It is hard to believe the end of 2012 is upon us.
I had hope to finish the year off with a fundraiser for Lifewater Canada but due to circumstances it has been postponed. My intent was to cycle for 12 hours in what would be called a bike-a-thon I guess. Although I'm upset it was not meant to be I'm happy it opened my eyes to things I never would have considered. So yes I will be back in the near future with another date to attempt a 12 hour cycle. I have already reached out to a friend in Whitby with the hopes that we can do something at his gym.
I can't thank my coach, Paul Johnston of Iron Motivation, enough for offering his services to call a two hour spin at the start of the event, to the County Time Ramblers for their offer of music and to Enid DeCoe for her gift of story telling. It truly is inspiring to have people who will put their selves out their to help raise funds for organizations that help others.
What will 2013 hold ? I hope to be a bit more active in the coming year with supporting three different causes Lifewater Canada, Gate 3:16 and PWA. Lifewater helps people overseas, Gate 3:16 helps people in Oshawa and PWA helps people in Toronto. More often then not we fundraise by simply asking our friends, family and acquaintances for donations to a cause but I really think there should be an action associated with the fundraising. The donor is participating in whatever action the fundraiser is doing - they are riding, swimming or running with me the whole way. They maybe not be their psychically but for me they are in my thoughts the whole way helping to push me along to complete the distance.
In the case of Lifewater Canada its a 12 hour cycle and hopefully during that 12 hours there will be music and fun to bring people in to see what the hub bub is about. For PWA its an organized 600 KM bike from Toronto to Montreal with the average distance per day of 100K. That leaves Gate 3:16 to sort out. Yes two half Ironman are in my plans for 2103 but with one under my belt it needs to be more extreme if its to be a physical activity. Or maybe its a departure from a fitness activity to another activity that I like to do. But somehow I just know it will fall back to a bike or a swim - two things that bring me joy it seems no matter how long I'm doing the event. Yep, you read it swim and joy in the same sentence from me. That is one of my 2013 highlights.
Coach Paul and I have sorted out my 2013 schedule and now to meld my fundraising into that schedule. Only time will tell what can be done during the 12 months we have in 2013.
I wish you well in 2013 and hope all your dreams come true.
Liz
Friday, December 28, 2012
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Season of Giving - All Year Long?
Hello on this fine November day.
I started composing yesterday and thought I would share what I have been doing on the off season with regards to training however I am switching gears. The last few weeks I have been thinking about fundraising. With Christmas around the corner it seems people's hearts stretch out the size of the Grinch's (at the end of the cartoon). I wonder what would happen if we kept this feeling of helping others in our heart all year round. I know the world will be a much better place. Just maybe that feeling can be incorporated into a New Year's resolution. It could be as simple as setting aside the price of one cup of Tim's a week in a jar and after six months giving that to an organization that is meaningful to you. Many grocery stores have a food hamper for Feed the Need in Durham or another food bank. It could be just adding one can of beans, pasta or Kraft Dinner to your weekly purchase and put it in the box. If we all did something small it would make a difference in our community.
Deciding what organization to give to is a challenge especially when so many are in need. Over the years I have engaged in these and one might resonate with you.
I have no idea how to knit but maybe you do. My church (Faith United) has an Angel Tree full of donated mittens and scarf that end up at a school. I'm sure there are many organizations that do something similar.
There are many great causes out there. I know one will resonate with you all you need to do is take the time to find it.
Its going to be another beautiful November day. Get out and enjoy it before old man winter comes to visits and decides its time to stay.
-Liz
I started composing yesterday and thought I would share what I have been doing on the off season with regards to training however I am switching gears. The last few weeks I have been thinking about fundraising. With Christmas around the corner it seems people's hearts stretch out the size of the Grinch's (at the end of the cartoon). I wonder what would happen if we kept this feeling of helping others in our heart all year round. I know the world will be a much better place. Just maybe that feeling can be incorporated into a New Year's resolution. It could be as simple as setting aside the price of one cup of Tim's a week in a jar and after six months giving that to an organization that is meaningful to you. Many grocery stores have a food hamper for Feed the Need in Durham or another food bank. It could be just adding one can of beans, pasta or Kraft Dinner to your weekly purchase and put it in the box. If we all did something small it would make a difference in our community.
Deciding what organization to give to is a challenge especially when so many are in need. Over the years I have engaged in these and one might resonate with you.
- Fill an Angel bag with toiletries, hat, scarfs, playing cards, socks etc. for Gate 3:16. They have suggested items for Men, Ladies and Children. I'll be happy to provide the list.
- Purchase a turkey voucher to supply a family's Christmas Turkey.
- The Oshawa credit Union and some workplaces have an Angel Tree. Select a age and gender to purchase a gift for that person. Often these are directed at children.
- Sponsor Christmas dinner for a family in need via the Salvation Army.
- Hear of a person who is need just go and give them a cheque and watch them smile.
- Participate in a local food drive or toy drive.
I have no idea how to knit but maybe you do. My church (Faith United) has an Angel Tree full of donated mittens and scarf that end up at a school. I'm sure there are many organizations that do something similar.
There are many great causes out there. I know one will resonate with you all you need to do is take the time to find it.
Its going to be another beautiful November day. Get out and enjoy it before old man winter comes to visits and decides its time to stay.
-Liz
Saturday, September 29, 2012
A few things I learned over 2012 race season
A success from each race
Around the Bay - I can run for a long distance. After many years of not running I proved to myself, with Dr. Jason's help, that running could happen again.
Sprint distance in Austin, Texas - First outdoor swim of the year and without a wet suit. I can not describe what happened but at this race I learned I love swimming. I do still have some fear but it is manageable now.
Guelph Olympic - Discovered drinking eLoad as soon as I get on the bike helps keeps me going for the duration.
Kingston Long - How training for a duathlon and a triathlon are so different. Given the option to replace a tri with a du would I do it again? As I type, my answer would be no but on race day things might change. I think for a few of us this race showed how much one needs to find the will power to finish.
Muskoka 70.3 - Coach said it the best in his blog the other day ... " The last "time" I looked it was called the "Finishers Tent" not the first place tent! : )" Finishing, doing the best one can and being happy with that is all we can really ask of ourselves.
The supporting cast:
The Coach - A person who provides the plan to let you accomplish your dreams but knows you better than yourself most times. Not only during race season but what is best for you on the off season.
The Chrioprator - An athlete himself who understands we all have the "heart" of an athlete in us and will keep our bodies as healthy as they can be during the months of intense training.
Training buddies - they push you, they help by listening to your fears, boosting your moral and help wipe the tears.
Mentors - A group of seasoned triathletes who take the newbies under their wings, become their friends and provide valuable advice for each and every race while showing us how to have fun while preparing for the race. Some show us that no matter the cost physically they are determined to train for the race, start the race and give it their all - true heroes of this sport.
Family - Some encourage and some don't understand but in their own way they are all cheering their athlete to reach their goal of crossing the line.
Health - There is nothing more important then your health. It can literally change in a heart beat so do what you can now to become a healthier you. Eating well and walking will do the trick. No need for the craziness that some of us have in us.
Faith - Trusting in your inner strength or resolve that somehow gets you past the pain, misgivings and gets you to the finish line.
What am I'm looking forward to this fall/winter training season?
Reduced training schedule results in more time for family, friends and honey dosTwo swim classes to work on technique and maybe just maybe I'll be stronger next year
Two spin classes and waiting to hear what each class will be called. Will Oatmeal be repeated?
Hitting the gym.
Catching up with my tri-buddies in the swim and spin classes.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
The real goal - fudraising for Gate 3:16
I started this blog as a way to bring focus to my personal fundraising goal for Oshawa Gate 3:16 Outreach Center. A place for the homeless and lower income to seek help. Although the universe presents challenges in our lives we are so much better off than many. I really think its important to help where we can and I must say I have had fun along the way and have met so many great people.
Along the way I have had many doubts I would be able to complete the four races. After Barry's heart attack my training went topsy turvy and I voiced my concern about finishing to my coach and my triathlon buddies however their response was always you've done the training you will finish. They were oh so right.
As for my personal fundraising goal of $5000 I have not achieve that goal. Via the web $1630 has been raised and via cheques and cash another $955 for a total of $2585.00 will find its way to Gate 3:16. Thank-you to everyone who has donated as this will go to a very worthy cause. I received Gate 3:16's newsletter a few weeks ago stating the associated costs to run their facility has gone up and they are currently looking at a deficit by the end of the year - not a good place to be. This $2585.00 will help some and I hope over the course of the next few months they will be able to find additional funds.
Earlier in the year I met a fellow triathlete in the grocery store who asked if I was the one raising money. During this conversation he mentioned he would not be able to put himself out their and do such a thing. Honestly I think we all have a piece of DNA associated with helping others. We just need to find it and action it. Along this triathlon journey I have heard from many how we are special as not many people really take that leap of faith to sign up for a half ironman or a full ironman. The journey getting there is the hardest part as it takes hours of dedication to training to have the confidence to suit up for the swim and start the official race. Yes some may not finish but all starters are winners as they have taken a leap into the unknown which takes faith, courage and dedication to a goal. Helping others or a worthy cause is the same. Once you have found the cause, jump and only good will happen. Like me you''ll probably meet an awesome group of people who become friends and become more enlightened about humanity and how we all feel the same, have the same dreams, goals and aspirations. Just some of us have drawn the bigger straw and are very fortunate to have a wonderful life and good health.
I have enjoyed writing this blog and will continue to do so. It will continue to discuss my fitness goals and ultimately my goal to a full ironman in 2014. Guaranteed it will be a vehicle for another fundraising event but I look to the universe to help me decide what that will be for 2013.
My fundraising web page will remain open into October and thank you for taking that leap to help others.
Along the way I have had many doubts I would be able to complete the four races. After Barry's heart attack my training went topsy turvy and I voiced my concern about finishing to my coach and my triathlon buddies however their response was always you've done the training you will finish. They were oh so right.
As for my personal fundraising goal of $5000 I have not achieve that goal. Via the web $1630 has been raised and via cheques and cash another $955 for a total of $2585.00 will find its way to Gate 3:16. Thank-you to everyone who has donated as this will go to a very worthy cause. I received Gate 3:16's newsletter a few weeks ago stating the associated costs to run their facility has gone up and they are currently looking at a deficit by the end of the year - not a good place to be. This $2585.00 will help some and I hope over the course of the next few months they will be able to find additional funds.
Earlier in the year I met a fellow triathlete in the grocery store who asked if I was the one raising money. During this conversation he mentioned he would not be able to put himself out their and do such a thing. Honestly I think we all have a piece of DNA associated with helping others. We just need to find it and action it. Along this triathlon journey I have heard from many how we are special as not many people really take that leap of faith to sign up for a half ironman or a full ironman. The journey getting there is the hardest part as it takes hours of dedication to training to have the confidence to suit up for the swim and start the official race. Yes some may not finish but all starters are winners as they have taken a leap into the unknown which takes faith, courage and dedication to a goal. Helping others or a worthy cause is the same. Once you have found the cause, jump and only good will happen. Like me you''ll probably meet an awesome group of people who become friends and become more enlightened about humanity and how we all feel the same, have the same dreams, goals and aspirations. Just some of us have drawn the bigger straw and are very fortunate to have a wonderful life and good health.
I have enjoyed writing this blog and will continue to do so. It will continue to discuss my fitness goals and ultimately my goal to a full ironman in 2014. Guaranteed it will be a vehicle for another fundraising event but I look to the universe to help me decide what that will be for 2013.
