Of Breakdowns and Breakthroughs

The past few weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind around here (just like for all of you, I would imagine!).  The end of the month is always a crazy time in our household--my husband sits on several different boards and ends up having meetings galore at the end of every month.  Add in Thanksgiving, the usual kid stuff, and the fact that both he and I are trying to accumulate some major mileage to get ready for Ragnar . . . complete and utter chaos!

We also had a news story hit really close to home during the week before Thanksgiving.  On Tuesday mornings, I usually drive the boy to school so that we can head to the Y after for my favorite circuit class.  But as I let the dogs out, I noticed the traffic on our little community's road was gridlocked.  I thanked my lucky stars that we lived within walking distance and off we went.  By the time I had dropped my son at school, traffic was backed up in both directions, and it became pretty apparent we were stuck in our community for the day.  We assumed it was an accident.  Then the news hit that a 13-year-old was shot on a school bus by a 15-year-old.  1.5 miles from my front door, in an area we walk/run/bike by on a daily basis.   News like that always saddens a community and makes you grateful for the things you have, especially so close to Thanksgiving.  But that night, we found out the accused shooter lived six houses down from us.  Commence breakdown.

Its really, really scary when stuff like that hits so close to home, quite literally.  Its hard not to what-if yourself, especially considering the kids and I are outside on a daily basis and we (used to?) feel really safe in our little community.  It has always felt like living in a small town living here.  There is so much icky stuff out there in the world, its sometimes hard not to let the fear win.   In the end, a dreadmill workout was required to get my head a bit clearer and stop thinking of all those what-ifs.   Seriously, how did I cope with anything before I started running?

 source: I <3 to run

Thankfully, Thursday meant Thanksgiving dinner at a friend's house away from home.  I've never been so glad to leave my little neighborhood in my life.  And that's saying something, because I'm a homebody.    The friend we had dinner with is a former neighbor and my very best running buddy, Jess.  We trained for our first half marathon together, and its been tough not having her for a running bud since she moved.

She's faster than me, and drug my butt along on what ended up being a super fast (for me) and fun 5K run.  I have problems pushing myself when I run alone, and it was nice to look down to see a 10:30  min/mile pace for the duration of the run.   I hadn't run that fast over 3 miles in a LONG time.  Distance training is hard to explain to someone who hasn't done it before . . . for me, it feels like I put in a lot of slow miles and that I'm not getting anywhere fast.  So it was REALLY great to see a nice time after a training run, and realize that all the miles, time on the road, and time in the gym was adding up to something.  Commence (much needed) breakthrough.  That Saturday I did 12 miles, the first time since my half in March that I've gotten that kind of mileage.

So, yeah.  Weird, whirlwind, emotional couple of weeks. Remember that life is short.  Enjoy it. 

source: I <3 to run

Oh, and if you hop on over to the Tough Chik blog today, you may see a familiar face!

Run on, and Happy December!

Aspaeris Giveaway Winner

Lauren (Sweat Junkie) is our winner with the lucky number one!  Thanks to all who participated.  Lauren, please let me know your preferred size and color, plus your mailing address. 

If you didn't win, don't forget to use the code Ragnar20 for $20 off these amazing shorts!!  Have a great long weekend and run on!

Thanksgiving Week Giveaway!

Thanksgiving week is upon us!  Don't forget to get out there and get your bodies moving this week!!     2012 has been an epic year in terms of fitness around here, and 2013 is going to be even better.  As I'm sure you *might* have heard, we're kicking off 2013 with a bang with Ragnar Relay Florida Keys in January.  We're grateful to have Aspaeris Pivot Shorts (APS) on board as one of our amazing sponsors for the race. 

These compression shorts are amazing--here is the official description from the Aspaeris website:

Aspaeris Pivot Short™

Aspaeris Pivot Shorts™ are actually two pairs of shorts bonded together. The Outer Short is a high performance compression short designed to support your muscles. The Inner Short features our breakthrough, Dual Sensory Compression Bands™.

These cross-knit bands guide your muscles into the proper position, thereby improving your pivot performance, which helps prevent ACL and hip injuries.

The Aspaeris Pivot Short™ is not an ordinary compression short. Athletes who try the APS™ report feeling more confident in their ‘pivot moves’ and almost all feel more in control without being restricted.

