Ever look back at your life through the eyes of someone who you've just told your story to? Yea, me either.
My life story seems to keep coming up and it's forced me to take a deeper, longer look back. I spoke with someone who explained that their own father had a fascinating story and that they tried to get him to record his story somehow so that they can pass it along over generations. Apparently, they only captured it in pieces due to technical issues and now all they have is that. Bits of pieces of history to pass along of their heritage.
I have never thought my life story one of "documenting heritage" quality but then again, I was looking back in my own eyes.
Have you ever told your child a story about your own childhood? Usually, you get an eyeroll when you talk about life pre-handheld devices. But if you told a teen child about decisions, events that occurred in your life at their exact same age, it seems to have more of an impact. My daughter and I shared this very experience recently. She asked questions and she keeps coming back for more as she absorbs some of it and applies it to her own situation. While travelling to my hometown on vacation recently, I found myself telling stories about life back then, there - by the water. The look in their eyes was enough to signal that there IS something here that is worthy of sharing.
So, back to the original question. Who do you have to tell your story? Someone that doesn't know the WHOLE story? Someone that may know the facts but not the reasons or feelings behind certain decisions? Or the way you reacted to some of the obstacles thrown your way? Or maybe it never gets told and assumptions about how you got from point A to B will be made for years after you're gone?
I don't have an answer but reflecting on the paths our lives take, the outcomes, the hindsight wisdom and the effects all of it could have on the next generations is in itself, fascinating. Wouldn't you agree?
This could be an insightful project, no doubt. A project that could prove at times to be difficult but one that would also be fulfilling enough to tackle. Soon.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Two weeks, 44 miles
That's what's happened since my last update. Yikes. I guess I am healing pretty well, huh?
This is how it all went down.
The chance meeting with my friend basically telling me I was going to run (post here) was what I needed to get me off my break and get out there to see how the foot would feel. I was a bit terrified of going for 6 as shesuggested demanded but luckily, my kid's birthday party kept me so preoccupied that I completely forgot to connect with her and set it up. (Dodged bullet, haha) Even luckier for me was that she forgot too. Phew!
A couple of days later, I went for that first run. My ankle was a bit twitchy, I admit and I was very nervous that I would be over doing it too soon. After about a mile and half, all was well and I finished 4. I did that two more times during the week and each time, it felt pretty much the same.
I reached out to my coach, gave her an update and we scheduled a long run. "Let's shoot for 9" she said. NINE. UGH. Really? NINE? I haven't run that many miles in....6 months? And...I only did it once! Yikes.
I put my big girl pants on, didn't whine and especially didn't let her see the fear in me. We did a loop around the park and then ventured off to a secret iced down water fountain near the Polo fields. It was humid and tough but I realized that talking while running sure makes for faster miles albeit out of breath ones. By the time we made it back to the park, I was at 8! I was in shock. I even told her to check her watch because I just couldn't believe my Nike app. We hit the 9 and I was elated that I could do it! Yay! My ankle didn't fail me!
Obviously, I am STILL running this Half Marathon. I had written it off (sorta) when I got injured but my friend saw that I could do 9 so guess what? I am DOING it. Come hell or high water, this mama is going to show up. I just needed (from this particular day) to make it through a few more runs, one long run and the race. Easy peasy, right?
Sure. So last week I decided to up the miles during the week but just run twice. I ran a little over 6 on Tuesday and on my birthday went to pick up my new shoes (Wednesday). I broke those babies in on Thursday with another 6.25 and then I waited for the text to set up the long run. Duhn, duhn duhhhhhhnnnnnn! And like clockwork, on Friday, "10-12, pick you up Sun at 7" came through.
I had my protein powder, new shoes and the confidence that I had just done 9 without any major issues. What I didn't take into account was that my schedule on Saturday was packed tight and that I would have a brain fart about my nutrition and my access to food. Yikes. A protein rich green smoothie is great but it's not good enough for the ENTIRE day. Golf lesson, class and a tournament across town did not give me much of a chance to stop to eat and like a DUMMY I forgot to pack snacks.
All of that to say that Sunday's run was not so great. My lack of nutrition and water the day before was affecting me BIG TIME. It was brutal and I got in trouble for it. Lesson learned. :)
In any event, I ran. She said 10 but in my mind, I had said 11 so I pushed a little to get to the next loop. And when I accidentally paused my app at 10.17 and she said we were at 10.47 I could've punched myself because I knew that we weren't going to stop when she hit 11, rather when I did. So...effectively, I ran 11+ because I wanted that round number on my device. (yep, that's me).
My ankle felt great. However, the knee on the OTHER leg started acting up. UGH! By the end of the run, my left quad was super tight (I know it was protecting the knee). I knew this meant I'd have to roll it out and take a break or my half marathon was going to be a big mess.
I am supposed to run 2-3 times this week. She said 5,4,3 or 4,4 or even 4,3. I foam rolled Sunday night and I ran out of time last night so I jumped on my bike for almost an hour. Does that count? I can't run tonight or tomorrow night so I am creatively thinking how I will get it done.
We'll see...I am also supposed to get a massage in no later than tomorrow. As fantastic as that sounds, I don't think that's going to happen.
Stay tuned. I am actually amazed that I've done so much in so little time. I've got my fingers crossed that my ankle and knee both just chill out for at least a week. My son got a a Hover Board thing and I told him I was holding back from even attempting to get on until after the race. Because...me. (Avoiding a clutz-o move at all costs.)
I'll post as soon as I can but in the mean time, get more frequent updates on my public instagram account at: @FullHouseofRoyals
Happy Super Tuesday y'all!
~V
This is how it all went down.
The chance meeting with my friend basically telling me I was going to run (post here) was what I needed to get me off my break and get out there to see how the foot would feel. I was a bit terrified of going for 6 as she
A couple of days later, I went for that first run. My ankle was a bit twitchy, I admit and I was very nervous that I would be over doing it too soon. After about a mile and half, all was well and I finished 4. I did that two more times during the week and each time, it felt pretty much the same.
I reached out to my coach, gave her an update and we scheduled a long run. "Let's shoot for 9" she said. NINE. UGH. Really? NINE? I haven't run that many miles in....6 months? And...I only did it once! Yikes.
I put my big girl pants on, didn't whine and especially didn't let her see the fear in me. We did a loop around the park and then ventured off to a secret iced down water fountain near the Polo fields. It was humid and tough but I realized that talking while running sure makes for faster miles albeit out of breath ones. By the time we made it back to the park, I was at 8! I was in shock. I even told her to check her watch because I just couldn't believe my Nike app. We hit the 9 and I was elated that I could do it! Yay! My ankle didn't fail me!
 |
| The beautiful area and amazing tucked away iced water fountain! |
Sure. So last week I decided to up the miles during the week but just run twice. I ran a little over 6 on Tuesday and on my birthday went to pick up my new shoes (Wednesday). I broke those babies in on Thursday with another 6.25 and then I waited for the text to set up the long run. Duhn, duhn duhhhhhhnnnnnn! And like clockwork, on Friday, "10-12, pick you up Sun at 7" came through.
 |
| My new kicks: Asics Kinsei 5 (last year's model=discount!) |
All of that to say that Sunday's run was not so great. My lack of nutrition and water the day before was affecting me BIG TIME. It was brutal and I got in trouble for it. Lesson learned. :)
In any event, I ran. She said 10 but in my mind, I had said 11 so I pushed a little to get to the next loop. And when I accidentally paused my app at 10.17 and she said we were at 10.47 I could've punched myself because I knew that we weren't going to stop when she hit 11, rather when I did. So...effectively, I ran 11+ because I wanted that round number on my device. (yep, that's me).
 |
| Proof that I finished with both legs still attached. |
I am supposed to run 2-3 times this week. She said 5,4,3 or 4,4 or even 4,3. I foam rolled Sunday night and I ran out of time last night so I jumped on my bike for almost an hour. Does that count? I can't run tonight or tomorrow night so I am creatively thinking how I will get it done.
We'll see...I am also supposed to get a massage in no later than tomorrow. As fantastic as that sounds, I don't think that's going to happen.
Stay tuned. I am actually amazed that I've done so much in so little time. I've got my fingers crossed that my ankle and knee both just chill out for at least a week. My son got a a Hover Board thing and I told him I was holding back from even attempting to get on until after the race. Because...me. (Avoiding a clutz-o move at all costs.)
I'll post as soon as I can but in the mean time, get more frequent updates on my public instagram account at: @FullHouseofRoyals
Happy Super Tuesday y'all!
~V
Monday, February 8, 2016
Monday Motivation. #Chachacha
Don't let those Super Bowl party foods be your disaster...get back at it!
Go get that Monday and DO NOT skip the workout! :)
Valerie
Funny unrelated anecdote: February is my birthday month and I usually celebrate in some form or another ALL month (because I can! haha) but now that I share the month with my youngest daughter, I've had to relinquish the first couple of weeks to her. (phfft, kids!) Anyway, I mentioned to my hubby this weekend about my birthday plans and she (quickly and loudly) interjects "you mean MYYYYY birthday????" Seriously, kid? Her birthday was LAST week! How quickly they catch on to the birthday month celebration concept. Conversation was tabled, obviously. She wins. :)
Friday, September 4, 2015
Post of Shame
What can I say? It's Summer's fault?
Meh.
Last I checked, my most recent update on this blog was sometime in June. Over two months have passed and I swear it happened with a blink of an eye. I stayed on track most of that time even though I laxed on my updates. I figured that as long as I continued with my faux-training plan, I was still building my base and coming here every week was okay to skip out on because with limited time, something had to give. Here's a run down of what did and didn't happen and where I am now.
I started this "super simple 70.3 Ironman training plan" immediately following the 4th of July weekend. Initially, my thought was that starting at that time would get me ready for Ironman 70.3 Miami late October. I really liked the swim and run courses on this and the idea that my family could be there along with my hometown family and friends seemed like icing. My hubby was on board and even considered for a hot minute that maybe he could train with me and DO. IT. TOO. (gasp...too many more thoughts and words about this...it totally would deserve its own post on what all happened there). I had browsed through the training weeks in this plan and I thought "hmm, totally doable". Of course, I was only concerned with the physical aspects of "doing" it. I cringed a little at the later weeks of the plan as there never seems to be a true recovery time and the brick workouts appeared to be very intense but nonetheless, I was pretty confident in my ability to get it done.
What I put in the back drawer of my brain was the schedule. The changes in the schedule that were fast approaching, specifically. Week after week, I swam, ran and biked as prescribed. I bricked early in the morning and squeezed my long rides on Fridays and runs on Sundays. In the mean time, I looked into the logistics of Miami. Travel with or without kids? Bike transport? The schedule, like an internet pop-up, came into the frame and it reminded me "oh yea, school will be in session. And soccer. And golf" Uh-oh.
I had a Plan B in my back pocket if I did in fact continue on this journey without obstacles...Ironman70.3 Austin. Closer to home and a week or two later than the first race, Austin was the initial obvious choice for a first 70.3. The thing is, I read sooo many reviews about the swim and bike that just seemed awful. Chip and seal sucks and swimming in a plant lake leaves much to be desired in the scenery department. The topper on this one is that the run is 3 loops. UGH. I hate loops!! Clearly, this is not where I wanted my first (and quite possibly last) run at 70.3 to be.
