So I'm thinking of going for the Calico Racing 1/2 Slam award. I would have to run 4 1/2 marathon distances in 12 consecutive months.
I was going to have the Red Rock Canyon 1/2 marathon be my first. However, if I bump that first one up to the Running From an Angel 1/2, then I can do ed Rock as my second 1/2 and they both will be during the colder months.
I'd then skip Lovell Canyon, as I've heard that hill is brutal. And I'd also skip the Running With the Devil 1/2. That's way too hot to do that distance my first 1/2 marathon season.
So I'd then do the ET 1/2, which is done in such beautiful weather in August out in Rachel, NV. And then end it all with the one it all started with - the Running From an Angel.
It's all just thoughts.... possibilities. I'll ponder on it for a little while.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Camp Yuba Triathlon report
Yesterday I completed the sprint triathlon @ Yuba State Park in Utah!
1/2 mile swim, 12.4 mile bike, 3.1 mile run
We headed up there Friday night and camped out. It was nice being right there by the race. I didn't know what to do with myself now that I didn't have to drive an hour to get to an event!
Pre-race:
We didn't sleep much. The baby wasn't down with the whole tent/camping scene. And it was much colder than we expected. I told hubby "We need to remember we are now desert people!" I wear a winter coat if it's like 60 degrees here. We forgot sweatshirts and extra blankets.... so it was a bit of a rough night. I also wasn't having the best day ever. All day Friday was just really blah. I was excited for our trip and my upcoming race, but there was just a negative vibe in the air. I debated with myself all day and night if I should even do the tri.
Race morning:
I wake at 5am. I figure there's no point in going back to sleep. Body markings begin at 6am, my sprint starts at 8:15am. I still have to rack my bike if I'm going to do the race. So I go do that and go back to my site. It's FREEZING. I'm really thinking of not doing the tri still. I am just NOT in a good mood. I'm tired. And really, I'm completely 100% not interested in swimming in cold water this morning.
I keep reminding myself of what I have written at the top of my blog. It's kinda my mantra...
"There will be bad days and good days. The bad days will challenge you even more. The bad days will make you dig deeper into your heart and soul to find the reasons why it's so important to keep going!"
I wanted to keep going, but that yucky vibe was just so hard to shake!
8:13am
I'm in the water. I'm here, I'm in and guess what.... It isn't that cold! I would have chickened out for absolutely nothing. My family is with me at a triathlon for the first time. My kids are so excited to watch me and my husband's finally going to get some pictures of me!
SWIM: 24:59
Countdown... 10....5....3,2,1 GO!
I'm not a strong swimmer, but I'm not a weak one either. So I get a start in the middle of the pack and let the faster ones go past as smoothly as possible. I'm in no rush, I just need to get out alive.
The first buoy seems sooooooooooooo far away. I keep reminding myself that I know the distance is the same, I've done 1/2 mile and more (at IronGirl, remember that major screw up?), so I know that even if it seems far, it isn't any further than what I've already done in the past. And at 15 pounds heavier! Sometimes when I want to just stop and tread water, I remind myself that I'm not going to get anywhere doing that! So even if I just froggy on my back, it's better than ever stopping.
Out of the water I go and I hear "Mommy! Mommy!" Omg, that feeling isn't something I ever got to experience before and it completely lit up my heart! I want them at every race from now on, my little cheerleaders. My 4 and 6 year old ran up the side of the coned swim runway along side me.
T1: 01:47
Smooth, took my time, grabbed the wrong glasses, but they did the job. For the first time, I only wore a sports bra and tri shorts under my wetsuit, then threw on my jersey in T1.
BIKE: 46:40
Smooth and easy. I took my time in this leg. I was in such awe of where I was. I had come to do the Camp Yuba tri instead of many that were close to home because I wanted a new scenic experience. I got it. It wasn't like night and day from Vegas. But it's much greener with livestock all over. I realized that when I'm "racing", whether it be myself or the guy I want to pass in front of me, I don't take the time to look around. I'm watching the road and I'm focused. That's great to do when you want to! But this time, I didn't want that. I was riding down a country road in upper Utah that I will most likely never ride on again. This time, I wanted to experience it, not just conquer it.
