Hello Everyone! For those of you with snow…again….I am with you in telling Mother Nature to knock it off. The pictures of the snowfall particularly in the east is unsettling. Hang in there my friends, spring will get here soon.
This week, I noticed an improvement in running. It is a welcomed sigh of relief given Ms. Injury Prone here has had quite a few issues. During today’s run I felt stronger with faster turnover in a consistent manner. Granted, the pace is slow which is nothing new however there was a definite increase in strength. For that, I am very thankful yet cautious.
Remember the Chrissie Wellington T7 racer shoes I ordered awhile back? Well, they arrived and wow – they are slick. I don’t think I would personally run long distance in the shoes, I will leave that to Chrissie. Given my feet, I am saving them for shorter distance running. The problem is the shoes are so cool, I don’t want to wear them outside! Maybe one day Chrissie would sign the shoes…..that would put me over the edge in Tri-Heaven.
Being 16 weeks out from race day, some folks have inquired if I am burning out on training or if I am doing too much too soon. I have to say with confidence the answer of no is my response to both questions. I think the biggest help was base building last November and December. Now, the workouts are slightly increasing yet they are still manageable. In particular the last two weeks, I have a surge in energy throughout the day. I have to thank my coach yet once again for the strategy. Thanks Della!
On top of energy, there is also a definite increase in food consumption. The staff know when I start to tank and they stop me from activity and insist I eat a snack. Without hesitation, I stop and eat one of the many healthy snacks I bring from home then I am good for a couple more hours. Thanks Peggy and Mandie for being my food police during the work day. I know it’s not pleasant when the triathletes of the office become hungry monsters.
So that’s about it for this week. After today’s long run and recovery swim guess what I am going to do? You guessed it……EAT!
Talk to ya next week!
Janet
Friday, January 28, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The Journey to a Texas IronMan
Winter continues across the nation and even the Dallas Fort Worth area is feeling a bit of chill in the air. This week was pretty much an all indoor training week including copious amounts of swimming, running on the treadmill and of course, hanging out with Celeste on the trainer.
I never thought I could watch an entire movie while cycling indoors. Well, cross that off the list as one of my favorite movies, Gone with the Wind was watched while I became a sweat ball yelling “oh Rhett” in a deep south twang. Gotta love the classics. Of course, at the end of the session, I felt like Rhett: ”Frankly my dear I don’t”..…
Today, a break in the weather allowed me to get back outside for the week’s long run. With Myles in tow, we ran at the lake and had a blast. It was one of those perfect cool mornings at the lake. The pup can hold a good pace as we ran really well. This does not account however for the many stops to say “hello” to other passing dogs or stop to stare down a squirrel or two. The best part of the run was I noticed coming at me was a speedster on a bike and I knew in an instant who it was – my coach. Always a pleasure to visit with Della!
As we wrapped up the run, I took Myles to the shoreline. The entire area was void of activity so I let him off the leash to sniff around a bit. I turned my head for one second and viola – guess who jumped in the lake. The lake water temperature hovered around 44 degrees. The scenario of entering and exiting the lake occurred 10+ times with much disregard to my vocal objections. So l learned I not only have a running dog, I also have a water dog and yes, upon arriving home he had one good doggie bath.
Purchase update: I bought a speed suit for race day. At Texas IronMan, the water will most likely be too warm for a wetsuit. I gathered opinions, reviewed the speed suits online, researched the styles then found the best price. A speed suit works great in warm water swims allowing you to have a hydrodynamic advantage. In another words, the goal is to give Janet a boost during the open water swim….she is going to need it. Within a week or so, the magic UPS fairy will appear at our doorstep to deliver the newest tri toy. I am sure there will be a story on this purchase such as how to get into the speed suit.
That’s about it for this week. Time to curl up and relax and stay cozy.
Have a great week ahead and keep looking up!
Janet
I never thought I could watch an entire movie while cycling indoors. Well, cross that off the list as one of my favorite movies, Gone with the Wind was watched while I became a sweat ball yelling “oh Rhett” in a deep south twang. Gotta love the classics. Of course, at the end of the session, I felt like Rhett: ”Frankly my dear I don’t”..…
Today, a break in the weather allowed me to get back outside for the week’s long run. With Myles in tow, we ran at the lake and had a blast. It was one of those perfect cool mornings at the lake. The pup can hold a good pace as we ran really well. This does not account however for the many stops to say “hello” to other passing dogs or stop to stare down a squirrel or two. The best part of the run was I noticed coming at me was a speedster on a bike and I knew in an instant who it was – my coach. Always a pleasure to visit with Della!
As we wrapped up the run, I took Myles to the shoreline. The entire area was void of activity so I let him off the leash to sniff around a bit. I turned my head for one second and viola – guess who jumped in the lake. The lake water temperature hovered around 44 degrees. The scenario of entering and exiting the lake occurred 10+ times with much disregard to my vocal objections. So l learned I not only have a running dog, I also have a water dog and yes, upon arriving home he had one good doggie bath.