Because of all theseexcuses reasons, Austin was in pencil. I wasn't about to pull the trigger on registering until later on in training when I knew I felt strong and ready. (Miami has since sold out)
I managed 6 weeks of training. Even on a mini vacation getaway, I managed long runs and squeezed bikes and swims before and after travel. On that sixth week, swims were tough because I just couldn't get to the pool. And then, we went on another getaway. There was lap-length pool there but getting up early to swim before the vacationers came in was TOUGH. I succumbed to vacation mode. I needed it really and I was guilt free about it. I managed to even run 9 miles on our time away. My husband was so impressed. I ran down the hill from the hotel, under and across the freeway to the nearby trail and back finishing up that treacherous hill to get to my shower, breakfast and pool. Beast mode!
I was ready to conquer week 7 when I got back home. Except that back to school, work deadlines and a travelling husband also happened that week. I wore a cape on week 7, really. I did it all. Everything you could possibly imagine that needed to get done, I did. Except swim, bike and run.
School started, new schedules at 3 different schools and a SUPER busy entrepreneur husband that was cooking up big deals and was totally in the "zone" and me...in the busiest time of year for a corporate tax person.
Y'all. I'm motivated and at times crazy about getting what I need to get done, done. My priorities are not skewed, however. My family always comes first. I thought that missing all my workouts was going to really mess with my head, emotions and body very quickly. I thought I was going to turn into a raving lunatic craving and needing to "escape" the chaos for a run. I am happy to say that I was wrong.
I feel pretty freakin' fantastic (and accomplished) to get all the work done at the office (at whatever hour necessary), support my hubby's endeavours all the while being a supermom who treks across town for soccer practices, carpools, cooks, tutors, launders and still has time to play princess, kick a ball and ride tricycles with the littles and doesn't tire of the thousands of "moms" I hear on the daily. My heart is full, I am so very grateful and I am ok with not sleeping much. So far.
I have not had a workout (the 9 mile run) since August 16th. Technically and in reality, that is not THAT long. But with my history, that could snowball into what I am feeling right now "I feel great, I am never getting up at 5 for a workout again!!" and then soon after, I feel awful and starting again is much like dragging my 3 year old to her new PK3 class, lots of tears and whining is involved. Ahem.
So what's the plan, you say? How do I stay ahead of this unpreventable situation that is looming given your time constraints, you say? Well...I'm either hiring a tutor, housekeeper (that cooks) and putting my babysitter on the weekly payroll, or quitting work.
Bahahahaha. Dream on, sister. I don't know is the answer. Sleep even less? Honestly, I don't know. I have been creative before but usually much more motivated than I am right now. Maybe another week will get me itching and motivated. Maybe a short run on this upcoming free and clear (so far) holiday weekend will spark the motivation. Because that post run feeling is SO AWESOME. Again, I don't know.
I hope all of you that still come out here looking for my updates are staying active and keeping with your programs. My workout buddy has not quit on me (yet)...she still texts and emails in hopes that one day I WILL join her at the pool at 6 or for the 5:30am Define Rev class. She is still hoping that I agree to do the TowneLake Labor Day Tri with her but I just don't feel like doing it because I know I'd be beating myself up during the entire swim, bike and run about how weak, tired I feel and what a miserable experience it is. Not being prepared will do that to you. I want Tri's to be FUN! The reality is that a 3 week hiatus will make it not fun for me...pretty sure.
In any event, I will keep you all posted when I figure this out because you know what? If I do, I will most certainly want to SHARE!! Lol!
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend everyone and TGIF!!
Valerie :)
Meh.
Last I checked, my most recent update on this blog was sometime in June. Over two months have passed and I swear it happened with a blink of an eye. I stayed on track most of that time even though I laxed on my updates. I figured that as long as I continued with my faux-training plan, I was still building my base and coming here every week was okay to skip out on because with limited time, something had to give. Here's a run down of what did and didn't happen and where I am now.
I started this "super simple 70.3 Ironman training plan" immediately following the 4th of July weekend. Initially, my thought was that starting at that time would get me ready for Ironman 70.3 Miami late October. I really liked the swim and run courses on this and the idea that my family could be there along with my hometown family and friends seemed like icing. My hubby was on board and even considered for a hot minute that maybe he could train with me and DO. IT. TOO. (gasp...too many more thoughts and words about this...it totally would deserve its own post on what all happened there). I had browsed through the training weeks in this plan and I thought "hmm, totally doable". Of course, I was only concerned with the physical aspects of "doing" it. I cringed a little at the later weeks of the plan as there never seems to be a true recovery time and the brick workouts appeared to be very intense but nonetheless, I was pretty confident in my ability to get it done.
What I put in the back drawer of my brain was the schedule. The changes in the schedule that were fast approaching, specifically. Week after week, I swam, ran and biked as prescribed. I bricked early in the morning and squeezed my long rides on Fridays and runs on Sundays. In the mean time, I looked into the logistics of Miami. Travel with or without kids? Bike transport? The schedule, like an internet pop-up, came into the frame and it reminded me "oh yea, school will be in session. And soccer. And golf" Uh-oh.
I had a Plan B in my back pocket if I did in fact continue on this journey without obstacles...Ironman70.3 Austin. Closer to home and a week or two later than the first race, Austin was the initial obvious choice for a first 70.3. The thing is, I read sooo many reviews about the swim and bike that just seemed awful. Chip and seal sucks and swimming in a plant lake leaves much to be desired in the scenery department. The topper on this one is that the run is 3 loops. UGH. I hate loops!! Clearly, this is not where I wanted my first (and quite possibly last) run at 70.3 to be.
Because of all these
I managed 6 weeks of training. Even on a mini vacation getaway, I managed long runs and squeezed bikes and swims before and after travel. On that sixth week, swims were tough because I just couldn't get to the pool. And then, we went on another getaway. There was lap-length pool there but getting up early to swim before the vacationers came in was TOUGH. I succumbed to vacation mode. I needed it really and I was guilt free about it. I managed to even run 9 miles on our time away. My husband was so impressed. I ran down the hill from the hotel, under and across the freeway to the nearby trail and back finishing up that treacherous hill to get to my shower, breakfast and pool. Beast mode!
I was ready to conquer week 7 when I got back home. Except that back to school, work deadlines and a travelling husband also happened that week. I wore a cape on week 7, really. I did it all. Everything you could possibly imagine that needed to get done, I did. Except swim, bike and run.
School started, new schedules at 3 different schools and a SUPER busy entrepreneur husband that was cooking up big deals and was totally in the "zone" and me...in the busiest time of year for a corporate tax person.
Y'all. I'm motivated and at times crazy about getting what I need to get done, done. My priorities are not skewed, however. My family always comes first. I thought that missing all my workouts was going to really mess with my head, emotions and body very quickly. I thought I was going to turn into a raving lunatic craving and needing to "escape" the chaos for a run. I am happy to say that I was wrong.
I feel pretty freakin' fantastic (and accomplished) to get all the work done at the office (at whatever hour necessary), support my hubby's endeavours all the while being a supermom who treks across town for soccer practices, carpools, cooks, tutors, launders and still has time to play princess, kick a ball and ride tricycles with the littles and doesn't tire of the thousands of "moms" I hear on the daily. My heart is full, I am so very grateful and I am ok with not sleeping much. So far.
I have not had a workout (the 9 mile run) since August 16th. Technically and in reality, that is not THAT long. But with my history, that could snowball into what I am feeling right now "I feel great, I am never getting up at 5 for a workout again!!" and then soon after, I feel awful and starting again is much like dragging my 3 year old to her new PK3 class, lots of tears and whining is involved. Ahem.
So what's the plan, you say? How do I stay ahead of this unpreventable situation that is looming given your time constraints, you say? Well...I'm either hiring a tutor, housekeeper (that cooks) and putting my babysitter on the weekly payroll, or quitting work.
Bahahahaha. Dream on, sister. I don't know is the answer. Sleep even less? Honestly, I don't know. I have been creative before but usually much more motivated than I am right now. Maybe another week will get me itching and motivated. Maybe a short run on this upcoming free and clear (so far) holiday weekend will spark the motivation. Because that post run feeling is SO AWESOME. Again, I don't know.
I hope all of you that still come out here looking for my updates are staying active and keeping with your programs. My workout buddy has not quit on me (yet)...she still texts and emails in hopes that one day I WILL join her at the pool at 6 or for the 5:30am Define Rev class. She is still hoping that I agree to do the TowneLake Labor Day Tri with her but I just don't feel like doing it because I know I'd be beating myself up during the entire swim, bike and run about how weak, tired I feel and what a miserable experience it is. Not being prepared will do that to you. I want Tri's to be FUN! The reality is that a 3 week hiatus will make it not fun for me...pretty sure.
In any event, I will keep you all posted when I figure this out because you know what? If I do, I will most certainly want to SHARE!! Lol!
Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend everyone and TGIF!!
Valerie :)
Thursday, June 4, 2015
It's a mixed bag.
So, this post was supposed to be the pivotal earth shattering (not really) decision announcing one about whether I'd be registering for a big race or not AND which one if so. Right?
Well, hubby threw an amazing (but utterly confusing) curve ball last night. So much so, that I'm still wrapping my head around it and I'll have to postpone the announcement for the BIGGER announcement?! Uh. Yea.
So hang tight y'all. I'm so sure you've been on pins and needles. Lol. (At least I entertain myself!)
In the mean time, keep on moving and talk at ya soon!
Valerie
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Holiday-Flood-Teen-Birthday Week Round Up
To say this was a soggy week is an understatement. Much of our beloved State of Texas was under water from unprecedented rainfall that began over the Memorial Day holiday weekend and into the next weekend. In addition, our baby turned teen and her request for celebration was an overnight slumber party at the beach. Flooding and beach weekend don't really go together so I waited literally, until the last minute to throw it all together.
Here's how the workouts faired considering all of that (oh and hubby traveled for half the week too)!
Monday - Memorial Day holiday...double up with a 1650M swim & 5k run w Rox (pre-rain)
Not too shabby all things considered. Next week, decision time!! Tune in to see if I pulled the trigger on turning this base building workout thing into something more official.
Have a great week all!
Valerie
Here's how the workouts faired considering all of that (oh and hubby traveled for half the week too)!
Monday - Memorial Day holiday...double up with a 1650M swim & 5k run w Rox (pre-rain)
Tuesday - is there such a thing as a negative workout? If so, today qualified as just that. Schools and the office was closed due to severe flooding in the city. I decided to be a complete & utter couch potato binging on hours of House of Cards with the hubby with intermittent child play. There was a moment when we considered "doing" something. I suggested a bike ride to get the babies to the park in the afternoon when things seemed to be drying out. Hubby took the baby outside to kick the ball and came back inside decidedly that he'd rather binge some more rather than bike ride (muggy and mosquitos were out like crazy!). Later, I felt guilty and set up my bike on the trainer. However, after a few loads of laundry & building an enormous fort, I was good with letting the day pass without a workout.
