Let the good times roll

Today I put one on the bus. I have another one that is home for a week before Pre-K starts 4-days/week. I remember hearing someone say that they gain weight int he summer because the kids are home which leaves less time for exercise. I'm hoping that I can lose the weight with the kids back in school. I was good last week with exercise and lost 3 pounds. This week, my goal is to maintain that weight loss. I have lots of stress with one in school and a hubby out of town, just hoping not to stress eat ALL DAY LONG!

I took a spin class yesterday at the Y. The instructor talked about heart rate and body position the entire hour...boring! Then I ran on the treadmill to do some speedwork. Figured I should double up since I may not get a workout in today.

Women's Running Magazine had an article about training for a 5k with a goal of a sub-30min. I thought it was a good plan to follow to work on my own speed training. With the 5150 only 60 days away, I need all the help I can get with my run. It seems like I am competitive in swimming and cycling but am consistently getting blown out of the water on the run. These chicks are running sub 8-minute miles! Not sure I can reach those standards, I'd be happy to run a 10minute pace for now.

Back to the Grind

Enough rest from the race, no more excuses! I got on the scale this morning to see that I have hit my weight ceiling so I hit the road for a 30 minute run. I planned to keep it easy, think 10:40 pace. I ended up gradually decreasing the pace for each mile with an average overall pace of 10:38. Mile 1 was 10:55, 2 was 10:40, and 3 was 10:19. I was definitely ready to quit at 3 miles. I burned about 420 calories which is a good start. I'm hoping to add some weights into my routine and crack down on the food. I'd love to lose 10-15 pounds before the half marathon in October.

Race Report - TriGirl - August 13, 2011

Back at the race that started it all in 2008! The swim was cancelled due to low water levels and replaced with a 1 mile run. I approached this race skeptical. I took 2 months off after the Ironman in May, then contracted the flu and bronchitis that kept me out of the game for an additional 3+ weeks. My fitness was lost to the point of feeling tired after a 2 mile run and tortured with a 3 mile run.

I was bummed that the swim would be changed to a run because I usually make up a couple minutes on the swim to earn a better place against my competitors. Running has never been a very strong sport for me in terms of speed so this change was going to be a detriment to my race.

I approached the first run as a sprint. I needed to go "all out" in order to keep a chance at doing well in the final score. I was able to push my pace and average 8:38 min/mi. The 11 mile bike felt hard. My heart rate was high for the entire race, not sure if it was a result of the heat or the 1 mile sprint! I averaged 18.6mph down from 19.2 the year before. My final 3 mile run was excruciating. It hurt, my legs were heavy, it was hot. Overall not a pretty sight. I averaged an 11:28 pace, up from a 10:40 last year. My final time was 1:20 putting me in 33rd for my age group out of 70. Last year I was 11th:(

It was a good day shared with friends and family, for that I can be thankful. I achieved my goal of finishing faster than a good friend. I am now more focused than ever to lose some weight and work on my running speed. To be more competitive as an age group athlete rather than an athena, the run is going to have to improve...a lot.

My First Post!!!

I'm blogging to keep a record of my workouts, races, and overall health. I raced my first triathlon in August of 2008 and became hooked immediately. I think a person needs to have an inner need for competition to LOVE the sport. I compete against myself, my prior results, and my friends (even if they don't know it). I have a wonderfully supportive husband and two fabuous boys that help to keep me motivated.

Since the journey began, I have completed all triathlon distances up to the Ironman. I have completed running races up to the marathon. I have completed cycling events up to 100 miles, century rides. I am addicted!!!

I hope this blog will serve to motivate others. I have started considering becomming a coach for triathlon beginners and even becomming certified to instruct group fitness classes at the local gym.

Until next time, train smarter not harder!