It was during this leg that I noticed how many triathletes don't use tri-manners. Why break the rules? I was in the zone, finding my gears and getting a rhythm going. When I tried to pass this guy, he would speed up. The rule is that when the front tire of the racer behind you passes your back tire, you have been overtaken and need to allow yourself to be passed. Not speed up and leave the passing rider out in the middle to mess up traffic of other racers coming up from either passing direction. Well this guy was too prideful and didn't let me pass him any of the 3 times I tried.
I caught a glimpse of my kids and hubby at our campsite that was right along the road of the bike portion. I waved high and the kids jumped all around excited to see me!
T2: 00:53
Easy... helmet off, headband on. Grab the Garmin & run.
RUN: 39:54
The run leg was half road, half dirt. I strongly dislike running on dirt. Uneven dirt is even worse, and this was majorly uneven ground. It was a back road used for cattle trucks and farmers. Again, in this leg people were also not using their tri-manners. None of it was enough to mess up my flow. Just something I noticed. I always find it interesting how different athletes can be from one place to another. There was sufficient water. It had a beautiful view of the lake for most of the run. The temps weren't high, so that made the last leg so enjoyable. There was a beautiful cool breeze the entire race and it was just enough to keep you cooled down but never cold. And I didn't once get too hot.
I put the Garmin on so that I could pace myself for this last leg. I think I tend to push myself too hard in the run for fear of having taken too long everywhere else. So I try to make up for that in sprinting the run. That usually ends up not working well for me. So I brought Garmin along and set it for an 11min/mile 5k. My running speed was the same I do normally which was interesting. I did have to walk a lot more than I wanted to though. My goal was to only walk for a minute or less at every mile. That didn't happen, so I quickly changed my goal to having the run under 40 minutes. I achieved that goal.
FINISH:
My kids and hubby were at the finish line cheering me in. It was the most amazing feeling! Having your kids there is such a motivator. It really makes you push harder because you know how thrilled it will make them to see you do good. I can make a difference in their life by doing something fun and good for myself. I'll take that piece of pie any day!
I placed:
149th overall Sprint
49th overall Female
9th in my female age group (there were 13 that finished, 7 that DNF)
I was 28 minutes behind the 1st place finisher of Female 25-29.
21 minutes from the 3rd place finisher of Female 25-29.
Just for fun - Comparison:
RAGE
.46 Mile Swim, 12.4 Mile Bike, 3.1 Mile Run
Swim 26:43, Bike 1:21:42, Run 44:55
Total: 2:40:04
IRONGIRL
.75 Mile Swim - 10 Mile Bike - 3.1 Mile Run
Swim 27:08, Bike 44:52, Run 42:37
Total: 2:01:19
YUBA
1/2 Mile Swim, 12.4 Mile Bike, 3.1 Mile Run
Swim 24:59, Bike 46:40, Run 39:54.962
Total: 1:54:16
1/2 mile swim, 12.4 mile bike, 3.1 mile run
We headed up there Friday night and camped out. It was nice being right there by the race. I didn't know what to do with myself now that I didn't have to drive an hour to get to an event!
Pre-race:
We didn't sleep much. The baby wasn't down with the whole tent/camping scene. And it was much colder than we expected. I told hubby "We need to remember we are now desert people!" I wear a winter coat if it's like 60 degrees here. We forgot sweatshirts and extra blankets.... so it was a bit of a rough night. I also wasn't having the best day ever. All day Friday was just really blah. I was excited for our trip and my upcoming race, but there was just a negative vibe in the air. I debated with myself all day and night if I should even do the tri.
Race morning:
I wake at 5am. I figure there's no point in going back to sleep. Body markings begin at 6am, my sprint starts at 8:15am. I still have to rack my bike if I'm going to do the race. So I go do that and go back to my site. It's FREEZING. I'm really thinking of not doing the tri still. I am just NOT in a good mood. I'm tired. And really, I'm completely 100% not interested in swimming in cold water this morning.
