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
Saturday, January 22, 2011
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
Saturday, December 18, 2010
The Journey to a Texas IronMan
Holiday week is upon us and boy has this been a challenge to balance workouts with work, socializing and home life. I started to fret a bit this past week thinking I was not quite able to give the attention needed for workouts. Luckily, my coach who I swear has mental telepathy sent out a message to her athletes stating this is a time to enjoy with family and friends then in January we hit it hard. This was music to my ears and offered much relief knowing the couple of days I needed to wrap up shopping and shipping was okay. I even managed to get ahead of the to do list and found the perfect dress for an upcoming wedding in early January….thank you Nordstroms. ;)
Pull up update….made it half way, not bad and it is progress considering the first week the body just hung from the bar like a side of beef hanging in the meat locker.
Celeste the super tri bike was sick of the indoor trainer as well as I. So I took her out for a spin and both feet were frozen after the ride. Instinctively, I thaw out and search to find a fix. After a few short clicks online, viola….I have made another purchase – cycling shoe covers! I purchased two versions, one pair covers the toes and the other pair is a full on bootie to cover the entire cycling shoe and ankle! The boots are a bit funky looking however they are warm. The toe covers look like little mittens….again, warm and too cute.
Since I was in the shopping mode, I purchased a few flavors of the IronMan perform sport drink as this will be the hydration out on the course on race day. It was a great price so I figured I might as well begin the acclimation since I typically use another brand. All in all, expenditures are very much under control for this race and that is a great thing!
Really folks, that is about it for this past week. Next week is Christmas and it’s time to take a week off from the blog although trust me, the workouts will continue. So do enjoy time with family and friends, get rest, don’t over do it on the holiday food and beverage and I will catch ya before 2010 comes to a close. Until then, may each of you have a wonderfully happy, safe and blessed holiday.
Talk to ya soon!
Janet
Pull up update….made it half way, not bad and it is progress considering the first week the body just hung from the bar like a side of beef hanging in the meat locker.
Celeste the super tri bike was sick of the indoor trainer as well as I. So I took her out for a spin and both feet were frozen after the ride. Instinctively, I thaw out and search to find a fix. After a few short clicks online, viola….I have made another purchase – cycling shoe covers! I purchased two versions, one pair covers the toes and the other pair is a full on bootie to cover the entire cycling shoe and ankle! The boots are a bit funky looking however they are warm. The toe covers look like little mittens….again, warm and too cute.
Since I was in the shopping mode, I purchased a few flavors of the IronMan perform sport drink as this will be the hydration out on the course on race day. It was a great price so I figured I might as well begin the acclimation since I typically use another brand. All in all, expenditures are very much under control for this race and that is a great thing!
Really folks, that is about it for this past week. Next week is Christmas and it’s time to take a week off from the blog although trust me, the workouts will continue. So do enjoy time with family and friends, get rest, don’t over do it on the holiday food and beverage and I will catch ya before 2010 comes to a close. Until then, may each of you have a wonderfully happy, safe and blessed holiday.
Talk to ya soon!
Janet
Friday, December 10, 2010
The Journey to a Texas IronMan
Hi Everyone! Another whirlwind of a week blew right on by and here we are on Friday, the 10th day of December 2010. It is hard to believe in just a few short weeks, we will enter yet another new year. Funny how quickly time passes when you are having fun!
The P90x challenge continues throughout the weeks workout. One of the biggest challenges I have with this fun series of workouts is the pull up. For a lot of women, completing repetitive, unassisted pull ups are difficult. I fit into this category. So I had an idea – if I have a pull up stand….by gosh I will be able to focus on this goal and be able to pull off the pull up just like the guys and gals in the DVD.
I zip over to the local sporting good store and meander around checking out the various types of pull up apparatus. I select a device called the Power Tower. It was a good price and offers many different exercise workout options. The sales person at the store was very nice and was very helpful in assisting me in selecting the right device for my goal. So the Power Tower was loaded in my SUV and off I dash home.
The box was not large and I thought this will be a snap to put together. Umm, big mistake…there actually was A LOT of assembly required. So I did the natural thing and opened the box, laid out all the materials, the tools and even the instruction manual then called my spousal unit in to put this thing together. Yes I helped…then suddenly had to run an errand with my daughter and darn, I had to take off.
Returning 45 minutes later, I find one spousal unit appearing slightly agitated and a magnificent Power Tower in our workout room. I jump on and start with the reverse situps, then test out the push up bar and then….the pull up. I used a box to stand upon in order to reach the handles. As I dangle from the Power Tower, I attempt to pull myself upward. No such luck. So I try again and again. At this point, my arms are on fire and I am still dangling in the same position. I thought perhaps I needed to warm up then make another attempt. Once again, no pull up…le sigh…
On the bright side, there is now one dandy piece of equipment added to the workout room. I also add another goal for 2011……to master this evil pull up exercise. At this rate however, something tells me I will be an IronMan first.
Talk to ya next week!
Janet
The P90x challenge continues throughout the weeks workout. One of the biggest challenges I have with this fun series of workouts is the pull up. For a lot of women, completing repetitive, unassisted pull ups are difficult. I fit into this category. So I had an idea – if I have a pull up stand….by gosh I will be able to focus on this goal and be able to pull off the pull up just like the guys and gals in the DVD.
