Monday, August 6, 2018

13 Weeks to IMFL

The workouts are getting longer and the weeks seem to blend together. I appreciate the extra time to train that summer provides but the heat and humidity are excruciating!

In just 88 days, I'll be towing the line of my "A" race, supported by my number ONE race sherpa! My training has been consistent and progressive with a focus on run speed. My goal is to break my record from IMTX 2017. 


These workouts are not for the faint of heart. It takes determination and motivation to complete each one. To race strong, I have to put in the work!

My workout plan for this week: 
Sunday: 2-hour run (negative split with last 6 miles at 10 min pace)
Monday: Aire Pod (strength) + RPM (teach indoor cycle class)
Tuesday: RPM (teaching) + Swim 2500 meters
Wednesday: 45 minute run w/ the kids
Thursday: Aire Pod (teaching) + Swim 3200 meters
Friday: Cycle 260 minutes + Brick Run 20-30 minutes
Saturday: Rest


Monday, February 12, 2018

Ironman Florida 2018

I pulled the trigger and registered last night!


2018 is the 20th anniversary of this race. It has long been on my radar as an event that looks fun, interesting and well suited to my strengths. Held on November 3, it will be just 2 days after my 40th birthday. Call it a mid-life crisis but I couldn't pass up the opportunity.

The course is a 2-loop ocean swim, mostly flat bike, and a 2-loop run.
IMFL Website

When researching the venue, there are lots of condos at affordable prices on the water and near transition. It is a short 10 hour drive from Houston.

Official training begins in June!

Friday, January 26, 2018

NutriSystem- Turbo TakeOff

Although I have weight to lose, I struggle with restrictive diets. I chose to start this program with my husband so that we can be accountability partners. My perspective of the program is that it is simply a meal delivery service with a few fresh additions. Great for portion control and consistency!

The shipment! In addition to our "uniquely yours" food order, we received the Turbo Takeoff box. We were instructed to only open the Turbo box so that the food doesn't get mixed up. Included each day is a breakfast, shake, lunch, bar, and dinner. You are asked to add at least 4 servings of non-starchy vegetables and 64 oz of water.

Week 1: Turbo Takeoff - January 15-21, 2018
Starting weight 178.1

Day 1 was not too hard. It is clear that the portions are VERY small but they are frequent. I struggled with meal timing because I taught a cycle class mid-morning but it all worked out.
Total calories 950.

Day 2 was still not a struggle. I do catch myself going toward the kitchen for a little snack, I catch myself because I am committed to the plan. I joined a Facebook support group hoping to get some good ideas about making the food more palatable since much of it comes in pouches. Looks like a mixture of astronaut and camping food! Today I substituted a a 1/2 sweet potato for piece of whole grain bread, topped with the BBQ chicken pouch, it was quite good!
Total calories 1011.

Day 3. Weight 175.4
*I weighed in today "weigh in Wednesday" down 2.7 pounds
I'm not hungry but I am demoralized by the small quantity of food. I tend to save a couple veggies for later in the day when I know the munchies will attack! I read a post about adding cauliflower rice to the base of soup-based items, like my chili dinner. It was okay but the texture of the cauliflower was a little weird. I also read about a veggie soup that is considered "free" since it is broth based and full of veggies. I made a big batch, separated it into 10 smaller containers, and plan to add this option as a veggie or to help add flavor and bulk to soup-type meals.
Total calories 925.

Day 4. Weight 174.4
I have to go to work today so I've been trying to simplify my meal plans but also make sure that they are filling since I often get hungry for a salty/sweet snack while teaching. I started my day with the chocolate muffin, much better than I expected with little chocolate chips for texture! I really wanted to snack when I got home from work, habit and the result of a stressful day, but made it until dinner. The best part of this journey has been Tyler's willingness and eagerness to eat frozen meals for lunch/dinner, very supportive and a healthy potion for him.
Total calories 930

Day 5. Weight 173.3
Over the hump and nearing the first of many finish lines! I am optimistic that I can get my weight under the 170# mark by the end of this week. Like others, I want to get the most out of this week since it is likely the largest weight loss that I will see in one week. Starting in the 160s will set the scene for gradual weight loss but a much happier me.
Total calories 830

Day 6. Weight 173.3
Not a fan of my breakfast today, blueberry lemon bar but my 3-cheese chicken lunch was yummy. I made another batch of soup today. Much more bland and decided to leave it chunky. It was good and filling.
Total calories 800

Day 7. Weight 172.0
Excited and nervous to start the real program. I got a little light headed while teaching class so I started adding a protein (boiled egg) to my dinner salad to help add some calories. I am happy with my weight loss although secretly I was hoping to hit 169.9 before starting the rest of the program. I am super committed and eager to see what I can accomplish. 
Total calories 870

7- Days total weight loss = 6.1 pounds