Final Thoughts on the Go Girl Triathlon

It's been six days since I tri'd and the flurry of training for my upcoming fall half has afforded me the ability to put the race behind me - like really behind me.

Every once in a while, though, when I talk to someone who didn't see me earlier in the week or isn't a Facebook junkie like myself, I am inclined to rehash the details and shrug off the race. I find it a bit awkward as with even the worst running events, I can always say I finished. However, as the week has gone on and the story has been retold, I have been able to reflect without the sting of disappointment. I have been able to think about the day and the efforts and whether it was all worthwhile.

And it was. But I still don't have answers to all of the questions.

Will I try a triathlon again?  I am quite torn on this one. There is a part of me that wants to prove myself and go back to Go Girl next year and rock the hell out of the race. Another part of me thinks that maybe swimming isn't for me. As I enjoyed the running and biking, a duathlon could be more up my alley. Go Girl had a duathlon option and the triathlon series at a nearby state park has a duathlon as well.

Why did I panic in the water? I have no idea. I have been rehashing this, and I can't come up with a clear reason. I snorkeled on my honeymoon and swam in a cenote. I can tread water like the best of them, and I used to think I was proficient at floating. Neither of those seemed to help during the race. And though more open water experience would have benefited me, I heard women in the swim queue talking about not swimming in a lake and only doing 250 meters in the pool. I had done 250 meters - actually 750 one swim and a solid 500 another. I have no idea why they could do it, and I couldn't. It makes me mad.

Would I try a race with a pool swim? Absolutely. I haven't had any problems in the pool, and I love the idea. I think our YMCA has one in the winter as does another local fitness club. I think no matter what I choose that I would benefit from some swim lessons, and I might take the opportunity this winter to really learn.

Some other notes:

By the rules? The day after the triathlon, I ran with a guy who is training for a 140.2. He told me that swimmers in a triathlon can hold onto buoys and kayaks without penalty. I did read the rules before the race (and after) but I was under the impression that once I touched the kayak that my race was done. I think I might have panicked less if I thought this was an option. Again, I don't know if it was but ...

No. 1! The Go Girl Triathlon was a perfect pick for a first go at multi-sport events. The race was well-organized, the volunteers were very kind and everything went smoothly. There were definitely people there who were in it but, for the most part, everyone was very supportive and relaxed. I liked the location, as well, with Eagle Creek a beautiful place to swim, bike and run. The race had about 500 participants, which was enough that you were never alone but not so many that it was a stampede of women trying to overtake you. If I decide to do another triathlon, it will be this one.

Got my back. I have received so many supportive and kind comments after the triathlon, and I feel incredibly grateful. From friends and family to y'all (yes, I just used y'all) to the social media folks at Tuxedo Brothers, everyone has been quick to point out the successes and not the mistakes. Thank you.

Go Girl Triathlon {A Race Recap}

DQ.

It's amazing how two letters can sting, how they can change the way you feel, how you want to look at yourself. I still feel them in the pit of my stomach, 48 hours after the Go Girl Triathlon.

Pre-race. After work on Friday, Mark and I packed up my bike and headed down to Indianapolis. It was a sprint already as we knew that if we made packet pickup (5 to 8 p.m.), it would be close. And it was. I ran into Runner's Forum at 8:01 p.m. and was relieved to see dedicated volunteers handing out timing straps and goodie bags to us stragglers. It was unexpected and much appreciated, which would define much of my experience with the Tuxedo Brothers event.

Race morning. The Go Girl Triathlon was at Eagle Creek Park in northwest Indianapolis. Parking was a bit of a pain, as it seemed limited and far from the start - about a half-mile to three-quarter-mile walk.  As we put my bike together, I was feeling antsy that I wouldn't have time to check in, get marked and set up my transition area before the 7:30 a.m. mandatory pre-race meeting. Mark calmed me down, though, and as he promised, we managed with more than enough time.

After all, it takes about 5 minutes to throw some crap on a towel. The only thing that took any real amount of time was unmating my socks and turning them right side out.

