On to the next one

I am excited to have a few new fitness endeavors on the horizon.

For the past month and a half, K and I have been training for a half marathon! It will be my second 13.1 and her first. Training has been going very well (knock wood), and we've been fortunate to have some absolutely GORGEOUS fall weather. K found Fuel Belts on super sale at TJMaxx, so those have been extra helpful, especially when my bottles are filled with my new BFF, Nuun. Yum. I think the drink has helped make the difference in mediocre "just get it over with" runs and highly enjoyable "I could do this forever" runs. We have two more long runs before the race, and without getting TOO cocky, I have high hopes for an enjoyable race. And yes, I will be bringing my own Nuun.

Today I begin a 6-week Boot Camp, uh, experience. I've been needing to mix up my fitness routine for a while now, and this was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. While my running is going gang-busters, I haven't been seeing the changes in my body that I want to see. I tried a few things at home (my usual DVD routines, counting calories) and still haven't seen any progress. While I'm not expecting miracles from camp, I do hope it provides enough of a change to shake my body up a bit and get things moving again. At the very least, it'll be a nice change of pace mentally! 

Part of boot camp was a weigh-in/body composition/measurement session. It wasn't as dreadful as I thought it would be and I appreciated seeing the hard numbers. I hope to see some change in those when we reassess in a few weeks. I'm not really focusing on weight, however, as I know that's not a true indication of fitness, hard work or health. We've been asked to set three goals for this camp cycle, and mine are thus:

1. Complete 10 full, non-modified push-ups
2. Eat 2 servings of fruits and 4 servings of vegetables daily
3. Decrease body fat by 3%. (I have no idea if this is a reasonable goal, so I'll ask the trainer tonight. No use setting a goal that's impossible to attain.)

I think all three are doable and yet challenging. However, I know that if I want to reach my goals, I need to put in more work than just attending an hour boot camp once a week. I'm trying to be more mindful about my workouts and put some actual thought into my goals and the steps I need to take to reach them. It's also been brought to my attention that I might be working too hard and I'm not staying in the fat-burning heart-rate zone. That is a puzzle for another day, however, since that would require having some sort of gadget to actually track my HR. But it is something to consider as I move forward towards a fitter me.

Now wish me luck--boot camp hell awaits!

Race Recap: YMCA Inside/Out Triathlon

This past Sunday, Kristina and I participated in the Wichita YMCA's Inside/Out Tri. It was a VERY small race--I think 66 finishers total and most of those folks looked like they were serious athletes. Yes, there were first-timers, but their first-timers were people who obviously knew what they were doing. (Example: The first-timer who won first-place in her AG.) It was hard not to feel a little intimidated. My only goal was to not be DFL--and yes, yes, I know DFL is always better than DNS, but still, it's not where I wanted to finish.

We got there about 5:40am and as soon as we pulled into the parking lot it started POURING rain. Like "build an ark" sort of rain. We decided to wait it out a bit, but we also had to rack our bikes, check in and hit the mandatory meeting that was at 6:15. Finally about 5:50 it started letting up a tiny bit so we braved the rain and found our spots (assigned) and got our bikes up. Checked in--which was super fast since there were so few of us AND we only had a chip, no numbers at all (a first for me)--got marked up and hung out inside to warm up and dry off a bit. It finally turned to a light drizzle so we took the rest of our stuff out to set up. Thank goodness I'd brought big plastic bags to store our stuff in, so we just set up our T areas IN the bags. That system made it a little harder to fish things out during the race, but at least everything stayed dry (because the parking lot was one giant puddle). We headed back into the building and noticed it was starting to clear up and the first light of dawn was breaking. Luckily, the rain moved out of the area and stayed away the rest of the race.

