I've pretty much swam/biked/ran all of my miles to train for this thing...I'm a bit shocked that the past year (I signed up last year by volunteering at IMFL, so I signed up on 3 Nov 13) has gone so quickly.
I never wore my watch for pool swims, so I don't have an accurate record of my swimming distance, but the year end stats for running/biking are as follows (and this is just what my Garmin recorded, there were several times I had to go without it):
Running: 593.81 miles
Biking: 1110.39 miles
Hmmm...putting it that way makes this endeavor look more crazy than I expected, lol!
Lessons learned during training? While training in the heat of this Florida summer really sucked, it upped my conditioning like nothing else could, I think. Because I had so many miles to go through on some weekends, even starting crazy early wouldn't end my workout before noon...and nothing makes you question your sanity quite like running a 10 miler in 98 degree heat. But the naps I got in after some of those workouts were epic... E-P-I-C.
There were times of extreme frustration for me, which I tried to keep to myself. I'm not an athlete by nature--I'm very slow and sometimes I wished that I were faster, better, stronger, smaller, whatever. But the fact is, I swim/bike/run in a slow and steady fashion and I have completed all three distances separately. My nervousness is because of the TOGETHER part of the IM. But I think I just need to keep my hydration and nutrition en pointe to be able to finish them all together. I may never be able to WIN a race, but I'm generally stubborn enough to finish it, no matter the time. The time limit for the Ironman is 17 hours...my hope is to finish in 16:59:59 or sooner.
I know I've told my husband, R, that I would NEVER do this again...but I have to admit, I've fallen in love with triathlons. The swimming was my nemesis, but I think I've learned to like it, even if open water is not exactly my favorite. The biking is just fun, I feel like a kid on a bike. The running is just something I do...it's how I've kept my sanity for many years and can't see myself ever going to a time where I don't run.
I sincerely hope that all of my efforts are making a small difference for Semper Fido. There were definitely days that I REALLY didn't want to get up at 0430 on a Saturday to run for 10 miles or bike for 50 miles...but it's easier to do when I think about the fact that this organization is something I support fully. I may not make them million or thousands (or even hundreds) in donations, but I worked my rear end off (not really...ironically, I gained weight while training) in the hopes that maybe one more dog can be trained for one more veteran with PTSD or other disabilities. I can't say how much that means.
http://www.semperfido.org/donate.htm
Sunday, October 26, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Semper Fido
I've asked a friend of mine, RH, to give me some info on Semper Fido, the charity I'm trying to raise money for with my Ironman (which is in A MONTH!!! <--- panic setting in...now.) and he was kind enough to send the following info.
Quick background on this; RH was injured in Afghanistan in 2011. I don't want to go into his injuries, but they were fairly significant and he had a time adjusting to life on the other side of the injury.
"So, I went up to NJ, around McGuire AFB, to meet [my friends] DH and JN for something, I don’t remember [what it was] now. JN had his service dog, Nona, out with him, and we talked about how she had helped him and about life with a service dog. He asked if I was interested, I told him I was. So, I started the application process with Semper Fido, out of Marlton, NJ. I got approved. Basically, I needed a doctor’s note and prescription, that said a service dog would benefit me.
"I was looking not only for a companion type animal to help out with the TBI/PTSD issues, but also to help out with my loss of vision in my right side. Definitely helps when navigating through crowds and keeping me from running into things on that side. I first met [my dog] Chase in February and we hit it off immediately. Because of medical stuff and surgeries, I didn’t start the training until late May 2013, and finished up the beginning of July 2013. Our first trip was to the White House for the 4th of July with my kids.
"The training was very easy for both of us, we clicked and it seemed natural for him to take commands from me and we quickly bonded. Chase has not only been a service dog, he’s been a best friend, a companion, a reason to get up and take care of someone other than me when I don’t feel like it. It’s been great because he is always upbeat and happy, loves to go out and it forces me to be more social as well. I feel I got so much more than just a medical assistance service animal."
