It's official !! I'm on the way to completing an Ironman relay for one. Well at least the swim and bike. The donation page is open until Halloween just in case the Toronto full marathon in October comes to be. It just might with Dr. Jason's help.
Not only did I get the encouragement I needed when I joined Coach Paul's Ironmotivation Monster spin class to consider swimming but I learned about Dr. Jay. Dr. Jay is a magical chiropractor who works out of Welcome to Wellness in Whitby. There is a huge misconception about what chiropractors do but all I know is Dr. Jay does more then adjustments. This week he worked on the left shoulder to loosen it up after Sunday's 3000M swim. Within a day the pain was gone but more important is the nagging ankle.
My ankle issue is a result of very flat feet. I have to thank my Dad's side of the family for them and my big calves - SIGH. Even though I wear arch supports my foot does not toe off correctly and "crushes" the ankle on every step. This week a little kinesiology tape in the right places, a 45 minute run, limited pain and no pain waking up or the next day. For once I can't wait to see what Tuesday's run brings. Of the three sports running is the biggest mental challenge because of the pain in the ankle :-). Huge change from when I started the blog and discussed my fear of swimming.
With a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel I am very encouraged about this race season. With this optimism comes the official announcement of my 2013 fundraising goal - Valliant's valiant effort to complete an Ironman relay for one. (Thanks Susan) I'm hoping to raise $3000.00 for Oshawa's outreach centre Gate 3:16. This little place on Simcoe Street helps so many. They rely on support from churches,
denominational grants, corporations, individuals, foundations,
and fundraising events.
With so many great causes out there and so many friends and family looking for donations to their fundraising goals its tough to decide what to support. I hope you will look at Gate 3:16's web page, see the great services they provide to our community and considering donating. I really appreciate your consideration.
It might be cold out there but if you bundle up just right a little walk could be had. For me its a two hour spin in the basement as Monster Ironmotivation spin class is on vacation for March break.
-Liz
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Saturday, March 9, 2013
The Shadow
Its time to move your clocks forward tonight. Spring is just around the corner but I do like having sun leaving the pool at 7am. It will be a few more weeks for that to return, SIGH.
Mentioning the pool I became the shadow on Wednesday morning. I have this problem of over thinking and concentrating far to much on my technique than just swimming. It really is good to be concerned about technique but sometimes one can care too much or maybe its my perfectionist side coming out. On Wednesday morning I became the shadow. Coach Paul asked me to stay on the feet of Christine. ( For those reading from the Tri club no that is not Ironman Christine - I can only hope to become that good ) All I thought about the whole swim was staying on Christine's feet and I did not think about technique. The best swim in a very long time.
The thought of someone touching your feet probably freaks some people out. In beginners class I remember Coach Paul educating us about not being fearful of being close to others in the pool and in the intermediate class we would have drills on touching people feet. It is enviable when racing you'll be on someones feet or at their their side or taking a hit. So its all good learning to be on someone's feet. However we must keep shadowing to race day, swimming at the lake with the DRTC or in Coach Paul's class. It just won't go over well at a lane swim I think.
Tomorrow brings another first in swimming a 3000M pool swim. It is hard to believe my first swim class with Coach Paul was November 2010. I must remember that next time I'm hard on myself.
Please remember a little exercise a day, even a walk, does wonders for your heart.
Liz
Mentioning the pool I became the shadow on Wednesday morning. I have this problem of over thinking and concentrating far to much on my technique than just swimming. It really is good to be concerned about technique but sometimes one can care too much or maybe its my perfectionist side coming out. On Wednesday morning I became the shadow. Coach Paul asked me to stay on the feet of Christine. ( For those reading from the Tri club no that is not Ironman Christine - I can only hope to become that good ) All I thought about the whole swim was staying on Christine's feet and I did not think about technique. The best swim in a very long time.
The thought of someone touching your feet probably freaks some people out. In beginners class I remember Coach Paul educating us about not being fearful of being close to others in the pool and in the intermediate class we would have drills on touching people feet. It is enviable when racing you'll be on someones feet or at their their side or taking a hit. So its all good learning to be on someone's feet. However we must keep shadowing to race day, swimming at the lake with the DRTC or in Coach Paul's class. It just won't go over well at a lane swim I think.
Tomorrow brings another first in swimming a 3000M pool swim. It is hard to believe my first swim class with Coach Paul was November 2010. I must remember that next time I'm hard on myself.
Please remember a little exercise a day, even a walk, does wonders for your heart.
