Here in the triathlon world... it's a little competitive.
And how could it not be? We are not competing in one sport but three at a time! So you can't just be good at one and feel among the competition. You have to master all three to really be a competitor. And that is where I am right now.
No, no I am no master. I am merely at the point of realizing that you have to master all three.
Kinda like realizing you have a problem is the first step.
(Of a total of 12? Sheesh I got a ways to go!)
So maybe I have taken a few other steps, actually completing a Tri should be a big, huge first step. Or maybe the months of preparation are the first step? Or maybe just thinking about it and deciding to do one all those months ago was the first step?Either way, even though I have decided, trained and completed a Triathlon I still feel like I am in the beginning stages.
Which is quite alright with me. I just wish that with two jobs and winter approaching fast that I could find the time to get to... oh I don't know step.. two?
It's tough though. And for those of you who don't know me. I hate winter. I love snow. I hhhaaaatteee the cold. I get it from my mother. I will go play in snow all day long but if it is just cold outside, just cold... count . me . out.
Sleet, hail, all that yucky stuff. Hate it. So as fall is creeping in I am slowly realizing this is usually the time of year I go into hiding. (I believe it's called hibernation) I am even storing some extra poundage around my waistline (and thighs for that matter) just in case its a long winter.
So how do I struggle with the multiplying responsibilities of two jobs AND my usual winter hibernation WHILE staying in shape.
With a stack of magazines and a gym membership (where the used to recognize me and now would ask me for two forms of ID because it's been so long since I have been there) and plenty of places to run bike or swim, I still have yet to feel like I have crossed a threshold.
Because as I said, triathletes are competitive. They have to be, from the little sprint distance to the Iron Man crazies. Something in all of us (yeah I lumped myself in there!)
Oh and apparently now I gotta compete with celebrities getting in the mix. J.Lo really? She couldn't have stuck with singing, dancing, acting and fashion designing now she's gotta come into my world?Thank god I beat her time. Granted it was a little bit of a difference in length but I did the math. Still beat her. (Ha!)
Okay, so maybe it's me who is a bit on the competitive side. But after reading my own blog it seems as though I lack... motivation.(no way, not me! That is unfortunately not a surprising turn of events) The first one was easy, because I had never done it before. And it was crazy to those around me.
"what the heck is a tri-ath-a-lon?"(as most of them ask) So the fire was inside. But now what?
Do I strive to beat Matthew McCoughney's time? Yeah, yeah so the Hollywood hottie beat me by 20 minutes and he biked a couple extra miles. (dangit bobby) So what?
But that isn't enough to keep me going. I tried setting my sights on Olympic distance. All that did was send me running. For like a month I ran 3.5 miles, 3-4 times a week . Then, a wall. A big, fat, ugly "you can't do it" wall. That I have yet to figure out how to climb over.
And that is where I am right now.
...stay tuned.
By the way, last Friday was indeed fabulous and I have tons of Facebook pictures to prove it.
Now if I could only find my own digital camera so I can add pics to this blog!
Showing posts with label bike. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bike. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Tri Tri again..8.6.08
Finally a day that I feel I can stop and breathe.It has been this last month in particular. Honestly, that is how I like it but quickly approaching are the new goals I have set forth. More triathlons!Yay!
Last weekend brought me a new experience in the triathlon world. I was a volunteer at an event in the Broadlands, part of the Infinitive Championship Series. It was super exciting to be behind the scenes...which is where I would rather spend my time any day. Besides the 4:45am wake up call that it required, the event was a blast. I can't get enough of the production behind events like this. And when I do get bored I choose to be an athlete participating in the event instead!
I have to say the "thanks" recieved from most athletes in attendance felt good. I was there to help with anything they needed, unless it was really important and then I would just send them to Kathleen, the "in charge" lady who recruited me from behind the counters of my day job.
I got to see first hand how a pool swim was conducted in the first leg of the race. In fact I was the person sending the swimmers in the pool every 10 seconds. Apparently 10 seconds apart is a lifetime! I thought that was rather quick but I guess passing people IS an option in the pool. Who knew? I've read about how to be passed, perhaps I should read further to learn how to be the person passing people! In due time I am sure.
