Wednesday I strategically contorted my bike into the back of my parents convertible just in case the threatening thunderstorms held off long enough to practice the swim to bike transition during the Wednesday night CNY Tri club practice tri. As I trudged into murky Oneida Lake for the second time, Elyssa was braving the sludgy slimy weedy water in her first attempt. We made it out 14 minutes later (two minutes less than last week) with cut up feet and seaweed clinging to us very much against our will. I took my time transitioning (it's really difficult to pull bike shorts on over a bathing suit... and sneakers for that matter. Luckily my tri suit came the other day and I won't have to worry about any of that in the actual tri. Once on our bikes, Angela joined in for the 14 mile bike course (we had planned on doing half but missed our turn). Elyssa took off, and not wanting to be left behind Angela and I chased after. Thus ensued an unending 14 mile cycling sprint at an average speed of about 22 mph. I don't know how we managed but knowing riding like that is even possible makes me really excited about race day. As we glided back to transition I was more than ready to throw in the towel but Elyssa wanted to run. So off we went for one very uncomfortable mile. As hard as it was I think it was a good prep for the race. I at least feel like it's a good possibility I will be able to finish in one piece.
Last night I ran about a mile and this morning I did a little less than my normal swim. I think tapering may be harder than I thought it would be. It sounds easy to take it easy for a week but I feel a little like I'm being lazy and I don't know what to do with all of this extra free time. I watched a few videos of transition and how to change a bike tire... my stomach is starting to turn with looming race day jitters. Game day is in the 10 day forecast and it looks promising so far, 85 and sunny. With no wet suit I have a feeling I might freeze in the morning but maybe the adrenaline will have a warming effect. Lets hope so.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
life goes on
Over the last few days I've been grateful for my involvement with this triathlon as it's given me something to distract me from my recent sorrows. Without it I might still be curled up in bed watching movies I've seen hundreds of times. Lucky for me after the initial crappy coming back from the wallowing depths of my own self pity workouts I got back on track yesterday.
Angela, me and road bike rookie Amanda went out for a ride. Aside from getting a gear stuck and almost falling off my bike and actually falling off the road while trying to ride uphill with no hands it was a good ride. I think I scraped up my pedal when I went off the road though... at least I didn't scape up me. After I went for a run, which initially was going to be a 1 mile jog but turned into what I think must have been at least two. I was pretty proud of myself when I got back to my car... that was my longest brick so far. It helped that it was breezy and much less humid than it has been lately.
As I started to drive away I noticed a business card under my wiper. I stopped and pulled it off and read the following "I saw your Trek that shits hot yea!! -Lee," I'm glad my Trek is so impressive that Lee felt the need to leave me a note and express his sentiments... I'm also a little glad I put the lock on the bike rack that night. No offense to Lee whoever he may be.
Tonight I was planning on swimming but I had to bike back from the mechanics after dropping my car off. It wasn't far but the brick from last night is catching up with me today so I took tonight off to recover. Tomorrow is another open water swim, I'm already nervous but as long as it doesn't rain maybe I'll be able to take a minute or two off my time by eliminating the whole doggy paddling thing. My goal is to get it over with as soon as possible!
I ordered a Tri suit the other day so hopefully it will come tomorrow or the next day and with any luck it will fit... can't wait to try it out!
Angela, me and road bike rookie Amanda went out for a ride. Aside from getting a gear stuck and almost falling off my bike and actually falling off the road while trying to ride uphill with no hands it was a good ride. I think I scraped up my pedal when I went off the road though... at least I didn't scape up me. After I went for a run, which initially was going to be a 1 mile jog but turned into what I think must have been at least two. I was pretty proud of myself when I got back to my car... that was my longest brick so far. It helped that it was breezy and much less humid than it has been lately.
As I started to drive away I noticed a business card under my wiper. I stopped and pulled it off and read the following "I saw your Trek that shits hot yea!! -Lee," I'm glad my Trek is so impressive that Lee felt the need to leave me a note and express his sentiments... I'm also a little glad I put the lock on the bike rack that night. No offense to Lee whoever he may be.
