Fall is starting to set in around Iowa. The farmers are harvesting and the talk is ALL about the weather - at least among the seniors I work with... That's ALL they talk about! But, anyway, the weather is getting cooler, I think we had our first frost yesterday. But not a "deep" frost - not enough to kill the @#$% mosquitos! I still haven't ventured back into the realm of running, but I think tomorrow may be the day. I volunteered to babysit a one year old tomorrow morning and his mom runs with him alot, so I may give that a try. If nothing else, it will give Payton and I a chance to get outside and get some fresh air. All that in hopes that he will take a long map sometime in the morning!
The "other" cold in my life is the never-say-die cold I've had for 4 days. I HATE being sick and I think I HATE it more than the average person because I get sick so rarely. I still managed to workout with the hockey team this morning (our last morning together - bummer...) and do about 20 more minutes on the elliptical trainer. I feel great after that, but not good, by any means. Probably the worst part of the whole deal is that I haven't felt good enough to even have a beer. Beers are about to become few and far between for this tri-chick and I need to load up while I can. Those of you who know me well know that me going without beer for any extended period is virtually unheard of, but that is the kind of rugged determination that I will be taking into this training! Granted, there will be some exceptions to the "no beer" rule (obviously), but I don't want to put all of my hard work to waste - even for some fine amber love straight from heaven!
On that note, I am headed out for some dinner with the rest of the XX-chromosome members of Team Satisfied and G$, and maybe even a beer.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Moons Over My Hammy
I slept for nearly 10 hours last night, which I think greatly contributed to the fact that I feel a little better today. I can't get 10 hours of sleep tonight, so my goal is quality, not quantity.
Today's exercise program consisted of little more than 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer. I didn't push myself at all - my heart rate topped out at 135bpm. It was actually kind of an interesting "ride." I was reading Sports Illustrated and listening to Candlebox (my workout CD of choice for years and years) and when I got off, I hardly remembered being on the machine at all. Blame it on the cold if you want, but it was just such an easy workout, I'm glad I took the time to do it, even if it wasn't the most beneficial to my fitness level. I did manage to sneak in a little working out with my clients. We all did a lot of lunges and squats today (one client did about 150 squats and I did them with her!).
My hamstring is feeling MUCH better. I am even thinking of running with my group on Saturday for their final run. I think I may be having massage on Sunday as well. The massage therapist is a trainer/instructor friend of mine who has worked on my hamstring in the past and should be able to do some stretching and sports massage techniques to get this hammy back in action!
Today's exercise program consisted of little more than 30 minutes on the elliptical trainer. I didn't push myself at all - my heart rate topped out at 135bpm. It was actually kind of an interesting "ride." I was reading Sports Illustrated and listening to Candlebox (my workout CD of choice for years and years) and when I got off, I hardly remembered being on the machine at all. Blame it on the cold if you want, but it was just such an easy workout, I'm glad I took the time to do it, even if it wasn't the most beneficial to my fitness level. I did manage to sneak in a little working out with my clients. We all did a lot of lunges and squats today (one client did about 150 squats and I did them with her!).
My hamstring is feeling MUCH better. I am even thinking of running with my group on Saturday for their final run. I think I may be having massage on Sunday as well. The massage therapist is a trainer/instructor friend of mine who has worked on my hamstring in the past and should be able to do some stretching and sports massage techniques to get this hammy back in action!
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Water Logged
It sucks to be sick. I came down with some nasty cold 2 nights ago. It's one of those annoying types that keeps you up at night, even though sleep is the best thing for it. And then, as soon as it finally lets you fall asleep, your alarm clock goes off and you have to get up and try to face the day.
I am not usually the type that gets sick very often, so I am hoping that this is the big one of the year. I won't be able to afford getting sick next year. The worst part is that I don't even feel like I can workout. Actually, I feel pretty good when I am moving, but as soon as I stop, it's worse than ever. I didn't work out today and I'm thinking that I may just sleep in tomorrow morning and try to get some rest and kick this cold. I don't have a client til 9:30am, so in theory, I could sleep til 8! I bet my body won't allow that!
I've been working especially hard today to drink LOTS and LOTS of water. I am basically trying to keep my eyeballs afloat and it's working. Too bad that means I'll be up many times tonight to remove some of that water.