Swim. At 8 a.m., the announcer gathered the elites to the start and shouted go. One by one, participants crossed the mat, ran through the sand and hopped in the water. The swim was a staggered, individual start - with one racer going in every 2 seconds. Seeding was according to your bib number, which was based on how you ranked yourself on the entry form. I was toward the back, and I found myself near the beach watching the elites swim. Rather than a sense of calm washing over me, I felt fear. Anxiety. Trepidation. I made myself look away and headed toward the back of the line.

About 10 minutes after the start and with one elite already out of the water, it was my turn. I hopped in, and I tried to tell myself to relax. I tried to tell myself to take it slow. Swim evenly. I tried not to worry about the others around me. At first, it wasn't so bad. I remember kicking myself for not taking off my wedding rings but thankful the water was warm - 79 degrees. And then gulp. I swallowed a mouthful of resevoir water and started to gag. I stopped to tread water and calm myself but my breathing was already labored. I flipped to my back but it did little to ease my anxiety. I doggy paddled. I swam a poor breast stroke. I gulped. I choked again. I flipped to my back for the second time in 100 meters, and I was grasping for strength. I tried again to swim but the struggle grew.

In the distance, I heard a voice. "Are you OK?"

The truth: I wasn't. The kayak paddled next to me, and the volunteer urged me to grab on. And I fell apart. The disappointment. The frustration. The failure. It was drowning me.

I thought holding the kayak meant that the race was over for me, and the emotions sent my breathing out of control. When the volunteer asked if I could continue, I said no. And I knew it was the truth. A pontoon boat came over, and I went aboard. My race was done.

The volunteers aboard were kind and encouraging, doing all they could to ease the sting. Another participant was soon on board, and we exchanged a few disappointing remarks. The only thing I remember hearing, though, is the words of a volunteer: You can still continue.

They drove us near the shore, and we jumped out and swam ashore. I ran across the timing mat and headed toward my bike. The race wouldn't count but I needed to prove something. To myself.

Bike. After spending what felt like 15 minutes trying to get my ProCompression trainers on my wet feet, I grabbed my bike and headed toward the mats. Some people were walking but I knew I needed to jog it - no matter how awkward it felt.

The bike course was an out and back, starting in the park and heading out toward the roads. There were hills - lots of rolling hills - as it wound through the trees. I would venture to say it was beautiful if I had been paying the course much mind.

But I wasn't. My focus for the entire ride was to hammer, hammer, hammer. If there was ever a point where I felt like my effort was easing, I made myself work, even if it was on the uphill. I would spot a cyclist and work to pass her. And one by one, I did. In fact, I spent nearly the entire 10 miles passing riders and was only passed by two women, both of whom I passed later.

When I rolled into transition with a time of 36:36 - nearly 9 minutes faster than I had anticipated, I was elated. I might not have been able to do the swim but damn if I didn't do my best on the bike.

Run. Transition was much quicker this time around, switching my helmet for my Nuun visor and taking off my Naawk sunglasses.

The run course started uphill, which might have been the meanest thing ever. My legs already felt like hell coming off the bike and challenging them with an incline was a doozy. But I was determined. I didn't want to be the participants I saw walking at the start. I wanted to run.

And I did. Much like the bike, I made my focus to run strong and steady - even though it felt like I was moving through sand. I didn't wear a Garmin and so my focus was purely on effort.

There was a water stop at mile 1, and I slowed to a walk to take in a cup. I had Nuun in my Nathan vest but I needed a change in flavor and the water tasted so good. Once I tossed the cup in the garbage, I picked up the pace and kept trucking. Another short walk break at mile 2 for water, and I continued on.

Just after that stop, I got passed for the first and only time. I had seen the woman on the way out, and she was hauling serious behind. I knew she'd catch up to me. After she went on, I just tried to pick runner after runner. It was getting harder at this point, as the temperature and humidity were high, but I needed to do something that I could be proud of.

It was a downhill to the finish (the bonus of an uphill start), and I crossed the mat. My time for the 3 miles was 26:49, an average of 8:56. It's by no means a record but far faster than a) I had "budgeted" and b) than the miles felt.

