Good Luck Traci!
Today I did my workout. But that seems so insignificant compared to the odyssey my friend Traci Wentling is beginning tomorrow. She's biking across the USA without a support vehicle so she'll be carrying all her camping gear and supplies on her bike. I think she's crazy! But a good kind of crazy as she's raising money for a local charity. Please check her blog at traciwentling.wordpress.com.
Traci has been an inspiration and motivation to me for several years. We went to high school together and then drifted in different directions until running brought our paths together again. Even though she has accomplished so much more than me she never looked down on my goals or accomplishment no matter how small or ordinary. Traci has run marathons and set records in bike time trials, competed in triathlons and biked across the state too many times to count. This is actually her second cross country trip, but the first time was with a riding companion and a support vehicle.
I ask everyone to check out her blog and donate if you can. I would also ask that you keep her and all adventurers in your prayers. And please, if you see cyclists or runners on the road, be courteous and mindful of their safety. They may be a long way from home and need a kind word to keep them going. God speed, Traci. I'll see you in 3 months! I can't wait to hear all about this great country from your perspective on a bicycle seat!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Monday, May 28, 2012
Happy Birthday Kate
My friend Kate celebrated a birthday over the weekend so naturally that meant a nice long birthday ride. She knew the route she wanted to take but the wind in our area has been brutal lately. The forecast wind speed over the weekend was 30-40 mph. I like adventure but I'm not crazy. Luckily the wind today was only supposed to be 10-15 in the morning and lower speeds after lunch. We looked at the weather sites and checked the timing and direction and everything was a go for our ride: decreasing north winds at 10 mph.
Three of us hit the road headed to a neighboring down 17.5 miles to the west. We were flying! My new shoes and clips made me feel very secure on my bike and I was setting a very nice pace. I felt pretty proud of myself until we stopped and ate lunch at the little cafe at our destination. You guessed it, the wind had shifted out of the east and was pushing us the entire time. It was easy riding, but now we had a headwind the entire 17 miles back to town. Yuck. It wasn't a huge wind, but any wind on a bike makes a big difference.
We enjoyed our burgers and my Hubby stopped in to eat with us. It was a nice break but eventually we had to head back to town. The going was tougher, but not as bad as it could have been. Our pace was slower but I was able to keep it steady. When we returned to our starting spot we felt really good about our accomplishment. This was a record distance for one of our riders and the other celebrated her birthday with a really good ride. I felt really good at the end and wasn't too tired at all. No burning foot pain! Even my legs felt fine and not like wet noodles.
They felt so fine that I decided to go for a swim. At least I tried to go for a swim. The Y was closed for the holiday (Memorial Day), and both outdoor pools were packed for their opening weekend. At least I had good intentions. Now I'll need to get creative with my workout schedule for the coming week. Everyday life is throwing a kink into my plans.
That marks the end of 6 weeks of training. 4 more hard weeks then race week. I can't believe how much stronger I've become in the water and on the bike. The run still kicks my tush but I'm working on it. Here comes Week 7!
My friend Kate celebrated a birthday over the weekend so naturally that meant a nice long birthday ride. She knew the route she wanted to take but the wind in our area has been brutal lately. The forecast wind speed over the weekend was 30-40 mph. I like adventure but I'm not crazy. Luckily the wind today was only supposed to be 10-15 in the morning and lower speeds after lunch. We looked at the weather sites and checked the timing and direction and everything was a go for our ride: decreasing north winds at 10 mph.
Three of us hit the road headed to a neighboring down 17.5 miles to the west. We were flying! My new shoes and clips made me feel very secure on my bike and I was setting a very nice pace. I felt pretty proud of myself until we stopped and ate lunch at the little cafe at our destination. You guessed it, the wind had shifted out of the east and was pushing us the entire time. It was easy riding, but now we had a headwind the entire 17 miles back to town. Yuck. It wasn't a huge wind, but any wind on a bike makes a big difference.
We enjoyed our burgers and my Hubby stopped in to eat with us. It was a nice break but eventually we had to head back to town. The going was tougher, but not as bad as it could have been. Our pace was slower but I was able to keep it steady. When we returned to our starting spot we felt really good about our accomplishment. This was a record distance for one of our riders and the other celebrated her birthday with a really good ride. I felt really good at the end and wasn't too tired at all. No burning foot pain! Even my legs felt fine and not like wet noodles.
They felt so fine that I decided to go for a swim. At least I tried to go for a swim. The Y was closed for the holiday (Memorial Day), and both outdoor pools were packed for their opening weekend. At least I had good intentions. Now I'll need to get creative with my workout schedule for the coming week. Everyday life is throwing a kink into my plans.
That marks the end of 6 weeks of training. 4 more hard weeks then race week. I can't believe how much stronger I've become in the water and on the bike. The run still kicks my tush but I'm working on it. Here comes Week 7!