I am not usually the type that gets sick very often, so I am hoping that this is the big one of the year. I won't be able to afford getting sick next year. The worst part is that I don't even feel like I can workout. Actually, I feel pretty good when I am moving, but as soon as I stop, it's worse than ever. I didn't work out today and I'm thinking that I may just sleep in tomorrow morning and try to get some rest and kick this cold. I don't have a client til 9:30am, so in theory, I could sleep til 8! I bet my body won't allow that!
I've been working especially hard today to drink LOTS and LOTS of water. I am basically trying to keep my eyeballs afloat and it's working. Too bad that means I'll be up many times tonight to remove some of that water.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Just Because I Can't Run...
Just because I can't run doesn't mean that I've been sitting on my butt. Today started out with 20 minutes on the bike (crappy stationary thing at the gym). I worked on cadence - funny thing, at 95rpm I couldn't get my heart rate even up to 60%MHR. So, I hit the elliptical for 25 more minutes (much better luck with a therapeutic HR), then some back and abs before I taught my two classes. For my sake more than anything, I put them through some stout (for 70-80 year olds) core work. I know I was hurting at the end, so they may never come back to my class, but that's another story altogether... I trained a client, then dashed home for a quick shower before returning to work to take "Core & Strength," with my requested additional ab work. I had a quick lunch, then worked at the other job til 5 when we screamed out of there to get in a bike ride (a REAL bike ride) for another hour! That is my kind of day! And I get to do it all over again tomorrow!
It's starting to get cooler out and I'm slowly starting to think about what it is going to take to train through the winter for this big event. Mostly what I've been thinking about is how much money it's gonna cost me to workout in relative comfort. Yikes!
My other thoughts have been on how to best care for and maintain my body through this grueling process. I'm gonna have chats with a chiropractor and massage therapist and see what I can get worked out for the next year. I've had mild success in the past trading personal training for their services and that would be OPTIMAL, but hard to get done. It is most important to me to have someone in those positions who is an athlete themselves and can relate and fully understand what is going on. At some point I may need some consultation with a dietician as well. I am actually viewing this whole IM training as a way to see just what the body is capable and I want to be at my best for the race, but also for the rest of my athletic life.
It's starting to get cooler out and I'm slowly starting to think about what it is going to take to train through the winter for this big event. Mostly what I've been thinking about is how much money it's gonna cost me to workout in relative comfort. Yikes!
My other thoughts have been on how to best care for and maintain my body through this grueling process. I'm gonna have chats with a chiropractor and massage therapist and see what I can get worked out for the next year. I've had mild success in the past trading personal training for their services and that would be OPTIMAL, but hard to get done. It is most important to me to have someone in those positions who is an athlete themselves and can relate and fully understand what is going on. At some point I may need some consultation with a dietician as well. I am actually viewing this whole IM training as a way to see just what the body is capable and I want to be at my best for the race, but also for the rest of my athletic life.
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Seven Days Without Running Makes One Weak
Today marks 7 days without being able to run. My hammy is not feeling any better, so that makes it all the more discouraging. On Friday, I found a message board where people can ask questions of a physical therapist, and just the day before, someone had posted my very same problem. I'm anxious to hear any suggestions at this point.
I did 35 minutes on the eliptical trainer, 10 minutes on the rower, and 30 minutes of upper body weights today. Everything (save the hammy) feels good. Tomorrow will be a core day - workout before work and then a lunch-time class. If the weather improves, maybe a bike ride after work.
I spent some time this morning trying to put together a training program. I've got a couple programs that other people have used, but I need to make some sort of composite that fits me. You'd think with my background, it would be a lot easier than it is. My current questions are:
a. How many races should I try to fit into the summer? I think that I can do 3-5 races as long as I treat them as workouts rather than races. The "brick" aspect is the most appealing part of doing races as training.
b. How much running should I be doing at the beginning of the program, knowing this is the part that is both the most challenging part for me but also the most injury-inducing. And I think that is the the discipline that runs the biggest risk for burnout and overtraining for me.
c. How many (if any) days per week should be complete rest days? Is it better for me to rest on the same day every week, or a different day each week?
d. How much strength training should I be doing and how many days per week?
e. What role should RAGBRAI play in my training? How many days should I go on RAGBRAI? How on earth will I fit running and swimming into that week?
