Swim training is one of my favorite disciplines especially right now given the weather in Texas. It’s a great time to let your body work and your mind float right along. Here are some tips that have come to mind while cruising through open water swims:
When you come across a snake think of yourself driving on the road. Let the serpent have the right of way then increase your speed after it passes you.
Look ahead of you at least every 10 strokes. This will help in preventing head on collisions with water debris, fellow swimmers or better yet the boater who thinks you might be that one big catch.
Don’t carry your cell phone with you in the water. Besides, do you really know anyone who can swim and text at the same time?
Make sure there are others with you in the water. That way, you can compare your fabulous after lake scent plus being with others is safer and a lot more fun.
Feeling kinda dull or lacking in personality? Slap on a hot pink swim cap and accessorize. A bit of bling while you do your thing always causes a stir.
Avoid swallowing the water. This will prevent your future offspring from looking like an alien.
Remember where you started. It’s really a pain to locate your shoes and towel if you forget where you started. Then again, it’s also kinda funny moving a friend’s stuff up a few yards. The look of confusion of your fellow swimmer is very entertaining...not that I have ever done that before.
Consider modesty. We really don’t want to see your body parts as you change after the swim. Keep 'em guessing is my thought.
Finally, respect the lake. Mother nature does not want your empty goo packs or plastic bottles left laying on the ground. She did not and has no future plans to use them. So keep your lake clean and pick up after yourself.
Happy swimming and training….and as always, talk to ya next week!
Janet
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Journey to a Texas Ironman
Shiny Disco balls.....
And a day it was for the 6th annual Disco Sprint Triathlon at Lake Ray Roberts. I absolutely love this race. We had a nice challenge today and that was the heat. Whew! The song in my head throughout the course was Burn Baby Burn...Disco Inferno!
Originally the teen of our household and her friend were to come along and cheer however when they realized they would have to be up before noon, cheering was no longer appealing. I sort of wanted to stay in the cool house myself then again it was Disco and ya just gotta be there!
Prepping for a sprint is a snap. The night before, I have all of my race day items layed out in strategic order. I find what I am missing and what I really don’t need for this distance. I thought I was done then it dawned on me, I guess cycling shoes would be nice to have for the bike portion of the race.
Race morning was perfect. The lake was so calm and beautiful. I took a moment to enjoy the peace when suddenly to my left was a racer in all out 70’s gear. So much for the calm moments, life now became Disco.
I love watching the age groups hit the open water one coordinated cap color at a time. The lake's water temperature was like bath water and calm. Typically I stay in the back of the pack however this year I thought I would move up a bit. Glad I did –swim time improved and I learned to deal with flying legs and arms propelling toward my face.
Transition was pretty good and I really had fun on the bike. I can tell hill training is paying off as much as I detest hills on a bike in 100+ heat. During the run, I was in Ms. Social mode just talking away. I met a participant who is racing for the first time after dealing with thyroid cancer. We jogged a bit together to the first water stop. I was in awe and tipped my visor to him. I then met a lot of local runners in the area I had not seen in awhile. After many "hello" and "nice to see you" comments, I figured I better stop goofing off and finish the event.
After the race I met some more folks and joked with a friend who seems to receive awards at every race. I told Jim I would need to find a race with two ladies in my age group to ever place as I have never won any races. We laughed and I move on to pack up and walk Celeste (that’s my bike’s name) to the car with my husband.
Heading to the parking lot after the race I receive a phone call. My friend Diesel tells me to stop what I am doing and he has my plaque. I told him to stop goofing off then he tells me he won first place in his age division. I am elated for him! After waiting a few minutes, he rolls up and hands me an award with all smiles. Guess what? I finally got that 1st place.
The next race is a half ironman in September. It is the Inaugural Branson 70.3 in Branson Mo. So here we go to prepare for Branson! Talk to you next week!
Janet
And a day it was for the 6th annual Disco Sprint Triathlon at Lake Ray Roberts. I absolutely love this race. We had a nice challenge today and that was the heat. Whew! The song in my head throughout the course was Burn Baby Burn...Disco Inferno!
Originally the teen of our household and her friend were to come along and cheer however when they realized they would have to be up before noon, cheering was no longer appealing. I sort of wanted to stay in the cool house myself then again it was Disco and ya just gotta be there!
Prepping for a sprint is a snap. The night before, I have all of my race day items layed out in strategic order. I find what I am missing and what I really don’t need for this distance. I thought I was done then it dawned on me, I guess cycling shoes would be nice to have for the bike portion of the race.
Race morning was perfect. The lake was so calm and beautiful. I took a moment to enjoy the peace when suddenly to my left was a racer in all out 70’s gear. So much for the calm moments, life now became Disco.
I love watching the age groups hit the open water one coordinated cap color at a time. The lake's water temperature was like bath water and calm. Typically I stay in the back of the pack however this year I thought I would move up a bit. Glad I did –swim time improved and I learned to deal with flying legs and arms propelling toward my face.