My fundraising web page will remain open into October and thank you for taking that leap to help others.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Bike & Run review for Muskoka
Its been almost two weeks since the 70.3. I'm feeling much better this week and had a great swim Wednesday morning. I have also had a few days to digest the bike and the run.
In transition I had brought arm sleeves to wear but decided not to and headed out on the bike in shorts and a short sleeve bike shirt. Looking back I should have put the sleeves on and should have thought about leg sleeves. It was cold oh so very cold. I would think being wet made it only worse. I was disappointed with my cycle. I could not get warm and I think that might of hindered my performance. I had some challenges too with other competitors. Competitors are to keep to the right, pass on the left, and when the passer's wheel reaches the passor's front wheel they are to back off 3 bike lengths. It was just like driving the 401 and some people decided to stay in the fast lane although people behind them were going faster and the right lane was clear. It does get annoying when you have to yell coming to your left at the top of your lungs so they'll get out of your way. I made it though the bike course but not in the time I would have liked.
I swapped my bike shoes for running shoes and my bike jersey for the DRTC T-shirt donned on my DRTC hat and headed out. The run started out very painful so painful I was going to give up after 1K however something told me to run. The pain in the front of the legs lessen as I ran however eventually I think I felt spent and started to walk fast. I keep thinking back trying to understand exactly what happened but maybe I'll never know. I do know that in Syracuse I want to run the whole 21K.
Overall I'm pleased with the results. I did not place a time commitment on the event only to finish my first which I did accomplish.
Now winter training and the challenge of looking weight starts !!!
Next post will be how the fundraising has been going.
Have a great day,
Liz
In transition I had brought arm sleeves to wear but decided not to and headed out on the bike in shorts and a short sleeve bike shirt. Looking back I should have put the sleeves on and should have thought about leg sleeves. It was cold oh so very cold. I would think being wet made it only worse. I was disappointed with my cycle. I could not get warm and I think that might of hindered my performance. I had some challenges too with other competitors. Competitors are to keep to the right, pass on the left, and when the passer's wheel reaches the passor's front wheel they are to back off 3 bike lengths. It was just like driving the 401 and some people decided to stay in the fast lane although people behind them were going faster and the right lane was clear. It does get annoying when you have to yell coming to your left at the top of your lungs so they'll get out of your way. I made it though the bike course but not in the time I would have liked.
I swapped my bike shoes for running shoes and my bike jersey for the DRTC T-shirt donned on my DRTC hat and headed out. The run started out very painful so painful I was going to give up after 1K however something told me to run. The pain in the front of the legs lessen as I ran however eventually I think I felt spent and started to walk fast. I keep thinking back trying to understand exactly what happened but maybe I'll never know. I do know that in Syracuse I want to run the whole 21K.
Overall I'm pleased with the results. I did not place a time commitment on the event only to finish my first which I did accomplish.
Now winter training and the challenge of looking weight starts !!!
Next post will be how the fundraising has been going.
Have a great day,
Liz
Sunday, September 16, 2012
A story about old pinky the watch
It must be six or seven years ago Barry gave me a Timex Ironman Triathlon watch. Who knew the name of the watch would foreshadow so much. The watch has had a few challenges over the past months or maybe longer including the alarms working intermittently, the face being cracked and recently the band broke on the left side. Of course only days before Muskoka the right side of the band started to go. Its a known fact one can not change anything before a race so I went into the race with it on my wrist hoping the band would survive. My heart rate monitor, a Timex too, decided to give up the ghost too just before the race. I have been known to wear both at one time as the non HRM version has interval times which I apply to my runs and of course I use the HRM for just that keeping track of the heart rate. Coach Christine has mentioned over and over how important it is to stay hydrated on the bike. I often forget and the reminder is the HRM watch goes on the handle bars and is set to go off every 10 minutes. This will drive Coach Paul crazy in our fall/winter spin classes so will need to find another reminder. During the race I had to rely solely on old pinky as the alarm features still worked and it did what it was suppose to. Now it has been replaced with a brand new version but I'm sad to see old pinky leave as it has been with me since day one of becoming healthy. So what has it seen you ask? I lost 30 lbs with it on my wrist and all the following firsts: 5K run, 10K run, 1/2 marathon and the different triathlon distances (try-A-tri, sprint, Olympic, 70.3). It also saw me take that leap of faith with Coach Paul in the pool. The Timex Ironman made it though an Ironman branded event just like me. It still works so I'll hang it up on the office wall and use it as my clock. It deserves a rest from training but no sense disposing of it yet as it still keeps time.
What a wonderful day in Oshawa. I hope it is as sunny and warm wherever you are. I'm sure there is a walk, bike, run or a skip calling your name.
-Liz
What a wonderful day in Oshawa. I hope it is as sunny and warm wherever you are. I'm sure there is a walk, bike, run or a skip calling your name.
-Liz
Friday, September 14, 2012
Muskoka swim review
Well its a few days after Tuesday but here I am providing the first update on Muskoka.
I did not have a bad sleep the night before but it was not the best. I woke up every couple of hours. Transition opened at 5:30 A.M and was scheduled to closed at 7:30, the first wave of swimmers went at 8 these are the pros and my wave was 8:36. It doesn't take too long to get things in place in transition and waiting around makes me nervous so the plan was to be in transition around 6:45 and I think I was close to that. Coach Paul was a race official which allowed him to be in transition with the athletes. He stopped by checked in on me and came back when I could not get my back tire up to 110. Something so basic and I just could not get my back tire inflated correctly. Everything was set up and off I went to the swim start.
Being an Ironman class event the organizers offer a few extras that the normal races don't have. One I found very useful was the bag checkoff as we entered the swim staging area. Rather than walking to swim without glasses I was able to wear my old cracked pair, my friend Jeff absolutely loves these, and pick them up after the race. My sight is not so bad that I need to run to transition with them. I was really pleased with my swim. Coach Paul and I have been working on technique and a 53 minute 1.9K swim is awesome for me. This will be a focus over the winter but I've come a long way from being fearful of water - with much thanks to Paul. The other nice extra at these events are wetsuit peelers, sometime mistakenly called strippers, a group of people waiting to help the athlete remove the wet suit. Usually a hassle but it was easy peasy this time. This first picture is a funny shot as it looks like I have "dunce" cap on. The photographer captured the buoy in the background so it just looks like I have a triangle on my head. The second Barry caught me as I was heading up the hill from the water to transition.
The next portion of the event is the 94K bike ride. That will be my next blog to keep these somewhat short. I'm a little crazy when it comes to details. :-)
Here is my finishers shot. Officially I finished in 8hours and 8 minutes and a few seconds. As always we want to do better I would have loved to come in at 7hours 45 but my goal was to finish. I'm sure Coach Paul will have other plans for the next one. Yes there will be a next one. The difference between the time here and the official time is the time allotted to the swim waves before me. Looks like I need to practice my finish line shot I really had no idea what to do with my hands when I saw the banner. Ha ha
Have a wonderful day ! Even 5 minutes on the elliptical gets your body doing something and you have won the battle of fitness for that day.
Liz
I did not have a bad sleep the night before but it was not the best. I woke up every couple of hours. Transition opened at 5:30 A.M and was scheduled to closed at 7:30, the first wave of swimmers went at 8 these are the pros and my wave was 8:36. It doesn't take too long to get things in place in transition and waiting around makes me nervous so the plan was to be in transition around 6:45 and I think I was close to that. Coach Paul was a race official which allowed him to be in transition with the athletes. He stopped by checked in on me and came back when I could not get my back tire up to 110. Something so basic and I just could not get my back tire inflated correctly. Everything was set up and off I went to the swim start.
Being an Ironman class event the organizers offer a few extras that the normal races don't have. One I found very useful was the bag checkoff as we entered the swim staging area. Rather than walking to swim without glasses I was able to wear my old cracked pair, my friend Jeff absolutely loves these, and pick them up after the race. My sight is not so bad that I need to run to transition with them. I was really pleased with my swim. Coach Paul and I have been working on technique and a 53 minute 1.9K swim is awesome for me. This will be a focus over the winter but I've come a long way from being fearful of water - with much thanks to Paul. The other nice extra at these events are wetsuit peelers, sometime mistakenly called strippers, a group of people waiting to help the athlete remove the wet suit. Usually a hassle but it was easy peasy this time. This first picture is a funny shot as it looks like I have "dunce" cap on. The photographer captured the buoy in the background so it just looks like I have a triangle on my head. The second Barry caught me as I was heading up the hill from the water to transition.
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| out of the water and onto the peelers |
 |
| one the way to transition |
The next portion of the event is the 94K bike ride. That will be my next blog to keep these somewhat short. I'm a little crazy when it comes to details. :-)
Here is my finishers shot. Officially I finished in 8hours and 8 minutes and a few seconds. As always we want to do better I would have loved to come in at 7hours 45 but my goal was to finish. I'm sure Coach Paul will have other plans for the next one. Yes there will be a next one. The difference between the time here and the official time is the time allotted to the swim waves before me. Looks like I need to practice my finish line shot I really had no idea what to do with my hands when I saw the banner. Ha ha
Liz
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Muskoka over
I am happy to confirm I did it as did all my fellow athletes from IronMotivation and the DRTC.
There were many highlights which I'll write about tomorrow or Tuesday but the best was seeing my cousin in-laws.
And I'll include a picture of me crossing the finish line.
Liz
There were many highlights which I'll write about tomorrow or Tuesday but the best was seeing my cousin in-laws.
And I'll include a picture of me crossing the finish line.
Liz
Saturday, September 8, 2012
The morning before Muskoka 70.3
Off to bed early last night with a relatively good sleep but with that said they have these funky lamps made out of cedar twigs beside the bed. For me it was a source of a headache so I opened up the windows, moved the darn thing and headache be gone. After we review transition with Coach Paul today I'll try and grab a nap. I don't know of anyone who sleeps well before a race.
Besides having breakfast I made sure I had everything in order for transition. When its all piled out on the floor it sure looks like a lot. For this race I am considering two pairs of runners. The extra pair will be used as I come out of swim as there is a good sized hill to run up and the path is paved.
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| Transition stuff less nutrition |
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| What we are going for - the finisher chute |
Liz
Friday, September 7, 2012
At Muskoka
The ride up was perfect as it was uneventual. When we arrived transition was partially set up, the bike and run in/outs were up as was the finish chute. Jeff & I headed to D'Ornellas the course mechanics to have them check out Jeff's rim. A bit of truing up and its ready for the race. D'Ornellas bike shop is located in Scarborough and many people in our tri group purchase their bikes from Eon. In a few days after the race After the racie I'll put tri bars on my bike and anticipate before the 2014 race season a tri bike will accompany my road and hybrids. Hmm I'll need a little bike hut in the backyard to get them out Barry's way in the garage. I have only heard great things about this bike shop and seriously thinking about purchasing it from them.
We lucked out as we received the call my room was ready as we were at the main building. We dropped off my stuff, headed to the Ironman store and to register. With all that done we have the evening to ourselves and the next step is waiting for transition to open up at 11am tomorrow. Between now and then we need to keep our spirits high as we wait for this storm to pass - its raining cats and dogs. Now I remember why I did not like my satellite dish up in Almonte - yep no TV and I forgot my books.
For some reason I decided to sign up using my big name. I must have been thinking it was a serious enough event to warrant it. On the plus its like having my Dad, Mom, my brother, and Grandparents along for the ride as they are about the only ones who call me that name.
Liz
We lucked out as we received the call my room was ready as we were at the main building. We dropped off my stuff, headed to the Ironman store and to register. With all that done we have the evening to ourselves and the next step is waiting for transition to open up at 11am tomorrow. Between now and then we need to keep our spirits high as we wait for this storm to pass - its raining cats and dogs. Now I remember why I did not like my satellite dish up in Almonte - yep no TV and I forgot my books.