The finish was odd knowing that it wouldn't count. It was hard wondering whether I should actually take a medal (I did). It was sad to see Mark, who had such faith in me, and know that I didn't live up to that.

Post race. Waiting for me at the finish line were tubs of cold drinks - sparkling water, root beer and Diet Coke. I couldn't help but smile. Tuxedo Brothers, the event management company, sure knows how to cater to women. I grabbed a black cherry sparkling water and headed to the food tent where I grabbed a banana, chocolate milk and rice cereal treat. If anything, I figured I could share with Mark. Word was that there was Chick-Fil-A on the way but all I wanted to do was pack up and go.

Walking back to the car, my emotions were mixed. My heart felt heavy with a sense of failure. I had let down those who left supportive comments, wasted my in-laws' time (they watched Miles) and squandered the opportunity to be an ambassador for the race. For the first time in a long time, I could not finish what I started. But I was proud that I kept on. That I didn't get off that boat and just stop there. I was happy that I was strong on the bike and steady on the run.

I was happy I even tried.

10 Things I Hate About ... Open Water Swimming

Until I moved to Fort Wayne, I didn't know about going to the lake or that going to the lake was a thing.

But, apparently, it is. 

You load up all of your stuff, stay in a teeny, tiny house for the weekend and eat lots of sugar, sit on a boat and go to the beach. It's a very good time - or so I heard up until this weekend. 

With much gratitude for a generous uncle, Mark, Miles and I got a taste of lake life with my grandma and two sets of aunts and uncles. We did the sugar thing and the boat thing and the beach thing. It was a grand time until I got the wise idea - and a dare from Mark - to do a little practice swim before Saturday's Go Girl Triathlon. 

Let's just say I didn't return to the beach loving open water swims.

10. The water is not climate-controlled and it's chilly, some spots more than others. It is especially so on a cloudy, windy day.

9. Buoys are farther than they appear. Standing on the beach, the buoy that I was to swim to and back didn't seem all that far away. The more I swam, though, the more it seemed to drift out. Either that or I was swimming in place and/or backward.

8. It's difficult to actually swim forward depending on the current and wind levels. It was a dreary day for the beach and though it didn't seem rough, I don't think I got any kind of advantage.

7. If you need to stop to catch a breather, it's not so bad to tread water. However, getting started is much more difficult as there is no wall to push of of. 

6. When you stop to take a breather, you will realize that your feet do not touch the bottom and it can incite panic.

5. There is no lifeguard on the beach to help you if you panic and can't get your shit together. Thankfully, I got my shit together. 

4. Breathing in the water is not an appealing concept. It's dark, murky, cold and shit lives (and poops) in there. Even with a nose clip, I didn't like submerging my face yet, swimming like a turtle is friggin' awkward.

3. People think you are crazy. Why? They go to the lake and beach not to actually swim but to play in the water. And what I was doing was not playing. It was W-O-R-K.

2. Water in the goggles ... nose ... mouth. Not cool.

1. It makes me feel defeated and absolutely terrified of how I'll do at Go Girl. I know that I just need to survive the swim and I can hammer on the bike and run. But, surviving isn't always a pretty prospect.

Weekly Training Update: 8/4-8/10

This week shall forever be known as the one that I remembered I'm preparing for a triathlon.

Go me! Or, should I say, "Go Girl!"

I think I got in a solid week of training despite a few things in my way. Like the cold that Miles was so generous to share with me and my inability to keep my swim stuff in the same spot and kids who arrived at the pool for open swim 10 minutes early and decided to play in my lane.

As far as my swim workouts, I just swim as far as I can and then rest. Swim and rest. I don't do fancy drills or try to repeats at certain paces. After all, I have one swim pace - SLOW. I mostly go for distance and time. The triathlon is 500 meters, and I am trying to go at least that far when I hit the pool.

I would probably have a better idea - or at least more structure - for workouts had I hoped met with a swim coach the way I had intended. Alas, life and work had other plans. I did get a tip from friends who swam in high school. I just had to use the "ketchup" method.