Did I mention when I woke up for the event the early morning sky was a blaze with lightning? It was also the kind of wet weather that puts a damper on things but isn't enough of a nuisance to keep you from doing what you need to do. Well that weather waxed and wained all day, kind of made the race a little more interesting. Luckily it stopped in time to keep the swim leg in the race, had it not stopped lightning the race would have been turned into a duathlon. Ewww, it's bad enough that I find myself involved in events that ask you to run more than oh say... from first base to third base. (Which is much more my speed.) However if any race I enter turns into a duathlon..count me OUT! NO thank you.Running twice?Absolutely not in my world.
Well, maybe if I keep at it and find a way to actually start getting some oxygen into my lungs.Maybe then I will enjoy a run or two. Until then I won't even think about it.
One event I plan to do in September, my super cheerleader aunt is doing the duathlon. God love her.I think she is crazy and she looks at me thinking I am off my rocker too! The beauty of being a triathlete? Even seasoned runners or swimmers or cyclists think we are crazy for attempting all three in one event.
So let me jump back to the days event for a bit...After the pool and some minor duties I was in charge of post race set up and up keep.Meaning all the supplies for the athletes were to be found under my tent. I set out the spread and tried to congratulate as many athletes as I could. Part of me wished I was among them, part of me was thrilled that I had a tent to stand under as the rain came instead.
Either way I think I am starting to fall in love with triathlons. I love the sound of "triathlete", i love the sights of running, cycling and swimming past previous stopping points in my journey. I love the feel of a fit body that belongs to me! I love the community of fellow triathletes. I love the search for new gear.I love the quest to become better and I love the GIMOUNDUS goal at the end of the quest being a freaking IRONMAN. I say I don't want to do one now but I know if I get to Olympic Distance that I will have it in me. I just know it.
There is so much to do still. I have a road bike to find. I have distances to conquer. I have little nuances to learn. Luckily I have an unquenchable thirst for more! SO stay tuned as I learn the ropes of triathloning and all there is to come with it!
**Update** I wrote this post last week and was unable to find the time to edit it so I left it as a draft. Briefly before and since then I have been continuing to push myself and I have been running over 3 miles 3-5 times a week! How awesome is that? I am still convinced I have exercised enduced asthma but as I progress on the bike and in the pool as well, I think I can overcome some of my breathing issues on my own. We shall see!
Stay Tuned!
Last weekend brought me a new experience in the triathlon world. I was a volunteer at an event in the Broadlands, part of the Infinitive Championship Series. It was super exciting to be behind the scenes...which is where I would rather spend my time any day. Besides the 4:45am wake up call that it required, the event was a blast. I can't get enough of the production behind events like this. And when I do get bored I choose to be an athlete participating in the event instead!
I have to say the "thanks" recieved from most athletes in attendance felt good. I was there to help with anything they needed, unless it was really important and then I would just send them to Kathleen, the "in charge" lady who recruited me from behind the counters of my day job.
I got to see first hand how a pool swim was conducted in the first leg of the race. In fact I was the person sending the swimmers in the pool every 10 seconds. Apparently 10 seconds apart is a lifetime! I thought that was rather quick but I guess passing people IS an option in the pool. Who knew? I've read about how to be passed, perhaps I should read further to learn how to be the person passing people! In due time I am sure.
Did I mention when I woke up for the event the early morning sky was a blaze with lightning? It was also the kind of wet weather that puts a damper on things but isn't enough of a nuisance to keep you from doing what you need to do. Well that weather waxed and wained all day, kind of made the race a little more interesting. Luckily it stopped in time to keep the swim leg in the race, had it not stopped lightning the race would have been turned into a duathlon. Ewww, it's bad enough that I find myself involved in events that ask you to run more than oh say... from first base to third base. (Which is much more my speed.) However if any race I enter turns into a duathlon..count me OUT! NO thank you.Running twice?Absolutely not in my world.