Tonight I was planning on swimming but I had to bike back from the mechanics after dropping my car off. It wasn't far but the brick from last night is catching up with me today so I took tonight off to recover. Tomorrow is another open water swim, I'm already nervous but as long as it doesn't rain maybe I'll be able to take a minute or two off my time by eliminating the whole doggy paddling thing. My goal is to get it over with as soon as possible!
I ordered a Tri suit the other day so hopefully it will come tomorrow or the next day and with any luck it will fit... can't wait to try it out!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
in Memoriam
To say that today was awful would be an understatement, it was a day I wished would never come. Today I had to say goodbye to my first and favorite workout buddy. My sister and I had to make the decision to have our horse Misty put down today due to a fluke infection that ultimately damaged the nerves which are necessary for horses to swallow.
Of all the sports I've ever played none have ever been as exciting or as fulfilling as horseback riding. Riding is typically thought of to be an "individual sport." I know better though, there's not an equestrian anywhere that would find success without their horse. And mine was the best. I never rode a horse I liked riding as much as Misty, it was as if we were meant to find each other.
It was the sport that sparked the spirit of competition in me. With every success I was on top of the world and on the days that didn't go so well I always had a furry shoulder to cry on. She was forgiving when I made mistakes, tested my limits when I wanted to give up and was always there with a nudge to encourage and comfort me. She taught me patience, courage, how to win and lose, the value of hard work and determination and a million other things over the 15 years I was lucky enough to spend with her. She was a best friend and loyal partner who will hold a place in my heart forever.
My favorite memory of her was on a day when I let her run as fast as she could across a grassy field, the excitement and pure joy of being on a running horse is hard to beat and I think she liked running in the open best too. There are many other quiet memories I remember, sitting in her stall while she sleepily licked the salt off my hands, when she would nuzzle my pockets looking for carrots, the way she'd come running when I opened a package of graham crackers and the way she put her head up in the air when you itched her favorite spot. It's never easy to say goodbye to someone who meant so much to you and sadly this day came too soon for everyone who knew and loved Misty. She was a wonderful horse, more than any two little girls could have ever asked for. She will be missed.
Of all the sports I've ever played none have ever been as exciting or as fulfilling as horseback riding. Riding is typically thought of to be an "individual sport." I know better though, there's not an equestrian anywhere that would find success without their horse. And mine was the best. I never rode a horse I liked riding as much as Misty, it was as if we were meant to find each other.
It was the sport that sparked the spirit of competition in me. With every success I was on top of the world and on the days that didn't go so well I always had a furry shoulder to cry on. She was forgiving when I made mistakes, tested my limits when I wanted to give up and was always there with a nudge to encourage and comfort me. She taught me patience, courage, how to win and lose, the value of hard work and determination and a million other things over the 15 years I was lucky enough to spend with her. She was a best friend and loyal partner who will hold a place in my heart forever.
My favorite memory of her was on a day when I let her run as fast as she could across a grassy field, the excitement and pure joy of being on a running horse is hard to beat and I think she liked running in the open best too. There are many other quiet memories I remember, sitting in her stall while she sleepily licked the salt off my hands, when she would nuzzle my pockets looking for carrots, the way she'd come running when I opened a package of graham crackers and the way she put her head up in the air when you itched her favorite spot. It's never easy to say goodbye to someone who meant so much to you and sadly this day came too soon for everyone who knew and loved Misty. She was a wonderful horse, more than any two little girls could have ever asked for. She will be missed.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Panic! At the Lake Front
So today was the day of my very first open water swim. 600m same as the tri.
We arrived at the practice late and just had enough time to sign in and head over to the start where swimmers were already entering the water. I should mention I did not want to go in at all, I was ready to throw in the towel before I even got wet, thankfully Angela convinced me that we could do it. A fellow triathlete filled us in on the course as I tried to keep down my sport beans.
