Emotional Battles

Training, some days are perfect.  You get out there and swim, bike or run and push yourself, finish and feel great, tired, and a little sore when you finish.  That is the way it should be.  You are getting stronger and more fit.  Prepping for the race.  Then there are the off days...those days when you get out there and just fall short or even worse - fail! 
I know that everyone has those days, but it doesn't help when it happens.  I don't know why, but it feel like I have been beaten up and knocked out!  It is more mentally challenging for me.  I know that physically, I can accomplish anything I set out to do!  But one bad workout and my mindset gets all out of whack!  That's what happened a week ago. 
I was swimming out at the Cove - it was a beautiful day and perfect conditions, and what do I do?  I have a panic attack 1/4 mile out! It's happened once before, and that was the worst.  This time I managed to swim back to shore - but it shook my confidence.  Now my whole mental game is off.   Add to that the general life stresses and I am having a hard time getting my grove back! 
Today at least I had a great spin class - now I need to carry that momentum forward....
I need to get back in the water and have some great and encouraging friends that are backing me, but I am still a bit unsure of my self.  It is something I have been successful at in the past, I just can't shake the feeling of failure!
Has anyone else felt that way?  What are some ways to help get past it that have worked for you?  I would love to hear!

One step closer to IM

So it is official now!  I have 2 volunteer positions at IMAZ this fall.  I'll be doing body marking with my friend Rachel and working a run aid station towards the en of the run (this is the one I really wanted - cuz I know that I'll be out there then),  Thanks to Pattie K. who told me to make sure I get a "speedpass" position, I did and will get priority registration for the 2014 race!  Rachel and I have our room booked and are planning our trip.  It's going to happen! 

This means that the reality of my full Ironman is one step closer now!  It's funny that felling of excitement and nerves hit me after I signed up to volunteer.  This isn't even the race sign up yet!  I think that enormity of the Ironman hits me as it becomes more real and less the dream.  I know that the day I actually commit to the race will be a real mind bender! 

Since my boot camp ended, I have been kind of lazy - it has been nice.  But this week I am back at it and my body is noticing the change!  I need to get a real schedule down and work on some serious spin skills.  My cadence is way too slow.  I also know that right now my race times, lets just say are not compatible with the IM cut offs.  Obviously this could be an issue.  So I defiantly need to train to be faster! 

That said - I have over a year to ready myself and  I know I can do it! 

Back to Self Motivation

Well, it's been over a week since my boot camp ended and I have managed one,,,just one workout and it wasn't stellar.  I need to figure out something to get me moving again.  I think that a run this morning couldn't hurt.  Plans to get to the pool this week too - I am missing the water! 

A long week

What a crazy week it was.  I can't believe that one week ago I was getting ready to run the Rock N Roll San Diego half marathon!   I checked on FB to see if any of my running buddies had planned on running but were not for whatever reason going to.  I said I would!  So, when I got home from my Saturday run, I found out that I was running the race on Sunday!   YAY ME! 

It was a very early morning and a fun course.  I got to hang with some friends and enjoyed the day.  It was my best half this year, although not my best ever.  I will say that I was again under trained and felt it all week.  I indulged myself by sleeping in on Monday and not going to the 7am Kaia boot camp class.  I went to the 6:45 class and boy was it tough.  In fact all the classes this week seemed harder and I was so tired.  My calves were tight and I was grateful for the stretching that  I we did in class. 

Today was the first day my body felt back to normal.  I have one more week if the boot camp and the my plan is to start back with some more intense tri specific training and continue with the strength training as well.  I really need it! 

I joined the Nike SF lottery again.  It would be great to get in,  this is the 10th year and I enjoy the weekend up in the Bay Area.  Plus it is one of my favorite races.  The only other thing that I want to sign up for is the volunteer spot at IM AZ.  With the cost of races being so high, I am going to be more selective on what I choose to register for.  Right now, Mike and I have nothing on the books.  I am working hard on training for "fun" for training it self....but for me without a race on the horizon, it is a challenge.  I believe that my Ironman goals are stronger than my desire to sleep in and lounge! 

Feeling Good!

