Some of the Red Ladies have foolishy signed up for the Eurekan Multisport Festival in Eureka Springs, AR in August. It is a three-day event consisting of a short triathlon on Friday, a century bike ride on Saturday and 10K run on Sunday. There are shorter options for the bike ride and the run, but I'm told you are not a Eurekan if you do the shorter distances. I have been to Eureka Springs on many occasions, having grown up a short drive away. It is HILLY. I have big concerns about the century ride, as hills on the bike are not my strong point.
So, Liz, the Red Ladies coach started incorporating training into our workout plans for this event. Today, while the smarter Reds who are not involved in this race, had a mere 45 mile ride, the rest of us had a 70-mile doozy to take care of. Oh, and there is a heat advisory here until next Friday. Ugh.
So, we met at Julie's at the crack o' dawn, 5:30 this morning. The route was nice, challenging in places, relatively flat in places. I felt great until the heat came on around 10:30.We are over 40 miles out by then, but were still looking at another 30 to get through.
My favorite moment was at about mile 54. I had had a few bad moments due to the heat. I started getting a sharp heat headache, as my mom used to call them when I was a kid, and my stomach was bothering me. It had been a little "off" all week, I think mainly due to this beastly heatwave we've had. We were riding through the little town of Bucyrus, which seemed pretty deserted. I spotted an empty building that had big porch on the front and some delicious shade. I stopped there and somehow managed to move my body from the bike to the porch. By the time Jen, Hannah and Julie joined me, I was sprawled out flat on my back, my bike helmet making a nice cushion for my head. The four of us were moaning and groaning about how we just didn't think we could make the full 70 miles in the heat. But, we got our asses off the porch and finished the ride. Woo Hoo!
That was my longest ride to-date and oh my, it was miserably hot. We all continue to make new milestones in our journey to Redman. And, we continue to forge friendships that I believe will stand the test of time. I LOVE this varied group of Red Ladies and don't know what I would do without them. It certainly wouldn't be complete a half IM, as the previous years will attest.
In Liz's words, Onward and Upward!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
71 Days Till Redman
I'm happy to report that the open water swimming is going well. I've been out to various venues several times now and have gotten very comfortable. I even enjoy it! Who'd a thunk?? I did buy a speed suit and part of my mind believes that it gives me the tiniest bit of buoyancy. I don't know if it does or doesn't and I don't care. It's USAT and WTC legal, so if it my new security blanket, so be it.
My next race is WIN for KC on July 30th. It's a 500-meter swim, 10-mile bike and 5K run. I'm still a little anxious about it, but there is absolutely no reason that I can't complete that swim. I did six consecutive laps at Shawnee Mission Park Thursday night, which is more than twice the distance I need to go. I've even signed up for an Olympic distance tri over Labor Day weekend. Nothing thumbs one's nose at turning fifty than doing a 5150 on one's birthday weekend. :)
Tomorrow, I am meeting the group at 5:30 a.m. to ride 70 miles. I foolishly signed up for a three-day event in Eureka Springs, AR, which includes a very short triathlon, a Century ride and a 10K run. Doing a Century ride has been on the bucket list, but I didn't really intend to do my first one in Eureka Springs. It will be hilly, hilly, hilly and I'm not even sure if I can finish 100 miles at this point.
I guess I'll be testing the old adage, "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger.
My next race is WIN for KC on July 30th. It's a 500-meter swim, 10-mile bike and 5K run. I'm still a little anxious about it, but there is absolutely no reason that I can't complete that swim. I did six consecutive laps at Shawnee Mission Park Thursday night, which is more than twice the distance I need to go. I've even signed up for an Olympic distance tri over Labor Day weekend. Nothing thumbs one's nose at turning fifty than doing a 5150 on one's birthday weekend. :)
Tomorrow, I am meeting the group at 5:30 a.m. to ride 70 miles. I foolishly signed up for a three-day event in Eureka Springs, AR, which includes a very short triathlon, a Century ride and a 10K run. Doing a Century ride has been on the bucket list, but I didn't really intend to do my first one in Eureka Springs. It will be hilly, hilly, hilly and I'm not even sure if I can finish 100 miles at this point.