The fact that Chase was a rescue (someone actually got rid of this dog, which is where Semper Fido came in) just blows RH away. His companion and friend was someone else's "throw away" dog. Life for both of them now seems to just be more and more awesome.
Really I can't think of a better reason to support an organization than this. Please donate to this awesome organization--I'll do the hard work for this charity Ironman, I promise!! ;)
http://www.semperfido.org/donate.htm
Quick background on this; RH was injured in Afghanistan in 2011. I don't want to go into his injuries, but they were fairly significant and he had a time adjusting to life on the other side of the injury.
"So, I went up to NJ, around McGuire AFB, to meet [my friends] DH and JN for something, I don’t remember [what it was] now. JN had his service dog, Nona, out with him, and we talked about how she had helped him and about life with a service dog. He asked if I was interested, I told him I was. So, I started the application process with Semper Fido, out of Marlton, NJ. I got approved. Basically, I needed a doctor’s note and prescription, that said a service dog would benefit me.
"I was looking not only for a companion type animal to help out with the TBI/PTSD issues, but also to help out with my loss of vision in my right side. Definitely helps when navigating through crowds and keeping me from running into things on that side. I first met [my dog] Chase in February and we hit it off immediately. Because of medical stuff and surgeries, I didn’t start the training until late May 2013, and finished up the beginning of July 2013. Our first trip was to the White House for the 4th of July with my kids.
"The training was very easy for both of us, we clicked and it seemed natural for him to take commands from me and we quickly bonded. Chase has not only been a service dog, he’s been a best friend, a companion, a reason to get up and take care of someone other than me when I don’t feel like it. It’s been great because he is always upbeat and happy, loves to go out and it forces me to be more social as well. I feel I got so much more than just a medical assistance service animal."
The fact that Chase was a rescue (someone actually got rid of this dog, which is where Semper Fido came in) just blows RH away. His companion and friend was someone else's "throw away" dog. Life for both of them now seems to just be more and more awesome.
Really I can't think of a better reason to support an organization than this. Please donate to this awesome organization--I'll do the hard work for this charity Ironman, I promise!! ;)
http://www.semperfido.org/donate.htm
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
!!!
Sorry it's been so long!! Between work, college, and training I have had no time to do much of anything else.
This summer has been really mild, which has been great. It has been hot, but not the normal "stupid hot" (the kind of heat and humidity that is so miserable that you feel just grumpy and lethargic), which makes training a whole lot easier.
I've been working out six days a week, with Saturday and Sunday being my long and hard days. Saturday I do long bike rides--up to 65 miles, so far--and short runs. Sunday is an open water swim, a moderate bike ride, and a long run. Mondays are my favorite day of the week right now...my off day! :)
Running and biking have been great. I'm comfortable with both of those and, slow but steady, I get them finished. Swimming...oh, swimming. I was really frustrated a few weeks back, I just could not seem to get my breathing pattern down. My coach recommended that I get a snorkel, to see if that would help. Oddly, swimming with the snorkel made me realize that I'm physically capable of doing the swims and that I don't NEED a snorkel to swim. Mind games with myself.
The IMFL is in about three (OMG!!) months!! EEEEEKKK!!!! It seems like I've been thinking about this forever, so I'm really surprised that it's so close. I am really nervous and scared, but also excited and determined. Endurance is a challenge but it's also amazing to find out what my body is capable of, even if my mind isn't so certain.
I'm going to try and write more often--hopefully with my class being done, I'll have a bit more time. But regardless, I owe a post dedicated to my charity of choice, Semper Fido, and I hope to have that up shortly.
My favorite beach conditions:
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Half Ironman Wrap-up
Last Saturday was it! I did the Gulf Coast Triathlon Half Ironman! Unfortunately, the swim was cancelled because of the water conditions, but I still got in the rest of it…69.1 miles.
