Training Mode!

This past weekend was a great training weekend despite a few hiccups.  And let’s face it, aren’t there always a few hiccups?

My workouts last week were all pretty darn good but I have to admit, I ended the week feeling exhausted.  Keith is only home a few days each week and so I hated that I wasn’t feeling 100% when he got home but what’s a girl to do? I mean, I am in training mode after all.  

Changing his flat.  Poor guy!

Keith & I set out for a ride Saturday morning.  Our original plan was to drive out to the National Forest and ride from there.  We decided to skip that though b/c we wanted a little extra time to sleep.  We headed out on a route we really love just after 7:30am.  Not even an hour into the ride, Keith asked me how his rear tire looked.  I checked and sure enough, it was flat.  He changed it quickly and 5 CO2 canisters later, it was still flat.  We knew we weren’t far from a gas station so I headed that way and he walked his bike there.  We thought we would try to air the tire up with the one you use on cars.  No luck.  Once we knew someone could come get Keith, he sent me on my way to finish the ride.  I have a bunch of races coming up and he knew it was important for me to finish.  I really didn’t want to finish alone but once I got going, I was fine.  Actually, I was really fine!  As I hit 1488, I saw Bruce who was heading to get Keith.  I was down in aero, cruising along but patiently waiting for the boys to pass me.  As I got close to my turn at Tamina, still no sign of them.  I was a little perplexed as I was sure Keith would want to drive the route I was on to make sure I was ok (b/c he left me with no CO2 canisters).  I crossed over to Woodlands Pkwy and pulled into my neighborhood fully expecting to see them.  Nope.  After a minute or two though, they came pulling into my driveway and I must say, Keith was in shock!  I do not know how in the world it is possible that I made it home before them.  I mean, that just shouldn’t happen.  I must admit, I was pretty impressed with myself and headed out on my run.  I guess I pushed the bike a bit b/c my run just felt like stir fried crap.  I hydrated well, ate well, etc but I still had some leg cramps.  I was disappointed but shook it off.  It’s only a training run and it’s not the end of the world.  I was able to run through it which was important.  Did I mention I beat them back to the house?  I was on a bike.  They were in a car.  Ok.  Just wanted to make sure you all got that.

Post brick this weekend.

I set out on my long run yesterday hoping I wouldn’t have the same issues I had on my Saturday run and sure enough, I was good to go.  Thank goodness!  It did take me awhile to warm up but that’s ok.  I hit a nice rhythm and just enjoyed the morning outside.  I’m so thankful to have a body that is healthy enough to do all this stuff!  Lugging around now close to 20 fewer pounds doesn’t hurt either.  

So now it’s Monday and I looked at my very light training schedule.  Well, of course it’s light, it’s a race week.  Speaking of which, it’s RACE WEEK!  I have such a mix of excitement and anxiety and am just trying to make sure I channel it all the right way.  Nerves aren’t a bad thing to have as long as you know how to handle them and not let them get the best of you.  This will be my 3^rd time doing this race and my 5^th Oly.  I’m very, very excited to get out there and see what the day has in store for me.  I desperately want to have a PR.  More importantly, I want to run better (harder).  I know I have it in me.  I’ve done the training, weight is coming off and I want to do it.  Now I just need to actually do it!  I mean, I REALLY need for that brownie sundae or pizcookie to be mine.  

  

So that’s about all I know.  This week is sure to fly by and I can’t wait!  Houston Oly, here I come!

Workin' hard for my reward!

A weekend full of training is behind me and I’m another week closer to my next race, the Houston Olympic Triathlon on September 30^th.  I’m super excited for this race and a bit anxious (but in a good way).  This will be my first race after starting my new meal plan.  As of today, I am 10lbs less than I was at my last race (5k in Buffalo) and 17lbs lighter than I was at Shadow Creek Ranch.  I’m hoping that the weight loss will yield positive results at the Houston Oly! 

I’ve already decided that if I PR, my reward that night will be a sinful dessert.  I had my mind set on the brownie sundae at Crust but after seeing a picture of the Pizzcookie at BJ’s, I’m torn.  I’m leaning towards Crust though as I can get pizza before my sundae and will surely be in carb heaven.  Many thanks to Karen Maldonado for posting pics of the desserts she eats.  Karen, you’ve inspired me!!!!

Brownie Sundae or Pizcookie?  Oh man I've got a big decision to make!