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Injury Prevention is Key
If I have learned anything since I started working out it's that you need to listen to your body. The older you get the more your body talks to you. Mine said, "don't push too hard for a few days, I need to recover a little". So I listened and did a very easy 600 meter swim last night and then a slow 5K this morning. My body said "thank you for not pushing too hard today, by Monday we should be fine." My heart rate during my run stayed in the low 150s and that is just where I wanted it to be. Even though there was a 25 mph wind I was able to maintain my slow pace. I'll just have to trust the program.
My bike ride for tomorrow is being pushed until Monday so I can do a ride with a friend for her birthday. Then I'll try to get back on schedule. 6 weeks of training down, and 4 hard weeks to go!
If I have learned anything since I started working out it's that you need to listen to your body. The older you get the more your body talks to you. Mine said, "don't push too hard for a few days, I need to recover a little". So I listened and did a very easy 600 meter swim last night and then a slow 5K this morning. My body said "thank you for not pushing too hard today, by Monday we should be fine." My heart rate during my run stayed in the low 150s and that is just where I wanted it to be. Even though there was a 25 mph wind I was able to maintain my slow pace. I'll just have to trust the program.
My bike ride for tomorrow is being pushed until Monday so I can do a ride with a friend for her birthday. Then I'll try to get back on schedule. 6 weeks of training down, and 4 hard weeks to go!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
A Girl Has To Have Shoes!
To understand my excitement about today's ride you have to know the background story. I have only been riding for less then a year now and the first road bike I bought had nylon cages on the peddles. The advantage is you don't have to buy special shoes and I was trying to save a little money somewhere since the bike was, shall we say, not cheap.
The first ride on my new bike ended in me sprawled on the ground with a few bumps and bruises. I just couldn't cleanly kick my feet out of the cages. The second ride was better, but I still felt uncomfortable. The third ride resulted in a severely bruised hand, a deep bruise under my knee cap, and a near concussion. At my age I don't heal fast and I was aching and tender for months. My husband threatened to cut my bike in two if I fell again so the cages came off and I've been riding bare peddle ever since.
But as I watched other cyclists and talked to my riding friends I became more convinced that I needed to try a different shoe system. I didn't want to put my cages back on. Even though I'm a much better rider now I have this mental block against those contraptions. So off to the bike shop and a long strategy session with the owner. He explained the pros and cons of each system and we narrowed it down to the peddles and shoes I think I needed. I payed the money with my eyes closed and told myself it was a good investment.
Today was my first ride with my new shoes. They have a cool lacing system that involves turning a button and they felt different on my feet. They are very ridged but that is supposed to help with my foot pain problem on long rides. We'll see about that. I tested the system out a few times in the drive way, then stopped at every corner whether I needed to or not just to get used to twisting out of the peddles.
Amazing. That's the only word for how much more power I felt on the hills and the control I had staying on the peddles. I think I'm going to like these shoes even if they are actually for a man (he had them in stock and was willing to give me a discount). I won't tell if you don't! Over all I had a good ride followed by a decent run. I'm tired but excited. I think I've taken the next step forward!
The first ride on my new bike ended in me sprawled on the ground with a few bumps and bruises. I just couldn't cleanly kick my feet out of the cages. The second ride was better, but I still felt uncomfortable. The third ride resulted in a severely bruised hand, a deep bruise under my knee cap, and a near concussion. At my age I don't heal fast and I was aching and tender for months. My husband threatened to cut my bike in two if I fell again so the cages came off and I've been riding bare peddle ever since.
But as I watched other cyclists and talked to my riding friends I became more convinced that I needed to try a different shoe system. I didn't want to put my cages back on. Even though I'm a much better rider now I have this mental block against those contraptions. So off to the bike shop and a long strategy session with the owner. He explained the pros and cons of each system and we narrowed it down to the peddles and shoes I think I needed. I payed the money with my eyes closed and told myself it was a good investment.
Today was my first ride with my new shoes. They have a cool lacing system that involves turning a button and they felt different on my feet. They are very ridged but that is supposed to help with my foot pain problem on long rides. We'll see about that. I tested the system out a few times in the drive way, then stopped at every corner whether I needed to or not just to get used to twisting out of the peddles.
Amazing. That's the only word for how much more power I felt on the hills and the control I had staying on the peddles. I think I'm going to like these shoes even if they are actually for a man (he had them in stock and was willing to give me a discount). I won't tell if you don't! Over all I had a good ride followed by a decent run. I'm tired but excited. I think I've taken the next step forward!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Swimming In My Tri-Suit
I really like the swimming workouts. Once I get warmed up I feel really good in the water. 700 meters today with 10 second breaks at each 25 meter. Not to bad. The only problem was a foot cramp when I got out of the pool.
But my tri-suit may be a problem. I'm short in the torso and the suit is long on me. That means when I get out of the water the thing hangs down around my knees. At least that's the way it feels. I may need to look into a two piece suit so I don't have to worry about torso length.
Tomorrow is another brick workout and the first time I'll be riding with my clip in shoes. Sure hope I don't crash!