Or catch up for the more sophisticated.

The week, in training:

Monday, Aug. 4
SWIM | 750 yards
It wasn't a great swim but I wore a nose clip, and it helped immensely.

Tuesday, Aug. 5
RUN | 5.86 miles
Time: 55:35     Pace: 9:29

Shit show of a run. My stomach was a mess, my nose stuff and just general fatigue. My plan called for 6 easy plus 4 strides but I cut it short by a half-mile.

Wednesday, Aug. 6
CYCLE | 10 miles
Time: 45:02     Pace: 13.3 mph

Interval setting on the indoor bike.

CROSS TRAIN | Weight supersets
I did four rounds, each with two exercises, that focused on the upper body.

Thursday, Aug. 7
RUN | 7.8 miles
Time: 1:10:50     Pace: 9:08

Schedule: 1 mile easy, 5 miles steady (MP to MP+30), 1 mile easy.

Details: I wasn't sure how this one would go. I had a terrible run on Tuesday, and I still have some congestion thanks to the toddler. But, I had a run date and figured I tried. Our goal range for the steady pace was 8:50-9:09. Splits: 9:17, 8:59, 8:44, 8:52, 8:46, 9:02, 9:33, 7:33 (9:28 pace) Nailed. It. I didn't feel super great at all but it was manageable. I had to laugh because the farther we went and the harder we worked, the less we talked. Still, nice to have company and keep me accountable.

Friday, Aug. 8
REST 

Saturday, Aug. 9
RUN | 8.44 miles
Time: 1:14:16     Pace: 8:48
Workout: WU; 2 x 3-mile at goal half pace w/3-minute rest; CD

I was scared of this workout - maybe more than I should have been - and so thankful my husband agreed to run the whole thing with me. Goal pace for the half is 8:42 to PR and probably no faster than 8:35. I figured we'd run the first block around 8:40 and the second at 8:35. But I should know better than to set paces like that with my husband. Goal pace splits: 8:35, 8:30, 8:36, 8:25, 8:25, 8:26

Sunday, Aug. 10

RUN | 12 miles
Time: 1:55:36     Pace: 9:38
LSD with the group

What to Wear to Your First Triathlon

A person's first triathlon can be daunting.

There's the open water swim with people kicking and fighting for space. And the ingestion of lake water. There's the pressure of transition and doing it quickly. Biking seems as easy as, well, riding a bike but doing it with others around might be more challenging. Running on wobbly legs after exercising is tons of fun on its own, or so I've heard.

But deciding what to wear can be just as overwhelming. There are so many options, and it's easy to think that you need the wet suit, tri suit, clip shoes and fancy glasses for a short event that you aren't even sure you will like. Before you know it, you've spent triple the race fee for a one-time thing.

Here are some budget-conscious options procured from my local triathlete friends and the internet.

Swimsuit/swimsuit combo. A sports suit is a must if you are doing any kind of tri training, and it can easily get repurposed for the event. Swim in your training suit and pull on a pair of shorts - running or tri - in transition one. There's no need to change after that. For the brave, it's possible to do a sprint in just the swimsuit.

Sports bra-short combo. A one-and-done choice, women comfortable with bare mid-driffs can don a sports bra and tri or compression shorts for the swim. Beware of built-in padding, though, as it is sure to absorb water and make for some interesting bounce on the run. For a bit of modesty and sun protection, throw on an athletic top in transition one.

Running shoes. Clipless pedals and shoes allow cyclists to have a more efficient stroke. For a sprint triathlon, though, the time gained might not be worth the cost, which could be up to $100 for the pedals and more than $200 for shoes. Choose a racing flat or lightweight running shoe and wear it on the bike.

Rent or borrow. There are myriad websites that offer wet suit rentals, which can come in handy for early season races or those in cooler areas. It can also be advantageous to make friends with experienced multi-sport races who have gear they are willing to share ... or even part with. I was the lucky recipient of a new with tags tri top, which was given to me by a local photographer and friend.