Transition was pretty good and I really had fun on the bike. I can tell hill training is paying off as much as I detest hills on a bike in 100+ heat. During the run, I was in Ms. Social mode just talking away. I met a participant who is racing for the first time after dealing with thyroid cancer. We jogged a bit together to the first water stop. I was in awe and tipped my visor to him. I then met a lot of local runners in the area I had not seen in awhile. After many "hello" and "nice to see you" comments, I figured I better stop goofing off and finish the event.
After the race I met some more folks and joked with a friend who seems to receive awards at every race. I told Jim I would need to find a race with two ladies in my age group to ever place as I have never won any races. We laughed and I move on to pack up and walk Celeste (that’s my bike’s name) to the car with my husband.
Heading to the parking lot after the race I receive a phone call. My friend Diesel tells me to stop what I am doing and he has my plaque. I told him to stop goofing off then he tells me he won first place in his age division. I am elated for him! After waiting a few minutes, he rolls up and hands me an award with all smiles. Guess what? I finally got that 1st place.
The next race is a half ironman in September. It is the Inaugural Branson 70.3 in Branson Mo. So here we go to prepare for Branson! Talk to you next week!
Janet
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Journey to a Texas Ironman
Knowing you make a positive impact on other people’s lives I think is one of the greatest things we can do for each other. Many of our patients have commented to us over the years on our display of medals on the practice walls for half and full marathons. The walls then gained new medals for triathlon sprint, olympic and now half ironman distances. Hearing frequent visitors stop in and say, I was looking at all of the medals on the wall so I:
worked out for the first time in months.
am training for my first 5k.
took my dog for a walk.
eat healthier.
bought new workout shoes.
The comments go on and on.
This past week, a lot of folks were stopping in not only to say hello but to express how proud they were that we are going for the full Iron distance. I was in awe to hear such comments then I caught myself. At one point in my life, I was one of those in awe everytime I met someone who ran a half marathon or full marathon. I thought IronMan athletes were….well…nuts. Fast forward a few years and we became a part of those “nuts”.
The multisport lifestyle changes you. I remember a lifestyle of sleeping in late, with little focus on workouts. Now, I am lucky to sleep past 6:00am on the weekends and could not even think of missing a workout. The body and mind are greatly strengthened by this lifestyle and for that, I am indebited to this group of “nuts”.
This past weeks schedule of workouts was hampered a bit by much needed rain and indoor lap pool closures for various annoying reasons. Considering we can’t change the weather, I finally gave in and let my running shoes get wet in the rain…I know..such a girl.
Hopefully next week we will be back on track weather permitting. Next Sunday is the Disco Triathlon. This is one tri that I enroll in each year mostly because it is so darn fun and entertaining. Can’t wait to tell you all about it…now I have to go find my 70’s wig and get ready to Disco!
Talk to you next week!
Janet
worked out for the first time in months.
am training for my first 5k.
took my dog for a walk.
eat healthier.
bought new workout shoes.
The comments go on and on.
This past week, a lot of folks were stopping in not only to say hello but to express how proud they were that we are going for the full Iron distance. I was in awe to hear such comments then I caught myself. At one point in my life, I was one of those in awe everytime I met someone who ran a half marathon or full marathon. I thought IronMan athletes were….well…nuts. Fast forward a few years and we became a part of those “nuts”.
The multisport lifestyle changes you. I remember a lifestyle of sleeping in late, with little focus on workouts. Now, I am lucky to sleep past 6:00am on the weekends and could not even think of missing a workout. The body and mind are greatly strengthened by this lifestyle and for that, I am indebited to this group of “nuts”.
This past weeks schedule of workouts was hampered a bit by much needed rain and indoor lap pool closures for various annoying reasons. Considering we can’t change the weather, I finally gave in and let my running shoes get wet in the rain…I know..such a girl.
Hopefully next week we will be back on track weather permitting. Next Sunday is the Disco Triathlon. This is one tri that I enroll in each year mostly because it is so darn fun and entertaining. Can’t wait to tell you all about it…now I have to go find my 70’s wig and get ready to Disco!
Talk to you next week!
Janet
Monday, July 5, 2010
Dr. Scholl's Inserts...Deal or Dud?
So is the kiosk in Walmart touting “revolutionary footmapping technology” really a good product? According to their advertising, this technology identifies unique foot pressure points and arch type, then suggests a “Custom Fit Orthotic”.
Where do we begin! Let’s start with the “revolutionary footmapping technology” part. This machine has you step on a computer mat and senses high pressure areas. But it doesn’t know if those high arch feet when standing still collapse like a pancake when walking. So the fancy machine suggests an insert with a high, firm arch. Once that patient starts walking with the large rock like thing in their shoe, and their arch collapses against it with every step, what pain they had before is then replaced with a brand new one!
