After a lot of time this week in the pool, on the bike and on the treadmill, I realized I just wasn't ready to do a triathlon next week. I'm sad about it - I really can't think of a time when I quit something. But, I have to admit to myself and accept that I just didn't train properly. I am not making any excuses here - I didn't train enough - I let life get in the way and I just wasn't ready.
This morning, I got up at 5am and swam for the first time in an olympic size pool. I could barely do one length freestyle and then would switch to side stroke for the way back. I did this for an hour and thought "well, maybe they would let me do side stroke in the tri?" After an mile in the pool, I jumped out and got on a bike, yesterday I had biked 25 miles, and the plan was to do 25 miles today and then do the full 6 mile run. I got to six miles on the bike and my legs were already throbbing and I thought how am I going to get through another 19 miles on the bike and then THEN run 6 miles? It just occurred to me that I just can't "wing it" with a triathlon.
I always have fear before a race - but this time was different. It was ALL fear. There was no excitement. Before my ten mile race in philly last year, yeah, I was scared, but I couldn't wait to get out there! Get to the expo! I couldn't wait to run. With the tri, I was petrified. And, every email I got from the organizers was a reminder of something I didn't know... how do you change a flat? How do you do an in-water start - as opposed to dive start? What do you mean by "bikes must be racked by the seat"? And, the last email from the organizers described the six very technical, very steep turns on the course. I just realized this was above my head right now and I have too much respect for the sport to think I can just fake my way through it.
I'm sad about it. But, as Angie said "don't cry, try!" (or tri, as the case may be!) I deferred to next year, so I have guaranteed entry. I also will look into sprint triathlons in the area. Maybe start smaller. And, I'll keep up my training, so when I decide what to do next, I'll be ready.
So. There it is. Some sadness around this decision, but it's the right one.
I've been excited to read all of your recent posts... V. - great on the job. That's going to be good for you AND for everyone in the gym! And, Rachel, that's really wonderful about the bike race. Where is it?
Take care girls. Cathy
Friday, July 11, 2008
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Future Goal
Well, I have something new to train for in a couple of years. (I would love to do it next year but the logistics with the deployment and prior engagements make it too difficult.)
My mom received a letter from Jim Hughes the President of the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association with the latest copy of the UMCA magazine. They did an article on my dad and announced that to honor my dad and his accomplishments as a cyclist they are renaming the UMCA National Championship the Randy Van Zee Memorial Championship.
To me, that is God telling me directly, "This is what you should do."
It is a 24 hour race, how many miles you can bike in 24 hours. To qualify for RAAM (Race Across AMerica) you have to get over 400 miles. My goal will be to break 300 miles which should place me in the top 3 for females.
I just love a good challenge, thanks dad!
My mom received a letter from Jim Hughes the President of the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association with the latest copy of the UMCA magazine. They did an article on my dad and announced that to honor my dad and his accomplishments as a cyclist they are renaming the UMCA National Championship the Randy Van Zee Memorial Championship.
To me, that is God telling me directly, "This is what you should do."
It is a 24 hour race, how many miles you can bike in 24 hours. To qualify for RAAM (Race Across AMerica) you have to get over 400 miles. My goal will be to break 300 miles which should place me in the top 3 for females.
I just love a good challenge, thanks dad!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
I Got a Job!
It has been so long since I have updated my part of this blog.
The house is done and we have entertained 2x already. I have hooked up with a group that runs every morning at 6:30. Then, I walk another 3 miles with a different group at 8PM (perfect to wear my dogs out before bedtime). Last week I found the gym. It isn't the best gym that I have seen, but it has more potential than the Gold's Gym I was paying for. It is quite large, but it is not as progressive as I would like. That said, the aerobics room has plenty of Bosu Balls that I can use. I just can't take them out of that room. So, once again, I carry my balance board with me.
Here's the big news... Last week when I was working out on my board, the director of the gym came over and introduced himself and asked me about my board and my workouts. We had a great conversation about functional training and training for life. He told me that he is trying to bring those concepts into the gym and to our soldiers and families. Then he offered me a job. I told him that I am not certified, much less qualified to train. He offered to send me to the Cooper Institute for certification. Well, now let's think about this. Cooper is the most pretigious certification in my mind. I would love working in the fitness industry, but I have some issues with most "certified" trainers. I am sure you have all seen the trainers in the gym with terrible form themselves. How can they possibly train someone safely? There are no industry standards on what "certified" means and I think that seriously hurts the credibility of truly qualified trainers. I just do not think you should be able to study a book and take a test, pass it and call yourself qualified to train. Any other health field would insist on internship, clinicals or at least direct supervision for a minimum of time. Doug, the director of the gym, has a Phd, teaches at University of New Mexico, has trained Olympic athletes and develops training programs for our soldiers. When I discussed my issues with certifications, he absolutely agreed with me and told me that he would pay for my classroom part and my testing and then train me himself with plenty of supervision. He also offered to send me back for my nutrition certification later in the year. By the way, I can name my hours and the pay is pretty good. How can I turn that down? I think it's a sign. So, next month I am off to Dallas and the Cooper Institute.
