On Saturday I was really feeling sore from my workouts from the week. I took my day off as the triathlon plan had me scheduled for and I didn't feel bad about it. I did alittle piddling around the house, went for a pedicure and picked up a few things at the grocery. Saturday night we had a get together with friends where we all brought some appetizers. I took my hot pizza dip and pigs n blanket. There was sausage cheese dip and chips ,chicken salad croissants and more . I ate a little of everything and felt no guilt because I knew it was a rare treat and I had worked very hard all week.
On Sunday I was slated a 1 hour bike ride. I had asked Brian during the week could we PLEASE make it to Oak Mountain State park so I could ride there. The roads are made for bikers there are no angry dogs to attack me and the speed limit is strictly enforced. I could bike safely without fear. I tried to talk myself out of going but Brian didn't let me and we loaded up and headed off. Once there we headed back to the fishing pond which is 7 miles from the entrance. We unloaded the bike and off I went. Oh Man the first part was hill after hill. At one point I got off my bike walked over to Brian's car as he followed behind me and said those dreaded words "I can't do this!" he asked me if I was just going to give up during my race . I answered NO and with attitude I started pushing my bike up the last of the steep hills all in a row. I pushed it about half way up, I caught my breath and jumped back on. It was HARD but I made it those 7 miles without getting off the bike again.
I did not have my music on my ride but I was able to focus my thoughts by talking to my bike. Maybe that is weird but during this ride I began to think of my bike as my partner in this. Kinda like we are in this together good or bad and while I am in control of her she is also helping me reach the finish line. Maybe you have to do it to understand but it helped me get thru the miles without my music. Go ahead call me crazy , it's okay. :)
I was very hot, very thirsty and shaky once I reached the entrance that was our stopping point. I did manage to focus myself enough to make it there and I felt a sense of pride. I could see ways I could improve my ride. I MUST buy myself a camel back water pack. I just don't do well with the bike water bottle. It's hard for me to handle while riding and the water got very hot so it wasn't refreshing.
Once I finished my 7 mile bike we went straight to the lake. I had on my race outfit so I just threw on the swim cap and goggles and swam my way out past the people swimming at the beach. I swam straight across the shore line of the lake without stopping. I was slowed by the waves from the boats alittle, I occasionally looked forward to keep my end destination in sight but I did the swim in the lake with ease and could have went further. The swim felt really good after the heat of the bike ride. We loaded up and headed home while we talked over what I need to work on and when I would do the ride again for my practice.
I came home and crashed on the couch. I was worn out. We had dinner and I snoozed some more. I woke up and checked my phone. I pulled up my email and couldn't believe my eyes Komen Tri for a Cure CANCELLED! What! No Way!!!! I freaked out a little I felt kinda angry that with 3 weeks to go they cancelled it! Brian and I hoped on the computer and searched quickly for my next option. We found one in Knoxville , TN the very same day. It was still open to late registration. The swim is 300m in a pool(which is short and easy) the Bike is 7 miles (on a flat and just and out and back, and hey, I did 7 miles of HILLS today without dying, I got this!) the run is a 5k which is 3.1miles (I ran nearly 5 miles on Friday I can totally do this). So we changed our hotel to Knoxville we registered for the new triathlon the Anchor Splash Tri 2011 Sept 18th. And the training continues with the same date it works out perfect.
Maybe it is somehow meant to be. Maybe I need this somewhat easier start to my adventures as a Triathlete. I know this is JUST my beginning and I am already looking ahead at what event I want to do next. I plan to rock this sprint and keep up my training as if I was doing the more difficult race. Stay tuned this seems to be getting interesting.
Big Lessons Learned:
1. I CAN'T is not acceptable , there is more than one way to skin a cat and if I have to push my bike up Mt. Everest I can STILL reach the top in due time. Focus the attitude to reach my goal.
2. Nothing is set in stone , I have to roll with the punches. Cancel on me if you want but I will just replace you!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Wed-Fri Time Flies
So I said I would post everyday but maybe that should have been I'd LIKE to post everyday. Some days it just doesn't happen but I am making note so I can update with what I have been up to.
