That was what I saw Sunday on the back of one of the team shirts and thought it was fitting for the title today!
It is official, I completed my first triathlon. Now it wasn't a speed breaking race but I finished it! I didn't finish first, but I didn't finish last and I wasn't the last in my age group either. I finished the race in 1:39.17.25. The official break down of that is 300 m swim - 12:27.70, transition 2:48.10, 11 mile bike ride 55:45.20, transition 1:15.80, 2 mile run 27:00.45. It amazes me how they track all that.
Overall, I am okay with that finish considering I am no where in the shape I need to be and have struggled with the training due to the constant sinus infections since December.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Hangover
but not the hangover you are thinking. It is called the dehydration, lack of fuel, hangover.
So, after accomplishing the beautiful swim on Friday night, I headed out with part of the group to NXNW. Now for non-locals, a brewery. We had a couple of drinks and then I ordered a salad for super. However, I just wasn't feeling that hungry and only finished about half of it. Of course, I managed to forget the water.
Now, fast forward to Saturday morning. Again, no water, no breakfast. I headed over to Runner's house for my training. Being the trooper that she is, she was heading out with me on a 45 minute bike ride and a 15 minute jog. The humidity was HORRIBLE! It was in the upper 70's with an 85% humidity - LOVE IT! NOT! So - again not in my favor. (Just maybe, I can get Runner convinced she can do the swimming part and do a Tri with me!)
Well not even 20 minutes in, I feel sick to my stomach. Never mind I didn't realize how exhausted my legs were from the swimming the night before. It sucked. I even felt a little dizzy at a point. Not a good thing. I took in what water & Gatorade I had - but obviously not enough. Needless to say - the run didn't pan out. It was more like a wog - mostly walk with a hint of run every 4 minutes. LOL
Of course, I spent the rest of the day trying to rehydrate, refuel and get rid of the pounding headache and crappy feeling I had.
Hmmm - is it wrong to feel bad that I might of enjoyed an alcohol hangover more? I would of at least had a little fun the night before? :) Oh well - lesson learned. Drink your water boys & girls and don't forget to eat breakfast before a workout
So, after accomplishing the beautiful swim on Friday night, I headed out with part of the group to NXNW. Now for non-locals, a brewery. We had a couple of drinks and then I ordered a salad for super. However, I just wasn't feeling that hungry and only finished about half of it. Of course, I managed to forget the water.
Now, fast forward to Saturday morning. Again, no water, no breakfast. I headed over to Runner's house for my training. Being the trooper that she is, she was heading out with me on a 45 minute bike ride and a 15 minute jog. The humidity was HORRIBLE! It was in the upper 70's with an 85% humidity - LOVE IT! NOT! So - again not in my favor. (Just maybe, I can get Runner convinced she can do the swimming part and do a Tri with me!)
Well not even 20 minutes in, I feel sick to my stomach. Never mind I didn't realize how exhausted my legs were from the swimming the night before. It sucked. I even felt a little dizzy at a point. Not a good thing. I took in what water & Gatorade I had - but obviously not enough. Needless to say - the run didn't pan out. It was more like a wog - mostly walk with a hint of run every 4 minutes. LOL
Of course, I spent the rest of the day trying to rehydrate, refuel and get rid of the pounding headache and crappy feeling I had.
Hmmm - is it wrong to feel bad that I might of enjoyed an alcohol hangover more? I would of at least had a little fun the night before? :) Oh well - lesson learned. Drink your water boys & girls and don't forget to eat breakfast before a workout
I DID it!!!
Yep, I have officially swam the official distance that I will need to swim on race day! 750 meters (aka 1/2 mile) in open water. Now by open water, I mean at no point could I touch the bottom, let alone see the bottom. Thankfully for me, I didn't see the turtle pop it's head out of the water until after I was done with the swim and out of the water.
Now for some this might not seem exciting or news worthy - I mean I have to do it for the race - why celebrate? Well, part of my challenge with training for this race has been the constant sinus infection since December, the periods of blah, and trying to push surgery off until after the race. Now, if it has been forever since you talked to me, well, I sound like I am constantly stuffed up and congested. Seriously - it was a joke every time I coughed because of the congestion - "Swine Flu". So, given that it is hard to breathe OUT of water, swimming has been my biggest fear of being able to accomplish it!
