tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31256997269964533322024-03-13T23:30:50.190-05:00Team Tri DivasDonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09531066471698015279noreply@blogger.comBlogger287125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-66554005008563275392010-03-12T18:17:00.002-06:002010-03-12T18:19:54.076-06:00I'm baaaaaaack...Hey Divas :)<br /><br />Just wanted to let you know that I'm back in the proverbial saddle. I'm out of my winter funk and ready to spring into action (woo hoo aren't I clever???).<br /><br />I've decided to go back to Weight Watchers (didn't want to, but work is paying for it and Momola is going with me... it worked last time!!!) and hopefully this time I can maintain my focus and maybe, just maybe, finally see the underside of 200 pounds! :)<br /><br />Miss you all :)<br /><br /><3, Jenn :)Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08123997791001727589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-87320016883310201562010-02-11T00:19:00.004-06:002010-02-11T00:22:08.748-06:00Design of a Decade...Hey Divas...<br /><br />Just wanted to let you know Lynn and I have started a blog to document the road to our <span style="font-weight: bold;">10th anniversary</span> of this "getting healthy thing". Click <a href="http://onwardanddownward10.blogspot.com/">ME</a>!<br /><br />Hope all is well,<br />CCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00992472566530093978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-17488424472891137802010-01-20T11:05:00.000-06:002010-01-20T11:05:48.475-06:00For those watching calories...I subscribe to the RSS feed for the <a href="http://www.nutritiondata.com/">Nutrition Data</a> <a href="http://blog.nutritiondata.com/ndblog/">blog</a>. <a href="http://blog.nutritiondata.com/ndblog/2010/01/nutrition-data-not-an-exact-science.html">Today's post</a> is striking to me. It's really a reiteration of an <a href="http://www.foodpolitics.com/2010/01/the-perils-of-interpreting-food-composition/">article</a> from <a href="http://www.foodpolitics.com/about/">Marion Nestle</a>. The first thing that strikes hard:<br />
<blockquote><i> Here’s the deal on food composition tables: you have to consider these numbers as ballpark figures, not as something engraved in stone.</i><br />
</blockquote>That's not really too shocking. Food science has never been an exact science. I understand that intellectually. I think I fail to grasp the concept emotionally though. That's when I saw this:<br />
<blockquote><i> A 50-gram hard-cooked egg is 78 calories? Plus or minus 10 maybe.</i><br />
</blockquote>Sure, it's 10 calories; but if it's 10 here and 5 there and 10 over there, that's 25 calories extra that I am eating and may not know it. The other thing that whacks me hard in the gut:<br />
<blockquote><i>...food companies know quite well what is in their products but they won’t give the USDA any information about nutrient composition beyond what is on the food label; they consider that information “proprietary” and don’t have to.</i><br />
</blockquote>It seems so useless when reading this article. Why bother when the data we do have is circumspect (despite the very best efforts); and companies want to keep it that way? Dr. Nestle says:<br />
<blockquote><i>I use the USDA figures as ballpark estimates and don’t pay any attention to small differences.</i><br />
</blockquote>I wonder what "small differences" mean to her. Maybe I'm just tired of fighting a battle that has more obstacles than I have ideas. Does this mean "counting calories" is really about consistency? If it is, what does that really mean for the concept of move more + eat less = weight loss? How can you trust that you are eating less when your morning hard boiled egg could be 68 to 88 calories? This makes my brain hurt.Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773883153280321561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-60877673189570600142009-12-26T14:11:00.000-06:002009-12-26T14:11:43.992-06:00Triathlon Conversion Calculators<a href="http://www.bx3.com/phil/tri/tricalc.asp">Triathlon Conversion Calculators</a>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09531066471698015279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-85467955309077836142009-12-15T13:43:00.005-06:002009-12-15T13:52:45.216-06:00Winter Training: Indoor Brick WorkoutsHey Divas!<br /><br />The USAT newsletter had a good article on indoor brick workouts. I'm going to start playing around with them this week. Hope all is well! <br /><a href="http://www.usatriathlon.org/pages/7992"><br />Click Me!</a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00992472566530093978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-48800215646438548302009-10-14T08:39:00.000-05:002009-10-14T08:41:57.956-05:00Heels and Hills????<a href="http://heelsandhills.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 126px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 153px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392450290461257618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglHmN1RQKpH_iHgRVLxNt9oq6eFNcFeegkXxrZiP-P1Aw_Wia_W1sMJXidJQZo9Mm2K0ht7017CfCiitdDXs4spG94YPOlFxd8HIPdkdTvBdWqT3dHib0panXQfcQKfXJ20pWKcUsUI3XW/s400/hh.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Courtney found this one... click the logo for the details. </div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09531066471698015279noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-68415790441365448502009-10-12T14:05:00.006-05:002009-10-12T14:12:55.312-05:00Du the Bear aka Du the Muddy-Buddy :)<div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391792831484460642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxScarI7wOyeba-sewl2pycUVWe_c65QdRCogjOR6ZjPooiJxQJrgzwwvrzjchPQg0MGzkawWqm6aiKQYnGyPUDFbNS8X4G0q1DRnz27g8WTTxy8HFjDZt0ZHI1iQdapV9Y_o3nsJjqaMZ/s400/db3.jpg" /><br /><div><div>It's no secret I suck at running... I mean I try not to suck, and I have improved, and therefore suck less, but I still suck.<br /><br />I was happy when I woke up, expecting to have great weather for racing. We lined up and it had been misting already. The Guys started, "and they're off." The Women started and the skies opened and the rain came. LOL What are you gonna do? </div><div><br /> </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391792767230544034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPRznZ_EKi7i68qxJGiDCpyiQMPZBOd6rXJ08lzhJD2pq-BkJJR-fp7WerkH5vdqSOzVapj9xgRYHqqve4iuRCn9CLBududpi8SB_txj4j6e2krzPpmw0Rrs3BdI8lLCTxZuPNQgqWvVs/s400/db2.jpg" /><br />But even after the rain, running 5 miles Saturday morning, a gait analysis, Maggie at Kola working on my hip AND being on my feet for 4 hours volunteering at the 10 Miler packet pickup I had 2 of my best race runs, ever!<br /><br /><div></div><div>Maybe there's something to that being on your feet all day!<br /><br />The bike was okay. I mean it was raining, wet and yucky and riding in rain does nothing for morale. I should have played the lottery though, because I was lucky enough to get stopped by the same cop, at the same light, on each loop (and it wasn't because I was riding at light-speed).<br /><br />The mud sucked. My one legged yoga moves came in handy, balancing while changing shoes. Lastly, I must be getting faster/better, because there was hot food left when I crossed the line.<br /><br />I had a little discrepancy between what my Garmin reported and what the race results reported. In the end, it appears that the 5 minute offset for the Athena class was not applied. I would have never been able to prove it, or point it out to them, if my friend's husband hadn't been taking pictures! