As you can probably tell from my last blog post, or my lack of current posts, I am not finding time to post anymore. It is wierd, but working a Monday-Friday, 9-5 job as left me feeling like I have less time than I did when I was working in retail working 40+ hours a week. Overall I like having a set schedule, and I am loving my weekends of "freedom." I use the term freedom lightly since every weekend since I have started this job we have had something going on. Whether that something is races or training, or finding time for chores. I seriously don't know how I am going to handle grocery shopping on the weekends!!
Anyway, this past weekend was no different. An action packed, not time to rest weekend. Not that I am complaining, it was an awesome weekend! On Friday night after work I ran a couple of errands, came home, ate dinner and went to bed. Saturday morning I did a 5k with two friends. I woke up at 5am, did the usual pre-race breakfast of coffee, and a wheat bagel with peanut butter. I let the pugs out, got dressed and headed out to pick up the girls. We drove to downtown Houston, parked and got to the race around 7:00--start time was 7:30.
I actually prefer running longer distances, so I am not sure why I signed up for this race. Other than my friends were doing it as well, and I was having an urge to run a race. Otherwise, what is all this running around my neighborhood for?? I decided that I needed to do a couple of warm-up laps since I typically don't get into a good groove until 3-4 miles into a run anyway. I remember being at one of my first races and seeing people doing this and thinking, man they are crazy, we are about to run a race, why WOULD they run before we start? Funny how I am one of those crazies now. After the warm up, we headed to the start, where we spotted pace group signs. I have never seen pace groups at a 5k before, and sine I didn't have Jeff there to pace me, I decided to take advantage. I lined up right behind the 8 min mile group. This plan worked well for me. I kept a steady pace of 8:16 the whole race, and had a PR by 5 seconds. I felt good the whole race, and could have maybe even pushed a little harder. Overall a great start to the weekend.
On Sunday, one of the girls that ran the 5k with me and I, and one of her friends signed up to do a super sprint relay. Somehow I ended up volunteering myself for the swimming portion of this race. It was only a 200m swim, so I wasn't too worried about it, though I did get a little nervous before the race. I could have worn a wet suit for this race, but really didn't feel like dealing with it for only 200m. Plus I have another sprint coming up in June, which will not be wet suit legal, so I wanted to get a feel for open water swimming without one. This was also my first true mass start (in Galveston we got to jump in the water ahead of time and stake out our spots). I am glad I got to experience this before June. I got kicked, grabbed, whacked, and whatever else happens out there. This threw me a little off, and it took me a minute to get a good groove going. At one point I had to kick someone off of me who kept grabbing my foot. I did ok, but was tired at the end of the swim. As a relay team we did awesome, and took 3rd place in the relay division! This swim was an eye opener for me, and I will definitely be swimming 3 times a week until my next race, or I will not be surviving the 600m. Actually I guess I am going to have to start training in all three areas, not just running if I am really going to give this sport a shot.
In between all of this. I went to celebrate two birthdays with good friends, got a pedicure, went grocery shopping, went to a sign making party for Ironman, and went to dinner and a movie. It was a busy but great weekend! Hoping I can figure out this schedule thing soon!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Who has time to blog??
Seriously, I want to know. Who has time to blog? How does everyone find time? That is all for now, I have to go to bed, so I can get up at 4am to go run, and make it to work by 7:00. Goodnight!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
I think I am crazy
Not to much going on here this weekend. Except that I signed up for another sprint! It is 7 weeks and one day away, so I need to find a new training plan! The last one I used didn't have enough running in it so I am going to do some research to find one with a better balance for all three activities. Or I might find a swim plan, a bike plan and a run plan and marry the three. I also have to report that this is my third weekend of not having to work, i.e not being in retail anymore, and I have to say it has been glorious. I can't believe I spent 6 years working weekends!
The sprint I signed up for will not be wet suit legal, and I am actually looking forward to that. I felt very constricted and unable to breath in Galveston. I am interested to see how much better my swim will be wet suit free. Also it is a longer swim distance....well just check it out
The sprint I signed up for will not be wet suit legal, and I am actually looking forward to that. I felt very constricted and unable to breath in Galveston. I am interested to see how much better my swim will be wet suit free. Also it is a longer swim distance....well just check it out
Tejas Triathlon 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
10 years of marriage, check!