Needless to say, I have some questions that need some answers. Loyal readers, any answers?
I did 35 minutes on the eliptical trainer, 10 minutes on the rower, and 30 minutes of upper body weights today. Everything (save the hammy) feels good. Tomorrow will be a core day - workout before work and then a lunch-time class. If the weather improves, maybe a bike ride after work.
I spent some time this morning trying to put together a training program. I've got a couple programs that other people have used, but I need to make some sort of composite that fits me. You'd think with my background, it would be a lot easier than it is. My current questions are:
a. How many races should I try to fit into the summer? I think that I can do 3-5 races as long as I treat them as workouts rather than races. The "brick" aspect is the most appealing part of doing races as training.
b. How much running should I be doing at the beginning of the program, knowing this is the part that is both the most challenging part for me but also the most injury-inducing. And I think that is the the discipline that runs the biggest risk for burnout and overtraining for me.
c. How many (if any) days per week should be complete rest days? Is it better for me to rest on the same day every week, or a different day each week?
d. How much strength training should I be doing and how many days per week?
e. What role should RAGBRAI play in my training? How many days should I go on RAGBRAI? How on earth will I fit running and swimming into that week?
Needless to say, I have some questions that need some answers. Loyal readers, any answers?
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Oktober in September
Last night I spent some time with two Ironman Wisconsin finishers (Tom-2004 and Matt-2005) and Sparkle. We were all blowing off a little steam and enjoying some fine German beers at the Oktoberfest, one of the last few chances that we have to get out and cut loose before the hardcore training begins in a few short weeks. As it often does, the conversation soon turned to triathlon. They continued to drill into my head the need for a nutrition plan. And a mental game plan. I kinda feel like a tri geek talking so much about this stuff, even when we are out doing other stuff, but I think that I need to absorb as much knowledge as I can. If only I hadn't absorbed so much beer...
Needless to say, the fine German beer (and the "Sparks" energy malt beverage and the VERY strong screwdriver which followed) is great on a Friday night, but not so great when you have to be up and at 'em by 6am the next day. I met my (very small) running group at 6am for their run, even though I would have MUCH rather been still tucked into bed. After all the struggle to get up, they couldn't even run - too much lightning. No rain, just lightning. So, it was back to bed after all. They ran a little later in the mroning. It is increasingly tough to watch them run and not be able to join them. But, as the rain started about 5 miles into the 10 mile run, I was rather thankful that I wasn't out running with them. I'm pretty sure I'll have enough runs in crappy weather, so I'll be thankful for what I have when I have it.
Needless to say, the fine German beer (and the "Sparks" energy malt beverage and the VERY strong screwdriver which followed) is great on a Friday night, but not so great when you have to be up and at 'em by 6am the next day. I met my (very small) running group at 6am for their run, even though I would have MUCH rather been still tucked into bed. After all the struggle to get up, they couldn't even run - too much lightning. No rain, just lightning. So, it was back to bed after all. They ran a little later in the mroning. It is increasingly tough to watch them run and not be able to join them. But, as the rain started about 5 miles into the 10 mile run, I was rather thankful that I wasn't out running with them. I'm pretty sure I'll have enough runs in crappy weather, so I'll be thankful for what I have when I have it.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Swimming Strategy
Things are looking up for me. All the soreness from Sunday is gone, my hamstring is feeling better, and the black toenail is not causing anymore problems in my day to day life - except it's still pretty ugly.
I hit the eliptical trainer for 35 pretty intense minutes this morning, followed by another 45 minutes of weight training. It really feels good to get back into the weight room. Generally, I take the summers off of strength training, just because I can't bear the thought of "wasting" a perfectly good summer day inside (unless I'm being paid to train someone). I like the challenge!