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391792708514028914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSeOcrUBhM2kIbSIMRGcHtgCM88owziqrXZkrFgxN_Jy8ZLvHd4G_Rd1UQ-7FHMiAoY1I_VIjGNehWKuQ3ahVVJY-O80TLF_g2RPhzOmyFoQnBqqe0UicbXguBHpHVSHfeNYF9Xz3341Yy/s400/db1.jpg" /></div></div></div>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09531066471698015279noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-45500803422001385712009-10-11T00:32:00.002-05:002009-10-11T00:34:19.426-05:00Tri Divas 2010?Time to start thinking! Are you all ready to start talking about it? 2009 was so positive and I can't wait to see everyone again! Let's get together again ladies!Lynnderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912267035957466473noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-33875801347418779262009-09-27T13:18:00.003-05:002009-09-27T13:33:15.066-05:00Redman Olympic DistanceI have this list I've been working on... it's my 35 x 35 list... a list of 35 items to complete between now and before I turn 36.<br /><br />#23. Complete an Olympic distance triathlon.<br /><br />See the full list <a href="http://www.opendiary.com/entryview.asp?authorcode=D225573&entry=21709&mode=date">here</a>.<br /><br />The race was the <a href="http://www.redmantriathlon.com/">Redman</a> Olympic Distance Triathlon in Oklahoma City.<br /><br />So the beginning of the story is this... I have this idea in my head that I need to do these physical challenges. And I honestly don't know if it's me trying to prove something or me trying to get better or me just not understanding myself at all... but at the end of the day, I'm not your typical athlete. I'm in pretty awesome cardio shape, but I carry extra weight. I'm not thin, I'm not tall, I'm not the typical runner shape, I'm certainly not the typical triathlete shape, none of it comes easy to me... but yet, I keep setting goals higher and higher and strangely enough... I keep meeting these goals. And it surprises even me.<br /><br />That brings me to the fact that joining a group usually makes it easier to achieve my goals. I'm not saying everyone has to be groupies... but having people around to laugh, get advice from, comiserate with... goes a long way to getting me across a finish line... so while it's my race at the end of the day, I wasn't without a considerable amount of help getting across that line.<br /><br />I don't have all of my pictures... but a few... and I will add later... I'm just afraid if I don't write it down now, I will forget the feeling... especially since my mind is already onto the next thing and the next thing and the next thing.<br /><br />At the hotel room, I layed out all my gear... just checking to make sure I had everything.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 450px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bambamgotchatwice.smugmug.com/photos/659061643_37M4F-M.jpg" border="0" /> <em>(transition towel, body glide, sunscreen, wetsuit, swim cap, goggles, garmin, transition flip flops, bike shoes, socks, bike gloves, {the helmet was already in transition with my bike}, jersey, bike shorts, sports bra, tank top, compression shorts, water bottles, jacket, race belt w/number, sport beans, running shoes)<br /></em><br /><br />Now here it is in the actual transition area... it was dark. We got there about 6:00.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 338px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 450px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bambamgotchatwice.smugmug.com/photos/659061971_NwDYz-M.jpg" border="0" /><br />So one of the bad things about this Oly distance was they were running a sprint distance too... and the sprint took off about 7:00... leaving us to wait and wait and wait until about 9:00 before we could even start our race. That was a lot of time to kill... and we weren't allowed back into the transition area after they closed it for the sprinters. So for two hours, I stood around, barefoot, wearing less clothing than I typically wear in public, carrying my wetsuit and holding my swim cap and goggles so tightly in my fist (for fear of losing them somewhere) that I almost got hand cramps.<br /><br />I also had to use a porta-potty... barefoot... and it was sloping down a hill... and I slid in my barefeet on the floor of that porta-potty... and I will try to never think about that again.<br /><br />Bodymarking occured... and see my number? It's 3355... When I first saw my number I was like why couldn't it have been 3535! Wouldn't that have been a neat little coincidence?<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 338px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 450px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bambamgotchatwice.smugmug.com/photos/659062135_cF7jZ-M.jpg" border="0" /><br />I stood around and looked for my mom for an hour. And it was strange because while it wasn't that big of an area, I just couldn't find her anywhere... and I knew she was going to send me off into the water and watch me get out and transition to bike. I looked and looked and looked... and watched part of the sprinters transition to their bikes... and finally, I saw her... over by the water... I saw a flash of green and a flash of blonde hair and thought, that's my mom and booked it over to her. And it was... and I was about to cry before I even started... just so glad to have my mom there. (She hasn't sent me her pictures yet. And now that I think of it, I should have had someone take one of me with her. oops)<br /><br />So finally it's our turn to get in the water... and I was really glad for the wetsuit... I think the water temp was about 73°??? They said what it was, but all I know is that I stepped into the water and it was cold for a minute... like, oh dear, what's this coldness. This is my swim wave... I'm in the rectangle. That's me!<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 600px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 402px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://bambamgotchatwice.smugmug.com/photos/661538793_6iShJ-M.jpg" border="0" /><br />Right about that time I was splashing water on myself trying to acclimate and thinking... "This is your race to finish. A finish is a win. This is your race to finish. A finish is a win." Over and over and over... and then they hit the air horn... and I tried like hell to move... and couldn't. It was just a second or two... and then I tried to put my face in the water and had a panic. It was pretty short lived though... and soon enough, I was headed for the first bouy. I was swimming next to a girl for several minutes and she kept swimming into me. I finally figured that she was swimming right and I was swiming left, so with her on my left and me on her right, we were destined to keep hitting... the thing was, she never noticed... because I kept correcting before I'd hit her... so finally I got smart (duh) and moved over to her left side so I could quit correcting to her and start correcting to the bouy.<br /><br />Going out in the water wasn't bad at all... the wetsuit worked like a dream... and after the initial freak out of face in cold water *note to self: don't splash the wetsuit and your arms next time before you start, splash your face!*, I was never cold again. But the back side of the course was difficult. It was a triangle, sort of... and the back leg was the longest portion of the triangle and the water on that side was choppier... and the longer we swam, the choppier it got.<br /><br />The thing about open water swimming I don't understand is... how can we have a whole damn lake and still manage to swim on top of each other? I don't get it... but I still swam into and got plowed over several times... the men's heat had gone off before us and they were passing us by the time I was on the far side. I did watch a very hilarious moment though... the bouys were giving me so many issues... everytime I came to a bouy, I was having a hard time swimming around it... and then when I finally started making decents turns, I had about four swimmers on top of me trying to make the turns too... so too many legs, a lot cussing and then just getting back to it... but this one lady was coming up on my left side, and I was cutting it around the bouy really short... but she just swam right into it. I started cracking up in the water... to see this woman swim right up, almost underneath, the bouy and then look up totally suprised. It's so something I would have thought I would do.