I really like the swimming workouts. Once I get warmed up I feel really good in the water. 700 meters today with 10 second breaks at each 25 meter. Not to bad. The only problem was a foot cramp when I got out of the pool.
But my tri-suit may be a problem. I'm short in the torso and the suit is long on me. That means when I get out of the water the thing hangs down around my knees. At least that's the way it feels. I may need to look into a two piece suit so I don't have to worry about torso length.
Tomorrow is another brick workout and the first time I'll be riding with my clip in shoes. Sure hope I don't crash!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Another Run Down and Feeling A Little Better
I was dreading tonight for several reasons. First, my last run was a disaster. My heart rate was through the roof and my pace was as slow as molasses. Second, it was hot and windy out. I waited until after supper to run to let it cool down but it was still in the high 80s with 25 mph winds when I hit the road. Third, I was scared that I would give up and let myself fail.
It is with pride that I report that I did my run and a little extra with a heart rate in the low 150s and not feeling like I was going to drop dead at the end. I felt smooth but slow. I wish I was at the level I was last spring, but I have to live with what I've got.
Most importantly, I didn't quite early or shorten the intervals. I know I'm the only one who would know, but that would start a downward spiral that would be self-defeating. I think I can face this weeks training with a little more confidence now and know that I'm doing what I can to improve. Tomorrow is a swim and I'm looking forward to it!
I was dreading tonight for several reasons. First, my last run was a disaster. My heart rate was through the roof and my pace was as slow as molasses. Second, it was hot and windy out. I waited until after supper to run to let it cool down but it was still in the high 80s with 25 mph winds when I hit the road. Third, I was scared that I would give up and let myself fail.
It is with pride that I report that I did my run and a little extra with a heart rate in the low 150s and not feeling like I was going to drop dead at the end. I felt smooth but slow. I wish I was at the level I was last spring, but I have to live with what I've got.
Most importantly, I didn't quite early or shorten the intervals. I know I'm the only one who would know, but that would start a downward spiral that would be self-defeating. I think I can face this weeks training with a little more confidence now and know that I'm doing what I can to improve. Tomorrow is a swim and I'm looking forward to it!
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Confidence Shattered
My friend Claudia sent me a text telling me of a little 5K in the morning and would I like to go. Since I had a 30 minute run planned anyway I said what the heck and we left in the morning for a little neighboring town. It was just a 5K and I've been training hard. It couldn't be too hard could it?
That run sent my confidence through the floor. I couldn't maintain my intervals past the second set of 4 minutes running and 1 minute walking. My pace while running was pretty good but my heart rate was constantly in the 160s. I ended up walking more then planned and finishing 2 minutes slower then I should have. Actually this was the slowest competitive 5K I've ever run. I was crushed. I'm not getting better, I'm getting worse!
After talking to a few runners about my issues I think I'm going to make an appointment with my doctor to rule out any major problems. So this morning when I went for my ride I was very down. I didn't push and took some time to think. I know the running is going to be the hardest part for me. But I really should be doing better then I am.
In the mean time I'll give myself pep talks and research nutrition and heart rate training some more. I have to trust that I'll get better at the run because I can't get much worse. There are possible races the next 3 weekends and I need to decide if they will help or hurt my training. Tomorrow is my rest day and I have a million things to catch up on around the house. I'm going to enjoy the day and start week 6 of my training with a positive attitude.
My friend Claudia sent me a text telling me of a little 5K in the morning and would I like to go. Since I had a 30 minute run planned anyway I said what the heck and we left in the morning for a little neighboring town. It was just a 5K and I've been training hard. It couldn't be too hard could it?
That run sent my confidence through the floor. I couldn't maintain my intervals past the second set of 4 minutes running and 1 minute walking. My pace while running was pretty good but my heart rate was constantly in the 160s. I ended up walking more then planned and finishing 2 minutes slower then I should have. Actually this was the slowest competitive 5K I've ever run. I was crushed. I'm not getting better, I'm getting worse!
After talking to a few runners about my issues I think I'm going to make an appointment with my doctor to rule out any major problems. So this morning when I went for my ride I was very down. I didn't push and took some time to think. I know the running is going to be the hardest part for me. But I really should be doing better then I am.
In the mean time I'll give myself pep talks and research nutrition and heart rate training some more. I have to trust that I'll get better at the run because I can't get much worse. There are possible races the next 3 weekends and I need to decide if they will help or hurt my training. Tomorrow is my rest day and I have a million things to catch up on around the house. I'm going to enjoy the day and start week 6 of my training with a positive attitude.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Old Friends Return!
I was walking out to the pool at the Y and I looked into the office area and saw a good friend of mine that had moved away a few years ago. She ran out to give me a big hug and tell me she is the new Aquatic Director at the pool! I am so happy she moved back to the area and I know she'll do a great job for the YMCA.