I am 3 weeks into my Kaia FIT boot camp - I am seeing a big difference in my body and feeling so much stronger.  I am wiped out each night - especially if I do a double!  Yes that's right two classes in one day.  Today we went back and did a class from the first week - it felt harder.  I don't know if I am tired or just my body is feeling all the work its been doing. 

Now I have been home for a bit and my energy level is up!  Much better than yesterday - I was so fatigued and had no drive at all!  I am looking forward to going in to my craft room and getting some real play time in today.  I may even enjoy the the pool. 

Later today, Mike and I have a mate date to go to the Botanical Gardens for a food and wine tasting.  Yum, can't wait! 

So, I need to find some new goal...once boot camp is over, I don't have any races or athletic commitments.  I am going to enter the Nike lottery with a friend, but there is no guarantee with that, and the race is in October.  Also I am planning on getting volunteer spot for IMAZ - but there is no running there!  Any suggestions?  I need some local races and maybe a few tris. 

What are some of the San Diego favorites?  I would love to hear what people like and why. 

Moving slow this morning!

Good morning!  Well I survived another "double" Kaia FIT session yesterday!  The first at 7am and the second at 6:45pm.  Got home and took a nice hot, long shower, but it still took me a while to wind down.  I slept like the dead!  I am still moving very slow this morning and am procrastinating by playing on the Internet! :) I need to get on it and get my workout in!  But, there is still coffee in my cup, so it will have to wait just a bit more!
I think, I am going to get on my bike and see where it takes me...may not be far as it is on the trainer, so a spin session is probably what it will be!  Thanks to Spnervals, it won't be an easy one! I have a nice little collection of their DVD's but there is just one more I want...the IMAZ course DVD.  That's on my wish list!
Thankfully today is the last day of our "Game On" diet.  I am ready for a break.  It has been nice to loose some weight, but I am looking forward to eating a slightly more diverse selection of food!  Some of this is my own doing because there are a few "easy" foods that are my go to foods on this diet, and I have eaten allot of them!  Others, just are not on the approved list!  I have been craving popcorn with homemade butter and fresh parm cheese!  Oh the yummieness!! One more day! 

UGH!

I just don't know what happened, gained 3 lbs over night!  Yes I did have my diet day off and I ate some yummy things, but 3lbs!  UHG!  So, I guess that I can never eat off plan again!  Lucky me! 
That's ok,  I will have it all off by the end of our game on Wednesday!
Today, I am looking forward to just relaxing a bit more and finishing up the little project I started yesterday -transforming 2 ugly old mirrored sconces to a beautiful bronzed look.  We shall see what happens.  I say this so you know that I am giving my body a nice day off from working out!   It deserves it!  REALLY! :)
Yesterday I tracked 2 friends as they made their second Ironman race in Texas.  For one of them, this wasn't his race, and he had to call it during the bike.  This is a reality that I need to be ok with mentally, as not every race will be a great one! (I know this from my recent Safiri PArk -super bad race, just no energy.)  However, his wife, made a great finish and is now a 2 time Ironman!  It is so inspiring watching that!   

YAY ME!  I am finally back to training!  Its been so great - I signed up for a Kaia FIT 6 week boot camp.  I am loving it.  I have never really worked my core or upper body the way they are working.  I am already felling stronger and healthier.  I have also been playing the Game On Diet with Mike and some friends.  So far I am down about 8 pounds!  I really see the finish line of IMAZ getting to be a reality. 
I need to get back into the pool and on the bike.  This week is looking good for that!  The weather has been so great here I can't wait to start enjoying summer! 

Volunteering

It's early Friday morning and I am up infusing myself with coffee and having "special Boy Dog time".  That's when Seuss gets to come downstairs with me and be the good couch while I wake up.  He loves it. 
I knew it would be here eventually, the CA 70.3 I have been wanting to do for 2 years now is tomorrow and although I am registered, I won't be racing!  At least my back feels better now and Dr. Rob has said I could get on my trainer and do some easy spin - it's not the same as doing a tri! 
Thankfully, I will be able to go down today and help out with packet pickup and I am planning on going to see at least the race start tomorrow with my fried Rachel.  Definitely not the same, but should be fun! 

One more day of rest then HOT CHOCOLATE!