I keep reminding myself of what I have written at the top of my blog. It's kinda my mantra...
"There will be bad days and good days. The bad days will challenge you even more. The bad days will make you dig deeper into your heart and soul to find the reasons why it's so important to keep going!"
I wanted to keep going, but that yucky vibe was just so hard to shake!
8:13am
I'm in the water. I'm here, I'm in and guess what.... It isn't that cold! I would have chickened out for absolutely nothing. My family is with me at a triathlon for the first time. My kids are so excited to watch me and my husband's finally going to get some pictures of me!
SWIM: 24:59
Countdown... 10....5....3,2,1 GO!
I'm not a strong swimmer, but I'm not a weak one either. So I get a start in the middle of the pack and let the faster ones go past as smoothly as possible. I'm in no rush, I just need to get out alive.
The first buoy seems sooooooooooooo far away. I keep reminding myself that I know the distance is the same, I've done 1/2 mile and more (at IronGirl, remember that major screw up?), so I know that even if it seems far, it isn't any further than what I've already done in the past. And at 15 pounds heavier! Sometimes when I want to just stop and tread water, I remind myself that I'm not going to get anywhere doing that! So even if I just froggy on my back, it's better than ever stopping.
Out of the water I go and I hear "Mommy! Mommy!" Omg, that feeling isn't something I ever got to experience before and it completely lit up my heart! I want them at every race from now on, my little cheerleaders. My 4 and 6 year old ran up the side of the coned swim runway along side me.
T1: 01:47
Smooth, took my time, grabbed the wrong glasses, but they did the job. For the first time, I only wore a sports bra and tri shorts under my wetsuit, then threw on my jersey in T1.
BIKE: 46:40
Smooth and easy. I took my time in this leg. I was in such awe of where I was. I had come to do the Camp Yuba tri instead of many that were close to home because I wanted a new scenic experience. I got it. It wasn't like night and day from Vegas. But it's much greener with livestock all over. I realized that when I'm "racing", whether it be myself or the guy I want to pass in front of me, I don't take the time to look around. I'm watching the road and I'm focused. That's great to do when you want to! But this time, I didn't want that. I was riding down a country road in upper Utah that I will most likely never ride on again. This time, I wanted to experience it, not just conquer it.
It was during this leg that I noticed how many triathletes don't use tri-manners. Why break the rules? I was in the zone, finding my gears and getting a rhythm going. When I tried to pass this guy, he would speed up. The rule is that when the front tire of the racer behind you passes your back tire, you have been overtaken and need to allow yourself to be passed. Not speed up and leave the passing rider out in the middle to mess up traffic of other racers coming up from either passing direction. Well this guy was too prideful and didn't let me pass him any of the 3 times I tried.
I caught a glimpse of my kids and hubby at our campsite that was right along the road of the bike portion. I waved high and the kids jumped all around excited to see me!
T2: 00:53
Easy... helmet off, headband on. Grab the Garmin & run.
RUN: 39:54
The run leg was half road, half dirt. I strongly dislike running on dirt. Uneven dirt is even worse, and this was majorly uneven ground. It was a back road used for cattle trucks and farmers. Again, in this leg people were also not using their tri-manners. None of it was enough to mess up my flow. Just something I noticed. I always find it interesting how different athletes can be from one place to another. There was sufficient water. It had a beautiful view of the lake for most of the run. The temps weren't high, so that made the last leg so enjoyable. There was a beautiful cool breeze the entire race and it was just enough to keep you cooled down but never cold. And I didn't once get too hot.
I put the Garmin on so that I could pace myself for this last leg. I think I tend to push myself too hard in the run for fear of having taken too long everywhere else. So I try to make up for that in sprinting the run. That usually ends up not working well for me. So I brought Garmin along and set it for an 11min/mile 5k. My running speed was the same I do normally which was interesting. I did have to walk a lot more than I wanted to though. My goal was to only walk for a minute or less at every mile. That didn't happen, so I quickly changed my goal to having the run under 40 minutes. I achieved that goal.
