Hi Everyone,
Seven weeks to go until the big day. Many may think that is a long time. For me, all I say is –wow-. This bad boy of a race will be here in no time at all.
Another week off from running and the foot is glad to have had the recovery time. It’s hard not to run however it is the smart thing to do right now. At this point, it looks like a walk/run for the 26.2 portion of the race. It's not exactly what I had hoped for however it beats the alternative of not racing at all.
So what’s a girl to do in lieu of fretting about not being able to run? Shop of course! Oh come now, it has been awhile since I last purchased anything for this sport so cut me some slack. I must say, it is a guilty pleasure of mine to click away online researching and finding the best price on the desired jewels..err accessories for the big day.
The first item purchased was a new aero helmet. I recently found a crack in my current aero helmet and knew that was not going to fly should I fall down and go boom. I am not sure what or who caused the damage and I have a distinct feeling there will not be any hands raised in the house to fess up to the crime. After looking at everything from style to weight to features to color, the helmet was purchased. I am now the happy owner of a Louis Garneau Vorttice helmet. Everyone join me and say oohhh......ahhh.
This helmet has an excellent ventilation system to keep you cooler than other helmets on the market. It also has a shield you can attach so instead of messing with glasses, the shield protects your eyes and allows a wider range of vision. The helmet even has dimples to make you “more aero”. Basically, what that means is Celeste the super tri bike has yet another item besides myself to carry that has dimples.
Next, after quite a few years, my Garmin Edge 305 that was mounted on Celeste finally bit the dust. After countless hours season after season and being dropped on the ground a handful of times, it was time to replace. I had in my mind for the last year or so that I really wanted an all inclusive watch to cover the swim, bike and run and know how to actually use the device. I narrowed my decision between two devices, the Garmin 310xt and the Timex Global Trainer GPS Ironman watch.
The winner is the Timex. It was a hard decision especially after being a Garmin user. I am still getting used to operating the watch and have really gotten to know the owner's manual quite well.
Lastly, I need a new tri suit. This one has been tough and I am still reviewing ideas. There is a lot of new technology out there in fabrics and the gear has to be right on race day. After the apparel purchase, that should cover all expenditures for the race. Now if you believe that statement, oh buddy......
Talk to ya next week,
Janet
Friday, March 25, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
11 Reasons Pool Running Doesn't Suck!
As a sports medicine podiatrist, I often encourage injured athletes to cross train and keep up their cardio fitness during their “rest period”. Pool running can be very helpful, but is frowned on as extremely boring and down right tedious by most runners and triathletes alike.
I also had to enter the conversation in our series “The Journey to Texas Ironman” with a shout out to everyone who has a little ache or pain in their foot or ,God forbid, a stress fracture, but still wants to join us at the starting line of the Texas Ironman in May. This was taken and liberally adapted from an article in the December 2010 issue of Triathlete magazine:
11 Reasons Pool Running Doesn't Suck
Completely stolen and altered from Holly Bennett, please forgive me….
1. It gives the barefoot movement a whole new angle -- and spares the wear and tear on your running kicks. Better than a pair of Vibrams!
2. You earn sympathetic looks from the cute boy-toy lifeguards. And at 40+, let’s face it – we like to look and dream, but would have a heart attack if they were serious!
3. Until now you thought breastroke was the slowest way you could possibly travel from one end of the pool to the other. Or my pathetic looking side stroke!
4. Hello, six-pack! Water running recruits those pesky, oft-neglected core muscles. Even your arms will exhibit extra buffness, strengthening with the resistance of the water. Let’s face it; most of us girls would be happy with a two pack after 4 pregnancies’!
5. If ever you long for a surrogate granny, there are plenty of gentle, smiling faces in the therapeutic lap lane. And most of them are my patients!
6. From your vertical vantage point, you can observe, admire and critique the swim strokes of the nearby lap swimmers. Maybe you'll learn something. And often times, you will realize your stroke is not so bad!
7. There are no rocks, stumps, curbs or other obstacles in the pool. In the water, you're no longer a danger to yourself. You can try running with your eyes closed. (Note: Resist the urge to fall asleep.)
8. One rarely encounters rattlesnakes while pool running. Or any kind of creature commonly seen while we practice open-water swimming on Lake Grapevine. And it’s not 60 degrees!