I zip over to the local sporting good store and meander around checking out the various types of pull up apparatus. I select a device called the Power Tower. It was a good price and offers many different exercise workout options. The sales person at the store was very nice and was very helpful in assisting me in selecting the right device for my goal. So the Power Tower was loaded in my SUV and off I dash home.
The box was not large and I thought this will be a snap to put together. Umm, big mistake…there actually was A LOT of assembly required. So I did the natural thing and opened the box, laid out all the materials, the tools and even the instruction manual then called my spousal unit in to put this thing together. Yes I helped…then suddenly had to run an errand with my daughter and darn, I had to take off.
Returning 45 minutes later, I find one spousal unit appearing slightly agitated and a magnificent Power Tower in our workout room. I jump on and start with the reverse situps, then test out the push up bar and then….the pull up. I used a box to stand upon in order to reach the handles. As I dangle from the Power Tower, I attempt to pull myself upward. No such luck. So I try again and again. At this point, my arms are on fire and I am still dangling in the same position. I thought perhaps I needed to warm up then make another attempt. Once again, no pull up…le sigh…
On the bright side, there is now one dandy piece of equipment added to the workout room. I also add another goal for 2011……to master this evil pull up exercise. At this rate however, something tells me I will be an IronMan first.
Talk to ya next week!
Janet
Thursday, December 2, 2010
The Journey to a Texas IronMan
Hi Everyone! Felt kinda weird not blogging last week however like many things, time does pass quickly and viola – here we are back in the blog.
I trust you each had a great Thanksgiving and perhaps many of you are planning out the next month of your holiday prowess. A lot of my time last week was spent whipping out the seasonal décor, and planning out a month of whirlwind activity. Making sure social activities are confirmed and of course allowing time for work, sleep and workouts has become quite the delicate balancing act. I caught myself thinking about exactly how late will an event be to allow for enough sleep to prepare for the next morning’s workout or what do I eat ahead of the gathering in order not to indulge in the season of delightful food and beverages. It was tough planning and I bet it will be a challenge this month. Then again, I guess one could catch up on sleep in January….right?
So guess what? I started back running and no knee pain! I know, I need to cool my jets and not get too excited – one session of overdoing it and it’s back to square one. So far I am in the walk/run mode and attempting to run on on softer surfaces whenever possible. I hope the slow return and altering terrain will help cut down on the injuries. The monthly sport massage is also truly helping along with dedicated stretching.
Speaking of running, this weekend in North Texas, the Dallas White Rock Marathon will be in full effect with a half marathon and full marathon distance. Our Practice Administrator Lori is running the full 26.2 and without a doubt, she will be strong and have a great race. Good Luck Lori and to all White Rock participants. You are all superstars!
This week Celeste was back in the stationary trainer, cycling DVD’s were cleared of dust and many rotations later along with a lot of sweat, the cycling workouts were completed. I give it a few more weeks until I have the hamster in a wheel feeling, ah the joys of cold weather training.
The swim is now pretty much moved indoors as the lake water is pretty nippy. Still, the strokes are consistent and I stay relaxed even as the yardage increases. P90x along with alternating weight workouts compliment the swim. I only hope to have this relaxed, zen mode in the water on race day.
That’s about it for this week so do take a moment especially this month and have a few deep breaths. It will relax and refocus you.
Talk to ya next week,
Janet
I trust you each had a great Thanksgiving and perhaps many of you are planning out the next month of your holiday prowess. A lot of my time last week was spent whipping out the seasonal décor, and planning out a month of whirlwind activity. Making sure social activities are confirmed and of course allowing time for work, sleep and workouts has become quite the delicate balancing act. I caught myself thinking about exactly how late will an event be to allow for enough sleep to prepare for the next morning’s workout or what do I eat ahead of the gathering in order not to indulge in the season of delightful food and beverages. It was tough planning and I bet it will be a challenge this month. Then again, I guess one could catch up on sleep in January….right?
So guess what? I started back running and no knee pain! I know, I need to cool my jets and not get too excited – one session of overdoing it and it’s back to square one. So far I am in the walk/run mode and attempting to run on on softer surfaces whenever possible. I hope the slow return and altering terrain will help cut down on the injuries. The monthly sport massage is also truly helping along with dedicated stretching.
Speaking of running, this weekend in North Texas, the Dallas White Rock Marathon will be in full effect with a half marathon and full marathon distance. Our Practice Administrator Lori is running the full 26.2 and without a doubt, she will be strong and have a great race. Good Luck Lori and to all White Rock participants. You are all superstars!
This week Celeste was back in the stationary trainer, cycling DVD’s were cleared of dust and many rotations later along with a lot of sweat, the cycling workouts were completed. I give it a few more weeks until I have the hamster in a wheel feeling, ah the joys of cold weather training.
The swim is now pretty much moved indoors as the lake water is pretty nippy. Still, the strokes are consistent and I stay relaxed even as the yardage increases. P90x along with alternating weight workouts compliment the swim. I only hope to have this relaxed, zen mode in the water on race day.
That’s about it for this week so do take a moment especially this month and have a few deep breaths. It will relax and refocus you.
Talk to ya next week,
Janet
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