I told Keith that it might make sense for him to make some signs with pictures of the brownie sundae on them to help encourage me.  I’m sure other competitors will get a chuckle when they hear him yelling, “Get you’re a$$ moving if you want to eat that brownie sundae tonight”!  My mantra on the run is going to be, “Brownie.  Brownie.  Brownie.  Brownie.”….think I’m obsessed?

 

I do have a few weight loss observations to share.  (1)  It’s super awesome to go into your closet and have everything that has been fitting snuggly the past few months fit as it should.  Just right!  All but one pair of my jeans fit perfectly and I couldn’t be happier.  It’s so nice to not feel like the Incredible Hulk when you put your jeans on and wonder if today will be the day your thighs bust the seams.  On top of that, I’ve had just enough shrinkage up top that some cute shirts I bought without trying on now fit just right.  I feel like I have a whole new closet!  (2) I do think it’s BS that I lose weight in my feet.  Seriously?  All of my heels are slipping off me very easily.  I know you can’t pick from which spots you’ll lose weight but I really don’t think my feet are in need of a slim down.  (3)  It amazes me the confidence boost one gets from making solid progress towards a goal.  I have been so, so, so excited.  I’m doing everything I can to stick to my plan and stick to my training.  I look forward to getting on the scale and seeing how I’m doing (note to self:  I will not weigh myself after having the brownie sundae).  I’m really proud of myself for tackling weight loss the right way and not obsessing over it.  I absolutely feel that I’m picking up new habits that will last long after I’m done with this “program”.  (4)  It would be easier if I told Chase what fish I like vs what fish I don’t like.  I’ve been a trooper and have tried flounder and grouper and disliked both….a lot.  I am so thankful for tilapia which has been a menu mainstay. 

So that’s about all I’ve got to share right now.  I’m excited to be starting a new week and looking forward to getting on the bike tonight and sweating some glitter.  

Open Water Swims indoors!

Seriously, the pool at the Sugar Land 24 Hour Fitness leaves a lot to be desired on a good day.  I had an errand out in Sugar Land last week so decided I would get my swim workout in while down there as that pool is usually pretty empty with the exception of the 5 or so folks who stay in one lane doing water aerobics.  When I walked onto the pool deck, I thought I had stepped through some time warp and was on the set of Cocoon.  The pool was FULL of more “mature” adults.  I swear I saw Wilford Brimley.  I looked around, expecting to see Steve Guttenberg jump out of the hot tub or something but alas, he was nowhere to be found.  There were no less than 15 Cocoon-wannabes in the pool and much to my delight, they left me the most narrow lane to swim in. 

Whoever puts out the lane ropes in this pool has vision problems.  Lane 5 is super, super narrow.  Honestly, it would be difficult to share this lane with anyone as there are two sets of stairs which take up a little bit of lane space. Whenever I swim in this pool, I hug the lane rope and without fail, hit my arm on it at least twice every length of the pool.  Lane 4 is extremely wide as the lane rope tends to drift into part of Lane 3 so you end up with 1.5 lanes.  The rest of the pool is dedicated to Cocoon. 

As soon as I approached the pool I could tell the visibility was not good…something standard for this pool.  When I got in though, it was clear it was far worse than normal.  I am not exaggerating when I tell you I could not see the giant “+” at the end of the lane marking the wall until I was about to touch it.  I had to actually practice sighting while in the lane.  Another open water swim courtesy of 24.  I know some of you are wondering if this will convince me to switch to Villa yet and the answer is NO! 

Despite that swim, my workouts last week were awesome!  My running feels so much easier than it has the past few months.  I guess that happens when you aren’t lugging around as much weight.

That’s all I know for now. Hope you all are doing well!

September morn!

August was a month of highs & lows and I'm so happy to greet September with a big smile!  I had so much support from my friends, family & coworkers and even from a few unexpected folks.  I really am lucky!!!! 

I started a new meal plan when I returned from Utah and I'm  happy to report I've been super successful.  I was so nervous to start the program...mainly nervous I wouldn't be succeed.  I'm happy to report that I'm down 8lbs (and down 15lbs since June 18th when I weighed in at an all time high for me).  Following this program has been so much easier than I thought it would be.  So far, I've loved everything I've eaten (except the almonds and flounder I had today...blah)!  I don't have any cravings, I've been able to have some cheat meals and I feel satisfied.  Hell, I'm eating around 1,850 calories a day so of course I'm not starving!  So why am I doing this?  Well, I want to be faster and part of that means I need to drop some LB's.  I also want to look fit and be healthy.  Hey, nobody likes to look like a stuffed sausage when they put on their tri shorts.  :)  As if I didn't have enough motivation, Keith let me know he'll be taking me on an awesome trip to Turks & Caicos for my Birthday!  Yay!!!!!!!  But that also means a lot of time in a swimsuit and even more motivation to look good.  