For some reason I decided to sign up using my big name. I must have been thinking it was a serious enough event to warrant it. On the plus its like having my Dad, Mom, my brother, and Grandparents along for the ride as they are about the only ones who call me that name.
Liz
up to Muskoka today
Hello Everyone,
It is hard to believe but the time has come to put the hard work and practice races into practice. Yesterday was my last small run and now its rest until Sunday. I'm heading up to Muskoka today with my friend and training partner Jeff, his wife Erin and their son Jeff Junior. I can't thank Jeff and Erin enough for driving me up to the lake and to different places for training. Although I don't mind driving I much prefer to be a passenger and supplying the coffee and treats.
I'll be taking the PC and will try to blog each day with an update. Today we register, receive our race packs and I'm sure we'll be heading to the Ironman tent to purchase something cool. Tomorrow we put our bikes into transition and then Sunday its race day. On Sunday my wave starts at 8:30am and then the fun begins. During Sunday although my coach will be out on his motorbike as a referee I think he will be blogging at some point - http://ironmotivation.blogspot.ca/ - or you can track us at http://ironmanmuskoka.com/ - the link is at the top right for IronmanLive. They have a live option or a track the athlete option. I'll know my race number later today.
Over the past weeks I have been reading Chrissie Wellingtons' autobiography on her success as a pro triathlete. It has been inspiring and a huge thank you to Tara, my other training buddy, for lending it to me. It is hard to believe what these pros put their bodies through everyday and how much pain becomes a way of life. What I appreciate the most though was the numerous times Chrisse mentioned the age groupers and how she respected us for doing what we do. She recognizes the devotion each and everyone of us have for this sport as we balance family, work, life and training while the pros have the privilege of having the sport be their work. It was a fascinating read. Rumor has it her boyfriend Tom is racing Muskoka.
I'll be back !
Liz
It is hard to believe but the time has come to put the hard work and practice races into practice. Yesterday was my last small run and now its rest until Sunday. I'm heading up to Muskoka today with my friend and training partner Jeff, his wife Erin and their son Jeff Junior. I can't thank Jeff and Erin enough for driving me up to the lake and to different places for training. Although I don't mind driving I much prefer to be a passenger and supplying the coffee and treats.
I'll be taking the PC and will try to blog each day with an update. Today we register, receive our race packs and I'm sure we'll be heading to the Ironman tent to purchase something cool. Tomorrow we put our bikes into transition and then Sunday its race day. On Sunday my wave starts at 8:30am and then the fun begins. During Sunday although my coach will be out on his motorbike as a referee I think he will be blogging at some point - http://ironmotivation.blogspot.ca/ - or you can track us at http://ironmanmuskoka.com/ - the link is at the top right for IronmanLive. They have a live option or a track the athlete option. I'll know my race number later today.
Over the past weeks I have been reading Chrissie Wellingtons' autobiography on her success as a pro triathlete. It has been inspiring and a huge thank you to Tara, my other training buddy, for lending it to me. It is hard to believe what these pros put their bodies through everyday and how much pain becomes a way of life. What I appreciate the most though was the numerous times Chrisse mentioned the age groupers and how she respected us for doing what we do. She recognizes the devotion each and everyone of us have for this sport as we balance family, work, life and training while the pros have the privilege of having the sport be their work. It was a fascinating read. Rumor has it her boyfriend Tom is racing Muskoka.
I'll be back !
Liz
Thursday, August 30, 2012
And so taper continues
I can't believe my last post was K-Town but then with everything that is going on it is not so hard to believe.
The race is just around the corner and the training is done. All we can do is follow the reduced schedule and try not to worry too much. That is easy to say but hard to do. Coach knows me well and always tells me not to over think each event, the race, the day and everything else the day will bring.
Dr. Jason, my trusty chiropractor, has been working hard to keep my feet, ankles, calves and hip on track for the race along with providing some great pep talks. I suffer from bursitis in my hips and the long runs of 22 and 24K started aggravating them again. There is a good side it took a longer distance to aggravate them and it wasn't my calves. The active recovery therapy and new arch supports seem to taking care of the calves. Right now the biggest challenge is hydration. This really has lapsed over the last few months and of all things, in my opinion, is the worst to have a problem with. The other challenge is nutrition on race day. I have not yet found my groove of balancing food and supplements on training days so it will be even tougher on race day. I don't want to change things up too much rather I think I'll increase my intake before the race and then have a sandwich before swim and after swim. Peanut butter and jam sandwiches are the triathletes best friend.
Even more daunting is the mental aspect of this sport then the physical training. We have a total of 8 hours and 44 minutes to complete the race from the last swim start. It does seem like a huge amount of time but when one starts to add up the time for each discipline and transition it just doesn't seem like enough. I will need to keep Dr. J's advice in my memory which is to have fun, its only one day and remember how many people are sitting on the couch and would not even attempt a 70.3 or full Ironman. The day will be what it is and with so many Ironmotivation members and DRTC members racing it will be fun.
One of our Ironmotivation coaches Christine raced the Ironman Mount Tremblant inaugural race a couple of weeks ago. Why I am highlighting Christine specifically is she shows mental fortitude one needs to complete a full distance. Chris had a great swim, great first transition and then at around the 7 or 8K mark on the bike hit a pylon. Yep, she went down damaged her shoulder, her side and not sure what else. She picked herself up, accessed the situation, mounted the bike and rode. To pull that amount of determination from within to finish the remaining 172K bike and a 42K run is unbelievable.
One thing triathlon teaches is you have good days and bad days and hopefully on race day the IM Gods will be with you. I have two friends who my heart still break for as they did not complete their dream of crossing IM Canada in BC. Another friend today said that is the way Ironman is. It is such a huge task and even with the months of training its hard to know you'll cross the finish line until you see it. To put yourself out there, to sign up for a race, to publicly announce you are racing, to spend months training and to have the fortitude to even start the swim in my opinion makes these two Ironman.
Have a great holiday long weekend.
Liz
The race is just around the corner and the training is done. All we can do is follow the reduced schedule and try not to worry too much. That is easy to say but hard to do. Coach knows me well and always tells me not to over think each event, the race, the day and everything else the day will bring.
Dr. Jason, my trusty chiropractor, has been working hard to keep my feet, ankles, calves and hip on track for the race along with providing some great pep talks. I suffer from bursitis in my hips and the long runs of 22 and 24K started aggravating them again. There is a good side it took a longer distance to aggravate them and it wasn't my calves. The active recovery therapy and new arch supports seem to taking care of the calves. Right now the biggest challenge is hydration. This really has lapsed over the last few months and of all things, in my opinion, is the worst to have a problem with. The other challenge is nutrition on race day. I have not yet found my groove of balancing food and supplements on training days so it will be even tougher on race day. I don't want to change things up too much rather I think I'll increase my intake before the race and then have a sandwich before swim and after swim. Peanut butter and jam sandwiches are the triathletes best friend.
Even more daunting is the mental aspect of this sport then the physical training. We have a total of 8 hours and 44 minutes to complete the race from the last swim start. It does seem like a huge amount of time but when one starts to add up the time for each discipline and transition it just doesn't seem like enough. I will need to keep Dr. J's advice in my memory which is to have fun, its only one day and remember how many people are sitting on the couch and would not even attempt a 70.3 or full Ironman. The day will be what it is and with so many Ironmotivation members and DRTC members racing it will be fun.
One of our Ironmotivation coaches Christine raced the Ironman Mount Tremblant inaugural race a couple of weeks ago. Why I am highlighting Christine specifically is she shows mental fortitude one needs to complete a full distance. Chris had a great swim, great first transition and then at around the 7 or 8K mark on the bike hit a pylon. Yep, she went down damaged her shoulder, her side and not sure what else. She picked herself up, accessed the situation, mounted the bike and rode. To pull that amount of determination from within to finish the remaining 172K bike and a 42K run is unbelievable.
One thing triathlon teaches is you have good days and bad days and hopefully on race day the IM Gods will be with you. I have two friends who my heart still break for as they did not complete their dream of crossing IM Canada in BC. Another friend today said that is the way Ironman is. It is such a huge task and even with the months of training its hard to know you'll cross the finish line until you see it. To put yourself out there, to sign up for a race, to publicly announce you are racing, to spend months training and to have the fortitude to even start the swim in my opinion makes these two Ironman.
Have a great holiday long weekend.
Liz
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
K-Town
This past weekend Barry and I headed to Kingston for my second last race of the season the K-Town Tri. I missed participating in the Colburg DRTC event but this was almost as good as 7 or 8 racers were participating. I think we will have record numbers for the half in 4 weeks. We had lots of "fans" including Coach Paul and Coach Christine cheering us on.
I was at transition shortly after 6AM to find the lake with white caps, the wind a blowing and the rain a coming. It was crazy and we were all nervous about swimming in that lake. The race announcer told us we were in the eye of the storm and eventually it would be decided whether or not the weather would change our day. While waiting the race announcer was able to ring up Simon Whitfield, she was a training partner of his, who wished us all luck and recalls some nasty weather he has raced in. About 5 minutes before the mens' race start they called the swim and the long triathlon became a long duathlon. The waves were so bad the safety crew would not have been able to reach any racer if in trouble. A cheer went up by all the athletes. The triathletes had the option of switching to the short course duathlon or remain in the long distance. I decided on the long which meant a 7.5K run / 56K bike / 15K run.
Shortly after 9am the girls headed out and I was pacing with my DRTC buddies but one of those gusts of wind came up, knocked my hat off and I was off chasing it (only for a second or two) but it meant I was behind the group. I'm actually glad this happened as I decided to run my pace and not others. At one point I looked down to see in huge letters BR day 3 turn here. This was the marker left by the road crew from the Bike Rally which brought a smile to my face. Eventually I made it back to transition, found the bike, changed my shoes and headed out. The bike route took us over the causeway on to highway 2 to Gananoque. This is a section of the road that I have ridden with the Bike Rally so could visualize it before the race. Being of small stature, also known as vertically challenged, the heavy cross winds were a huge challenge but overall I was pleased with the bike. The only exception was the need to look at the time which scared the heck out me as there is only a set amount of time to complete the race. I felt defeated at that point which was not a good feeling with another run about to start.
At the start of the second run my lower half was sore and it was extremely tough to get into my run/walk routine. I don't recall my glutes hurting so much which later had me wondering did I use them more on the bike to stabilize against those winds. I wonder if that mistake of looking at the watch had done me in mentally more than physically. I ended up walking most of the distance but even walking was a challenge of mind over body. Sometimes you just wanna give up but it helped immensely knowing Barry, my Coaches and team mates were waiting for me at the finish line. I did make the finish line and received my participant medal. Another race done and lessons learned including hydrate much more the days before, don't look at your watch during the race or you'll over think the outcome, how important having friends at the finish line helps and how much I would rather swim then run.
The other thing I learned was the craziness those who choose to sign up for a full Ironman distance have. I think about the training I put in for a half and they train for double the distance. The dedication they put into preparing for this one event is just unbelievable. Even more remarkable is how the weekend warriors who attempt an Ironman must still manage their family and job life. Then there is the pain ! Its hard to describe what this is like and I can't even think how it must feel at the end of an Ironman. The pain is eventually replaced by a sense of accomplishment and soon forgotten. I think the Universe gave humans this unique gift of forgetting most bad things because if we did not we would live in fear and not attempt something again. Or we are given the chance to meet someone who will help us overcome the fear.
I will leave you with this quote I found on Simon Whitfield's page which I think sums up life even if its a triathlon reference and why I should not have looked at that watch.