I swam 700 meters with only 10 second breaks after each 50. I'm getting there. Once I get warmed up I feel my body getting into a rhythm and relaxing in the water. I'm not fast but I will get the job done. It's still humbling when all those fast swimmers pass me by, but other than getting stronger I don't see my technique improving enough to make much of a difference. As I've read in many triathlon training guides, the swim is the swim. Just get through it without dying.
I was walking out to the pool at the Y and I looked into the office area and saw a good friend of mine that had moved away a few years ago. She ran out to give me a big hug and tell me she is the new Aquatic Director at the pool! I am so happy she moved back to the area and I know she'll do a great job for the YMCA.
I swam 700 meters with only 10 second breaks after each 50. I'm getting there. Once I get warmed up I feel my body getting into a rhythm and relaxing in the water. I'm not fast but I will get the job done. It's still humbling when all those fast swimmers pass me by, but other than getting stronger I don't see my technique improving enough to make much of a difference. As I've read in many triathlon training guides, the swim is the swim. Just get through it without dying.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Thunder and Lightening
Today was a run day but Mother Nature threw a kink into my plans. Thunder, lightening, and a little rain kept me inside on the treadmill. I could have waited out the storm but I didn't want to put it off. I might have given into temptation and curled up on the sofa with a glass of wine.
The run was hard since I'm trying to double the amount of intervals and my stamina is still way below where it should be. I felt good after and recovered quickly. My heart rate didn't get above 160 and although my pace seemed slow I don't really trust the calibration on my treadmill. It sure felt like I was running faster then it showed.
Anyway, I'm halfway through my 5th week of training and I'm holding my own. Back into the pool tomorrow.
Today was a run day but Mother Nature threw a kink into my plans. Thunder, lightening, and a little rain kept me inside on the treadmill. I could have waited out the storm but I didn't want to put it off. I might have given into temptation and curled up on the sofa with a glass of wine.
The run was hard since I'm trying to double the amount of intervals and my stamina is still way below where it should be. I felt good after and recovered quickly. My heart rate didn't get above 160 and although my pace seemed slow I don't really trust the calibration on my treadmill. It sure felt like I was running faster then it showed.
Anyway, I'm halfway through my 5th week of training and I'm holding my own. Back into the pool tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Swimming Along
Not much new today. I swam my first 400 in 11:30 so I'm happy with that. I still need to keep working on the intervals so I'm not so tired at the end of the swim. That's not a good way to head into the rest of the race.
Things at work are getting very busy so I'm in a low energy mode right now. I'll have to find my way out of that for my run tomorrow. I'm ready for bed and the sun is just setting. It's going to be a long week.
Not much new today. I swam my first 400 in 11:30 so I'm happy with that. I still need to keep working on the intervals so I'm not so tired at the end of the swim. That's not a good way to head into the rest of the race.
Things at work are getting very busy so I'm in a low energy mode right now. I'll have to find my way out of that for my run tomorrow. I'm ready for bed and the sun is just setting. It's going to be a long week.
That's Why They Call Them Bricks
I have participated in a duathlon so I'm not unfamiliar with the transition between bike and run. It's not easy. You feel like you are totally uncoordinated and run like a duck. But my first brick workout was a whole new experience.
I wiggled into my new tri-suit and hit the road. It was apparent early on that the padding was light, but it will meet my needs for a 12.5 mile bike ride. One good check mark for the day. I headed down the highway and realized that the mileage I needed would have me turning around at a major interchange. One bad check mark for the day. Since I didn't feel like navigating the clover leaf intersection I turned around a little sooner and headed back home. Over all the ride was fine, not too fast or slow and I drank lots of Gatorade on the way.
Believe it or not the transition went fine. Stripped off my riding gloves, switched my helmet for a visor and I was off again. Another good check mark.
Starting off walking for a few minutes is a good way to get your muscles switched from peddling to running and when it was time to run I didn't feel too clumsy. I did the first interval and thought it was never going to end! My legs felt like they where as heavy as bricks! I totally get it now. Someone has a warped sense of humor. One big bad check mark for me.
Did I mention that the temperature was now 90 degrees? Well, that had a major affect on the rest of my run. I didn't want to push too hard and have a heat issue and it felt like I was adding bricks to my legs with every step. I also realized that I miss my tight compression shorts. I felt loose in the caboose with lots of bounce. A bad check mark for sure. When I got back home I was one tired lady, but guess what. I did it. My first brick workout of this training session is history! A big good check mark for the day.
I downloaded my workout and was totally surprised at how fast I was actually biking and running and my hear rate was in an acceptable range. With 6 1/2 weeks until the race I think I might actually be ready. Not fast, but ready. On to the next workout and more good check marks!
I have participated in a duathlon so I'm not unfamiliar with the transition between bike and run. It's not easy. You feel like you are totally uncoordinated and run like a duck. But my first brick workout was a whole new experience.
I wiggled into my new tri-suit and hit the road. It was apparent early on that the padding was light, but it will meet my needs for a 12.5 mile bike ride. One good check mark for the day. I headed down the highway and realized that the mileage I needed would have me turning around at a major interchange. One bad check mark for the day. Since I didn't feel like navigating the clover leaf intersection I turned around a little sooner and headed back home. Over all the ride was fine, not too fast or slow and I drank lots of Gatorade on the way.