The first few steps into the water were sandy but very shortly after my feet met rock and weeds. At this point I glanced back longingly at the shore and told myself that if the lady who looked like she might be close to 3 times my age can do it, I should buck up and swim. As soon as I put my face in the water I realized that this would be mostly a blind swim as I could see absolutely nothing. The first buoy looked like it was a mile away. I broke out the doggie paddle and couldn't bring myself to actually swim for at least 150 yards. I finally decided that if I wanted to get anywhere I had to swim like a real swimmer and once I started the front crawl it was much easier going. But I was terrified most of the swim. Every time I thought I might be over my head I wished I had a pair of floaties. Every time the weeds touched me I wanted to crawl out of my own skin. Slowly but surely I started passing people and getting closer and closer to shore... it was mostly scary after that last turn towards home... I think it's over my head almost the whole way back. I finished well though and wasn't too out of breath. I think my time was about 16:20. Considering the panic attack, the fact that we were that last people in the water and the one or two times I walked in the shallow water I thought that was pretty good for a first try. Angela did well too, despite not ever wanting to do it again and cutting her knee on a rock I think she'll be back for more. It would be nice to get another under our belts before the Tri, maybe next week.
I have two things to work on, not practically swimming circles around people to get by and sighting so I don't swim to the right so bad.
I've had a very bad week of sleep and more stress and worry than I can handle. Emotional stress is as debilitating as physical stress if not more. I'm going to try and at least get a good nights sleep and hopefully I'll have some time to run and bike tomorrow.
We arrived at the practice late and just had enough time to sign in and head over to the start where swimmers were already entering the water. I should mention I did not want to go in at all, I was ready to throw in the towel before I even got wet, thankfully Angela convinced me that we could do it. A fellow triathlete filled us in on the course as I tried to keep down my sport beans.
The first few steps into the water were sandy but very shortly after my feet met rock and weeds. At this point I glanced back longingly at the shore and told myself that if the lady who looked like she might be close to 3 times my age can do it, I should buck up and swim. As soon as I put my face in the water I realized that this would be mostly a blind swim as I could see absolutely nothing. The first buoy looked like it was a mile away. I broke out the doggie paddle and couldn't bring myself to actually swim for at least 150 yards. I finally decided that if I wanted to get anywhere I had to swim like a real swimmer and once I started the front crawl it was much easier going. But I was terrified most of the swim. Every time I thought I might be over my head I wished I had a pair of floaties. Every time the weeds touched me I wanted to crawl out of my own skin. Slowly but surely I started passing people and getting closer and closer to shore... it was mostly scary after that last turn towards home... I think it's over my head almost the whole way back. I finished well though and wasn't too out of breath. I think my time was about 16:20. Considering the panic attack, the fact that we were that last people in the water and the one or two times I walked in the shallow water I thought that was pretty good for a first try. Angela did well too, despite not ever wanting to do it again and cutting her knee on a rock I think she'll be back for more. It would be nice to get another under our belts before the Tri, maybe next week.
I have two things to work on, not practically swimming circles around people to get by and sighting so I don't swim to the right so bad.
I've had a very bad week of sleep and more stress and worry than I can handle. Emotional stress is as debilitating as physical stress if not more. I'm going to try and at least get a good nights sleep and hopefully I'll have some time to run and bike tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Over that Hurdle
I finally hit my stride in the pool, or maybe I should say stroke... a few days ago I had a pretty good swim workout. My competitive spirit showed up after a long leave of absence when I found myself in the lane next to a fellow swimmer and lagging a bit behind. I slowly began to lengthen the glide portion of my stroke and have also been trying not to breathe on every stoke. It wasn't long before I caught up to him and passed him by... of course he might still have been able to kick my newly confident butt in any sort of distance race.