Well, maybe if I keep at it and find a way to actually start getting some oxygen into my lungs.Maybe then I will enjoy a run or two. Until then I won't even think about it.
One event I plan to do in September, my super cheerleader aunt is doing the duathlon. God love her.I think she is crazy and she looks at me thinking I am off my rocker too! The beauty of being a triathlete? Even seasoned runners or swimmers or cyclists think we are crazy for attempting all three in one event.
So let me jump back to the days event for a bit...After the pool and some minor duties I was in charge of post race set up and up keep.Meaning all the supplies for the athletes were to be found under my tent. I set out the spread and tried to congratulate as many athletes as I could. Part of me wished I was among them, part of me was thrilled that I had a tent to stand under as the rain came instead.
Either way I think I am starting to fall in love with triathlons. I love the sound of "triathlete", i love the sights of running, cycling and swimming past previous stopping points in my journey. I love the feel of a fit body that belongs to me! I love the community of fellow triathletes. I love the search for new gear.I love the quest to become better and I love the GIMOUNDUS goal at the end of the quest being a freaking IRONMAN. I say I don't want to do one now but I know if I get to Olympic Distance that I will have it in me. I just know it.
There is so much to do still. I have a road bike to find. I have distances to conquer. I have little nuances to learn. Luckily I have an unquenchable thirst for more! SO stay tuned as I learn the ropes of triathloning and all there is to come with it!
**Update** I wrote this post last week and was unable to find the time to edit it so I left it as a draft. Briefly before and since then I have been continuing to push myself and I have been running over 3 miles 3-5 times a week! How awesome is that? I am still convinced I have exercised enduced asthma but as I progress on the bike and in the pool as well, I think I can overcome some of my breathing issues on my own. We shall see!
Stay Tuned!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Major Recovery 5.13.2008
Major Recovery
Current mood: 
rebellious
You better believe this will not hinder my performance on race day. I will absolutely give it my all and the result will ultimately be, me crossing the finish line with a smile on my face. Just like I set out to do.
This however may hinder my plans to go straight forward into an Olympic distance Triathlon in D.C. in September. Who knows.. I will have to stop by an actual Doctor of Medicine and see what the verdict is. After race day of course.
Besides that things are good. I just got back from a weekend full of my bestest best friend Morgan. I went down to Blacksburg to celebrate her graduation. I am so proud of her it is unbelievable. There was even an argument at dinner before her graduation that showed me just how passionate she is about what she does. She is an amazing woman and I have a lot to learn from her. But for now she is all graduated and will be coming back to me tomorrow for the summer.
( Until she leaves me again for North Carolina. 
)So this summer should be great, her and I together again! That may or may not spell trouble for everyone else around us.. so prepare yourselves accordingly.But anyway just being back down there is good for my soul. There are certain places in this world that just bring a sense of calm and peace into me. Blacksburg is one of those places. Dewey Beach is another place like that and I cannot freaking wait to get back there either. I love the people there and I have even more reason to love it now. I joked with my roommate Erin earlier in the weekend that there were so many potential new boyfriends that I couldnt decide and I may bring at least 12 of them home with me. Well little did I know that I would really meet someone that I would want to bring home with me {the others were just hotties that I spotted from across the room , but all potential boyfriends in my mind} I don't want to go all into girly mode and gush about him but I am just truly glad I went down to Blacksburg this weekend. Later this summer it may prove to be very worthwhile. I just love being back in that beginning phase... I'm pretty sure all girls love this part! Oh no am I turning into a girl again?!? Noooo!! Haha
As far as the rest of my life is concerned... I came to the conclusion that I have to do what is right for me. Seems easy enough. But that means not staying where I am . Unfortunately I feel I have been manipulated to the point that quitting will be no easy task. I don't know if it ever is but I hate giving up on things.. I hate being the bad guy and I hate walking away from a good thing. I have found that out in multiple facets of my life in the past few months. I am a big fat baby when it comes to letting things go. Even if they are meant to go and maybe they were even supposed to go much earlier. This will be a good test for me to stand up and assert myself and face the consequences. Even as I write this I have butterflies in my stomach. I have bigger and better things ahead of me and I cannot just ignore them because I am scared. I know this portion of my blog is pretty vague but it's been months of this back and forth and I am just ready to put aside all the uneasiness and move forward now. I am going to do it! Today! I am listening to my playlist on myspace...which i love. And right now Carrie Underwood's "Wasted" is on. How can I not make a move with Carrie telling me not to waste any more time! Okays so I must go, I have things I have to take care of !