On Wednesday , I had till 3 o'clock without children a first in forever. I got up and did my normal room cleaning,dishes, laundry duties and took the opportunity to go to Hobby Lobby all alone. A place where I love to browse which is totally boring to a little boy. I was home with the school kids and knew my training schedule still had me slated for a 45 minute bike ride. What better way to get that in than a 1 hour spin class. Molly,Parker and Collin went along and played basketball and ran the track. It was a hard spin class because it was an endurance ride.
Spin class was killer due to my very sore legs from the hard workout on Wednesday but I pushed myself hard and stuck it out the whole hour.
Thursday I had a rest day and spent some time doing a makeover on my old Valentine wreath to turn it into my new Bama wreath for football season. Speaking of football season, Logan (#50) had his first Varsity game of the season last night. Sadly it wasn't a win but it was a interesting game none the less.
Fridays training schedule listed a 45 minute run. Before I could get to that I had a lunch date with this little cutie.
I admit wasn't feeling too confident about the run today but I was going to give it my best. Recently I have been reading how for long races a consistent pace was the better way to go. I set the treadmill at 6.0 and got to running. Around the 22 minute mark I was thinking how it seemed to be dragging on. I reasoned with myself I had to at least get to the 30 minute point before slowing. When 30 minutes rolled around I could see and end in sight so I just kept running. Before I knew it I only had 5 minutes left so I increased the pace to 7.5 and ran out the last bit. I was pleased that yes I was sweating alot I wasn't in any pain and my breathing was just fine. I decided since I was feeling good I would hit the pool for a 20 lap swim. I did all freestyle nonstop and knocked out those 20 laps in about 11 minutes. Not bad after a 45 minute run! The training is really paying off for sure.
On Wednesday , I had till 3 o'clock without children a first in forever. I got up and did my normal room cleaning,dishes, laundry duties and took the opportunity to go to Hobby Lobby all alone. A place where I love to browse which is totally boring to a little boy. I was home with the school kids and knew my training schedule still had me slated for a 45 minute bike ride. What better way to get that in than a 1 hour spin class. Molly,Parker and Collin went along and played basketball and ran the track. It was a hard spin class because it was an endurance ride.
Spin class was killer due to my very sore legs from the hard workout on Wednesday but I pushed myself hard and stuck it out the whole hour.
Fridays training schedule listed a 45 minute run. Before I could get to that I had a lunch date with this little cutie.
I admit wasn't feeling too confident about the run today but I was going to give it my best. Recently I have been reading how for long races a consistent pace was the better way to go. I set the treadmill at 6.0 and got to running. Around the 22 minute mark I was thinking how it seemed to be dragging on. I reasoned with myself I had to at least get to the 30 minute point before slowing. When 30 minutes rolled around I could see and end in sight so I just kept running. Before I knew it I only had 5 minutes left so I increased the pace to 7.5 and ran out the last bit. I was pleased that yes I was sweating alot I wasn't in any pain and my breathing was just fine. I decided since I was feeling good I would hit the pool for a 20 lap swim. I did all freestyle nonstop and knocked out those 20 laps in about 11 minutes. Not bad after a 45 minute run! The training is really paying off for sure.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday-Tuesday Update
Yesterday was a day of rest from my training schedule. While I may have not hit the gym I did work all day long at the house. I totally cleared out,leaned and rearranged Collin and Hudson's room. Then I detailed all the floors upstairs on my hands and knees going around the baseboards. All of that was on top of the normal chores of dishes, laundry ,sweeping and picking up around here.
Today was back to the gym. My training schedule had me doing a 30 minute run. I knocked out a 5k on the treadmill in that 30 minutes then went over to do 5 miles on the bike. Then it was up to the kettle bells were I did some arm work, some squats, kettle bell swings,crunches, and a few other stomach exercises. It was a good workout and I felt great leaving the gym know what I had gotten accomplished.
Hudson wore underwear the whole time I was at the gym and stayed dry . He deserved a treat for that so we went to the store and did alittle shopping.