Online outlets. REI, Sierra Trading Post and Swim Outlet often have gear marked down. Sizing can be hit or miss so you may need to check the sites regularly for what you need.

What did you wear to your first triathlon? What tips do you have to save money?

Note: If I thought I could get Pro Compression's latest sock of the month on after the swim, I would totes rock them at Go Girl. Maybe I'll save them for Fort4Fitness. Use code COOL to save 40%. Free shipping on orders more than $20.

Weekly Training Update: 7/28-8/3

Notes from the week

• This training plan is getting R-E-A-L. Crazy real. I had a 14 x 400 workout on the plan, which also had a 2-mile warm-up and 1-mile cool down tacked on. If my math is right (and it's probably not), the workout would have been 8+ miles. I get the point of it. I do. But I don't know who, at my pace, with my schedule, has time for that. I'm cutting warm-ups and cool downs to make it work the best I can.
• Running with friends is the best. Running with all sorts of friends is even better. I didn't have to go out by myself once this week, and I will be forever spoiled. The house across the street from me is for sale, and I am trying to convince folks to purchase it as a timeshare, which would allow all of my running friends to be nearby.
• I have sort of forgotten that I am training for a triathlon. I did not get in the water once last week nor the week before. Biking has been marginally better but because of the most stressful week of work in my entire career, I did not get away for any spin classes. The Go Girl Triathlon is in less than three weeks, and it is time to get my rear in gear.
• Tami and I did our long run on Friday, and it was 190 percent awesome having it complete before the weekend. Sure, it made for some tired legs on Saturday but I loved the freedom on Sunday.
• My weight training has been a little different coming back from vacation, and I really want to get myself on my own lifting plan rather than relying on my classes for a resistance workout.

The week, in training:

Monday, July 28
CROSS TRAIN | Boot camp
The workout was based off 30-second segments, working up to 4-minute intervals. There were eight exercises total, each done for 30 seconds ... at a time. Programming genius that I am, there were 3 minutes of pushups.

Tuesday, July 29
RUN | 5.7 miles
Time: 53:54     Pace: 9:27

Early a.m. run with my BRF. And it was GLORIOUS. The cool temps + reserved pace made for a great run. I had some strides on the plan so she obliged me and we did 4 x 20 seconds.

Wednesday, July 30
RUN | 5.75 miles
Time: 50:57     Pace: 8:51

Plan: 2-mile WU; 14 x 400 at 3K pace w/2-minute recovery; 1-mile CD.
 Going into this, I knew I wouldn't have time to do whole workout. I compromised with 1-mile WU and 12 intervals.

Thursday, July 31
REST? 
I don't have anything marked for this day but I don't remember taking two rest days. Whatevs.

Friday, Aug. 1
RUN | 10.01 miles
Time: 1:34:50     Pace: 9:28

Workout: 2-mile WU; 4 x 1 mile @ 10K pace; 1-mile CD
Goal pace for the repeats was 8:20 but thanks to the awesome support of my husband, we were able to nail it - with negative splits. 8:13, 8:11, 8:08, 8:00. It was definitely tough at the end and I sort of wanted to die but I really showed up. The weather didn't hurt either thanks to the second coming of the polar vortex.

Saturday, Aug. 2
RUN | New Haven 10K
Recap here.

RUN | 3.84 miles
Time: 39:00     Pace: 10:09

Pushing a stroller in the heat - not so fun. Running with a friend - the BEST.

Sunday, Aug. 3
REST

Learning the Cycling Basics

It was my first official ride of triathlon training, and Mark and I were zipping down the greenway.

16.8 ... 17 ... 17.4 mph.

The computer on my bike was recording speeds that I wasn't used to seeing, especially as I was used to my heavier hybrid. It was fun. It felt great. "It's like flying," I told Mark.

"You're in a low gear," he replied. "That's why."

"I don't understand. What does that mean?"

"You're in a low gear," he said. "You should be in a higher gear for training."

BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS.

