Coeur D'Alene Race Report- Swim

Yes, I needed to give two views of the swim to demonstrate completely what I am about to describe. 

For those of you who have done an Ironman before... you probably know me and know that I am a pretty comfortable swimmer.  I never worry about that part.  So you will know how surprised I was to find the swim so difficult. 

For those of you who haven't done an Ironman... yes it was as scary as it looks. 

The water temperature on race day was 54 degrees - aka "bootie legal".  Almost all of the racers wore neoprene sock booties (wetsuits for your feet), neoprene swim caps, and full sleeved wetsuits. 

Normally before any race I like to get in the water and warm up a bit.  I like to adjust my body to the temperature of the water so that I'm not surprised when I get in for the race.  They didn't let us really get in further than knee deep.  So I kept squatting down and sticking my face in the water.  

For the start Pete wanted me to start out in the front so that I could avoid the pack of crazies that were all aggressive but really in honesty can't swim.  Mary kept reminding me of that.  Andy sounded game for it.  So I thought ok I'll go out in the front and start kind of on the side.  But the more people kept piling in to the beach, the more Andy and I started to become near the center. 

So the gun goes off and I start to swim and there is a massive amount of people around me.  And its cold.  Each time I try to stroke I run into someone slower.  Each time I try to slow down for the person in front of me to actually swim, I get bumped from behind.  I start to panic a little but really I just want to get a good breath.  I keep getting knocked around.  So then I try to swim but I haven't caught my breath.  And the cycle continues for the first 3/4 of the first lap.  I seriously think to myself that maybe I can't do this.  Maybe I need to turn around and forget this whole thing.   VERY UNLIKE ME!

(If I had thought more clearly I would have realized that since 4/19/12 I have been having panic attacks in large crowds.  I don't know why or where it is stemming from.  Maybe I should have started out in the back or on the very edge of the pack.  Should, coulda, woulda.  Oh well.)

By the time I reach the second red buoy I just take it wide and avoid all the slow aggressive guys.  If you watch the videos there are a massive amount of green caps - those are men.  You don't see many pink caps - girls - there are only 27% women in the race.  I end up losing a neoprene booty that Pete's aunt's sister let me borrow when I try to come out of the water to re-enter for my second loop (I'm still getting knocked around just not as much.)

 The second loop goes much smoother for me because I'm taking it wide.  My 2nd swim lap split is 2 minutes slower than my first lap.  That surprises me a little bit. 

My friend Niki had her family come out to the race to watch me.  These people have never met me.  So Niki said raise your hand up when you come out of the water so that my parents will know who you are.  Isn't that the sweetest thing?  This is the photo that they grabbed of me. 

I think my face was red mostly from the cold but I can't be sure. 

Swim time was 1:10:08.  It could have been better.  And it could have been worse.  80 people were dragged out of the water for hypothermia.  One guy had a stroke during the swim.   But the contact part of the sport was done.

Oh did I mention that Andy and I made it into the Coeur D'Alene newspaper?  We did.  Its not a very flattering photo though so I'm not sharing.  ;) 

Getting Back into Training for Ironman CDA

I took a long break from blogging because I wasn't sure if all my triathlon speak was great for my readers.  I wish that I had kept writing more.  I'm still a wreck.  I lost the love of my life on April 19th.  We were training for Ironman Coeur D'Alene together with his best friend.  His best friend and I decided on May 3rd or so to continue on with the race.  Although I probably didn't really start to train again until May 19th. 

My first days back were very efforted.  It felt like I was dying also.  I wasn't eating or sleeping.  I kept having panic attacks.  I had shortness of breath even going up stairs so trying to get back into running was tough.  Swimming was a chore although I never admitted it to anyone.  And I'm a pretty natural swimmer.  But... evenutally I just kept plugging away and things eventually got better. 

With the support of Pete's best friends, his big brother, his parents, and my friends and family- it got easier.  It is pretty unbelievable how much love was shown.  I just wish that all the love in the world could bring him back to us. 