The Swim: Around 7:15 we began lining up by projected finish time for our 400 (indoor swim) and waited to go. I was somewhere in the first half of the pack, which was a little unnerving at first. I thought for certain the director had made a mistake and placed me too far up front! But then I reminded myself that I AM a strong swimmer and I'd provided an accurate 400 finish estimate (8:45), so I told myself to go out there and prove I was in the right group. Soon enough I was at the edge of the pool, waiting for my turn to go! It was a serpentine swim, up one side of the lane, down the other side of the same lane, under the rope, repeat for 400m (short course). Overall, the swim went great, even though I never did get a good groove when it came to going under the rope. I suppose if I was a flip turner it would've been easier, but alas... I did pass one lady and probably could've passed another dude if I'd pushed myself, but we were all bunched up and it was crazy. Because of the clustering those of us in the middle were experiencing, there was a bit of confusion at some of the walls. I couldn't tell if the lady I passed was trying to pass me again (you could only pass at the wall), so we had a nice "you go!" "no, you go!" conversation for a few seconds. After that, I just swam as fast I could and kicked as hard as I could to put distance between me and her through the finish.

Swim (400y, indoor): 8:17, my best yet and :15 faster than my previous fastest time trial. Super happy with that time.

T1: 3:58: Still too long, but about 2 minutes faster than my last tri. As I mentioned earlier, getting my stuff out of the dry bag was a challenge, but I was grateful to not have to struggle with soggy socks and shoes AND to have a dry towel for my drippy face. I did invest in $2 toggles for my shoe laces, which saved me a bunch of time and hassle.

The Bike: Meh. Still my weakest link. It had stopped raining, so that was a nice. Got passed by a lot of folks, which isn't surprising. There ended up being quite a few hills, despite the location of the race being in a traditionally flat part of the state--nothing CRAZY, but hills nonetheless. I pushed myself hard on the first half thinking I could relax a bit on the second half (since that half was more of a decline) until I got there and realized there was a headwind. AWESOME. :/ I pushed as hard as I could and tried to keep it in my higher gears and as fast a turnover as I could to keep my pace up as best as I could. It goes without saying that I was very happy when the bike was over. And I really think that if there's ANY chance I may do any more tris next year and beyond, I have to get a different bike. I know it would make a huge difference in my overall time, not to mention my overall enjoyment of the bike portion itself. And it could probably have an effect on my run, since I wouldn't kill my legs as much on the bike. But that's a conversation for another day--at this time I'm not sure I want to invest any money there. I'll need to ponder that over the winter and see how I feel later.

Bike (11.5mi): 50:08. I was aiming for an hour or less, so no complaints other than general discomfort.

T2: 1:20: Not much to do other than drop off my bike, switch hats and grab my Nuun.

The Run: As I was running out, K was biking in so I gave my leggies a break and slowed to a jog so we could run together. The first half of the run was tough--I was out of gas and my legs were dead. Thank goodness K was there to keep me distracted! We ran most of the run portion together, until the end when we sprinted and she beat me. :P I'm totally blaming my "loss" the fact that the parking lot was wet and I couldn't get any traction. Yeah, that's totally it. Because, you know, otherwise, I would've beat her. Yeah. Totally. ;) Truthfully, she was faster on the bike and on her Ts (I only beat her on the swim portion), so she would've placed higher than me regardless of her last-minute sprint power. And also, I don't feel particularly competitive towards her, so it's all good anyway. We both finished all out, which is the most important thing.

Run (2.8 mi): 29:34, Pace: 10:34, about avg for me

Overall Time: 1:33:17
Place 57 of 66, NOT DFL. ;)

All things considered, I'm pleased with my performance. Yes, there's plenty of room for improvement (namely the bike portion and my Ts) and I still have a lot to learn about the sport. But I'm still proud of myself for doing this race at all. It helped me get over my fear of smaller races (and the dreaded DFL) and it was kind of interesting to compete w/ SERIOUS athletes. I think it was probably good for me to throw myself to the wolves, so to speak. I competed against good triathletes without the benefit of being able to hide among a huge group of participants and I lived to tell the tale. That counts for something.

Now I'm back to wondering what's next, both short-term and long-term goals. Do I want to keep participating in triathlons? Am I willing to make the financial and time commitments it takes to compete at my best? Is this really the sport for me?

I guess I have a lot to think about this winter!