Here is a picture of these shorts in action on Amanda, AKA TooTallFritz (Ragnar teammate and motivator extraordinaire).  Amanda (who runs all distances) says that these shorts help ease the soreness in her legs and really DO aid in recovery.   I personally can't wait for mine to arrive so I can try them out :-)

I'm excited to announce that this week I get to say a big THANK YOU to you guys, my wonderful readers, by giving away a pair of these great shorts in your size and color of your choice--a $60 value--so that you can try them out too!

How to enter (you can earn up to 10 entries):

• Become a follower by email or subscribe (links on the right side) – 1 entry
• Become a Facebook fan of Life Beyond The Chaos– 1 entry
• Become a Facebook fan of Aspaeris Pivot Shorts – 1 entry
• Share this post on your Facebook page – 3 entries
• Share this post on your blog and announce the giveaway to your followers – 4 entries

Leave a comment and let me know what you've done and how many entries to assign to you.   The winner will be chosen on FRIDAY NOVEMBER 23rd using Random Number Generator.

If you don't win, or just can't wait to get your hands on a pair of these beauties, hop on over to the Aspaeris website and save $20 using the coupon code RAGNAR20. 

Good luck and have an excellent Thanksgiving week!

Back to Basics

Halloween has come and gone.  And the season of gluttony in the food department has begun.  First was Halloween with too much sugar.  Next up:  Thanksgiving, when we all stuff ourselves beyond all reason.  Then begins the onslaught of holiday parties.  Cookies. Sweets.  So many delightful bits of things to eat.  Eek!  Whether you are training for a marathon or just trying to get on the healthy train, you know what I mean . . .

Source

And the next thing you know you are feeling like this, even as you do things that are good for you . . . like running or working out or yoga.

 

Fortunately, staying on track (or lets be real, getting back on track because most of us are going to fall off the wagon at least a little this holiday season!) .  When you find yourself overindulging or just feeling yucky, follow these simple steps to get back on track:

HYDRATE - drink you water, folks!  Often times our body mistakes thirst for hunger.

EAT WELL - Make sure the stuff you are putting in your body is REAL food.   With actual nutrition.   If you need to, track your calories or do a food log for a few days, so that you can keep track of what you are consuming.

DON'T GET DISCOURAGED - You are not starting from scratch.  You did not fail by eating poorly.  You do not need to eat crap to compensate for your short comings.  You are fueling your body.  If you feed it crap you will feel like crap.  If you need to, set a few short term goals for yourself to help stay on track.

Its really not as easy as 1-2-3.  Nothing about this is easy, but its important.  Living well means living a longer, more fulfilling life.  Remember that bad days are going to happen.  Three bad days do not make for a bad month. But you have to get right back on track and not forget your goals.  Whatever they may be.    So if in the next few months, you feel yourself adrift, come back to these three basic principals.  Happy Wednesday!

Of Motivation, Mayhem, and Chaos

We've all seen the Allstate Mayhem guy.  I don't know how it is for you, but it seems like Mayhem and Chaos like to follow our family around.  Our family blog is called Utter Chaos for a reason, just  like this blog is about life BEYOND the chaos.  Mayhem and chaos, in the form of a huge work backlog, conflicting schedules, meetings, and/or kids sporting events are just a part of the fun wheel of life.  Finding MOTIVATION to do what needs to be done, on the other hand, is often easier said than done.

I am a master procrastinator.  It comes from being stretched so thin--I often like to put things off as long as possible because there is always something that needs doing. 

When I'm doing distance training, I tend to put start procrastinating.  Its really hard to say "Go for a 6 mile run!" when you are as slow as I am . . . its not exactly a 30 minute affair.  But for some reason, finding the motivation this season is SO much easier than it has been in the past.   And strangely, it isn't the Ragnar relay looming 10 weeks away that gets me out and running these days.   Its this basic principle:

2012 has been an amazing year for racing for me . . . but I've also seen and heard some crazy stories.  One of my gym friends was hit by a car while running.  The lady I volunteer with at races was telling me about the pro volleyball player that she used to work with who broke her back.  My good friend (and Ragnar co-hort, yay!) TooTallFritz who completely ruptured something important in her foot while training for a Ragnar ultra team.  My amazing yoga friend Susan, who I often forget broke her back in a car accident.  The ladies on Team Tough Chik who are injured and unable to do what they love--those ladies encourage me daily just by saying how they love hearing what we are doing while they can't.

Life is short and you don't know what is around the next corner.   You never know how long you will be able to do what you can, so there is absolutely no excuse not to get out there.  Yes, you may be tired.  Yes, there are 100 other things that need your attention.  But part of the journey is challenging yourself.  Enjoy that journey. Embrace it. Because you never know when the chance is going to be gone.