I guess I'll be testing the old adage, "what doesn't kill you will make you stronger.
Friday, July 8, 2011
More Swimmmm
This week was my first attempt to swim at Shawnee Mission Park "naked." No, not literally naked, but without my wetsuit. And, not really even naked at that. I had to send the first speed suit back to Xterra becasue they had sent a full length one instead of the short one and it just coincidentally arrived at my house before I left for the park.
The speed suit is made of a very thin, stretchy rubbery-feeling material. I had read on various sites that even though they are very thin, they still provide a tiny bit of buoyancy. Intellectually, I can't really understand how they would...they are so very thin. However, whether it was a psychological thing or not, I did feel that it helped me float a little better. Regardless of real or imagined, I DON'T care! They are legal for triathlons.
I was ecstatic that I swam a good 1200 yards out there Thursday. I was relaxed and in the moment and even enjoying the swim. It gave my confidence an huge boost.I know now that I will be able to do the WIN for KC women's triathlon in three weeks, which is nice since it cost almost $90 to enter.
Tomorrow, I'm meeting Bea at her in-laws to do a mock tri. It's just going to be the two of us, so I hope that I don't do something stupid and end up scaring myself, thus undoing all my new progress. But, I still need all the open water practice I can squeeze in.
After I see how tomorrow goes, I may sign up for the HyVee 50150 (fifty-one fifty, which is how many yards the Olympic distance consists of). It's a big deal race because it has a pro component to it. It's Labor Day weekend and in Des Moines...my Oly race before Redman.
I am so excited about my swim progress. I just may be a triathlete yet!
The speed suit is made of a very thin, stretchy rubbery-feeling material. I had read on various sites that even though they are very thin, they still provide a tiny bit of buoyancy. Intellectually, I can't really understand how they would...they are so very thin. However, whether it was a psychological thing or not, I did feel that it helped me float a little better. Regardless of real or imagined, I DON'T care! They are legal for triathlons.
I was ecstatic that I swam a good 1200 yards out there Thursday. I was relaxed and in the moment and even enjoying the swim. It gave my confidence an huge boost.I know now that I will be able to do the WIN for KC women's triathlon in three weeks, which is nice since it cost almost $90 to enter.
Tomorrow, I'm meeting Bea at her in-laws to do a mock tri. It's just going to be the two of us, so I hope that I don't do something stupid and end up scaring myself, thus undoing all my new progress. But, I still need all the open water practice I can squeeze in.
After I see how tomorrow goes, I may sign up for the HyVee 50150 (fifty-one fifty, which is how many yards the Olympic distance consists of). It's a big deal race because it has a pro component to it. It's Labor Day weekend and in Des Moines...my Oly race before Redman.
I am so excited about my swim progress. I just may be a triathlete yet!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Heat Wave
The dog days of summer have arrived with a vengence. I went out with some fellow Red Ladies this morning at the crack of dawn to do our long ride. By the time we finished our 49 miles, we were feeling the heat. Ugh. Now, to repeat the process tomorrow morning as I meet Marcela at 6:00 a.m. to run our scheduled 11 miles. I had thought about doing the Lenexa Freedom Run on Monday, but I am ready for one day of sleeping in!
Along with the heat rising, I'm finding my entusiasm flagging. So, I polled the gals this week, asking them how they were keeping their motivation going through what is becoming to me, some drudgery to get through the training. There was a grueling group track workout on Wednesday night, which I had skipped, partly because I had an invitation to get together for happy hour with a former co-worker I had not seen in a while and partly because I just didn't want to do it.
Me: "Are any of you finding that this training schedule is starting to feel a bit like a monotonous grind? We've been hard at it for six months (and some of us that started with the fall base camp, it's been longer than that). My motivation is flagging. I can feel accomplished one week that I got the workouts in only to face another week of more of the same (or even MORE of more of the same).
What are you all doing to keep your heads focused on the goal? Is it just me?
Still I slog on. But I would like to instill some of the excitement I felt three months ago once again. I'd love to hear your thoughts."