FINISH:
My kids and hubby were at the finish line cheering me in. It was the most amazing feeling! Having your kids there is such a motivator. It really makes you push harder because you know how thrilled it will make them to see you do good. I can make a difference in their life by doing something fun and good for myself. I'll take that piece of pie any day!
I placed:
149th overall Sprint
49th overall Female
9th in my female age group (there were 13 that finished, 7 that DNF)
I was 28 minutes behind the 1st place finisher of Female 25-29.
21 minutes from the 3rd place finisher of Female 25-29.
Just for fun - Comparison:
RAGE
.46 Mile Swim, 12.4 Mile Bike, 3.1 Mile Run
Swim 26:43, Bike 1:21:42, Run 44:55
Total: 2:40:04
IRONGIRL
.75 Mile Swim - 10 Mile Bike - 3.1 Mile Run
Swim 27:08, Bike 44:52, Run 42:37
Total: 2:01:19
YUBA
1/2 Mile Swim, 12.4 Mile Bike, 3.1 Mile Run
Swim 24:59, Bike 46:40, Run 39:54.962
Total: 1:54:16
Monday, September 7, 2009
Great Article... and a big move
Running Barefoot...
On a personal note - we're finally starting to settle in since our move. We sold our house and moved into a beautiful new one. It's everything I imagined and more! God brought everything together in such great timing and at the right price. Someone pinch me... this can't be real. God's gifts to us come in small and large packages... this one came in a large package but changed so many tiny details of our life to make us all so much happier.
We took off of school for the last few days and I haven't worked out in a week! Tomorrow we try to start our routine again... TRY being the operative word. I want to avoid it so badly, but I know we won't make progress taking that route! And I miss it all so much.
Have a great week!
On a personal note - we're finally starting to settle in since our move. We sold our house and moved into a beautiful new one. It's everything I imagined and more! God brought everything together in such great timing and at the right price. Someone pinch me... this can't be real. God's gifts to us come in small and large packages... this one came in a large package but changed so many tiny details of our life to make us all so much happier.
We took off of school for the last few days and I haven't worked out in a week! Tomorrow we try to start our routine again... TRY being the operative word. I want to avoid it so badly, but I know we won't make progress taking that route! And I miss it all so much.
Have a great week!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Running Injury Free
What a great blog!
http://runninginjuryfree.org/
I suggest following him :o)
P.S.
For months now, I've been contemplating doing the Red Rock Half Marathon. Ever since volunteering for it this year. I really want to... I'm just scared... and intimidated. But everytime we drive through there (which is a lot since we live so close, I go biking and running up there, and we hike a lot there), I can't help but daydream of running the loop. It's not just about running a half. It's about running THAT half. Maybe I haven't had the motivation because I didn't really feel the desire, but this race... this one gives me desire, fire, yearning. I can feel it, taste it, and I want it. Oh my gosh, I'm totally having an affair with running!
http://runninginjuryfree.org/
I suggest following him :o)
P.S.
For months now, I've been contemplating doing the Red Rock Half Marathon. Ever since volunteering for it this year. I really want to... I'm just scared... and intimidated. But everytime we drive through there (which is a lot since we live so close, I go biking and running up there, and we hike a lot there), I can't help but daydream of running the loop. It's not just about running a half. It's about running THAT half. Maybe I haven't had the motivation because I didn't really feel the desire, but this race... this one gives me desire, fire, yearning. I can feel it, taste it, and I want it. Oh my gosh, I'm totally having an affair with running!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Back to School and other cleansing stuff
There are a lot of fun exciting things going on.
We homeschool, as you may already know, and school officially starts Monday! I wasn't getting into this whole "school starts a certain day" crap. We homeschool, and it's a lot of life-learning education, so we never stop schooling in my opinion. There's never a day where we don't learn something in math, science, art, history etc... But anyway, I realized that this school year needs to be taken more seriously. We will have designated school time and a schedule for when to get up in the morning. This will allow me to have more time in the day and keep me accountable for making sure schoolwork is done. I will have time to workout, run, ride, whatever. And time to make everyone meals. If we don't keep this schedule going, I will be easily frazzled and lose my mind.