The house is done and we have entertained 2x already. I have hooked up with a group that runs every morning at 6:30. Then, I walk another 3 miles with a different group at 8PM (perfect to wear my dogs out before bedtime). Last week I found the gym. It isn't the best gym that I have seen, but it has more potential than the Gold's Gym I was paying for. It is quite large, but it is not as progressive as I would like. That said, the aerobics room has plenty of Bosu Balls that I can use. I just can't take them out of that room. So, once again, I carry my balance board with me.
Here's the big news... Last week when I was working out on my board, the director of the gym came over and introduced himself and asked me about my board and my workouts. We had a great conversation about functional training and training for life. He told me that he is trying to bring those concepts into the gym and to our soldiers and families. Then he offered me a job. I told him that I am not certified, much less qualified to train. He offered to send me to the Cooper Institute for certification. Well, now let's think about this. Cooper is the most pretigious certification in my mind. I would love working in the fitness industry, but I have some issues with most "certified" trainers. I am sure you have all seen the trainers in the gym with terrible form themselves. How can they possibly train someone safely? There are no industry standards on what "certified" means and I think that seriously hurts the credibility of truly qualified trainers. I just do not think you should be able to study a book and take a test, pass it and call yourself qualified to train. Any other health field would insist on internship, clinicals or at least direct supervision for a minimum of time. Doug, the director of the gym, has a Phd, teaches at University of New Mexico, has trained Olympic athletes and develops training programs for our soldiers. When I discussed my issues with certifications, he absolutely agreed with me and told me that he would pay for my classroom part and my testing and then train me himself with plenty of supervision. He also offered to send me back for my nutrition certification later in the year. By the way, I can name my hours and the pay is pretty good. How can I turn that down? I think it's a sign. So, next month I am off to Dallas and the Cooper Institute.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
I started to answer E and I got too long, so I decided to post.
I finally got my first run in last night. I think I have mentioned that there is a 3.2 mile track/path right in front of my house. It is really nice. I had the same problem E had last night. The air is so dry that my throat was really parched. I am going to start wearing my camel back even for shorter runs so that I can wet my mouth.
I ran again this morning, so maybe I can get back on track. Since we are living right on main post, I get a 6AM wake up with reveille, I can roll right out of bed and hit the track with good company. Everyone warned me about the heat, but it is really not bad in the morning or in the evening. It may be 85 degrees, but without any humidity it feels like 70.
I met a girl at our reception that has done a few marathons and would like to do the El Paso one in March with me. Maybe I have found my running partner. My next goal is to find the gym. I am giving myself through the weekend to get the house done. Monday starts our new normal.
I finally got my first run in last night. I think I have mentioned that there is a 3.2 mile track/path right in front of my house. It is really nice. I had the same problem E had last night. The air is so dry that my throat was really parched. I am going to start wearing my camel back even for shorter runs so that I can wet my mouth.
I ran again this morning, so maybe I can get back on track. Since we are living right on main post, I get a 6AM wake up with reveille, I can roll right out of bed and hit the track with good company. Everyone warned me about the heat, but it is really not bad in the morning or in the evening. It may be 85 degrees, but without any humidity it feels like 70.
I met a girl at our reception that has done a few marathons and would like to do the El Paso one in March with me. Maybe I have found my running partner. My next goal is to find the gym. I am giving myself through the weekend to get the house done. Monday starts our new normal.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Two questions
The first is mostly rhetorical, but how do women with big boobs stand to run? I only have this problem when I'm nursing, and it's enough to make me want to wean!
The second is for those of you who have lived or currently live in dry climates. Is this dry air something I'll get used to? I ran last night and it was so dry my throat and lungs hurt. When I woke up this morning, I was hoarse so I know it wasn't my imagination. And I only went a mile and half so I wasn't out there very long.
This kind of worries me because I ran indoor track during the winter in high school. I had to quit because the dry air would trigger bronchial spasms (similar to asthma, but I don't have the disease). I've never lived in a dry climate before and I plan on buying a humidifier, but that won't help me outside.
Just wanted to report that I was able to run the entire way last night without stopping! You'll have to forgive me while I celebrate my mediocrity, but this is a 25% improvement over my previous run, so I'm calling it progress.