9. If you hop in immediately following a bike session, you get to call it a "P-run."
10. If you can mentally endure two hours of water running, your next Ironman marathon will feel short. I highly encourage a swim man IPod…..I could never even train for the Ironman swim without it.
11. And of course, the most important reason pool running doesn’t suck: Dr Crane won’t completely bust you when she or Janet passes you on the trail when you are still supposed to be in the walking cast!
Bottom line, pool running really doesn’t suck if you have the right attitude and tunes! Embrace the change and come out of the “rest period” that much stronger so none of us will be carried off by the ambulance come May!
I also had to enter the conversation in our series “The Journey to Texas Ironman” with a shout out to everyone who has a little ache or pain in their foot or ,God forbid, a stress fracture, but still wants to join us at the starting line of the Texas Ironman in May. This was taken and liberally adapted from an article in the December 2010 issue of Triathlete magazine:
11 Reasons Pool Running Doesn't Suck
Completely stolen and altered from Holly Bennett, please forgive me….
1. It gives the barefoot movement a whole new angle -- and spares the wear and tear on your running kicks. Better than a pair of Vibrams!
2. You earn sympathetic looks from the cute boy-toy lifeguards. And at 40+, let’s face it – we like to look and dream, but would have a heart attack if they were serious!
3. Until now you thought breastroke was the slowest way you could possibly travel from one end of the pool to the other. Or my pathetic looking side stroke!
4. Hello, six-pack! Water running recruits those pesky, oft-neglected core muscles. Even your arms will exhibit extra buffness, strengthening with the resistance of the water. Let’s face it; most of us girls would be happy with a two pack after 4 pregnancies’!
5. If ever you long for a surrogate granny, there are plenty of gentle, smiling faces in the therapeutic lap lane. And most of them are my patients!
6. From your vertical vantage point, you can observe, admire and critique the swim strokes of the nearby lap swimmers. Maybe you'll learn something. And often times, you will realize your stroke is not so bad!
7. There are no rocks, stumps, curbs or other obstacles in the pool. In the water, you're no longer a danger to yourself. You can try running with your eyes closed. (Note: Resist the urge to fall asleep.)
8. One rarely encounters rattlesnakes while pool running. Or any kind of creature commonly seen while we practice open-water swimming on Lake Grapevine. And it’s not 60 degrees!
9. If you hop in immediately following a bike session, you get to call it a "P-run."
10. If you can mentally endure two hours of water running, your next Ironman marathon will feel short. I highly encourage a swim man IPod…..I could never even train for the Ironman swim without it.
11. And of course, the most important reason pool running doesn’t suck: Dr Crane won’t completely bust you when she or Janet passes you on the trail when you are still supposed to be in the walking cast!
Bottom line, pool running really doesn’t suck if you have the right attitude and tunes! Embrace the change and come out of the “rest period” that much stronger so none of us will be carried off by the ambulance come May!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The Journey to a Texas IronMan
Hi Everyone!
A myriad of emotions have begun from excitement to confidence to joy, to exhaustion and yes, a bit of fear. The fear is more of the unknown of what will happen on race day. Will there be intolerable wind and humidity, will there be a mechanical on the bike, will my foot fall off during the run or will a big hela monster chew me up in the water? Ok – it’s random then again, you just never know.
Last Sunday at the St. Pat’s tri, Dr. Crane received third place in her age group. She calls it the old lady division which sounds funny, then I realize I am in the same division. The sprint went over very well and many local athletes enjoyed the day. I had to make a tough decision last week of whether to race or not to race. After going back and forth like a tennis ball at the Wimbledon championship, I made the choice to not race and let the foot heal. I knew I made the right decision and the foot is beginning to behave. Hopefully things will turn around in time for the half ironman in Galveston to be held next month. My fingers are crossed I will be able to race. If not, I will continue to train, train, train then have at it on race day at IronMan Texas.
Today’s ride was a beautiful one with gusty winds. There is just no way around the wind this time of year so we deal with it. Dr. Crane rode with me for the first 50 or so miles then I was off to tackle the last 50 on my own. We are on different workout schedules so it’s nice to pair up when we can. The last 50 miles I played a game to see how many songs I could remember from start to finish. I was really happy to remember America the Beautiful and of course of the National Anthem. Move over Christina, I will sing it classic style at the Super bowl anytime.