I was at transition shortly after 6AM to find the lake with white caps, the wind a blowing and the rain a coming. It was crazy and we were all nervous about swimming in that lake. The race announcer told us we were in the eye of the storm and eventually it would be decided whether or not the weather would change our day. While waiting the race announcer was able to ring up Simon Whitfield, she was a training partner of his, who wished us all luck and recalls some nasty weather he has raced in. About 5 minutes before the mens' race start they called the swim and the long triathlon became a long duathlon. The waves were so bad the safety crew would not have been able to reach any racer if in trouble. A cheer went up by all the athletes. The triathletes had the option of switching to the short course duathlon or remain in the long distance. I decided on the long which meant a 7.5K run / 56K bike / 15K run.
Shortly after 9am the girls headed out and I was pacing with my DRTC buddies but one of those gusts of wind came up, knocked my hat off and I was off chasing it (only for a second or two) but it meant I was behind the group. I'm actually glad this happened as I decided to run my pace and not others. At one point I looked down to see in huge letters BR day 3 turn here. This was the marker left by the road crew from the Bike Rally which brought a smile to my face. Eventually I made it back to transition, found the bike, changed my shoes and headed out. The bike route took us over the causeway on to highway 2 to Gananoque. This is a section of the road that I have ridden with the Bike Rally so could visualize it before the race. Being of small stature, also known as vertically challenged, the heavy cross winds were a huge challenge but overall I was pleased with the bike. The only exception was the need to look at the time which scared the heck out me as there is only a set amount of time to complete the race. I felt defeated at that point which was not a good feeling with another run about to start.
At the start of the second run my lower half was sore and it was extremely tough to get into my run/walk routine. I don't recall my glutes hurting so much which later had me wondering did I use them more on the bike to stabilize against those winds. I wonder if that mistake of looking at the watch had done me in mentally more than physically. I ended up walking most of the distance but even walking was a challenge of mind over body. Sometimes you just wanna give up but it helped immensely knowing Barry, my Coaches and team mates were waiting for me at the finish line. I did make the finish line and received my participant medal. Another race done and lessons learned including hydrate much more the days before, don't look at your watch during the race or you'll over think the outcome, how important having friends at the finish line helps and how much I would rather swim then run.
The other thing I learned was the craziness those who choose to sign up for a full Ironman distance have. I think about the training I put in for a half and they train for double the distance. The dedication they put into preparing for this one event is just unbelievable. Even more remarkable is how the weekend warriors who attempt an Ironman must still manage their family and job life. Then there is the pain ! Its hard to describe what this is like and I can't even think how it must feel at the end of an Ironman. The pain is eventually replaced by a sense of accomplishment and soon forgotten. I think the Universe gave humans this unique gift of forgetting most bad things because if we did not we would live in fear and not attempt something again. Or we are given the chance to meet someone who will help us overcome the fear.
I will leave you with this quote I found on Simon Whitfield's page which I think sums up life even if its a triathlon reference and why I should not have looked at that watch.
“It’s about the process. It doesn’t matter what you do tomorrow and it doesn’t matter what you did yesterday. It’s about today, and making today count. That’s especially true in training, but it’s the same mentality that I carry into racing. Focus on the task at hand, not on the finish line, or the next part of the race, but what it is that is right there in front of you in the moment.”And some pictures (Thanks Susan)
- Jordan Rapp2011 Long Course Triathlon World Champion
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| Finishing the first 7.5K. |
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| Bike start |
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| The Coaches and Allison cheering me to the finish |
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| A boy and his Dad crossing the finish together. An Ironman to who it matters the most his boy and his family. |
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Friends for Life
After a great night celebrating my brother-in-laws 50 I was a bit slow to rise this morning but did get to the pool. After the swim I headed off to the GM Headquarters to see my "friends for life" (FFL). This is the bike rally I have participated in the last three years in support of the Toronto People with Aids Foundation. Its a six day, 600K+, ride from Toronto to Montreal. The longest day is 126K and the shortest is 50K. I did not anticipate how much I would miss this event however for many reasons it is good the universe told me it was a no go this year.
This event really spurred me to become more involved in fundraising and making an effort, although small, to help others where I could. I have realized that putting yourself on the spot to raise funds for a personal cause is much tougher than participating in an organized event. In today's world it seems people are more willing to give to organized events than to non-organized events for trust reasons. I'm also not that great at marketing myself as one needs to be to do this type of thing. It has been tough but every cent earned for Gate 3:16 will help someone in Oshawa.
Besides bringing out my "helping" personality trait the FFL has taught me how important sport is to bring the world together. It just seems appropriate the FFL are riding the week of the Olympics. The Olympics, I think, is about bringing together a diverse group of cultures and allowing them to become friends with people who may not traditionally hang out. We learn that all people are the same no matter what their beliefs, gender or orientation is. We have similar goals, feelings and pain and sport seems to bring this out better than anything else that we humans participate in. The greatest gift the FFL has given me is this is the ability to see beyond common prejudices and see all people are the same.
Here's hoping it is a week of no rain, cooler days and cooler nights but most off all the tail winds push you all along in the 14th annual Friends for Life Bike Rally.
God Speed Peter, Rodney, Marc, George, Bill, Victor, Sass, Mag, Barry, Dan, Glen, Bruce and all my other friends. Be safe, have fun and hopefully the universe will allow us all to ride together again in 2013.
A thought for my fellow Durham Regional Triathletes. How much good could we do if we join our efforts and use our love for sport to help others?
Remember your heart will love you even more if you feed it right and give it a bit of exercise each day.
Liz
This event really spurred me to become more involved in fundraising and making an effort, although small, to help others where I could. I have realized that putting yourself on the spot to raise funds for a personal cause is much tougher than participating in an organized event. In today's world it seems people are more willing to give to organized events than to non-organized events for trust reasons. I'm also not that great at marketing myself as one needs to be to do this type of thing. It has been tough but every cent earned for Gate 3:16 will help someone in Oshawa.
Besides bringing out my "helping" personality trait the FFL has taught me how important sport is to bring the world together. It just seems appropriate the FFL are riding the week of the Olympics. The Olympics, I think, is about bringing together a diverse group of cultures and allowing them to become friends with people who may not traditionally hang out. We learn that all people are the same no matter what their beliefs, gender or orientation is. We have similar goals, feelings and pain and sport seems to bring this out better than anything else that we humans participate in. The greatest gift the FFL has given me is this is the ability to see beyond common prejudices and see all people are the same.
Here's hoping it is a week of no rain, cooler days and cooler nights but most off all the tail winds push you all along in the 14th annual Friends for Life Bike Rally.
God Speed Peter, Rodney, Marc, George, Bill, Victor, Sass, Mag, Barry, Dan, Glen, Bruce and all my other friends. Be safe, have fun and hopefully the universe will allow us all to ride together again in 2013.
A thought for my fellow Durham Regional Triathletes. How much good could we do if we join our efforts and use our love for sport to help others?
Remember your heart will love you even more if you feed it right and give it a bit of exercise each day.
Liz
Friday, July 27, 2012
We are lucky #2
A very short post. My last post about heart mentioned my recent experience with heart health and the heart of my family and church. I'm happy to say Barry is home and on his way to a healthier heart.
When I was with my chiropractor on Monday he expressed our health system to a tee. Our health care system is fantastic when it comes to emergencies but not so great around prevention. There is talk about funding more programs around heart and diabetes education but its only as good as the patient caring enough to go to their family Dr. to seek the information or get their physical. Barry and I are very lucky to have a family doctor. The province is trying to push more graduates to go into a family practice versus a specialty to help solve this. Nothing is perfect but I'm happy for our health care program no matter its short comings. This experience just made me realize again how lucky we are in Canada.
If I could wave my magic wand the only thing I would have changed is the ability to have the angioplasty procedure happen closer to Oshawa or in Oshawa but Toronto General took very good care of us.
The key to heart health is diet and exercise. Two simple changes like removing a high cholesterol food and walking 30 minutes a day could make all the difference in your heart.
Liz
When I was with my chiropractor on Monday he expressed our health system to a tee. Our health care system is fantastic when it comes to emergencies but not so great around prevention. There is talk about funding more programs around heart and diabetes education but its only as good as the patient caring enough to go to their family Dr. to seek the information or get their physical. Barry and I are very lucky to have a family doctor. The province is trying to push more graduates to go into a family practice versus a specialty to help solve this. Nothing is perfect but I'm happy for our health care program no matter its short comings. This experience just made me realize again how lucky we are in Canada.
If I could wave my magic wand the only thing I would have changed is the ability to have the angioplasty procedure happen closer to Oshawa or in Oshawa but Toronto General took very good care of us.
The key to heart health is diet and exercise. Two simple changes like removing a high cholesterol food and walking 30 minutes a day could make all the difference in your heart.
Liz
Monday, July 23, 2012
Heart
My adventure for this week sure isn't what I thought it would be. Last Wednesday (July 18) I started the day right with the 5:30 swim class and followed it up later in the day with a 2200+ swim at Donevan pool. Work was crazy so I did not make it up to the lake and I'm so happy it happened this way.
The adventure started as I was coming home and turned the street to see an ambulance down at the end of our street. I was hoping it was in front of our neighbours but I knew it was in front of our house. My husband was being rushed off to hospital with a heart attack. It was a big one and they sent him into Toronto for angioplasty and finally made it back to our home hospital today. He'll be in for a little bit but I'm so lucky that he was smart enough to call the ambulance.
When I first met Barry he was the one always going to the gym and I was the one who did nothing. He introduced me to the gym while in Almonte but when we moved in together I took it up more seriously. Or maybe some would say I have become half crazy for it. Your full crazy when you get the gumption up to sign up for a full Ironman. Although this crazy training schedule of triathlon does get a bit tedious for him he'll be the first to admit its his fault for getting me into fitness. He will also be the first to admit that in recent years he has been lax going to the gym and watching his diet. It was only Monday that his family physician put the fear in him to change and look what happened two days later. If Barry did not call the ambulance I dread to think what I would have come home to. So please take care of your heart health. Do it for yourself and do it for your family. I'll be honest its tough trying to train, work and go to the hospital but I'd much rather that then the alternative. You don't have to go crazy like us triathletes just get out and walk and most of all watch what food you are consuming.
A situation like this brings out the heart in all our friends. I have had countless offers to help from my triathlon friends and thankful for each and everyone of those offers. What I really needed though was a big cry. I'm sure you all know how you want to be strong for others but sometimes its good to let it go. I took time out and went to church on Sunday. I really love my church. Our minister is around my age (so not old) and provides insightful fun sermons every Sunday. .You never know from week to week what cartoon might show up on the screen and occasionally a prop might show up to. It is by no means what you might remember attending as a child. When I walked in my dear friend Diane gave me a hug. Diane so reminds me of my Mom that when I see her its like the Mom blanket is wrapped around me. Then many of the ladies came up to make sure I was fine and again ask what could they do. When I moved here I did not know anyone but Barry's family and friends but now between triathlon and church I know there are people out there to help if help is needed. Being part of this community gives us the compassion and connections that so many of us need. (yep, stole that from Larry, Minister for Faith United).
Thank you for being there this week. And if we need help we might just take you up on your offer.
Liz
The adventure started as I was coming home and turned the street to see an ambulance down at the end of our street. I was hoping it was in front of our neighbours but I knew it was in front of our house. My husband was being rushed off to hospital with a heart attack. It was a big one and they sent him into Toronto for angioplasty and finally made it back to our home hospital today. He'll be in for a little bit but I'm so lucky that he was smart enough to call the ambulance.