So now let's talk about training.  I have been a girl on a mission the past several weeks.  I'm really putting my heart into all of my workouts and doing my very, very best.  I'm working harder with my nutrition and with my efforts during training.  I'm hoping all of this yields a respectable PR at the Houston Oly on September 30th.  I'm not looking for anything crazy...just to perform the way I know I can.  I think I can.  I think I can.  I know I can!

Keith & I spent Labor Day weekend at Canyon Lake with all 4 of his girls and their significant others.  It was a quick trip but so much fun...and one that may just turn into a tradition.  We ate, relaxed, took a trip on a pontoon boat and hung out.  I of course didn't disappoint and took a little spill when I took the dogs for a potty break at o'dark thirty.  The house we stayed in was at the top of a super steep hill and at the base of the driveway was a lot of loose gravel.  Well, I slid and had the choice of breaking my fall keeping hold of my precious puppies.  I think you all know what I picked.  The result was a swollen and scraped up knee.  I ran on it anyway that morning and it did ok but really started bugging me last week.  I'm happy to report that as of today, it looks much better.  When I told my awesome coach what I did, she reminded me to wrap myself in bubble wrap since I've got important races coming up.  Ahh, she knows me well doesn't she?  

  

I'm really hoping for a scar since dudes dig chicks w/ scars.  :)

So before I sign off, I just have to get something off my chest.  I can't remember if I mentioned a comment I saw on a past blog so if I already mentioned it, please forgive me for talking about it again. 

I occasionally check comments on my blog as I like to thank those who are kind enough to read about my boring life AND let me know they've been here.  I noticed in June or July that there was a new comment on a blog I posted in October of last year.  Weird.  When I read it, I saw it was a somewhat nasty comment about smoking.  In the blog, I had mentioned how Keith had been doing so well despite the fact he's still smoking.  Why would anyone bother to make a comment at all?  In all honesty, I have no issue if someone wants to make a constructive comment and wants to do it in a caring way.  But to make some snide remark is just uncalled for and immature.  And of course, the person made the comment anonymously.  Well alrighty then.  I decided at that point that folks would have to sign in to leave me a comment (sorry to any of you out there who are inconvenienced by this but I'm sure you understand).  Keith and I are about 95% sure (ok, he's 100% sure) we know who made the comment.  In my personal opinion, the person is probably just jealous that a smoker could beat them on the bike.  :)  I'm not condoning Keith's smoking, don't get me wrong.  I want him to quit and I ask him to consider quitting again.  The fact is, smoking is an addiction and it is difficult to stop.  Really difficult.  My job is to be supportive and encouraging.  He'll quit smoking when he's finally sick of me whooping up on him when we ride 1488.  :)  Love you babe!

On that note, I'm off to cuddle with my puppies who are downstairs whimpering as I type.  I'll be back soon though!

Happy training!!!!

Race updates...yes, that's plural!

It has been a heck of a few weeks. I had an awesome race at Bridgeland but found out later that night that my step-dad passed away.  This was shocking news to me as he was only 66 years old and led a lifestyle that I think many would be envious of.  Well sort of.  He was a treasure hunter (I think that's what you would say).  Anyway, he lived in Ecuador and traveled a lot and did lots & lots of scuba diving, looking for sunken treasures.  Yes, we thought he was nuts but to be able to follow your heart and do what you love regardless of what others think is kind of cool.  Life is short...too short.  You never know when someone you love will be gone so this is a reminder that we need to take advantage of every opportunity we have with our families.  Ok, off my soap box. 

Bridgeland was a success.  Long story short, the swim was slower than I had planned but the water was so warm!  Everyone had slower swim times.  Mine was just a lot slower.  :)  My bike was a strong 18.6mph.  After going 20 & 19.5 in my last two races, I of course wanted to see something in the 19 range but as I looked at all the times, I saw that I was exactly where I should be...top 1/2 of my age group.  I really, really wanted to push my run.  After the 1st mile I was at an 11:12 pace and thankfully, my Garmin never showed me another split.  It was hot but I was pushing.  My coach had told me that I should be under 11:00min/mile and I was just trying my best to do that.  Official results had me at 10:52min/mile.  I'm not going to lie, I wonder if they calculated correctly.  Well, I'm not going to worry about it.  Official is official and who am I to question authority.  :)  At the end of the day, I was pleased.  I'm not going to lie, I was so pleased, I may have shed a tear or two.