Let’s move on to the “Custom Fit Orthotic” part. There is nothing “custom fit” about this process. A custom fit would require not only dispensing an orthotic made directly from a mold or 3D impression of both feet, but also a biomechanical exam including gait analysis. This is what allows a patient to wear an orthotic that is made specifically for their foot type AND gait pattern.
There are people who will find these type of OTC inserts comfortable and can have pain relief. But the majority end up in our office with more pain then when they started.
At Healthy Steps, we offer the same footmapping technology, but also combine that with the expert advice from our certified pedorthotist, Janet Dixon. We make sure you are getting the best product for your foot and your lifestyle.
Soapbox...no. Wanting the best possible for our patients...yes.
Where do we begin! Let’s start with the “revolutionary footmapping technology” part. This machine has you step on a computer mat and senses high pressure areas. But it doesn’t know if those high arch feet when standing still collapse like a pancake when walking. So the fancy machine suggests an insert with a high, firm arch. Once that patient starts walking with the large rock like thing in their shoe, and their arch collapses against it with every step, what pain they had before is then replaced with a brand new one!
Let’s move on to the “Custom Fit Orthotic” part. There is nothing “custom fit” about this process. A custom fit would require not only dispensing an orthotic made directly from a mold or 3D impression of both feet, but also a biomechanical exam including gait analysis. This is what allows a patient to wear an orthotic that is made specifically for their foot type AND gait pattern.
There are people who will find these type of OTC inserts comfortable and can have pain relief. But the majority end up in our office with more pain then when they started.
At Healthy Steps, we offer the same footmapping technology, but also combine that with the expert advice from our certified pedorthotist, Janet Dixon. We make sure you are getting the best product for your foot and your lifestyle.
Soapbox...no. Wanting the best possible for our patients...yes.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Journey to a Texas IronMan
So we are over the shock of enrolling for the race, now it’s time to get down to business.
During one of our training rides, someone who shall remain nameless for now…and it was not me, started the cycling out great. At one point, I checked to see we are still in a group and notice we are down one. Turning around, we head back and low and behold only twenty minutes into the ride, we have a flat tire. Puzzled we stare at each other and think jeez – we have not dealt with this in any race or ride. So who knows how to change a tire? We did not.
Naturally we turn to the male rider of the group and stare which in turn he stares back hinting he is not about to change the tire and we are going to have to change this tire ourselves. Better yet, it’s not my bike so I immediately offer to hold the bike while the tire is changed. I am a smart one I tell you.
After all is said and done, we have one person with more grease on the hands and legs than on the bike and one successful tire change.
Toward the end of our three hour ride, we encountered grasshoppers on the road. I don’t know how this happened and I am sure the grasshopper is still trying to figure this out but the little guy flew at me landing through the air vent of my helmet and on to my head. So I found out the brakes on my bike work quite well and I have definetly improved my helmet removal time which ought to cut time in transition. After flicking the little guy out of my hair, the helmet was back on and off we go to finish the ride.
The rest of the week was typical for training. One morning of open water swimming equaling just over a mile, two evenings of indoor pool workouts, and mix in some running and cycling. I typically have one day off a week from training and that day is Friday.
As far as dietary changes, I gave up soda over a month ago and drink –A LOT- of water. I am trying to make small improvements in my diet over time rather than a shock and awe campain. I even gave up chocolate…I mourned that loss for a good week or so.
So that’s it for this week. By the way….check out this pic – Dr. Crane changed the tire….grease and all.
During one of our training rides, someone who shall remain nameless for now…and it was not me, started the cycling out great. At one point, I checked to see we are still in a group and notice we are down one. Turning around, we head back and low and behold only twenty minutes into the ride, we have a flat tire. Puzzled we stare at each other and think jeez – we have not dealt with this in any race or ride. So who knows how to change a tire? We did not.
Naturally we turn to the male rider of the group and stare which in turn he stares back hinting he is not about to change the tire and we are going to have to change this tire ourselves. Better yet, it’s not my bike so I immediately offer to hold the bike while the tire is changed. I am a smart one I tell you.
After all is said and done, we have one person with more grease on the hands and legs than on the bike and one successful tire change.
Toward the end of our three hour ride, we encountered grasshoppers on the road. I don’t know how this happened and I am sure the grasshopper is still trying to figure this out but the little guy flew at me landing through the air vent of my helmet and on to my head. So I found out the brakes on my bike work quite well and I have definetly improved my helmet removal time which ought to cut time in transition. After flicking the little guy out of my hair, the helmet was back on and off we go to finish the ride.
The rest of the week was typical for training. One morning of open water swimming equaling just over a mile, two evenings of indoor pool workouts, and mix in some running and cycling. I typically have one day off a week from training and that day is Friday.
As far as dietary changes, I gave up soda over a month ago and drink –A LOT- of water. I am trying to make small improvements in my diet over time rather than a shock and awe campain. I even gave up chocolate…I mourned that loss for a good week or so.
So that’s it for this week. By the way….check out this pic – Dr. Crane changed the tire….grease and all.
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