I'm still here

I'm still around--sorry for the dead air. Not much happening in Motion World aside from training, training, training. This weekend is the triathlon, and I'm happy it's here. I've been neglecting my bike rides (only one ride since the last tri) and haven't done much better with swims (2 or 3 total). Thanks to half-marathon training, my running has stayed true so at least I have that!

K and I will be slogging through this together. Our vow is that neither of us will finish DFL. Let's hope we can each meet our only goal! ;)

See ya on the other side!

Next up

What's that looming on the horizon? Why, it's another sprint triathlon! Yes, I registered for a second tri. Sunday, September 18, Kristina and I will participate in the Northwest YMCA Inside Out Triathlon in Wichita.

Looking at results from previous years' events, it seems to be a very small race (under 100 participants), which is making me feel rather anxious. I'd much prefer several hundred other folks I could hide amongst, not to mention the higher the number of racers the less likely I am to come in DFL. But DFL is better than DNS, right? That's what I'm telling myself, anyway. Still, I'm nervous and hoping I don't look like a fool. I'm picturing 95 members of the Wichita Tri Club and...me.

On the positive side, I'm excited about the course itself. The swim is a POOL swim and only 400y. Hooray! The bike is only 12 miles, which will seem like a breeze after the previous tri's 15.5-miler. Since the race is in Wichita, both the bike and the run course will be flat, flat, flat. And since the race is in Wichita--my husband's hometown--I might have a few supporters cheering me on. It sounds like my parents will make the drive down from their town, I have plenty of in-laws who live in Wichita who could come watch (whether they will is a different matter), and best of all, my husband and daughter will be in town with me. I hope they'll get up and out of the house early enough to watch.

So, for the next three weeks, I'll be concentrating on triathlon stuff again--focusing on pool swims vs OWS (thank the Lord), getting back on the bike (I haven't been on a ride since the Y tri) and trying to hold steady on my runs (damn this weather!).

And after that? Well, if I tell you now, what will I talk about later?

Race Report: YWCA of Minneapolis Women's Tri

Short story: I did it! And it was awesome!

Long story: What a fantastic experience. First, I had such a great time with my friends. They're such amazing, hilarious ladies and I love them to bits. Any time we get together is always a blast, and this was no exception. (And as an aside, we were interviewed for an article in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. It was pretty fun to see a brief history of our friendship in print!)

The tri experience began Saturday with a smooth packet pick-up and informative course talk. The race organizers took the time to thoroughly explain all the nuances of the course and the race basics, which was especially helpful for us tri newbies. After that, we drove to the lake so Michelle and I could take a quick dip and get a feel for the water. The water was gorgeous--clear and clean and, as far as I could tell, fishless--although a bit more chilly than what I'm used to. (I think official temp was 76.) But we got in a short swim and I know it helped me a great deal just to see where the "magic" would happen. Organizers were setting up the transition areas while we were there, so we got to see a basic layout of things, too. After our swim--and a short downpour--Becky, the local of the group, took us out on the bike route so we could scope it out. Again, immensely helpful for me as I could finally visualize the area, see the hills and rough spots and get a better idea of what was in store.

After the bike course tour and a carb-y dinner, we headed home to pack our bags and set out our gear and rest up for our big day.

Race Day!
My day started with a surprise--my alarm didn't go off! Guess I should remember to make sure my iPod is fully charged before I decide to use it as my alarm clock. Luckily M had set HER alarm, and since we were sleeping in the same room, I woke when she did. After a quick shower, a cup of coffee and a quick breakfast, we were on the road. The sun rose as we arrived at the lake--it was still a bit chilly and foggy, but we could tell it was going to be a gorgeous day.

We quickly found our assigned rack and set up our transition areas. Michelle had purchased a huuuuge mylar unicorn balloon to mark our spot, so we got her all settled in, knowing she'd guide us back to our transition area safely. The area was bustling with activity and nervous energy. It was reassuring to see plenty of other first-timers--or at least participants who were NOT professionals/elites--and I felt much less intimidated than I thought I would. Then we picked up chips and got marked up (fun!) and double-triple-quadruple-checked our transition spots one last time and left the area so we could find the pre-race meeting.