And as my aunt said.. not Run Forrest Run.. instead it is now Swim Sammy the Seal Swim! And maybe even Bike Lance Bike!!!!
Days on End 4.17.2008
Days on end...
Current mood: 
adventurous
I have to say one huge aspect of continuing training is that I have told every one of my family members that I am doing it and they are cheering me on. What helps is the change that everyone is able to see in me too. I just feel good all the time now. There is something to be said for excercise. Erin and I were talking and I swear if people only knew what it does for you and how easy it is to get hooked on to fitness this world would be so much better off. Excercise is a miracle drug that most people just don't know about yet. Believe you me I am going to be preaching away about it. People know how I like to preach when I find something I truly believe in. Have you heard me talk about "the secret" ? Hahaha
So lots of things are different right now and I think I am starting to get the hang of it.I've had my ups and downs lately. The whole moving out and finding a place to live process has started again and I remember just why I hate it. Every year I seem to get up and go somewhere else. I want to get settled to some extent. I would like to know that in another 12 months I do not have to pack my shit and get on the road again. My love life is a litle rocky these days and it can really take a toll on me and my mental status but luckily I have the endorphins from exercise to keep me going at times. I miss my best friend more than words can say. She is part of me.. so when we aren't together enough, I feel like I lose a little bit of myself. She is scheduled to return soon though, thank God! And she will return a graduate of Virginia Tech, I am so proud of her! Oh and my mother recently asked me to commute up to Baltimore two days a week in order to help my Step-Grandfather heal from recent surgery and all fo the getting old struggles. He isn't doing well right now so I am not even sure if I will be making those weekly trips but what a thought. To fit into my already crazy schedule I would be in Baltimore two days a week and trying to work as much as possible to make up for those days of work lost. So naturally I figure my current place of employment can't possibly cover that for me. I must get a second or technically third job at this point. Oh gosh that is a frightening thought. If my days seem long now, I cannot imagine what they will be like in the coming weeks when I try to fit in three jobs and triathlon training and trying to start my new business without losing my social life too... oh the stresses of being a 23 year old! When it's bad it ain't that bad and when it's good.. it's freaking amazing. So I take all my complaints back and I am going to enjoy the ride.
I got a new bathing suit for my triathlon and I am in love.It is bright green and bright blue.. it's reversible so I am glad that while I will be in the water, if I start to go down.. there will be enough visibility on me that someone can come save the girl in the bright green bathing suit! Not that that will happen. I just finished a conversation with my aunt and she is super motivating. She is is great shape and a wonderful athlete and just happens to be doing a 50 mile bike ride this weekend.. what an inspiration.. gosh i love my life ...
and I cant wait... hopefully I will have much more to write about my new business venture in the coming blogs.. I am working hard and doing some research to figure out just how to get this thing right. So more to come on that note I promise!
Its almost 10 o'clock and I figure I should probably get something to eat now.
Oh and I have only a few more days until Nicole's 5k in Richmond and I am super excited that I will actually be able to RUN this year... and I know I had always planned on that since starting training but I am at the point right now where I know that I can actually do it.
Staying motivated can be tough at times but other times I find inspiration in each person around me. I have an incredible cheerleading team in the ladies that I work with. They tell me day in and day out how proud they are of me. My family thinks I am crazy and that is all the more reason to keep going because if they think I am normal.. then I must be doing something wrong! My roommate is doing her own feat of amazement in that she will be running the San Diego Marathon. Crazy woman I tell you. So she keeps me motivated too And the more results I see when I look at my ever sculpting body I cant help but get more and more addicted to the way I feel. Freaking good. Now don't get me wrong. I have my days where I feel like I can't get enough sleep even if I slept for 3 days straight and I don't want to move because the weather is just not ideal. So in those moments if any of you have words of wisdom or encouragement, feel free to pass them along. I don't use an IPOD when I train so all I have are my thoughts and to hear someones voice in my head to keep pushing me is a great help!