Today I was supposed to go Sailing, which I consider a workout on certain days. The wind proved too much for us however and thanks to a low battery on my brother's motor I at least got a little upper body workout in while I paddled his 28 foot sailboat back to the dock. After my nautical plans for the day had sunk, I decided to take my bike out for a quick ride before lap swim tonight. After a 30 min ride I had a mental fight with myself over swimming tonight and the motivated side won. So off to the pool I went with one knee feeling like it had been hit with a hammer and my now typical feeling of exhaustion. After losing count of my laps multiple times I figured in 15 minutes I must have at least come close to the Tri distance, so I waited, caught my breath and then swam 6 full laps (12 lengths) without so much as touching the side of the pool. Up until now I seriously wondered A) if all the swimming I have been doing is actually making me any better and B) if I'd ever be able to swim 600m consecutively without a hungry shark on my tail. As slow as I may have been I was hardly winded... There's hope for me yet!
Listening to: Closer to Fine/ Indigo Girls
Today I was supposed to go Sailing, which I consider a workout on certain days. The wind proved too much for us however and thanks to a low battery on my brother's motor I at least got a little upper body workout in while I paddled his 28 foot sailboat back to the dock. After my nautical plans for the day had sunk, I decided to take my bike out for a quick ride before lap swim tonight. After a 30 min ride I had a mental fight with myself over swimming tonight and the motivated side won. So off to the pool I went with one knee feeling like it had been hit with a hammer and my now typical feeling of exhaustion. After losing count of my laps multiple times I figured in 15 minutes I must have at least come close to the Tri distance, so I waited, caught my breath and then swam 6 full laps (12 lengths) without so much as touching the side of the pool. Up until now I seriously wondered A) if all the swimming I have been doing is actually making me any better and B) if I'd ever be able to swim 600m consecutively without a hungry shark on my tail. As slow as I may have been I was hardly winded... There's hope for me yet!
Listening to: Closer to Fine/ Indigo Girls
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Up a creek with no pool
Ok I'm starting to worry. After a pretty pathetic week of "training" I figured this morning would be a good time to get back to the grindstone. Too bad the YMCA closed the pool again. Why can't they coordinate with my lack of motivation days? I've hardly been in a pool over the last two weeks and I still can't swim more than 4 lengths without gasping for air. With just under 4 weeks to go I see this as being a problem. If I ever do another Tri I'm going to follow an actual training schedule... it's too easy to say I'd rather bike today or 25 minutes of swimming is enough for one day.
I ran again this morning... I still think about 20 minutes is my limit, hopefully adrenaline trumps exhaustion when I'm actually in the race. Biking tomorrow, I'm hoping for a nice day and am looking forward to Angela's return so I have my cycling buddy back... it's much more fun with someone else.
I ran again this morning... I still think about 20 minutes is my limit, hopefully adrenaline trumps exhaustion when I'm actually in the race. Biking tomorrow, I'm hoping for a nice day and am looking forward to Angela's return so I have my cycling buddy back... it's much more fun with someone else.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Onieda Lake Sea Monsters
The weather is sapping away every ounce of what little energy I once had. I am not a fan of the thermostat when it goes above 85 degrees. And even less so when I have some sort of evil sinus infection/virus that refuses to vacate my head. I should be swimming right now but after my tuesday night swim I'm embarrassed to show my face at the YMCA. Seconds after clicking my lock down on my locker I realized I no longer had the combination to reopen my locker. Thankfully I had the pool all to myself as I gasped and heaved myself through a measly 15 laps. Afterward, upon my return to my hopelessly locked locker I stood in the Y's lobby dripping wet while I reluctantly asked the volunteer to chop off my padlock so I could then drive myself home. All for 25 minutes of swimming. Maybe tomorrow will be a better day for it.
My interest was sparked the other day when Angela and I came across a skeleton by the lake that we thought might have belonged to some type of eel. I looked up fish of the great lakes to see what kind of fish might be swimming along below me, or hopefully, way the eff away from me. I have a love hate relationship with the internet and this is one of the times I hate it...
These fish are in Lake Ontario and Oneida Lake...
I may have nightmares for the rest of my life.
I wish I would have come across this when I first signed up...
I would be blogging about scrap booking right now.
All I can say is that I hope they are scared of slow moving swimmers
or maybe just have an aversion to human food sources.
Maybe my next tri should have a pool swim.
I ran in 90 degree weather for 20 minutes yesterday before I thought the threat of fainting was imminent and decided to stop. I'll be glad when the heat wave is gone.