People came out in big ways.  Sending packages all the way from NC.  Coming out in groups to help us train on our long rides.  More people than normal showing up for the runs.  Providing financial support.  Tons of cards and flowers.  A lovely chicken noodle soup package.  Candles.  A friend who I hadn't seen much of took me to the spa.  Baskin Robbins gift card- I happen to live right next door to one.  Lots of dinners.  Taking time off of school and stopping work to come and take care of me - helping me plant things in the back yard.  Journals. Great self help books.   Borrowed artwork.  Family letting us stay in there house for the big events.   Welcoming my mom into their home with lots of love.  Children making me artwork. People letting me stay at their house when I was afraid to sleep at home.   House help since my Mr. Fix It is gone.  Work was wonderful about giving me time off.  A friend's family who I had never met drove to the race to support me for the swim.  Lots of advice/ mantras on how to complete the race.  I simply cannot think of everything but you can see how overwhelmed it is to try and make sure that you thank everyone appropriately.  I don't have everyone's addresses.

Thank you. I am eternally grateful.

Another Year, Another Tri Season Begins

As you guys know I lead the run group for the Disney Tri Team and we just had our kickoff meeting a couple of weeks ago.  I'm REALLY REALLY trying to work on convincing those people who have been on the fence about coming out for years to finally make an appearance.  They must get so sick of me sending out my weekly emails to them- the dreaded SPAM folder, I'm sure I hit that one.  I send my emails out to 364 people and on average 10 show up.  But I must say the regulars that do show up are AWESOME.

If you are on that same fence, here are a few pinterest grabs that are sure to get you inspired.  I put these out in my weekly emails to the company - now I'm sharing them with you!

Bucket List Video

I don't think I want the car but I sure do like the ad.

Happy Friday!

I'm Pretty Lucky

If you read my last post I was a little burnt out with the workouts and the workout encourager.  So I spoke with boyfriend on Friday night and told him how I felt.  I gotta say I feel a little bad for airing out my frustrations in the blogosphere.

My sweet, handsome man of a man bought me a massage on Saturday.  He also didn't want me to do anything around the house that day (but I just had to do laundry).  How lucky am I?

Now I just have to figure out something dang on special to do for him for Valentine's Day.  Survivor is on February 15th and that is he and his families' favorite show.   Should I go cheesy and do it themed around that? 

Ideas?

Dirty Laundry

Normally I don't like to air my ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ out in public but I'm sure others have felt this way when they are training for an Ironman with their significant other.

Pooped. 

Now, now, I accept the responsibility for creating a very tough training schedule that my boyfriend, his best friend, my friend the Bad-#-s-s, and maybe a few others follow.  Actually I didn't create it.  Joel Friel created it and put it on Training Peaks to follow- but I distribute it. 

It's just that the day after the 1/2 marathon I did a gym workout.  Then Tuesday I hit the pool and did a rolling hills 7 mile run.  Then Wednesday I hit the pool and did a hilly 6 mile trail run.  Yesterday I did a hilly bike ride.  My legs were toast.  There was no time to buy groceries, clean the house, aka recover.  So I'm a bit off kilter.

Poor boyfriend took a spill on the bike yesterday (aches and pains and road rash) so he got to sleep in today.  So when the alarm goes off and I delay getting up.... I hear... "well you might as well get it over with. Get up and workout." 

So, I promptly got myself out of bed, prepared myself under my favorite blanket in the living room and turned on the What If episode of "Grey's Anatomy".   Man I think I'm halfway back to homeostasis.

Then I broke the diet today by having Kix at work.  Delish! 

Sometimes the prodding just doesn't help.  Doesn't help.  I revert to solitary mode for peace and tranquility.  Now here's to hoping Meredith Webber healed me and I can return to my normal workouts this evening.  And boyfriend - no nagging if I don't.  (He doesn't read this anyway.)

Tinker Bell Half Marathon - Awesome!