Toward the end of the 100 mile ride, I thought about how much time is dedicated to the sport and how similar it is to those who dedicate time to other interests in life whether it be home, business, sports, hobbies etc. No matter what, in the midst of all this dedication, we need to remember balance. We need to remember to be as effective as possible during each discipline of our day. I make it a point to work diligently at work then promptly switch to the next discipline whether it be training or home activities at the end of the work day. It’s really tough sometimes and yes, feelings of guilt are had by leaving those couple of items until the next morning. Working or training constantly is not the way it’s supposed to be no matter what tasks are at hand. We owe it to ourselves to balance. This afternoon after a nice nap I planted spring flowers with my husband. It did not involve a swim suit, bike or running shoes. It was as it should be – balanced. Take a minute and look at each day and make sure you balance.
Talk to ya next week,
Janet
A myriad of emotions have begun from excitement to confidence to joy, to exhaustion and yes, a bit of fear. The fear is more of the unknown of what will happen on race day. Will there be intolerable wind and humidity, will there be a mechanical on the bike, will my foot fall off during the run or will a big hela monster chew me up in the water? Ok – it’s random then again, you just never know.
Last Sunday at the St. Pat’s tri, Dr. Crane received third place in her age group. She calls it the old lady division which sounds funny, then I realize I am in the same division. The sprint went over very well and many local athletes enjoyed the day. I had to make a tough decision last week of whether to race or not to race. After going back and forth like a tennis ball at the Wimbledon championship, I made the choice to not race and let the foot heal. I knew I made the right decision and the foot is beginning to behave. Hopefully things will turn around in time for the half ironman in Galveston to be held next month. My fingers are crossed I will be able to race. If not, I will continue to train, train, train then have at it on race day at IronMan Texas.
Today’s ride was a beautiful one with gusty winds. There is just no way around the wind this time of year so we deal with it. Dr. Crane rode with me for the first 50 or so miles then I was off to tackle the last 50 on my own. We are on different workout schedules so it’s nice to pair up when we can. The last 50 miles I played a game to see how many songs I could remember from start to finish. I was really happy to remember America the Beautiful and of course of the National Anthem. Move over Christina, I will sing it classic style at the Super bowl anytime.
Toward the end of the 100 mile ride, I thought about how much time is dedicated to the sport and how similar it is to those who dedicate time to other interests in life whether it be home, business, sports, hobbies etc. No matter what, in the midst of all this dedication, we need to remember balance. We need to remember to be as effective as possible during each discipline of our day. I make it a point to work diligently at work then promptly switch to the next discipline whether it be training or home activities at the end of the work day. It’s really tough sometimes and yes, feelings of guilt are had by leaving those couple of items until the next morning. Working or training constantly is not the way it’s supposed to be no matter what tasks are at hand. We owe it to ourselves to balance. This afternoon after a nice nap I planted spring flowers with my husband. It did not involve a swim suit, bike or running shoes. It was as it should be – balanced. Take a minute and look at each day and make sure you balance.
Talk to ya next week,
Janet
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Journey to a Texas IronMan
Hi Everyone,
Things are turning green just in time to celebrate St. Patrick’s day here in North Texas. For local athletes, we have many celebrations including races from 5k’s to sprint distance triathlons and beyond. One very special event is the St. Patrick’s sprint distance race to be held this Sunday in Keller Texas.
The event is coordinated by Dallas Athletes who offer multiple distance events throughout the season. This group of dedicated folks are simply outstanding in their work thus most events sell out very early. The sprint distance scheduled for this Sunday will support 650 participants of all levels with many on a waitlist in hopes of gaining a chance to partake in the fun.
The race will consist of a 300 yard swim, a 12 mile bike and a 5k run. My coach, Dr. Crane and many fellow triathlete friends will be there bright and early Sunday morning to have a bit-o-fun. Yours truly will be at the race albeit going very slow. Yep, the first injury during IM training hit and the goal is to have fun, work on transition times then enjoy the festivities after the race.
On top of celebrating tomorrow morning, a really wonderful thing happened this past week. All of this blogging, talking, eating and breathing triathlon life has peaked interest of employees at work. Eight employees came to me looking to join in on an early summer sprint distance triathlon. I could not believe the interest level as every single person would be a first timer. It was absolutely exhilarating to see the excitement in their eyes. I know they can do it as long as they set their mind to it. Congratulations girls – committing to the race is the first step!
Enjoy your week and if the weather is nice outside where you live – go outside and do something good for yourself. If the weather is not so nice – stay inside and workout at home or the gym. It’s important you take care of you in order to take care of others.