I got some of the most amazing answers.
From Julie, "I, too go through lows. But when I attend a group workout it seems as though there is much energy from the group, even though there are many complaining about weather, Matilda workouts etc.... Even with complaints there is a positive energy from you all. Yesterday I looked at Robbin who was out in the heat and fighting her worst discipline (running) and thought WOW she is working really hard, it sucked, but she was trying. So seeing her busting butt just gave me more inspiration to continue. There are little things that keep me positive, like now I can ride up hills that last year I could not or had to pull over to rest. Or running the HH never stopping except for walking the water stations and one time I could not open my wrapper. You know me I hate running and stop all the time because I have bad thoughts.
I think of us as one big family drinking the kool-aid.
Just remember we are ALL doing this. I told Tricia two weeks ago that I wanted to drop out of Red-ladies, because I am feeling soooo bad. So your not the only one that feels bad. Just need to lean on one another, and maybe have more social events. Even if its meeting at McDonald's with the girls so they can bring their kids. "
From Stephanie, "I agree that we need more group workouts. I think the day to day grind of training together with everything we do as women wears us down. We've been at it now awhile. Nothing beats positive female energy. Nothing beats giving each other compliments (thank you Julie). There's never a day that that devil triathlete who sits on my left shoulder tells me to just give up, but then, I think about September 24th coming and going and not having done Redman. When my father died a few years ago, I told myself that I am not going to live life with any regrets. Where will we find such a group of strong motivated funny women to train with again? It really is something special. We've come this far, we go the rest of the way together. Now, Julie, it's time to drink the Kool Aid! Cheers!"
Fron Robbin, " Julie and I were discussing the other day how unique and great this group is, if for no other reason than there is not a diva among us.
I appreciate the kind words Julie- that its the stuff that helps to keep me going, especially when I feel that I have been a total drag on the rest of you. Last night sucked for me, but here I am, heading to the gym to swim 2,000 because quitting for me is just not an option. I want to feel good about myself again, and despite the bad days and homicidal thoughts - this is helping to get me there.
My self-deprication and sarcasm is how I cope, but you are all making it easier to handle the bad days."
From Bea, " I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling like this. I struggle getting the workouts in. I feel like I do really good for a week and then start falling short the following week. I tend to slack quite a bit but then get back on track. I do feel a little burned out at times. I really enjoy the group workouts I just wish I lived closer. I really love this group. There is so much support and positive energy. Seeing all of you at Kansas 70.3 supporting either by email or physically being there gave me so much strength it was really amazing. You guys are one of the reasons I haven't left the group and training. I look forward to the group training and all the daily email from the group. "
From Marcela, "I'm so glad someone told me 'there is this group of women training for Redman!, you should contact Liz'. To think that I was attempting this on my own seems very crazy now!!!
I love the group workouts, and I'm all for more of them! I like collective sweating (yes, Steph, even inside my eyes!! that stings, doesn't it? we need headbands! RED ones!!).
I also love the support and the good vibes. It had never ocurred to me, but Robin is right when she says there are no divas in our group. That's really nice!
So, let's keep going upward and onward!!! 86 days left!!!"
The thing about triathlon is that most people (and I would even hazard a guess that no one) excels at all three aspects of this sport. We each have a weak area or two or THREE that is harder than another. This group is no different. Some are best at swimming, some biking, some running. We each have our strengths and are ready to be there for someone else who is deficient.
This is an amazing group of women that I've come to admire and appreciate from the soles of my feet. We have come together as mostly strangers and bonded in ways that is not always common among groups of women. I've received an outpouring of support in my swimming endeavors, as well. Just reading over these comments make my eyes tear up a little.
Like Robbin says, Quitting is just not an option! Slog on!
(And, thank God for wetsuits that will keep me afloat at Redman.)
I am honored to count myself among these incredible Red Ladies!
Along with the heat rising, I'm finding my entusiasm flagging. So, I polled the gals this week, asking them how they were keeping their motivation going through what is becoming to me, some drudgery to get through the training. There was a grueling group track workout on Wednesday night, which I had skipped, partly because I had an invitation to get together for happy hour with a former co-worker I had not seen in a while and partly because I just didn't want to do it.