Believe it or not the transition went fine. Stripped off my riding gloves, switched my helmet for a visor and I was off again. Another good check mark.
Starting off walking for a few minutes is a good way to get your muscles switched from peddling to running and when it was time to run I didn't feel too clumsy. I did the first interval and thought it was never going to end! My legs felt like they where as heavy as bricks! I totally get it now. Someone has a warped sense of humor. One big bad check mark for me.
Did I mention that the temperature was now 90 degrees? Well, that had a major affect on the rest of my run. I didn't want to push too hard and have a heat issue and it felt like I was adding bricks to my legs with every step. I also realized that I miss my tight compression shorts. I felt loose in the caboose with lots of bounce. A bad check mark for sure. When I got back home I was one tired lady, but guess what. I did it. My first brick workout of this training session is history! A big good check mark for the day.
I downloaded my workout and was totally surprised at how fast I was actually biking and running and my hear rate was in an acceptable range. With 6 1/2 weeks until the race I think I might actually be ready. Not fast, but ready. On to the next workout and more good check marks!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Bricks!
This is week 5 of my training and things really get interesting now. I will do my first "brick" workout which in this case is the ride - run workout with transition training. It also calls for 6 days of workouts in a row. I think this means I'm really in training now! Finding time without letting the rest of my life slip is going to be a challenge.
Yesterday I went for a ride and really tried to power up the hills. I managed fine for a few but not all of the inclines and ended with a pretty decent time. The course for the triathlon is rolling hills so I need to get better at that.
I guess it's time to take a deep breath and stay focused. I know I will never be fast but I want to finish this race with enough energy for a thumbs up and a smile.
This is week 5 of my training and things really get interesting now. I will do my first "brick" workout which in this case is the ride - run workout with transition training. It also calls for 6 days of workouts in a row. I think this means I'm really in training now! Finding time without letting the rest of my life slip is going to be a challenge.
Yesterday I went for a ride and really tried to power up the hills. I managed fine for a few but not all of the inclines and ended with a pretty decent time. The course for the triathlon is rolling hills so I need to get better at that.
I guess it's time to take a deep breath and stay focused. I know I will never be fast but I want to finish this race with enough energy for a thumbs up and a smile.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Who Turned On The Air Conditioner?
A cold front moved through the area last night and dropped the temperature into the 40's with 20 mph wind. Geez, all I wanted to do was sleep in on a Saturday morning. Sadly, my body had other plans and I was awake at the usual time. My treadmill and I got busy and did our workout in the comfort of my home. I truly am a wimp when it comes to bad weather.
That's why my hat is off to several of my Team 4F friends who braved the weather and ran in a race this morning. It was cold and windy and they laced up their shoes and hit the road. Or my friend Traci who is doing a shakedown ride in preparation for a cross country ride and was camping out last night and now had to peddle home against the wind today. I'm humbled. Not enough to give up my wimpy ways, but humbled.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I'm trying to find some time for a 10 mile ride. Being pampered sounds like more fun, but the ride will do me more good. I just hope it's warmer!
A cold front moved through the area last night and dropped the temperature into the 40's with 20 mph wind. Geez, all I wanted to do was sleep in on a Saturday morning. Sadly, my body had other plans and I was awake at the usual time. My treadmill and I got busy and did our workout in the comfort of my home. I truly am a wimp when it comes to bad weather.
That's why my hat is off to several of my Team 4F friends who braved the weather and ran in a race this morning. It was cold and windy and they laced up their shoes and hit the road. Or my friend Traci who is doing a shakedown ride in preparation for a cross country ride and was camping out last night and now had to peddle home against the wind today. I'm humbled. Not enough to give up my wimpy ways, but humbled.
Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I'm trying to find some time for a 10 mile ride. Being pampered sounds like more fun, but the ride will do me more good. I just hope it's warmer!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Evening Swim
Tonight was the first time I have left for a workout while hubby was at home. He is OK with my training and very supportive but I don't like to take time away from him for my interests. I also don't really like swimming after dinner. I'll try to work things out better next time. Tomorrow is a rest day. Yeah!
Tonight was the first time I have left for a workout while hubby was at home. He is OK with my training and very supportive but I don't like to take time away from him for my interests. I also don't really like swimming after dinner. I'll try to work things out better next time. Tomorrow is a rest day. Yeah!
Vroom Vroom
What a beautiful day for a ride! The wind was under 10 mph and the temperature was in the mid 70s. It doesn't get any better than that. The only problem on the ride was my "sit bones" were very sore from my big ride a few days ago. My pace was a little slow but I enjoyed my 16 miles for the most part.
