Fun in the Sun

This past weekend, I had the good fortune of playing in the hot Florida sun.  It began Friday evening, with a hot and humid 5 miler that included more walking than I'd have liked, but I chalked it up to getting the miles done and adapting to the summer weather.  I chose one of my favorite routes, along the Bay in Safety Harbor.  When I was finished with the run, I sat in my car, thinking about how much I did not want to go to the gym to swim.  

Not wanting to disappoint Coach Pete any further, I sucked it up and headed to LA Fitness.  I had 1600m on my schedule, so I chose a workout from Coach Lora that included drills with fins since my legs were a bit wobbly from running.  I ended up doing only 1000m, but it was better than not swimming at all.  

Let me tell you - swimming is extra tough when you don't do it more than once a week.  I am praying that I can learn from my past, and get the swims in 3-4 days a week.  Without the self-discipline to do that, I know Augusta will be a bit unpleasant, even with the downriver current.  

Friday night Chad and I watched the Rays' game.  I headed to bed at 11pm, since I had a 4:30am wake-up call for the next day's event, the Dash N Splash aquathon.  Chad kept Zeus out in the living room so that I could get a good night's sleep (our pup can be restless, and I tend to be a light sleeper).  I swear that my head no sooner hit the pillow my alarm was sounding.  Ugh.  I had to giggle, though, because as soon as I turned the knob to open the door, Zeus came running.  He was NOT happy that he didn't get to sleep in the bed, lol.

I managed to gather some breakfast and make coffee while I loaded up my car.  I put my bike on the rack and secured it with bungee cords and a lock, made sure I had a few pair of goggles, my running shoes and socks, and sunscreen.  Once I was satisfied, I headed south to Pass-a-Grille.

I arrived with plenty of time to spare - a whole hour before the race was to start!  I picked up my packet and got body marked, and then chatted with Kelly Ann, Jim, Nick, Nancy and Kate.  I was a bit nervous, because everyone there seemed to be lean and muscular.  They looked FAST.  Oh, well.  I was there, I was doing the event.

The time came to head to the beach, so Kate and I set up our transition area (towel, goggles, swim cap) and got in line to start.  The horn sounded, and we were off for a 2 mile run on the beach.  The sand was semi-packed, but I was able to navigate pretty well. I held just over a 10 minute pace, and enjoyed my surroundings.  It's difficult to have a bad morning with the sun rising up over the Gulf of Mexico as you run on the shore :-)

When I got to transition, I removed my shoes and socks, put my goggles on, and then my swim cap.  As I was wading into the water, I decided that I should put my goggles over my swim cap instead of under, because what if they leaked and I needed to fix them?  No, these were not new goggles, but the very same ones I swim in regularly.  I am sure that took about 2 minutes, but finally I was swimming towards the big orange triangle that marked 200 yards.  I kept calm, let people pass me if needed, and just kept swimming.  

I counted the entire swim - mostly to ten, sometimes to five.  It worked, because I stayed calm and didn't even have to flip over on my back to calm myself down this time.  This is a victory for me, and I was happy.  When I made the turn for the final 200 yards, I swam a little off course, but re-routed myself and got out of the water - 13 minutes.  Not awful.  Still slow, but I was happy because I did not panic, not even a little!!!!

I put my socks and shoes back on my feet, and headed south for the 1 mile run.  The tide was rolling in, and there was not a large surface of packed sand, so this part was more challenging, but I still held that 10 minute pace.  

My total time was 0:46:16.  I am sure I could've ran a little faster, but it was a good day!  I am glad that I signed up for the event, and I'd definitely do it again.  The race was small and well organized.  It was almost as though I was there training with friends and we had a cookout afterwards!  So much fun.

My training schedule had a 2 hour bike ride listed, and I needed to get that done.  I did not feel comfortable riding on Gulf Boulevard down by St. Pete Beach, so I headed north to Clearwater.  Still Gulf Boulevard, but I am familiar with the route and felt more comfortable riding there by myself.

