We-Tri At the Eastside YMCA

December 14, 2008

I knew I would stay up too late the night before because of Bill's annual caroling party. However, this time I was able to plan ahead! Brian arranged for us to have a late starting time. This was my first indoor tri and I was a bit nervous about the goal-setting portion - I wasn't sure that I had set goals that were accurate for my current fitness level. I know that I am not in racing shape right now. So, I set the goal of 30 lengths, 6 miles, and 1.5 miles. I was able to eke in half length, so I ended up with 31 lengths in the pool, 7.2 miles on the bike and 1.5 on the treadmill. Not bad, but I know that I want to do better in February. I think that these indoor tris might be a good way of learning how to push myself harder and hopefully get faster. I know I can run faster, I just don't really know how to pace myself yet. That being said, I am pretty darn tired of running ten minute miles no matter what the distance!

Jingle Jog

December 6, 2008
28:26

Not as happy! Last time I did this course, I did it in 27:44. I was hoping to beat my last time. I know that I am still coming off an injury, but I really wanted to run faster. This was my first duplicate race course and I wanted an improvement. Both Brian and John tried to tell me that I did well. Which I guess I did, just not as well as I had hoped. At this point, I knew I wasn't fully recovered, but still wished I could have done better. However to put things in perspective, this may be my second fastest time.

Turkey Classic & Trot

So, after being pretty much banned from racing, I was FINALLY allowed to do two races Thanksgiving week. The Turkey Classic was the bane of my existence as a kid, because it clogged up our street. . . not because I ran it, of course! This year I was excited to be part of the problem instead of griping about it. I set out a little fast, but honestly I've come to realize that is just how I start. The adrenaline is just pumping at the start of every race! I can't help myself! Of course, considering that chilly temperature - a whopping 19 degrees! I may have start fast just to get warm. I was definitely nervous about my layers and if I had the right ones on. There is a fine balance between layers, temp and length of race and I had no idea if I had it. This was my first five mile race and I am pretty proud of my finishing time. I averaged ten minute miles and finished in just under fifty minutes. Considering my injury, I am pretty happy with this - after all, that exactly how fast I was running before.

The night before Thanksgiving, I made a rookie mistake and had a bit more to drink that I should have. I really didn't want to get up for my race the next day. I was definitely a hurting puppy! However, I already paid for the race and had my bib and race shirt. There was no way I was going to own a race shirt for a race that I bailed on because I was too hungover! That would be totally inexcusable! Plus I had been looking forward to this race for months!

That being said, I definitely was a hurting unit for the first mile or so of the race. However at around mile two, things just kicked into place and I started feeling great! This was a huge race and I really loved feeling a part of the machine - all those runners out having a good time, the sun shining and dry roads with just freezing temps. . . I was totally having a blast, then someone ran me over! Yes, that right, she literally ran right over me! Knocked me to the ground, legs straddling me before she had any idea what she had done. All I was thinking was, "Please don't let my tights be ripped!" As soon as she realized what she had done, she stopped, helped me up and apologized. She was obviously in her own world and as I wasn't hurt, it was totally a no harm, no foul, laugh later moment! I ended up finishing the race in less than forty-four minutes. Once again, just slightly less than ten minute miles! It is nice to finally be so much closer to recovery!

Longest Run Since Injury!!

Great run! The snow flying today made me a bit nervous about running this evening. I bought a bunch of cold weather gear, but the sore hip flexor made me nervous about running with slick roads and cold temps. But, since I have to get my two runs in before the race on Sunday, I geared up and set out.
Wow! Although I started off feeling a bit sore, soon I was running with a big grin on my face. I kept a fairly slow pace, but man did the run feel great. With the new nike+, I don't have to totally map out my run ahead of time. Getting feedback every half mile meant that I could run without a complete plan in my head. It did mean that when my run was complete, I still had a mile-long walk home, but I was okay with that. I like having a nice walk to cool down and stay stretched out, even when it is freezing. I felt great the whole run, yet again! The gear I wore was perfect for the temperature and I can't wait until Sunday when I get to run five miles. . . even if they are five slow miles!