The best part of the day was when Traci and John W showed up to fix my bike. John had helped me on Saturday and was worried about me being on the road with a less than perfect axial. I heard their Harleys coming as they rumbled down the street of the neighborhood. Apparently they like motorized cycles too. Big one! After a few lessons in how to change out the axial and some pointers on how to make my bike flow a little better they were off again, and the echo of the vroom vroom had the neighbor kid's attention once more.
Traci is setting off on an amazing adventure for the summer. She's biking across America on her bike and traveling with all her needs on the bike with her; tent, food, sleeping bag, etc. I think she's crazy but a good kind of crazy. Traci is raising money for a local charity that helps those in need. I've added a link to her blog site so others can join in the cause and keep Traci peddling.
Traci's Bike Across America Blog
I've known Traci almost all my life and can say that running and cycling have made us even better friends. I've met so many wonderful, helpful, enthusiastic, dedicated, positive, I can't think of enough adjectives, people that I can't help but be humbled. I'm more healthy in mind and body and I wouldn't change a thing. Keep moving out there! Whatever you can, whenever you can.
What a beautiful day for a ride! The wind was under 10 mph and the temperature was in the mid 70s. It doesn't get any better than that. The only problem on the ride was my "sit bones" were very sore from my big ride a few days ago. My pace was a little slow but I enjoyed my 16 miles for the most part.
The best part of the day was when Traci and John W showed up to fix my bike. John had helped me on Saturday and was worried about me being on the road with a less than perfect axial. I heard their Harleys coming as they rumbled down the street of the neighborhood. Apparently they like motorized cycles too. Big one! After a few lessons in how to change out the axial and some pointers on how to make my bike flow a little better they were off again, and the echo of the vroom vroom had the neighbor kid's attention once more.
Traci is setting off on an amazing adventure for the summer. She's biking across America on her bike and traveling with all her needs on the bike with her; tent, food, sleeping bag, etc. I think she's crazy but a good kind of crazy. Traci is raising money for a local charity that helps those in need. I've added a link to her blog site so others can join in the cause and keep Traci peddling.
Traci's Bike Across America Blog
I've known Traci almost all my life and can say that running and cycling have made us even better friends. I've met so many wonderful, helpful, enthusiastic, dedicated, positive, I can't think of enough adjectives, people that I can't help but be humbled. I'm more healthy in mind and body and I wouldn't change a thing. Keep moving out there! Whatever you can, whenever you can.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
First Swim In My Tri Suit!
It will never catch on at the beach, but for tri-swimming my new suit is cool! It isn't super tight (maybe I need a smaller size?) so it's not that hard to put on. It has handy pockets on the sides for supplies during the ride and run and enough support to keep the bounce to a minimum. My only problem was it sagged in the crotch when it was wet. This is most likely due to being too long in the torso. I'm fairly short waist-ed and it bunches around my middle a little. Add the weight of the water and it hangs down a little farther then I would like. But it did dry fairly quickly and was comfortable on the run. So fashionable or not, it's a keeper.
The run was pretty good. I'm still trying to double up on the distance and keep the intervals. My heart rate seems to be responding well to this training. I don't top out as high as I did in the beginning and my recovery beats per minute are dropping to where I want quickly. I still don't have the stamina that I want but I'll get there.
So, I look goofy in the pool, I look goofy when I run, but I don't care. The other night someone told me I keep looking younger all the time. Wow, that was great to hear. It makes looking goofy worth while.
It will never catch on at the beach, but for tri-swimming my new suit is cool! It isn't super tight (maybe I need a smaller size?) so it's not that hard to put on. It has handy pockets on the sides for supplies during the ride and run and enough support to keep the bounce to a minimum. My only problem was it sagged in the crotch when it was wet. This is most likely due to being too long in the torso. I'm fairly short waist-ed and it bunches around my middle a little. Add the weight of the water and it hangs down a little farther then I would like. But it did dry fairly quickly and was comfortable on the run. So fashionable or not, it's a keeper.
The run was pretty good. I'm still trying to double up on the distance and keep the intervals. My heart rate seems to be responding well to this training. I don't top out as high as I did in the beginning and my recovery beats per minute are dropping to where I want quickly. I still don't have the stamina that I want but I'll get there.
So, I look goofy in the pool, I look goofy when I run, but I don't care. The other night someone told me I keep looking younger all the time. Wow, that was great to hear. It makes looking goofy worth while.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Record Ride!!
I'm taking a little break today but I think I've earned it. Yesterday I participated in my first long distance (at least for me) bike tour. My friend and I rode 62 miles and both set personal distance records on our bikes. It was an adventure from start to finish.
The ride was a "pick your distance" course so after looking at the map we decided to do the 62 mile route. The course was to take us by some of the country churches in the area and that distance took us by all of them. But my ride almost ended in the parking lot. I was checking the air in my tires when the valve core flew out. I didn't want to start with a risky tire and thankfully I had a spare tube, but my wheel wouldn't come loose from frame. I'm so grateful for the help of John W. for getting me fixed and ready to ride again. I felt so blessed that 9 riders waited for me to get up and running before they hit the road. What wonderful people!