First Race of 2012 - Disney Tinker Bell Half Marathon

Inaugural

If you ever wanted to do a race down at Disney... DO IT!  They are great because they are well organized (would you expect less?) and very fun.  This is the second race that I've done with thim and the expense is worth it.  You run through the parks and there are characters that you can stop and take pictures with as well of tons of support:

Cheerleaders - at least 5 teams that I can remember

Bands & Drill Teams - again at least 5

Red Hat Ladies - this group blew my mind... there were like 200 of them out there cheering for us.

Military

Hula Girls

Smiling Volunteers

I took a picture with Sulley and George Sanderson at the very end.  It cost me $35 from the photo service but it was so cute that I had to order it. 

My Tinker Bell's Pom-Pons (thanks to the fabulous Kate McCreary)



Soapbox for Swimming

No, no.  I don't mean pour some soap in the fountain to make it suds up and then go swimming in it.  I'm just gonna step myself up on my

and talk about triathletes and swimming. 

First of all I commend athletes who enjoy biking and running for getting into the sport.  It is awesome.  I myself am a fan of the swimming and running aspects and had quite a bit to learn about biking.  Actually, I still do if I'm perfectly honest with myself.  I still hate going fast on a down hill if there are lots of sharp turns.  BRAKE much?  Yes, yes I do.  I'll probably need to replace them yearly if not sooner. 

But swimming... swimming... swimming.... I thought myself to sleep about this the other night after working out with some friends.  Trying to figure out where the problem lays. 

What is the problem?  Pregunta?  Well whose responsibility is it to make sure that new swimmers to the sport learn the fundamentals of swimming?  NO I am not talking about stroke length, form, and cadence I am talking about triathletes who are afraid to stick their head in the water, afraid to be in a pool where they cannot touch the ground, afraid to turn themselves upside down, never learn to float, etc. 

Ttriathlons are dangerous for swimmers who cannot do this. 

• More often than not you will be swimming in a pack of athletes who are brutal right off the start.  People have swam over me, kicked me, punched me.  In fact, I have unintentionally swam over, kicked, and elbowed people myself.  (I'm sorry by the way.)  It is stressful and it will test you.  You need to be in control of your breathing.
• Unexpected waves will through you off in the middle of your swim.  You need to be in control of your breathing.
• Sometimes a wave will take you under.  You know how to be relaxed when you are flipped upside down.  I mean you try not to get in that position but nature is nature.
• In order to swim with correct form you need to learn how to float. Or maybe you get tired... another reason you should learn to float. 
• Lakes and oceans are deep.  If you are not comfortable in the deep end of the pool you probably aren't ready for the open water swims. 

I'm not trying to scare people but I do want to be real. 

Is it the coach/ teachers fault for not making the swimmer stick to basics?  Or is it the athletes fault for trying to skip steps?

Oh and sharks... what if you have to outswim a shark?  Haha... I'm just joking.  


Or am I?

Not so wordy Wednesday....

Giving credit to a important message about running and um (really must I say it, just look at the picture)... http://blog.attunefoods.com/2011/04/running-and-digestive-health/

I had my own bout of this during my 12 mile run- 6 miles in.  It was time to GO!  So, thank goodness for the kind people at the Home Depot by Dodger's Stadium.  The temporary workers outside must have wondered what the crazy eyed white girl was doing trying to enter their "hiring office" to see if there was a restroom.

I'm not usually this crass.  Sorry guys.

Keep in mind to watch your diets runners!

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Yes its a good movie or so I'm told because I've never seen it.  Yes it does have an awesome theme song. In fact, I used to have it as my ring tone for a while and I would always get compliments on it.  (One I remember specifically was the exec producer/ voice of Dr. Doof from Phineas and Ferb.  An awesome man to work for.)  Ok enough name dropping....

Why am I bringing it up in a blog post?
Because I'm back from my hiatus in the blogging world?
    No, no, it couldn't be that.  I don't have that many readers to begin with.
Because I met Clint Eastwood the other day?
    No, no, I'm not that cool.  Although I did watch Unforgiven this long weekend.  Side note: Unforgiven is an awesome film and only one of two Clint Eastwood films that I have seen (Gran Torino).  I guess I have some homework to do.  My boyfriend would probably make me do a marathon movie viewing if he knew. 