More Running Coming Right Up

I don't know if the gods have decided that I don't suck or if I am just finally getting lucky, but the last two days have really been kinda awesome. Mapmyrun.com decided to work and now my new shoes are being tracked! My house is clean, I found my missing watch, AND I am now cleared for two, yes two, three mile runs!!! Granted the Turkey Classic and Trot are coming up very soon and I haven't run more than a mile in over a month, but I am totally optimistic. Ron gave me the "well do you want to run the races or not" talk and so I am not swimming or biking in between my runs. But that's okay! As long as I am in some kind of condition to run on the 23rd, I will be happy. I don't plan on breaking any records and I don't think I will come in last. What more could I ask for?

More New Toys!

Today I got my package from swimtowin.com. I am now the proud owner of a lap counter that fits like a ring and keeps stats for you on your fastest, slowest and average lap times. I'm hoping that this will help me increase my pace. I also got a swim bag. Yeah! Now I have special spot in my bag for my wet suit. Unfortunately, my grab bag swimsuit was backordered. . . which is of course the thing I needed most of all. Oh well, I guess it will be a few more saggy lap swimming days!

Nike + Update

Today, I was determined to make my new toy work for me. I called Nike customer service. After a half hour on the phone, where they actually were nice and helped me!, I was able pull my run data off the iPod and send it to the web. From there, I was successful in sending the data to my mapmyrun.com account. Unfortunately, I can't seem to log my gear usage into the workout. This technology this is rather frustrating! I was hoping that it would make everything easier, but right now I am just a bit disappointed. The graph generated by nikeplus.com is super cool and the fact that it was sent directly to my mapmyrun.com training calendar is awesome. Now, if I could just log my gear usage, I would be super happy!

I have to say, my cool toys are helping me keep my mind off the disappointment of not healing as fast as I had hoped. Hey if you can't run and bike regularly, why not obsess with the cool toys associated with the sport?

Nike Plus

Today I went for a run. . . a whole mile! It was pretty chilly out, what with flakes dropping from the sky during lunch. This was actually good news as I have been pretty excited to try out some of my new gear. So, I geared up in my new running tights, jacket, running shoes, and Nike +. I set my iPod for a mile, leashed up Timmy, and started out. My shoes felt awesome and I definitely was dressed perfectly for the weather. If I were to run any further, I would have to re-evaluate the layers. Halfway through the run, my iPod spoke to me! The music dimmed and the VOICE let me know that I was halfway done. That was definitely cool! It allowed me to reassess my route for the day and also made me realize that I do not really have an accurate understanding of how far I have run. When I had 500 meters left to my run, the VOICE let me know every 100 meters how much distance I had left to run. I loved checking out my pace, total time and calories burned when my run was complete.

As soon as I got home, I plugged in my iPod and attempted to download my info. It took iTunes two tries to connect to nikeplus.com, but allegedly it did eventually send my data to the website. I say allegedly, because six hours later, I have still been unable to access the data on nikeplus.com! I am really frustrated! As cool as it was to run with, I was really looking forward to adding the data to mapmyrun.com. Without this added bonus, it really does not completely serve my desired purpose. Hopefully, this is just a temporary glitch and I will be able to access the website tomorrow. Unfortunately, I am now realizing that I have never been successful in accessing this website at home, only at work.

GRR!! Hopefully, I will be successful tomorrow and will be able to say only nice things about my new nike +!

First Bike Ride

Okay, so I had to beat the ghost. I had to go out and do the course that beat me up and spit me out. After being cleared for a 10 mile bike ride by Ron, I gave my buddy Bill a call. I figured since he has a mountain, not road bike, that he would be a good biking partner. I was supposed to take it easy and not pull, only push, as I pedaled. Barring a few times going uphill, I was pretty good about following Ron's directions. I am really committed to getting better and am willing to make the sacrifice now, if it means I will be good to go in two weeks. Here's the thing - I may not have really described the course to Bill. I figured he is usually game, even if he hurts later. That being said, he definitely was cursing me as he struggled up the hills! Judging by his facebook status, I think he may still be cursing me! Oops!

Me on the other hand? I felt great! I still feel great! I win! Maybe biking is back on the list of okay activities? I hope so! I can't believe how much I have missed riding around. Plus today was absolutely beautiful! Fall is a fantastic time to be out riding - great crisp air and colorful leaves. I was in heaven. Hopefully I will be cleared for an even longer jaunt next week. There are only so many snow-free weeks left here in Rochester. I want to put as many miles as I can between now and the serious snow that is coming. I promised myself I would keep the bike rack on the CRV as long as possible. I don't want to limit my cycling opportunities! I may even buy some cycling tights so I can stay warm as it gets a bit cooler out. (Things are clearly looking up if I am thinking of buying more gear - that or I'm the eternal optimist!)