Wow, Jeff and I have been married for 10 years. I never thought these 10 years would fly by so fast (and I never thought my wedding dress would be to big 10 years later! Sorry I had to throw that in). I did know that they would amazing, and that they have been!
We have spent these past 10 years growing as individuals and as a couple, which is rare and hard to do. I have been asked many times how we have made it this far? I think by always being honest with each other, not sweating the small stuff, and supporting each other always. Jeff is truly my better half and has always made me strive to be better. He brings the best out in me.
Over the past fews weeks, people have been asking us, and I have been thinking about what are we going to do to celebrate this huge milestone? We both fretted over this and finally came to this conclusion. Over the past 10 years we never done anything extra special for our anniversary. We have never been that couple. We save the extra special for random days through the year. And apparently we have been doing something right to make it this far. I could not be happier celebrating with you at home and going to bed early so you can get up to train Friday and I can get up to run. The true celebration for me will be May 21st when I watch you cross the finish line at Ironman TX!
Thanks for the best 10 years ever!!
We have spent these past 10 years growing as individuals and as a couple, which is rare and hard to do. I have been asked many times how we have made it this far? I think by always being honest with each other, not sweating the small stuff, and supporting each other always. Jeff is truly my better half and has always made me strive to be better. He brings the best out in me.
Over the past fews weeks, people have been asking us, and I have been thinking about what are we going to do to celebrate this huge milestone? We both fretted over this and finally came to this conclusion. Over the past 10 years we never done anything extra special for our anniversary. We have never been that couple. We save the extra special for random days through the year. And apparently we have been doing something right to make it this far. I could not be happier celebrating with you at home and going to bed early so you can get up to train Friday and I can get up to run. The true celebration for me will be May 21st when I watch you cross the finish line at Ironman TX!
Thanks for the best 10 years ever!!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Galveston Race Report and a name change.......
Saturday, April 9th, 2011. A date that loomed in front of me for 6 months, and then all of a sudden was here. This was the day I did my first sprint triathlon. Last week I devised my race plan. Which came down to, don't drown, don't fall, run fast. I have to say that I was able to follow my race plan to the tee!
Friday I left work early and drove down to Galveston to pick up my race packet. All though I was very nervous, this was a very smooth process. The only bump is that I didn't realize that in tri's they make you the age you will be in that year. What a bunch of crap!!! I will not be _ _ until December!! Jeff and I shopped around for a bit, though I didn't buy anything because the Ironman store didn't have anything related to the Sprint, they just had half distance items, and I didn't feel right buying any of those. I did buy some ear plugs for the swim. I tend to get lots of water in my ear while I am at the pool and I didn't want to deal with that during the race.
Friday night we went to dinner with the friends we were staying with, and with fellow blogger Jon and his girlfriend Kelly. Everyone let me pick the place since I was the once racing Saturday. I wanted pasta/seafood. We ended up at Landry's, which was awesome. We had great food, with great company. But had to cut it short so I could get some sleep. And surprisingly I did sleep. The next thing I knew the alarm was going off at the crack of dawn Saturday morning.
We got to the race site (with VIP parking) and I headed to body marking and transition. I found my spot in transition and started setting up my space. I looked and looked and looked and realized I forgot my socks. What the hell was I going to do? I went to talk to Jeff and he gave me his socks. Right after that I found a spare pair that I had in my bag! I headed out of transition and went to meet Jeff to put on my wet suit. I then headed down to the swim. The location where the race was being was doing some construction and had asked that spectators not go to the swim start. Luckily, since Jeff was volunteering with out tri club he was able to come to the start with me and hang with me for a little while. As the time for my wave to start approached I headed over to my "age" group to wait. Now all of Friday people kept asking me if I was ready and excited. My answer was no and no. I was so nervous and not excited at all. These feelings only got stronger the closer my wave got to the edge of the dock. We were lined up on a dock to jump in the ocean and every step I got closer the feeling I was going to vomit got stronger. However, I held it together and jumped in the water, where we had to wait another minute to start! However, when I jumped in I knew there was no turning back so the gun when off I started to "swim."
I have to say that I really wasn't swimming, but was doing whatever I could to propel myself forward. Whenever I started to swim like I had been practicing my breathing was all off. I couldn't get in a groove and had to flip over on my back to catch my breath. I didn't want to be one of the people that the kayaks came up to though so I tried to at least look like I was calm, cool and collected. I finally got into a groove with about 100m to go, probably because I could see the finish. I was finally out of the water. 1 down, and 2 to go. Goal achieved, I didn't drown!