Wednesday- back to routine...1800m am swim (cut short when the flood alerts starting screaming out from my phone on the side of the pool!) + 3.5run before baby pickup (had to make up for Tuesday)
Thurs - hubby still out / hot yoga lunch
Fri - Half day but LOTS of Bday prep, squeezed in 2100M in the outdoor pool...the sun was OUT!! Yay! Had to skip out on run to get to niece's graduation party.
Sat - Galveston Bday weekend with 8 girls...that's enough of a workout! We lucked out with missing the rain...a storm threatened in the evening but never came. :)
Sun - 5 mile run in am while teens slept, pool all day & 15.5 miles on the bike trainer in pm back home (in laws visited while I was on bike...probably thought I was nuts. I jumped off to walk them to their car towards the end & MIL said while looking at my legs "at least you're getting muscles" ha! At least I've got that. I'll take it! :)
Bike-1:15
Run - 11.7m
Swim - 5550M
Hot Yoga
Total time= ~ 8 hours
Not too shabby all things considered. Next week, decision time!! Tune in to see if I pulled the trigger on turning this base building workout thing into something more official.
Have a great week all!
Valerie
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Week 15 roundup
Busy, productive week but also very calming. Odd combination but I found myself maneuvering through the crazy week in total zen mode. I guess I set my sights on expecting the unexpected since hubby would be travelling. I braced myself for difficult or challenging and it was anything but. Practices magically got cancelled across the board on days that were overbooked and potentially tense moments came through fairly breezy.
Don't tell hubby it went so well though...I don't want to jinx next week when he leaves again. :)
So this is how the workouts played out...mostly on the fly.
Monday - No PowerOne because I can't leave the house but interestingly, classes have been cancelled all week. I planned to jump on the trainer when everyone was in bed...and I did just that. A little over an hour and I discovered that my apps don't sync with my cadence sensors if I am streaming video. Oh well, too bad because I just had to catch up on Scandal! Sooo good.
Tuesday - Took my talents to the street at lunch time and ran a little over 4 because the weather was just perfect and I needed to leave office a little early for kiddo activity (soccer practice cancelled, swim practice cancelled on middle school award night...a gift!) I could've run forever but duty calls and I had work to do at home late into the evening to prepare for Wed.
Wednesday - Finished working at home while waiting for cable company in the morning at home...made it to Hot Yoga at the gym with perfect timing for my afternoon call back at the office.
Thursday - Hubby is back! 5:30 Barbell class was a fail because I completely forgot to set my alarm. Ah! I opted to go for a 5 mi run after drop off and to kick it into overdrive when I got to the office. More scheduling gifts in the evening with overbookings getting rescheduled. (This never happens!)
Friday - Hitting all the targets at work...left early for a short 16 mile bike ride followed by a 1700M swim (cut short to cover for hubby's late meeting to get babies).
Don't tell hubby it went so well though...I don't want to jinx next week when he leaves again. :)
So this is how the workouts played out...mostly on the fly.
Monday - No PowerOne because I can't leave the house but interestingly, classes have been cancelled all week. I planned to jump on the trainer when everyone was in bed...and I did just that. A little over an hour and I discovered that my apps don't sync with my cadence sensors if I am streaming video. Oh well, too bad because I just had to catch up on Scandal! Sooo good.
Tuesday - Took my talents to the street at lunch time and ran a little over 4 because the weather was just perfect and I needed to leave office a little early for kiddo activity (soccer practice cancelled, swim practice cancelled on middle school award night...a gift!) I could've run forever but duty calls and I had work to do at home late into the evening to prepare for Wed.
Wednesday - Finished working at home while waiting for cable company in the morning at home...made it to Hot Yoga at the gym with perfect timing for my afternoon call back at the office.
Thursday - Hubby is back! 5:30 Barbell class was a fail because I completely forgot to set my alarm. Ah! I opted to go for a 5 mi run after drop off and to kick it into overdrive when I got to the office. More scheduling gifts in the evening with overbookings getting rescheduled. (This never happens!)
Friday - Hitting all the targets at work...left early for a short 16 mile bike ride followed by a 1700M swim (cut short to cover for hubby's late meeting to get babies).
Saturday - managed to run 7.5 when I set out for 3, no 4, maybe 5, what the heck 6 and oh shoot it's gonna be over 7. Catching up to (and currently leading) a little friendly competition with Nike+ friends was the real push. Haha.
Sunday - gotta get a second swim for the week...but I opted to lead the family into an impromptu road trip down to the beach instead. It was so relaxing and enjoyable...definitely the right choice. :)
Friday, May 15, 2015
This week.
Some weeks you want to get the workouts in SO bad but you just can't find a slot of time to make it all work. Some weeks, the time pans out so opportunity is laid out for a perfect workout week and you just don't feel up to it. Other weeks, the struggle to juggle it all is demotivating and quitting seems so much easier. And then there are weeks like this one.
The kind of week where the things planned didn't go as such but the alternative was better and when there were so many things crammed into a day yet the energy level was so high, you could still cram a double workout in and feel fantastic all day. The kind of week where even if it was gloomy and rainy outside all week, you didn't even notice because...well, I don't know why.
I can't explain this week. It's been pretty fantastic and I'm so grateful.
TGIF all!
Valerie
The kind of week where the things planned didn't go as such but the alternative was better and when there were so many things crammed into a day yet the energy level was so high, you could still cram a double workout in and feel fantastic all day. The kind of week where even if it was gloomy and rainy outside all week, you didn't even notice because...well, I don't know why.
I can't explain this week. It's been pretty fantastic and I'm so grateful.
TGIF all!
Valerie
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Springs Back Sprint Tri Race Recap
First and foremost: I DIDN'T DROWN!!!
That right there is cause for celebration! And the fact that I can write about it...yay!
I mentioned my trepidation about open water swimming so I won't beat that dead horse any further. Bottom line, I was way out of my comfort zone. But I was sucking it up and faking strength for my friend...who was scared shitless. She almost didn't come to the race having battled a sinus infection for what seems years. Poor thing...she hadn't even been in the pool in over a month and yet she was going to come out. Her plan was to check it out and make a game time call...worst case, she would be my spectator. Of course, she's much like me...once your foot is in the water, what the hell, race the whole dang thing. Right?
So...when she told me she was terrified, I wasn't about to tell her that "oh, shit, me too!" Rather, I tried to pass along the tidbid of good advice that I had received in the prior week or so. The whole flip on your back and breathe bit, that the breast stroke and even the doggie paddle were options and that there were people everywhere on kayaks and boats to save us if necessary, I told her. And also, good news is that there was only ONE alligator in the lake, so odds are it was a pet, fed and caged for such an event. (wink, wink)
Honestly, we are swimming in a lake with an ALLIGATOR?! I have lived near and travelled often to the Everglades...seeing those suckers in a body of water is best from an airboat. Just sayin'.
Having been thrilled that I had company to this event really helped my jitters and all kidding aside, my friend has a very calming effect on me. She's positive and reassuring (even when she's terrified). We talked about imagining the beach, swimming in the ocean with the sun beating on us. And after a collective "yeah, right", we decided to just watch all the waves heading out before us and try to determine how in the heck the buoys were set up and how far we needed to go.
All the olympic distance waves went out first. This was great for two reasons...1- the alligator had plenty to choose for breakfast before we got in the water. 2- it got warmer AND lighter out and we can see where exactly the "turn" for the sprint wave was (since us old fogies were one of the last waves).
SWIM
We agreed that we would remain calm. Backstroke if necessary the whole way but calm nonetheless. And then the fog horn goes off. What it in the hell? Everyone of us (22 female over 40) jumped out our skins and took off! So much for that zen moment!
The temperature of the water was at 77 (perfect) and the sun was out to make it warm but nonetheless, those conditions did not make the visibility any better. Also, I was wearing a brand new pair of goggles so that I would ensure that the anti-fog coating was spot on. I wished I had tested them first...fear of leaks was also in the back of my mind. :\
Hard as I tried to just "swim", regular freestyle, not being able to see has a way of making things very claustrophobic. I really didn't think of all things, that that would be the issue. But it was. I probably swam a decent 25M before I start thinking that I needed to flip. The more I thought of it, the more irregular my breath would get. And uuuugggghhh...here we go. A quick flip to regain composure, right? Uh, no. I backstroked until I ran over a body (indicating that I was at least moving in the forward direction to exit the lake!) I am sure "I" was the one to piss plenty of people off by bumping them...sorry ladies! :/ I tried the side arm swim, a little doggie paddle and then a few "regular" strokes. It wasn't awful but it was shortlived and when I came back up, I was way off course. Ahh! More strokes to get back to where I was. I had plenty of time later to think about just how fast I was "regular" swimming to get off course in just a few strokes. If only I could kick my own ass to get it together and GO I'd be out of the damn lake so much faster!
Clearly, there is LOTS of room for improvement and we can all agree that swimming my forte, is not. Out of 10 in my age group, my swim came in 8th. Meh. Not surprised but ok with it just the same.
Final time was right about the same as it was in the pool with my "mock" race. 11 minutes...at least I can say I know how to simulate like a mofo. Lol. ...and the goggles were PERFECT! No leaking, no discomfort or fog!
On to transition but first, uh...rocks at the exit of the lake. Not little rocks...like BOULDERS. OUCH! More on this later. :/
T1
A quick goofy "I made it" grin to the photographer (OMG, most hilarious picture ever) and running to T1. Why again did we rack in the LAST possible rack? Good grief, it felt like a half hour in there but luckily that wasn't the case. Still...I was tied 6/7 place in transition but better than 3+ minutes at the last tri!
BIKE
Oh, the bike. Yay, the bike! I heart the bike!
I quickly settled in and started scrolling through all my dad's advice in my head. First, fuel. I PRE-opened my Hammer Gel and had already mixed some Hammer Heed into one of my water bottles. (I have never tried either but my dad has done some extensive research...he is an all around guru and when he researches and endorses, you listen!) I ate my gel and quickly discovered that like bike grease on my calf, getting sticky fingers (and handlebars) is inevitable for a clutzo like me. However, this is better than the alternative of trying to open the package while riding. I have attempted this and have given up (see clutzo comment above) in fear that I'd topple and eat it (the pavement, not the gel).
It was a fairly flat course with slight hills back in the more rural areas. It was quite scenic and enjoyable. However, it was windy! It cried Mary as my dad would say. I didn't realize how windy it was until afterwards when I heard others speaking of it AND seeing some of the bike speed results. I was expecting low 20s, high teens for the uber fast in the age group but I was surprised to see it top off at 17.8...my average mph was 16.7 so I'm glad to have held my own.
Again, I charged up my old Garmin (secured to the charger with packing tape to get a true charge) and hoped it would work for my bike and run segments of the race. They sorta did. The bike didn't show me what I needed (speed, cadence) only total "lap" time. I really had no idea what my mph was at the time other than each mile was 3:40, 3:22, 3:07 etc. It took me a few miles to see a pattern and after that I just tried to "beat" the last mile. That, coupled with trying to pass people kept me trucking along.