I got to Panama City Beach the day prior to the HIM. My plan was to find where I was staying, get my packet, set up my bike, and then relax. What ACTUALLY happened was that I got there at 1000 and couldn't check-in until 1200, nor could I go to packet pick-up, because that didn't start until 1200 either. So, I wound up wandering around the area, looking at the water (which had a red flag and was very rough) until about 1130. Then I got in line, checked in, and got my parking pass. I got all of my stuff into my room and went down to the pick-up. It was a VERY small expo; about seven vendors. One was my favorite local tri shop--Dragon Sports--so I was pretty happy to see them and their bike mechanics. I picked up a couple of odds and ends and then grabbed my packet. I was number 4--I don't know if I registered that early or if it was because of my last name (Adams) that got me there, but I like being a single digit.
I went back up to my room and then wandered around some more. I ran into one of the local ladies--G--and we started looking around for a couple of other women--L, L's sister, and A. We decided to drive the bike route for a bit…had to stop for gas first and wound up at a ghetto gas station, where two men were screaming at each other. That pretty much turned into getting out of the car, hearing them, and getting back in the car and driving off…PCB is not exactly a high end area in most areas, unfortunately. Anyway, we got gas at another location and headed up Hwy 79…it's not a bad ride, with the exception of the giant bridge about 15 miles from the start. After we looked, we went back to the hotel, got our bikes set up in the transition area and went to the "carb load dinner." The person in charge of the Tri was very uncertain about the water conditions, even then, so that was worth noting.
Nothing to be done about it right then--the surf could calm down overnight--so it was time to go to bed. I got up at 0400 (after waking up around 0030 to some dude yelling about how he had "gone to jail once and wasn't afraid to go back!" while he was arguing with his female companion...again…PCB…kinda not the nicest place ever). I got everything ready (except I forgot my hat for the run, I discovered much later!) and went downstairs. I brought everything else that I needed to the transition area and wandered around for a bit. I had my wetsuit half on, but decided I was too hot and took it off…in the process I lost my timing chip. For marathons, the timing chip is attached to the bib, but for triathlons, the chip is in a neoprene band that is worn around the ankle. I didn't realize it for quite some time and then realized…I panicked for a sec, but went back over to my bike and found it a couple of feet from my bike (whew!!).
Around that time, the transition area was closed and we had to go to the swim area. My group--women aged 34-39--was to be the first group out for the swim, so we lined up by 0615, ready to go for the 0620 start. It got to be about 0630 and the officials announced the cancellation of the swim. The reason was the kayakers and paddle boarders were unable to stay where they needed for life guarding purposes. Good idea to cancel it--someone really could have drowned in that mess. This was the first time in 32 years that the swim for this tri was cancelled, so it was not done lightly.
I was honestly of two minds about it. I have been training for MONTHS to be able to do the HIM and wanted to do the *whole* thing, so I was a bit disappointed. On the flip side, I HATE open water swimming, so I was not overly upset, lol.
We started with a short run through the sand instead. We ran across and up the boardwalk to the transition area (where we would have wound up after the swim anyway) so we could start the bike. I was so jazzed up and nervous from waiting to swim, that I went out way too hard on the bike. I was averaging about 18-20 mph, which is way above my normal 15-16 mph. The wind was at my back the whole way and it was sooooo much fun! And then we turned around. Burph--my legs were fried and I was headed into the wind. But I managed the ride in right around 3:40 and got back for the half marathon. I thought I would be okay for the run--I've run full marathons and I assumed (big mistake) that I would be able to do my normal run for the half.
I was wrong. My feet were killing me (going from the bike shoes to my run shoes did a number on my sandy feet) and I wound up spending the 13.1 doing 1 minute increments of walk/run. I finished the half in 3:30 (my slowest time EVER), but I finished.
