It is hard to believe but both the winter bike and swim classes have ended. The spring bike classes started this week and swim starts next week. A tradition Coach Paul started in the last swim class of each session is we get to ride the slide. This was another first with Coach Paul riding the slide. Nope, never did I go to a water park. I don't know if it was because we lived so far away from one but it certainly was not something I sought out like many do. I might just have find myself a huge water slide and check it out one day. Its time to see water as fun.
It has been a crazy month at work and it drives me crazy when it interferes with training but it happens. This week I did not complete either scheduled runs however I did one this afternoon. I know if Coach reads this he'll shake his head but I'm really happy I did. I have been worrying about the Syracuse half ironman. Have I been doing enough training, will I complete the race etc? Today showed me that I am ready to race an Olympic distance so it is on track. I just need to trust Coach and I'll be ready. The ankle is holding good with the tape which is a miracle too.
While at the gym I saw an old gym mate. Hard to believe it has been three years since we have seen each other. Like so many she struggles to find the time to hit the weights or do a bit of cardio. What works for me is a goal. If you have a goal and really want to make it happen it will happen. For me that goal is an organized race. If I sign up I gotta do it and coupled with the fund raising it really makes it happen. One never knows the goal of a 5K run might just lead to an Ironman. Set the goal so its beyond your comfort zone because that is where the magic happens as my tri-buddy Jeff posted.
What is your goal ?
Liz
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Saturday, March 16, 2013
A Valliant's valiant effort to complete an Ironman relay for one
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
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 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
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