No road kill this time or bugs in my mouth (thank goodness)...just country smells that seem extra potent first thing in the morning...manure, bacon, fresh cut grass, jasmine. No complaints but am glad I took an allergy pill before heading out first thing!
T2
It was clearly faster than the last transition but it's a blur. I just remember seeing the girl who we racked our bikes by heading out for her run (I caught up!).
RUN
This is so tough. It's so not like "just" going for a run. Everything feels so different and some things, numb even. My legs were on autopilot and I took that time to sort out my technology issues. I didn't exactly nail the Garmin button pushing from to T2 to Run but I noticed from the get go that it was not on "MultiSport" (which I had double checked the night before...ugh!) so my running pace was again, not helping. In the mean time, my much bigger phone was sitting in my race belt and began thumping against me at every step. I had to take it out and while there, decided to run Nike+ for the sake of pacing.
After the initial distraction, I was back to realizing my legs felt awful but still better than the last time. I also felt tired! A 5k seemed like a long way at that moment. But then I turned on the mind game. I looked around and the scenery was so quiet and peaceful out in the 'burbs! The route went out of the subdivision into a trail that backs up around it and was all paved. There were quite a few bridges and elevations so it did not seem as flat a course as I thought.
I wanted to stop so bad. So many times. But I gave myself some random point to achieve before allowing myself to think of it again (the bench, bridge, end of the pond) and when I got there, I moved the target further. Seems silly, but it worked. The further I went, the hotter I got. When I arrived at the fork in the road where the Olympic and Sprint courses divided, I realized I was happy to be racing Sprint and wondered how I could possibly EVER do the other. I was pooped!
I saw a young boy on the course walking and I tried hard to motivate him to go, he smiled at me but was not budging...and the words just stuck to ME and kept me moving forward. I started visualizing different muscles in my legs doing their job and I think my quads must have been sleeping. I felt like once I engaged them, I was able to move faster and with more determination to finish. I caught up to someone in my age group (that had passed me on the bike) and felt a little victory and then later, caught up to and passed the girl we racked by (that I saw in transition). These two things were my final motivators to not stop and push to finish strong.
I couldn't help but fist pump through the finish (with giant phone in hand)! Garmin had very little use to me and Nike, which I started late in the game, came in with a 3.3 distance. It's no wonder when I asked the volunteer jokingly on the course "are we there yet?!", I was surprised he said "just over a mile" when I would be done in about a 1/4 mile by my calculation. Yikes!
FINISH!
After sending a text home about my survival and scoping out the after race scene, I headed back to the finish line and right then, my friend was coming through! SOOOOOO excited to watch her cross!! We did it!! Yay!!! She was sick and undertrained and she kicked some serious booty. I am so proud! We grabbed our breakfast tacos (the true reward at the end of the race!), bananas and KIND bars and took a second to sit and chat. I remembered I had left my flip flops by the dock and ran over there to get them. It felt so far! Haha! But when I got back, my shoes suddenly felt tight. I kicked them off and noticed a huge gash on the inside of my right foot!! OMG. That rock on the lake exit got me good. I'm so glad I didn't know of it until after the race! It is right under on the flip flop strap so I hobbled all the way to the car. Ouch! I've got my first official triathlon war wound! Haha.
I'm not signed up for another race until the Oktoberfest Sprint that I learned is the exact same course as this. I am tempted to switch that to an Olympic but I still have a few bigger decisions to make by the end of the month regarding HIM. I have a race in July, August and September to sign up for too but again, the distances will hinge on 70.3.
Stay tuned!!
Valerie
My Last Race Report: No Label Sprint Tri
My Swimming Trepidation: Here and Here
That right there is cause for celebration! And the fact that I can write about it...yay!
I mentioned my trepidation about open water swimming so I won't beat that dead horse any further. Bottom line, I was way out of my comfort zone. But I was sucking it up and faking strength for my friend...who was scared shitless. She almost didn't come to the race having battled a sinus infection for what seems years. Poor thing...she hadn't even been in the pool in over a month and yet she was going to come out. Her plan was to check it out and make a game time call...worst case, she would be my spectator. Of course, she's much like me...once your foot is in the water, what the hell, race the whole dang thing. Right?
So...when she told me she was terrified, I wasn't about to tell her that "oh, shit, me too!" Rather, I tried to pass along the tidbid of good advice that I had received in the prior week or so. The whole flip on your back and breathe bit, that the breast stroke and even the doggie paddle were options and that there were people everywhere on kayaks and boats to save us if necessary, I told her. And also, good news is that there was only ONE alligator in the lake, so odds are it was a pet, fed and caged for such an event. (wink, wink)
 |
| Oh goody, just one! |
Having been thrilled that I had company to this event really helped my jitters and all kidding aside, my friend has a very calming effect on me. She's positive and reassuring (even when she's terrified). We talked about imagining the beach, swimming in the ocean with the sun beating on us. And after a collective "yeah, right", we decided to just watch all the waves heading out before us and try to determine how in the heck the buoys were set up and how far we needed to go.
All the olympic distance waves went out first. This was great for two reasons...1- the alligator had plenty to choose for breakfast before we got in the water. 2- it got warmer AND lighter out and we can see where exactly the "turn" for the sprint wave was (since us old fogies were one of the last waves).
SWIM
We agreed that we would remain calm. Backstroke if necessary the whole way but calm nonetheless. And then the fog horn goes off. What it in the hell? Everyone of us (22 female over 40) jumped out our skins and took off! So much for that zen moment!
The temperature of the water was at 77 (perfect) and the sun was out to make it warm but nonetheless, those conditions did not make the visibility any better. Also, I was wearing a brand new pair of goggles so that I would ensure that the anti-fog coating was spot on. I wished I had tested them first...fear of leaks was also in the back of my mind. :\
Hard as I tried to just "swim", regular freestyle, not being able to see has a way of making things very claustrophobic. I really didn't think of all things, that that would be the issue. But it was. I probably swam a decent 25M before I start thinking that I needed to flip. The more I thought of it, the more irregular my breath would get. And uuuugggghhh...here we go. A quick flip to regain composure, right? Uh, no. I backstroked until I ran over a body (indicating that I was at least moving in the forward direction to exit the lake!) I am sure "I" was the one to piss plenty of people off by bumping them...sorry ladies! :/ I tried the side arm swim, a little doggie paddle and then a few "regular" strokes. It wasn't awful but it was shortlived and when I came back up, I was way off course. Ahh! More strokes to get back to where I was. I had plenty of time later to think about just how fast I was "regular" swimming to get off course in just a few strokes. If only I could kick my own ass to get it together and GO I'd be out of the damn lake so much faster!
Clearly, there is LOTS of room for improvement and we can all agree that swimming my forte, is not. Out of 10 in my age group, my swim came in 8th. Meh. Not surprised but ok with it just the same.
Final time was right about the same as it was in the pool with my "mock" race. 11 minutes...at least I can say I know how to simulate like a mofo. Lol. ...and the goggles were PERFECT! No leaking, no discomfort or fog!
On to transition but first, uh...rocks at the exit of the lake. Not little rocks...like BOULDERS. OUCH! More on this later. :/
T1
A quick goofy "I made it" grin to the photographer (OMG, most hilarious picture ever) and running to T1. Why again did we rack in the LAST possible rack? Good grief, it felt like a half hour in there but luckily that wasn't the case. Still...I was tied 6/7 place in transition but better than 3+ minutes at the last tri!
BIKE
Oh, the bike. Yay, the bike! I heart the bike!
I quickly settled in and started scrolling through all my dad's advice in my head. First, fuel. I PRE-opened my Hammer Gel and had already mixed some Hammer Heed into one of my water bottles. (I have never tried either but my dad has done some extensive research...he is an all around guru and when he researches and endorses, you listen!) I ate my gel and quickly discovered that like bike grease on my calf, getting sticky fingers (and handlebars) is inevitable for a clutzo like me. However, this is better than the alternative of trying to open the package while riding. I have attempted this and have given up (see clutzo comment above) in fear that I'd topple and eat it (the pavement, not the gel).
It was a fairly flat course with slight hills back in the more rural areas. It was quite scenic and enjoyable. However, it was windy! It cried Mary as my dad would say. I didn't realize how windy it was until afterwards when I heard others speaking of it AND seeing some of the bike speed results. I was expecting low 20s, high teens for the uber fast in the age group but I was surprised to see it top off at 17.8...my average mph was 16.7 so I'm glad to have held my own.
Again, I charged up my old Garmin (secured to the charger with packing tape to get a true charge) and hoped it would work for my bike and run segments of the race. They sorta did. The bike didn't show me what I needed (speed, cadence) only total "lap" time. I really had no idea what my mph was at the time other than each mile was 3:40, 3:22, 3:07 etc. It took me a few miles to see a pattern and after that I just tried to "beat" the last mile. That, coupled with trying to pass people kept me trucking along.
No road kill this time or bugs in my mouth (thank goodness)...just country smells that seem extra potent first thing in the morning...manure, bacon, fresh cut grass, jasmine. No complaints but am glad I took an allergy pill before heading out first thing!
T2
It was clearly faster than the last transition but it's a blur. I just remember seeing the girl who we racked our bikes by heading out for her run (I caught up!).
RUN
This is so tough. It's so not like "just" going for a run. Everything feels so different and some things, numb even. My legs were on autopilot and I took that time to sort out my technology issues. I didn't exactly nail the Garmin button pushing from to T2 to Run but I noticed from the get go that it was not on "MultiSport" (which I had double checked the night before...ugh!) so my running pace was again, not helping. In the mean time, my much bigger phone was sitting in my race belt and began thumping against me at every step. I had to take it out and while there, decided to run Nike+ for the sake of pacing.
After the initial distraction, I was back to realizing my legs felt awful but still better than the last time. I also felt tired! A 5k seemed like a long way at that moment. But then I turned on the mind game. I looked around and the scenery was so quiet and peaceful out in the 'burbs! The route went out of the subdivision into a trail that backs up around it and was all paved. There were quite a few bridges and elevations so it did not seem as flat a course as I thought.
I wanted to stop so bad. So many times. But I gave myself some random point to achieve before allowing myself to think of it again (the bench, bridge, end of the pond) and when I got there, I moved the target further. Seems silly, but it worked. The further I went, the hotter I got. When I arrived at the fork in the road where the Olympic and Sprint courses divided, I realized I was happy to be racing Sprint and wondered how I could possibly EVER do the other. I was pooped!
I saw a young boy on the course walking and I tried hard to motivate him to go, he smiled at me but was not budging...and the words just stuck to ME and kept me moving forward. I started visualizing different muscles in my legs doing their job and I think my quads must have been sleeping. I felt like once I engaged them, I was able to move faster and with more determination to finish. I caught up to someone in my age group (that had passed me on the bike) and felt a little victory and then later, caught up to and passed the girl we racked by (that I saw in transition). These two things were my final motivators to not stop and push to finish strong.