I finished a 69.1 mile even in just over seven hours. OMG!!!!! I FINISHED. I may not be the fastest, or the lightest, or the most athletic, but I still FINISHED a 69.1 mile event!! Nice!!! And I got third in my division (Athena--the "big girl"division, for women over 160 lbs).
This past week has been a recovery week. I got in a swim and that was pretty much it. I am about to lose my mind, at this point!! My body needed the rest, but it's so hard to go from working out six times a week, generally twice a day, to doing nothing. I rode my niece's bike from the store to my mom's house, which was fabulous! She has a beach cruiser and it's such an easy ride, to just get on and comfortably peddle around, upright, without worrying about speed or crunched over aerobars. But I'm looking forward to getting back on the active train tomorrow…!
So, that was my first HIM. I don't feel like a did a *real* HIM, but the swim was too dangerous to attempt…but I am wondering if I have time to get another one in before the full IM in November…?
I got to Panama City Beach the day prior to the HIM. My plan was to find where I was staying, get my packet, set up my bike, and then relax. What ACTUALLY happened was that I got there at 1000 and couldn't check-in until 1200, nor could I go to packet pick-up, because that didn't start until 1200 either. So, I wound up wandering around the area, looking at the water (which had a red flag and was very rough) until about 1130. Then I got in line, checked in, and got my parking pass. I got all of my stuff into my room and went down to the pick-up. It was a VERY small expo; about seven vendors. One was my favorite local tri shop--Dragon Sports--so I was pretty happy to see them and their bike mechanics. I picked up a couple of odds and ends and then grabbed my packet. I was number 4--I don't know if I registered that early or if it was because of my last name (Adams) that got me there, but I like being a single digit.
I went back up to my room and then wandered around some more. I ran into one of the local ladies--G--and we started looking around for a couple of other women--L, L's sister, and A. We decided to drive the bike route for a bit…had to stop for gas first and wound up at a ghetto gas station, where two men were screaming at each other. That pretty much turned into getting out of the car, hearing them, and getting back in the car and driving off…PCB is not exactly a high end area in most areas, unfortunately. Anyway, we got gas at another location and headed up Hwy 79…it's not a bad ride, with the exception of the giant bridge about 15 miles from the start. After we looked, we went back to the hotel, got our bikes set up in the transition area and went to the "carb load dinner." The person in charge of the Tri was very uncertain about the water conditions, even then, so that was worth noting.
Nothing to be done about it right then--the surf could calm down overnight--so it was time to go to bed. I got up at 0400 (after waking up around 0030 to some dude yelling about how he had "gone to jail once and wasn't afraid to go back!" while he was arguing with his female companion...again…PCB…kinda not the nicest place ever). I got everything ready (except I forgot my hat for the run, I discovered much later!) and went downstairs. I brought everything else that I needed to the transition area and wandered around for a bit. I had my wetsuit half on, but decided I was too hot and took it off…in the process I lost my timing chip. For marathons, the timing chip is attached to the bib, but for triathlons, the chip is in a neoprene band that is worn around the ankle. I didn't realize it for quite some time and then realized…I panicked for a sec, but went back over to my bike and found it a couple of feet from my bike (whew!!).
Around that time, the transition area was closed and we had to go to the swim area. My group--women aged 34-39--was to be the first group out for the swim, so we lined up by 0615, ready to go for the 0620 start. It got to be about 0630 and the officials announced the cancellation of the swim. The reason was the kayakers and paddle boarders were unable to stay where they needed for life guarding purposes. Good idea to cancel it--someone really could have drowned in that mess. This was the first time in 32 years that the swim for this tri was cancelled, so it was not done lightly.
I was honestly of two minds about it. I have been training for MONTHS to be able to do the HIM and wanted to do the *whole* thing, so I was a bit disappointed. On the flip side, I HATE open water swimming, so I was not overly upset, lol.