Swimming

Well, the plan was to run today. Had to scratch that! Unfortunately, when Ron put me through my paces yesterday, he really wore me out. Today I walked into work and people commented on my limp. . . I was SO over the limping! Ok, maybe the high heels on Monday hurt me a bit too, but come on!

Anyway, since running had to be scrapped, I decided to go for a swim. I have had my swim bag packed for about two weeks, but haven't actually made it to the Y. So, I grabbed my bag and headed over there. When I got into the locker room, I discovered that my pre-packed bag was missing a few items, including my swim watch! This meant that I was stuck relying on the lap clock on the wall, which is of course difficult to see when your head is in the water!

I decided to do 100 yards bursts for twenty minutes. The pool was full, but not crowded. I did 5 bursts, then decided to end it with a nice 300. I have to say, I actually prefer to just get in and swim my heart out for a set amount of time. I don't feel I get as good of a workout trying to do sprints. Probably because I still haven't been able to figure out how to change my pace. No matter what I do, I end up averaging 50 yards a minute. However, I am hoping that my latest purchase will help. I just bought a lap counter which also records slowest, fastest and average times. Maybe that, combined with some drills, which I still have to research, will help.

NOW FOR A QUICK RANT:
I know that swimsuits wear out, but really, when you spend fifty dollars or more on a swimsuit, is it too much to expect it to last at least a year? Tri-training is already expensive enough without my most basic of training gear wearing out quickly. Is it too much to ask that they design a swimsuit that doesn't ROT? I got out of the pool today looking like the Saggy Baggy Elephant. I already limp and have voice problems, I don't need the baggy look added in! On the up side of things, Saggy Baggy Elephant still beats a see-through butt that everyone knows about but me. . . .Hopefully the grab bag suit I just ordered will fit. . . I hate buy swimsuits without trying them on, but it is the only way to get them cheap. . . er, cheaper that is!

Moving on Up!

Ron really pushed me today in PT. He put me through a number of different exercises. Evidently, slow and easy is no longer the thing. . . He wants me to do the exercises faster, in hopes that I could be running greater distances in the near future. (1/2 mile is really not enough of a distance to train for the upcoming races.) I have to admit that I am nervous. I am going to be running my first race since the injury in two and a half weeks. I have not registered for this race, the Turkey Classic, yet because I am a bit worried that I will not be ready in time. However, the race Thanksgiving morning is a done deal as far as I am concerned. I have registered and I really want to do it. However, I haven't run more than a half mile in over a month. The Turkey Trot is 4.4 miles and this is the longest race I have run since the Rochester Half Marathon. I know I can do it, as I have run that distance many times before in training, but let's face it, the Rochester Half Marathon was a long time ago!

Now the newest plan is: Run again this week. . . and he didn't say how far, so I am thinking. . . How about a whole mile? Then on Saturday afternoon, I plan to go for a bike ride with Bill. Seeing as he only has a mountain bike, I should be able to keep the pace rather slow. Ron limited me to 10 miles. Actually, now that I think about it, if a 10 mile bike ride, instead of 15 is okay, then maybe a 1.5 mile run wouldn't be pushing it either? As long as I don't do it on the same day? Like maybe I run tomorrow? Bike Saturday?

The thing is, I really want to try out my latest purchase: a Nike+ shoe pod. It attaches to my shoe and my iPod. Much cheaper than the gps watch I really want. But it does record speed, distance, and calories. . . and it will send the date from nikeplus.com to mapmyrun.com! All I will have to do is add in the actual route and I will be able to compile all kinds of data! So the plan is: Run tomorrow with the new toy and start compiling my data!!!