I couldn't help but fist pump through the finish (with giant phone in hand)! Garmin had very little use to me and Nike, which I started late in the game, came in with a 3.3 distance. It's no wonder when I asked the volunteer jokingly on the course "are we there yet?!", I was surprised he said "just over a mile" when I would be done in about a 1/4 mile by my calculation. Yikes!
After sending a text home about my survival and scoping out the after race scene, I headed back to the finish line and right then, my friend was coming through! SOOOOOO excited to watch her cross!! We did it!! Yay!!! She was sick and undertrained and she kicked some serious booty. I am so proud! We grabbed our breakfast tacos (the true reward at the end of the race!), bananas and KIND bars and took a second to sit and chat. I remembered I had left my flip flops by the dock and ran over there to get them. It felt so far! Haha! But when I got back, my shoes suddenly felt tight. I kicked them off and noticed a huge gash on the inside of my right foot!! OMG. That rock on the lake exit got me good. I'm so glad I didn't know of it until after the race! It is right under on the flip flop strap so I hobbled all the way to the car. Ouch! I've got my first official triathlon war wound! Haha.
I'm not signed up for another race until the Oktoberfest Sprint that I learned is the exact same course as this. I am tempted to switch that to an Olympic but I still have a few bigger decisions to make by the end of the month regarding HIM. I have a race in July, August and September to sign up for too but again, the distances will hinge on 70.3.
Stay tuned!!
Valerie
My Last Race Report: No Label Sprint Tri
My Swimming Trepidation: Here and Here
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Indulgence overload - a weekly roundup
I knew I had a short week to work with since I'd be traveling so it wouldn't be a full training week. Knowing this, I started off with a bang pulling a double on Monday and a long swim Tuesday morning. Two early workouts back to back too! And then a girls trip to the big apple. Uh...the end.
Here's a round up for consistency's sake.
Mon - PowerOne Cycling am & 5mile run after work.
Tues - Early morning 2450M Woohoo!
Wed - Couldn't wake up and pushed to evening...but then, I had to pack & tidy things before an early flight. Wua-wuaaaa.
Thurs - Travel day plus a million walking miles
Fri - A gazillion more miles of walking (attempt at Peloton class, Fail)
Sat - Peloton class? Um, no. Fail....more walking.
Sun - 4.5 mile run in Central Park - hallelujah!! (the 5 Boro Bike tour was happening and I got to watch the cyclists go by...would love to do this one year! 40 miles, 5 Borroughs, 1 Day 0 cars)
So, skipping Wednesday was a mistake (see below) because I should have known better than planning TWO workouts on an indulgent weekend was going to be tough. And when I say indulgent, I mean incredible meals once, twice and sometimes even 3 times a day! Yikes! At least I got the run in while everyone else was packing up and sleeping in.
Here's a visual of my week in Misfit language:
And now we fast forward to race week. THIS IS IT! My sleep deprivation has caught up to me. And I just can't muster the energy to move. At all. I wasn't even considering a workout yesterday but the swim I planned this morning? Uh...yea. That didn't happen either.
It's early yet so I will find the will and way to get 'er done. I'm hoping my "everything but the kitchen sink" smoothie will help!
Happy Tuesday all!!
Valerie
Wed - Couldn't wake up and pushed to evening...but then, I had to pack & tidy things before an early flight. Wua-wuaaaa.
Thurs - Travel day plus a million walking miles
Fri - A gazillion more miles of walking (attempt at Peloton class, Fail)
Sat - Peloton class? Um, no. Fail....more walking.
Sun - 4.5 mile run in Central Park - hallelujah!! (the 5 Boro Bike tour was happening and I got to watch the cyclists go by...would love to do this one year! 40 miles, 5 Borroughs, 1 Day 0 cars)
So, skipping Wednesday was a mistake (see below) because I should have known better than planning TWO workouts on an indulgent weekend was going to be tough. And when I say indulgent, I mean incredible meals once, twice and sometimes even 3 times a day! Yikes! At least I got the run in while everyone else was packing up and sleeping in.
Here's a visual of my week in Misfit language:
 |
| Reverse hump day on Wednesday, huh? Ha! |
It's early yet so I will find the will and way to get 'er done. I'm hoping my "everything but the kitchen sink" smoothie will help!
 |
| Surprisingly delicious considering everything I threw in there! |
Valerie
Monday, April 27, 2015
Indoor Tri -The Not So Race Report
Another triathlon checked off the list! This one was an indoor Tri "powered by Lifetime Fitness and Ironman". I started by membership at Lifetime in early January and had seen the posters all around about their push to get people into triathlon with their "Commit to Tri" slogan. I learned upon joining that my particular gym had just hosted an New Year's indoor tri a week or two prior. I was bummed that I had not known about it, it would have been a great way to get my feet wet with this whole tri business.
I asked about when the next one would be and it seems that not all clubs do all the events every time. The next one would be in April in the location in Katy or Sugarland. Both those are pretty equal in distance from me so I just flipped a coin and registered for the one in Katy.
I got my friend to sign up too and sold her on how great it would be for us newbies. And that it really is. The triathlon is set to be a 10 min swim in a pool where they count your lengths and later assign points based on number of participants. Then, you have a 10 minute transition window (which is SO generous!) and then you hop on to a spin bike for 30 minutes (tennis shoes in basket clips or bring your clip ins) and then another 5 minute transition to jump on treadmill for 20. And you're done!
After the initial sign up (and the friend boondoggle), I didn't think much of this again. In fact, this week I pretty much gifted myself a recovery week because I flat out just felt worn out. I probably should have swam at least once but I got my hair "did" on Friday and wasn't about to mess with that. For this. On Saturday, I went down to Galveston to pick up my daughter and 4 of her friends from a sleepover party. I had already decided that a side trip to Moody Gardens where Ironman 70.3 Texas would be taking place the next day was inspirationally necessary. This gave me the nervous race energy I was lacking and am still not sure was necessary!
Late Saturday afternoon, I learned that my friend was sick and would not be joining me. I was a little disappointed because I just didn't feel like going at it alone. Again. Nonetheless, I was registered and committed and I wasn't about to skip it. Hell no. I packed up my stuff and my daughter (12) asked me what I was doing. She asked me who I was going with and I explained my solo status to her. I asked, on a whim, "do you want to come with me?" and before I could brace myself for a "no", she said "sure" and then followed with "but I don't just want to watch, I want to DO it". Um. What? What a pleasant surprise! But then I thought, is she joking? Is the lack of sleep from her party making her delirious? I had no idea if that was even an option but I didn't hesitate to call the club to find out. As expected, no one that would have the answer to that question was there so we'd have to just show up in the morning and see. Worst case, she'd be my cheerleader.
By morning, I thought maybe she'd have a change of heart. But her bag was packed and I learned later that my words to her about being "together" with her struck a chord and motivated her to get up and go. I was scheduled in the 8:40 wave so we left with plenty of time in the case I had to fill out paperwork for her late registration.
It was touch and go for awhile as there was uncertainty about her ability to join the event but after speaking with the club GM, he said that although the event was "closed", if anyone was a no show, she could fill the spot. Lucky for us, that was exactly the case! It wasn't until the last minute before start time that she was given the green light to jump in the pool and share a lane with me. Happy day!
The Swim:
I was so happy to see her giving it her all with no training whatsoever that I barely paid attention to what I was doing. And then I remembered what I was doing. Ugh. Swimming is not the forte for me and especially not without a warm up. It was WAY better than the last tri but I had moments where my breathing was way off and I had to catch my breath or when my legs just burned and I had to backstroke it. I made the mistake of stopping for a few seconds to ask her how she felt and I'm afraid that ate up on the time for us to have completed another length. I lost count and didn't do a good job of looking on the counters sheet to see how we did but I think we were both at 14? I'll find out for sure when they post the results tomorrow. I know I could have done better but I also know that I didn't swim all week and I was distracted.
T1:
That long transition time surely felt like a luxury. I noticed some people completely changed out of their swim gear but I just opted to put on my tri shorts. Maybe it's why I had so much extra time. I put on my bike shoes and warmed up while we waited for the time to start.
Bike:
This is was all about high cadence. A 30 minute sprint consisting of your legs spinning as fast as possible. I initially set a personal goal of 10 miles and was spinning away and decided to ask one of the volunteers what the "average" distance had been thus far. He said it ranged from 8-10 miles but no one yet had hit 10. I thought maybe my goal was a too aggressive and had miss calculated how the spin bike worked. I didn't think of it much after that because I was more concerned about my daughter. Her bike seemed to be set up too high and she was wearing tennis shoes that kept slipping from the basket. On numerous occasions, I had to stop spinning and help guide her foot back in. She hasn't quite learned the "flip" like I have on my mountain bike. ;)
As the volunteer walked by, I noticed he would casually whisper to some what their "place" was. When he didn't come to me, it dawned on me that I was NOT in the top three. WHAT? So, I stepped it up a notch. I pedalled my heart out until I had to stop again for the kiddo. I figured I'd make up for lost time while I could. At the last 5 minutes, my legs were flying and I knew I was going to hit over 10 miles (the goal I had brushed off earlier). I think my final was 10.10 but have no clue how the others did. It will be a big surprise later.
T2:
Again, no stress transition. I just had to switch shoes and walk over to the treadmill.
Run:
I started off I think at 6.7 mph which is a 9 something pace and cruised there for awhile. For some reason, I kept hitting the front bar with my hip so I took that as me needing to go faster so I upped the speed. I kind of played with it a little and kept upping it after the first mile. I think the treadmill workout I did recently (5 miles in 45 minutes) really helped. I felt strong and like I could have gone faster but kept worrying that I would run out of steam (or fly off the machine). I didn't want to do either so I ended with a 2.33 in 20 minutes. I know I could have gone further if I hadn't waited until that first mile to start increasing the speed. Oh well. Now I know.
Overall:
I think the organization of this event was fantastic. The facilities were clean and neat and the equipment was top notch. The volunteers were great and they were especially sweet to my daughter. I LOVED having had been able to make this our first mother/daughter event. She did great and I am so thrilled that she wanted to do it with me. She rocked it! I can't wait to do it again! Hopefully she feels the same! She wore her tshirt to school this morning so I am thinking she's feeling pretty good about it to.
I am not sure when they will be doing it again but check out their site on the link here for the list of events and locations.
I'll be sure to post the final results when I see them.
Happy Monday all and congrat to all those racing in Galveston yesterday! I've seen lots of photos and updates and it sounds like the wind was a bear and the heat was brutal on the run. But the bling...super cool!! Well deserved!
Valerie
Update! Results are in. I came in 10th overall and 4th in my division (Women's Masters). I guess I should have held off on the chatting in the pool, huh? Haha.
Valerie Villarreal 14.5 17 10.12 26 2.33 29 72 F Masters
I asked about when the next one would be and it seems that not all clubs do all the events every time. The next one would be in April in the location in Katy or Sugarland. Both those are pretty equal in distance from me so I just flipped a coin and registered for the one in Katy.
I got my friend to sign up too and sold her on how great it would be for us newbies. And that it really is. The triathlon is set to be a 10 min swim in a pool where they count your lengths and later assign points based on number of participants. Then, you have a 10 minute transition window (which is SO generous!) and then you hop on to a spin bike for 30 minutes (tennis shoes in basket clips or bring your clip ins) and then another 5 minute transition to jump on treadmill for 20. And you're done!