What motivates you to get out the door?

More than miles

One of the things I am (sort of) dreading about really getting into distance training again for the Ragnar Relay is focusing on the mileage.  Because I don't want my entire week to be defined by how many miles I did.  My kids are little and while I love for them to be exposed to an active lifestyle, I don't want to cross that line where they feel like ALL that I do is run.  They will only be little for so long and I don't want to look back, regretting not spending more time with them. 

So I absolutely love it when a run turns into a fun fitness experience for the whole family.  As a part of our weekly routine, we usually take my older son to school and then my daughter and I do the 3 mile loop with her in the jogger.  We did this last week . . . our 3 mile loop took longer than it should have, but we bird watched, we chatted, she got out and raced me a few times.  Those were the best three miles of the week, even if they were the slowest.  Or day like today, when the 1 mile trip to school becomes a race to who see can bike the fastest (while I wheeze and groan as I try to keep up with the two of them on foot).   Because while I want to get stronger, be faster, and go longer, I also want my kids to love that I do it.  So that they will continue to love it too. 

So while I strive to improve myself every day, I also focus on more than just the miles.  Living a life with no regrets.  Helping others on their journey through encouragement and kind words.  Helping my kids grow up to be productive, responsible individuals that can change their own little corner of the world.

Make the things you do count.  Count your miles, but also count the ways you make positive changes--in your life and in the lives of others.  In your kids.  In your friends at the gym.  In the way you treat a perfect stranger.

Have a marvelous Monday!

On Being A Tough Chik

If you haven't figured it out by now, I used to have really crappy self esteem.  Loving and being happy with myself is something I struggle with daily.  Even though  I **KNOW** I am fit and do things many people can't/won't/don't, I sometimes continue to compare myself to the "ideal".  Thinking well of myself continues to be a growth process.

Thanks to my wonderful friend Amanda (AKA TooTallFritz), I found Team Tough Chik. 

THIS IS WHAT TOUGH LOOKS LIKE.  Yes!  Talk about major positive mantra.  Because I call myself a lot of things, good and bad, but I KNOW I am tough.  I sometimes get frustrated because I feel like I have to work harder than everyone else to get to the same place, and sometimes the results (really, my weight) doesn't reflect the effort.  But Tough?  Heck ya!

2012 has been a breakthrough year for me--Joining Team Tough Chik, racing 4 sprint triathlons in as many months and PLACING for the first time in my life, my first half marathon . . . just in general realizing there is nothing I can't do. That I am fit and strong.  Even though the number on the scale says I am obese and "at risk".  Finally releasing a lot of the anger associated with the fat that acted as a defense mechanism growing up.  I am not perfect.  But I will not let the scale define me.   I do not fit a mold.  I may not look like an endurance athlete, but I am. And none of that wouldn't have happened if having my little girl hadn't spurred me to make a change in my life.

We each have a unique story that makes us who we are.  Yours makes you awesome.  Take your life, and if you aren't happy with something, CHANGE IT. We do not all come from a single mold, so we all have our own stories, lives and paths.  It doesn't mean we can't achieve the secret dreams we have for ourselves. 

Being a Tough Chik means so much to me.  Beyond the great people I've met, it also forces me to reflect on what TOUGH really is.
 
TOUGH is pushing yourself
TOUGH is also knowing when to listen to your body
TOUGH is feeding yourself right so you can do amazing things
TOUGH is never compromising your values
TOUGH is asking for help when you need it
TOUGH is making the conscious decision to see the beauty in your life 
TOUGH is believing .  . . IN YOURSELF. 

Change

This phrase is so true--not just in workouts, but in life.  With my "fit-versary" coming up, I feel like I should talk about the catalyst for my biggest change.

I can't believe my daughter is turning 4 in 5 short days.  I never even wanted a daughter--I've never been a girlie-girl. Give me bugs, dirt and camping over makeup, princesses and dolls any day of the week.  So I was surprised and a little scared when God decided to bless us with a girl.  It didn't take me long to realize that **I** was going to a be a role model for her.  Me back then didn't love myself. I put myself down, I hated myself every time I looked in the mirror. No self confidence. I always talked about wanting to change, but never did it.

 

Summer was born and I realized I did not want her to grow up with those same issues.  I wanted her to look in the mirror and know she was strong and confident.  I KNEW that if I wanted her to have that kind of self esteem, I needed to fix my own first. Because she would learn from me.

I'll never forget one of my first running outings with my dear friend Allison . . . she said to me "You seem really committed.  What's different this time?"   I told her I was done.  I was ready to be more.   You have to be ready for change.