<br /><br />Two laps in the water. My shoulders were starting to get tired... but the swim went well... As I was coming out of the water, two volunteers helped me get my wetsuit unzipped... and basically made sure I wasn't going to fall over... I was a little worried about the transition from swimming to standing... I've run the gamut of weird ankle cramps to dizziness... but the only problem in the water, bodywise, was a slight cramp in my calf that started as I was making the final turn to leave the water.<br /><br />Out of the water... there were several men standing over a mat yelling at me to see if I wanted them to strip me. (MY WETSUIT!) They told me I had to lay down, but as soon as they said that, I figured, I'd better not lay down... so I was actually able to strip my own wetsuit... if I'd had long sleeves, long pants on... I'd have needed help... but yeah.<br /><br />Running to transition area... one of my running ladies was there as well... I heard her say, "You're not the last one out of the water!" And I mentally shook myself... because I was really glad for that... and then I saw my mom running over too, snapping pictures and yelled "MOM!" That was pretty much the only thing I said when I saw her all day. "MOM!"<br /><br />Got to the bike... and I'm not a fancy mounter... I've seen the videos for a flying mount, without shoes... and let me tell you this... I'll probably never get to that... I will put on my shoes and run/walk my bike to the mount line and I will step over my bike and then start riding. I will not try to kill myself with a mount or a dismount. Seriously. I may be a triathlete, but chances of me being a "good" triathlete are pretty slim.<br /><br />The bike was four laps... and it was a little bit of a mental struggle... because all along I'd thought it was going to be closer to 24 miles (40k), but it ended up being closer to 28 miles... as soon as I heard that, I pretty much knew I wouldn't have a sub five hour race... and I just went out and did the best I could... but that four additional miles just added too much time to a crunch to get under five hours. But you know what? So what? I still got out there and did it, right?<br /><br />The bike was very difficult... more difficult than the time we went over there a couple of weekends ago... the wind was different and throughout my ride, it was constantly changing... up on the dam, riding into the wind and then down and around and up a few hills... the course finished on an uphill... and while it wasn't a huge incline, between the wind and the incline it was rough. And four laps of the same same same same stuff... well, it was good because I knew what was coming at me after the first lap, but I also knew what was coming at me after the first lap... and that end of the loop was tough. I got through it by saying to myself "you only have to do this two more times, one more time, you're done, you don't have to do that again" over and over and over. And there were tons of people who passed me... some I knew, some I didn't... but I kept hearing a steady stream of other people saying "you're doing it, keep going, you're doing great! You're awesome, great job!"<br /><br />I finally made it back to the dismount area... I stopped my bike several feet before the dismount line because one of the things I hate most is hearing someone yelling at me "DISMOUNT BEFORE THE LINE!!!!!!!!!!!" It's just too ragged after everything... and you still have to change your thoughts to running... I wish the dismount area was a little more calm, but it's filled with people everywhere and excitement for you and because you're 2/3 of the way through... and it's a big emotional area that scares me a little.<br /><br />So I'm standing a few feet from the line... and I realize... I'm so tight, I'm not sure how to get off the bike. My hands were clutched around the handle bars like they were holding me up (maybe they were)... and my legs were starting to go jelly. My feet were asleep. My brain was chugging... and I told the volunteer who ran up to me... "I don't know if I can do this." Meaning, I don't know if I can get off my bike... and he asked if I needed help... but I just slowed down for a second... stepped to the side, dropped my bike, and stepped over it... as he cheered me on and I ran/walked into transition for the last time.<br /><br />I racked my bike, took off my bike shoes, put on my run shoes, grabbed a water bottle and started walking out of transition. They were already dismantling the racks for the sprinters... so I was dodging poles and people everywhere.... I asked a girl... "That way?" and she didn't hear me... so I said "MA'AM! Run out that way?!" And she heard me and said "Yes! Keep going!"<br /><br />And for the next two hours... I put one foot in front of the other. It was two loops... about a mile and half out and back... and it never felt like it took so long to go a mile and a half. My Garmin was messed up when I tried to change from bike to run and I had no idea how far I'd gone. I luckily kept my other watch on, so I had a general idea of how long it was taking me and how long I'd been on the course.<br /><br />But the run volunteers were awesome... because they actually have some time to talk to you... coming out of the swim, you're so dazed and focused on getting to the next thing, that it's hard to talk, the bike, they can talk, but you might not hear them, but on the run, they're just kind of right there with you... and every volunteer I passed said something... great job, keeping going, you're doing it, proud of you... and I was running with other athletes too... and our names were on our run numbers... so I was able to say "keep going Stacy, you're awesome Allen, etc... as well as them being able to call me by name too... it's comforting in that situation....<br /><br />As I was walking out of transition... I started wheezing... so I didn't immediately start trying to run... I got myself calmed back down... I passed several people I knew (they were finishing the run as I was just starting it)... got my breath back and started landmark running... run from here to that light post or that bench... but then decided I needed a better plan... so I started a run/walk at a 1 minute interval... I kept that up for most of mile two and three... but by then, I was really fading... I should have eaten something else, but I couldn't stomach any of the nutrition I had on me to eat... so I just kept walking. At that point, it was hot and there was no shade on the run... but I put one foot in front of the other and just kept walking.<br /><br />As I was rounding the final corner, I saw all the red netting that was the finish line chute.... and I almost started to cry... and then I wanted to run, but I just didn't have it... and a lady who was just walking, not racing, that day... came up beside me... she asked "Is there some sort of event going on today?"... I told her what we were doing... and she mentioned that she was going to walk to whole resevoir that day (about 9 miles)... and she asked "Am I distracting you?" And I laughed and told her I wasn't moving any faster than how fast I was going and that no, no distraction, it was nice to talk to someone... but she turned up her speed and was ahead of me before I knew I wasn't keeping up.<br /><br />I finally rounded the last bend into the finish line area... and I was really near to tears at this point... five hours, tired, hungry, sick to my stomach, proud, sunburned, infinately proud, and happy, and nervous and everything all mixed up... and I hear the crowd... everyone still left at the race was lining the chute... My mom "MOM!", stepdad, several of my friends, people I will never know... all watching me and cheering for me as I walked into the finish area... they held out their hands for me to high five, they yelled for me... I was biting my lip at first trying not to cry, but then I just started smiling and couldn't stop and smiling made the tears go away, so I cheezed it up the whole time... I passed my coach... and then... I started running... it was about 25 yards to the finish line at this point... and as I started running the whole crowd just went up into this huge cheer! I crossed the finish line running, hands high in the air... pretty much never more proud of myself for finishing something.