We started our ride only 10 minutes behind everyone else and by the first SAG stop we were catching up to some of the slower riders. The going was pretty easy and we moved right along, even up the hills and over the brick streets of the first small town. At the second SAG stop we were feeling pretty good about the ride with 20 miles behind us.
The next 10 miles started to ware on me and by the time we got to the next town I was getting tired. But sitting in the shade of the church helped a lot. This was a lunch stop but I'm not a fan of peanut butter and jelly so I just ate some snacks and a banana. Big Mistake! Looking back I should have forced myself to eat more protein and gotten some electrolytes. I was drinking lots of water but not getting enough other things to keep my energy up. As a result I was out of gas and fading fast.
Also by then my feet were starting to give me problems. During long rides they tend to go dead and start hurting a lot. On the pain scale meter of 1-10 I would give them about an 8. The only help is to get off the bike and walk around trying to get feeling back in them. But we were determined to make our goal and what the heck, we were half way there. My friend Kate H. was a good sport about stopping when I needed to and slowing her pace to stay with me.
By then the temperature was over 90 and the wind had picked up. The next 10 miles took us into the wind to the little town of Schoenchen and a nice little church there. I was really questioning if I would make it peddling uphill against that wind. For a little while I really thought about calling it a day and having Kate ride with another group back to town and send a truck for me. But we sat in the shade of the church and rested with a group of riders and braced ourselves for the last third of our trek.
We went to the next SAG station and took a long break so I could gather my strength. We only had 9 miles to go and it was with the wind at our back and generally down hill. Halleluiah!
With stops at almost every three miles we made it back to the start with new personal records and pride in accomplishing something special. I won't say the last 1/3 of the ride was fun, but I now know I can push through adversity and finish what I start. I also learned that there are good caring people wherever you go and when you are surrounded with positive people anything is possible. I don't think I'm ready for a long ride again but I am proud that I tried something new. So I think I deserve a day off today but tomorrow starts week 4 of Tri-training. Woo Hoo!
I'm taking a little break today but I think I've earned it. Yesterday I participated in my first long distance (at least for me) bike tour. My friend and I rode 62 miles and both set personal distance records on our bikes. It was an adventure from start to finish.
We started our ride only 10 minutes behind everyone else and by the first SAG stop we were catching up to some of the slower riders. The going was pretty easy and we moved right along, even up the hills and over the brick streets of the first small town. At the second SAG stop we were feeling pretty good about the ride with 20 miles behind us.
Also by then my feet were starting to give me problems. During long rides they tend to go dead and start hurting a lot. On the pain scale meter of 1-10 I would give them about an 8. The only help is to get off the bike and walk around trying to get feeling back in them. But we were determined to make our goal and what the heck, we were half way there. My friend Kate H. was a good sport about stopping when I needed to and slowing her pace to stay with me.
By then the temperature was over 90 and the wind had picked up. The next 10 miles took us into the wind to the little town of Schoenchen and a nice little church there. I was really questioning if I would make it peddling uphill against that wind. For a little while I really thought about calling it a day and having Kate ride with another group back to town and send a truck for me. But we sat in the shade of the church and rested with a group of riders and braced ourselves for the last third of our trek.
With stops at almost every three miles we made it back to the start with new personal records and pride in accomplishing something special. I won't say the last 1/3 of the ride was fun, but I now know I can push through adversity and finish what I start. I also learned that there are good caring people wherever you go and when you are surrounded with positive people anything is possible. I don't think I'm ready for a long ride again but I am proud that I tried something new. So I think I deserve a day off today but tomorrow starts week 4 of Tri-training. Woo Hoo!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Fashion or Function
Workout clothes can be really cute, or they can be really not so cute. But cute is in the eye of the beholder.
Being a very practical person has it's advantages. I don't mind when the riding top I wear is bright, and I mean BRIGHT reflective yellow. I would rather the trucks and cars see me and hit the breaks rather then not see me and then look at my broken body and say, "By the way, that's a nice top she was wearing." The cycling shorts do nothing to make my backside look smaller, in fact the padding makes me look well rounded. But the padding is by far more important then a cute tush.
As for my Triathlon suit, well lets just say function far out distances fashion on that one. It's not overly tight but still shows every bump and bulge and I have too many of them to try and keep them all sucked in. I know they try to put a little style into the design but this is not going to be what one wears to the beach. It covers me from just under my neck to mid thigh. It is made to take you from swim to ride to run with no problems and I think it will do the job fine. Not too much padding to interfere with the swim and run, but enough to keep you in the saddle on the ride. I'll try it out next week when I hit the pool.
With shorts to mid thigh and socks over my ankles you can imagine the tan lines I'm getting. I always wear sunscreen and do my best to protect my skin. Somehow it just throws the look of sandals and a sun dress out the window. But I know why I have those tan lines and how hard I've worked to get them.
While my gear may be geared toward function, I think it's just fine and yes, cute. I feel good when I'm wearing it and I look better because if it. So I'll take function with a little bit of flair anyday.