After the initial sign up (and the friend boondoggle), I didn't think much of this again. In fact, this week I pretty much gifted myself a recovery week because I flat out just felt worn out. I probably should have swam at least once but I got my hair "did" on Friday and wasn't about to mess with that. For this. On Saturday, I went down to Galveston to pick up my daughter and 4 of her friends from a sleepover party. I had already decided that a side trip to Moody Gardens where Ironman 70.3 Texas would be taking place the next day was inspirationally necessary. This gave me the nervous race energy I was lacking and am still not sure was necessary!
Late Saturday afternoon, I learned that my friend was sick and would not be joining me. I was a little disappointed because I just didn't feel like going at it alone. Again. Nonetheless, I was registered and committed and I wasn't about to skip it. Hell no. I packed up my stuff and my daughter (12) asked me what I was doing. She asked me who I was going with and I explained my solo status to her. I asked, on a whim, "do you want to come with me?" and before I could brace myself for a "no", she said "sure" and then followed with "but I don't just want to watch, I want to DO it". Um. What? What a pleasant surprise! But then I thought, is she joking? Is the lack of sleep from her party making her delirious? I had no idea if that was even an option but I didn't hesitate to call the club to find out. As expected, no one that would have the answer to that question was there so we'd have to just show up in the morning and see. Worst case, she'd be my cheerleader.
By morning, I thought maybe she'd have a change of heart. But her bag was packed and I learned later that my words to her about being "together" with her struck a chord and motivated her to get up and go. I was scheduled in the 8:40 wave so we left with plenty of time in the case I had to fill out paperwork for her late registration.
It was touch and go for awhile as there was uncertainty about her ability to join the event but after speaking with the club GM, he said that although the event was "closed", if anyone was a no show, she could fill the spot. Lucky for us, that was exactly the case! It wasn't until the last minute before start time that she was given the green light to jump in the pool and share a lane with me. Happy day!
The Swim:
I was so happy to see her giving it her all with no training whatsoever that I barely paid attention to what I was doing. And then I remembered what I was doing. Ugh. Swimming is not the forte for me and especially not without a warm up. It was WAY better than the last tri but I had moments where my breathing was way off and I had to catch my breath or when my legs just burned and I had to backstroke it. I made the mistake of stopping for a few seconds to ask her how she felt and I'm afraid that ate up on the time for us to have completed another length. I lost count and didn't do a good job of looking on the counters sheet to see how we did but I think we were both at 14? I'll find out for sure when they post the results tomorrow. I know I could have done better but I also know that I didn't swim all week and I was distracted.
T1:
That long transition time surely felt like a luxury. I noticed some people completely changed out of their swim gear but I just opted to put on my tri shorts. Maybe it's why I had so much extra time. I put on my bike shoes and warmed up while we waited for the time to start.
Bike:
This is was all about high cadence. A 30 minute sprint consisting of your legs spinning as fast as possible. I initially set a personal goal of 10 miles and was spinning away and decided to ask one of the volunteers what the "average" distance had been thus far. He said it ranged from 8-10 miles but no one yet had hit 10. I thought maybe my goal was a too aggressive and had miss calculated how the spin bike worked. I didn't think of it much after that because I was more concerned about my daughter. Her bike seemed to be set up too high and she was wearing tennis shoes that kept slipping from the basket. On numerous occasions, I had to stop spinning and help guide her foot back in. She hasn't quite learned the "flip" like I have on my mountain bike. ;)
As the volunteer walked by, I noticed he would casually whisper to some what their "place" was. When he didn't come to me, it dawned on me that I was NOT in the top three. WHAT? So, I stepped it up a notch. I pedalled my heart out until I had to stop again for the kiddo. I figured I'd make up for lost time while I could. At the last 5 minutes, my legs were flying and I knew I was going to hit over 10 miles (the goal I had brushed off earlier). I think my final was 10.10 but have no clue how the others did. It will be a big surprise later.
T2:
Again, no stress transition. I just had to switch shoes and walk over to the treadmill.
Run:
I started off I think at 6.7 mph which is a 9 something pace and cruised there for awhile. For some reason, I kept hitting the front bar with my hip so I took that as me needing to go faster so I upped the speed. I kind of played with it a little and kept upping it after the first mile. I think the treadmill workout I did recently (5 miles in 45 minutes) really helped. I felt strong and like I could have gone faster but kept worrying that I would run out of steam (or fly off the machine). I didn't want to do either so I ended with a 2.33 in 20 minutes. I know I could have gone further if I hadn't waited until that first mile to start increasing the speed. Oh well. Now I know.
Overall:
I think the organization of this event was fantastic. The facilities were clean and neat and the equipment was top notch. The volunteers were great and they were especially sweet to my daughter. I LOVED having had been able to make this our first mother/daughter event. She did great and I am so thrilled that she wanted to do it with me. She rocked it! I can't wait to do it again! Hopefully she feels the same! She wore her tshirt to school this morning so I am thinking she's feeling pretty good about it to.
I am not sure when they will be doing it again but check out their site on the link here for the list of events and locations.
 |
| me and my girl with race swag..tshirt and swim cap! |
I'll be sure to post the final results when I see them.
Happy Monday all and congrat to all those racing in Galveston yesterday! I've seen lots of photos and updates and it sounds like the wind was a bear and the heat was brutal on the run. But the bling...super cool!! Well deserved!
Valerie
Update! Results are in. I came in 10th overall and 4th in my division (Women's Masters). I guess I should have held off on the chatting in the pool, huh? Haha.
Valerie Villarreal 14.5 17 10.12 26 2.33 29 72 F Masters
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Morning Psychology
What goes through a person's brain when the alarm goes off at 4:30am is quite remarkable. Actually, it's pretty annoying.
~You've heard it all before so you can leave now if you don't want to be a part of my personal vent (beat up) session with myself.~
You've had fair warning.
I followed *most of the tips to help the process of getting up for an early workout today. However, I had to push my alarm back FURTHER. Hubby is leaving town so I had to be back before he headed out for an early flight. Plus, I had a REALLY long swim workout in store which required more than 45 min to an hour. Plus...did I mention SWIM? Ugh. The thought of getting in the cold pool while my body is in a warm, soft bed is enough to end this post because you'd know what I'm talking about.
I even had my new swim gear ready to go. That was extra motivation right there! Right? I even text with my virtual buddy to make sure she was up for her swim. And then my brain started doing this nonsense...this nonsense about "why are you doing this?" "you are not cut out for this" "this is like chasing rabbits" "why bother" I can go on but you get the gist.
On the heels of being so super inspired and motivated by the Boston Marathoners yesterday, I was ready to find out what my friend's "40th" marathon was going to be so that I can train and do the same one. Wherever in the world it would be. What the heck...I was inspired!!
And then this morning I want to throw in the towel because I just can't get up? Ugh!
My friend did swim. I am so happy that she got out there and did it despite her obstacles. And the best part, she came back and gave me a pep talk. Told me all the things I really needed to hear (although I didn't believe her right then). I got a little teary eyed but brushed it aside because I had bottles to pack, clothes for two to pick out, a kid to drop off and breakfast to make for a STAAR test taking middle schooler. Mama ain't got time for that! Haha.
By the time the kids all made it to their separate destinations, I had already thought about what I needed to do. I felt better already and honestly was kinda pissed at me for being so hard on myself. It didn't occur to me that maybe, just maybe, I NEEDED sleep? Last I checked my sleep patterns on my Misfit Shine device, I am getting 3-4 hours of restful sleep. I am particularly worn out when I back a night workout with an early morning one (Sunday night/Monday morning) so good grief, Val...give yourself a break!
I decided that this open ended, pseudo, base building training program I'm on is quickly approaching the proverbial fork in the road. I'm putting in a decent amount of work and time into my workouts. I don't feel particularly overwhelmed however at times, it can be taxing and yet, I am STILL not getting in as much as I would need for a REAL training program.
So, I'm giving myself until the end of May to the pull the trigger on signing up for a 70.3. I'm looking at two options...November in Austin or Galveston next April. I think having a defined program with a start and finish will give me the structure (and satisfaction) that I am currently lacking.
I do feel that my swim has improved dramatically since I started this thing a couple of months ago and I see improvement in my run times and my bike cadence has increased turnover as well. But going on like this indefinitely brings concerns of burnout. Which then leads to quitting altogether. Ugh. I can't.
Because if I am not training for "something" would I normally workout out 7 times a week? Um, no. I'd probably be content with 3-5 a week and have no guilt if I skipped a day and certainly not feel like making anything up would be necessary. I'd gladly take the extra time to work on my house and a gazillion other projects I have my sights set on.
It's afternoon now and I'm feeling pretty darn good. The funk has been eradicated and considering I am a night owl, it's all upside from here. Ha!
Now, how to make up the swim I missed?!
Hope your Tuesday is less conflicted than mine has been and that you make it to the other side too! If you're still here, thanks for sticking around. As motivating and positive as I normally am, I have my down days too. This space has me committed to keepin' it real.
Valerie
Oh, that 40th Marathon my friend is running is in LESS than a month...in Colorado. Um...yea. We're gonna go ahead and scrap that idea. I have already asked her when #42 (or 45) will be. Maybe I'll join her for one of those. :)
Update: Late afternoon...worked through my lunch run (and meal) but holding out that I can get something in between kiddo pickup or at home later (not my fave). Still feeling great (in case you were concerned...haha) and weather looks amazing...hoping I can lace up for a quick run!
~You've heard it all before so you can leave now if you don't want to be a part of my personal vent (beat up) session with myself.~
You've had fair warning.
I followed *most of the tips to help the process of getting up for an early workout today. However, I had to push my alarm back FURTHER. Hubby is leaving town so I had to be back before he headed out for an early flight. Plus, I had a REALLY long swim workout in store which required more than 45 min to an hour. Plus...did I mention SWIM? Ugh. The thought of getting in the cold pool while my body is in a warm, soft bed is enough to end this post because you'd know what I'm talking about.
I even had my new swim gear ready to go. That was extra motivation right there! Right? I even text with my virtual buddy to make sure she was up for her swim. And then my brain started doing this nonsense...this nonsense about "why are you doing this?" "you are not cut out for this" "this is like chasing rabbits" "why bother" I can go on but you get the gist.
On the heels of being so super inspired and motivated by the Boston Marathoners yesterday, I was ready to find out what my friend's "40th" marathon was going to be so that I can train and do the same one. Wherever in the world it would be. What the heck...I was inspired!!
And then this morning I want to throw in the towel because I just can't get up? Ugh!
 |
| Boo, me! :( |
By the time the kids all made it to their separate destinations, I had already thought about what I needed to do. I felt better already and honestly was kinda pissed at me for being so hard on myself. It didn't occur to me that maybe, just maybe, I NEEDED sleep? Last I checked my sleep patterns on my Misfit Shine device, I am getting 3-4 hours of restful sleep. I am particularly worn out when I back a night workout with an early morning one (Sunday night/Monday morning) so good grief, Val...give yourself a break!