No wait a second it IS because I'm baaaaaack.  Cue theme song.


THE GOOD

• I've lost about 4-6 pounds since the training & nutrition plan has begun
• I kicked boyfriend out of the house and caught up with my girlfriends this weekend and it was a BLAST.  Thanks ladies!  Thanks bf!  Apples to Apples, the card game BS, and some failed attempts at Kinect-ing. 
• Ran 12 miles last weekend and was barely sore the next day.  Take that 12 miles!
• I burned most of my calories from fat last week (15.5 hours of training last week).  Take that fat!
• One of the talented actors I cast in one of upcoming films got rave reviews in the last screening.  Made my day!  (I knew he would be FANTASTIC.  I just love it when others realize it too.)
• Holidays were great.  Guess I never posted about that. 
• Boyfriend is lovely.  Everyone always asks so figured I'd say... yes he is adorable and awesome and I am a lucky girl.
• Booked flights for the big Ironman in June!

THE BAD

• I'm pretty sure I have a sinus infection that won't go away.  Major head paid when I move my head around. Ouch.
• I gained some the weight back from said girls night.  Even though I tried to stay healthy.  Ok... healthy-ISH.  Ok, I totally I went of the rails but I was back to it the next day.  Ok, the day after the next day....cough, cough. Today. 

THE UGLY

• Pinterest fail.   Oh the cauliflower crust pizza.  You see, I was TRYING to be healthy on Saturday and thought I'd make this fantastic looking healthy pizza. 

Yum!  Right?
So the recipe called to blend up the cauliflower in the food processor so that it turns into rice.  I prepped the cauliflower ahead of time so that when my guest had been there for about an hour I'd whip this baby up.  And then.... I forgot to make it because I was having so much fun.
About 2 hours into the night when anyone entered the fridge this HORRIBLE horrible smell would kill the party.  Needle scratching record.  "What is that smell?!"  And I explain and apologize and go about playing more games and I continue to forget and the night ends. 


Next day Wow, it was likely a baby's diaper gone wrong throughout the entire house.  I could not even open up the fridge without wanting to gag.  Boyfriend to the rescue!  He saved the day.  Now our garbage smells. 


WORD TO THE WISE.... make the cauliflower crust immediately after chopping up the fresh cauliflower that you just bought from the store and save your life.  And maybe your relationship.


Recipe:


Cauliflower Pizza Crust
1 cup cooked, riced cauliflower
1 egg
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
spices, optional


Preheat oven to 450 F. Spray a cookie sheet or pizza pan with non-stick spray. In a medium bowl, combine cauliflower, egg and mozzarella. Press evenly on the pan. Sprinkle spices such as fennel, oregano, parsley, and/or garlic powder on top.


Bake at 450 degrees for 12-15 minutes (15-20 minutes if you double the recipe). Remove the pan from the oven. To the crust, add sauce, then toppings and cheese. Place under a broiler at high heat just until cheese is melted.


Pizza crusts can be frozen after the initial baking and used later. Can be doubled for a larger pizza.


Makes 4, 1-slice servings.


Carbs per serving: about 2 g

 

Butternut Squash Soup - Must Share!

Sorry I've left you all without a post in a while.  The workouts have been going pretty well... we are on to week three and going strong.  The nutrition plan has been pretty difficult the past week - holiday drinks, work bake-offs, and yummy goody gifts galore. 

So far I haven't lost any weight (or gained any weight) but I've gained muscle and lost body fat percentage. 

In other news...

If this recipe was on Pinterest I could have marked it down as one that I have completed.  I may have to pin this recipe myself.  I found it on Tasting Table and it is SUPER delicious.  You guys have to try it.

Workout Song of the Day: "Hide U" by Kosheen (an oldie but a goodie)

Truly Inspirational Tuesday

Love it or leave it everyone has to admire this pole dancer's ability and strength on this YouTube clip.  (totally clean btw)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waIuhfoTMv8

Me?  I personally love it.  I think its truly an artform... a style of dance that uses a big prop thereby allowing you to try some incredible strength moves.  