Liz
Monday, February 25, 2013
Home and friends
Its hard to believe I've been in the Oshawa area for 10 years this year. Barry and I went home to Almonte on the weekend to celebrate his birthday at the Sens vs. Leafs game. We visited my good friend Patty in Pakenham and spent the afternoon in Almonte. I always get excited about going home but I'm so disappointed afterward. I guess I'm homesick for what was there but I have been away for so long the community has changed. No longer can I walk up street and see people I know. My heart will always long for Almonte and my childhood memories but Oshawa is home now.
Oshawa has opened so many doors, doors that I would never have considered. This crazy world of triathlon being one. It was only when I moved this way that I decided to take that leap and become physically active. Actually Barry helped make that happen. I have met so many great people through this sport.
Elaine is one of those people. Elaine has decided to move with her job out west. I'm so excited for the new memories and new possibilities this change with bring for her. Elaine was one of the first people to speak to me in bike class and ask what race am I training for. This was before I considered this crazy sport. Always cheerful, encouraging and a teacher who shared a wealth of knowledge with a newbie. It won't the be same without Elaine but I wish her happiness and all her dreams come true.
Liz
Oshawa has opened so many doors, doors that I would never have considered. This crazy world of triathlon being one. It was only when I moved this way that I decided to take that leap and become physically active. Actually Barry helped make that happen. I have met so many great people through this sport.
Elaine is one of those people. Elaine has decided to move with her job out west. I'm so excited for the new memories and new possibilities this change with bring for her. Elaine was one of the first people to speak to me in bike class and ask what race am I training for. This was before I considered this crazy sport. Always cheerful, encouraging and a teacher who shared a wealth of knowledge with a newbie. It won't the be same without Elaine but I wish her happiness and all her dreams come true.
Liz
Sunday, February 17, 2013
ups and downs
It might be cold but it is sunny. There really isn't anything like a cold winter day with the sun shinning off the snow and a crisp blue sky. It seems to me the sky is more blue in the winter then the summer.
Yesterday morning I ventured out to IronMotivation's Monster Spin for 2 hours of bliss. It has been at least three Saturdays since I have gone due to the tiredness left behind by the flu. Coach Paul wrote a new program called spring is in the air. It is close but I have yet to smell my first real spring smell. Coming from the country, living next to a farm and spending much time on my cousin's farm you know it is spring when they are preparing the fields and all you smell going past is manure. Yep, that is a real scent of spring. Back to spin. The class had lots of ups and downs (hills) to work our fitness. Maybe it was being rested, or having a good amount of protein powder in my oatmeal, or maybe it was being in the right frame of mind but it was an awesome ride. It has been a long time since I have been in the zone and yesterday it was there. It was a huge success and something I really needed mentally.
That brings me to what I have been struggling with - the swim. I have been so discouraged (down) as of late as I feel I am not getting any faster and actually feel I am getting slower. Considering where I came from I guess I'm still further ahead but its so frustrating as it seems any improvement has stalled. SwimSmooth is a web site decidated to helping the freestyle swimmer improve their technique. Coach Paul mentioned it some time back so I have been looking at it recently. They divide swimmers into six swim types of which today I would consider myself as the overglider. The overglider is serious and thoughtful about improving their swim. In other words I over think. Sometimes its good but when it comes to swimming it can get in the way of just enjoying the swim. Today its off to the pool for 2600m with my pool-bouys (working on my body position) and hopefully a brain that is not over thinking. Then afterwards it might be off to Ajax to check out a treadmill. It is time to think about running again in very small doses and a treadmill will be a good addition to the elliptical.
Enjoy family day weekend. Get out and enjoy the sun. Just bundle up and you'll be fine.
Liz
Yesterday morning I ventured out to IronMotivation's Monster Spin for 2 hours of bliss. It has been at least three Saturdays since I have gone due to the tiredness left behind by the flu. Coach Paul wrote a new program called spring is in the air. It is close but I have yet to smell my first real spring smell. Coming from the country, living next to a farm and spending much time on my cousin's farm you know it is spring when they are preparing the fields and all you smell going past is manure. Yep, that is a real scent of spring. Back to spin. The class had lots of ups and downs (hills) to work our fitness. Maybe it was being rested, or having a good amount of protein powder in my oatmeal, or maybe it was being in the right frame of mind but it was an awesome ride. It has been a long time since I have been in the zone and yesterday it was there. It was a huge success and something I really needed mentally.