Yesterdays workout was a 16.48 mile ride. Riding through town is not for me, especially on major streets. I'll take a different route next time.
Workout clothes can be really cute, or they can be really not so cute. But cute is in the eye of the beholder.
Being a very practical person has it's advantages. I don't mind when the riding top I wear is bright, and I mean BRIGHT reflective yellow. I would rather the trucks and cars see me and hit the breaks rather then not see me and then look at my broken body and say, "By the way, that's a nice top she was wearing." The cycling shorts do nothing to make my backside look smaller, in fact the padding makes me look well rounded. But the padding is by far more important then a cute tush.
As for my Triathlon suit, well lets just say function far out distances fashion on that one. It's not overly tight but still shows every bump and bulge and I have too many of them to try and keep them all sucked in. I know they try to put a little style into the design but this is not going to be what one wears to the beach. It covers me from just under my neck to mid thigh. It is made to take you from swim to ride to run with no problems and I think it will do the job fine. Not too much padding to interfere with the swim and run, but enough to keep you in the saddle on the ride. I'll try it out next week when I hit the pool.
With shorts to mid thigh and socks over my ankles you can imagine the tan lines I'm getting. I always wear sunscreen and do my best to protect my skin. Somehow it just throws the look of sandals and a sun dress out the window. But I know why I have those tan lines and how hard I've worked to get them.
While my gear may be geared toward function, I think it's just fine and yes, cute. I feel good when I'm wearing it and I look better because if it. So I'll take function with a little bit of flair anyday.
Yesterdays workout was a 16.48 mile ride. Riding through town is not for me, especially on major streets. I'll take a different route next time.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Oh, The People You See
Some of my fellow fitness fans are becoming familiar to me as I see them time and again on the road or in the pool. I wave or nod and they smile back and I'll never know their names or anything about them except they are moving and doing something to improve their health.
Like the older lady in the pool who keeps going and going and going. Not fast mind you, but steady. Or the man who runs like the hounds of hell are after him, arms flailing and face a mask of agony. Or the husband and wife who plod along, him in front looking for all the world like he doesn't want to be there and if SHE hadn't made him do it he would be sitting at home in the recliner. She trots behind and smiles and looks like she is the cat that ate the cream.
There are all types of people and all fitness levels out there, and all have a story to tell. I wonder what they think of me as I pass by.
Some of my fellow fitness fans are becoming familiar to me as I see them time and again on the road or in the pool. I wave or nod and they smile back and I'll never know their names or anything about them except they are moving and doing something to improve their health.
Like the older lady in the pool who keeps going and going and going. Not fast mind you, but steady. Or the man who runs like the hounds of hell are after him, arms flailing and face a mask of agony. Or the husband and wife who plod along, him in front looking for all the world like he doesn't want to be there and if SHE hadn't made him do it he would be sitting at home in the recliner. She trots behind and smiles and looks like she is the cat that ate the cream.
There are all types of people and all fitness levels out there, and all have a story to tell. I wonder what they think of me as I pass by.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Something You Don't See Everyday
I'm relatively new to swimming but even I know when you lap swim you stay in your lanes. Our pool only has ropes up for the first two lanes but the lines are clearly marked on the bottom of the pool. None of this explains the man who was doing his swim from side to side, across the lanes. I had to stop my swim at least 4 times to let him pass in front of me. I don't think he was a very confident swimmer and was afraid to go to the deep end, but still, that was strange. Finally as I was leaving he ventured to the far end of the pool and was hanging on to the side for dear life.
The swim was followed by a run and I'm really working to keep my heart rate under 160 but it's not easy. I'm doubling the time recommended for the run but keeping to the intervals suggested. As the time increases this is going to be hard to maintain. When the plan calls for increasing time by 10 minutes, that will be 20 minutes for me. Yikes. But keeping the intervals and working on my heart rate are going to pay off in the end.
All in all, it was a good workout. I survived the strange swimming guy and I felt like the run was OK. So starts week three of Tri-training.
I'm relatively new to swimming but even I know when you lap swim you stay in your lanes. Our pool only has ropes up for the first two lanes but the lines are clearly marked on the bottom of the pool. None of this explains the man who was doing his swim from side to side, across the lanes. I had to stop my swim at least 4 times to let him pass in front of me. I don't think he was a very confident swimmer and was afraid to go to the deep end, but still, that was strange. Finally as I was leaving he ventured to the far end of the pool and was hanging on to the side for dear life.
The swim was followed by a run and I'm really working to keep my heart rate under 160 but it's not easy. I'm doubling the time recommended for the run but keeping to the intervals suggested. As the time increases this is going to be hard to maintain. When the plan calls for increasing time by 10 minutes, that will be 20 minutes for me. Yikes. But keeping the intervals and working on my heart rate are going to pay off in the end.
All in all, it was a good workout. I survived the strange swimming guy and I felt like the run was OK. So starts week three of Tri-training.
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