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
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
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