There's a Fun Run/Walk this weekend that I might try. Why is it that only 5Ks are called fun runs? Someday, I think I'll plan a race and call it a "26.2 Mile Fun Run"!
The second is for those of you who have lived or currently live in dry climates. Is this dry air something I'll get used to? I ran last night and it was so dry my throat and lungs hurt. When I woke up this morning, I was hoarse so I know it wasn't my imagination. And I only went a mile and half so I wasn't out there very long.
This kind of worries me because I ran indoor track during the winter in high school. I had to quit because the dry air would trigger bronchial spasms (similar to asthma, but I don't have the disease). I've never lived in a dry climate before and I plan on buying a humidifier, but that won't help me outside.
Just wanted to report that I was able to run the entire way last night without stopping! You'll have to forgive me while I celebrate my mediocrity, but this is a 25% improvement over my previous run, so I'm calling it progress.
There's a Fun Run/Walk this weekend that I might try. Why is it that only 5Ks are called fun runs? Someday, I think I'll plan a race and call it a "26.2 Mile Fun Run"!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Rehab is over
No excuses anymore--today is the first day of my return to running. I am bound and determined to get out there, even though it never seems like I have time. The weather is beautiful and is supposed to hit 75 today and 80 tomorrow! A heat wave for Alaska and I can't wait! Baby is 2+ months old now and I haven't lost any weight in weeks, so I definitely need to get out there.
They have two great programs here. One is a gym with childcare on site--typical for public gyms but unheard of on-post. I can't wait to check it out. The other is during the schoolyear. It's regular childcare on M,W,F for 3 hrs in the morning just for working out. I'm so excited about that one. This way, I'll always have a spot reserved and be able to have a reliable routine. And it's only $40/month!
This weekend is the Midnight Sun Run, a half marathon celebrating the fact that it doesn't get dark here this time of year. It's not something I feel like celebrating though! I'm hoping a little run will get me so tired I can sleep despite the light. I'll take my camera just in case I see a moose. I don't have my bear spray yet, but I'm going to take my chances and hit the trails today!
They have two great programs here. One is a gym with childcare on site--typical for public gyms but unheard of on-post. I can't wait to check it out. The other is during the schoolyear. It's regular childcare on M,W,F for 3 hrs in the morning just for working out. I'm so excited about that one. This way, I'll always have a spot reserved and be able to have a reliable routine. And it's only $40/month!
This weekend is the Midnight Sun Run, a half marathon celebrating the fact that it doesn't get dark here this time of year. It's not something I feel like celebrating though! I'm hoping a little run will get me so tired I can sleep despite the light. I'll take my camera just in case I see a moose. I don't have my bear spray yet, but I'm going to take my chances and hit the trails today!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Wetsuit Question
Hello ladies! I hope everyone is doing well. New York City is HOT. FYI.
I've been doing great on the bike now that I have giant pedals! My last ride outside in the park was about 16 miles. Getting the hang of it and actually starting to like it (a little).
So, now I have to switch gears to think about swimming again. I have to get a wetsuit. Here's the thing... I don't want to buy a wetsuit for a million dollars. I found out you can rent them from Xterra. You tell them your size and they send you one for the race weekend.
Ok. Here are my questions. First of all - is that gross? Wearing someone else's wetsuit? Second, am I going to need to practice getting this thing on? All the books suggest that it's hard getting in and out of them. Third, should I get a full body one? Or the tank one? The water will be about 74ish degrees. Rachel - what did you use? Any tips?
Thanks guys! Cath
I've been doing great on the bike now that I have giant pedals! My last ride outside in the park was about 16 miles. Getting the hang of it and actually starting to like it (a little).
So, now I have to switch gears to think about swimming again. I have to get a wetsuit. Here's the thing... I don't want to buy a wetsuit for a million dollars. I found out you can rent them from Xterra. You tell them your size and they send you one for the race weekend.
Ok. Here are my questions. First of all - is that gross? Wearing someone else's wetsuit? Second, am I going to need to practice getting this thing on? All the books suggest that it's hard getting in and out of them. Third, should I get a full body one? Or the tank one? The water will be about 74ish degrees. Rachel - what did you use? Any tips?
Thanks guys! Cath
Monday, June 9, 2008
My Favorite Run
I did get through the last good week before the packers. We spent this weekend at the beach for sand soccer (way much fun), so it was easier to get to my store for Saturday long run. I don't know about you guys, but our temps have been record breaking (100's) and the humidity is almost unreal for this time of year.