I was so blessed, as I began my journey, to have a great support system.  Active friends who encouraged me to run.  My husband, who stayed home with both kids so that I could go to boot camp.  The trainers there pushed me.  But I pushed myself too.  I never quit.  They underestimated me at first and I relished in proving them wrong.

But it was Summer, my beautiful, crazy, always challenging daughter, that made me realize I needed to take the plunge.  For me.  For her.  For every girl who has never felt worthy of love or good things because of her size.

So thanks, baby girl, for making mommy face herself and grow.  Its her birthday, but in a way, I was reborn too.  And if there is anything I can't stress enough, there is something amazing in each of us. Just waiting to come out. 

 Last, but not least, I have to share this brilliant ad campaign by Nike.  You've probably seen it by now, but it always makes me tear up.  Because Greatness really is in each of us.  I hope we can show the next generation that. 

Race Report - Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy Bonus Round

I've harbored a secret dream since I got my road bike and discovered how much I love biking. . . a dream that involved me on a podium getting a medal for placing.  I'm not that strong of a swimmer or a runner, but I've discovered I'm a semi-decent cyclist.  The fat girl that still lives in me--the one that could never do the monkey bars and was always picked last in gym class--would never have considered placing in the top 3 in any physical event.

When I got my USAT membership and decided to start Tri-ing this summer, I didn't really think I would be able to pull off all 4 races of this series.  Its a lot to consistently train for, even though the distances are relatively short.  The one I did in 2009 was excruciatingly difficult for me.  But I'm learning my fitness is much better than I give myself credit for.  Going in the bonus race, I was pretty darn sure I was going to make that podium, but scared to say anything out loud.

Race day was beautiful--a nice easterly breeze (read--tail wind for the swim so NO BIG WAVES!).  My morning was marred slightly by a jerk moving my bike out of the end spot I had arrived nice and early to secure.  He swore up and down "It wouldn't matter" because he would be long gone by the time I returned.  Sorry, dude, didn't realize the fact that you were fast gave you license to be a complete asshole pooh-pooh head.  Its okay though, I believe in karma.

As usual, while we were waiting for the swim to start, I started feeling terribly unprepared.  This happens EVERY race.  Once the swim started, it took me a few minutes to settle in to my stroke.  I really need to work on that--I think I lose a good minute getting comfortable.  The swim FELT slow, compared to last race.  Transition felt slow too.  On the way out of T1, I thanked my lucky stars for the 1000th time that I didn't wear cycling shoes as I listened to people pound out of transition on their cleats.   The bike was windy, but great.  I'm probably known for yelling words of encouragement at everyone I pass . . .  On the 2nd time heading over the Rickenbacker, I encouraged another athlete.  She caught up to me on the run to say thanks and we ended up enjoying each other's company for the last mile and a half.  But before the run, I had to shove pooh-pooh head's $4,000+ tri bike out of my spot again so that I would have a place to rack my bike.  Despite that, in and out of T2 in less than a minute again.  Have I mentioned how glad I am not to have cycling shoes to deal with yet??  :-) .

I crossed the finish line tired, but not nearly as exhausted as last time.  I would be annoyed that I didn't push harder on the run, except for the fact that there was 7 minutes (!!) between myself and the 1st place finisher.  She ran a 26 minute 5K, so I don't think me pushing "a little more" would have put me in first.  Splits broke down like this:

Swim/run 0:10:10

T1 4:44

Bike 0:36:11

T2 0:55

Run 0:35:51

Total 01:27:51.45

 I knew when I crossed the finish line that I had done well, simply because I knew I had passed a few of my stronger competitors on the run.  But I was incredibly excited to see it was 2nd.   My daughter is turning 4 this month, and it was her birth that got me started on my fitness revolution.  It was SO FITTING that this first should come on her birth month.


My neighbor/friend/swim "coach"/inspirational counterpart, Julie, rocked the fat tire division for a 1st place.  It was so awesome that we both made the podium!

 All in all, a great race.  I need to improve my run and swim, but the BIKE is definitely my strong suit.  And my ability to hold the run after spinning my legs off for 36 minutes).   Looking forward to improving the other two over the winter months.

Nothing beats my son's response when I got home.  I told him I had a special medal if he wanted to wear it because I finished 2nd in my group.  He said to me "WOW, great job mom!  Maybe if you train harder, next time you can have first next time!"  Maybe so, silly boy.  But I've never been so happy to come in 2nd!