My interest was sparked the other day when Angela and I came across a skeleton by the lake that we thought might have belonged to some type of eel. I looked up fish of the great lakes to see what kind of fish might be swimming along below me, or hopefully, way the eff away from me. I have a love hate relationship with the internet and this is one of the times I hate it...
These fish are in Lake Ontario and Oneida Lake...
I may have nightmares for the rest of my life.
I wish I would have come across this when I first signed up...
I would be blogging about scrap booking right now.
All I can say is that I hope they are scared of slow moving swimmers
or maybe just have an aversion to human food sources.
Maybe my next tri should have a pool swim.
I ran in 90 degree weather for 20 minutes yesterday before I thought the threat of fainting was imminent and decided to stop. I'll be glad when the heat wave is gone.
Monday, July 5, 2010
New Rides
I keep forgetting to snap a picture or our new road bikes but I finally decided it was past time to show them off. Angela's is on the left and mine is on the right. They certainly make our bike routes much easier and a whole lot faster. We conquered the massive hill again this morning despite the 82 degree weather around 10 Am. I'll be glad the Tri is early if it's going to be any where near as hot as it was today today. After our 12 mile ride we treated ourselves to a frozen banana and some ice cream. And then put our backs into sailing for two hours in the mid day heat. With all the running around we did today I felt like I sweat a few buckets... it was gross, with the humidity I probably could have swam through the air today. I'm looking forward to getting back into the pool, hopefully tomorrow.
For once my knees didn't hurt today. I'm not sure what triggers the pain I just know sometimes it's killer and then sometimes it's non existent... I'm planning on a run tomorrow hopefully it's not unbearable to be outside and the knees don't protest.
The three day weekend was nice but felt like a regular one, I'm glad the week will be a short one already looking forward to my next day off :o)
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Top Ten
This morning I dragged myself out of bed, made it to the YMCA by 7:45 and after walking in the door was promptly told the pool is closed til at least Tuesday. I'm on a schedule here people... I can't afford to take a break at this point. I'm tossing around the idea of an open water swim in Lake Ontario on Monday. That would be a big step for me, and I'm not sure I'm ready yet.
So after my failed attempt at swimming this morning I took the bike out and rode for about an hour. It was a beautiful day and since I was trekking it alone today I had plenty of time to compose this list of my top ten favorite things about biking and the top ten least favorite things...
Top Ten Favorite Things:
1. Noticing things I wouldn't have in a car
2. Riding down big hills
3. Friendly cyclists
4. Scenery
5. Shot Bloks and Sport Beans
6. Turning for home
7. Wildlife sightings
8. Being outside in the country on nice days
9. Going 30 mph
10. Riding a road bike instead of a hybrid
Top Ten Least Favorite Things:
1. Wind
2. Potholes
3. Crazy drivers
4. Climbing gigantic hills
5. Road kill, skunks and frogs in particular
6. Gravel
7. Railroad tracks
8. Bugs
9. Sewer grates
10. Being chased by dogs
Tomorrow is looking like an early morning running day, anything above 75 degrees really hurts my motivation to work out. Best to get it done and over, especially when referring to running.
Happy 4th of July!!!
So after my failed attempt at swimming this morning I took the bike out and rode for about an hour. It was a beautiful day and since I was trekking it alone today I had plenty of time to compose this list of my top ten favorite things about biking and the top ten least favorite things...
Top Ten Favorite Things:
1. Noticing things I wouldn't have in a car
2. Riding down big hills
3. Friendly cyclists
4. Scenery
5. Shot Bloks and Sport Beans
6. Turning for home
7. Wildlife sightings
8. Being outside in the country on nice days
9. Going 30 mph
10. Riding a road bike instead of a hybrid
Top Ten Least Favorite Things:
1. Wind
2. Potholes
3. Crazy drivers
4. Climbing gigantic hills
5. Road kill, skunks and frogs in particular
6. Gravel
7. Railroad tracks
8. Bugs
9. Sewer grates
10. Being chased by dogs
Tomorrow is looking like an early morning running day, anything above 75 degrees really hurts my motivation to work out. Best to get it done and over, especially when referring to running.