After my wet suit was stripped I got to transition, which was 5:49 and finally made my way to my bike. One thing I learned is to make sure I have my Garmin on and in the mode I need it in before I start. Other than that I don't know how I will be able to speed up my transitions except with practice.
As some of you may know, the bike was my biggest fear of the race. It actually ended up not being so bad after all. It was a super windy ride, with a nice crosswind. The whole time I felt like I was going up hill. I did actually end up passing a good amount of people, and even chicked a couple of guys in the process. I was even able to drink once while on the bike. I quickly grabbed the tube for my camel back and threw it in my mouth. It was backwards, so I had to maneuver it with my tongue, but I got it and got some water. I was able to complete the bike in 47:03, which was a 16.9 pace. And I didn't fall at dismount! Goal 2 achieved!! And 1 to go!
Now for the run. I had to screw around with my Garmin again to switch to run mode. I really need to learn how to use the multi sport mode! I had another slow transition, but was finally off and running. The water station where our tri club was volunteering was the first station on the run. My legs were feeling like jello so having them there was just what I needed. I actually looked at my watch after passing them and was running a 7:49 pace! I knew I wouldn't be able to keep that up, so slowed down a bit. The run was very fun, with lots of support along the way. I felt pretty good for the most part, and even passed someone who was 10 years younger than me! I do need to practice bricks though! I ended up doing the run in 27:20, which is an 8:46 pace. According to my Garmin, the course was a little short of a 5k, but I will take it! So I will say, goal 3 achieved!
My overall finishing results are:
I had such a blast doing this race, and by the end was already thinking about doing another one, with a lot more training behind it! I think I will shoot for another sprint in October and then go from there.
And thanks to my running buddy and good friend Ruth Ann I have decided to change the name of my blog. Since I no longer work in retail and am now going to give this tri thing more of a try....hahahahah, I am going to go with the name Don't Drown, Don't Fall, Run Fast, which was her synopsis of my pre- race report. Thanks Ruthie :)
Friday I left work early and drove down to Galveston to pick up my race packet. All though I was very nervous, this was a very smooth process. The only bump is that I didn't realize that in tri's they make you the age you will be in that year. What a bunch of crap!!! I will not be _ _ until December!! Jeff and I shopped around for a bit, though I didn't buy anything because the Ironman store didn't have anything related to the Sprint, they just had half distance items, and I didn't feel right buying any of those. I did buy some ear plugs for the swim. I tend to get lots of water in my ear while I am at the pool and I didn't want to deal with that during the race.
Friday night we went to dinner with the friends we were staying with, and with fellow blogger Jon and his girlfriend Kelly. Everyone let me pick the place since I was the once racing Saturday. I wanted pasta/seafood. We ended up at Landry's, which was awesome. We had great food, with great company. But had to cut it short so I could get some sleep. And surprisingly I did sleep. The next thing I knew the alarm was going off at the crack of dawn Saturday morning.
We got to the race site (with VIP parking) and I headed to body marking and transition. I found my spot in transition and started setting up my space. I looked and looked and looked and realized I forgot my socks. What the hell was I going to do? I went to talk to Jeff and he gave me his socks. Right after that I found a spare pair that I had in my bag! I headed out of transition and went to meet Jeff to put on my wet suit. I then headed down to the swim. The location where the race was being was doing some construction and had asked that spectators not go to the swim start. Luckily, since Jeff was volunteering with out tri club he was able to come to the start with me and hang with me for a little while. As the time for my wave to start approached I headed over to my "age" group to wait. Now all of Friday people kept asking me if I was ready and excited. My answer was no and no. I was so nervous and not excited at all. These feelings only got stronger the closer my wave got to the edge of the dock. We were lined up on a dock to jump in the ocean and every step I got closer the feeling I was going to vomit got stronger. However, I held it together and jumped in the water, where we had to wait another minute to start! However, when I jumped in I knew there was no turning back so the gun when off I started to "swim."