I started scoping out a plan for swimming. The pool situation in Ames is worse than horrible. There is really only one "public" pool and the hours are not my idea of convenient. The other option is to use the university pool. Technically, you need to be a student, faculty, or a family member of same to use the pools - and even then, the hours are equally crappy. I am not, I repeat, NOT going to give my money to the private club that just opened a lap pool in my neighborhood. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night, knowing that @#$%&! man is using my money for his existance. Plus, the pool is heated too warm for lap swimming. Or at least that is what I tell myself. I'm just going to have to get in the habit of swimming at the lunch hour. After the high school swim season is over, I can go to the early bird swim in the morning. That will work out best for me.
I hit the eliptical trainer for 35 pretty intense minutes this morning, followed by another 45 minutes of weight training. It really feels good to get back into the weight room. Generally, I take the summers off of strength training, just because I can't bear the thought of "wasting" a perfectly good summer day inside (unless I'm being paid to train someone). I like the challenge!
I started scoping out a plan for swimming. The pool situation in Ames is worse than horrible. There is really only one "public" pool and the hours are not my idea of convenient. The other option is to use the university pool. Technically, you need to be a student, faculty, or a family member of same to use the pools - and even then, the hours are equally crappy. I am not, I repeat, NOT going to give my money to the private club that just opened a lap pool in my neighborhood. I wouldn't be able to sleep at night, knowing that @#$%&! man is using my money for his existance. Plus, the pool is heated too warm for lap swimming. Or at least that is what I tell myself. I'm just going to have to get in the habit of swimming at the lunch hour. After the high school swim season is over, I can go to the early bird swim in the morning. That will work out best for me.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Black Toenail
I made it all summer long, through training for a 20K, 3 triathlons, and training for a half marathon without a black toenail. Then, my last race of the season rolls around and then it hits! At least sandal season is over!
Today was another 30 minute session on the eliptical trainer. Not as much as I'd like to be doing, but no pain in the hamstring... I did try to jog for about 15 steps today. Not a good idea. No change in the pain. I'll continue to try to be patient and keep icing and resting. Not gonna try running again for at least a week.
Spent some more time online today researching bikes. I'd like to ride a Cervelo Dual, and maybe a QR. It's hard to find a good selection of bikes in stores here in Iowa. Not exactly the triathlon hub of the nation. On my next visit to the Twin Cities or Chicago, that will have to be a priority.
Today was another 30 minute session on the eliptical trainer. Not as much as I'd like to be doing, but no pain in the hamstring... I did try to jog for about 15 steps today. Not a good idea. No change in the pain. I'll continue to try to be patient and keep icing and resting. Not gonna try running again for at least a week.
Spent some more time online today researching bikes. I'd like to ride a Cervelo Dual, and maybe a QR. It's hard to find a good selection of bikes in stores here in Iowa. Not exactly the triathlon hub of the nation. On my next visit to the Twin Cities or Chicago, that will have to be a priority.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
An Adjustment of Sorts
It's wierd. It's wierd to look at your week and not think about when you are going to run. Today I rode the eliptical trainer for 30 minutes then lifted weights for about an hour. Being with my running group tonight was wierd, too. I feel different when I don't run. It's okay when I chose not to run, but not being able to run is a whole different story.
My hamstring feels a lot better today, but I've still got a bit of a limp. I think in a few more days, I should be okay, but I think I'll wait at least another week before I try to run. Until then, I'll be trying to ride my bike and the eliptical trainer to maintain some sort of fitness. I think the break will do me good.
On the other side of things, the strength training is going well. This is week 4 and everything is good. I'll take any good news that I can get!
My hamstring feels a lot better today, but I've still got a bit of a limp. I think in a few more days, I should be okay, but I think I'll wait at least another week before I try to run. Until then, I'll be trying to ride my bike and the eliptical trainer to maintain some sort of fitness. I think the break will do me good.
On the other side of things, the strength training is going well. This is week 4 and everything is good. I'll take any good news that I can get!
Monday, September 19, 2005
Recovery Day
Today has been rougher than I had hoped it would be. I am pretty sore from the race yesterday. My hamstring is pretty much fried. I limped through the day, but I did take a “Core & Strength” class today, as one of my off-season goals is to improve my core strength. I work a lot on core stability, but the strength part has always been my weakness. The hardest part of right now is figuring out what I can do, can’t do, should do, and shouldn’t do. I’m hoping to get at least one good bike ride in this week, if the weather holds. Maybe I’ll get back into the weight room on Wednesday and Friday, too.