Riding a bike seems so easy. You get on, you pedal. You feel the wind in your hair and the ground beneath you. You press the brakes to stop and get off the seat to power up a hill.

But, allow me to let you in on a secret: Cycling is a complicated sport as the bicycle is an expensive piece of equipment with lots of moving parts. With lots of pieces and lots of money required, there's a lot to know - especially if you are doing it for more than leisure.

Thankfully - and I mean that with all sincerity - I was given the opportunity to review "The Bicycling Big Book of Cycling for Beginners: Everything a new cyclist needs to know to gear up and start riding." I might have logged a few miles on a banana seat with my bunny Jenny in the basket but I am definitely a beginner to the sport.

The book was published by Bicycling Magazine, sister magazine of Runner's World - both of which are by Rodale. It's similar to the "Big Book of Running for Beginners" [reviewed HERE] but I found the cycling book to be a lot less "duh" and a whole lot more "oh, now I understand." It includes information about the parts of the bike; how to ride for recreation, fitness and racing; gears and when to use them and why; the differences between bike prices; maintenance (including changing tires and lubrication = love); safety; and cadence.

I seriously had a light bulb moment when I read the section about the chain rings and when to switch gears. For the entire time I've been riding a bike, or at least 10 speed, I changed gears until riding felt comfortable. I didn't know whether I was moving up or down, sideways or backwards. Now, I understand that the bigger chain rings allow for more power and are used to gain momentum on downhills and flats. The smaller chain rings require, usually, a higher cadence and are better on uphills. But, be careful. You don't always want to use the big ring because riders like to fall into a cadence of 60 to 80 rpm where as 90 to 110 rpm is preferable for fitness and competitive riding.

So, Mark, now I understand.

Other takeaways:

Helmets. It's imperative to have good head protection, and sun and age damage the effectiveness of a helmet. Riders should replace them every 2 to 3 years. So ... I should upgrade from Mark's hand-me-down I've been wearing for six years.

Gloves. Cycling handwear isn't just about looking cool to other cyclists. And, it's not just about stopping that numbing feeling after a long ride. Gloves are just as much about safety as anything else. If, God forbid you fall, they help protect the hands as it's our natural inclination to stop ourselves with our palms.

Speed racer. I have ridiculous anxiety about speeding down a hill. It just feels, well, scary. However, it's better to push the fear aside and not ride the brakes. It's actually safer.

Emergency stopping. I have not been in this situation and, as I do not clip in (not yet), it's less of an issue. But, if you have to stop quickly, the book suggests pushing your weight back to help keep your traction and keep you from going over the handlebars.

Pedaling. How you pedal makes a big difference in the effectiveness and efficiency of the workout. If you can, clipless pedals are the way to go.

$$$. I like to joke that running is expensive with the $100 shoes and $50 race entries and the $80 gotta-have compression tights but cycling really is pricey. The cheapest road bikes are $700 - without the upgrades and add-ons, such as the most basic of bottle cages. The less you spend on the bike, the more one can expect to spend on the upgrades especially as the bike ages.

While this might be old news for some, I really found the book to be helpful. The information was detailed without being overly so, and it was written in a straight-forward, easy to understand manner. My only complaint - and it was the same one with the "Big Book of Running for Beginners" - is the inclusion of weight loss information. I'd rather it be just about the sport.

Weekly Training Update: 7/7-7/13

And so another cycle begins.

This week marked the beginning of training for my fall half marathon, Fort4Fitness, and my preparations for the Go Girl Triathlon in Indianapolis. My primary efforts are directed toward Fort4Fitness but I am giving the triathlon the due diligence it deserves. It might be a bit tricky at times but I feel confident that I will be able to make it work.

For the half, I'm following a plan I found on Competitor's website. I debated - a lot - about getting a coach as I have found myself disappointed at the finish line of this year's half marathons but I just couldn't justify the cost. This plan scares me. A lot. However, I do think it is doable and with that, I knew it was the right plan.