We started with a short run through the sand instead. We ran across and up the boardwalk to the transition area (where we would have wound up after the swim anyway) so we could start the bike. I was so jazzed up and nervous from waiting to swim, that I went out way too hard on the bike. I was averaging about 18-20 mph, which is way above my normal 15-16 mph. The wind was at my back the whole way and it was sooooo much fun! And then we turned around. Burph--my legs were fried and I was headed into the wind. But I managed the ride in right around 3:40 and got back for the half marathon. I thought I would be okay for the run--I've run full marathons and I assumed (big mistake) that I would be able to do my normal run for the half.
I was wrong. My feet were killing me (going from the bike shoes to my run shoes did a number on my sandy feet) and I wound up spending the 13.1 doing 1 minute increments of walk/run. I finished the half in 3:30 (my slowest time EVER), but I finished.
I finished a 69.1 mile even in just over seven hours. OMG!!!!! I FINISHED. I may not be the fastest, or the lightest, or the most athletic, but I still FINISHED a 69.1 mile event!! Nice!!! And I got third in my division (Athena--the "big girl"division, for women over 160 lbs).
This past week has been a recovery week. I got in a swim and that was pretty much it. I am about to lose my mind, at this point!! My body needed the rest, but it's so hard to go from working out six times a week, generally twice a day, to doing nothing. I rode my niece's bike from the store to my mom's house, which was fabulous! She has a beach cruiser and it's such an easy ride, to just get on and comfortably peddle around, upright, without worrying about speed or crunched over aerobars. But I'm looking forward to getting back on the active train tomorrow…!
So, that was my first HIM. I don't feel like a did a *real* HIM, but the swim was too dangerous to attempt…but I am wondering if I have time to get another one in before the full IM in November…?
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Saturday's Cycling (3 May 2014)
Today's bike ride was amazing. The weather was perfect, I had some good company for the first hour of my ride…it was one of those days that makes me happy to be outside an moving! It was mid to upper 70s, sunny, not humid, and the whole ride just felt like I was flying. Today was one of those happy days where it makes me want to get up and do it all over again tomorrow. :)
Here are the details from today:
Here are the details from today:
Summary
| Distance: | 43.63 mi |
| Time: | 2:50:30 |
| Avg Speed: | 15.4 mph |
| Calories: | 2,154 C |
Details
Timing
| Time: | 2:50:30 |
| Moving Time: | 2:50:14 |
| Elapsed Time: | 3:08:51 |
| Avg Speed: | 15.4 mph |
| Avg Moving Speed: | 15.4 mph |
| Max Speed: | 27.2 mph |
Speed
Pace
Elevation
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Two Weeks to Go! OMG!!
I'm getting solo nervous about this HIM. I know I can do the bike (as long as I don't get a flat, knock on wood) and the run should be fine…but the swim just kills me. It's all so based on how the water is that day; churning water is no fun…but I'll hope for calm and smooth!
My workouts have been going well, for the most part. I did slack off a bit this week by skipping a swim and today's workout was just blah. I got up this morning and headed to the beach to be a watchman to someone else who needed to swim. I was there from 0900 to 1000 and intended to do my short brick of 60 minutes on the bike and then a 90 minute run. I got the 60 on the bike, but when I went to run, my body said, "no." And not just a "I don't feel like doing this," but a flat "nope. Not gonna happen," feeling. I don't do that often (I love the challenges of long workouts!) but I guess sometimes I just have to listen and take a break…and a three hour nap.
My brick yesterday was fun though. Three and a hours on the bike and then what should have been a 60 minute run. I got in about 30 minutes of running, but then Minoo (my chocolate lab) was with me from miles two to four and she just couldn't do any more running after about a mile and a half. I started to worry that she would overheat, as it is starting to get pretty warm now, so I backed off to a fast walk for the last 30 minutes. I probably just should have left her at home, but she does love a good run. And she's a lab, so she needs some movement to be happy…but she's also got one heck of a fur coat and isn't outside a whole lot, so I need to ease her into warmer weather running. Slow and steady, but she'll get it…and I'll remember to only take her in the mornings or evenings.