I decided that this open ended, pseudo, base building training program I'm on is quickly approaching the proverbial fork in the road. I'm putting in a decent amount of work and time into my workouts. I don't feel particularly overwhelmed however at times, it can be taxing and yet, I am STILL not getting in as much as I would need for a REAL training program.
So, I'm giving myself until the end of May to the pull the trigger on signing up for a 70.3. I'm looking at two options...November in Austin or Galveston next April. I think having a defined program with a start and finish will give me the structure (and satisfaction) that I am currently lacking.
 |
| This is me about judging me. I'm my worst critic. |
Because if I am not training for "something" would I normally workout out 7 times a week? Um, no. I'd probably be content with 3-5 a week and have no guilt if I skipped a day and certainly not feel like making anything up would be necessary. I'd gladly take the extra time to work on my house and a gazillion other projects I have my sights set on.
It's afternoon now and I'm feeling pretty darn good. The funk has been eradicated and considering I am a night owl, it's all upside from here. Ha!
Now, how to make up the swim I missed?!
Hope your Tuesday is less conflicted than mine has been and that you make it to the other side too! If you're still here, thanks for sticking around. As motivating and positive as I normally am, I have my down days too. This space has me committed to keepin' it real.
Valerie
Oh, that 40th Marathon my friend is running is in LESS than a month...in Colorado. Um...yea. We're gonna go ahead and scrap that idea. I have already asked her when #42 (or 45) will be. Maybe I'll join her for one of those. :)
Update: Late afternoon...worked through my lunch run (and meal) but holding out that I can get something in between kiddo pickup or at home later (not my fave). Still feeling great (in case you were concerned...haha) and weather looks amazing...hoping I can lace up for a quick run!
Monday, April 20, 2015
Another week bites the dust
My goals this week were fairly general as they were last but I decided on a whim to add a tad of structure. It may be a little ambitious but I am going to try to stick with it.
I regularly read the TriSwimCoach Facebook updates and usually, they are pretty spot on to what I am feeling or thinking about in the swimming department at any given moment (fears of open water, getting faster, new drills, conquering boredom on long swims, etc.) I decided to download their app (2.99) because they have training plans on there that I thinkcould WILL be helpful to ramp up my "pseudo" training.
I chose the 70.3 plan because I really wanted to test the waters (pun intended) on whether I can "handle" it. It ramps up pretty quick so I hope that I can hang on. The time commitment to longer workouts can be less than feasible most of the time so I'll just have to play it by ear.
The Goals:
Run - 10 miles
Bike - 2:15 (time)
Swim - 5000M (before taking the training plan plunge)
Strength - at least 1 class
Yoga - 1 class
Brick - 1
The accomplishments:
Monday - Cancelled PowerOne class so I had to improvise. 15 min Ab workout & 15 min Dynamic Yoga workout on the Nike Training Club app + 30 min on the trainer.
Tuesday - 5 mile TM run
Wednesday - Day 1 of 70.3 training plan - 1700M
Thursday - Barbell Strength (3 weeks in a row coming to this one...it's tough but a great full body workout!)
Friday - The power went out in the whole building at work and they sent us all home...FREE DAY!!
Side note: What would you do with your day off knowing that the weather will be sketchy the whole incoming weekend? Sure I could have gone shopping (which I really need to do), run errands, get my nails done (Oh, yea, I shoulda done that) or just napped (aaahh...sounds good now) So is it nuts that I get excited at the possibility of cramming in all my workouts left in one day instead?! Hmm.
Ok, sorry.
Friday - 30 mile bike OUTSIDE!!, 5k run (OUTSIDE) BRICK!!+ a break for a sandwich and then 1250M swim. I followed day 2 of the plan but had to cut it short...my daughter was hounding me to get to the school auction so I can bid on something for her! :/ I figured I'd done enough in the day that missing half a workout would be fine.
Saturday - Rest day
Sunday - 2 miles on the Mountain Bike pulling babies to the park and a late swim post more family fun. Day 3 of plan with 2650M in!! That's the longest I've ever swam! Also, the plan calls for yards so I feel like a total overachiever! ;) I also wanted to finish off my mileage goal and jumped on the treadmill afterwards for my last 2 miles (brick!). I also wanted to check on my left ankle that I twisted while teaching my 3 year old how to play hopscotch. Seriously, why did I even attempt it with my LEFT leg? Ugh. First jump and it folded like an accordion. I keep forgetting how old I am and how ratchety my joints are. :(
Good news is the ankle if fine and more so, I hit 95% of my goals!!
Run - 10 miles ---> 10.2! Yay! CHECK!
Bike - 2:15 (time) --->3:15 CHECK! OVER
Swim - 5000M ---> 5600M! CHECK! (OVER - good thing I cut that one one workout short! Ha!)
Strength - at least 1 class ---> barbell strength CHECK!
Yoga - 1 class ---> 15 min UNDER about 45 minutes
Brick - 1 ---> 2! CHECK! OVER
Extra: Sunburn and awesome cycling tan lines.
But look at all the Overs! I think I've over compensated for the yoga I missed out on so I am A-OK with that. Plus, did I mention that I rode tricycles, played with bubbles, waterguns and almost to a fault, hopscotch too?!
It's been a great week, now to plan for the next and up the ante (and remember the sunscreen).
Have a great one and Happy Monday!
Valerie :)
Oh! And congrats to all the awesome runners in Boston today with some serious "wicked" weather especially my awesome friend, Doan. Her 39th marathon and 4th consecutive Boston...and she only started running a few years ago! My inspiration and hero! Way to go all...you guys rock!
P.S. - Thanks to the fine folks at Triathlete Blogger Network for picking up this little space of mine and mentioning it there. So super cool! Welcome all! Go check them out at their site and follow them @ChiTriBloggers. Lots of great information for fellow newbie triathletes and experienced hardcore veterans too. :)
I regularly read the TriSwimCoach Facebook updates and usually, they are pretty spot on to what I am feeling or thinking about in the swimming department at any given moment (fears of open water, getting faster, new drills, conquering boredom on long swims, etc.) I decided to download their app (2.99) because they have training plans on there that I think
I chose the 70.3 plan because I really wanted to test the waters (pun intended) on whether I can "handle" it. It ramps up pretty quick so I hope that I can hang on. The time commitment to longer workouts can be less than feasible most of the time so I'll just have to play it by ear.
The Goals:
Run - 10 miles
Bike - 2:15 (time)
Swim - 5000M (before taking the training plan plunge)
Strength - at least 1 class
Yoga - 1 class
Brick - 1
The accomplishments:
Monday - Cancelled PowerOne class so I had to improvise. 15 min Ab workout & 15 min Dynamic Yoga workout on the Nike Training Club app + 30 min on the trainer.
Tuesday - 5 mile TM run
Wednesday - Day 1 of 70.3 training plan - 1700M
Thursday - Barbell Strength (3 weeks in a row coming to this one...it's tough but a great full body workout!)
Friday - The power went out in the whole building at work and they sent us all home...FREE DAY!!
Side note: What would you do with your day off knowing that the weather will be sketchy the whole incoming weekend? Sure I could have gone shopping (which I really need to do), run errands, get my nails done (Oh, yea, I shoulda done that) or just napped (aaahh...sounds good now) So is it nuts that I get excited at the possibility of cramming in all my workouts left in one day instead?! Hmm.
Ok, sorry.
Friday - 30 mile bike OUTSIDE!!, 5k run (OUTSIDE) BRICK!!+ a break for a sandwich and then 1250M swim. I followed day 2 of the plan but had to cut it short...my daughter was hounding me to get to the school auction so I can bid on something for her! :/ I figured I'd done enough in the day that missing half a workout would be fine.
Saturday - Rest day
Sunday - 2 miles on the Mountain Bike pulling babies to the park and a late swim post more family fun. Day 3 of plan with 2650M in!! That's the longest I've ever swam! Also, the plan calls for yards so I feel like a total overachiever! ;) I also wanted to finish off my mileage goal and jumped on the treadmill afterwards for my last 2 miles (brick!). I also wanted to check on my left ankle that I twisted while teaching my 3 year old how to play hopscotch. Seriously, why did I even attempt it with my LEFT leg? Ugh. First jump and it folded like an accordion. I keep forgetting how old I am and how ratchety my joints are. :(
 |
| I forgot how many hours I spent doing this as a kid. |
Good news is the ankle if fine and more so, I hit 95% of my goals!!
Run - 10 miles ---> 10.2! Yay! CHECK!
Bike - 2:15 (time) --->3:15 CHECK! OVER
Swim - 5000M ---> 5600M! CHECK! (OVER - good thing I cut that one one workout short! Ha!)
Strength - at least 1 class ---> barbell strength CHECK!
Yoga - 1 class ---> 15 min UNDER about 45 minutes
Brick - 1 ---> 2! CHECK! OVER
Extra: Sunburn and awesome cycling tan lines.
But look at all the Overs! I think I've over compensated for the yoga I missed out on so I am A-OK with that. Plus, did I mention that I rode tricycles, played with bubbles, waterguns and almost to a fault, hopscotch too?!
It's been a great week, now to plan for the next and up the ante (and remember the sunscreen).
Have a great one and Happy Monday!
Valerie :)
Oh! And congrats to all the awesome runners in Boston today with some serious "wicked" weather especially my awesome friend, Doan. Her 39th marathon and 4th consecutive Boston...and she only started running a few years ago! My inspiration and hero! Way to go all...you guys rock!
P.S. - Thanks to the fine folks at Triathlete Blogger Network for picking up this little space of mine and mentioning it there. So super cool! Welcome all! Go check them out at their site and follow them @ChiTriBloggers. Lots of great information for fellow newbie triathletes and experienced hardcore veterans too. :)
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Sat-itude
What ever you do today, do it with gratitude. Every day is a gift.
Happy Saturday!
Valerie :)
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Let Me Be Your Case Study
You know those people who come to you for advice and after you've given it, they do something completely different? Yea, that was me. To my own advice!
I decided to ignore the "conversioning" tips I was so kind to provide on my prior post on lessening the pain of getting that early morning workout in. It wasn't really on purpose or for the sake of this post but since it turned out the way that it did, I decided to make me an example of what NOT to do. You're welcome.
I didn't let Monday be a rest day because I kept hearing "Never Skip Mondays" in my head. Despite that of course, that only means if you didn't do a dang thing for the last 7 week days, but nonetheless, I did something. I pulled a couple of workouts from the Nike Training Club app and then jumped on my trainer for a heart pumping, sweatfest half hour.
I got in bed knowing that I REALLY needed to get a swim in early in the week. But also knowing that I REALLY didn't wanna (anti-psyching myself out, rule one broken). I also got in bed not knowing where in the heck my swimsuit was (hamper?, workout drawer?, dryer? swimsuit drawer?). Meaning, I have already broke the first two rules of morning get yo butt up readiness! No clue where your gear is? C'mon, lady! I told hubby, "meh, I'll figure it out in the morning" and he teased "I'll get up and run with you" (knowing this will get me off the swimming hook) and within 30 seconds I went from happiness to oh, crap he's totally pulling my leg. :/
I woke up with the alarm and did text my buddy to make sure SHE was getting up for HER swim. Ahem. I had zero motivation to get up and snoozed away. Apparently, she felt the same way because she didn't respond for another hour! Ha! So, the buddy system too, failed.