I'm not quite sure what's next.  I may tri ONE more time before the end of the season--I'm undecided about a race next month.  After that, everything is going to be focused on preparing for Ragnar Relay Florida Keys in January.   Hubs and I will be running that one together so I'm stoked for it--its going to be epic.

Do you yoga?

September in National Yoga Month.  It's also my daughter's birth month.  My fitness journey began the moment she was born, so I've been thinking a lot this month about how far I've come and how much I've changed.  About where I want to go.   Yoga has been a HUGE, HUGE part of my journey.

Its so funny, the reasons that people give (both the active and the sedentary set) for not doing yoga.

Yoga makes me sleepy.
I want to sweat during my workouts.
I'm not flexible.

i started doing yoga from P90X, but it wasn't until I went to a class taught by a friend of mine that I really became a Yogi.  It isn't about how flexible you are.  It isn't about how much you can or can not do.  Its about honoring your body and where you are in it, embracing and loving every aspect of it.  Its about being present in the moment.

I could spend hours and hours spouting about how much yoga has changed my life.  If running is for my body, yoga is for my mind.  It has helped keep me healthy over these past 4 years.  It has helped keep my mind grounded and has helped me remember how to stay sane in the chaos that is my life.

Something that many people do not realize is that yoga has an incredibly healing component as well.  I've had pain and injuries that have been alleviated through yoga.  I'm so blessed that my friend, who specializes in therapeutic yoga, came into my life.  Any time I find myself in pain, she is able to give me a couple things to do on a daily basis that help my body heal itself.  That is an AMAZING thing.  Its easy to become frustrated when you start to feel pain. Before yoga became a part of my routine, I would either push through pain or back completely off so that my body could heal.  Now I am able to acknowledge pain, think about its causes, and come up with a management plan that does not hinder my training.

So it made me laugh when the USAT published this article, "Why Yoga Can Benefit Endurance Athletes".  My response was WELL DUH!  But I forget not everyone is "enlightened" in that regard.  That is the incredible thing about yoga.  You are never too young, too old, too fat or too thin for it.  My kids ask to do yoga all the time when their muscles get achy.


With all of the the things I've achieved on the fitness front, the first time I popped up in wheel definitely rates right up there with all-time highs. For a girl who was neither flexible nor had any upper body strength, it was a pretty cool achievement.  Forget the list of things you are or aren't when you think about why you CAN'T do yoga.  Let me assure you that you can.  I could not even reach my toes 3.5 years ago. 

(Pardon the chaos going on in this picture. . . gives you an idea of my every day life, and the fact that you can't see my hands.  Totally did this with a timer!)

Spread your wings this month and give yoga a try.  Find a great studio.  Look for free community classes in your area.  Your body and your spirit will thank you!

What's your favorite thing about yoga?  Or what fears do you have that was keeping you from giving it a try?  Take those fears and kick them aside after you post them!

Don't let fear rule

This was a great little thought provoking piece that Fit Yummy Mummy posted on facebook earlier this week.

Sometimes the things that are most rewarding are absolutely the hardest decisions to make.  And sometimes making the decision is the hardest part . . . but once you make it, you can figure the rest out along the way.

Last year we, as a family, were faced with a decision regarding schools for my son.  Small school with a family, further away versus new, bigger school with more opportunities within walking distance.  For me, the unknown was harder, but we chose the second option--mostly because fitness is so important to us and I feel that our country would be a much better place if we took the time out to walk our children to school.  You can enjoy nature, visit, and get a little exercise in on the way to school.  It wasn't an easy decision, but 2 weeks in I am so glad we made it--we spend so much less time rushing around trying to get things done and get into the car.  Instead we enjoy our time getting to school.  Less stress, more sweat, more family time.

Don't be afraid to turn heads and make tough decisions for the betterment of yourself or your family.  Don't let fear of failure prevent you from making a positive change in your life--whether it be diet, fitness . . . anything.  In fact, if there is something that scares you a bit--you may want to find a way to face it.  Because with facing your fears comes immeasurable growth.

 

While we were on our vacation at the beginning of August, we went to Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. My husband has always been an adventurer and has wanted to go caving for some time.  That is something that I once would have considered outside my comfort zone.  I used to be pretty big (and am still no slender flower), so trying to squeeze through small dark spaces scared the crap out of me.  But we took turn watching the kids and each took an introductory caving course.   It was incredible.  An amazing look at nature and a chance to see things not everyone gets to see. 