Talk to ya next week,
Janet
Things are turning green just in time to celebrate St. Patrick’s day here in North Texas. For local athletes, we have many celebrations including races from 5k’s to sprint distance triathlons and beyond. One very special event is the St. Patrick’s sprint distance race to be held this Sunday in Keller Texas.
The event is coordinated by Dallas Athletes who offer multiple distance events throughout the season. This group of dedicated folks are simply outstanding in their work thus most events sell out very early. The sprint distance scheduled for this Sunday will support 650 participants of all levels with many on a waitlist in hopes of gaining a chance to partake in the fun.
The race will consist of a 300 yard swim, a 12 mile bike and a 5k run. My coach, Dr. Crane and many fellow triathlete friends will be there bright and early Sunday morning to have a bit-o-fun. Yours truly will be at the race albeit going very slow. Yep, the first injury during IM training hit and the goal is to have fun, work on transition times then enjoy the festivities after the race.
On top of celebrating tomorrow morning, a really wonderful thing happened this past week. All of this blogging, talking, eating and breathing triathlon life has peaked interest of employees at work. Eight employees came to me looking to join in on an early summer sprint distance triathlon. I could not believe the interest level as every single person would be a first timer. It was absolutely exhilarating to see the excitement in their eyes. I know they can do it as long as they set their mind to it. Congratulations girls – committing to the race is the first step!
Enjoy your week and if the weather is nice outside where you live – go outside and do something good for yourself. If the weather is not so nice – stay inside and workout at home or the gym. It’s important you take care of you in order to take care of others.
Talk to ya next week,
Janet
Friday, March 4, 2011
The Journey to a Texas IronMan
Welcome to March everyone…it’s a good sign!
This past week was a huge confidence builder. Just when the little voice inside started to make me second guess this whole journey, a remarkable week occurred.
Typically, I try to pick on something goofy, out of the norm or just plain odd to talk to you about with the weekly workouts. Let’s just say it was a “You don’t think you can do this? Well, here is where your at” kinda week.
My favorite of the three disciplines is the bike. While speed work on the trainer isn’t really the ultimate party of a workout, it has to be done. Trending upward in improvement on the bike, the speed workout was one of the strongest in a pretty long time. The output of strength was just as strong at the first session to the tenth session all in the same workout. A good sign.
In concert with the bike workout, another milestone in the swim was reached. For the first time, I finally swam the IronMan race distance of 2.4 miles. The best part is when I got out of the pool, I knew I could continue onward and not lay on the deck flailing like a fish out of water. Another good sign.
The run I had last week was solid. Of the three disciplines, the run is my challenge. I have been taking it easy with many of the run sessions to avoid injury. Knowing I held a consistent pace was yet another good sign.
All of the signs reconfirmed what I am trying to do is worth pressing forward. I can see consistent training along with continued focus is paying off. So it is a good sign that there is a shot at finishing this beast of a race. Eleven more weeks to go my friends….eleven more weeks. ;)
Talk to ya next week!
Janet
This past week was a huge confidence builder. Just when the little voice inside started to make me second guess this whole journey, a remarkable week occurred.
Typically, I try to pick on something goofy, out of the norm or just plain odd to talk to you about with the weekly workouts. Let’s just say it was a “You don’t think you can do this? Well, here is where your at” kinda week.
My favorite of the three disciplines is the bike. While speed work on the trainer isn’t really the ultimate party of a workout, it has to be done. Trending upward in improvement on the bike, the speed workout was one of the strongest in a pretty long time. The output of strength was just as strong at the first session to the tenth session all in the same workout. A good sign.
In concert with the bike workout, another milestone in the swim was reached. For the first time, I finally swam the IronMan race distance of 2.4 miles. The best part is when I got out of the pool, I knew I could continue onward and not lay on the deck flailing like a fish out of water. Another good sign.
The run I had last week was solid. Of the three disciplines, the run is my challenge. I have been taking it easy with many of the run sessions to avoid injury. Knowing I held a consistent pace was yet another good sign.
All of the signs reconfirmed what I am trying to do is worth pressing forward. I can see consistent training along with continued focus is paying off. So it is a good sign that there is a shot at finishing this beast of a race. Eleven more weeks to go my friends….eleven more weeks. ;)
Talk to ya next week!
Janet
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