<br /><br />One of the run volunteers who had been out on the course was back in the tent... he came running over and hugged me and said "I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT!"... I still don't have a clue what his name was... but I will remember that forever.<br /><br />What an awesome experience. I was the final finisher... but someone has to finish last... It's just the way life is... but just because I finished last didn't put me in last place... because at the end of the day, that was my best race ever... I set a PR (personal record) because the first time you do any race is a PR... I did it. I finished it. It was a long day and I made it through... I didn't drown, I didn't wreck and I didn't fall. I made it across the line running, with people cheering for me too.<br /><br />I did it.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309577686818429890noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-4697072523497713272009-09-26T07:34:00.002-05:002009-09-26T07:44:14.654-05:00Wimping outOk, so tomorrow is the Danskin Tri, and I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons of doing the tri.<br />Pros:<br /><ol><li>Would feel pride and accomplishment for finishing</li><li>Would get to see some of the gals from my training team (hopefully)</li><li>Would not feel guilty for bailing</li><li>Would get swag and another medal</li></ol>Cons:<br /><ol><li>The water is going to be between 70-72 degrees and I don't have a wetsuit.</li><li>Fibro has been acting up after a humid and dreary weather week</li><li>I have not done anything even remotely like training in over 2 months</li><li>Did I mention how cold the water will be?</li><li>Lots of gear to get ready and haven't touched any of it since July</li><li>I still haven't taken the trek tri sticker off my bike... how sad is that?</li><li>Could potentially injure myself</li><li>Very vivid dream last night of me wiping out on the bike and being taken away in an ambulance. Woke up when in the dream I was on the verge of passing out. Omen?</li><li>It's supposed to rain most of the day today up there... My bike would be out in the rain overnight</li></ol>Pros of bailing on it:<br /><ol><li>No risk of injury, drowning, death, etc.</li><li>No potential asthma issues</li><li>No pneumonia risk</li><li>No fibro flare up</li><li>R&R at home over the weekend</li><li>No trekking back and forth up to Wisconsin.</li><li>No waking up at 4am to set up my gear in the cold.</li></ol>Cons of bailing on it:<br /><ol><li>Would feel massive guilt for bailing.</li><li>No swag (you all know I'm a swag whore)</li><li>Would feel like a wimp.</li></ol>I think I have my answer, but could use input from my TriDivas :)Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08123997791001727589noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-67261791602492445582009-09-22T21:34:00.002-05:002009-09-22T21:35:42.158-05:00Little person, big accomplishments: Local dwarf is triathlete - Salem, MA - Salem Gazette<a href="http://shar.es/128Hj">Little person, big accomplishments: Local dwarf is triathlete - Salem, MA - Salem Gazette</a><br /><br />Posted using <a href="http://sharethis.com/">ShareThis</a>Lynnderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912267035957466473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-53712516328052245832009-09-16T17:43:00.004-05:002009-09-16T18:53:11.866-05:004QHey Divas! <br /><br />The blog as has been extremely quiet, so I figured we needed to check-in. :) September is 1/2 over and the 4th quarter is fast approaching. What are your fitness plans/events for the remainder of '09?<br /><br />As for me, I've registered for Bronda's Run/Bike Duathlon in November. There are several other Tri Divas du-ing (haha) the race, so it should be fun! The event will definitely be a challenge for me because Coco & Running isn't exactly PB & J. I've been very focused on my training/nutrition lately and I'm hoping to continue the trend and end the year on a fabulous note. <br /><br />My last event of '09 will be the Cap 1 Turkey Trot. A couple of friends do the 5K every year and love it, so I put it on the ol' calendar. I figure it can't hurt to start the calorie burn early on Turkey Day. LOL<br /><br />Hope all is well with my lovely divas...check in when you can.<br /><br />-CCourtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00992472566530093978noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-35641035763150886702009-07-10T20:02:00.001-05:002009-07-10T20:02:49.612-05:00Trek TriI'm a little nervous! The Trek Women Triathlon is Sunday! Pray for me!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08123997791001727589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-34273915388901097542009-07-01T11:10:00.005-05:002009-07-01T11:13:29.418-05:00The IronNun<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/WN/story?id=7671970&page=1">78-year-old Nun Trains Daily and Competes in Several Triathlons a Year</a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00992472566530093978noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-82189629543546016832009-06-30T13:10:00.003-05:002009-06-30T13:24:49.481-05:00TRImapperAnyone seen this? <a href="http://www.trimapper.com/">TRImapper</a><br /><br />Pretty interesting. I found a list for <a href="http://www.trimapper.com/tris_na/tris_na_us_tx.htm">Texas</a>, <a href="http://www.trimapper.com/trical_rds.htm">Sprint Distance</a>, and <a href="http://www.trimapper.com/clubs_na/">Tri Clubs</a>.Lasshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03773883153280321561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-48553860548474183222009-06-21T18:04:00.003-05:002009-06-21T18:09:58.879-05:00Buh-Bump!I've always had a problem getting a consistent reading on my Polar HRM in the pool due to the chlorine (no issues in open water). I saw a recommendation for Buh-Bump on a fitness site and I've decided to give it a try. Just thought I'd pass the info along to my fellow tri divas. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HZD2NU/ref=sr_1_159/183-4917857-5250543?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1194554623&sr=1-159">Buh-Bump HRM Electrode Cream</a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00992472566530093978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-16264539150519879042009-06-15T14:01:00.002-05:002009-06-15T14:02:12.458-05:00Swimming for Triathlon- Endless Pool Underwater Video<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GVWHWzsDN4M&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GVWHWzsDN4M&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09531066471698015279noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-74395100477557519472009-06-13T14:59:00.002-05:002009-06-13T15:01:03.474-05:00She Pedals MagazineHey Divas!<br /><br />If you register on the mag's website, you'll receive the first issue (September '09) for free!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.shepedalsmagazine.com/">http://www.shepedalsmagazine.com/</a>Courtneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00992472566530093978noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-64367615008664635962009-06-12T10:22:00.001-05:002009-06-12T10:25:41.874-05:00THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO TRIATHLON NUTRITION<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Thought this was a good article.</span><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO TRIATHLON NUTRITION<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">By: Kim Brown, MS, RD, Sports Nutritionist<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">So you are gearing up for first triathlon!<span style=""> </span>Congratulations and welcome to the sport.<span style=""> </span>I made my grand appearance in 2002, doing one Olympic Distance Triathlon before jumping into Half Ironman and Ironman distance races.<span style=""> </span>Yes, I can say it is truly an addicting sport!