Was it easy? Not in the beginning. First off, the water was a cool 76 degrees. Of course, lucky for me, my wet suit didn't fit in the chest (Shocking I know) and so I was left to go with just the swim suit. Now, once I got past the cold part, there was the factor of not being able to see anything under water. I don't want to say I panicked - but for some reason not being able to see anything resulted in me forgetting how to breathe under water. No idea. But, about half way through, I settled in and was able to find a rhythm.
Sinus infection or not, if I have to finish it doing the back stroke or the doggy paddle - I will finish it!
Now for some this might not seem exciting or news worthy - I mean I have to do it for the race - why celebrate? Well, part of my challenge with training for this race has been the constant sinus infection since December, the periods of blah, and trying to push surgery off until after the race. Now, if it has been forever since you talked to me, well, I sound like I am constantly stuffed up and congested. Seriously - it was a joke every time I coughed because of the congestion - "Swine Flu". So, given that it is hard to breathe OUT of water, swimming has been my biggest fear of being able to accomplish it!
Was it easy? Not in the beginning. First off, the water was a cool 76 degrees. Of course, lucky for me, my wet suit didn't fit in the chest (Shocking I know) and so I was left to go with just the swim suit. Now, once I got past the cold part, there was the factor of not being able to see anything under water. I don't want to say I panicked - but for some reason not being able to see anything resulted in me forgetting how to breathe under water. No idea. But, about half way through, I settled in and was able to find a rhythm.
Sinus infection or not, if I have to finish it doing the back stroke or the doggy paddle - I will finish it!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Blogging or Not
So - I got a lashing so to speak. I roped Runner into another bike workout. Of course, doing so, got in trouble so to speak. See, Runner is one of the faithful, maybe only, person that faithfully reads these blogs. Seems she has noticed a lack, okay absence, of my training blogs. Needless to say - she told me to kick it in gear - I needed to blog.
So - after today - you'll see me blogging about who knows what - training - nothing - life - anything. All for the sake of Runner - my personal kick in the pants who I can drag along on training days!
So - after today - you'll see me blogging about who knows what - training - nothing - life - anything. All for the sake of Runner - my personal kick in the pants who I can drag along on training days!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Vacation & Rain!!!!
Wow - it has been forever since I have blogged. Work has been crazy, my evenings crazier and it seems like there was no time for anything but work, work and training. The training is going well. I have had some serious problems with my sinus and after a number of tests, the doctors were recommending surgery. However, because of the race they are going to let me hold off and re-evaluate everything after the race. It will be less than a month before I have my first mini-triathlon on Mother's Day. Because of the sinus issues, almost everyone in my group is doing the full Olympic version but they are going to let me be a wuss and do the sprint version. (Wuss in that it is 1/2 mile swim, 6 mile run and 12.5 mile bike ride.)
This past week was a "vacation" of sorts for me - especially from training. My mom and aunt arrived at my house on Good Friday. My mom flew into Houston, and my aunt and her headed over to Austin. Since they didn't get in until later in the afternoon - we didn't really do too much. My mom got the grand tour of what is completed and what is in works and got to meet her new God Dog - Finnegan. We had a great meal at Joe's Crab Shack and picked up some supplies for Easter dinner.
Saturday we took the much needed run to the outlet malls in San Marcos. Not sure what happened, but we weren't feelin it and needless to say, walked out of a LOT of stores empty handed! On our way back, we pit stopped at the Barton Creek Mall to pick up a few more things and then to Maudie's Milagro. I swear, it was an ACCIDENT that I got drunk. I mean can I help that I requested a smaller second drink and they brought a pure tequila margarita?!?! I swear it wasn't my fault and drunk or not - I was able to direct my mom & aunt safely back home.
Easter Sunday was spent as many do. I took them to my favorite Catholic Church in Round Rock - if you ever visit - I can take you - it is BEAUTIFUL. Look at the positive, you won't have to sit through two hours of Beauty like my mom & aunt! After a great Easter dinner of ham & potatoes, we headed to Hamilton Pool. Absolutely gorgeous! I promise to post pics soon!