When I first met Barry he was the one always going to the gym and I was the one who did nothing. He introduced me to the gym while in Almonte but when we moved in together I took it up more seriously. Or maybe some would say I have become half crazy for it. Your full crazy when you get the gumption up to sign up for a full Ironman. Although this crazy training schedule of triathlon does get a bit tedious for him he'll be the first to admit its his fault for getting me into fitness. He will also be the first to admit that in recent years he has been lax going to the gym and watching his diet. It was only Monday that his family physician put the fear in him to change and look what happened two days later. If Barry did not call the ambulance I dread to think what I would have come home to. So please take care of your heart health. Do it for yourself and do it for your family. I'll be honest its tough trying to train, work and go to the hospital but I'd much rather that then the alternative. You don't have to go crazy like us triathletes just get out and walk and most of all watch what food you are consuming.
A situation like this brings out the heart in all our friends. I have had countless offers to help from my triathlon friends and thankful for each and everyone of those offers. What I really needed though was a big cry. I'm sure you all know how you want to be strong for others but sometimes its good to let it go. I took time out and went to church on Sunday. I really love my church. Our minister is around my age (so not old) and provides insightful fun sermons every Sunday. .You never know from week to week what cartoon might show up on the screen and occasionally a prop might show up to. It is by no means what you might remember attending as a child. When I walked in my dear friend Diane gave me a hug. Diane so reminds me of my Mom that when I see her its like the Mom blanket is wrapped around me. Then many of the ladies came up to make sure I was fine and again ask what could they do. When I moved here I did not know anyone but Barry's family and friends but now between triathlon and church I know there are people out there to help if help is needed. Being part of this community gives us the compassion and connections that so many of us need. (yep, stole that from Larry, Minister for Faith United).
Thank you for being there this week. And if we need help we might just take you up on your offer.
Liz
Monday, July 16, 2012
A bit of everything
Wow hard to believe my last post was Canada Day Weekend. As the main event comes closer the training schedule gets more intense. July schedule has 711K of biking, 22K of swimming, 4 hours of swim class, 119K of running, 4 sessions of weights and 4 sessions of yoga. That teeter totter of balancing everything is weighting a bit more on one side versus the other and the blog writing seems to have suffered. As part of the July training schedule I decided another Ironmotivation training camp was beneficial which took me past my home town and into my ancestors' backyard of Mont Tremblant.
Mont Tremblant has wicked hills for the bike but the run was relatively flat and as we joke often so was the water. Lets start with the swim as I wanted to share the success of this swim and July 4th swims. The swim class is Wednesday morning so I was up and out the door before 5am to ensure I was at the Whitby rec in plenty of time for Coach Paul's 5:30am swim class on the 4th. Afterwards Coach Paul and I had a swim lesson. During this lesson it was pointed out that my pull on the left side was only half what it should be. My arm was not taking a full stroke rather I was finishing the pull around my hip instead of extending the arm completely before bringing it out of the water. The key to making yourself faster is technique not more effort. In my case just ensuring my shoulders and hands were relaxed, taking a full pull and having my hands in the right position reduced by 2000M swim down by 5 minutes. A huge improvement with little physical effort but lots of mental effort. Two swims completed and one more to go on the 4th. Wednesday nights the DRTC swims out of either Holmes Point or Jackson Points and this week we were at Holmes Point. The water was very choppy and I don't recall swimming in anything this choppy before. As I swam up a wave it would come down and I would crash against the water. I did my distance Paul asked for this night but more important I did not have that panic attack and did not head to shore. Last year I might not have even ventured out into the lake. This brings me back to yesterday (July 15th). Coach Paul rented a party boat to drive the nine of us out to the middle of the lake and swim a bit of the practice course for the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 swim. I put on the wet suit, climbed down the ladder, calmed myself down and off I went to swim. My focus was to stay calm, fell comfortable, work on my stroke and just enjoy myself. I even floated on my back, to test drive this, and felt very comfortable looking at the sky. I think 2012 will be the year that I remember the most success in swimming not for speed but for overcoming the fear of it.
The swim happened in Tremblant on Sunday which leads nicely into the run which happened before the swim. Due to the heat we started at 6am both days to keep ourselves out of the worst heat. Everyone at the camp was scheduled for a 21K run except me. Last week I completed a 14K and the week after I need to complete a 16K thus my intent was to run around 15K as long as the body held up. I think I have written before about the nagging calf issues. Dr. Jason started Active Release Therapy about three weeks ago and I have had two successful runs with limited pain. Although not pain free it sure is better. Coach Paul and I agreed on the 16K distance and off I went. As always the pain was there when I started but after 10 minutes or so everything loosened up. I don't have a GPS watch thus was going on time and kept running. Before I knew it I was told I was only 400m from the first turn around. OOPS I went to far. I turned around retraced my steps but went up the dog leg (a section to add a Klm onto the run to reach the 21.1K loop distance) and yet again I was told you are almost done so I turned around early and headed back to the parking lot. I estimate the distance was between 18 to 20K. A fellow triathlete told me I would have done the 21K but I still question it as the time just seemed too good but the calves were feeling good and I was running so it is possible. A run with limited pain is success. I dread running due to the pain but thinking 2012 might be the year of less painful running.
Lastly the bike was the Saturday. The route had constant hills but I made it up everyone of them and of course down everyone :-) I'm currently riding a road bike versus a triathlon bike. One of the differences is I have drop bars (the curvy ones like the old 10 speeds) versus triathlon bars (two bars in front and you lean on these in an aero position). Last year I started to use the drop bars and now I use them for most of my rides. This year I am comfortable enough to come out of the saddle and ride up the hills in the drop position. Its like running on the peddles and provides more power. When I hit Coach Paul's spin classes in the winter I know what he means now. The next step is to figure out what the best position to climb the hills in. I'm over the handlebars and sometimes I'm just barely out of the saddle. Most important is to work on keeping that momentum I have created coming up the hill into the next flat section which happens on and off. I was very pleased with my average km/hr at 25, average cadence at 80 and my max speed at 64.5K for the hills of Tremblant.
Overall Mount Tremblant was the best camp yet. I had successes in each discipline which will help mentally when I do have a bad day. I just need to remember these successes. Thanks to Paul, Patty and Christine at Ironmotivan for putting on such a great event. Clint we missed you and hope your ankle is better for Ironman Tremblant.
Lastly a little update on the fundraising. I'm a long way off from my goal of $5000 with $1435 raised between the web site, personal cheques and cash. If you can help my campaign to help others in Oshawa or may know someone who might be able to the link to Canada helps donation page is on the right hand side. No matter how small the contribution everything will help the low income families and the homeless Gate 3:16 Outreach helps.
Hopefully I'll be back this weekend with another adventures (maybe the ride to Pontypool with Jeff on the 7th). Until then get out and enjoy the summer with a walk, a bike, a swim or even a skate on your skateboard or inline skates. Yes its hot but in a couple of short months we will be complaining about the cold. Just remember to stay hydrated that is the key.
-Liz
Mont Tremblant has wicked hills for the bike but the run was relatively flat and as we joke often so was the water. Lets start with the swim as I wanted to share the success of this swim and July 4th swims. The swim class is Wednesday morning so I was up and out the door before 5am to ensure I was at the Whitby rec in plenty of time for Coach Paul's 5:30am swim class on the 4th. Afterwards Coach Paul and I had a swim lesson. During this lesson it was pointed out that my pull on the left side was only half what it should be. My arm was not taking a full stroke rather I was finishing the pull around my hip instead of extending the arm completely before bringing it out of the water. The key to making yourself faster is technique not more effort. In my case just ensuring my shoulders and hands were relaxed, taking a full pull and having my hands in the right position reduced by 2000M swim down by 5 minutes. A huge improvement with little physical effort but lots of mental effort. Two swims completed and one more to go on the 4th. Wednesday nights the DRTC swims out of either Holmes Point or Jackson Points and this week we were at Holmes Point. The water was very choppy and I don't recall swimming in anything this choppy before. As I swam up a wave it would come down and I would crash against the water. I did my distance Paul asked for this night but more important I did not have that panic attack and did not head to shore. Last year I might not have even ventured out into the lake. This brings me back to yesterday (July 15th). Coach Paul rented a party boat to drive the nine of us out to the middle of the lake and swim a bit of the practice course for the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 swim. I put on the wet suit, climbed down the ladder, calmed myself down and off I went to swim. My focus was to stay calm, fell comfortable, work on my stroke and just enjoy myself. I even floated on my back, to test drive this, and felt very comfortable looking at the sky. I think 2012 will be the year that I remember the most success in swimming not for speed but for overcoming the fear of it.
The swim happened in Tremblant on Sunday which leads nicely into the run which happened before the swim. Due to the heat we started at 6am both days to keep ourselves out of the worst heat. Everyone at the camp was scheduled for a 21K run except me. Last week I completed a 14K and the week after I need to complete a 16K thus my intent was to run around 15K as long as the body held up. I think I have written before about the nagging calf issues. Dr. Jason started Active Release Therapy about three weeks ago and I have had two successful runs with limited pain. Although not pain free it sure is better. Coach Paul and I agreed on the 16K distance and off I went. As always the pain was there when I started but after 10 minutes or so everything loosened up. I don't have a GPS watch thus was going on time and kept running. Before I knew it I was told I was only 400m from the first turn around. OOPS I went to far. I turned around retraced my steps but went up the dog leg (a section to add a Klm onto the run to reach the 21.1K loop distance) and yet again I was told you are almost done so I turned around early and headed back to the parking lot. I estimate the distance was between 18 to 20K. A fellow triathlete told me I would have done the 21K but I still question it as the time just seemed too good but the calves were feeling good and I was running so it is possible. A run with limited pain is success. I dread running due to the pain but thinking 2012 might be the year of less painful running.
Lastly the bike was the Saturday. The route had constant hills but I made it up everyone of them and of course down everyone :-) I'm currently riding a road bike versus a triathlon bike. One of the differences is I have drop bars (the curvy ones like the old 10 speeds) versus triathlon bars (two bars in front and you lean on these in an aero position). Last year I started to use the drop bars and now I use them for most of my rides. This year I am comfortable enough to come out of the saddle and ride up the hills in the drop position. Its like running on the peddles and provides more power. When I hit Coach Paul's spin classes in the winter I know what he means now. The next step is to figure out what the best position to climb the hills in. I'm over the handlebars and sometimes I'm just barely out of the saddle. Most important is to work on keeping that momentum I have created coming up the hill into the next flat section which happens on and off. I was very pleased with my average km/hr at 25, average cadence at 80 and my max speed at 64.5K for the hills of Tremblant.
Overall Mount Tremblant was the best camp yet. I had successes in each discipline which will help mentally when I do have a bad day. I just need to remember these successes. Thanks to Paul, Patty and Christine at Ironmotivan for putting on such a great event. Clint we missed you and hope your ankle is better for Ironman Tremblant.
Lastly a little update on the fundraising. I'm a long way off from my goal of $5000 with $1435 raised between the web site, personal cheques and cash. If you can help my campaign to help others in Oshawa or may know someone who might be able to the link to Canada helps donation page is on the right hand side. No matter how small the contribution everything will help the low income families and the homeless Gate 3:16 Outreach helps.
Hopefully I'll be back this weekend with another adventures (maybe the ride to Pontypool with Jeff on the 7th). Until then get out and enjoy the summer with a walk, a bike, a swim or even a skate on your skateboard or inline skates. Yes its hot but in a couple of short months we will be complaining about the cold. Just remember to stay hydrated that is the key.
-Liz
Friday, June 29, 2012
We are lucky living in Canada but...