<span style=""> </span>Fortunately, with being a Registered Dietitian, an Exercise Physiologist, and having a background in endurance training, I have a distinct advantage in knowing what I have to do both nutritionally and in training to maximize my own performance.<span style=""> </span>For many, however, it is not that easy which is why I am going to provide you five essential nutrition tips as you prepare for your upcoming season!<span style=""> </span>Happy trails ( :<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">TIP #1<span style=""> </span>Meet your daily energy demands</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">It is not uncommon for athletes to underestimate their energy demands during training.<span style=""> </span>Unfortunately, with inadequate fuel in your tank, you will never reap full benefit from your training and actually can heighten your risk for injury.<span style=""> </span>Depending on daily training volume and intensity, most triathletes require a range of 16-30 calories per pound of lean body weight, with male triathletes training for long course triathlons requiring the latter end of these requirements.<span style=""> </span>If you are looking drop a few pounds of body fat, you should never restrict by more than 1,000 calories per day as this causes muscle breakdown.<span style=""> </span>To avoid an energy drain associated with restrictive eating patterns, a smaller restriction of 250-500 calories each day will help you lose ½-1 pound of fat mass a week.<span style=""> </span>On the flipside, if you need to gain body weight, boost your calorie intake by 250 calories daily.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Aim at a balance of 55-60% healthy carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans), 15-20% lean protein (soy, low-fat dairy, chicken breast, fish, round steak, turkey), and 20-25% healthy fats (avocado, nuts, seeds, olives), spreading out your total calorie needs into 4-6 smaller meals throughout the day.<span style=""> </span>Be sure to avoid dietary plans that entail avoidance or restriction of major food groups (e.g., carbohydrate-restricted diets), as they are not balanced and can lead to performance declining nutrient deficiencies as well as potentially serious health consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">To give you an example of what a nutritionist eats:<span style=""> </span>As a 110 pound female with ~15% body fat, I generally <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">consume ~2,500 calories during Ironman training which does not include calories that I consume during or immediately after training.<span style=""> </span>I split my 2,500 calorie daily intake into 4-6 400-600 calorie meals consisting of combinations of carbohydrate and protein and a whole lot of colorful fruits and vegetables.<span style=""> </span>A typical day of eating for me includes 1) Breakfast: Oatmeal blended with granola, berries, almonds, and milk along with Naked Juice, 2) Lunch: Vegetarian turkey sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cheese on whole grain bread, vegetable soup or salad, a piece of fruit, and low-fat chocolate milk, 3) Afternoon snack: Fruit smoothie prepared with yogurt, juice, and frozen fruit or an energy bar and piece of fruit, 4) Dinner Large salad plus a pasta dish prepared with soy-meat, 5) Evening Snack: Small bowl of granola with almonds and nonfat milk.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">TIP #2<span style=""> </span>Stay hydrated<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Aim at drinking half your body weight (pounds) in fluid ounces each day.<span style=""> </span>This does not include your morning cup of Joe or any other caffeinated beverage but it does include any fluid you consumed at rest that is liquid at room temperature (e.g., juice, milk, broth).<span style=""> </span>In the 1-2 hours prior to your workouts, tap off your fluid tank by finishing one water bottle full of fluid (~16-24 ounces). During your workouts, aim at drinking 5-12 ounces of fluid intake every 20 minutes.<span style=""> </span>Carry a water bottle or fuel belt with you if going on routes where no water fountains are available.<span style=""> </span>Opt for a sports drink containing electrolytes when your training extends beyond 90 minutes.<span style=""> </span>Rehydrate with a sports drink after a workout if you find your urine color tending towards a bright yellow color rather than clear or you have lost a significant amount of weight (1 pound or more)!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">TIP #3</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style=""> </span><b style="">Eat prior to high intensity or long duration workouts.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">To ensure optimal energy levels during high intensity or long duration (>90 minutes) training, aim at consuming ½ your lean body weight in carbohydrate grams for every hour prior to starting your workout.<span style=""> </span>For most female triathletes, this equates out to be 45-60 grams of carbohydrates (~200-250 calories) for every hour prior to starting; an energy bar or a piece of whole grain toast spread lightly with peanut butter and topped with 1 sliced banana would be sample snack ideas for 1 hour prior to your workouts.<span style=""> </span>For most male triathletes, this equates out to be 60-75 grams of carbohydrate (~250-300 calories) for every hour prior to starting; a banana and an energy bar or a small bowl of Special K cereal topped with strawberries and nonfat milk and a glass of orange juice would be sample snacks 1 hour prior to starting your workouts.<span style=""> </span>Make sure to minimize the amount of fiber, protein, and fat in the meal, as these three nutrients will slow down digestion and potentially cause gastrointestinal problems (e.g., diarrhea) during your workout.<span style=""> </span>Also, make sure to drink fluids with your meal to ensure optimal absorption of the nutrients.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">TIP #4<span style=""> </span> Be sure to refuel when training longer than >90 minutes.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">To optimize fuel usage (burn fat, spare your limited carbohydrate stores), be sure to start refueling after 90 minutes of training.<span style=""> </span>For every hour beyond 90 minutes, aim at ½ gram of carbohydrate (essential in all races lasting longer than 90 minutes) and up to 1/8 gram of protein (desirable when training for Half Ironman and Ironman distance races) per pound of lean body weight.<span style=""> </span>Again, for most females, this equates out to be 45-60 grams of carbohydrate, which could be replenished by consuming 1 energy gel with electrolyte enhanced water every ½ hour beyond 90 minutes of training.<span style=""> </span>For male triathletes, an hourly dosing of 60-75 grams of carbohydrates is generally warranted.<span style=""> </span>This could be fulfilled by consuming an energy gel with electrolyte enhanced water plus 8 ounces of a sports drink every half hour beyond 90 minutes of training.<span style=""> </span>Opt for sports foods containing small amounts of protein (Accelerade, Perpetuem, energy bars) when training for long course triathlons.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">TIP #5<span style=""> </span>After hard training efforts, eat a carbohydrate-protein combination.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Within 30 minutes after finishing, aim at consuming ½ gram of carbohydrate and 1/8 gram of protein per pound of lean body weight.<span style=""> </span>For most female triathletes, a 200-250 calorie snack is appropriate whereas most male triathletes will require closer to 300+ calories for post workout replenishment.<span style=""> </span>At this time, you could opt for a sports food or you can go for real food.<span style=""> </span>Some of my favorite post-workout recovery foods include low-fat chocolate milk, smoothies with a protein boost, peanut butter/honey/banana sandwiches, salted pretzels dipped in yogurt, and cottage cheese/fruit combinations.