Ok, so I may not be back on a hard core training program (yet) but I am on my way!  I saw Dr. Rob this morning and I had my adjustment and will need to go back on Tuesday for (hopefully) one last tweaking, but I am able to do my 5K this weekend! 
Yeah, I know its not a half marathon or a tri, but since I have not been able to do much since training and have spent most of my time recently reclining and doing nothing - a 5K is great!! This one should be fun too, its the Hot Chocolate Run here in San Diego.  They have a great sweatshirt and a whole bowl of yummy chocolaty goodies at the finish. 
I am still waiting to hear back from the volunteer coordinator at the CA Half Ironman 70.3 to see if I can help out since I won't be able to race.  At least that way I can be a part and maybe I won't be so down!   Wish me luck on that. 

An AH HA Moment

I have been really bummed that I won't be able to participate in the CA IM 70.3 here in Oceanside on the 30th.  It's been making me crazy thinking about not being out on the course - but then it came to me ....I can volunteer!!!

I can't believe that I hadn't considered that earlier.  So tonight I sent off and email to the race coordinators.  Now I am just waiting to hear back.  I think it's just what I will need to make me feel a part of the race! 

Well tomorrow I'll know if I won the very cool Underwater Audio waterproof iPod Shuffle!  I so hope I get it! I can already envision my pool laps going so much better!  How could they not with my favorite tunes and a podcast or two coaching me along!  THANKS IN ADVANCE UNDERWATER AUDIO!  You guys are awesome for having this contest!!

The Decision has been made!

Well with CA IM 70.3 less than 2 weeks away and my back just now starting to feel better (I still have more massage and chiropractic appointments ahead) I have resigned myself to the fact that I won't be able to do this race! It's been a tough decision to make, but it is defiantly the right one. It's such a bummer too, because its right in my back yard!!
So, now I am working on getting my mind around going down and watching/cheering the pros and other competitors out on the course. It's hard to be a spectator in a race I was so excited to be a part of myself. Does anyone else have a this issue? How do you handle it? On a brighter note, I am reading "Being Iron Fit" and have been refocusing on my ultimate goal of IMAZ 2014! There is so much to learn and so much to do....but it is so within my reach!

Good morning Saturday!

I am so thankful that my back is feeling so much better. I think that Mondays visit to my sports Doc will make all the difference! I am dying to get back out there and train!! I am especially looking forward to using the new Underwater Audio Waterproof I might win!  They have such a great product for swim training...(and all sweaty, wet training!) I can't decide which color I like best the pink or the purple...but I think it's the pink! :) You should really check them out! http://www.underwateraudio.com/waterproof-ipod-shuffle.html On another note...I am giving my blog an overhaul...it is time to refresh and reset my goals....IRONMAN ARIZONA 2014 HERE I COME!

Fresh start at blogging!

I haven't blogged in quite a while...even though I have trained and completed over 20 half marathons and 2 half Ironman triathlons! I have really taken to the tri! I love the feeling of crossing the finish line - it really make me feel like an athlete! So, right now I am nursing my back a bit...and as soon as it is better I am back in the water, saddle and running shoes getting ready for my first full Ironman Arizona 2014! and they are giving away a great waterproof iPod shuffle http://www.underwateraudio.com/waterproof-ipod-shuffle.html
and all the goodies! I WOULD SO LOVE THAT!!!! It would be a great birthday gift...it's April 1 (no joke!)
So here are my answers to their questions...
1) How did you find out about Underwater Audio's Waterproof iPod? I was searching on the internet for some type of waterproof audio that I could use to train as I love the pool but find it so boring. Underwater Audio was the best that I found!
2) How do you think our waterproof iPod could improve your performance/motivation? I would use it to motivate me with a training coach right there in my ear and add in some of my favorite tunes to help me pick up the pace! For so long I trained with Team in Training and now that I am learning to train on my own that little extra coaching would be a real help!
3) Why do you want Underwater Audio's Waterproof iPod, not one from another company? When I shop for any product, I do a ton of research I check prices, quality and customer reviews and Underwater Audio without a doubt has the best of all!! I really hate wasting money on products that don't do what they are advertised to do!! This iPod setup really gets all "A"s.
4) Is there anything else you want to tell us to convince us of your need? I did not start my journey into endurance sports until I was 40, and before that I was not an athlete! I started this adventure by running my first marathon to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and trained with Team in Training for 4 separate events and raised over 12,000. Team introduced me to triathlon and I loved it. I had found my niche! During training for my first triathlon event I was diagnosed with a small brain tumor, it thankfully has been managed with medication but made for a very scary time and training helped to take my mind off my own issues. I have now done two 70.3 half Ironman events and have my 3rd on the horizon. I have a wonderful and supportive husband and family who have indulged my very expensive hobby with new bikes, trainers, shoes, clothes and all the other necessary items as well as all the event fees - it all adds up. I really would love an Underwater Audio iPod but have had a hard time justifying a "new iPod" when I already stretch my family's budget! It would be an awesome gift and I would use it daily!!! Thanks in advance!!!