Saturday I hope to get down to the bike shop and take the Cannondale for a ride again. The owner suggested taking a test ride on the Cannondale and my Raleigh with my heart rate monitor and see how my heart rate reacts on both. If I can gain some economy on a new bike, it just might be worth it.
Funny story: I’m teaching my class this morning to the 60-80 year old women who are starting to know me pretty well. They ask me about the half marathon and are just amazed that anyone can run 13.1 miles, let alone a whole marathon. One woman explains to the class about her neighbor who does Ironman Triathlons! She explains the distances to the rest of the class (with a little clarification from me…) and they about fall apart! I am just laughing under my breath. Of course, they ask me if I ever want to do something crazy like that. I simply explained that it takes a lot of time and commitment to undertake something like that. Technically, I never said yes or no, so I think I’m still okay!
Saturday I hope to get down to the bike shop and take the Cannondale for a ride again. The owner suggested taking a test ride on the Cannondale and my Raleigh with my heart rate monitor and see how my heart rate reacts on both. If I can gain some economy on a new bike, it just might be worth it.
Funny story: I’m teaching my class this morning to the 60-80 year old women who are starting to know me pretty well. They ask me about the half marathon and are just amazed that anyone can run 13.1 miles, let alone a whole marathon. One woman explains to the class about her neighbor who does Ironman Triathlons! She explains the distances to the rest of the class (with a little clarification from me…) and they about fall apart! I am just laughing under my breath. Of course, they ask me if I ever want to do something crazy like that. I simply explained that it takes a lot of time and commitment to undertake something like that. Technically, I never said yes or no, so I think I’m still okay!
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Des Moines Half Marathon 2006
This morning was the Des Moines Half Marathon. It was not as successful as I had hoped, but I still survived. My hamstring started out feeling really pretty good. I ran the first 6 miles at a 9 minute pace (pretty good for me!), but things went south shortly after that. First my stomach started cramping after some Powerade (I think that was the cause anyway...), then my hamstring started cramping. That moved into my butt and then down into my calf. I was walking every 5-10 minutes or so and having to stop to stretch. I watched my goal time (2:00) slip away and ended up finishing around 2:11. Not bad, but with the faster start, I thought things would turn out better in the end.
Some of the running group came down to cheer the rest of us on. You'll just have to ask me about the nipple tassel sign that they made for George... There were some other friends along the route encouraging me, even though I didn't look so good. One of my fellow runners thought that the cheers of "Go, Sassypants!" were pretty funny (I did too!).
Yesterday was a pretty slow day. The runners in my group who are training for a marathon had their 20-miler yesterday morning, then we had breakfast at my house. The rest of the day I spent relaxing and trying to get "up" for the race. After getting the race packet, we went to a friend's 30th birthday party. There were at least 4 other people running the race, too! Lots of waters all around! We all had fun telling everyone that we weren't running the whole marathon, "just" the half. The non-runners in the group found that amusing.
Some of the running group came down to cheer the rest of us on. You'll just have to ask me about the nipple tassel sign that they made for George... There were some other friends along the route encouraging me, even though I didn't look so good. One of my fellow runners thought that the cheers of "Go, Sassypants!" were pretty funny (I did too!).
Yesterday was a pretty slow day. The runners in my group who are training for a marathon had their 20-miler yesterday morning, then we had breakfast at my house. The rest of the day I spent relaxing and trying to get "up" for the race. After getting the race packet, we went to a friend's 30th birthday party. There were at least 4 other people running the race, too! Lots of waters all around! We all had fun telling everyone that we weren't running the whole marathon, "just" the half. The non-runners in the group found that amusing.
Friday, September 16, 2005
College Flashback
Today I had a flashback to my days in college. I was the one who never stayed up late cramming for a test. Everyone used to think that I was crazy. I always prefered to go to bed and have a good night's sleep over losing sleep trying to learn something I should have learned much earlier in the semester. That thought hit me as I was running up the final hill in my last short run before the half marathon. I didn't have a good run and was very tired and working a lot harder than I felt I should at that point. I decided that rest would probably benefit me more at that moment than any more running. So I walked the last 200 yards.