<span style=""> </span>Meal replacement shakes like Boost and Ensure also provide a convenient nutritional punch when time is at a minimum.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Interested in customized meal planning and sports nutrition coaching? Kim Brown, MS, RD has worked with athletes worldwide, creating menus specific to individual training and metabolic demands and designed to help maximize endurance performance.<span style=""> </span>Information on my programs can be found at <a href="http://www.kbnutrition.com/">www.kbnutrition.com</a> .<span style=""> </span>Kim can be reached at <a href="mailto:kim@kbnutrition.com">kim@kbnutrition.com</a> .<o:p></o:p></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style=""><span style="font-size: 10pt;">To be published in an upcoming Triathlete Magazine issue!!!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>Lynnderfulhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06912267035957466473noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-64803874331679600872009-06-12T07:13:00.001-05:002009-06-12T07:15:23.095-05:00Sprint Distance Training Plan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1ZhBXvlkMYkusvkBoNfr6-LmyfNtKPy58N2_U2Ne4F0YIsnSAJpSLaRRi1BRfXHrBhfQQYOiyAGVkhb-WfNYI6_8px8I7h8H-2rVmU1G5Vj6GIOiaIbMxihuoAAVim8dW7DUPDUk73qH/s1600-h/6-12-2009+7-11-36+AM.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 157px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1ZhBXvlkMYkusvkBoNfr6-LmyfNtKPy58N2_U2Ne4F0YIsnSAJpSLaRRi1BRfXHrBhfQQYOiyAGVkhb-WfNYI6_8px8I7h8H-2rVmU1G5Vj6GIOiaIbMxihuoAAVim8dW7DUPDUk73qH/s400/6-12-2009+7-11-36+AM.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346413516616314978" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Found this on trihive.com (click to see the full-size version... if ya want)Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09531066471698015279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-75986669951731828352009-06-11T15:22:00.002-05:002009-06-11T15:32:40.765-05:00Keep Austin Woodchipped<strong>The Race</strong><br />Swim Goes A Little Something Like This:<br /><br />*I was absolutely unprepared for that open water swim... that was literally the first time I've stepped into open water intending to do anything but splash about leisurely ... first time to "head toward that bouy, turn, head toward that bouy, turn, head for the shore. " <br /><br />*Out to the first turn and heading into the sun, I couldn't see a thing, although my goggles do have a slight tint... still couldn't see, water reflecting the light, light coming down... it's a wonder I didn't end up on the other side of the lake. <br /><br />*Everyone I've talked to said open water swim = a lot of jostling... people all around you, everywhere... but they told me to get toward the back and side and find a space to swim... I tried. I really really tried... but every time I found a bubble, someone would pop it. <br /><br />*The thing I find hilarious about the bubble popping was the chorus of sorries I heard through the entire swim... mine included. sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry... every time I poked my head up out of the water, I heard someone say sorry or said it myself. Polite? Yes. <br /><br />*You probably already know the the reasoning behind the sorries, but... My mom called right as I got back to the hotel room to shower and I told her, "Mom, I grabbed so many crotches in that water today, I'm embarassed for myself!" I couldn't go two feet without putting my hand on someone... arms, legs, crotches, boobs, heads, bodies everywhere. <br /><br />*I found a groove with what I would estimate 300 meters to go... I could finally put my head down and swim more than two strokes without running into anyone, having to look up to see where I was going, and just letting go of the fact that when I put my head down in lake water, I wasn't going to see anything, so quit trying... although I could see the reflection of my eyeballs in my goggles... and I have to tell you... I could see the fear in my eyes! <br /><br />T1:<br />*Whoever came up with running out of the water onto sand... love you <br />*Whoever came up with running from sand to grass... love you <br />*Whoever came up with running from grass to pavement... don't love you <br />*Whoever came up with running from pavement to wood chips... hate you. <br />*Whoever came up with the idea of doing all this on a hill... you're a bastard <br />*Whoever came up with the idea of doing all this while running... you're an even bigger bastard. <br />*Whoever came up with the idea of doing all this BAREFOOT... you.are.the.devil. <br />*I had really strange cramps in my ankles coming out of the water... or maybe I should say my lower calves... first time for that part of my calf to cramp... but it made running nearly impossible, going up the hill... so I walked... I was afraid running would result in a full charley horse and I'd never get on the bike. <br /><br />Biking Austin Hills:<br /><br />*You know, I now see why Lance Armstrong trains in Austin... there are little hills and big hills and oh shit hills and beg for your momma hills. <br /><br />*I walked the "Bitch Slap Hill" ... where they had us going down that great hill into the 90 degree turn and up the steepest of any of the hills... I got halfway up, refused to come out of the saddle, and walked up the rest of it... I was glad I was not alone... I've done a lot of alone hill walking dragging my bike, but knowing that it wasn't just me, made me feel... better... I know every woman walking up that hill dragging their bike wanted to be riding, but it was a dang hard hill, and the fact that we were in it together, just made it all better. <br /><br />*There were two other hills I was really worried about... and it took me a long time to get my bike up those hills, but I did it... and I want to go ride up them again, just to prove I can do it more than once... and maybe take video footage... I could be in movies, man. <br /><br />*Lesli and I drove the course on Saturday, and on Saturday, I was equal parts glad and equal parts sick... since we were going into the course blind... looking at "Bitch Slap Hill" and as CoCo called it "Oh Shit Hills" and "Holy Shit Hills" ... I was sick... but having seen it, I felt much better when I was actually riding... so if I have to go in blind again, I will drive the course, if possible. <br /><br />*When I looked at my times... I felt like the ride was actually my strongest portion of the event... and I felt really proud of my cycling. <br /><br />T2:<br /><br />*I honestly don't remember coming back into the transition area... I think it was because I actually had shoes on <br />*I do remember changing from biking to running shoes <br />*I remember getting nearly blinded by my headband when I was trying to walk (not run) across transition to the run out. <br /><br />It's Called Trail Running:<br /><br />*Running is my weakest link... I'm not going to lie... I ran down the hills, but never back up them... and only managed to average a 17 minute and change pace. <br /><br />*Running on wood chips? I don't know who got the discount on wood chips, but why.were.they.everywhere?<br /><br />*I've determined hate running on wood chips... they move a little too fluidly under your feet. <br /><br />*The grass and sand was better, but... still... not my strongest event.<br /><br />*Thank god for water stations. <br /><br />*Here's to the sadistic bastard that put the longest hill at the end of the race... although it was a flat finish. <br /><br />*I.finally.got.my.finishers.medal. <br /><br />So I can finally claim a medal! WOOT! I was very proud of everyone there... we've all had many personal triumphs and many personal setbacks... but at the end of the day, we all finished... and as one of my coworkers who put the running bug in my ear a few years ago likes to always remind me... A finish is a win.Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08309577686818429890noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-400417970335666912009-06-09T15:27:00.001-05:002009-06-09T18:29:20.305-05:00My Turn!!!Where do I start? What a weekend!