To get ready for the triathlon, my greatest concern is the swim. I have never had lessons and am not especially proficient in the water.  While the race is 500 meters and, hopefully, will take 15 minutes or less, It will be the hardest 15 minutes of my life. I will be hitting the pool on Mondays and maybe Wednesdays, when I'll also bike. I plan to do one of the running plan's easier runs on Sunday so I can combine it with a ride for a true brick.

Of course, I say all of this and we're getting ready for vacation. Training on holiday is hard enough but I'll be at altitude, and I know it's going to be a challenge.

But I'm ready.

The week, in training:

Monday, July 7
CROSS TRAINING | Boot camp

SWIM | 600 yards

Tuesday, July 8
RUN | 4.33 miles
Time: 39:21     Pace: 11.3 mph

First run of Fort4Fitness training cycle - 4 easy with 4 x 20s strides. I tried to keep the four easy, especially since I felt less than energetic - 9:15, 9:08, 9:05, 9:16. I was going for NS but eased up last mile to save energy for strides. The strides definitely hurt, and I might hate them more than 800s.

Wednesday, July 9
CYCLE | 10.3 miles
Time: 37:05     Pace: 14.4 mph

The first 1.5 miles took Mark and me to my in-laws where we dropped off the toddler. After we were able to unload the trailer, we picked up the pace. I was a bit surprised at just how well I was able to get into a groove. If this ride is any indication, I will be in good shape for the triathlon.

Thursday, July 10
RUN | 5.01 miles
Time: 46:04     Pace: 9:11

Reunited with my BRF! We started out conservatively, both of us sore from the day prior's boot camp. As such, we nailed perfect negative splits. The morning was gorgeous, to boot, almost crisp and a bit of fog.

CROSS TRAINING | Ripped

Friday, July 11
REST 

Saturday, July 12
RUN | Runners on Parade 5K + WU and CD

Sunday, July 13
RUN | 8.1 miles
Time: 1:17:28     Pace: 9:33

After the previous day's 5K, this run was all about getting it done. My legs felt tight, and it took almost 6 miles for them to loosen up. Figures. My abs also felt pretty sore, which made the first few miles interesting. Just glad to get it done.

Let's Go Girl!

It all started with a bike - a Giant Avail that I named Peaches.

I had told Mark that I wanted her. No. I needed her because 2014 was going to be the year of the triathlon.

I spent hours riding on her this winter, set up on the trainer in the basement, to get myself ready. I even got myself to the pool to swim laps ... once. But without a race on the calendar, my motivation was as lukewarm as the YMCA pool.

It wasn't for a lack of good intentions or searching. I browsed the local tri group's page and Trifind but nothing seemed to fit. I even started to fill out the registration for a local series but the thought of a triathlon in Indiana in April seemed like a less than ideal first race. Others that were later in the season conflicted with travel plans and other life things.

I was beginning to feel guilty for, well, guilting Mark into buying a road bike for me when just the right opportunity came along.

The Go Girl Triathlon in Indianapolis! 

I am excited to announce that I am ambassador for the women-only race, which will be Aug. 23 at Eagle Creek State Park. The USAT-sanctioned event includes a 500-meter swim, 10-mile bike and 3-mile run, which I think is perfect for my first foray into a multi-sport event. 

The event is managed by Tuxedo Brothers (follow them on Facebook and Twitter) and benefits The Julian Center, which provides services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and other life crises.

With the race a little more than six weeks away, you can assume that my pool trips will be a little more frequent.

Triathlon vets: Any tips for me? And who wants to join me?!?

Disclosure: I approached Tuxedo Brothers about becoming an ambassador for the race, providing blog posts before and after the race in exchange for a comped entry. I am not being compensated in any way, and all opinions are my own.

Weekly Training Update: 12/16-12/22

I discovered a few things this week.

Swimming is hard. Like, really, really, really hard.

I will definitely need lessons before tackling any triathlon in 2014, and the YMCA indoor event on Jan. 4 is no longer being entertained.

Running with others is always preferable to running alone. I joined a friend for part of her long run on Sunday as she trains for the Dopey Challenge, and I was shocked to see that time was up. It helped, I'm sure, that it was too dark to see the Garmin and I was running someone new but it was fun.