You only have one shot at this great wild ride called life.  Take the plunge and do something epic EVERY DAY.  Because life is short.  There are no do-overs.  If you aren't going to face those fears now, then WHEN?

Race Reports: Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy #2 and #3

Thanks to vacation and the start of school, I'm terribly behind on blogging.  No surprise there--I knew it would be an issue when I started this.

So since my last post, I've raced twice--The 2nd and 3rd installments of the Key Biscayne Triathlon trilogy.  After the first race of the series, I decided my fitness hybrid bike was on its last leg.  My mother generously offered to give me a very, VERY early Christmas/birthday present in the form of a road bike.  After some shopping around I came home with THIS pretty baby--it isn't a true "racing" bike, just an entry level road bike with a carbon fiber fork, but I love it so very much.

 I went into July's race with only 2 weeks in the saddle of my new bike.  Thank goodness I have great roadie friends who let me tool around behind them and gave me lots of pointers.  The only major fail was that I did not practice climbing hills before the race, or really even consider how to approach a big hill on this bike.  Ready or not though, Key Biscayne Triathlon Trilogy #2 ended up being my first Athena race.

Another awesome PLUS for the 2nd race over the first was that my kick-ass neighbor, Julie, not only gave me some major swim pointers, but she also came along to race in the fat tire division.  Julie is an absolute beast on the swim AND the run.  It ended up being perfect because I caught her on the bike, then she caught me on the run, so I had her ahead of me motivating to push.

The splits for July's race looked like this:

Swim

0:12:56

T1: 4:30

Bike:  0:38:48

T2  1:17

Run:  0:36:44

Total Time:

01:34:15.95

The swim (and .25 beach run to transition)--definite improvement from June, it was choppy, but I found my rhythm and was comfortable in the water.

The bike--I didn't pass anyone on a road bike, but felt decent the whole time. The bridge was killer.

The run--super humid, so I had a hard time finding my rhythm.

Julie, by the way, snagged a 2nd in the Fat Tire division.

This was good enough for 5th/15, which I was far more pleased with than my usual 4th/5 :-)  This was a personal record for this course, thanks largely to my lovely Trek Lexa :-)

August and KB#3 came WAY too fast.  We took a 10 day trip between #2 and #3, during which I only ran once and missed my bike terribly.  I DID take advantage of my inlaws pool and swim on a daily basis.    When I started Tri season this year, I secretly hoped to get below a 1:30.  When race day dawned, I dared to dream, but wasn't too terribly optimistic since training was basically non-existent and we ate out for an entire week straight.  But I WAS armed with lots of hill and cadence tips from my girl Susan and a solid set of climbs over the bridge in the week leading up to the race.  That contributed largely to an epic bike ride in which I not only felt like I knew what I was doing, but actually passed some people :-)

Weather conditions were perfect.  The wind was much calmer than it had been in the past 2 races.

The splits looked like this:

Swim:  0:10:55

T1  4:13

Bike  0:35:27

T2  0:54

Run  0:36:00

0

Total  01:27:29.40

Placement was 6/14.  I was totally happy with that, this group was far more competitive than the last race.  I hit my time goal.  I improved every single one of my splits.  Got in and out of T2 in less than a minute (I am not sure I will ever mess with cycling shoes--I love not having to do a single thing other than slap my bike into transition and grab my race belt). Having Julie ahead of me and IN SIGHT (a rarity indeed) on the run was a great push.  

With just a little over 2 weeks before the bonus round of the race, I'm focused on training.  I can't believe I'm going to say this "out loud", but this girl who was picked last in gym class REALLY wants to get on the podium.  So the next few weeks will be filled with lots and lots of Swim, Bike and Run, not to mention loads of cross training fun. 

When "Make It Happen" DOESN'T Happen

I'm a big fan of the "Make It Happen" mentality.  If you want something bad enough, you go for it.  It's completely on you to make time for it, make a plan and MAKE IT HAPPEN.  I really dislike listening to people complain about wanting something but never actually taking the effort to find a WAY to make it happen. But holy cow, sometimes something got to give.

Its just been one of those weeks here.  Everything has snowballed--my work schedule, hubs work schedule, and stuff with the youngest keeping me away from the gym in the morning.  I know every one of you knows what I'm talking about, especially if you have kids. Scheduling conflicts.  Getting tired of asking for help so you can find the time to make it happen.  Doing late night workouts because you can't find the time to work out ANY other time, and then being so jazzed afterward you can't sleep.  Which makes you tired.  And discouraged.