Hi Everyone,
Happy Canada Day weekend. We are lucky to live in this great big land. We have unparalleled freedom to choose what we want to do with our lives, how we live, who we associate with and a tax system that gives us a safety net of health care and social assistance when and if required. Yes, we all gripe about taxes and that the system is not perfect but I know how lucky we are to have what we have as many other countries do not. I can't comprehend going to a hospital and being turned away as we can not afford it or do not have a coverage plan. So yeah to Canada. But some of us are not as lucky and that is one of the reasons I'm swimming, biking and running for Gate 3:16.
My goal was to have 3000.00 for my first three races but I'm stuck at $1,310.00. Although we do live in a land that will help the less fortunate these people can not always access it. In order to access funding a person must have a home address and in many cases the client's at Gate 3:16 are "renting" space somewhere or hopping from one place to the next to sleep under a roof. When we think of homelessness we have a misconception that homelessness are those people on the street but we have people who are below the poverty line, who are working and just don't have the financial ability to rent accommodations. Gate 3:16 helps these people by providing them two meals per day, literacy skills, haircuts, access to computers, phones, faxes and help navigating social assistance. Basic things the average Canadian takes for granted. I appreciate you reading my blog and would ask you to consider a donation to my fundraising goal. The link to the Canada Helps donation page is on the right.
Last weekend many of my Ironmotivation team-mates and I were in the Muskokas for a training camp. I shared a room with two of my fellow athletes who will be racing in the 70.3 in September. It was a blast. Saturday we headed out for 90K bike ride and for days after we were talking about the quantity and steepness of the hills. As for Sunday it started with 2.1K swim which was followed by a 8K run. I'm happy to report I did not freak in the water and was very comfortable. The swim time does make me nervous as we only have 8 hours and 44 minutes to complete the race and I'm not the fastest when it comes to the swim and the run. I did look at posted times for last years finishers and it does seem doable even with the length of time the swim will take. The run is always tough as I fear the pain that accompanies it. Although its less then during the race in Guelph its still there being a pest. Dr. Jason's treatments are starting to work and I'm confident I'll be in top shape for the race.
After tomorrow I'll be relaxing for three days and appreciating how lucky we are to live in Canada.
Happy 145th Birthday Canada.
Liz
Happy Canada Day weekend. We are lucky to live in this great big land. We have unparalleled freedom to choose what we want to do with our lives, how we live, who we associate with and a tax system that gives us a safety net of health care and social assistance when and if required. Yes, we all gripe about taxes and that the system is not perfect but I know how lucky we are to have what we have as many other countries do not. I can't comprehend going to a hospital and being turned away as we can not afford it or do not have a coverage plan. So yeah to Canada. But some of us are not as lucky and that is one of the reasons I'm swimming, biking and running for Gate 3:16.
My goal was to have 3000.00 for my first three races but I'm stuck at $1,310.00. Although we do live in a land that will help the less fortunate these people can not always access it. In order to access funding a person must have a home address and in many cases the client's at Gate 3:16 are "renting" space somewhere or hopping from one place to the next to sleep under a roof. When we think of homelessness we have a misconception that homelessness are those people on the street but we have people who are below the poverty line, who are working and just don't have the financial ability to rent accommodations. Gate 3:16 helps these people by providing them two meals per day, literacy skills, haircuts, access to computers, phones, faxes and help navigating social assistance. Basic things the average Canadian takes for granted. I appreciate you reading my blog and would ask you to consider a donation to my fundraising goal. The link to the Canada Helps donation page is on the right.
Last weekend many of my Ironmotivation team-mates and I were in the Muskokas for a training camp. I shared a room with two of my fellow athletes who will be racing in the 70.3 in September. It was a blast. Saturday we headed out for 90K bike ride and for days after we were talking about the quantity and steepness of the hills. As for Sunday it started with 2.1K swim which was followed by a 8K run. I'm happy to report I did not freak in the water and was very comfortable. The swim time does make me nervous as we only have 8 hours and 44 minutes to complete the race and I'm not the fastest when it comes to the swim and the run. I did look at posted times for last years finishers and it does seem doable even with the length of time the swim will take. The run is always tough as I fear the pain that accompanies it. Although its less then during the race in Guelph its still there being a pest. Dr. Jason's treatments are starting to work and I'm confident I'll be in top shape for the race.
After tomorrow I'll be relaxing for three days and appreciating how lucky we are to live in Canada.
Happy 145th Birthday Canada.
Liz
Friday, June 22, 2012
Post Guelph and Pre Muskoka
I have been a bit remiss for not posting how the race in Guelph went last weekend. I have had almost a week now to ponder this event and its results. Yes, I finished but it just did not have the same feel as Texas. The swim was good, long, but good. I did not panic I just swam and completed the 1.5K distance. I was not last but close to it. When I came out I knew I would be able to swim .5K more to complete the 2K distance in the Kingston long and for the Muskoka half-iron. I must say running up the hill to transition this year was much better than last I was not as woozy coming out of the water and knowing what was coming helped. The bike is usually my fastest event but for some reason I did not have the same feel for this 40K ride. I'm pleased with my time of 1 hour 28 minutes and 50 seconds which nets out to be an average of 27K per hour. It was not my best ride but it was an okay ride. The run is where I went off the rails. I woke up with pain in the calves and hoped lots of hydration would help but lets just say that 1 hour and 15 minute 10K was brutal. Looking back it was the run that spoiled the day. On the plus I feel my nutrition and hydration was better and I was very comfortable in the water. The other factor maybe sleep. I choose to drive in the day of the event and was up at 4:30am and did not get the usual amount of sleep which is so important. I have come to terms with this race and its time to put it the past and concentrate on the next one and the big one.
This weekend some of the Ironmotivation team will be heading to Muskoka for a training camp. Tomorrow will bring either a 90K or 180K bike depending on your race and then Sunday brings a 2K swim and a 12K run for me. I am looking forward to the run to see how the calves hold up. This past Wednesday saw me with Dr. J for Active Recovery Treatment - its a technique to lengthen the muscles. Oh boy it was painful but later in the afternoon it was better. We are giving some heel lifts a try too to see if it helps and then there are shoes. Did I mention I got a great deal on runners in the States? Well, they might not have been such a deal as they don't seem to feel the same as the current ones. Coach Paul told me a story where one of our DRTC coaches Robbie purchased an exact pair of shoes in the States and she did here and found out that depending on the store the shoe may actually be made a little bit different. So I returned to the Running Room and purchased another pair and will test drive them, I think, on Sunday.
Sunday sees many of my fellow Ironmotivation team members and DRTC members at the half ironman in Mt Tremblant and Syracuse and other distances in Wellend. Good Luck !!
Next week I'll provide an update on the funding raising. One of the reasons I'm on this journey to the Muskoka 70.3 half ironman.
Have a great weekend,
Liz
This weekend some of the Ironmotivation team will be heading to Muskoka for a training camp. Tomorrow will bring either a 90K or 180K bike depending on your race and then Sunday brings a 2K swim and a 12K run for me. I am looking forward to the run to see how the calves hold up. This past Wednesday saw me with Dr. J for Active Recovery Treatment - its a technique to lengthen the muscles. Oh boy it was painful but later in the afternoon it was better. We are giving some heel lifts a try too to see if it helps and then there are shoes. Did I mention I got a great deal on runners in the States? Well, they might not have been such a deal as they don't seem to feel the same as the current ones. Coach Paul told me a story where one of our DRTC coaches Robbie purchased an exact pair of shoes in the States and she did here and found out that depending on the store the shoe may actually be made a little bit different. So I returned to the Running Room and purchased another pair and will test drive them, I think, on Sunday.
Sunday sees many of my fellow Ironmotivation team members and DRTC members at the half ironman in Mt Tremblant and Syracuse and other distances in Wellend. Good Luck !!
Next week I'll provide an update on the funding raising. One of the reasons I'm on this journey to the Muskoka 70.3 half ironman.
Have a great weekend,
Liz
Friday, June 8, 2012
You know the Ontario tri season has hit when we go outside to swim
In Ontario we have two triathlon series Recharge with Milk and the Subaru Series each offering a race late in May. The earliest being Victoria Day long weekend in Waterloo. We had a wonderful warm long weekend but the lake would still be oh so very cold. I don't know anyone in the Durham Triathlon Club who participated in either of these races rather most of us start with the Guelph Race on Father's Day weekend. This race offers the Try-A-Tri, Sprint and Olympic distances. The club will be represented well with Cam and Frances in the Try-A-Tri, Jeff, Tara, Deanna, Peter in the Sprint and Liza, Alison and myself in the Olympic. There are probably others but our roving reporter's ask on our facebook page resulted with these names. Like Cam and Frances for many of us this was our first race and holds a special place in our memories. Wishing Cam and Frances the same awesome experience I had in this first race.
Unlike the 81 degree lake in Texas the water in Guelph will be a bit chillier. Probably not wet suit mandatory but cold enough to take the option to wear it. Swimming in a wet suit has some advantages including buoyancy, slickness and protection. Two disadvantages are a sense of constriction as the suit is like a second layer and very tight and depending on the model the pull (arm movement) is constricted. A new triathlete may have these concerns on top of concerns about swimming in open water. Open water presents many new challenges such as the vastness of the lake (no edges to grab on to), none stop swimming (no ends), waves, the depth (sounds strange but this is one of my fears), cold, close proximity to others thus a kick or hit does happen, fish, algae to name a few. There are many things to like including seeing birds, the shoreline, houses, city scape rather than watching brick walls or the pool deck go by. Seeing the sky, the sun, the sand dunes at the bottom (Holmes Point & Wasaga Beach) and when the zone hits you don't have to stop at 25 meters. The swim in Texas changed my outlook on this discipline. I'm not sure I can describe it but it gave me a confidence and a calmness I have not had in the past. This feeling was there in our last two swim classes and in our first club swim. Texas will hold a very special place in my heart as the place I actually felt comfortable swimming in a lake. I don't know if this feeling will continue but I have a place I can go to in my mind's eye when I'm swimming that may calm me down. I guess I should take it as a sign its time to move from the "D" lane in swim class. I asked Coach Christine which lane was the development lane and her response " do you really need it? " I guess its time to face the next fear swimming with the "big" kids.
Here we are, all 25 of us, swimming at Jackson's Point in our first club swim of 2012.
Even if its cloudy and raining this weekend there is sun above those clouds.
- Liz
Unlike the 81 degree lake in Texas the water in Guelph will be a bit chillier. Probably not wet suit mandatory but cold enough to take the option to wear it. Swimming in a wet suit has some advantages including buoyancy, slickness and protection. Two disadvantages are a sense of constriction as the suit is like a second layer and very tight and depending on the model the pull (arm movement) is constricted. A new triathlete may have these concerns on top of concerns about swimming in open water. Open water presents many new challenges such as the vastness of the lake (no edges to grab on to), none stop swimming (no ends), waves, the depth (sounds strange but this is one of my fears), cold, close proximity to others thus a kick or hit does happen, fish, algae to name a few. There are many things to like including seeing birds, the shoreline, houses, city scape rather than watching brick walls or the pool deck go by. Seeing the sky, the sun, the sand dunes at the bottom (Holmes Point & Wasaga Beach) and when the zone hits you don't have to stop at 25 meters. The swim in Texas changed my outlook on this discipline. I'm not sure I can describe it but it gave me a confidence and a calmness I have not had in the past. This feeling was there in our last two swim classes and in our first club swim. Texas will hold a very special place in my heart as the place I actually felt comfortable swimming in a lake. I don't know if this feeling will continue but I have a place I can go to in my mind's eye when I'm swimming that may calm me down. I guess I should take it as a sign its time to move from the "D" lane in swim class. I asked Coach Christine which lane was the development lane and her response " do you really need it? " I guess its time to face the next fear swimming with the "big" kids.