This morning I had some leftover grilled chicken and 2 fried eggs for bunch. And threw together some healthy soup of dinner in the crockpot. I am loving healthy soups lately. Its just so easy to threw abunch of veggies in and let it cook into something yummy.
Today was back to the gym. My training schedule had me doing a 30 minute run. I knocked out a 5k on the treadmill in that 30 minutes then went over to do 5 miles on the bike. Then it was up to the kettle bells were I did some arm work, some squats, kettle bell swings,crunches, and a few other stomach exercises. It was a good workout and I felt great leaving the gym know what I had gotten accomplished.
Hudson wore underwear the whole time I was at the gym and stayed dry . He deserved a treat for that so we went to the store and did alittle shopping.
This morning I had some leftover grilled chicken and 2 fried eggs for bunch. And threw together some healthy soup of dinner in the crockpot. I am loving healthy soups lately. Its just so easy to threw abunch of veggies in and let it cook into something yummy.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Count down
I am less than 1 month away from very first triathlon. There is still alot of training to do between now and then. All this training doesn't stop life from happening with the family either.
Just this past week we started the school year and things are starting to find a new groove. Hudson went to the dentist for the very first time. He has been wearing undies and going potty since Thursday. We have turned the corner and he is able to stay dry and clean all day the last 2 days. The days of diapers are ending and I couldn't be more thrilled.
I have decided from now until my Triathlon (September 18th) I will do my best to blog every day . I want to record this time to look back on. My blog will temporarily take a break from being mostly about family life and more about my journey for the next few weeks.
On Saturday I took off in my neighborhood on my bike. The bike portion is my weakest area, the run and swim I feel good about. I have very little experience on a road bike and I am abit afraid of it. Going to fast scares me, switching gears is alittle tricky and while I am in good shape for riding I lack the confidence. While on my ride I was chased by 2 angry dogs. These dogs barked , growled and jumped toward my handlebars trying to bite me for about 1/2 a mile. I pedaled quick as possible while yelling No! No! to get them away from me. One of the dogs managed to graze my hand with it's teeth but nothing serious. After getting past the dogs I decided to go a bit further and call Brian to meet me and drive me back home so I didn't have to encounter the dogs again. I did manage to get in 5 miles and I wasn't that worn out. Some way some how I have to get in more actual bike practice.
Today was a gym and swim day. The whole family went down to the YMCA for some recreation . Macy and I headed to spin class and it was with my favorite instructor. I love this instructor because she is a cyclist and she has a really hard class. The class was great and I was dripping sweat and feeling good about completing the 1 hour class strong.
After the class it was time to hit the pool for my swim. Brian counted my laps and watched my time. In the past I have done both freestyle and breaststroke during my swims. My freestyle is much faster but breaststroke allows me to catch my breath. As I started swimming today I was thinking I wanted to do my freestyle as long as I possibly could. When I got to 15 laps I felt encouraged to make it 20 and when 20 came easy I decided I would push myself to 30 laps. I DID IT! I did 30 laps in 15 minutes all freestyle and I felt amazing!
Just this past week we started the school year and things are starting to find a new groove. Hudson went to the dentist for the very first time. He has been wearing undies and going potty since Thursday. We have turned the corner and he is able to stay dry and clean all day the last 2 days. The days of diapers are ending and I couldn't be more thrilled.
I have decided from now until my Triathlon (September 18th) I will do my best to blog every day . I want to record this time to look back on. My blog will temporarily take a break from being mostly about family life and more about my journey for the next few weeks.
On Saturday I took off in my neighborhood on my bike. The bike portion is my weakest area, the run and swim I feel good about. I have very little experience on a road bike and I am abit afraid of it. Going to fast scares me, switching gears is alittle tricky and while I am in good shape for riding I lack the confidence. While on my ride I was chased by 2 angry dogs. These dogs barked , growled and jumped toward my handlebars trying to bite me for about 1/2 a mile. I pedaled quick as possible while yelling No! No! to get them away from me. One of the dogs managed to graze my hand with it's teeth but nothing serious. After getting past the dogs I decided to go a bit further and call Brian to meet me and drive me back home so I didn't have to encounter the dogs again. I did manage to get in 5 miles and I wasn't that worn out. Some way some how I have to get in more actual bike practice.