I lathered up with sunscreen yesterday and still managed to get a burn on my back. I have the most random patterns back there because of all of the different shirts with various strap locations, lol. I would say I'm striped, but stripes look better than what I have going on. ;)
I did get to do a bit of what I call "age-shaming" yesterday. I rode for 2.5 hours and then met up with some peeps for a workout. These guys are in their early 20s and I absolutely smoked them then got back on my bike and did a whole lot more. I pointed out afterwards that they were slim, 22 y/o men in their prime and that they just had their asses handed to them by a heavyset, middle-aged woman who had already done two and a half hours on a bike. I gave them the, "REALLY??" look and hope they got the point. They looked embarrassed, so I'm hoping they'll get off of their gaming systems, out of their rooms, and actually do some stuff outside now...or their next PT test is gonna suck and I'll have a different lecture then.
My workouts have been going well, for the most part. I did slack off a bit this week by skipping a swim and today's workout was just blah. I got up this morning and headed to the beach to be a watchman to someone else who needed to swim. I was there from 0900 to 1000 and intended to do my short brick of 60 minutes on the bike and then a 90 minute run. I got the 60 on the bike, but when I went to run, my body said, "no." And not just a "I don't feel like doing this," but a flat "nope. Not gonna happen," feeling. I don't do that often (I love the challenges of long workouts!) but I guess sometimes I just have to listen and take a break…and a three hour nap.
My brick yesterday was fun though. Three and a hours on the bike and then what should have been a 60 minute run. I got in about 30 minutes of running, but then Minoo (my chocolate lab) was with me from miles two to four and she just couldn't do any more running after about a mile and a half. I started to worry that she would overheat, as it is starting to get pretty warm now, so I backed off to a fast walk for the last 30 minutes. I probably just should have left her at home, but she does love a good run. And she's a lab, so she needs some movement to be happy…but she's also got one heck of a fur coat and isn't outside a whole lot, so I need to ease her into warmer weather running. Slow and steady, but she'll get it…and I'll remember to only take her in the mornings or evenings.
I lathered up with sunscreen yesterday and still managed to get a burn on my back. I have the most random patterns back there because of all of the different shirts with various strap locations, lol. I would say I'm striped, but stripes look better than what I have going on. ;)
I did get to do a bit of what I call "age-shaming" yesterday. I rode for 2.5 hours and then met up with some peeps for a workout. These guys are in their early 20s and I absolutely smoked them then got back on my bike and did a whole lot more. I pointed out afterwards that they were slim, 22 y/o men in their prime and that they just had their asses handed to them by a heavyset, middle-aged woman who had already done two and a half hours on a bike. I gave them the, "REALLY??" look and hope they got the point. They looked embarrassed, so I'm hoping they'll get off of their gaming systems, out of their rooms, and actually do some stuff outside now...or their next PT test is gonna suck and I'll have a different lecture then.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Random thoughts while swimming...
Have you ever swam laps in a pool? And I mean a lot of them, just back and forth...back and forth...stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe...stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe...?
Because I gotta be honest, I think about the most random stuff ever while I swim. This morning, for example--I arrive really early at the Y (0500) so I can get my swim done and it's, not surprisingly, fairly empty at that hour. The lifeguard was there, then me and then two gentlemen I see there regularly came in. I'm moving, staring at the tiled line on the pool bottom (black, white, grey, white, black) and notice that both of the men I'm in the pool with are black. The lifeguard is Hispanic. I'm white.
Why does this matter? That was my point--it doesn't. I'm trying to visualize life before equal rights and why on earth it mattered who did what where? I'm so glad I was born today, here, and not somewhere else or in another time.
Then my thoughts drifted elsewhere--sometimes about work, sometimes about what I should get my sister for her birthday, sometimes about my dogs, and sometimes I was making lists of words for no real reason.
Seriously, it's weird to swim for long periods of time.
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