I parked at City Hall, and headed to the Causeway.  This was the first Saturday in a long time with sunny skies, no chance of rain, and temperatures in the 80s.  Want to take a guess where everyone was spending their day?  Yep, the beach.  I decided that traffic was a little too congested, so I opted to ride on the sidewalk instead of the road until I made my way to a side street.  After that little part, I was on my way.  I headed up the Sand Key bridge and out to Redington Beach.  I had a good ride - the other cyclists had been out earlier, when it was cooler and less congested with beach goers.  Every 15 minutes, I did 3 sets of one legged drills, for a total of six sets during my 2 hour ride.

I felt great when I was finished - I was proud of myself for riding, even though I wanted to stay at the beach with Kate and Matt.  I thought about climbing into the fountain at City Hall, but I was tired and hungry and I wanted to go home.  It was noon.  Lol.

Zeus helped me unload my car and make lunch.  I had a fruit smoothie and 2 turkey burgers with avacado - yumm-o!  I spent the afternoon cleaning up the kitchen and doing laundry.  That night I headed out with some friends.  Yep, I actually went out.  On a Saturday night.  In a sundress.

Sunday morning I was meeting my friend Cathy for a run.  Originally we were going to meet at 8:30am, but she asked if we could push it back an hour.  OF COURSE!  I was so tired and sore - not hurt sore, just muscle fatigue.  Chad went to play basketball, and I went back to bed for an hour.  It was fabulous, sleeping in until 9am!

Cathy and I met at Safety Harbor Spa, and headed out to Phillippe Park.  It is a beautiful place to run - quiet and shaded, with extensive views of the Gulf.  We did a run-walk combination, and called it a day at 4 miles.  We went to Starbucks for coffee and catch-up chatting.  I was super hungry, and really wanted a slice of coffee cake.  I thought better of it, and chose a protein box instead.  I made a smoothie and eggs when I got home.

Yesterday Chad and I did home-y stuff.  We did laundry, dusted, vacuumed, cleaned the bathroom and kitchen . . . .Chad put together a vanity for our bathroom (a bridal shower gift from my brother, sister-in-law and nephew) while I read a few chapters of my new book.  We watched the Rays sweep the Orioles, made a pot roast, cleaned up the dishes.

I woke up today sore and in need of a very deep tissue massage.  I will work these into my training plan to keep my muscles happy.  

I am looking forward to Week #2 of training:  

Monday
Scheduled:  1600m swim

Tuesday
Scheduled:  1 hour bike (easy), 3 mile run (easy), lower body strength training (heavy)

Wednesday
Scheduled:  1 hour bike (moderate), 4 mile run (2 easy, 2 hard)

Thursday
Scheduled:  2,000m swim, upper body strength training

Friday
Scheduled:  45 min bike, 5-6 mile run

Saturday
Scheduled:  2 hour bike, 2 mile run

Sunday
Scheduled:  1,000m OWS, 2 hour bike (optional), 4 mile run

I am excited for Saturday - I will be joining my TEAMmates for the bike ride and a short run, and then I am heading to the State Fairgounds for the Color Me Rad 5k!  

Not to worry - it's not all training this weekend.  Saturday we are choosing the menu for our wedding, tasting wedding cakes, swinging by Jamie's housewarming party and ending the day with family to celebrate my niece's high school graduation.  It's all about balance!

And so I tri . . . 

These are my confessions

My very first week of 70.3 training, and I already dropped the ball.  Yep, I am talking about skipping workouts.  This was not intentional (what is it they say?  "The path to hell is paved with good intentions?"), more like poor time management on my part.  Obviously I need a personal development plan for MY LIFE, not just my job.  Sigh.