So this week in our household we're out of make it happen mode and into survival mode.  And it sucks, because workouts are TRULY the source of my sanity.  But sometimes the body and soul needs a little break to recover, because making it happen 24/7 can be pretty damn exhausting.  But even with survival mode, you must have a plan.  Because otherwise survival mode can quickly become a rut.  This girl is already planning her Comeback, because I refuse to let this last more than a single week.

That evil C word

Image courtesy of http://www.howjoyful.com

I saw this quote the other day and immediately fell in love.   I mean, REALLY how true is that?  How often do we do something incredible and then compare ourselves to others?  How many times have you come home from the gym, a race, or a run and said "Wow, so and so went faster/harder/better than I did."  I know I ALWAYS compare what I do to others.  I have lots of runner friends and always compare my pace to theirs.

But here's an AH HA moment for you folks.  No one has lived your story or had your struggles.  We ALL need to stop comparing ourselves to one another.  Our diversity in shape, size and ability is what makes us unique.  Don't sell your successes short because they do not measure up to the successes of others.   So for the next day . . . the next week . . . or maybe the rest of your life, challenge yourself to stop comparing yourself to others and instead celebrate your accomplishments from your unique place in life.   Have a healthy, happy week!

T is for Tuesdays, Two-A-Days, and Trying AGAIN

Back at it today--Monday was my yoga day, I usually try to squeeze a run in too but figured after Sunday's festivities, it would be good to take it easy for at least one day.  I always love Tuesdays because there is a trainer at the Y who has just the right mix of craziness and attitude to push me to do my best.  I absolutely love his circuit class.  And holy COW does it make me sweat.  And he teaches spin in the evenings, so I'm usually seen making the drive to the Y twice a day on Tuesdays.  Luckily the babies love the staff at child watch and never want to leave.   I love that I'm FINALLY getting to enjoy tri season this year and the fact that there is a race every month, because its keeping me motivated to just keep pushing through when I otherwise would take a break. 

On the subject of trying again. . . the weight loss train.  I signed up for Run With Jess's Marathon Weight Loss Challenge.  I almost DIDN'T jump on board for this challenge because the scale and I haven't been getting along lately.  I was 220lbs after I had my daughter in September 2008.   Having a DAUGHTER made me realize I couldn't keep beating myself up anymore about how I looked, because HOLY CRAP she was going to learn her body image from me.  So 2 weeks after she was born I started running.  I made it down to 165lbs last year when 30 hit, and my metabolism didn't like it.  I'm probably the only person that gains 20lbs while training for a half marathon.  At any rate, I put my scale away because I was obsessing over it.  I don't diet.  We eat well in this house, period.  That means organic foods, REAL FOODS, and very little processed stuff.  So I just wasn't sure I wanted to put myself out there and track my weight every week.  But I figured-why not?  Even if the scale doesn't budge, no harm can come from tracking my food intake and activity.  I'm bound to see a shift in my body.  Oh, and also, gotta love tracking the burn.  According to www.MyFitnessPal.com, those 2 workouts at the gym today + 30 minute on the elliptical burned a whopping 1350 calories.  Whoops.  That was my calorie allotment for the day. 

Go out there and get it done. Because if it doesn't happen the first time, you just have to try again.

Race Report - Key Biscayne Triathlon Triology #1 (AKA - the race in which I was glad not to drown)

I have ALWAYS loved the water.  When I first started getting active in 2008, the idea of a triathlon appealed to me because I've always enjoyed swimming and biking.  Not so much running.   I did this race 3 years ago in 2009, as my first real endurance event.  Back then the run almost killed me.  Oh, how times have changed.

I LOVE the course for this race.  I work on Key Biscayne and often run over the big bridge the bike course goes over. Its just a beautiful way to spend the day.  Not to mention Multirace makes racing possible for me by allowing you to volunteer to offset your race entry.  For a Tough Chik on a budget, this is a  dream come true.

Anyway, I spent most of my time up to race day being nervous about the run.  I really didn't give much thought to the swim or the bike.  Remember how I said I've always enjoyed those two sports, even in my less than active days?   I've also spent a fair amount of time volunteering at triathlons in the past few years, even though I haven't been competing.  So I wasn't nervous about setting up my gear.  Added bonus of volunteering to help with registration was that I arrived at oh-dark-hundred, which meant I claimed the coveted end spot in transition.

I really didn't pay attention to how windy it was until we were walking along the beach toward the swim start.  It was blowing around 25 knots and the water was CHOPPY.  Even then I wasn't nervous--I've never been uncomfortable in the ocean, after all. And it was such a pretty morning.