The whole morning was set in motion in cuckoo mode. Because now, along with all the other morning rush must do's, I have to play catch up and be prepared for the opportunity of a Tuesday workout. Pack a breakfast, lunch and a workout bag (putting together all the gear!) cause...you never know!
So, all this to say: "Do as I say, not as I do!" The tips work, y'all!
Tomorrow: SWIM!! For real.
Have a good one!
Valerie
 |
| Ha! Sorry, I couldn't help myself. Lol! |
I didn't let Monday be a rest day because I kept hearing "Never Skip Mondays" in my head. Despite that of course, that only means if you didn't do a dang thing for the last 7 week days, but nonetheless, I did something. I pulled a couple of workouts from the Nike Training Club app and then jumped on my trainer for a heart pumping, sweatfest half hour.
I got in bed knowing that I REALLY needed to get a swim in early in the week. But also knowing that I REALLY didn't wanna (anti-psyching myself out, rule one broken). I also got in bed not knowing where in the heck my swimsuit was (hamper?, workout drawer?, dryer? swimsuit drawer?). Meaning, I have already broke the first two rules of morning get yo butt up readiness! No clue where your gear is? C'mon, lady! I told hubby, "meh, I'll figure it out in the morning" and he teased "I'll get up and run with you" (knowing this will get me off the swimming hook) and within 30 seconds I went from happiness to oh, crap he's totally pulling my leg. :/
I woke up with the alarm and did text my buddy to make sure SHE was getting up for HER swim. Ahem. I had zero motivation to get up and snoozed away. Apparently, she felt the same way because she didn't respond for another hour! Ha! So, the buddy system too, failed.
The whole morning was set in motion in cuckoo mode. Because now, along with all the other morning rush must do's, I have to play catch up and be prepared for the opportunity of a Tuesday workout. Pack a breakfast, lunch and a workout bag (putting together all the gear!) cause...you never know!
 |
| Kidding! |
So, all this to say: "Do as I say, not as I do!" The tips work, y'all!
Tomorrow: SWIM!! For real.
Have a good one!
Valerie
Monday, March 23, 2015
Vacation and Workout schedules, an ugly but drinkable cocktail.
If you were here for my last update, you may or may have not been betting on whether I'd be getting my workouts in on Spring Break travel south of the border.
Just as suspected, it was not easy to peel myself away from the pool or sand (or my pina colada, for that matter) to get a workout in. I "planned" every night by setting out my workout clothes but those early sunrises and waking babies made it hard to "escape" for a workout. I hate to leave hubby with the chaos when he'd much rather snooze. I figured each day I'd just get away while babies napped but lo and behold, they never napped at the same time. So without further ado, here's how it turned out:
M 1hr bike - do I get credit that the Sunday workout on the bike ended on Monday? Eh, I didn't think so. Travel day so working out was furthest on my priority list.
T 1:10 run - Yea...that didn't happen today either. More rest. :)
W Xtrain - Was going on a full day excursion so decided to head out for yesterday's run. I couldn't get very good service so the MapMyFitness routes I was going to use was unavailable. This meant I was just going to wing it.
 |
| Start of the run, leaving the resort. Breath taking! |
 |
| from atop a hill in the neighborhood |
 |
| Cabo Marina |
 |
| from the fishing pier |
The fresh quesadillas they gave us at the end were devoured within seconds!
TH Rest - Hubby and I took the babies for a stroll through the marina after breakfast and later me and the ladies did a fun Water Aerobics class while the guys played beach volleyball. We finished first so I decided to take what ended up being a loooooong walk on the inclined soft sand beach to the rocks and back while holding my 18 month old and towels. If yesterday didn't qualify for Xtrain, today topped it off!! What was I thinking? I mapped it out and it was about a mile and half (that kid's about 30lbs!) No wonder I was pooped! I love the ocean and the sound of the waves so really, I was in my happy place. I even got some great photos to last me a lifetime thanks to my oldest daughter. :)
F 1hr run - travel day followed by unpacking and laundry. Fun! :/
S 1 - 1 1/2hr bike Oh, Houston. We were welcomed with gloomy, rainy weather ALL. DAY. LONG. Booohoooo!!! We took the babies to a birthday party early in the day and the girls to see Cinderella at the movies later in the day. That's all I could muster. I felt a sinus infection (thanks Houston allergies) coming on so thought better of jumping on the bike.
S Rest Making breakfast, cleaning, laundry and housework should be considered a workout. Ugh. Happy homemaker I am not but it must be done. Also, I casually looked at my calendar and like a smack upside the head, came the realization that I have my first sprint tri NEXT WEEKEND!? Wha? How did that slip my mind? Good grief! So, in a panic, I'm thinking I MUST get a workout in today!! I had to get back before the Real Madrid/Barcelona game so hubby could watch uninterrupted but who knew I'd get to the park and have to untangle my chain and put it back on my bike?! Ugh...just call me a grease monkey. On wheels. I got it fixed and jumped on for a 20 mile ride and 20 minutes late. Oops!
I was so grateful the weather cleared up because riding indoors seemed like punishment. Houston apologetically gifted me with the first sign of Spring on this beautiful day...bluebonnets!!
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| Warm Texas homecoming...bluebonnet sighting! |
So this week entailed about 11 hours of training but since I have the sprint on Saturday, I am just going to try to keep myself in check so I'm not at burnout by race day. I'll flip the weeks and train more next week. I'll plan on doing some light workouts in each of the disciplines and work on getting the gear ready and my nerves in check. My friend told me to just look at it as another workout and forget the "race" aspect of it. This helps because the distances themselves are totally doable. 300/14/3 so what's my problem anyway?
Stay tuned as I post on my first "official" sprint tri experience (and why I'm not counting the other I did as official).
Happy back to work Monday!
Valerie
Monday, March 9, 2015
You Have 7 Days, Make Them Count
So did I?
I've mentioned before how I love to write it down as a to-do and cross it off or make notations (iphone calendar & notes just don't cut it for me). Well, I have a sweet new calendar that I unwrapped and am trying really hard to not make it look messy with all the switcheroos. I think though that seeing this pack of pages over the course of time with all my doodles, scratch-outs and notes will be quite telling of my training journey.
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| Thank you Corey!! :) |
3/2 Mon 1:15 bike seated hills - I forgot what the workout was...just remembered required time. I got on late at night after all the kids were in bed and gave it a go. I did some climbs, seated and standing, sprints and 1 leg drills...I figured it was all-encompassing. Went 1:17 and only 11 miles? Turns out the speed sensor was not properly aligned for the first half hour. Sigh. Garmin is still dead so no HRM. I decided on a whim to also casually join in yet another yoga challenge: #JourneytoHandstand because, who doesn't want to master a handstand? I've gotten to the point where I could and then let it all go. It's all core so I thought if I tried this, I would be working muscles I need anyway. I did 3 days worth of the challenge and the last, hand standing for a minute, though supported by the wall, was tough! My shoulders were screaming! Extra time in for the photo ops too. :)
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| #JourneytoHandstand |
After dinner, baths, cleanup and getting everyone to bed, I pull out some small weights and did a series of arm exercises followed by tabata burpees, the yoga challenge and even foam rolled by achy glutes and hammies. Yay!
Not so yay...I was done with all this by midnight which is precisely the time the baby decided to wake up. Cranky. He fell quickly back asleep but I should have known it was a preface to what was to come...he was up at 4am ready to rumble. I brought him to bed in hopes he'd cuddle and fall back asleep but instead, he treated me and my bed like a trampoline and was WIDE AWAKE and wanting to play until about 5:30. When the alarm went off. :/ That's two nights of interrupted rest in a row. Sleep deprived? Uh yea. Let's see how this affects the rest of the week shall we?
3/4 Wed 1st Brick 1:10 bike Z3 Aero/30m run - Hubby's back! Thankfully that means no cooking or working out at near midnight. Got a good 15 miles in on the allotted time and 3 miles on the run. Not fast but I spent the first mile fidgeting with apps and music, good negative split though. He brought home dinner. :)
3/5 Thurs 1200M swim (sets of 100) - Well, made it to pool about 5:45am, Masters class had started (I forgot TH was class day). Rather than interrupt to join a lane when I knew I'd be leaving quickly, I jumped in the other pool. I had been told that it was 25Y and I *thought* (ugh) the wko was 900M. I was thinking I'd swim 1300Y and it should cover me. I wanted to make the 6:30a Hot Yoga class (since hubby is back and I'm so tight and sore everywhere) so rushed through it and asked the instructor on the way out what the length of pool I was swimming in was just to be sure. It is 17 meters, long...or short. Ahhh!!! No wonder it seemed easy. Ugh. So, after doing my math homework
I learned that my 52 lengths were worth only 884M. BOO, so I'm 266M short for the week but got a great yoga class in that included some fun inversions and arm balances! Got to check off the yoga challenge to boot. Whoohoo!
UPDATE!! - The instructor was wrong! Signs are now posted...the "short pool" is 20M! So, I swam 1040M so I went OVER 140M...haha!! (Yes, I am updating this almost 2 months later...feeling redeemed!) :)
3/6 Fri Rest - I really could use it but I rather "rest" on family days (weekends). I have another brick Sunday so running while everyone is in school/work is optimal. But, having the kids in school on a sorta half day of work means me and the hubs can get some one on one time if he doesn't have any meetings or anything pressing at work. I packed my workout bag and brought it to work because THE SUN IS OUT ALL DAY TODAY (albeit bringing 30 degree colder weather with it)! If I can meet all my deadlines at work, get a quick loop at the park on the way home, I'll still get to hang with my babe with time to spare. The sun is "forecasted" to hide tomorrow for the rest of the weekend so...the day must be seized!
3/7 Sat Fast 5k - "Rest" day
3/8 Sun 2nd Brick Swim 45m (250wu 5x100 30' 150cd) Bike 45m (Z2-3 85-100rpm). - big fat workout fail today. Wet, dreary day filled with awful food and adjusting to daylight savings on a sleep deprived week was not the best formula to getting it done today. Never got a chance to leave for the pool, though I didn't try too hard. Had a fun day running around with the family so it's still a win. No regrets. :)
So, I almost made it. I was short 260ish OVER 140 meters but short an hour and a half brick workout, though I added a good hour of hot yoga and handstand work throughout the week.
Next week, make up the missed workouts plus the "plan" and a hot yoga class all while hubby travels. AGAIN.
Happy Monday all! Make your days count!
Valerie
P.S. - I was all packed up for the gym this (Monday) morning hoping get A) 8ish miles on TM B) 1200M Swim C) 8ish miles + 1200M Swim. Alas, rainy morning & daylight savings got me again (and hubby binge watching House of Cards into the wee hours didn't help). Monday morning workout scrapped but all packed up to hit the gym at some point!
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