See, I told you I looked cute! Shout out to the Ta-Ta Tamer from Lulu.

I was in Buffalo this past weekend and as luck would have it, there was a 5k just 15 short minutes from my cousins house.  Hmmmmm.  My gut told me that Ana might not be happy but at the same time, I felt strongly that I needed to do something to help me with my run.  In my mind, if I went out an pushed this run, it might be all I needed to prove to myself that I could do it.  I told Keith I would tell Ana about the race AFTER I did it (don't ask permission, beg for forgiveness).  I showed up at the race site confident I would at least look the cutest and I'm happy to report, mission accomplished.  :)  I lined up when it was time to race and gave myself a good little talk....run your ass off.  

Me & my honey pre-race.  Note to self: consider racing w/ makeup.  :)

Headed for the finish!!!!  Man I look determined. 

After about .25 miles I looked down and saw I was doing a 7:45min/mile pace. Umm, hell no.  That's one bad thing about a 5k, everyone goes out really hard.  I know full well I have no business going out like that so I told myself to back off a bit.  The first mile was done at a 9:05min/mile pace according to the official time keeper (Garmin says 8:40min/mile).  The second mile was a little slower for me but I was feeling good.  I felt like I was running a pace I could maintain a few miles.  In hindsight, I think maybe I let off the gas a little too much but that's ok.  I hit the final mile and was getting a little tired.  No time to slow down though.  When I got the fairgrounds in my line of sight, I went for it.   Push, push, push.  My last .25 was done at an 8:20min/mile...yay!  As I approached the finish line, I saw the clock was at 29min approaching 30min.  Ugh, I so wanted to be under 30.  Clock time ended up being 30:05 but chip time was 29:32.  Yes!!!!!  For the first time in awhile, I ran a respectable 5k.  I can't remember the official pace but my Garmin pace told me 9:32min/mile (it also told me I ran 3.15 miles vs 3.1).  Either way, I was FINALLY under a 10:00min/mile pace.  FINALLY.  This wasn't my best 5k ever but after reviewing past results, I discovered it was my 3rd best.  Hot damn!  3rd best time carrying extra weight...that's nothing to be ashamed of.  I was on a high.  I texted Ana to let her know what I did and she let me know she wished I hadn't but was glad I was happy with my results.  She also told me that's how I should be running at the end of my sprints.  ;)  Love her!

So with those two races behind me, I'm in training mode through the end of September when I hit the Houston Olympic Triathlon.  This will be my 3rd year doing this race and I have high hopes for a big PR.  Shhhh, don't tell my coach I'm already obsessing about my time.  :)

Happy training y'all!

Here we go, here we go. Here we go, here we go, here we go.

This blog post was previously recorded.  :)

I hate that song lyrics don’t always come across the way you want them too. The title of this blog is a line from an old C&C Music Factory song.


Once again, it’s race week. Wait, this seems oddly familiar. My last race was just 15 days ago and I’m already gearing up for my next one. Bridgeland Sprint Triathlon is next on the calendar for me and where I’ll be this coming Sunday. I went and watched this race last year as I had just joined a new team and wanted to go show my support. I was just over 2 months removed from Ironman Texas and had no intention of racing. This race was H – O – T last year and I was merely spectating. I made a mental note to myself that I would pass on this race in the future. Funny how that works b/c here I am, all signed up!


The goal for Sunday is to execute (per my coach). Basically, the same plan I’ve had for every race this summer. I continue to not push hard enough in the run so for me personally, that’s where I want/need to see a change. I’ve been training really well and frankly, there’s no reason not to see a better run time. I’m injury free and feeling good. Sunday has GOT to be the day to crack this run streak!


Even though I’m laser focused on that run, I need to remember that this is a very tough race with a lot of fast people racing. In addition, it’s a hot race. Racing in August? Wow, brilliant idea! All joking aside, this is where execution becomes more of a focus than some arbitrary time. If I execute the plan, the rest will fall into place. Simple enough.


I checked my schedule for the week and I’ve got some fun workouts lined up!  I'm ready to race!!!!