First Run

Earlier this week Ron gave me the green light to go for a short run today. Short being a 1/2 mile at a 12 minute mile pace. So that would be VERY SHORT. I set my watch for seven minutes and figured I would just do a slow jog with Timmy. (Note that I was already pushing my luck with 7 minutes, not six!) The plan was go straight out and then walk home. I woke up feeling a little stiff this morning. This was probably a good thing, because it reminded me that I am supposed to stretch before running. Particularly with the hip flexor issue, I wanted to make sure that I took better care of myself getting back into running. I stretched for a bit, then leashed up the dog and left the house.
The iPod was dead and so I felt a little naked. However, considering that the iPod is loaded with fast-paced songs, it was probably a good thing that I ran without. As I started out, I would definitely feel the hip flexor stretching and pulling. Ron had said that if I felt any pain, I should stop immediately. On the same token, he also advised against running further if I felt great. Clearly he has begun to understand how the people in my family think! That being said, Timmy was fairly well-behaved and did not pull me at all. I think he was just as relieved to be running as I was!
I stopped as soon as the watch beeped and proceeded to complete a loop, walking the rest of the way home. I definitely can feel the hip flexor pulling, but I was able to walk without limping the rest of the way home. It is definitely a relief to be allowed to do even a bit of running. Hopefully, Ron will tell me tomorrow that I can run again this week. When I checked out my distance on mapmyrun.com, I discovered that I ran .71 miles. I guess that new gear I have been pondering (gps watch) is becoming more of a necessity every day.
I have to say that I am just relieved to be allowed to run again. Maybe I should ask about cycling!

Are High Heels a Good Idea?

Trying to decide: Are high heels a good idea with the recently recovered hip flexor?

Running on Sunday

Good news! I have been cleared to run a half mile on Sunday. . . at a twelve minute mile pace. And of course I have to stop if it hurts and I'm not allowed to run further even if it doesn't hurt. Lots of conditions! But at least I can start back with my running!

This Just In. . .

Turns out all is not lost! I went to PT today and even though I am still limping, Ron thinks I should be able to run by next week! Very exciting news, let me tell you! I have been going a little nuts here and my dog has been driving me nuts. Turns out I'm not the only one fairly addicted to running! Not shocking that Timmy would like it, as he is a dog and this forced break has made him a bit of a pain in the butt. He is actually more restless than I am! Anyway, things may be looking up!

No Dancin' Either!

I was feeling better this week, really, I swear! One of my favorite bands came to town this week. I got one of the last tickets and went. This in and of itself was not a bad idea. But the show was at the German House, which of course means no seating. So I was standing for the whole show. Ok, I can stand with my injury. I mean, I stand when I supervise volleyball and that's not a problem. The problem lies in the fact that I don't just stand at a concert. Really! Does anyone just stand and listen to music? Of course I had to dance! BAD IDEA. . . VERY BAD IDEA!!!! Ok, so I was a little sore at the end of the night, but really was it not just the dancing, but the jumping up and down that did me in. Note to self: Jumping not a good idea. So I go to PT today, tell Ron the story and now I have two appointments for next week and still no running. This whole thing is a major bummer. I really want to be running again!

Running Soon?

Yesterday I went for a swim. It was probably my best swim since the tri. I swam non-stop for thirty minutes and thirty seconds and was able to complete 30 laps. It is really frustrating after all this time to still be swimming at the exact same pace as when I started training in January. It seems that no matter what approach I use, I still average 1 minute/50 yards. I am not sure why either. I have done drills, I have done intervals, and I have done long slow distance. Nothing seems to change my pace. Yesterday I concentrated on my arms in order to give the ol' hip-leg a break. I know I was pulling harder, but not kicking as strong. End result? Still no change in pace! I am hoping that when the hip-leg is healed that I will miraculously have increased my pace, but for some reason I doubt that this will be the case.
On a happier note, I think physical therapy went well today. Although Ron did not suggest that I run or ride, he did say I could take my dog for a brisk walk. I am hoping that by Friday I will not be limping, and that he will say that I can go running over the weekend. I know Timmy, my dog, would greatly appreciate that kind of news. As for me, I am hoping that this is not a case of the forbidden fruit being sweeter. Here's hopin' that I will be running by Saturday!

Getting Better

So Ron told me I can start considering running when I can walk without a limp, which is almost happening now!!! Not all the time, but sometimes. . . And he cleared me for the Turkey Trot and Turkey Classic. This of course means that I went straight over to Fleet Feet and registered for the Turkey Trot. I plan on registering for the Turkey Classic this weekend. Yippee! I am on the mend! I am actually almost pain free - unless I try to do something silly like walk really fast or something. I am just hopeful that I will be able to get some nice final bike rides in before the snow starts to fly. Would a five mile run be took much to ask for by the end of the month? Ha! Ron said that I am just like my father. Whatever that means! I am just driven and excited to be getting better! Sitting around sucks monkey butts!