It was (almost) a 3 mile run and I finished in about 27 minutes, including the walking. I think the other thing I had going against me was that I ran at 11:30am after having a really light breakfast at about 6:15am. I was literally running on empty. My hamstring was not bad all morning - I even did some of the plyometrics with the hockey team this morning (again, not a good idea). It didn't really bother me again til I left the house for my run. Of course, that's when it got bad. It started to feel like normal after about 2 miles, so I should be okay for most of the half marathon. It'll just be tough getting started.
I'm having a lot of trouble getting psyched for this race. I'd really just rather have it over with. I hope this is not how I'll be feeling next September!
It was (almost) a 3 mile run and I finished in about 27 minutes, including the walking. I think the other thing I had going against me was that I ran at 11:30am after having a really light breakfast at about 6:15am. I was literally running on empty. My hamstring was not bad all morning - I even did some of the plyometrics with the hockey team this morning (again, not a good idea). It didn't really bother me again til I left the house for my run. Of course, that's when it got bad. It started to feel like normal after about 2 miles, so I should be okay for most of the half marathon. It'll just be tough getting started.
I'm having a lot of trouble getting psyched for this race. I'd really just rather have it over with. I hope this is not how I'll be feeling next September!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
New Bike or Upgrade the Current Ride?
Tonight I went to my favorite local bike shop to look for some new toys. I rode a 2005 Cannondale Ironman 600. I've got to do a little more side-by-side comparison with my current bike. It's really tempting to get a new bike, but my financial situation may not allow for that, at least not right now. I'm fairly confident that an undertaking like this will not be cheap either way, but no one ever said triathlon was easy on the wallet. There is a very real possiblity that my current ride will just get a slightly less expensive upgrade. Unless all the extra work I've done this fall makes me rich!
I didn't do any running today. I wanted to give the hamstring a whole day off. It never felt really good today. Actually, I was pretty sore all over today. I think that I've been doing a lot more working out with my clients this week than I usually do. I must have done some of the plyometrics with the hockey team on Wednesday. I'm no personal trainer (oh, wait... yes I am!), but I'm pretty sure that plyometrics on a bad hamstring are a bad idea! I'll try to do better tomorrow.
I am starting to really look forward to being done with racing for this season. There are some smaller 5K and 10K's this fall that I will want to do. I guess it's all based on my hamstring.
I didn't do any running today. I wanted to give the hamstring a whole day off. It never felt really good today. Actually, I was pretty sore all over today. I think that I've been doing a lot more working out with my clients this week than I usually do. I must have done some of the plyometrics with the hockey team on Wednesday. I'm no personal trainer (oh, wait... yes I am!), but I'm pretty sure that plyometrics on a bad hamstring are a bad idea! I'll try to do better tomorrow.
I am starting to really look forward to being done with racing for this season. There are some smaller 5K and 10K's this fall that I will want to do. I guess it's all based on my hamstring.
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
One Step at a Time
I left the house for this morning's run at about 7:45am. I was pretty suprised at how much cooler it was this morning, compared to yesterday. Temp in my truck said 52. Time to break out the long sleeves. Although I really enjoy running in the heat, my favorite time of year to run outside has to be the fall. Long-sleeve t-shirt and shorts can't be beat! I decided to try the neoprene sleeve that I used in previous years to support the gimpy hamstring. I think that my legs are a little smaller than in years past and I'm not sure that the sleeve really helped anything. Acutally, if anything I think that it may have hurt more than without. Regardless, I still ran right at 28 minutes for the three miles. Ice right after the run and two more time (so far) tonight.
I got an email from a friend (and member of the Ames Tri Club) who finished well at IM Wisconsin last weekend. He shared his biggest struggle: eating during the race. This has been a recurring theme in everything that I have read. Slowly, it's starting to sink in just what a commitment this will be. Not getting any more nervous, just getting more and more used to the idea.
I got an email from a friend (and member of the Ames Tri Club) who finished well at IM Wisconsin last weekend. He shared his biggest struggle: eating during the race. This has been a recurring theme in everything that I have read. Slowly, it's starting to sink in just what a commitment this will be. Not getting any more nervous, just getting more and more used to the idea.