Our wave was the second-to-last group to go, so we had plenty of time to stand around and watch everyone else get started. About the time the third or fourth wave got going, I noticed something familiar floating in the sky. Yep, our unicorn balloon had set itself free and was floating it's way to the heavens, to join the great rainbow in the sky. Sigh...

Soon enough our wave was queueing up, and every three minutes we moved a little closer to the shore. By now I was starting to get nervous and had quite a bit of excess energy. When we got to the final staging area, I thought I would burst from anticipation. I forced myself to take some deep breaths just to settle my nerves and to (hopefully) keep myself from getting out of breath as soon as I hit the water. Next thing I know they're giving us the 30-second warning. I give my girls the biggest hug I can muster and then we're off!

The Swim!
I stay to the back left (we were doing right-turns) as advised, and the first 50yds or so was the chaos you'd imagine it would be. I imagine the Buddy Waves we were in were considerably less competitive than the regular age group waves, so no one was too crazy and I even got an apology from someone who kicked me. About halfway to the first buoy, I knew I needed to find a clear spot or else I'd never get my rhythm so I managed to maneuver around a few folks to get away from the fray. From then on it was smooth swimming. I felt AWESOME. Water temp was in the mid-70s--brisk and refreshing but not freezing cold--my breathing was great, and I fell right into a good rhythm. I managed to stay on course and never had any sighting issues. Next thing I knew, I was rounding the final buoy and was on the long stretch for the beach. At this point I was still feeling great and decided to bump up the speed a little bit. I cranked it home and swam until my hands fully touched bottom and then I was up. I walked in until the water was low on my legs, so as not to waste too much energy. I really could've kept walking all the way up the beach, but I remembered I was in a race and probably should at least TRY to speed it up. ;)

Swim: 11:25 (Super pleased with that time. Zero complaints.)

Transition 1!
I hit the baby pools to rinse my feet and ran in to transition. Oy. Transition. Since I had my fancy tri suit, I didn't have much to do except put on my helmet, glasses and shoes, pound a couple Shot Bloks and grab my bike. Easy-peasy, right? For some reason, I could NOT get my shoes tied properly and had to re-tie my right one three times. Sheesh. Then I couldn't get my bike off the rack. Then once I did, I knocked it over. Then as I was leaving I tried riding it away from the rack, but luckily my friend Laura caught me and reminded me I couldn't ride it until I was at the mount line. Oy. What a flustered nightmare. At least I remembered to eat my Shot Bloks! I finally got out of there in one piece and hit the road.

T1: 5:49 (Hahaha!)

The bike!
There's not a whole lot to say about the bike course. It was long, but it was beautiful. It took us through some lovely park areas, across the river, by some beautiful houses. It was shady and had just enough downhills to give your legs a bit of a rest. A few uphills too, but nothing awful. My only issue was that my rental bike seat cut into my leg in a spot I wasn't used to--or perhaps I should've raised my seat a bit?--so I was getting some pretty bad leg/glute pain/cramps from about mile 5 onward. It made for a very, VERY long ride. I kept trying to stand and stretch that area or adjust myself on the seat to take pressure off, but nothing helped for very long. I was extremely happy when I found myself at the end of that ride. I hit the dismount line and hopped off with every intention of running in, but opting to give my legs a little walk/stretch break instead.

Bike: 1:02:52 (Totally pleased with this time, especially considering how uncomfortable i was the whole time.)

Transition 2!

Thankfully T2 went much smoother than T1. I was able to re-rack my bike much faster than it took me to un-rack it, and that was blissfully uneventful. I ditched my helmet, bandana and glasses, slid into my faux-race belt (the headband that goes to my LED headlamp), threw on my running hat and downed another Shot Blok and some water.

T2: 2:36

The run!