Running in Cold Weather

So, since I don't have the ability to actually go running . . .I went to Fleet Feet's Running in Cold Weather workshop tonight. I have come to the conclusion that I need more gear. Shocking, right? But really, it made me excited to think about gearing up and going for a run when the snow is flying. Crazy, I know. I am realizing that although I have always been right that running is synonymous with crazy, I appear have officially joined the crazies. So now I get to buy two pairs of new sneaks soon - regular ones and trail runners. I want to maybe start trail running? Hmm, . . . well I need to be ready for the spring classic duo and this time, there will be no injury! Also, I think the additional traction will be helpful when I am running outside this winter.
Ahh! Now if only I could actually go running and vent some of my frustration!

My Hip-Leg

Today's first visit to my PT was painful, but productive. Evidently I have pulled two out of three parts of my hip flexor. Ron, my PT did give me some hope. He thinks that the seven weeks between now and the Turkey Trot should be enough time to heal. However, he did not seem too enthused about my plan of completing my first indoor tri in December. He warned me that trying to go as far as I could in each 15 minute leg might cause a relapse. . . mentioned maybe taking it easy . . . we'll see if I can heal by then. On the up side, Ron did seem pretty positive about me completing the three races I have on my calendar for the rest of the year. I guess ice, high test aleve, muscle relaxers, stretching and maybe swimming, with mostly my arms, are what my near future holds. Boo Hiss!! I miss running! And biking!

Pain & Suffering

It is official. . . I definitely injured myself at the Duathlon. I pulled my "leg-hip" and now must go to physical therapy. Not what I wanted to hear at all. I finally went to the doctor today and she put me on a higher dose of Aleve as well as a muscle relaxer for night. Good news: Pain has subsided with the new meds. Bad news: Looks like I won't be running for a while. And boy do I need it! I didn't realize how much I have come to rely on running as a total stress release. Now I am stuck trying to handle a huge personal heartbreak and an injury without my new favorite stress release. Suck-polooza! Tomorrow I head to our family friend, and PT, Ron Wood for further guidance and hopefully healing. I guess my blog will be about NOT running for the next few weeks. . . .

Updates

Wow! It has been a while since I updated this. I started this whole blogging thing as an experiment. For some reason, I am now feeling the urge to do this on a more regular basis. Call it a chance to express myself anonymously, or a case of the exhibitionist creeping out in me. Who knows? Maybe it doesn't even really matter anyway! Well to get down to business. . .

My First Half Marathon
September 14, 2008

My boyfriend John - at least at that point - convinced me back in June to run the Rochester Half Marathon. . . However, the truth of the matter is, I was already pondering it. After all, a few weeks prior, I had publicly announced that in 2009 I would be running the Marine Corps Marathon. . . So as John began to talk about the Rochester Half, I was beginning to think it would be a good practice for next fall's full. . . Eventually, we made a deal - I would do the Rochester Half and he would do the Finger Lakes Tri. . . Of course at that point, I was already planning on doing the Half - I just wanted to get him to do the tri.
The morning of the race was predicted to be overcast and rainy. Which would have been a vast improvement over the 90 degree heat we had been having the week before. Unfortunately, Sunday morning I woke at 5 AM and it was already 72 degrees out. Or should I stay STILL 72 degrees as it had been that warm when I went to bed. I was all set to go: iPod all charged and only containing running tunes, Body Glide under the iPod holder as well as on my legs to prevent chafing, toast and soygurt with fruit for breakfast and a medium glass of water. John and his friend picked my up around 6 and we headed down to Frontier Field and the starting line. We met up with a bunch of John's friends and everyone, except John, had their music strapped to their arm. We almost missed the start as it was rather anti-climatic. . . However, as soon as I heard the gun, I just started running - I don't think I even wished anyone luck. The first few miles - all the way to Winton felt great. It was a really awesome feeling to be running with all those people, through my favorite city - Rochester. Somewhere along East Ave, I was someone wearing a gorilla suit cheering people on. I remember thinking, "Who is that nut?" Too bad I knew the nut - Dan "Sprout" Andrus! It figures!