My run was quite bittersweet. Since I was staying at a hotel at the beach, my route to get to the store also happened to be part of the marathon route that we ran. It was the worst stretch and a couldn't help but smile as I remembered the misery of it all. Anyway, I love this run from the store (running path through the neighborhood), into the park (trails) and then out to the ocean front (ocean!). It was really hot and humid; about 80 degrees at 7:30AM. Thankfully, there are water stops along the way. I didn't feel like I was sweating any more than normal when I was running, but the minute I stopped, it was like every pore in my body opened up and just poured sweat. I don't think I have ever been that wet when it wasn't raining. We did 11 miles at about an 8 minute pace. I think that's really good considering it felt fairly easy and the weather was so challenging. Apparently, the heat index was so high there was a heat advisory. We saw two people on the trail fall out and need help. The kids playing soccer at the beach were limited to 7 minute intervals of play time due to the heat. The EMS crews truly earned their paychecks.
I was sad to leave the store. The owners have been so good to me and Pete. Jerry gave me a big hug in all my post-run nastiness. He has really encouraged me, pushed me and then sincerely celebrated with me. I will really miss him, the store employees that have been so positive and supporting, as well as the running community that I have met here in Virginia. I plan to rent a beach place next summer when I bring Ian back to the east coast for college. I am already thinking about the next time I get to do my favorite run.
My run was quite bittersweet. Since I was staying at a hotel at the beach, my route to get to the store also happened to be part of the marathon route that we ran. It was the worst stretch and a couldn't help but smile as I remembered the misery of it all. Anyway, I love this run from the store (running path through the neighborhood), into the park (trails) and then out to the ocean front (ocean!). It was really hot and humid; about 80 degrees at 7:30AM. Thankfully, there are water stops along the way. I didn't feel like I was sweating any more than normal when I was running, but the minute I stopped, it was like every pore in my body opened up and just poured sweat. I don't think I have ever been that wet when it wasn't raining. We did 11 miles at about an 8 minute pace. I think that's really good considering it felt fairly easy and the weather was so challenging. Apparently, the heat index was so high there was a heat advisory. We saw two people on the trail fall out and need help. The kids playing soccer at the beach were limited to 7 minute intervals of play time due to the heat. The EMS crews truly earned their paychecks.
I was sad to leave the store. The owners have been so good to me and Pete. Jerry gave me a big hug in all my post-run nastiness. He has really encouraged me, pushed me and then sincerely celebrated with me. I will really miss him, the store employees that have been so positive and supporting, as well as the running community that I have met here in Virginia. I plan to rent a beach place next summer when I bring Ian back to the east coast for college. I am already thinking about the next time I get to do my favorite run.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Attempting to Get Back on Track
I began to comment back to V on her last post, but then got long-winded, so decided to go ahead and post separately. Good luck with the move V! Our recent cross-country trek has been the most difficult yet. I know that it has only been two weeks since our arrival, but I feel as if "things" should be falling into place quicker. I am far too emotional and don’t have a whole lot of motivation. I think it’s verging on depression and I am really trying to give myself a swift kick-in-the-ass out of it.
My saving grace this week has been Husband's need to go to the gym on Sunday, and my overwhelming reaction that if he was going then I was going too. No more putting it off for another day. It was also an eye-opener to what making excuses for several months will do. I have been walking a couple times a week, but other than that, nadda. Now, I am trying to figure out the best way to regain some muscle tone and not doing anything that I shouldn't while pregnant. I started by lifting 3 sets of 20 back, bis, chest, tris & shoulders with 5 lb weights. I could probably go a little heavier, but don’t want to push too hard as I start back. I also did leg 3 sets of leg extensions and road the recumbent bike for about half an hour. I am planning to add a couple water aerobics classes each week and maybe some yoga. I just need to find a bathing suit that fits.
They actually have a pre-natal yoga class at the gym we are going to. The thing that frustrates me about it is that it has an additional cost associated with it. So, basically, I am being punished monetarily for being pregnant, because the other yoga classes are included with the membership fee. I am pondering the thought of attending the regular yoga class and making the instructor modify the poses for me. After all, that’s included in the price that I am paying for the membership, right?
As for the water aerobics, I am intimidated by the thought (preconceived notion) that I will be the only “young person” amidst a group of old ladies. I am just weary of feeling out of place. I read back on Cathy’s spin-class experience and figure that it can’t be that bad. Still, I am not real great at being the new girl in a class of veterans and on top of that joining the group by myself. It would be so much easier if I had a friend to take the leap with me. But, that’s not going to happen anytime soon, so I will have to suck it up and take the plunge. (Yes, that was pun intended!)