San Francisco here we come!

As Mike & I trained for our marathon at Walt Disney World, we both thought that it would be the only marathon we would ever do. It took many hours/miles of training runs, blisters, aches and various pains and incredibly sore feet! But, as we crossed that finish line (well, maybe it was back at mile 21) we both knew in our hearts that it wasn't our only race - we were hooked!
As many of you know, we began our running journey when we learned that our friend Lyndsay had been diagnosed with Leukemia. We joined Team In Training to help in a small way - together with your help Mike & I raised over $8,000! When added to the other 5000+ runners at Disney it meant more than $7 million had been raised to help find a cure for this horrible cancer!
As we trained, Lyndsay underwent bone marrow biopsies, Chemo, and many, many days in the hospital all leading up to her bone marrow transplant! We are happy to announce that she is now cancer free however she is dealing with some of the many side effects of that treatment. One of the most common is something called GVHD or Graft Verses Host Disease. She is doing better, but still not herself yet. So again Mike & I will be running. This time we are tackling San Francisco! It will be a bigger challenge with those wonderful hills (Disney was quite flat - big plus)! With your help and support we hope to raise $4000! Please join us as we run to help put an end to cancer!
All you need to do is follow the links to our fundraising sites and donate! We can also always use those words of encouragement and if you are extra motivated we would love to have you help out on Saturday morning at one of our aid stations. You'll meet the team and have great time!

Amazing!

Amazing! There aren’t words to explain the experience of running a marathon. Especially, with Team In Training! Physically, this was the hardest, most challenging thing either of us has ever done. We trained for months, worked hard, endured sore muscles, joints, feet, and blisters. Mentally, we remembered Lyndsay, Julie and Mathew, their hope, courage and smiles strengthened us every step (especially in those last few miles), for them we could continue. The cheers from the crowds and Team coaches and other Team members were the icing on the cake!
It seems hard to believe that after 4 + months of training for our first marathon, it over and WE DID IT! Running at Disney World was fabulous. We woke at 2am to get ready to meet the rest of the team at the staging area at 3:30am. It felt like we were at a club with bands playing and people milling around in groups, all filled with adrenaline for the up coming start of the race. We were then all corralled in to our starting positions and before we knew it, fireworks were lighting the sky and we were off!
The first 10 miles were a blur! We were in and out of Epcot in the blink of an eye then off to the Magic Kingdom. The energy when we came in to the park was so charged it pushed us towards the castle with a burst of speed, the next thing we knew we were at the half way mark, 13.1 miles. We were now on a long stretch of road that wound around to the Animal Kingdom park. Here we were greeted with animals (sheep, I think) and a live African band. We didn’t stop many times for pictures, but our first glimpse of the “Tree of Life” was breathtaking and we couldn’t resist.
From there, we were on our way to Disney’s Hollywood Studio. This section, between the two parks was very emotional for us. We hit mile 21, which we had dedicated to Julie one of our mentors. Neither one us said much during this time, but our hearts were praying for her, Lyndsay and Mathew…both had tears mixed with sweat as we pressed on.
After pressing through Hollywood Studios, it was on to Epcot and the finish line. We starting hearing things like, “it’s not much further” and “only 2 more miles”…just in case you’re wondering…these are the longest miles ever. I think they become exponential here! I have to say up until this point we had been running pretty strong, but I hit a wall and we slowed down a lot. As I look back, it felt like I was running almost as fast as when we had started, but I wasn’t ever close. Thankfully, the finish line was in sight! Together, just like we started, Mike & I crossed the finish line with a smile and a heart so filled with accomplishment and love, it was bursting! Team In Training raised over 7 million dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for this race alone. Like I said, Amazing!!!!