Happy 4th of July!!!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Back on Track
Went for my first real run in almost two weeks tonight. And by real run I mean my 11 minute mile pace for all of 2.5 miles. My 17 year old self would be hanging her head in shame. I didn't stop though, and my glass half full perspective of this whole thing is telling me that I will at least be able to finish this race.
Tomorrow morning I'm hoping to get in the pool and be able to ignore the violent protests my legs are sure to give. Walking up stairs after running and biking has become more of a challenge than I ever expected to encounter before the age of 60.
Speaking of protests, I think my lovely dog has found his own way of showing his displeasure in my frequent absences. I plan on making it up to him this weekend and trying to incorporate him into the work outs more often. If he won't accept my apology we may need to find an alternative place of residency. Hopefully it's nothing a trip to the dog park and a bag of puperoni can't fix.
The second round of antibiotics is now gone, my fingers are crossed that the sinus infection is too. We'll see...
Listening to: Good Life / OneRepublic
Tomorrow morning I'm hoping to get in the pool and be able to ignore the violent protests my legs are sure to give. Walking up stairs after running and biking has become more of a challenge than I ever expected to encounter before the age of 60.
Speaking of protests, I think my lovely dog has found his own way of showing his displeasure in my frequent absences. I plan on making it up to him this weekend and trying to incorporate him into the work outs more often. If he won't accept my apology we may need to find an alternative place of residency. Hopefully it's nothing a trip to the dog park and a bag of puperoni can't fix.
The second round of antibiotics is now gone, my fingers are crossed that the sinus infection is too. We'll see...
Listening to: Good Life / OneRepublic
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Slacking Off
Five weeks to go!
Crap.
Thank God for 3 day weekends, I'm really looking forward to getting three or four decent workouts in during the next few days. I've been really slacking with my running lately and haven't been much better with swimming. It's starting to feel like I forgot to study for a major test that I have to take tomorrow. I had my first triathlon nightmare where I skipped my brothers wedding to go biking and rode by the ceremony and realized my mistake. Then I realized I was supposed to be the photographer and had something resembling an anxiety attack all within my dream state. It'll be a miracle if I sleep at all in the weeks leading up to the big day.
Angela and I tried to keep up with the pros on Tuesday... thanks to a stop light and some straggling slow starters we kept the group of jacked up cyclists in view for all of 7 minutes. After that we resumed our usual pace and route. It might be nice to work up to a group ride that we can actually partake in someday... I think that will be my next mini goal.
Someone told me today to train with hand paddles when I swim... along with the Zoomers I'm going to look like an otter... I only wish I could use the swim aids when I'm out in the middle of Oneida lake trying not to drown.
For now I need sleep, I'm not sure how pro triathletes fit it into their schedules it's definitely been hard to come by lately.
Crap.
Thank God for 3 day weekends, I'm really looking forward to getting three or four decent workouts in during the next few days. I've been really slacking with my running lately and haven't been much better with swimming. It's starting to feel like I forgot to study for a major test that I have to take tomorrow. I had my first triathlon nightmare where I skipped my brothers wedding to go biking and rode by the ceremony and realized my mistake. Then I realized I was supposed to be the photographer and had something resembling an anxiety attack all within my dream state. It'll be a miracle if I sleep at all in the weeks leading up to the big day.
Angela and I tried to keep up with the pros on Tuesday... thanks to a stop light and some straggling slow starters we kept the group of jacked up cyclists in view for all of 7 minutes. After that we resumed our usual pace and route. It might be nice to work up to a group ride that we can actually partake in someday... I think that will be my next mini goal.
Someone told me today to train with hand paddles when I swim... along with the Zoomers I'm going to look like an otter... I only wish I could use the swim aids when I'm out in the middle of Oneida lake trying not to drown.
For now I need sleep, I'm not sure how pro triathletes fit it into their schedules it's definitely been hard to come by lately.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)