<br /><br />I think I’ve started writing this several times, but it just comes rambling out. Guess there is a lot I want to say.<br /><br />We arrived in Austin on Friday. The Expo was on Saturday. Elysha and I met up with my other “Tri Diva” friends to pick-up our packets, chips, swag and check-in our bikes. It was great to see and met some of them for the first time.<br /><br />For me, by the time I started packing to head to the hotel I was getting nervous. I just kept repeating to myself that I couldn’t do anything any better than I have. Over the course of my training I missed a total of running 7 miles and swimming 2000m since April. In the big picture those 7 miles and 2000 m were not going to make me any faster. The rest was only going to come to me during the event.<br /><br />Elysha and I woke on Sunday and were out the door pretty quickly, after prepping our hairdryer warmed Ezekiel English muffins and low fat cream cheese. We made it swiftly to the grounds and started prepping. Damn… I was nervous. I don’t think anyone really knew just what a mess I was inside.<br /><br />I didn’t want to fail myself. I only wanted to prove to myself that my training was paying off; that the sacrifices my family was making that allowed me to train weren’t pointless. I needed to do just a little better. I didn’t want to fail my friends who, for some reason, seemed to have this impression that I was some super Triathlete. I’m adequate with a little touch of nuts at best. :)<br /><br />As the start time drew near we made our way to the dock where the swim launched. For some reason I was confused about what wave I was in. I kept thinking age, but it was going by bib number… I was in wave 7, and in the nick of time realized it. I made my way to the front and started appropriately and pretty much immediately.<br /><br />As I started to swim, I literally thanked God for something different each time I looked at the sky while taking my breath during the freestyle. I thanked him for the day, the weather, my friends, my body (yes, unbelievably so), my courage, my trust that he would take care of me. He did. My stroke was steady and I was in control of my breathing, which had been somewhat of a challenge in open water for me. I had not struggles. I didn’t have to float on my back at all. My problem was navigating through the other athletes and sighting. Easily something I can work on.<br /><br />As I came out of the water my legs were just a touch heavy. I ran up to the timing mat and then slowed my pace a bit. I had a pretty good transition, but made a mental note about needing an extra water bottle to spray off my feet – they were kinda dirty and I didn’t think mulch in my cycling show would feel good.<br /><br />I mounted the bike and just rode in a spinning gear for a mile or two. As I felt my legs back I was feeling more like myself. Back in 2003 I averaged 10.4 mph and got off my bike for nearly every large hill. This year I navigated all the hills on my bike, never getting off. By the end my average speed was 14.4 – I was thrilled with the improvement. By far, the best achievement for me on the bike course was completing the steep descent into the hard right turn, into a steep uphill climb. I had to come out of my seat and found myself breathing like a buffalo, but I made it to the top. I think I started crying a little right then and there! I totally remember how defeated I felt in 2003 when I had to get off my bike.<br /><br />When I got to the last hill I encountered a plus-sized athlete, who reminded me of me, back in 2003. I slowed down next to her and told her to remember, “as long as you are moving forward you’re still making progress”. Someone said that to me, and it made a difference; it’s easy to forget when you’re challenging yourself beyond anything you’d done before.<br /><br />I transitioned for the run pretty quickly and was on my way. I started out pretty good until this woman, slightly older than me, started chatting me up. She was telling me how she just did a half IM in Florida last week. She happened to be from the Houston area too, so we got little chatty and started wogging together. Although she was lovely company, I let my own pace slip away. I could have done better had I remained more focused, but it was worth hearing her story. I do believe she was trying to get me to drink the IM kool-aid. Uh, no thanks – need an Oly under my belt before I go to any fraction of an IM! LOL<br /><br />I finally crossed the line at 2 hours 11 minutes – I didn’t make my sub 2 hour goal, but I had a great time enjoying each recognizable improvement that I made:<br /><br />In April’s Lonestar, I did 300 m in 26 minutes.<br />At the Danskin I did 800 m in 29 minutes and had control of my breathing.<br /><br />In Danskin 2003, I averaged 10.4 mph and got off my bike at all the big hills<br />At Danskin 2009, I averaged 14.4 and stayed on the bike and in the pedals.<br /><br />At May’s Y Practice Tri my Run time 49 minutes.<br />At the Danskin 2009 my run was 44 minutes, and could have definitely been better had I not been yappin!<br /><br />This body, the one that I despise on more days than I care to admit, brought me through all this. This is a gift that not everyone has the courage or wherewithal to enjoy and I promise to be kinder to my body (and my mind) because they (me) deserve it.<br /><br />To my fellow Tri Divas…<br /><br />Alana and Courtney – We made that promise in 2003 to come back to the Danskin in 2003 and do it as individuals, so really, you guys are the reason I made it back to the Danskin in 2009 and I’m glad to have returned to the event with the two of you, because even though we didn’t get a lot of time together at the event I still knew you all were there. It wouldn’t have been the same had you not been there on the same day, accomplishing the same thing. I’m not sure why you ever drank what I was giving you from that first Ride for the Roses in 2003, but I’m glad you did. Crazy loves company, I guess. Thanks for always reminding me of where I was and where I am.<br /><br />Leslie – I am so proud you had a change of heart out and did the bike. I hope you take a moment to enjoy the accomplishment and don’t regret seeing the tri through its entirety. Good luck on your future swimming endeavors! I still hope to embrace my “inner fish”.<br /><br />Lynn – My goodness! I can hardly believe that 4 months ago you hadn’t even had your face in the water. I know this was a challenge for you and by the grace of God and your power of persistence you came, saw and conquered… no matter what the speed, you did it, and the rest of it was “up hill” from there, so to speak! Of course I’ll continue to watch you train, but it was lovely to meet you and I hope to see you around again in “real life” when we have more time.<br /><br />Drea – You self-proclaimed yourself the “fraudulent triathlete” and my heart hurts that you feel the way you do about your accomplishment. I do understand where you are coming from as you provided your reasoning, but I have to disagree. You may not have trained and made sacrifices in the way you thought or even hoped you might, but the hardest part of this race is showing up to the starting line, and you did. For whatever reason, not participating wasn’t even an option in your mind! That doesn’t happen with someone who fears challenge. You have inner strength you need to tap into a little deeper and learn not to be afraid of accomplishment in it’s finest form. You deserve to feel the grandeur of crossing that finish in its full glory (training perfectly or not). I’m sorry I didn’t have more time to get to know you, because of your strength is any indication of who you are as a person I look forward to getting to know you as well!<br /><br />Jenn – I know our meeting was brief, but how awesome is it that you made the trek down here to do this tri. You are still aka “Da Fish”, and I hope to continue to watch your training and see you grow!