Me: "Are any of you finding that this training schedule is starting to feel a bit like a monotonous grind? We've been hard at it for six months (and some of us that started with the fall base camp, it's been longer than that). My motivation is flagging. I can feel accomplished one week that I got the workouts in only to face another week of more of the same (or even MORE of more of the same).
What are you all doing to keep your heads focused on the goal? Is it just me?
Still I slog on. But I would like to instill some of the excitement I felt three months ago once again. I'd love to hear your thoughts."
I got some of the most amazing answers.
From Julie, "I, too go through lows. But when I attend a group workout it seems as though there is much energy from the group, even though there are many complaining about weather, Matilda workouts etc.... Even with complaints there is a positive energy from you all. Yesterday I looked at Robbin who was out in the heat and fighting her worst discipline (running) and thought WOW she is working really hard, it sucked, but she was trying. So seeing her busting butt just gave me more inspiration to continue. There are little things that keep me positive, like now I can ride up hills that last year I could not or had to pull over to rest. Or running the HH never stopping except for walking the water stations and one time I could not open my wrapper. You know me I hate running and stop all the time because I have bad thoughts.
I think of us as one big family drinking the kool-aid.
Just remember we are ALL doing this. I told Tricia two weeks ago that I wanted to drop out of Red-ladies, because I am feeling soooo bad. So your not the only one that feels bad. Just need to lean on one another, and maybe have more social events. Even if its meeting at McDonald's with the girls so they can bring their kids. "
From Stephanie, "I agree that we need more group workouts. I think the day to day grind of training together with everything we do as women wears us down. We've been at it now awhile. Nothing beats positive female energy. Nothing beats giving each other compliments (thank you Julie). There's never a day that that devil triathlete who sits on my left shoulder tells me to just give up, but then, I think about September 24th coming and going and not having done Redman. When my father died a few years ago, I told myself that I am not going to live life with any regrets. Where will we find such a group of strong motivated funny women to train with again? It really is something special. We've come this far, we go the rest of the way together. Now, Julie, it's time to drink the Kool Aid! Cheers!"
Fron Robbin, " Julie and I were discussing the other day how unique and great this group is, if for no other reason than there is not a diva among us.
I appreciate the kind words Julie- that its the stuff that helps to keep me going, especially when I feel that I have been a total drag on the rest of you. Last night sucked for me, but here I am, heading to the gym to swim 2,000 because quitting for me is just not an option. I want to feel good about myself again, and despite the bad days and homicidal thoughts - this is helping to get me there.
My self-deprication and sarcasm is how I cope, but you are all making it easier to handle the bad days."
From Bea, " I'm glad I'm not the only one feeling like this. I struggle getting the workouts in. I feel like I do really good for a week and then start falling short the following week. I tend to slack quite a bit but then get back on track. I do feel a little burned out at times. I really enjoy the group workouts I just wish I lived closer. I really love this group. There is so much support and positive energy. Seeing all of you at Kansas 70.3 supporting either by email or physically being there gave me so much strength it was really amazing. You guys are one of the reasons I haven't left the group and training. I look forward to the group training and all the daily email from the group. "
From Marcela, "I'm so glad someone told me 'there is this group of women training for Redman!, you should contact Liz'. To think that I was attempting this on my own seems very crazy now!!!
I love the group workouts, and I'm all for more of them! I like collective sweating (yes, Steph, even inside my eyes!! that stings, doesn't it? we need headbands! RED ones!!).
I also love the support and the good vibes. It had never ocurred to me, but Robin is right when she says there are no divas in our group. That's really nice!
So, let's keep going upward and onward!!! 86 days left!!!"
The thing about triathlon is that most people (and I would even hazard a guess that no one) excels at all three aspects of this sport. We each have a weak area or two or THREE that is harder than another. This group is no different. Some are best at swimming, some biking, some running. We each have our strengths and are ready to be there for someone else who is deficient.
