struggling but digging deep. I put my foot down to the ground and pushed myself a for a few pushes. And I said aloud Okay, you are almost there DIG, come on almost done. And I did just that I peddled for all I had in me and I made it without getting off the bike at all. I took the smaller hill to the bike transition and then it was time to get running. My bike time was 38.13.
*The Run-3 miles with several hills*
After the bike I was almost thrilled to be running. I know running, running is familiar. I didn't have any fear about the run and needed it to stretch out the cramp I got on the bike. I threw on my running hat and grabbed my water and was on my way. I was jogging at first when I found my breathing too fast. I took a short walk break and calmed my breathing and took in some water. Then it was back to running. I passed a few people. I heard words of encouragement from other racers such as looking strong and doing good. I don't recall responding to any of these except with a smile or nod. I just keep running, I wish I had more indication of time or my distance. I felt alittle out of sorts just following the path signs with no idea where I was or what my pace was (it felt really slow to me). I did take a few small walk breaks but they were short and then I was off running again. When running I felt like I was running so very slow, when I wanted so badly to sprint but with no real idea how much further I didn't want to go all in too quickly. Then finally I heard someone say 1/2 a mile left . I was surrounded by a few people and we all turned it up a notch knowing the finish was closer. I ran as quickly as my tired jello legs would let me. I saw my kids on my right side and it was the push I needed to sprint up the small hill to the finish. My Dad was in sight when I made my way up the hill and it fueled me as I kept running all the way in to the finish line. I crossed the finish line and my name and my hometown was announced over a loud speaker. It was such a cool feeling almost surreal! My run time was 31.43.
I hugged my family, kissed my coach and downed a bottle of water. I had just done something that I at one point in my life I could not have done. I had stared down my fear (the bike), I had built up my endurance and rocked one portion (the swim) and I had pretty much just kept moving forward without too much thought on the last leg (the run). The event I had trained for and looked forward to for so long was over and done . Wow, what a great feeling!
I will do it again! I will become better at the bike. I want to do the same race next year and laugh at those hills as I soar up them on my bike. This was just a beginning and I think it was a GREAT beginning. I am happy with the fact I set my mind to it, I overcame obstacles and I completed it . I wasn't the fastest or the slowest. I wasn't the most in shape or the most out of shape competitor. I wasn't the best swimmer,biker or runner. But I am a TRIATHLETE and nothing or no one can take that away from me.
I encourage everyone to make a goal and work hard to achieve it. It is the best feeling in the world!
Thank you all for the encouragement, the love and support has been more than I could ever dream of. All of you who sent me a text , email and facebook comment helped fuel me when I had any small moment of doubt. I am so grateful for each and every one of you guys. I am so very blessed!
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