Right before mile 5, a couple had a sprinkler set up to shower us runners with water. As I looked at the couple, I realized that it was Dick, from my tri class, and his wife. I shouted "hi" and he cheered me on. I have to admit, I was feeling great, even as I hit the canal around mile 7. Unfortunately, around mile 9, the temperature seemed to just skyrocket! I could feel the heat radiating off the pavement. As I neared the water stop, I saw an EMT with a heat warning sign. I wanted to shout, "No shit!", but I didn't have the moisture in my mouth. As I neared the Ford Street Bridge, I felt my steam begin to run out. As I neared the top, I had to walk - first time! I was so hot, and truly exhausted!

I made a deal with myself, I would walk to the bottom where the water stop was, then start running again. Too bad the water stop wasn't there! It was down on Exchange! I walked to the water stop and then realized that I was almost done. Although I was totally exhausted, I just realized that if I walked, it would just take longer to finish. So, with less than two miles left, . . I began running again. I crossed the finish line at 2:31! Just a minute longer than my goal! And I sprinted the last block!

I have to say, I felt sick, but awesome at the same time! I am so proud of myself! As someone who only began this journey in January, I feel like I have made huge strides and accomplished so much. A year ago, I thought I would doing this, . . and LOVING it!

Finger Lakes Triathlon
September 21, 2008
John and I spent the night at his parents' house as they were a tad bit closer to the race. They made us a great pasta dinner the night before. Honestly, I have to admit that I was feeling pretty great going into this race. I knew what to expect and felt really confident. I figured that I would complete it in less than 2 hours and be happy with my time overall.

I guess I didn't realize how nervous John was. He started the summer as a fairly weak and definitely non-confident swimmer. However, he worked really hard all summer to improve and I kept telling him that he was a much better swimmer than he gave himself credit for. He didn't seem to be able to eat much before the race, but it still didn't dawn on me the extent of his nerves until he was puking/dry heaving behind a tree! That being said, he had nothing to be worried about! He ended up finishing very strong at 1:31:53! And he was already talking about his next one!

Now, my race got off to a rather frustrating start, but in a good way. I had set myself up to start near the back of my wave. I really should have had more confidence in my swimming ability! I ended up walking for the first few minutes, because it was faster and easier that trying to swim behind a bunch of slow swimmers! Those handful of times John and I went out to the lake a practiced with our wetsuits really paid off. Even with the walking, I hit the shore at 15:19 and crossed the timing mat at 16:17! I felt awesome!!!! My first transition time was still slow at 3:12, but I got on the bike and just started passing people. Once again, John and I practicing the route made all the difference. I already knew what to expect - that the first 3 miles were all uphill and paced myself accordingly. There were many people completely unprepared for it. I finished my bike with plenty of steam left at 49:29 and honestly, I think that next year, I will do this portion significantly faster. I did my second transition in 1:28, but forgot to take off my camelpak. I started off my run rather fast - my legs seemed totally prepared for the transition, which was a total surprise. Actually it alarmed me a bit and I slowed down, which I now look back and realize I shouldn't have. But I finished the run in 31:23 for a grand finishing time of 1:41:49! A full 17 minutes faster than my last tri!

I am so impressed with myself! I can't believe that I have come so far in such a short period of time! Which goes a long way in explaining the next race. . . .


Rochester Autumn Classic Duathlon
September 28, 2008
I woke up a little later than planned for this race. John came to pick me up just as I was finishing my breakfast. As we got off 490 in Pittsford, I realized that I had left my running shoes at home. We returned to my house, got my shoes and then finally arrived at Mendon Ponds Park. It was a rainy day, and I did not really stretch too much before the race started.

As usual, John was ahead of me within a few seconds. This was my first trail run, as well as my first duathlon. I was happy to note that my ankles did not hurt, turn or irritate me in any way. I finished the first 2 mile run in 21:09, which was what I expected based on road performance. I transitioned standing up, as the mist gradually turned to rain. The bike seemed harder than the tri, but I kept reminding myself that it was 3 miles shorter. I finished the first bike in 36:50, and was starting to feel a little tired. They had mentioned at the start of the race that we could change to the Super Sprint by crossing the finish line after the second run and just letting them know. I began pondering this option as I was halfway through the second run. My "hip-leg" was hurting a bit, but I gave myself a stern talking to. I told myself that if I could complete a half marathon and three triathlons, then I could most definitely complete the Formula 1. BIG MISTAKE!!