Our bike rack was right near the Run In entrance, so I was on the course in no time. My legs had the typical post-bike wobbles, but I expected them and took it slow and easy at first. I made it to the first aide station and had some water and dumped ice down my shirt. Ahhhh.... By now I was feeling good--it usually takes me about a mile into any run to get loosened up and find my groove, and this race was no exception. I was feeling good and was able to pass a few folks (and not just the walkers). About mile 2, I started to get a little grumpy. The run course took us all the way around the lake, and by now I was on the opposite side as the finish and the other side looked so far away. It HAD to be more than a mile to the finish line! Ugh. I grabbed another drink at the Mile 2 station and pushed on, vowing that I was NOT going to allow myself to walk this course, with the exception of aid stations. So I kept on, trying to think about other things--the scenery, other people's outfits, what kind of snack I'd have later--just to keep my mind off the distance. Soon enough I was rounding a bend and could hear the finish line announcer and the cheering crowd. I could also see a few finishers coming back to greet friends or just on their way home. I asked one of them how much farther I had left, and she told me I had just about a 1/3 of a mile! So close! Finally, I rounded the last curve and could see the big orange arch that signaled the finish line. Spectators and athletes were lining the walk, cheering folks on into the finish. I got a sudden burst of adrenaline and energy and gave it one final sprint, trying to smile the whole way in. I saw M there, and gave her a big high-five as I ran in, and she was waiting for me at the finish line to give me a big hug.

I DID IT! It was over and I DID IT!

Run: 33:32 (10:48 pace) Completely, totally, 100% happy with that.

Final finish time: 1:56:13 Overall place: 709 of 972 Age group: 145 of 190

I grabbed some water and M and I waited for Becky and Laura to come in. Becky wasn't too far behind me, and her mom ran with her to the finish. (So sweet!) Laura wasn't too far behind Becky, and Michelle and I were able to run across the finish line with her. Everyone finished with a smile on their face and, I hope, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.

It was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The event was well-run, had great post-race food, a supportive atmposphere and a beautiful venue. I couldn't have asked for a better experience for my first triathlon, and I was honored that I got to do it with three of my best friends. What an amazing day! Pics to come, eventually. ;)

I did it!

I'm working on a long race report post, but it could take me a while at the rate I'm going. However I did want to write a quick post to say that I finished with a smile on my face, I had a blast and couldn't have asked for a better first tri experience.

And my friends rule.

More to come!

Suit up!

So. I got one of these.

Voila! Instant Triathlete: Just add water!
(Sorry about the low-fi cell phone pic.)

My buddy Kristina gave me a smoking deal on her extra, too-big tri suit and I snatched it up before she had the chance to change her mind. I feel amazing in it--almost like I know what the heck I'm doing. Almost. I love the thing. It fits perfectly, although it's not as flattering from the side, where you can see my flabby belly, as it is from the angle in the pic above. But it's comfortable, light, and does the job, so there you go. And if it's true that the clothes make the (wo)man, then I'm a pro! :)

I had the opportunity to test it out Sunday (nothing like waiting 'til the last minute, right?), when Kristina and I attempted our own mini tri. We set up transition areas and everything and got in a nice OWS, short ride and even shorter run. But we hit all the disciplines, which was my goal, and I got a chance to test out my suit and my transition set-up. I think that was just what I needed to settle my nerves and organize everything in my brain.

Since this is technically taper week, I'm aiming for a couple of light runs this week, maybe a pool swim if I find that I have the time. But since my flight leaves crazy early Friday, I really only have three more days before I leave, and some of that time will be taken up by gathering, packing, and well, regular life. We'll see what I actually have time to do between now and Thursday night.

Yesterday the race organizers emailed the race guide along with a document showing our bib numbers (1096), wave assignments (Buddy Wave 5, wave 17 of 18 overall) and start time (8:48am). I guess that means this is really going to happen! The race guide sort of blew my mind in a not so good way. It was information overload, to say the least. I'll be relying on M to help me recognize and process the important things and and also to steer me away from the items that I don't need to worry about (or are common sense). I'm trusting that once I'm in the moment, it'll all make sense and fall into place.

So, as M would say, only "3 more sleeps" until I hit that plane for the Twin Cities! I can't wait to see my friends, visit a new city, and experience a new adventure! Hooray!