This is an amazing group of women that I've come to admire and appreciate from the soles of my feet. We have come together as mostly strangers and bonded in ways that is not always common among groups of women. I've received an outpouring of support in my swimming endeavors, as well. Just reading over these comments make my eyes tear up a little.
Like Robbin says, Quitting is just not an option! Slog on!
(And, thank God for wetsuits that will keep me afloat at Redman.)
I am honored to count myself among these incredible Red Ladies!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tires
My last couple of rides have not been as fast as I think they should have been, so I got to thinking...I wonder if the tire pressure would affect my speed. If I apply the same logic as how gas mileage suffers on my car if my tire pressure is not correct, it stands to reason, that if my bike tires were also a little on the low side, they would not turn as efficiently.
My pump is an old one that I got back in the 90's. It's hard to use and I can't seem to get the tires pumped up past 100 psi. Maybe it's time for a new pump...what's another $50 or so on this sport? LOL
I need to remember to sign up for Redman tomorrow, as it is the last day before the rates go up! Eeek...hope it is not a wasted $225.
My pump is an old one that I got back in the 90's. It's hard to use and I can't seem to get the tires pumped up past 100 psi. Maybe it's time for a new pump...what's another $50 or so on this sport? LOL
I need to remember to sign up for Redman tomorrow, as it is the last day before the rates go up! Eeek...hope it is not a wasted $225.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Progress & Redemption
I've had many days now to reflect on my failure at Tinman. When I look back, I am amazed and somewhat appalled that I didn't complete the swim at that race. Intellectually, the distance was so much shorter than all of my current workouts. Even visually, when I looked over the water, it didn't look daunting.
So, I try to look at it as a learning experience, not that it was the 2nd race I've ever DNF'ed. I went back to Shawnee Mission Park last week and swam with Bea. If was slooooow and steady. I focused on my breathing. And, I was fine.
Thursday, I intended to go to Master's class at Prairie Village pool. With the coming race on Sunday, I thought a pool workout in 50 meter swim lanes would be good practice. Lo and behold, there was a swim meet that night and the pool was closed. Dang! So much for the best laid plans. I then drove down to Leawood pool to just swim in the 50 meter lanes. Can you believe they were doing a swim meet as well? It was too late to go to UMKC, so I was destined to swim at 24-Hour Fitness.
In spite of it all, it was a great 2,000 yard workout. I went down to Joplin and did the Summer Roundup tri, a great beginner's tri with a pool swim. The 500 meters were done before I hardly knew it. The race was great and I even won my age group!
So, that brings me to tonight. Marcela and I went to Kill Creek in Olathe and swam around the 500-yard course they have set up there -- 3 times. Not a single moment of anxiety. Complete control of my breath. I think that my gut has finally caught up with my head in believing that my wetsuit will keep me afloat, which is another huge stroke forward! Now, to start swimming naket (without the wetsuit security blanky, so I can do WIN for KC tri.
So, I try to look at it as a learning experience, not that it was the 2nd race I've ever DNF'ed. I went back to Shawnee Mission Park last week and swam with Bea. If was slooooow and steady. I focused on my breathing. And, I was fine.
Thursday, I intended to go to Master's class at Prairie Village pool. With the coming race on Sunday, I thought a pool workout in 50 meter swim lanes would be good practice. Lo and behold, there was a swim meet that night and the pool was closed. Dang! So much for the best laid plans. I then drove down to Leawood pool to just swim in the 50 meter lanes. Can you believe they were doing a swim meet as well? It was too late to go to UMKC, so I was destined to swim at 24-Hour Fitness.
In spite of it all, it was a great 2,000 yard workout. I went down to Joplin and did the Summer Roundup tri, a great beginner's tri with a pool swim. The 500 meters were done before I hardly knew it. The race was great and I even won my age group!
So, that brings me to tonight. Marcela and I went to Kill Creek in Olathe and swam around the 500-yard course they have set up there -- 3 times. Not a single moment of anxiety. Complete control of my breath. I think that my gut has finally caught up with my head in believing that my wetsuit will keep me afloat, which is another huge stroke forward! Now, to start swimming naket (without the wetsuit security blanky, so I can do WIN for KC tri.