My saving grace this week has been Husband's need to go to the gym on Sunday, and my overwhelming reaction that if he was going then I was going too. No more putting it off for another day. It was also an eye-opener to what making excuses for several months will do. I have been walking a couple times a week, but other than that, nadda. Now, I am trying to figure out the best way to regain some muscle tone and not doing anything that I shouldn't while pregnant. I started by lifting 3 sets of 20 back, bis, chest, tris & shoulders with 5 lb weights. I could probably go a little heavier, but don’t want to push too hard as I start back. I also did leg 3 sets of leg extensions and road the recumbent bike for about half an hour. I am planning to add a couple water aerobics classes each week and maybe some yoga. I just need to find a bathing suit that fits.
They actually have a pre-natal yoga class at the gym we are going to. The thing that frustrates me about it is that it has an additional cost associated with it. So, basically, I am being punished monetarily for being pregnant, because the other yoga classes are included with the membership fee. I am pondering the thought of attending the regular yoga class and making the instructor modify the poses for me. After all, that’s included in the price that I am paying for the membership, right?
As for the water aerobics, I am intimidated by the thought (preconceived notion) that I will be the only “young person” amidst a group of old ladies. I am just weary of feeling out of place. I read back on Cathy’s spin-class experience and figure that it can’t be that bad. Still, I am not real great at being the new girl in a class of veterans and on top of that joining the group by myself. It would be so much easier if I had a friend to take the leap with me. But, that’s not going to happen anytime soon, so I will have to suck it up and take the plunge. (Yes, that was pun intended!)
Monday, June 2, 2008
One More Week of Good Opportunities
This weekend, Tanner has a full 3 days of sand soccer. Actually, Virginia Beach will host about 9000 soccer players at every level for the North American Sand Soccer Championship. We have decided to spend the weekend on the beach at one of the local hotels on the strip for the excitement.
Our packers come Monday through Wednesday the next week with the house hold goods picked up on Thursday. That puts us back at the hotel before we start our drive west on Saturday morning, the 14th.
That gives me this week to really prepare for the packers. I need to sort out, pack for the trip, clean, etc. I also have my last appointments...dentist, doctor and hair. However, it is also the last week that I have for good quality workouts before I lose control for several weeks. I did 10 miles yesterday (with 90 degree temps and soaring humidity). Today, I ran 8 miles and got in a great lift.
Tomorrow is the doctor. I am not sure that I told you guys that I think I have a small abdominal tear. It feels like I think hernia would feel, but there is no protrusion. From what I can research, it seems to be a thing with distance running...a sports hernia. Hurts like hell. I haven't been able to do abs for about 2 months. I feel it about 6 miles and with several lifts, like pull ups. It even hurts when I roll over in bed. Anyway, I have an ultrsound scheduled for tomorrow.
So, I am trying to juggle all the appointments, things to do in the house, and my workouts for the week. It is also Ian's last week of school with finals. He leaves for the Naval Academy Summer Camp on Saturday and is back 2 days before we drive. On and on I go. It is not like we haven't done it before (yeah, like ? times). And knowledge comes from that experience...the knowledge that I have to really relax for about 3 weeks for the move, unpacking and settling before I can come back again. This week I am praying for the motivation and creativity to find a way to get it all in just one more time. Wish me luck!
Our packers come Monday through Wednesday the next week with the house hold goods picked up on Thursday. That puts us back at the hotel before we start our drive west on Saturday morning, the 14th.
That gives me this week to really prepare for the packers. I need to sort out, pack for the trip, clean, etc. I also have my last appointments...dentist, doctor and hair. However, it is also the last week that I have for good quality workouts before I lose control for several weeks. I did 10 miles yesterday (with 90 degree temps and soaring humidity). Today, I ran 8 miles and got in a great lift.
Tomorrow is the doctor. I am not sure that I told you guys that I think I have a small abdominal tear. It feels like I think hernia would feel, but there is no protrusion. From what I can research, it seems to be a thing with distance running...a sports hernia. Hurts like hell. I haven't been able to do abs for about 2 months. I feel it about 6 miles and with several lifts, like pull ups. It even hurts when I roll over in bed. Anyway, I have an ultrsound scheduled for tomorrow.
So, I am trying to juggle all the appointments, things to do in the house, and my workouts for the week. It is also Ian's last week of school with finals. He leaves for the Naval Academy Summer Camp on Saturday and is back 2 days before we drive. On and on I go. It is not like we haven't done it before (yeah, like ? times). And knowledge comes from that experience...the knowledge that I have to really relax for about 3 weeks for the move, unpacking and settling before I can come back again. This week I am praying for the motivation and creativity to find a way to get it all in just one more time. Wish me luck!
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