 

Workout Song of the Day: "Every Tear Drop is a Waterfall" by Coldplay.  Just beautiful.  http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/every-teardrop-is-a-waterfall/id471339278?i=471339498

Cheers to my run group! (Week 2, Day 1)

(great inspiration from a Saucony Ad)

Good morning and happy Monday!

I dedicate this blog post to my awesome after work run group.  I lead a group of around 8-10 people on various distance runs around the area.  Now I have an email distribution of about 87 people but only 8-10 show up.  BUT those 8-10 people ARE AWESOME, amazing people that I wouldn't trade for the world.  It's an equal mix of people who are new to running and those who are looking for a new personal best at the races we are training for.  I love that they always have smiles on their faces and are eager to get out there no matter what the weather.  (For Los Angeles it was pretty cold this Saturday.)

Three cheers to them!

I don't think I would have started running had there not been a group to train with.  Running led to triathlons.  Running introduced me to my wonderful boyfriend.  Running keeps me focused and happy. 

If you don't have a run group I highly recommend starting one up.  You don't have to be a speed demon.   I'm happy to answer any questions if someone is interested.

Workout Song of the Day: "Fall at Your Feet" by Boy and Bear (A cool down or warm up song) http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fall-at-your-feet/id400002245?i=400002474

Crazy good but totally weird (Day 5)

Last night I was craving some sweets big time.  I held strong though and didn't go for ice cream (remember I live next to the flagship Baskin Robbins store).  Go me!

So my boyfriend went into the kitchen and came out with a healthy surprise.  I found it totally weird but surprisingly good....

Cottage Cheese, Greek Yogurt, Pomegranate arils, Blackberries, and Honey. 

Cottage cheese + Greek Yogurt... who knew.  The saltiness of the the cottage cheese balanced out the acidity of the yogurt.  Delish!  I recommend. 

Do you have any healthy dessert recipes to share?  I could use some help.

Workout song of the day: "Murder Weapon" by Tricky http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/murder-weapon/id393119967?i=393120055

Need Motivation? (Day 4)

Another great Pinterest gem that I must share shows us that we need to quit couch loafing and do it:

If you can't see the chart large enough please check out this

awesome blog (its worth it): http://www.nomorebacon.com/i-dont-want-to-workout-today-flowchart/

Thank you Ryan Sullivan for making me laugh. 

Workout Song of the Day (This one is great for stretching... brings me back to my dance days of an hour long stretch session with Mr. B):  "Draw the Stars" by Andreya Triana http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/draw-the-stars/id427589342?i=427589343

Hair Story (Day 3)

I've had long blonde hair for practically like all of my life.  I went red for about a year (three years ago).  I had short blonde hair for like a year (college).  And lately I've been just plain bored of it. 

So last week I thought hey why don't I die my hair and cut it in the same trip?  Fantastic idea right... go bold!  (My hair dresser decided red was the best option and I must say that I like it.) 

The problem is that I'm supposed to wash it like once or twice a week.  ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK!  You must be crazy.  I'm working out twice a day (including pool swims) so it is just impossible.  Wah wah wahhhhhh. 

Yes I know I look like a crazy person.  You try trying to be discreet in your cubicle at work.  I'm squatting down in heels trying to be still and snap the picture.  "Why don't you have someone take it for you?"  Good question.  It felt right.  haha.  I'm a nut.

Workout Song of the Day:  "Work Out" by J Cole : http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/work-out/id464427218?i=464427547

Training Day 2

This morning's workout was a bike.... I just bought a new carbon bike and it is lovely!

Isn't it pretty?  My boyfriend's brother is an expert in the biking gear arena.  He put this bike together for me.  Thank you Dan-O!  The only problem is that I forgot to ask for a woman's seat. 

Needless to say this morning's bike was a little um... uncomfortable.  Okay not a little it HURT.  Yet another thing to add to the to do list. 