On Monday & Tuesday, after dropping the two pups were dropped off at the vets (aka spoiled city) we headed for Hill Country, shopping, antiqueing and all the fun stuff in between! It is a very good thing we had my Aunt's big diesel truck - we needed it for all those goodies. Even those pots that some how I am suppose to lug back to Nebraska for my mom! We had a great time, they have my kitchen fully stocked with 'country' oldies and I have had a dose of antiquing to last another year!
Wednesday & Thursday were back to the grindstone for me while the other two had two relaxing days at the cabin fishing. Friday, I battled a monsoon to drive to Houston with the two dogs and spent the weekend visiting my family and mom. And so you understand monsoon in Texas terms - that was 4 1/2 inches one day and over 3 inches the next day at my Aunt & Uncle's House! That also translated into two VERY stir crazy dogs.
It was a great reminder on why I am working two jobs and why I need to focus so it can come to an end soon! Sadly, with tears I said goodbye to my mom at the airport. My Aunt assures me it only took 30 years for her & grandma to stop crying at the end of trip...hmmm I'll be pretty OLD by then!
This past week was a "vacation" of sorts for me - especially from training. My mom and aunt arrived at my house on Good Friday. My mom flew into Houston, and my aunt and her headed over to Austin. Since they didn't get in until later in the afternoon - we didn't really do too much. My mom got the grand tour of what is completed and what is in works and got to meet her new God Dog - Finnegan. We had a great meal at Joe's Crab Shack and picked up some supplies for Easter dinner.
Saturday we took the much needed run to the outlet malls in San Marcos. Not sure what happened, but we weren't feelin it and needless to say, walked out of a LOT of stores empty handed! On our way back, we pit stopped at the Barton Creek Mall to pick up a few more things and then to Maudie's Milagro. I swear, it was an ACCIDENT that I got drunk. I mean can I help that I requested a smaller second drink and they brought a pure tequila margarita?!?! I swear it wasn't my fault and drunk or not - I was able to direct my mom & aunt safely back home.
Easter Sunday was spent as many do. I took them to my favorite Catholic Church in Round Rock - if you ever visit - I can take you - it is BEAUTIFUL. Look at the positive, you won't have to sit through two hours of Beauty like my mom & aunt! After a great Easter dinner of ham & potatoes, we headed to Hamilton Pool. Absolutely gorgeous! I promise to post pics soon!
On Monday & Tuesday, after dropping the two pups were dropped off at the vets (aka spoiled city) we headed for Hill Country, shopping, antiqueing and all the fun stuff in between! It is a very good thing we had my Aunt's big diesel truck - we needed it for all those goodies. Even those pots that some how I am suppose to lug back to Nebraska for my mom! We had a great time, they have my kitchen fully stocked with 'country' oldies and I have had a dose of antiquing to last another year!
Wednesday & Thursday were back to the grindstone for me while the other two had two relaxing days at the cabin fishing. Friday, I battled a monsoon to drive to Houston with the two dogs and spent the weekend visiting my family and mom. And so you understand monsoon in Texas terms - that was 4 1/2 inches one day and over 3 inches the next day at my Aunt & Uncle's House! That also translated into two VERY stir crazy dogs.
It was a great reminder on why I am working two jobs and why I need to focus so it can come to an end soon! Sadly, with tears I said goodbye to my mom at the airport. My Aunt assures me it only took 30 years for her & grandma to stop crying at the end of trip...hmmm I'll be pretty OLD by then!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Flyover in Missing Man Formation
I wanted to share with you part of the email we received from Brian today. Each of us deals with death in different ways and it amazes me how strong Brian and his family are in the face of this tragedy. It makes me even more motivated to go out and do my run tomorrow, too bad today is a rest day!
Dear Team-
I am just getting to e-mails and saw this. Thank you, Colleen, for forwarding the "bio" at this time to further honor my Pap. Such a good man. Strong, courageous, and positive up until the very end. He recently told me a story of his fastest run ever. He did a 5 mile race at a 7:20 pace when he was in his late 30's. You can be sure that David and I both will be trying to meet that high bar he set. About 2 hours before he died we went out and ran 5 miles in his honor. I joked that this was our own version of a "flyover in missing man formation."