As I transitioned back onto the bike, I noticed that not many people were still in the race. . . Began to really notice this as I completed the first half. It seemed like it was just me and this older guy. Then as I approached the last mile, I noticed that the road marshals appeared to be following me. . . This made me pretty mad at myself. I have this thing about being last - I hate it! It makes me feel like a failure! And so maybe I didn't pay attention to the hip-leg pain. . .

John was already finished at this point and cheered me on as I transitioned for the last time. A woman who had already finished ran with me and cheered me out for almost the entire run. This was really nice, fairly helpful, but kinda made me feel a bit like a loser. . . I know, I should just be focused on my own performance. However, at this point, the hip-leg pain was really started to be all I noticed. I had to walk a few times, each time for longer. As I approached the field where the finish line was, I began running again. Ellen cheered me on, and since she has no idea who I am, it was "Go girl! Keep running! You can do it girl!" Nice, but I was in such pain all I cared about was crossing the finish line.

John was a the finish line cheering me on, but I stopped running as soon as I crossed the timing mat. NOT GOOD! The pain was unspeakable. John offered to go get me some vitamin I, but I said I'd rather grab my stuff and get it with him. No sense in wasting time or just waiting around like some kind of injured princess!

Unfortunately, I really injured myself. I should have known when to say stop. I should not have done the Formula 1. I should have finished at the Super Sprint. I have learned, the hard way. I pulled my hip flexor and now my brother is even beginning to think that there may be some tearing. . .Turns out two of the best ways to hurt your hip flexor are biking and running! Suck monkeys! On a happy note, the best rehab is swimming, which I plan on doing a lot.

WOW! I had a lot to say! Maybe I should update this more often! Of course, I can't run any races for a while. . . My goal is to be rehabbed and healed in time for the YMCA Turkey Trot. I will be swimming and babying my injury so I can be ready for the final three races of the year. Who knows? Maybe I will beat or set some more PRs!

I DID IT!!!

I DID IT!!! Sunday, I completed my first triathlon!!!!!
I am soo proud of me! For someone who never joined any kind of team in school, this is huge. I went into work today and my students asked how I did. Then a boy came up to me to tell me one of his friends really liked me. . . (and no! not in that creepy way you were thinking!) but. . . because he wants to complete a triathlon next year and was really impressed that I had done it. As soon as I saw the boy, he was asking me all kinds of questions and congratulating me.
Anyway, I did it in 1:50:37, under two hours, thank you very much! Now, according to my watch, I did it in 1:47:?? but I guess I will go with the chip time. . . Seriously, this has truly been a life changing experience. However, next week I am swimming in Keuka Lake and it is currently 54 degrees in the water there! Yes, I have a wet suit, but seriously! what have I gotten myself into?!? It have never been so excited for the bike and run portion! To think I was looking forward to the swim part! But that's ok, I will do it and I will do my best, even if I have to bring hand warmers in order to get feeling back in my hands!

Feelin' Like a Rock Star. . . Or Not!

Well, I am six weeks away from my first triathlon.

I began this journey as someone who is not a runner (as in hated it!), did not own a bike (hadn't since high school), and never truly swam seriously (but I've been a lifeguard for over 10 years).

Two Saturdays ago, I ran my first road race. A 5K, 30 minutes flat. VIVA the rock star! I felt amazing!
Then, the next week, I did another one - 30:15. LOSER!

OK, I know 15 seconds does not make a LOSER, but I wanted to do better! All week I swam 20 minutes a day. Did a slow 5k and a 10 mile bike ride. I really thought I was gonna beat my first time.

Now for the reality check: I stayed out too late, drank a few beers and ultimately was not prepared for the second race. I deserved the time I got.

This training has made me want to do better, and I crapped out last week. BUT it made me realize that I have to treat myself better if I want to do better. I have never been a serious athlete, but now I think I might want to be. Don't get me wrong! I have no plans of becoming one of those crazy, skin and bones ladies who doesn't have any fun! But I am loving this sense of discipline in my life and the personal challenges it presents.

So, I know I am up to the challenge. Now I just need to prove it. After all my 61 year old dad just decided to join me in my first triathlon and he hasn't been training for 6 weeks. Hopefully, he won't kick my butt!