I am seriously in love with riding on the trainer ... while watching "Sister Wives" on Netflix. Cycling, the way I do it, is relaxing and the trainer is so quiet. I can ride and ride while Miles sleeps without waking him, unlike the treadmill.

There is running shape and burpee shape. And I am not in burpee shape. I downloaded the Nike Training Club app for some fun workouts, and the two I did this week kicked my rear. I like having a plan made by someone else to keep me accountable but not the price of some other programs, such as P90X3 and T25 that are so tempting to buy.

The week, in training:

Monday: Nike Training Club workout, 30 minutes
Tuesday: 900 yards swimming + 3.18-mile run
Wednesday: 43 minutes on trainer + Bodypump
Thursday: 4-mile run + Nike Training Club workout, 20 minutes
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Bodypump + 2.1-mile run
Sunday: 10.5-mile run

Weekly training update: 12/9-12/15

Recently, there's been an ongoing conversation in my head.

Kim, you need to be running 20 miles a week. Kim, you need to start hitting 5 or 6 miles when you go out for a run. Kim, you need to suck it up and run outside. Kim, you need to run four times a week. Kim, you need to ... you need to ... you need to.

But here's the thing: I don't need to do anything. I know this, deep down I do. I'm not training for anything -- not yet, at least :). I'm not hoping to PR a race. I'm not looking to become Shalane's next training partner. The only thing I need to do is stay active. 

And have fun. I need to have fun. Like, lots of it.

So that's what I'm trying to do to quiet that annoying voice inside my head. I'm riding on my bike while I watch TV. I'm switching up my playlists for the treadmill and letting the day dictate the workout. I'm even having some fun programming my own routines - like the Lucky 7.

A mix of cardio, core and plyometrics, this workout kicked my butt in every way imaginable. I had set out to do seven rounds, to build off the name, but I was grateful that I could only do four without being late for work.

The week, in training:

Monday: 45 minutes on the trainer
Tuesday: 5 miles on the treadmill, intervals
Wednesday: Lucky 7 workout + Bodypump
Thursday: 5-mile progression run
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Bodypump + 40 minutes on the trainer
Sunday: BRICK - 30 minutes on trainer + 30 minutes on treadmill

Adventures in cycling: The numbers

I used to think running was expensive - $100 on shoes (or more) every three months, a $250 GPS watch, $80 tights.

And then I spent $600 on a road bike (that I've ridden outside all of two times) with visions of participating in my first triathlon in 2014. Along with the bike, came $50 shorts that make me feel like I'm wearing a diaper, a $30 water bottle holder and a wish list that topped out at $34,403,203,019.96. Not including race entries.

This weekend, that wish list now totals $34,403,203.011.396 thanks to the purchase of my very first bike computer. Can someone cue some awws?

With the marathon over and the weather taking a chilly turn, I'm looking toward my goals for the off season - train with no pressure, have fun and spend more time on other endeavors that will prepare me for a strong spring. A strong spring that might include a half marathon but definitely a triathlon, and I need to get in the saddle a bit more than once a month.

Hence the bike computer.

Mark has a trainer and the trainer tire, so I really just needed the fancy sensor and display. And by needed, I mean wanted because I am a numbers girl (only in terms of sports) and want to know how far I've ridden and how long it took me. While my husband is pretty knowledgeable and adept at bikes, he thought it would be best to take Miss Peaches to the shop and have the experts put on the computer.

So we did. Nice story, eh?

Well, you're going to ride around the bike stor like a maniac - that's what.

It took a bit longer than anticipated, not so much in selection as there was only one that could do what I wanted but in the installation time. We occupied ourselves by gasping at the price of Spinervals DVDs, cycling shoes, clipless pedals and jerseys (that wish list might have grown pricier) and chasing our bike-loving toddler around.

Now it's up to Mark to get it all set up - or for me to learn how to get it set up - so I can go for a ride this week. In my basement. While watching "The Walking Dead."

Any good workouts for this cycling newb?