More to come..
Stay tuned!
Tri training Baby! 3.10.2008
So I am in week 3 of my tri training and I had planned on blogging a little more frequently to document my progress. However week 3 is the first chance I seem to have had to sit down and write. So here it is.
I cant believe how far I have already come in just 3 weeks. I still have 10 weeks to go. I am fueled by the conviction that I am going to have a rocking body by then and that will feed the addiction to fitness and/or mroe triathlons. I am already seeing results... it's crazy.
Though I would like to think that my body didn't have far to go to get into TRI shape. Clearly by the slimming and trimming already in progress I think that the physical aspect is the easiest to measure. But I feel strides ahead of where I was in February. The first time I got into the pool I was convinced that I would need floaties one race day because drowning was iminent. Today I am already able to swim the TRI distance of a half a mile. I am not swimming it very fast but I am working on my form for now. I have got plenty more weeks to hone in on speed.
The cycling aspect was what originally attracted me to the triathlon. I am a bit mroe confident in this portion of the race than anything else. I feel like I could do a Century ride later this summer... which, given some of my family members accomplishments in this field I will have quite a crew to join me should I choose to take on this feat after the triathlon. But back to the task at hand.
The running is going to be BY FAR the most difficult for me to endure. I have hated running for as long as I can remember. I am fueled by competition and back in the days of competitve softball playing I would only run to beat my teammates. I hated every second of it and still even then never ran more than 3 miles. Well that was a while ago. It seemed a mile was just enough to set a flame every msucle in my body. I am quite proud that in just these two weeks I can run two miles! Now I have a milestone that I will need to accomplish before the triathlon. And that is what my last blog was about. The Nicole Megaloudis 5k I am going to run it this year. It is only 3.2 miles but a good point in my training to make sure that I am on track. I plan on running that sucker and freaking kicking ass. That is the one downfall of my training. I am trying desperately to stick to my regimen and not push myself too hard. But I am pretty damn good at getting into my own head and convincing myself that "if you aint first, you're last" -Ricky Bobby's Dad
Obviously that quote stuck with Ricky Bobby and his belief in it led to his downfall. I am trying to keep in mind what Joe Friel { a much more respected athlete with a few more credentials as well} said and that is to set the goal of your first tiriathlon " cross the finish line with a smile on your face" and thats it. Course it would be a lot easier to smile if I was first!! I keep debating taking an IPod to the gym. To distract me and take me out of my head and just let me go. But I feel it is actually one of my strengths. I do not rely on beats or catchy songs to pump me up. I can do it all on my own. Besides you aren't allowed them on race day so why use them now?
Well, I recently celebrated my 23rd birthday. Or as I like to call myself... my Michael Jordan.. I allowed myself a few days of downtime to celebrate with all of the wonderful people in my life! I feel very blessed when this time of year comes around. I got more birthday eve wishes and happy birthday wishes than I can count. I had a fantastic group of friends and family join me for a trip to Dave and Buster's. It doesn't happen very often that I can get most of my siblings together, much less both of my parents in the same room. I was ecstatic and can't thank each and every one of them enough. The gift theme for this year? My triathlon, of course! I got new sports bras, new shorts, dri fit shirts , socks and much more. I am super excited about my moms gift which is a kitchen aid mixer. Who knows what kind of baking I can do with that sucker. I wont be baking for a while though, I have 3 cakes and a cheesecake to give away to those who can eat it. Tri training dictates, cake = bad. And although I allowed myself the few days off. I am back now and no more partying for me. My younger brother turns 21, a few days after St. Patrick's Day. And I had to pick this time to be in training? Dangit bobby. But no more alcohol for me. And especially no more cake.