Here we are, all 25 of us, swimming at Jackson's Point in our first club swim of 2012.
Even if its cloudy and raining this weekend there is sun above those clouds.
- Liz
Monday, June 4, 2012
Texas Pictures & Shoes
A few pictures from Texas.
Shoes - Sometime back I posted a picture of my very old and worn out orange shoes which I ran a half marathon in and my races last year. I would suggest some of my feet, leg and ankle issues were attributed to those shoes. While in Texas I took advantage of the great shoe prices and purchased a new pair of runners. The ones I purchased just before Around the Bay have around 800 Klm on them and I was hoping for a few more however that won't happen. A few weeks back I had some minor knee pain and thought about new shoes but this happened again yesterday. Various web sites recommend changing them every 300 to 400 miles. Dr. Jason agreed and the new shoes will be on my fit later this week. Next race in Guelph will be with my new purple "go faster" shoe. The purple will make me go faster I think. The old shoes will become the normal use pair and then my normal use pair will become my house shoes. Before I know it I'll have be the Imelda Marcos of running shoes :-)
Have a great week,
Liz
 | |||
| On the deck for swim start |
 |
| Maybe me |
 |
| Ladybird lake and the skyscape I was looking at during the swim |
 | ||||
| In the finishing chute |
Have a great week,
Liz
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Capital of Texas Triathlon (captextri)
My second race of the season has come on gone with the
completion of a sprint distance at Capital of Texas Triathlon on May 28th
in Austin, Texas.
Why Austin? My father left the cold of Almonte twenty-five
years back to a new life in the very hot climate of Austin.
With the exception of a couple of years I travel to Texas at least once a year to visit Dad and
my Step-mom. Recently my Step-sister and
her two cute kiddies have moved back thus allowing me to get to know them. It was just natural to have my first
triathlon outside of Ontario
in my second home.
Barry (my husband) and I arrived Tuesday May 21 to be
greeted by 90 degree plus weather and sun.
Instead of taking my bike Coach Paul suggested I check out the
possibility of renting. The bike shop only
minutes away from Dad’s has rentals and to my luck had the same make and size
of bike I ride. We picked it up late Wednesday
and the fellows at the bike shop took the time to fit me correctly, recommend a
cycling route and chat. I was concerned
about the pedals and the tightness of the clips but they were just right for
easily clipping out. Thursday morning
saw me on a Parmer Avenue
for an hour cycling the rolling hills around Austin.
Although this is a very large four lane road the shoulder was
exceptionally wide, paved and a bike line was provided at the lights. If only we had the same set up in and around
Durham Region. During this ride I chased
a fellow, caught up with him and then pulled away. Eventually he caught up, passed me and we
road together for a good fifteen minutes.
It was bliss. I was on the road
fairly early but the ride did provide an idea of how it hot the race would be. A big thank you to Bicycle Sport Shop for a
great rental experience.
Friday saw me in the pool at the local Y for a light
swim. This afternoon we headed off to
Round Rock to see the round rock. Yes, the City is named after a round rock
that is located in Bushy Creek. This
section of Bushy Creek is part of the Chisholm Trail
and there are ruts in the stone from all the wagon drives. After Dad and I measured the ruts we headed up
the river to see the new park. We saw some youngsters wading in the river or
what was left of it and saw my Dad wading in it too. So you might ask why are you measuring the
ruts? “
Saturday was a rest day.
Dad, Barry and I headed to San Marco’s to the new car museum Dick’s
Classic Car Garage. The museum did a
bang up job explaining each car and the history of ownership. I found this much more interesting than the
cars. We saw a Dusenburg which was owned
by a Chicago
mobster – supposedly Capone had this guy killed for not testifying in his
defense. Another Dusenburg owned by the Queen of Diamonds and finally a Chrysler
Imperial parade car which was used by President Roosevelt and saw King
George IV and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mum) toured in it. For any car buff they have a
Tucker number 50 which was the last to roll of the assembly line. We followed this up with some good Texas BBQ.
Sunday was a rest day too however it was race packet pick
up and bike drop off day. Barry and I
headed down to the Palmer
Center for 11:30, found
my lucky number 2060 and headed off to register. It was a breeze. We all stood in a quick moving line which
divided then into our distance. After looking
at the passport they gave me my packet and then off to T-Shirt pickup (isn’t
this reason we do it?) and chip confirmation.
Then we scouted out the transition area back to the 2:30 athlete
meeting, dropped the bike in transition, waited for the fire department to clear
us to enter the building and then back home for a dinner with family and
friends. All along I’m fretting as the
water temperature was hovering 80 degrees which equals no wetsuits.
Monday morning I received a surprise when I opened up facebook to
see a notice transition was closing an hour before our race versus the previous
commitment of fifteen minutes. We rushed
out the door and grabbed a coffee and bagel at Einstein’s and off we went. It ended up being a hurry up and wait
situation. I e-mailed Coach Paul the
night before about the wetsuit issue and he pointed out the obvious – you
practice without a wetsuit so why do you need it a race? Barry told me the same
thing. As the water registered 80
degrees it was a wet suit illegal situation at least if you wanted a medal. As I was talking with my neighbours in
transition some decided to wear one some not.
I walked out of transition without it and from then on fretted about
going back to get it but did not. Swim
start was different as we jumped in the lake from the dock, swam to the start,
treaded water and then started when the gun went off. I explained how I was nervous about treading
water and they were fine with me sitting on the dock until start time. I sat there until 30 seconds before the gun
and then headed to the start only to have the gun got when I go there. No wasting energy on treading water and no
nerves because of it. I surprised myself
as I was somewhat calm and enjoyed looking at the skyline as I went along. As the nerves set it I remember Coach Paul
telling me to take in the sites and calm down and it helped. By the time I was on the way back to shore I
was in my groove and it felt great. I
still can’t believe it.
Next the bike. My
transition area was only two stands from the Bike Out and In which made it very
easy to find the bike in transition. The
route was fast with hills but not like we have in Ontario.
It was a two 10K loop and I was consistently passing people on the
ride. I did loose a few minutes as I
missed the second loop but lesson learned for the next race. By the middle of the second lap the heat was
setting in and I was feeling a little off.
I downed a salt pill, started the electrolyte drink and nutrition. Finished the bike to hear go Liz way to make
up time. Barry was there cheering me on.
The run was a challenge.
I was finding the heat very hard to handle and started walking. The race
did a bang up job providing lots of water and every aid stop I had some. Eventually the salt pill, electrolytes kicked
in and I was running. More lessons
learned about nutrition.
I crossed the finish line very happy with a no wet suit
swim, a great bike, a completed run and lots of lessons to apply for next time
around nutrition. I felt awesome
physically. I even caught the
electrolyte issue soon enough that I did not have any wooziness after the
race. My total time was 1:49:27 versus
1:46:22 in my last year of 2011. A
little longer in transition and the nutrition did take its toll on the bike and
run but I was pleased with my swim as it was 2 minutes
better time without a wet suit. I can’t believe it !! Barry kept telling me I would be faster without the wet suit.
This was our last full night in Austin.
We spent the evening celebrating my parents’ 24th wedding
anniversary with family and friends. It
was a great surprise party and a great way to finish off the week in Texas.
Next race an Olympic distance on Father’s Day.
Pictures to come.
Liz
Friday, May 18, 2012
Lisa
On the weekend of the Academy Awards I gave a list of my supporting cast. The supporting cast included an awesome lady and athlete named Lisa. Lisa has been training all winter for Ironman Texas which happens tomorrow. An Ironman distance is a 4K swim, 180K bike and 42K run. With the great winter we have had Lisa has been able to do much of her run training outside. I had a fantastic time running with her and another tri-buddy Elaine once and then we all ran Around the Bay together. I must say I learned a lot from running Around the Bay with Lisa.
While I was enjoying my Saturday morning spin with Coach Paul and others Lisa was spinning at the Whitby Recreational center - spinning, spinning and spinning. A week before she left for Ironman she was on the bike for 8 hours or maybe a wee bit more. I really don't know how she did it. Spinning with Paul calling makes two hours fly by but with no one calling its tough. I know she would converse with people as they went by and watch movies but still its amazing.
Lisa has had some up and downs like we all do when training but mentally and physcially she is prepared.
So here's to Lisa. Give it all you got tomorrow. I know there are many from Durham Region and beyond that will be cheering her on and watching for bib 656 on the Ironman TV, split updates and on Paul's blog.
- Liz
While I was enjoying my Saturday morning spin with Coach Paul and others Lisa was spinning at the Whitby Recreational center - spinning, spinning and spinning. A week before she left for Ironman she was on the bike for 8 hours or maybe a wee bit more. I really don't know how she did it. Spinning with Paul calling makes two hours fly by but with no one calling its tough. I know she would converse with people as they went by and watch movies but still its amazing.
Lisa has had some up and downs like we all do when training but mentally and physcially she is prepared.
So here's to Lisa. Give it all you got tomorrow. I know there are many from Durham Region and beyond that will be cheering her on and watching for bib 656 on the Ironman TV, split updates and on Paul's blog.
- Liz
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Head Space
It’s been a few weeks since I last posted. During this time I’ve been thinking about how
important the mental aspect of training is.
I think it is even more important than the physical aspect.
Last week I was in Ottawa
on business. I was able to catch up with
my Aunt Wilma, Nancy,
Fran and how my extended family up in Almonte is doing. I found out I do have relatives on that side
in Oshawa. At some point I’ll need to go seek them
out. My Aunt Wilma really isn’t my Aunt
but my Grandfather’s first cousin but when your parents are both only children
distant relatives become closer than blood lines say they are. I was stunned to see Aunt Wilma, who is 84,
looks the same as I remember. She is busily
working in her kitchen and was proud to let me know she still does all her own
housework. I can only hope I will have
the same vigor as she does when I’m 84.
While in Ottawa
my training schedule saw me in the gym, pool and finding a yoga class. All very doable things but head space became
an issue. When I returned to my hotel
room I was focused on getting caught up on work and my head space was there
rather than training. I did get to the
gym but as for the pool and yoga it did not happen. I have a wee bit of an issue when I don’t
have tick beside the scheduled training event but sometimes head space, physical
issues or other things pop up that get in the way. We just have to remember not get trapped in
this head space or we won’t accomplish our goals. So I’m back on track this first week of May.
I can not believe this first week of May brings the end to
our Monster “Spin” Class. Monster Spin
is a one and half hours on Wednesday and two hours on Saturday of intense
cycling. The City of Oshawa provides traditional spin bikes but
most of us have a bike trainer which allows our bike to become stationary. After a warm up Coach Paul shares the name of
the ride we are doing which ranges from Oatmeal to Mash it up. By the time you are done oatmeal your legs
feel like oatmeal. The trainers have a
fly wheel which “rubs” against the back tire and is adjustable. Like riding outside as you change your gears
it gets tougher. Today Coach Christine
called a 4 minute gear 12 standing up.
We were doing a hill climb after already riding for 75 minutes. Although we all find it hard and often
cheerfully complain we do know every one of these classes make us stronger for
riding outside and for our races. Outside here we come.
My second race of the season is just a short few weeks
away. I’m nervous but after speaking
with Coach Paul I know it will be fine. Plus
I can call him and he’ll help to calm the situation down.
I was asked the other day is it true
what they say "take your weakest sport and make it your
strongest"? After much thought I
realized that usually our weakest sport is the one for some reason we don’t
like and may not see it as fun. Now that I think about it this applies
to more than just triathlon it applies to life.