Today was a gym and swim day. The whole family went down to the YMCA for some recreation . Macy and I headed to spin class and it was with my favorite instructor. I love this instructor because she is a cyclist and she has a really hard class. The class was great and I was dripping sweat and feeling good about completing the 1 hour class strong.
After the class it was time to hit the pool for my swim. Brian counted my laps and watched my time. In the past I have done both freestyle and breaststroke during my swims. My freestyle is much faster but breaststroke allows me to catch my breath. As I started swimming today I was thinking I wanted to do my freestyle as long as I possibly could. When I got to 15 laps I felt encouraged to make it 20 and when 20 came easy I decided I would push myself to 30 laps. I DID IT! I did 30 laps in 15 minutes all freestyle and I felt amazing!
Monday, August 15, 2011
1st School Day
It's that time again. New shoes, new backpacks and supplies galore x 5 this go around. Today was the first day of school and of course there were a few hiccups in the bus schedule.
There is no first day picture of Logan because his bus appeared at 6:40 this morning which is 20 minutes earlier than last year. I give that a BIG thumbs down. Macy and Molly rode to school with their friends today but they also will be catching the 6:40 bus each day . I can for see the girls primping on the school bus because they ran out of time.
Collin and Parker's bus came around 7:30 and they were both excited. Little did they know they wouldn't get home till 4:15 due to a bus mishap and a teacher not allowing them on the first load. The driver assured me tomorrow they will be home at 3.
With everyone off to school I did my normal chores. Laundry, dishes and picking up and straightening all the bedrooms. Man it was nice to get all that done in no time flat. I had Hud's up and we were headed to the gym so I could make the 8:45 spin class. Hudson loved playing with the kids there and I was able to get my swimming in today too. We came home for lunch, more chores and a quick nap. We will get into a new routine soon which will be so nice.
I have alot of blogging to catch up on so expect several post this week.
For the record this year Logan is in 10th grade @ the High School, Macy is in 9th grade @the High School, Molly is in 6th grade @ the Middle school, Parker is in 5th grade @ The Elementary school and Collin in Kindergarten @ The Elementary school.
There is no first day picture of Logan because his bus appeared at 6:40 this morning which is 20 minutes earlier than last year. I give that a BIG thumbs down. Macy and Molly rode to school with their friends today but they also will be catching the 6:40 bus each day . I can for see the girls primping on the school bus because they ran out of time.
Collin and Parker's bus came around 7:30 and they were both excited. Little did they know they wouldn't get home till 4:15 due to a bus mishap and a teacher not allowing them on the first load. The driver assured me tomorrow they will be home at 3.
With everyone off to school I did my normal chores. Laundry, dishes and picking up and straightening all the bedrooms. Man it was nice to get all that done in no time flat. I had Hud's up and we were headed to the gym so I could make the 8:45 spin class. Hudson loved playing with the kids there and I was able to get my swimming in today too. We came home for lunch, more chores and a quick nap. We will get into a new routine soon which will be so nice.
I have alot of blogging to catch up on so expect several post this week.
For the record this year Logan is in 10th grade @ the High School, Macy is in 9th grade @the High School, Molly is in 6th grade @ the Middle school, Parker is in 5th grade @ The Elementary school and Collin in Kindergarten @ The Elementary school.
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Too Hot to think.
The weather here has turn to that miserable part of summer . It's just too hot and humid to be outside any length of time. And getting in and out of the hot car can exhaust you. But today we had a special reason to be up and out!
Collin was up early today excited to put on his new outfit and go out the door to Kindergarten Kamp. Our school offers this optional trial run for the kindergartners to come and have a have a mock school day without all the other grades being there. Collin has the cutest young looking teacher named Mrs. Cisco. She seems super sweet and Collin really liked her. He told me they toured the school so he will know his way around. He also colored a picture of a bus and wrote his name on it. Collin informed me he was one of the good smart kids too. All in all he can't wait to go back!! Yippee.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)