I have to say that I really wasn't swimming, but was doing whatever I could to propel myself forward. Whenever I started to swim like I had been practicing my breathing was all off. I couldn't get in a groove and had to flip over on my back to catch my breath. I didn't want to be one of the people that the kayaks came up to though so I tried to at least look like I was calm, cool and collected. I finally got into a groove with about 100m to go, probably because I could see the finish. I was finally out of the water. 1 down, and 2 to go. Goal achieved, I didn't drown!
After my wet suit was stripped I got to transition, which was 5:49 and finally made my way to my bike. One thing I learned is to make sure I have my Garmin on and in the mode I need it in before I start. Other than that I don't know how I will be able to speed up my transitions except with practice.
As some of you may know, the bike was my biggest fear of the race. It actually ended up not being so bad after all. It was a super windy ride, with a nice crosswind. The whole time I felt like I was going up hill. I did actually end up passing a good amount of people, and even chicked a couple of guys in the process. I was even able to drink once while on the bike. I quickly grabbed the tube for my camel back and threw it in my mouth. It was backwards, so I had to maneuver it with my tongue, but I got it and got some water. I was able to complete the bike in 47:03, which was a 16.9 pace. And I didn't fall at dismount! Goal 2 achieved!! And 1 to go!
Now for the run. I had to screw around with my Garmin again to switch to run mode. I really need to learn how to use the multi sport mode! I had another slow transition, but was finally off and running. The water station where our tri club was volunteering was the first station on the run. My legs were feeling like jello so having them there was just what I needed. I actually looked at my watch after passing them and was running a 7:49 pace! I knew I wouldn't be able to keep that up, so slowed down a bit. The run was very fun, with lots of support along the way. I felt pretty good for the most part, and even passed someone who was 10 years younger than me! I do need to practice bricks though! I ended up doing the run in 27:20, which is an 8:46 pace. According to my Garmin, the course was a little short of a 5k, but I will take it! So I will say, goal 3 achieved!
My overall finishing results are:
Swim Pace Rnk T1 Bike Mph Rnk T2 Run Pace Rnk Div/Tot Final
16:39 3:20 454 5:46 47:03 15.9 341 4:03 27:20 8:46 281 19/42 1:40:49
I had such a blast doing this race, and by the end was already thinking about doing another one, with a lot more training behind it! I think I will shoot for another sprint in October and then go from there.
And thanks to my running buddy and good friend Ruth Ann I have decided to change the name of my blog. Since I no longer work in retail and am now going to give this tri thing more of a try....hahahahah, I am going to go with the name Don't Drown, Don't Fall, Run Fast, which was her synopsis of my pre- race report. Thanks Ruthie :)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Quick recap
I survived my first sprint triathlon. I had a blast, and I am hooked!
A full RR to come!
A full RR to come!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Galveston Pre Race Report
First off, thanks to my husband for the words of encouragement. You are the best. What he didn't share is that last night I had a little emotional breakdown about this upcoming race. Which was all started because of my bike seat and the position I was sitting on it. Anyway, thanks honey.
Now to steal his format for this blog post.
Race Strategy:
Show up. I will do this by talking myself out of talking myself out of doing the race. I have two days to do this. I have no idea what my race pace will be, as I have never done a sprint tri before.
My targets for the race as followed:
Swim:
Not drown. I am hoping my wetsuit will help in achieving this goal. I can only assume that my time will be twice that of the time it takes me to swim(500m) in the pool, as I will probably be zigzagging all over the place.
Bike:
Not fall in front of everyone while clipped in.
Run:
Go as fast as I can to make up time lost on swim and bike. And rehydrate since I can't drink on the bike.
With transitions I hope to be finished before they close the course.
Thanks for all the well wishes. And an unnecessary good luck to Jeff. I know you will rock this training day!
Now to steal his format for this blog post.
Race Strategy:
Show up. I will do this by talking myself out of talking myself out of doing the race. I have two days to do this. I have no idea what my race pace will be, as I have never done a sprint tri before.
My targets for the race as followed:
Swim:
Not drown. I am hoping my wetsuit will help in achieving this goal. I can only assume that my time will be twice that of the time it takes me to swim(500m) in the pool, as I will probably be zigzagging all over the place.
Bike:
Not fall in front of everyone while clipped in.
Run:
Go as fast as I can to make up time lost on swim and bike. And rehydrate since I can't drink on the bike.
With transitions I hope to be finished before they close the course.
Thanks for all the well wishes. And an unnecessary good luck to Jeff. I know you will rock this training day!
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