That brings me to what I have been struggling with - the swim. I have been so discouraged (down) as of late as I feel I am not getting any faster and actually feel I am getting slower. Considering where I came from I guess I'm still further ahead but its so frustrating as it seems any improvement has stalled. SwimSmooth is a web site decidated to helping the freestyle swimmer improve their technique. Coach Paul mentioned it some time back so I have been looking at it recently. They divide swimmers into six swim types of which today I would consider myself as the overglider. The overglider is serious and thoughtful about improving their swim. In other words I over think. Sometimes its good but when it comes to swimming it can get in the way of just enjoying the swim. Today its off to the pool for 2600m with my pool-bouys (working on my body position) and hopefully a brain that is not over thinking. Then afterwards it might be off to Ajax to check out a treadmill. It is time to think about running again in very small doses and a treadmill will be a good addition to the elliptical.
Enjoy family day weekend. Get out and enjoy the sun. Just bundle up and you'll be fine.
Liz
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Let the training begin
The last few weeks have been tough. Two weeks ago I was feeling under the weather and after four or five days I decided to go to the clinic only to find out it was the flu. This Friday after a two and half hour drive (snow and the GTA rush hour don't go well together) home I was freezing and off I went to bed. Yep, I can only think the flu hit again. I'm thankful its January and hope it stays away as the training will intensify as the Syracuse half is just around the corner. At this moment I'm feeling okay but we will see. I seem to feel better and then within minutes that will change.
Coach Paul and I have working on my swim technique over the winter months. Right now the hardest part is to learn to have a even kick and to rotate. However I have been concentrating so much on my rotation that other things bad habits have come into play. This is the life of a swimmer - fix one thing and another needs to be fixed. The biggest thing I need to learn is not to over think my swims.
Besides working on swim I have changed my plans around my events. I came to realize how important it is for me to fund raise for an organization that helps people living in Oshawa thus I will swim, bike and run for Gate 3:16 again in 2013. With one half - Ironman, a possible second, a 4K swim and 170K bike (one day event) I hope to raise a wee bit to help them out. Fundraising adds a bit of extra pressure, not much, but a bit as finishing an event doesn't just provide me a sense of accomplishment but gives these people a much needed boast.
So Let the training begin / continue !!! At least after the flu decides it has had its best of me.
Liz
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
New Year Intents (Resolutions)
HAPPY 2013.
Wow 365 days have passed and we are in the first day of another 365 days. The New Year brings so much anticipation and hope for change. In church on Sunday Ian suggested we use the word intent versus resolution as it more of an action word. So what are my 2013 intents?
Top of list is to spend more time with family, friends and doing things I enjoy rather then getting sucked into the vortex of work.
The next intent to eat healthy. The first part of this will be trying to plan my meals better which will result in a more regular eating schedule and lessen the overeating.
To train as best as possible physically and mentally to prepare for the 2013 race schedule which is currently lining up as follows:
The other important intent is to wake up every morning and thank the universe for my family, my friends, my health and the life I have. Thinking positively before the vortex of work begins might just change my attitude towards it. I do know early morning swim on Monday and Wednesday always makes the day seem better.
I hope you intents for 2013 come true. If it is fitness then set a goal like a small 5K run and you never know where it might lead. It might result in learning to swim and triathlon.
Liz
Wow 365 days have passed and we are in the first day of another 365 days. The New Year brings so much anticipation and hope for change. In church on Sunday Ian suggested we use the word intent versus resolution as it more of an action word. So what are my 2013 intents?
Top of list is to spend more time with family, friends and doing things I enjoy rather then getting sucked into the vortex of work.
The next intent to eat healthy. The first part of this will be trying to plan my meals better which will result in a more regular eating schedule and lessen the overeating.
To train as best as possible physically and mentally to prepare for the 2013 race schedule which is currently lining up as follows:
- Zoot Open Water Swim, Peterborough - 4K
- Syracuse 70.3 Half Ironman
- GrandFondo Ottawa -170K bike
- Friends for Life Charity Bike Rally (Toronto to Montreal)
- Colburg Olympic Triathlon
- Musoka 70.3 Half Ironman
The other important intent is to wake up every morning and thank the universe for my family, my friends, my health and the life I have. Thinking positively before the vortex of work begins might just change my attitude towards it. I do know early morning swim on Monday and Wednesday always makes the day seem better.
I hope you intents for 2013 come true. If it is fitness then set a goal like a small 5K run and you never know where it might lead. It might result in learning to swim and triathlon.
Liz
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thoughts
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
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
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