 

My neighbor who was going to do the race with me ended up being on vacation, and poor Brad was stuck at home with the kids (on Fathers Day no less) so it was just me, myself and I.  So the only pictures I have are the ones I took of myself.  Sorry for the short angle!  This is me on the beach, pre run.  Again, it was such a beautiful morning!

I get a major fail for overestimating my strength as a swimmer.  I genuinely concerned during the swim that I was never going to finish.  I had a life guard tagging along behind me asking me if I needed help.  After swallowing a ton of water, courtesy of the lovely swells, over the first half of the swim, I gave up on free style and flipped over on my back.  Once I did that, I was able to find my groove and make slow but steady progress.  The next wave of swimmers caught up with me.  The only thing that made me feel better was that were a few pink caps floundering around back there with me.   It was quite possibly the first time in a while I've thought "I'm not sure I can do this".  But I finally made it to the north buoy and made the turn for the beach.   Once we did that and the swells were coming from behind, I had no problem swimming.

The quarter mile beach run to transition, which had killed me the last time I did this course, was no big deal.  I was just so stinking glad to be out of the water (read: not have drowned) that I was gloriously happy to run. And it helped boost my ego a bit to pass a couple of people.  I took longer than I should have in transition--I had to mentally get over that awful swim and wasn't thinking as clearly as I should have been (thank you again horrible swim).   I also won't make the mistake of messing with my cycling gloves again.

I went into the bike still a little inside my head, thinking about the swim.  I was a bit worried about being the last person out on the course since I was in the 2nd to last wave to begin with and there weren't altogether that many people in my wave behind me, and chances were most of THEM had road bikes.   My little hybrid is going downhill and is having shifting issues, so I spent more time messing with my gears than I should have.  I didn't pass a single sole on the bike, and a bazillion road bikers wizzed by me.  When I win the lotto my first purchase is going to be a nice road bike.  (Hubs, who doesn't see the merit in road bikes, has stated I can continue dreaming on this issue).

Next challenge--up and down the Rickenbacker times 2 (Thanks Jess for the pic!)

The elevation gain of the Rickenbacker Causeway wasn't a big deal--thank you Thomas and all those hours spent in the spin room at the Y with no A/C.  And whizzing down the bridge at 35+ miles per hour was just freaking exhilerating.  The ride up the 2nd time was a little tougher, thanks to that pesky wind again.  It would have gone faster if I had been able to get off my seat, but for whatever reason the gears on my bike slip whenever I stand up.  So I just pushed through it in my seat. The wind was so strong I actually had to PEDAL on the way back down (and actually felt like I was pushing something), if that gives you any indication.  The rest of the ride flew by quick.

I was in and out of transition quickly, and passed quite a few people who had to switch out shoes there.  The run, which killed me last time I did this race, was so not a big deal.  I wasn't worried about beating anyone at this point, so I just ran for the fun of running.  That pesky wind, which had caused me some trouble up to that point, kept the run course cool and fast.  I passed quite a few people who were run/walking (something I don't enjoy that often), and even found a running buddy for the last half to shoot the breeze with. That helped pass the time and before I knew it, the finish line was around the corner.  I finished strong and was pleased to have finished at all, given the trouble during the swim.  And we got the CUTEST finisher medals ever, in the shape of a turtle.  The kids were fighting over it the minute I walked in the door :-)

Splits shaped up like this:
Swim - 15:57 (Seriously, HOW HORRIBLE IS THAT????)
T1 (which includes beach run, I think) - 6:54
Bike (10 miles) - 49:17
T2 - 1:24
Run (5K) - 35:39
Total time: 1:49:01.83

I came in 4/5 in my division.  I really wanted to improve on my last time from this race (1:40), but  I actually beat a couple of the people who finished ahead of me in terms of the run (again, not something I am used to).  I know I need to work on my swimming between now and July (Yes, I am glutton for punishment and can't wait to register for the 2nd race in the series)--namely my swimming.  I also want to get cages on my pedals.  I had bought some for this race, but Brad couldn't get one of my pedals off.   I also plan on actually spending more time on my bike before the next race--especially on the bridge.

I wasn't last, but it was a close thing . . .(497th of 511 overall and 145th of 150).  I can honestly say that I REALLY, REALLY don't care though, because its an accomplishment no matter what.  And slow is better than not at all.   So you can bet I'll be back out there next month.  Even given the crappy swim, tris are still my most favorite kinds of races.  There is a lot to improve on, and I KNOW my time will be better next race.