DNF
Well.
My first attempt at a triathlon with a lake swim did not go so well. Topeka Tinman. 400 meter swim in Lake Shawnee. Kaput.
A storm had come through Friday night, but the cold front brought the temps down to a very pleasant level. It also brought the water temperature down to 74 degrees, well below the wetsuit-legal threshold. I looked out over the swim course, and felt that it was doable. No sweat.
When it time for my age group wave to start, I had a few butterflies, but no fear. I felt confident that I would be able to do the swim. I started in the back of pack, walked calmly into the water and started off. Stroke, breathe, stroke, breathe, I can do this, breathe, I can do this, breathe. The gal behind me bumped my legs a few time, but I was still, stroke, breathe, stroke, breathe. I was thinking to myself, hey! I might be the last one out of the water!
But,, as I've found before, in open water, I'm fine until I'm not. I paused as I got almost to the second buoy and my heart rate immediately shot up, along with my breathing, almost to the point of hyperventilating. I stopped and rested on the lifeguard's floaty thing, but still couldn't get my breathing back under control. Ultimately, I just wanted out of the water, and I bailed.
So, disappointing. The conditions were perfect. It was a short swim. Wetsuit legal. All the elements were there for me to succeed. I had felt good that day, ready to race. I got a whole 200 yds. After I had sat on the boat for 3 minutes, I was ready to try again, but at that point, it was too late. I had gotten out of the water.
After much analysis, the Red Lady gals there thought I was starting out too fast. I didn't think I was going that fast, but I do know that I started out in the back and was soon in the middle of the pack. I also had in the back of mind that I wanted to get out of the water as soon as I could, so I'm sure that sped up my stroke.
So, I've been polling some experienced triathletes and my swim coach as to suggestions on how to obtain some level of comfort in the water. Leslie provided a great article from Triathlete magazine and Sara gave me some similar tips. My goal now is to go out and swim very slowly and see if that helps. Kimmie B, was extremely encouraging because swimming is her innter demon, too, but she has been able to overcome and finish several IM distance races.
My first attempt at a triathlon with a lake swim did not go so well. Topeka Tinman. 400 meter swim in Lake Shawnee. Kaput.
A storm had come through Friday night, but the cold front brought the temps down to a very pleasant level. It also brought the water temperature down to 74 degrees, well below the wetsuit-legal threshold. I looked out over the swim course, and felt that it was doable. No sweat.
When it time for my age group wave to start, I had a few butterflies, but no fear. I felt confident that I would be able to do the swim. I started in the back of pack, walked calmly into the water and started off. Stroke, breathe, stroke, breathe, I can do this, breathe, I can do this, breathe. The gal behind me bumped my legs a few time, but I was still, stroke, breathe, stroke, breathe. I was thinking to myself, hey! I might be the last one out of the water!
But,, as I've found before, in open water, I'm fine until I'm not. I paused as I got almost to the second buoy and my heart rate immediately shot up, along with my breathing, almost to the point of hyperventilating. I stopped and rested on the lifeguard's floaty thing, but still couldn't get my breathing back under control. Ultimately, I just wanted out of the water, and I bailed.
So, disappointing. The conditions were perfect. It was a short swim. Wetsuit legal. All the elements were there for me to succeed. I had felt good that day, ready to race. I got a whole 200 yds. After I had sat on the boat for 3 minutes, I was ready to try again, but at that point, it was too late. I had gotten out of the water.
After much analysis, the Red Lady gals there thought I was starting out too fast. I didn't think I was going that fast, but I do know that I started out in the back and was soon in the middle of the pack. I also had in the back of mind that I wanted to get out of the water as soon as I could, so I'm sure that sped up my stroke.
So, I've been polling some experienced triathletes and my swim coach as to suggestions on how to obtain some level of comfort in the water. Leslie provided a great article from Triathlete magazine and Sara gave me some similar tips. My goal now is to go out and swim very slowly and see if that helps. Kimmie B, was extremely encouraging because swimming is her innter demon, too, but she has been able to overcome and finish several IM distance races.
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