Let’s try to change our head space and put some fun into those jobs or events
we don’t like. I do believe the job will get be easier and accomplished quicker.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
The Power of the team
I was checking my facebook page and there are tons of posts from the folks I have ridden over the years with as part a charity ride from Toronto to Montreal. Yep, that is over 600K but its very manageable as its over six days. The longest day is 126K and the shortest is 50K. When I made the decision not to ride this year I did not realize how much I would miss this adventure and my fellow riders. I often post on facebook my excitement about Wednesday night and Saturday morning spin class and sometimes but not that often about Thursday night swim. It isn't just the challenge of the class that gets me motivated its the people I'm with. Like the bike rally we are all like minded and trying to reach a goal. Yes, Coach Paul puts us through our paces but it just seems so much more doable when I'm with my tri-buddies. I am looking forward to the Durham Triathlon Club starting its season. We have a great club here in Durham Region and if your interested in joining see: www.thedrtc.ca.
The DRTC provides a track night to work on our running and biking skills plus two outdoor swim nights. From what I hear we are very lucky to have the outdoor swim. Our coaches set the marks and are in their kayaks watching us along with one or two people keeping watch on shore. Sometimes it takes a few minutes to get started as we count the number of swimmers in the water to ensure the number matches the count on shore. One would think this would be easy but sometimes its the hardest part especially if one is vertically challenged. It seems our start point is always at chest level for a normal person so I'm bobbing away in my wetsuit as I can't touch the ground while everyone else is standing. To give you an idea here is my friend Jeff and I at our last race in 2011 - Wasaga beach. I would venture to say Jeff is a wee bit taller than the average person but honestly I don't have a true perspective on that. As a child I wanted to be taller than my mom and I made it by a whole 2.4 inches.
My next race for Gate 3:16 Outreach Center is in five weeks. Wow that put some butterflies in the tummy. I know my training schedule will let me succeed the only challenge is that outdoor swim. I hope to get into the lake before the race because if I don't it will be my first outdoor swim of the season. As Coach Paul says I have a job to do so even if its the first swim I got to get it done. My friend Ron will be there along my side. He helped me conquer the Guelph try-a-tri, my first triatholon, so that will help for sure. I'm a little behind on my funding as I hoped to be at $2000 by my second race and only at $750.00. I have challenged myself to race $1000 per race.
An update on the nutrition front. Although not 100% I do feel that it was much better than previous weeks. Posting it here seemed to help to keep me on track a bit better. I had a big treat last night. A craving for chocolate came over me at Buckingham's Meat and I broke down and had a Crispy Crunch. I don't recall the last night I had a chocolate bar - mmm good. I'll be heading home, Ottawa/Almonte, this week for business which can prove a challenge for eating. We will see how it goes. The plan is to swim at the Nepean sportsplex which offers a 50m lane swim. I will only need to count 40 laps versus 80. Wohoo
Until next week get out there and put a bit of fitness in your life.
The DRTC provides a track night to work on our running and biking skills plus two outdoor swim nights. From what I hear we are very lucky to have the outdoor swim. Our coaches set the marks and are in their kayaks watching us along with one or two people keeping watch on shore. Sometimes it takes a few minutes to get started as we count the number of swimmers in the water to ensure the number matches the count on shore. One would think this would be easy but sometimes its the hardest part especially if one is vertically challenged. It seems our start point is always at chest level for a normal person so I'm bobbing away in my wetsuit as I can't touch the ground while everyone else is standing. To give you an idea here is my friend Jeff and I at our last race in 2011 - Wasaga beach. I would venture to say Jeff is a wee bit taller than the average person but honestly I don't have a true perspective on that. As a child I wanted to be taller than my mom and I made it by a whole 2.4 inches.
My next race for Gate 3:16 Outreach Center is in five weeks. Wow that put some butterflies in the tummy. I know my training schedule will let me succeed the only challenge is that outdoor swim. I hope to get into the lake before the race because if I don't it will be my first outdoor swim of the season. As Coach Paul says I have a job to do so even if its the first swim I got to get it done. My friend Ron will be there along my side. He helped me conquer the Guelph try-a-tri, my first triatholon, so that will help for sure. I'm a little behind on my funding as I hoped to be at $2000 by my second race and only at $750.00. I have challenged myself to race $1000 per race.
An update on the nutrition front. Although not 100% I do feel that it was much better than previous weeks. Posting it here seemed to help to keep me on track a bit better. I had a big treat last night. A craving for chocolate came over me at Buckingham's Meat and I broke down and had a Crispy Crunch. I don't recall the last night I had a chocolate bar - mmm good. I'll be heading home, Ottawa/Almonte, this week for business which can prove a challenge for eating. We will see how it goes. The plan is to swim at the Nepean sportsplex which offers a 50m lane swim. I will only need to count 40 laps versus 80. Wohoo
Until next week get out there and put a bit of fitness in your life.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
The importance of goals
Hello All,
Its hard to believe we are in heading into the third week of April. The new training schedule has me running, swimming and in the gym three times a week. Cycling and yoga twice a week. I should clarify my yoga is a class called Flow which a combination of tai chi, Pilates, yoga and balance.
Saturday starts with a two hour spin class followed by Flow. As I have a hour between the two I spend the time on another weight session. At the end of class today my Flow instructor asked how the training was going and I mentioned about my upcoming race in May. She asked how did I manage to find the time to train. I explained how I have a coach and he puts together my schedule for the month. I could not do it without that schedule. The one of the fridge gets checked of each day and the one in the office is for reference only. In Coaches blog he mentions the importance of having a plan. Having the training schedule is part of the big plan to make the goal.
When I started this fitness journey my goal was to loose 30 pounds and get in shape. Then I decided to participate in an organized 5k charity run, then a few 10K runs, then the bike rally, then a few smaller distance triathlons and now larger distance triathlons. A goal gives me something to work towards and to become stronger for. Often they are small goals leading up to one huge one. Yesterday I spotted a GrandFondo, cycle race, in Ottawa which has a 220K distance option. Not this year but it might just go into the 2013 schedule. Just thinking about it made me work even harder in spin this morning.
I have a school chum who has started her fitness goal with 10K run in Ottawa. The race is just around the corner and I know she will compete it. There is no feeling like crossing the finish line. That feeling is worth all the hours of training and the pain.
Why not think about setting a goal for yourself? It could be charity walk like the one coming up for Gate 3:16 Outreach Center in Oshawa. If you choose a walk that is just a bit longer than you are accustomed to walking then to complete it you will need to get out there and do a bit of training. The best part is you will meet new people and help people at the same time.
For me I have the fitness goal sorted but need to work on my nutrition goals. I love food and although I have been able to keep 20 of those 30 pounds off I would like to shed those 10 pounds again. Learning to fuel the body right for all this exercise is a challenge. If I don't fuel it right then I get ravenous and can pack back a huge amount of food in one sitting. This week my goal is to eat right and keep my hands out of hubby's snack cupboard.
What are your short and long term goals? As coach says if you create a plan and act on the plan then an amazing thing will happen you'll make that goal.
Gate 3:16 Outreach Centre's walk-a-thon is May 12. To learn more or to register call 905-432-5315 x22.
Have a great week,
Liz
Its hard to believe we are in heading into the third week of April. The new training schedule has me running, swimming and in the gym three times a week. Cycling and yoga twice a week. I should clarify my yoga is a class called Flow which a combination of tai chi, Pilates, yoga and balance.
Saturday starts with a two hour spin class followed by Flow. As I have a hour between the two I spend the time on another weight session. At the end of class today my Flow instructor asked how the training was going and I mentioned about my upcoming race in May. She asked how did I manage to find the time to train. I explained how I have a coach and he puts together my schedule for the month. I could not do it without that schedule. The one of the fridge gets checked of each day and the one in the office is for reference only. In Coaches blog he mentions the importance of having a plan. Having the training schedule is part of the big plan to make the goal.
When I started this fitness journey my goal was to loose 30 pounds and get in shape. Then I decided to participate in an organized 5k charity run, then a few 10K runs, then the bike rally, then a few smaller distance triathlons and now larger distance triathlons. A goal gives me something to work towards and to become stronger for. Often they are small goals leading up to one huge one. Yesterday I spotted a GrandFondo, cycle race, in Ottawa which has a 220K distance option. Not this year but it might just go into the 2013 schedule. Just thinking about it made me work even harder in spin this morning.
I have a school chum who has started her fitness goal with 10K run in Ottawa. The race is just around the corner and I know she will compete it. There is no feeling like crossing the finish line. That feeling is worth all the hours of training and the pain.
Why not think about setting a goal for yourself? It could be charity walk like the one coming up for Gate 3:16 Outreach Center in Oshawa. If you choose a walk that is just a bit longer than you are accustomed to walking then to complete it you will need to get out there and do a bit of training. The best part is you will meet new people and help people at the same time.
For me I have the fitness goal sorted but need to work on my nutrition goals. I love food and although I have been able to keep 20 of those 30 pounds off I would like to shed those 10 pounds again. Learning to fuel the body right for all this exercise is a challenge. If I don't fuel it right then I get ravenous and can pack back a huge amount of food in one sitting. This week my goal is to eat right and keep my hands out of hubby's snack cupboard.
What are your short and long term goals? As coach says if you create a plan and act on the plan then an amazing thing will happen you'll make that goal.
Gate 3:16 Outreach Centre's walk-a-thon is May 12. To learn more or to register call 905-432-5315 x22.
Have a great week,
Liz
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Ironman athletes eat marathoners
While checking facebook yesterday this came up on the side view "Ironman athletes eat marathons for breakfast". I thought it amusing but I know from the run last week a marathon isn't anything to joke about it and requires a very special person to train and complete them well. My neighbour is one of those fellows. He has qualified and completed 25 Boston marathons. To qualify once, in my opinion, is amazing, but to qualify 25 times is wild. This feat has placed him in an elite club which I believe is called the Quarter Century Club. Once in awhile we cross paths as he is starting or ending his run. I wish him well this year in his 26th Boston Marathon. An amazing athlete.
When I think about it a triathlete is a runner or cyclist or swimmer who seriously cross trains in the other disciplines. For me being a triathlete is very beneficial for my health. I won't down play running - it is darn hard. To some it comes easy but to me of the three it is not my favourite. When I first started running I loved it but then biking became my love. It seems my body is made for the bike and I know as I continue to train it will become made for swimming but running might always be a challenge. With that said I must say my attitude has changed after running with Lisa last week. If I can keep running rather than plodding I might learn to love running again and it might not be as painful. My friend Jeff mentioned in one of his blogs that we should try to keep our childhood enthusiasm when we are out their training. So next time I'm not running I'm just playing hide and seek with my friends or baseball.
April Fool's Day brings a new training schedule with reduced running mileage but increases swimming mileage. The challenges of March are behind me and here's to taking everything I learned and applying it to April.
Have a wonderful day !
When I think about it a triathlete is a runner or cyclist or swimmer who seriously cross trains in the other disciplines. For me being a triathlete is very beneficial for my health. I won't down play running - it is darn hard. To some it comes easy but to me of the three it is not my favourite. When I first started running I loved it but then biking became my love. It seems my body is made for the bike and I know as I continue to train it will become made for swimming but running might always be a challenge. With that said I must say my attitude has changed after running with Lisa last week. If I can keep running rather than plodding I might learn to love running again and it might not be as painful. My friend Jeff mentioned in one of his blogs that we should try to keep our childhood enthusiasm when we are out their training. So next time I'm not running I'm just playing hide and seek with my friends or baseball.
April Fool's Day brings a new training schedule with reduced running mileage but increases swimming mileage. The challenges of March are behind me and here's to taking everything I learned and applying it to April.
Have a wonderful day !
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