The good news is that I can get back on track and finish out the week strong.  The workouts I missed this week were a 1600m swim, a lower body leg workout, and a 1 hour bike followed by a 2 mile run.  This is my NEW plan for the week:

Thursday  
Scheduled:  2000m swim, upper body strength set
New Plan:  Full body strength workout, 1 hour bike, 2 mile run

Friday
Scheduled:  3 mile run
New Plan:  1600m swim, Full body strength workout, 5 mile run, 1 hour bike (gonna be a two-a-day!)

Saturday
Scheduled:  2 hour bike
New Plan:  2 mile run, 600 yard swim, 1 mile run, 2 hour bike

Sunday
Scheduled:  4 mile run
New Plan:  2000m swim, 4 mile run

And there you have it - all workouts completed, in my own sort of wonderful blender.  I remembered why I had been rising well before the sun to exercise - it's difficult to find balance at times, to attend the parties and date nights and trips to the grocery store, cleaners, coffee shop, plus still train effectively (and by train, I am including foam rolling, massage and chiropractic visits, ice baths, cross training, rest days and actual training) without ending up all by your lonesome.  

My apologies to Coach Pete and Coach Lyle.  I know I said I would follow the plan this time.  And I will.  No more skipping workouts and cramming them in at the end of the week.  I promise to only swap days if needed, not adding to or subtracting from the schedule as I choose, simply because my lazy behind hit the snooze button at 4:15am and I went home to watch Glee after work :-)

My apologies also to all of you who support me - without your encouragement, I wouldn't sign up for crazy event after crazy event!  

While I train for Augusta, I am raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  I have chosen to do so to celebrate my 15th year in remission from non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  When I was diagnosed, I had only known two other people who had what I had - they both passed away before the age of 18.  I was blessed with a second life, and I am paying it forward.  Every single dollar we raise helps to fund research that will, one day, find a cure for cancer.  

My goal is to raise $1000 by June 15th, and $2500 by mid-August.  Please visit my webpage to join the journey, to be a hero to millions fighting a good, hard fight.

http://pages.teamintraining.org/sun/Augusta13/megansuper

Stay tuned for weekly updates!!!!  This is one summer you don't want to miss!

And so I tri . . . 

Beginning Again

Today is THE day.  May 13th, 2013 - the day that my newest endurance journey begins.  I am holding a training plan for my new "A" race of the season, the Augusta 70.3 half iron triathlon.  It is a little bit intense, but it's also just what I need in order to be successful this September.  While I have glanced through the weeks, I have decided to simply focus on each current week, following the answer "What is one bite at a time, Alex" to the question "How do you eat an elephant?"  Thanks to this guy for the funnies:

To keep me accountable, I am going to post my weekly plan on this blog, and the actual miles on Daily Mile.  I know you are all on the edge of your seats, so here's what's on deck for Week #1:

Mon:  Swim 1600m - Bike 1 hour, Run 20 minutes
Tue:   Bike 1 hour (easy), lift legs (heavy) - Swim 1600m, lift legs (heavy)
Wed:  Bike 1 hour (moderate), Run 2 miles
Thu:   Swim 2000m, lift upper body
Fri:     Run 3 miles
Sat:    Bike 2 hours - Dash N Splash (Run 2 miles, Swim 600 yards, Run 1 mile) + Bike
Sun:   Run 4 miles

My changes are in RED.  Not too bad for a beginning, right?  Totally doable.  The reason for swapping Monday and Tuesdays is this - my swim coach, Lora, is offering a 16 week bike clinic.  I am never above learning, and riding with others is always much more fun than riding alone.  Yes, I did ask my Tri Coach if this was permissible.

Last week I decided to add on another challenge to Augusta.  I registered, once again, for Team In Training.  In celebration of my 15th year in remission, I am raising much needed funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  To make a donation, please visit my personal fundraising website:  http://pages.teamintraining.org/sun/Augusta13/megansuper

I am extremely fortunate to be able to fundraise and train through Team In Training.  Augusta will be my 7th fundraising event, and my 9th overall event as part of Team (I coached two seasons!).  The people I have met through this organization are amazing, and I am truly blessed to know each and every one of them.  The selflessness and generosity is unmatched.  While we all have our own reasons for signing up, we are bonded by the cause - erasing the cancers that plague millions.  We choose to make a difference in the ways we are able, and we will not stop until a cure is found.  Please consider joining our team as a hero - I'll do the training for all of us!  