I've been doing a lot of precooked meals lately and it is a huge help when you are trying to fit in two workouts a day plus work.  Pinterest has been a big help with that.  Here is my favorite recipe so far:

Low-carb Breakfast muffins: pour egg beaters into a greased cupcake pan, then add toppings like - mushrooms, veggies, and meat. Bake them in the oven at 375-degrees for 30 minutes and let them cool. Pop them into plastic bags so that you can grab them easily in the morning.  (Pinned from this website to give credit where it is deserved: http://britmorin.com/page/4).    Tasty stuff!

Workout song of the day: "Sunrise" by Childish Gambino http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/childish-gambino/id466842536  (Hilarious comedian and talented musician... Donald Glover)

Ironman Training Day 1

So today is the day.... I begin training for my first full Ironman. Which means two workouts a day plus a nutrition plan. Nutrition plan is guided by Bob Seebohar's book Nutrition Periodization for Endurance Athletes. So for base training (up until March) no grains, potatoes, rice, etc. I'm trying to train my body to fuel itself from fat and not rely on carbohydrates. So my plate will look like 1/3 lean fats/ proteins and 2/3 fruits and vegetables.

Pre-season = base training.

Nutrition is important this time around because when I did my half Ironman last year I ate poorly and didn't see any fitness results. Pretty disappointing considering I averaged 9 hours a week of workouts per week from January-July.

Mantra: Eat for training fuel. Don't train to eat.
Goodbye Baskin Robbins!

Today I'm starting the day out sore from a 7 mile run yesterday (training for Tinker Bell Half Marathon 1/29/12) and from helping a friend dig a hole in their back yard. Sorry boring for my readers but I thought it would be useful to look back on at the end.

Cheers to a new year!

Does anyone else have any fun fitness goals they are looking to accomplish this year?

FITNESS SONG #1: "Hold On" by Rusko (feat. Amber Coffman)

Polar Heart Rate Monitors

So, I've been doing a ton of research on Periodization training amongst other things. Periodization training goes something like - off season, base training, build phase, pre-competition, competition.

In the simplest of terms: the key to losing "fat" weight is to train at a lower heart rate in base training. Once your heart rate goes over the aerobic threshhold your body requires carbohydrates to fuel you- which makes you crave more carbs rather than teaching your body to use the fat in your body for energy. A no brainer right?


(Not the best graph but you can get the ideal concept from it.)

My last heart rate monitor was a hand me down that wouldn't hold a battery charge. So, I did a ton of research to see what my next purchase should be. Polar was the big winner!

They seem to be at the top of the pack in trying to monitor all three sports of swimming, biking, and running at a comprehensive level while still being user friendly.

I bought the Polar RCX5. So when I'm trying to measure my outputs during a run and I want to know my mph, heart rate, distance, heart rate zones, calories burned etc. I can check it all on my watch. If I want to change the views of data all I have to do is wave the watch by my heart rate transmitter. Easy peasy! Also, they have made it very easy to switch between the different sports- no crazy button pushing there.


I'm still researching a ton on running plans, swimming plans, biking plans, and nutrition. But I'm happy to say my first big buy is marked off the list (Polar). I think I'll be pretty happy with it.

Now to buy a carbon bike. Stay tuned.

Oh a relaxing weekend...

The weekend prior to this was the first weekend that we didn't have anything planned on our calendars since the first week of June. So needless to say the weekend prior to this one... we did a bunch of cleaning and errands.

So this past weekend was nice. Pete went out and had a boys night without me so that I could watch Grey's Anatomy without catching any grief. (Fellow watchers... it's been a weird season so far huh?) Then we did a day of garage work and went out to eat with friends. Yesterday I went to the LA County Fair, which doesn't quite live up to the NC Fair memories of my childhood but it did have wine tasting. SO that was a plus. Then last night we went and saw Contagion.

Holy cow, I personally loved Contagion. I think it is exactly, exactly what would happen if a virus of that sort came about. It told a lot of human truths. My heart was definitely racing throughout it. The acting was phenomenal... but the cast was amazing so I doubted it could go wrong.

The big takeaway from it all makes me think that I should move out of this big city and go learn to be more self sufficient out in the country.

Good thing we've been taking survival classes. Did you know that yucca can be used as soap and as material to make a really strong rope? Pretty cool.