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
First, THIS Year's Goals
Before I get too carried away by the anticipation of training for an IM, I've got some unfinished business from this year to take care of. This weekend I will be racing in the Des Moines Half Marathon. I've been leading training groups for the last three years and this is my fifth group. I've been struggling with a bit of a hamstring "problem" the last few weeks. I had a similar problem a few years ago in the other hamstring and that took 2 years to heal. I've got to concentrate on getting this one dealt with ASAP so that I can be fresh for 9 months of IM training. I'm feeling a little bit of burnout from this year. I love to run, but coaching and running is more of a challenge. And, with all the running, I didn't get to spend as much time on my bike as I would like. And, swimming was basically non-existant in my schedule.
I didn't do many triathlons this summer because most of my time was spent leading the training groups. Long, slow running is not great training for sprint distance triathlons, but I did manage to fit a few into my summer. The first was the Logansport Triathlon in Logansport, IN. It was a VERY long drive, but it would be my friend's first tri, and I was NOT about to miss that. I was actually very glad that I did that one, I brought home second in my age group - my first hardware! The following weekend was the Quad Cities Triathlon in my hometown. I missed the registration dealine but the race director was kind enough to let me in anyways. Improved my time by four minutes over my 2004 race there. Lastly was the Iowa Games. It was a blistering hot day and I struggled with the run because of the heat.
Anyways, today's run was 3 easy miles at 6:30am. It was about 70 degrees and still pretty humid, even though it's mid-September. Time was right at 28 minutes. Not blistering fast, but not too bad considering the hamstring ailment and a not-so-good night of sleep last night. My hamstring started out better than it has and seemed to warm-up quickly. I iced it right when I got home and have been doing lots of gentle stretching on it all day long. One more application of ice tonight, then we'll see how it feels after another easy run tomorrow night.
I didn't do many triathlons this summer because most of my time was spent leading the training groups. Long, slow running is not great training for sprint distance triathlons, but I did manage to fit a few into my summer. The first was the Logansport Triathlon in Logansport, IN. It was a VERY long drive, but it would be my friend's first tri, and I was NOT about to miss that. I was actually very glad that I did that one, I brought home second in my age group - my first hardware! The following weekend was the Quad Cities Triathlon in my hometown. I missed the registration dealine but the race director was kind enough to let me in anyways. Improved my time by four minutes over my 2004 race there. Lastly was the Iowa Games. It was a blistering hot day and I struggled with the run because of the heat.
Anyways, today's run was 3 easy miles at 6:30am. It was about 70 degrees and still pretty humid, even though it's mid-September. Time was right at 28 minutes. Not blistering fast, but not too bad considering the hamstring ailment and a not-so-good night of sleep last night. My hamstring started out better than it has and seemed to warm-up quickly. I iced it right when I got home and have been doing lots of gentle stretching on it all day long. One more application of ice tonight, then we'll see how it feels after another easy run tomorrow night.
Monday, September 12, 2005
I Finally Took The Plunge
As of 1:15pm today, I am officially entered in the 2006 Ironman Wisconsin. I always thought that I would do this in a few years, but something today told me that this was the year. Two years ago, I started a five year plan that I thought would culminate in an Ironman event at the end of those five years. That plan flew out my truck window on the way back from lunch today. I was talking to a friend who signed up at the event this morning and promised her that I would be there to cheer her on next year, along with a bunch of our friends. Subconsciously, that made me think that it would be a great year for me to be there competing, rather than just as a fan. We'd both have tons of fans on hand to cheer us on, and I know of more than a couple of people who will also be participating. We'll struggle through the training together - that is what I think truly makes one an Ironman, not the event itself, but the journey of getting there. This blog will document my training and preparation. I hope it will be a reminder of what I've done, what I could have done better, a tool for accountability, and a training journal. I can only hope that through this blog, my friends and family will have a better appreciation for what triathlon is to me and why I am doing this. Let me just say that although signing up today was a bit traumatic, the overwhelming emotion I feel at this time is excitement, not fear. I am very excited to see what this next year has in store for me. I can't wait to see what I can accomplish when I put everything together for one goal: Ironman Wisconsin. Here I come!
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