One important part of my tri training?... sleep. I have not yet gotten a great pattern down of working out in the morning, going to work, then working out some more at night and getting to sleep at a decent hour.
And as the weeks pass, the blogs will come. For now, the sleep is king.
Thank you again to everyone who has already helped to make my 23rd year, my best year yet!
I cant believe how far I have already come in just 3 weeks. I still have 10 weeks to go. I am fueled by the conviction that I am going to have a rocking body by then and that will feed the addiction to fitness and/or mroe triathlons. I am already seeing results... it's crazy.
Though I would like to think that my body didn't have far to go to get into TRI shape. Clearly by the slimming and trimming already in progress I think that the physical aspect is the easiest to measure. But I feel strides ahead of where I was in February. The first time I got into the pool I was convinced that I would need floaties one race day because drowning was iminent. Today I am already able to swim the TRI distance of a half a mile. I am not swimming it very fast but I am working on my form for now. I have got plenty more weeks to hone in on speed.
The cycling aspect was what originally attracted me to the triathlon. I am a bit mroe confident in this portion of the race than anything else. I feel like I could do a Century ride later this summer... which, given some of my family members accomplishments in this field I will have quite a crew to join me should I choose to take on this feat after the triathlon. But back to the task at hand.
The running is going to be BY FAR the most difficult for me to endure. I have hated running for as long as I can remember. I am fueled by competition and back in the days of competitve softball playing I would only run to beat my teammates. I hated every second of it and still even then never ran more than 3 miles. Well that was a while ago. It seemed a mile was just enough to set a flame every msucle in my body. I am quite proud that in just these two weeks I can run two miles! Now I have a milestone that I will need to accomplish before the triathlon. And that is what my last blog was about. The Nicole Megaloudis 5k I am going to run it this year. It is only 3.2 miles but a good point in my training to make sure that I am on track. I plan on running that sucker and freaking kicking ass. That is the one downfall of my training. I am trying desperately to stick to my regimen and not push myself too hard. But I am pretty damn good at getting into my own head and convincing myself that "if you aint first, you're last" -Ricky Bobby's Dad
Obviously that quote stuck with Ricky Bobby and his belief in it led to his downfall. I am trying to keep in mind what Joe Friel { a much more respected athlete with a few more credentials as well} said and that is to set the goal of your first tiriathlon " cross the finish line with a smile on your face" and thats it. Course it would be a lot easier to smile if I was first!! I keep debating taking an IPod to the gym. To distract me and take me out of my head and just let me go. But I feel it is actually one of my strengths. I do not rely on beats or catchy songs to pump me up. I can do it all on my own. Besides you aren't allowed them on race day so why use them now?
Well, I recently celebrated my 23rd birthday. Or as I like to call myself... my Michael Jordan.. I allowed myself a few days of downtime to celebrate with all of the wonderful people in my life! I feel very blessed when this time of year comes around. I got more birthday eve wishes and happy birthday wishes than I can count. I had a fantastic group of friends and family join me for a trip to Dave and Buster's. It doesn't happen very often that I can get most of my siblings together, much less both of my parents in the same room. I was ecstatic and can't thank each and every one of them enough. The gift theme for this year? My triathlon, of course! I got new sports bras, new shorts, dri fit shirts , socks and much more. I am super excited about my moms gift which is a kitchen aid mixer. Who knows what kind of baking I can do with that sucker. I wont be baking for a while though, I have 3 cakes and a cheesecake to give away to those who can eat it. Tri training dictates, cake = bad. And although I allowed myself the few days off. I am back now and no more partying for me. My younger brother turns 21, a few days after St. Patrick's Day. And I had to pick this time to be in training? Dangit bobby. But no more alcohol for me. And especially no more cake.
One important part of my tri training?... sleep. I have not yet gotten a great pattern down of working out in the morning, going to work, then working out some more at night and getting to sleep at a decent hour.
And as the weeks pass, the blogs will come. For now, the sleep is king.
Thank you again to everyone who has already helped to make my 23rd year, my best year yet!
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