If you read the end of my bio, then let me add a final note here:
Yes, his passing has made me sad. I am happy to confirm that in the end I have no regrets. Nothing remained unspoken. We were blessed with so many months to prepare for his death. Now I will begin moving forward and race in his memory. He committed to be with me on my races. We spoke Thursday about me doing an Ironman and he once again assured me he would come with me on the race and cross the finish line with me. I have a long way to go between here and there, but I look forward to every painful swim stroke, pedal stroke, and foot strike. May the suffering we endure as a team and as athletes inspire others to challenge themselves in new ways, support worthy causes like TNT, and to live each day of their lives fully.
In lieu of flowers we have asked that donations be made in dad's memory. We recommend supporting your favorite Team in Training athlete. ;)
Love you guys-
Brian and Dave, Jr.
Dear Team-
I am just getting to e-mails and saw this. Thank you, Colleen, for forwarding the "bio" at this time to further honor my Pap. Such a good man. Strong, courageous, and positive up until the very end. He recently told me a story of his fastest run ever. He did a 5 mile race at a 7:20 pace when he was in his late 30's. You can be sure that David and I both will be trying to meet that high bar he set. About 2 hours before he died we went out and ran 5 miles in his honor. I joked that this was our own version of a "flyover in missing man formation."
If you read the end of my bio, then let me add a final note here:
Yes, his passing has made me sad. I am happy to confirm that in the end I have no regrets. Nothing remained unspoken. We were blessed with so many months to prepare for his death. Now I will begin moving forward and race in his memory. He committed to be with me on my races. We spoke Thursday about me doing an Ironman and he once again assured me he would come with me on the race and cross the finish line with me. I have a long way to go between here and there, but I look forward to every painful swim stroke, pedal stroke, and foot strike. May the suffering we endure as a team and as athletes inspire others to challenge themselves in new ways, support worthy causes like TNT, and to live each day of their lives fully.
In lieu of flowers we have asked that donations be made in dad's memory. We recommend supporting your favorite Team in Training athlete. ;)
Love you guys-
Brian and Dave, Jr.
Update on THAT Guy
In my previous blog of "THAT Guy" I told you the story of my encounter with JACKASS who in my mind intentionally got into a wreck trying to get money out of the insurance company.
Well, there are a number of things that JACKASS didn't count on or plan for. First and foremost is that we both have the same insurance company. Which means that they have all the information on his background. Secondly, they will do everything in their power to minimize damage to all parties involved.
So - after some debate, pictures taken, etc, I was found at fault of the accident since there were no witnesses that would testify to his reckless driving. Since we are talking about a loose bulb cover as the extent of his damage - I am not going to get too excited about it.
Now - for this "back" injury of JACKASS'. In his statement to the claim adjuster - he indicated that after a couple of hours his back started bothering him. Hmmm, funny cause it was an hour after the accident you filed a claim with a back injury. He apparently went to the hospital that afternoon to have it checked out but they are still waiting to receive that information and verify what he said to the doctors.
I have also learned that in May of 2008, he had a significant back injury as a result of another accident he was involved in. Interesting, don't you think?
At the end of the day, the insurance companies settlement offer to him is to pay for his ER visit the day of the accident. He is pissed because this was not part of his game plan. The adjuster told him given his previous accident & injury - he should consider himself lucky that he is even getting that!
Well, there are a number of things that JACKASS didn't count on or plan for. First and foremost is that we both have the same insurance company. Which means that they have all the information on his background. Secondly, they will do everything in their power to minimize damage to all parties involved.
So - after some debate, pictures taken, etc, I was found at fault of the accident since there were no witnesses that would testify to his reckless driving. Since we are talking about a loose bulb cover as the extent of his damage - I am not going to get too excited about it.
Now - for this "back" injury of JACKASS'. In his statement to the claim adjuster - he indicated that after a couple of hours his back started bothering him. Hmmm, funny cause it was an hour after the accident you filed a claim with a back injury. He apparently went to the hospital that afternoon to have it checked out but they are still waiting to receive that information and verify what he said to the doctors.
I have also learned that in May of 2008, he had a significant back injury as a result of another accident he was involved in. Interesting, don't you think?
At the end of the day, the insurance companies settlement offer to him is to pay for his ER visit the day of the accident. He is pissed because this was not part of his game plan. The adjuster told him given his previous accident & injury - he should consider himself lucky that he is even getting that!
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