Mike and I would like to thank all of you who supported us whether financially or with your prayers and encouragement. To our coach, Ken and Happy, our assistant coach, you both taught us so much and knew just when to step in and give that little piece of advice or word of encouragement, thank you. Colin, thanks for finding us on race day and running with us, it gave us a burst of energy to bring us to the next park! Our mentor, Aimee, each week you would keep us posted and check in with us, keeping us accountable (I needed that) and to all the SD Team Mentors who, ran “sweep” making sure that we were on our way back, who shared your experiences and helped make our training go that much better, you guys ROCK! Of course, our whole team we feel like you are all family now! Mostly, we want to thank Lyndsay, our reason for running! She glows with faith and grace and always has a positive outlook. She has blessed us and encouraged us in ways she will never know, Thank you.

Florida, here we come!

Its hard to believe that our training is over & that ww are ready to run a full marathon! We will be leaving for Florida in a little over 24 hours and then, race day will be here before we can blink. Today I am busy running around doing last minute errands.

The count down has begun!

Well, last Saturday was our longest run ever. Both Mike & I completed 20 miles! It was quite an acomplishment for us. I was so glad that Mike was able to complete it, as for the past few weeks his right knee had been giving him some dificulty. Best of all, we both felt like we could have continued on for an other 6.2 miles! Now, we are to tapper our training until race day.
Today, was supose to be a 10 mile run in La Jolla, but we chose to stay up in Riverside...now we will each need to run it on the treadmill. Thank goodness for DVD's! Next week will be our last team run before we fly out to Florida! It has been lots of fun planning the trip. I know that everything is going to happen so quickly from here on in and it will be race day morning before I know it!
We had one of our team-mates, Patty decorate our race shirts and they are so cool! She did a great job on them and we can't wait to wear them at Disney!
For anyone who is interested in looking at the race course you can check it out by going to:
http://disneyworldsports.go.com/dwws/en_US/events/eventDetail/detailname=WdwMarathonDetailPage

On Saturday we did a 12 mile back down run, it was cold and wet...but still one of the best runs yet for us as Lyndsay was able to join us for the team pot luck! Even though she is only at 91 her doctors let her come out to meet everyone!
Just a note on Lyndsay: she will be having a bone marrow biopsy very soon as her "platets" are low. Please be praying that the tests show no cancer or blasting of cells.
Next week, we will be running our farthest training run before the actual race...20 miles!

18 MILES!

Who would have ever thought that we would be distance runners! Certainly not Mike or I, but here we are running 12 & 18 miles. This Saturday was amazing! Mike & I were both feeling great and running strong. We love stopping at our aid stations, besides water and Power aid, there is always great encouragement! One of our mentors was even fundraising and did very well with the passers by who were just out for a morning walk. The 1st nine miles flew by...training really does work, who would have thought! As we headed back, Mike chose to stop at mile 12 and catch a ride back from the aid station. As you may remember, his knee has been bothering him a bit, but, good news, it is increasingly better every week! He progressed 4 miles more this week and is feeling great! I continued on with Mentor Erin and we pressed on to the finish! OK, so we were the last ones in, we did linger at the last aid station and were a bit confused on the last turn...but we finished strong and smiling! Next week we have aback down run of 12 miles, I think, then we up it to 20 miles! Marathon here we come!
Disney is starting to feel real now. Both Mike & I know we will actually run 26.2 miles. We are excited to hear stories of the run it self, what with all the characters and entertainment that will help cheer us on as we run thought the parks.
I don't know how much I have said about the run it self, but it is pretty amazing. We will be starting at Disney's Epcot and will run through part of the park and on to a transition road to the Magic Kingdom. There we will run all though that park and through the castle on to an other road that will bring us to the Wild Animal Kingdom. Of course we will get to run through that too! Then its back to Epcot where we will finally cross the finish line! we have been told that the characters will stop and take photos with you as your run...I will have my camera with me. We will just have to wait and see if we can stop for pictures! It might be in our best interest to just press on ward and not be too distracted!