Purchase update: I bought a speed suit for race day. At Texas IronMan, the water will most likely be too warm for a wetsuit. I gathered opinions, reviewed the speed suits online, researched the styles then found the best price. A speed suit works great in warm water swims allowing you to have a hydrodynamic advantage. In another words, the goal is to give Janet a boost during the open water swim….she is going to need it. Within a week or so, the magic UPS fairy will appear at our doorstep to deliver the newest tri toy. I am sure there will be a story on this purchase such as how to get into the speed suit.
That’s about it for this week. Time to curl up and relax and stay cozy.
Have a great week ahead and keep looking up!
Janet
Saturday, January 15, 2011
The Journey to a Texas IronMan
Hi Everyone,
Last week I mentioned a fun purchase for Myles and I to run together. Well, the Roamer leash arrived and this product is pretty cool. The leash has a hook to attach to your dog's existing collar. The opposite end has three adjustments to be worn on your wrist, around your waist or attach to an existing belt such as a hydration belt. Hands free running with the pup is in full effect! A huge thumbs up for the Roamer leash (www.ruffwear.com).
Workouts are starting to build a bit and so far so good. Even Dr. Crane seems to be holding up well. They say the hardest part of this journey is the training so we stick to it working hard. Race day will be tough however the fog is beginning to clear and the finish line is now being visualized. Not bad considering a few months back I kept thinking what on earth have we gotten ourselves into now. It's funny how as you train physically, the psychological trainer is quietly working away strengthening you during each workout. Gotta love this sport.
During Friday's long swim, I finally had think time in which to review the week and where I could have been more effective either at home, work or workouts. In particular, I thought about an old saying that you are the the average of the five people you spend the most time with. I smiled when I remembered who told me that then realized I just took in a gulp of pool water – thanks Lori. As you train for this distance or really, any distance, I have learned you need to have a solid top five in your life to help you through the journey.
It’s true – you are the average. I think about who I interact with on a daily basis and if the five are how I want to average. As I analyzed each person, it was clear for the most part, the five are focused, determined and and living life in a positive mindset. Sure, as humans we have our ups and downs however if one of your five are perpetually down, it becomes clear you need to make a change.
Even if your top five differ in culture, education, income level, athletic ability, and so forth, there is still a common denominator shared by successful forward thinkers. Those who can look at a situation positively and search for a solution should be in your top five. Those who are negative, complain every day about everyone along with everything, and choose to respond negatively to situations do not belong. Sometimes it's tough cutting someone from your top five. No matter what, it is the right thing to do so you can pay it forward to another persons top five that you belong to. ;)
So take a look at your top five. Are they who you want to average?
Talk to ya next week,
Janet
Last week I mentioned a fun purchase for Myles and I to run together. Well, the Roamer leash arrived and this product is pretty cool. The leash has a hook to attach to your dog's existing collar. The opposite end has three adjustments to be worn on your wrist, around your waist or attach to an existing belt such as a hydration belt. Hands free running with the pup is in full effect! A huge thumbs up for the Roamer leash (www.ruffwear.com).
Workouts are starting to build a bit and so far so good. Even Dr. Crane seems to be holding up well. They say the hardest part of this journey is the training so we stick to it working hard. Race day will be tough however the fog is beginning to clear and the finish line is now being visualized. Not bad considering a few months back I kept thinking what on earth have we gotten ourselves into now. It's funny how as you train physically, the psychological trainer is quietly working away strengthening you during each workout. Gotta love this sport.
During Friday's long swim, I finally had think time in which to review the week and where I could have been more effective either at home, work or workouts. In particular, I thought about an old saying that you are the the average of the five people you spend the most time with. I smiled when I remembered who told me that then realized I just took in a gulp of pool water – thanks Lori. As you train for this distance or really, any distance, I have learned you need to have a solid top five in your life to help you through the journey.
It’s true – you are the average. I think about who I interact with on a daily basis and if the five are how I want to average. As I analyzed each person, it was clear for the most part, the five are focused, determined and and living life in a positive mindset. Sure, as humans we have our ups and downs however if one of your five are perpetually down, it becomes clear you need to make a change.
Even if your top five differ in culture, education, income level, athletic ability, and so forth, there is still a common denominator shared by successful forward thinkers. Those who can look at a situation positively and search for a solution should be in your top five. Those who are negative, complain every day about everyone along with everything, and choose to respond negatively to situations do not belong. Sometimes it's tough cutting someone from your top five. No matter what, it is the right thing to do so you can pay it forward to another persons top five that you belong to. ;)
So take a look at your top five. Are they who you want to average?
Talk to ya next week,
Janet
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Journey to a Texas IronMan
Do you run with your dog?