<br /><br />Angel – I had no idea of your story until the day of the tri! So you might imagine how shocked I was to find out you were a survivor and all you had gone through which brought you to that day. I realize I don’t know you… well, at all, really, but when I heard your name as you crossed the Finish I got chills. I’m glad to have caught the picture of you truly living more than surviving on that special day! Good luck to you and hope to see you again. My prayers are also with you as you continue your journey.<br /><br />Elysha – How could I forget you? You know how I feel, but I am so lucky that for whatever reason we managed to connect. You are definitely like my sister from another mother. I’m so happy you enjoy an unbelievable zest for life that leads you to living it fully and with fun and laughter. I’m glad to be a part of it now too! It helps that you’re a little crazy and easily persuaded to do these crazy events with me – thanks for being right there with me in the thick of it! And no, YOU Rock. :)<br /><br />And to the other Tri Divas that I don’t really know all that well: As I hear pieces of each of your stories I’m amazed by each one of you. I only hope I get another opportunity to see you all again!Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09531066471698015279noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-16642994767651449702009-06-09T12:58:00.001-05:002009-06-09T13:00:51.519-05:00Fraudulent Triathlete<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; ">All the days leading up to June 7, 2009 did not phase me one bit. I felt so calm not one ounce of nervous energy, not one pinch of anticipation, just empty. I didn't lose any weight, I made only one sacrifice and I don't see that it was necessary at all but I didnt drink 2 weeks leading into it. Coco says that I am a perfectionist and by not meeting the goals I set for myself I feel an overwhelming sence of sadness, perhaps it is true but in all honesty I was not prepared for the adventure I set out on. I finished, yeah I finished but not the way i wanted. I felt no sense of accomplishment, no pride, no excitement; again there was only an emotional void. <div><br /></div><div>As I crossed the first mat to the water I was thinking... "This is it. Here is where it begins". I thought of Jenn's key chain that said "The woman that starts the race is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">not</span> the same woman that finishes the race". I was intrigued to see how this would change me. It mentally broke me down. I started to swim and everyone in my group passed me. I was the biggest girl in my group and I was alone from all other Tri-Divas. I wanted to turn around but I was too far out and my pride would not allow it. I had two very important people in my life tell me they didn't expect me to finish and I could not allow this to be my story. So, I pushed and pushed and pushed for what seemed an eternity of 48 minutes. The red wave passed me, the blue wave passed me, the green wave passed me, the purple wave passed me, the yellow wave passed me and 1 lone lady in a silver cap passed me. I saw the shore and have never been so relieved to touch the ground in my life. I got out, I smiled because it was expected and I headed to the bike because I knew I am a cyclist and I can make up any lost time that I needed on my beloved bike...</div><div><br /></div><div>As I headed out, I was discouraged but began to cycle. Out of the park head right down the hill and then to parking area and there is a small hill and I knew then I was going to be NO GOOD. I couldnt make it up that hill. My legs were gone. My stamina capoot. I was empty. This where Drea the Diva of Optimism and never say dies gave up... If I was a stronger woman I would have cried, had some sort of emotional response that could have driven to the end but I only had resignation of failure. I killed my self to get up those little bitty hill and walked every single massive one. My one event I knew I was good at proved to be my WORST one. I now don't even know who I am. I was alone and ashamed that I was too fat and too out of shape to represent the TRI-DIVA name in the 25-29 category with honor and fight. As I walked the last hill I thought of my girls, especially Jenni, Coco and La-La and the disappointment I was for them. I thought about how all the times I cycled and ran on the treadmill and then went to eat pizza or worse cost my sour and badly beaten ego. I can only assume that my sadness was etched all on my face because volunteer after volunteer took a serious interest in pushing me on. As I entered the transition area I came fast to face with Erma and Loni by now my disappointment and shamefulness has transfered to anger and self-hatred. I DID NOT WANT TO GO ON. </div><div><br /></div><div>I took my time, put my bike up, took a potty, bitched and complained about how I am a failure and I hate it and I NEVER EVER EVER EVER EVA want to do this shit again. After 15 minutes I headed out to the walk, legs wobbly, and I see Lesli and Lynn coming in from the bike silently praying they were too far behind me to see my disasterous attempt at bike riding. I walked my 5k. Half way through I heard them call out Coco and La-La's name as they crossed the finish. I received a boost as I got to the end and the beautiful ladies with cow bells and boas were high fiving and screaming in support, I put on my best show of excitement and crossed the line. Unfortunately, I was mentally broken. I do it and I know its going to be bad to say this, please understand that I mean no disrespect , but I don't think there is no one who can't. If all you have to do is float and walk 15 miles its not that hard. I got a medal because I reached a line in a "reasonable" amount of time but I am NO triathlete. I, walked my bike more than I rode it, I walked the 5k out of pure exhaustion. I am 27 (*no comment*) and I finished last in my class because I refused to go home and tell everyone they were right and I really couldn't do it. The truth is... I didn't do it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I look at my medal and take no joy in it. I enjoyed my weekend. I was with 12 of the most awesome women GOD every created and I am beyond blessed to call them my friends, my sisters, my heros but I don't deserve to share the title <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; ">Triathlete</span> with any of them. It will hard for anyone to understand what it this did for me mentally. Physically, I am fine. Theoretically, I did it. Realistically, I crossed the line, I finished. Mentally, I am a fraud. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have promised myself that this is not the end for me, only my beginning. I have told myself that I will continue my planned events and work harder to lift myself into what I feel a Tri-Diva is but as for today and Sunday that was not it. I crossed the line 3:24:05 after starting my FIRST triathlon, but I have not finished. I am still a work in progress....</div></div></span>Dreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15382167025084682185noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-76926992369495564222009-06-09T07:45:00.001-05:002009-06-09T07:45:21.605-05:00Learn to Master the Bike-to-Run Transition | Active.com<a href="http://www.active.com/triathlon/Articles/Learn-to-Master-the-Bike-to-Run-Transition.htm?act=EMC-Active&Vehicle=Triathlon&Date=06_07_09&Edition=1&Sections=Articles&Creative=Learn-to-Master-the-Bike-to-Run-Transition&TextName=More&ArtText=txt&Placement=3&Dy=Sun&lyrisid=19976511">Learn to Master the Bike-to-Run Transition | Active.com</a><br /><br />Shared via <a href="http://addthis.com">AddThis</a><br /><br />Donnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09531066471698015279noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3125699726996453332.post-45388640292777223652009-06-09T07:35:00.000-05:002009-06-09T07:36:32.171-05:00WAY TO GO!!!!Team Tri Diva rocked Austin. You gals are all amazing!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!Jennhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08123997791001727589noreply@blogger.com0