And so I run . . . 

Day One - Struggling through the Swim

I woke up this morning, a little bit sore form my "weekend warrior" workouts, but really excited that it was Day One of Ironman Augusta training.  I had a good breakfast and checked my training plan - 1600m swim.  Okay, I can do that, I thought.

I messaged Pete, asking about what, exactly, tomorrow's "heavy legs" weight lifting entailed, and told him that I was excited to start training for another shot at 70.3.  Pete replied "the schedule I gave you starts next week."  Oops!  I laughed, and then decided I would do "Week One" twice, and deemed today the beginning of a new race.

I sat in my chair, racking my brain and thinking about Team In Training.  I sent Chad a message, asking what he thought about me signing up to raise money for Augusta.  He said "it's up to you."  I hit the registration button.  I cannot seem to help myself.  My goal is to raise $2,500 this season.  If you would like to make a donation, please visit my personal website:  http://pages.teamintraining.org/sun/Augusta13/megansuper

This November marks my 15th year of remission.  To celebrate, I will TRI - simply because I can, and because I want to find a way for others to as well.

When I left work this evening, I noticed it was not quite as warm as I had originally thought.  Boy, I am glad I brought my wetsuit, said my brain.  I drove to Dunedin, to meet my group for one last swim lesson with Coach Lora.  We stood around and moaned for a bit about how chilly it was, and then noticed that the kayaks were in the water and coach Lora was looking at us.  Guess we're getting in, haha!

It was with much trepidation that I entered the water.  I am, by far, the slowest in the class, and I hated that I would be so far behind.  Regardless, I adjusted my goggles, put my head down, and started swimming towards the group of trees Coach Lora pointed to as our turn around.  It was SO FAR AWAY.  I tried swimming as fast as I could, which isn't fast.  At all.  The current was with us, pushing us along, but it still took me a good 12 minutes to get to the trees, where everyone was waiting.  Once I arrived, I heard "Okay, let's head back!"  Wait!  I just got here!

I took a deep breath, and headed back towards the cars.  The water was choppy, and I kept ingesting salt water.  It was gross.  I thought about how I should've brought a soda with me, to wash out the taste, and then got another mouthful of salt water.  I gagged a bit, and then started thinking about how fish poop in the water, and all I could think about was how gross that is.  Somehow my thoughts turned to the presence of sharks, so I started kicking harder, hoping that the commotion would keep the marine life at bay.  I later learned that sharks have sonar senses, and that they are attracted to "thrashing."  Awesome.  

I looked up, and the group was nowhere in sight.  Sigh.  

It was at this point I seriously contemplated quitting, just wading to shore and walking back on the beach.  All of a sudden, Sue was beside me, talking to me and encouraging me to keep going.  I asked her if I could stop.  She said no, not yet, we're almost there.  I was trying really hard to swim in a non-embarrassing fashion, but being clad in a latex wetsuit lagging behind every other person, well . . . yeah.  I was near tears, struggling to make any kind of progress.  It was then that I heard Tom's voice, saying "hey, Megan!  great to see you out here.  Keep going, you're doing great."  

I took another deep breath, grateful for Sue and Tom, and refused to give up.  I kept at it, and eventually I grabbed a hand full of sea grass as I entered the group circle.  Everyone cheered, which kind of made me want to cry again, because I am such a terrible swimmer.  I did say "I'm done, I'm not doing it again tonight."  I made it 1000 yards - very shy of the 1600 I was supposed to have done.  Coach gave us some more pointers, told me that I am doing good, I just need to be patient with myself.  Easier said than done, of course, but I will keep going, because there's no other option.  

And so I swim . . . .