I do and if you have a four legged running friend in the household, chances are you will find the following scenario very familiar:
In my house, we have a lab named Myles. Myles is just over a year old and is very perceptive to running apparel and running shoes. If I so much as even attempt to walk out of the house dressed in running gear and not take him with me for the workout, he reminds me of his dissatisfaction by acquiring a piece of my apparel and shredding it to bits prior to my return. He has expensive taste as he picks only the good threads. Finding a Jimmy Choo shoe in pieces or a Ralph Lauren blazer shredded really can get the point across. Myles is not in anyway like the dog from Marley and Me however he is determined and stubborn…..now that personality sounds familiar eh?
Running with a young dog that is way faster than you can be challenging. I often state on my face book page that I am going out for a “run…errr drag with my four legged blond”. Myles is a strong-alpha-male- leader- of- the-pack-kinda-pup. Running and holding the leash can be difficult with his strength. After this weeks run, I noticed a change in my running form and most of it was due to compensating for Myles and his running form. Alas, being the online shopper that I am, I searched for a solution.
I researched dog leashes for runners and Google really surprised me. There are many options for runners. After much research, I found the leash and placed my order. I purchased a “roamer leash” from Ruffwear.com (cute name for a website I thought). So in about a week, I will hopefully be hands free in my running adventures with Myles.
Now if I can get him to stop trying to “get to know” the poodle down the street, I just might get in a few more miles with Myles.
Talk to ya next week!
Janet
Sunday, January 2, 2011
The Journey to a Texas IronMan
Happy 2011 Everyone!!
I hope you enjoyed time with family and friends and managed to relax a bit over the holiday season. I made sure there was adequete goof off time from a strong suggestion or two from my coach (thanks Della) and caught up with the world and people in it. It felt strange to have a few days off from training yet I managed to still get a core workout from laughing with friends from the neighborhood, family, work friends and running club friends. Once again, my coach was right and the break was exactly what I needed before diving right back in to training.
Remember the pushup and sit up challenge in 2010? Well, on New Year’s Eve, I finished 365 situps and 365 pushups. The year long challenge was finished and I stuck it out. Adding one pushup and situp each day didn’t seem like much last January however that soon changed once November rolled around.
So tonight, I learned of a new challenge which should be interesting. Another great local tri group called PlayTri (they have awesome races as well) listed this on their Facebook page. It’s the sweet off 2011. Here is the deal:
1-no sweets until 5/21 (IM TX race day)
2-eat a sweet, you have to post
3-for every sweet you eat, you donate $1 to charity of the winner's choice
4-winner is who eats the least sweets (skinniest too!)
5-want to be a part of Sweet Off 2011
Why not? Since I am a huge fan of chocolate I am already breaking out in a sweat however cutting down on the sweets is something I need to do. Alot of folks may not think this is a big deal however, if you know me....you know I like sweets! It doesn't help we have a person in our office who has an entire drawer full of chocolate. In the late afternoon on occasion, I make it a point to swing by and visit the drawer-oh-fun. So now I have to tell Tina, the keeper of the chocolate drawer that I will have to email or call her instead of walking over to her cube. How on earth will I be able to stay away from the aroma of chocolate? This could be much harder than the pushup/situp challenge.
Alas, I have begun the mourning process of no sweets until race day. Hey, at least I still can have my coffee in the morning....I guess.....
Talk to ya next week,
Janet
I hope you enjoyed time with family and friends and managed to relax a bit over the holiday season. I made sure there was adequete goof off time from a strong suggestion or two from my coach (thanks Della) and caught up with the world and people in it. It felt strange to have a few days off from training yet I managed to still get a core workout from laughing with friends from the neighborhood, family, work friends and running club friends. Once again, my coach was right and the break was exactly what I needed before diving right back in to training.
Remember the pushup and sit up challenge in 2010? Well, on New Year’s Eve, I finished 365 situps and 365 pushups. The year long challenge was finished and I stuck it out. Adding one pushup and situp each day didn’t seem like much last January however that soon changed once November rolled around.
So tonight, I learned of a new challenge which should be interesting. Another great local tri group called PlayTri (they have awesome races as well) listed this on their Facebook page. It’s the sweet off 2011. Here is the deal:
1-no sweets until 5/21 (IM TX race day)
2-eat a sweet, you have to post
3-for every sweet you eat, you donate $1 to charity of the winner's choice
4-winner is who eats the least sweets (skinniest too!)
5-want to be a part of Sweet Off 2011
Why not? Since I am a huge fan of chocolate I am already breaking out in a sweat however cutting down on the sweets is something I need to do. Alot of folks may not think this is a big deal however, if you know me....you know I like sweets! It doesn't help we have a person in our office who has an entire drawer full of chocolate. In the late afternoon on occasion, I make it a point to swing by and visit the drawer-oh-fun. So now I have to tell Tina, the keeper of the chocolate drawer that I will have to email or call her instead of walking over to her cube. How on earth will I be able to stay away from the aroma of chocolate? This could be much harder than the pushup/situp challenge.
Alas, I have begun the mourning process of no sweets until race day. Hey, at least I still can have my coffee in the morning....I guess.....
Talk to ya next week,
Janet
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