New home... can't go into details. That's obviously a little too personal for an open blog. But we will soon have a new home and it's all happening pretty quickly. Fun, exciting, yet kinda scary and I'm nervous that once the dust settles, we won't actually like it there... oh well.
God hands, God's plans.
Colonics.... have you ever had this done? Do it. I'm on session 2 and I recommend others definitely give it a try. It isn't painful or embarrasing. It's very private. And most of all, it WORKS. Better skin, more energy yet you feel calm and relaxed afterwards. Just more... centered. Although you feel more alive, you also feel more alert which for me takes away anxiety. Try it. (also just google "benefits of colonics" or "colonics hydrotherapy")
Run tomorrow - hopefully 3 miles.
Power90 - Cardio Phase 3-4, Ab Ripper 200 & Circuit 3-4
We homeschool, as you may already know, and school officially starts Monday! I wasn't getting into this whole "school starts a certain day" crap. We homeschool, and it's a lot of life-learning education, so we never stop schooling in my opinion. There's never a day where we don't learn something in math, science, art, history etc... But anyway, I realized that this school year needs to be taken more seriously. We will have designated school time and a schedule for when to get up in the morning. This will allow me to have more time in the day and keep me accountable for making sure schoolwork is done. I will have time to workout, run, ride, whatever. And time to make everyone meals. If we don't keep this schedule going, I will be easily frazzled and lose my mind.
New home... can't go into details. That's obviously a little too personal for an open blog. But we will soon have a new home and it's all happening pretty quickly. Fun, exciting, yet kinda scary and I'm nervous that once the dust settles, we won't actually like it there... oh well.
God hands, God's plans.
Colonics.... have you ever had this done? Do it. I'm on session 2 and I recommend others definitely give it a try. It isn't painful or embarrasing. It's very private. And most of all, it WORKS. Better skin, more energy yet you feel calm and relaxed afterwards. Just more... centered. Although you feel more alive, you also feel more alert which for me takes away anxiety. Try it. (also just google "benefits of colonics" or "colonics hydrotherapy")
Run tomorrow - hopefully 3 miles.
Power90 - Cardio Phase 3-4, Ab Ripper 200 & Circuit 3-4
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Heart Disease??
I took a genetic saliva test by Gensona (The Gensona™ Heart Health Genetic Test analyzes certain gene variations, looking for genetic patterns in the IL1 gene. This gene plays a role in your body's inflammatory response – a sign you may have a predisposition to heart disease).
On a scale of 0-7, zero being the lowest risk and 7 being the highest risk, my genetic test came back at level 7. My genetics say I have the highest chance of developing heart disease and/or having a heart attack.
Lord, I thank you that my life has changed so much. Who knows if those genetics would have caused a problem, but who really wants to know? I don't. The way I was living my life until last year... I probably would have found out.
I've always done all this stuff so I could be healthier... now that desire is even deeper.
Pretty eye-opening...
On a scale of 0-7, zero being the lowest risk and 7 being the highest risk, my genetic test came back at level 7. My genetics say I have the highest chance of developing heart disease and/or having a heart attack.
Lord, I thank you that my life has changed so much. Who knows if those genetics would have caused a problem, but who really wants to know? I don't. The way I was living my life until last year... I probably would have found out.
I've always done all this stuff so I could be healthier... now that desire is even deeper.
Pretty eye-opening...
Friday, August 14, 2009
Whhhooaaa - Long time no post huh?
Well now, I see I didn't post ONE single new thing in July... that's crazy.
I have lots now, so that should make up for it.
I got very sick after the Devil Race and stayed sick for quite some time. Two things were going on though. I was sick from being in the heat for so long, but my body was also starting a rejection of sweet dairy. I found this out for sure when I hit Jersey on vacay. Every time I had even a small piece of cake or ice cream, I threw up. I have to admit though - this isn't such a bad thing! It keeps me totally in check and I'm healthier for it.
I got to Jersey and my Garmin 305 was already there waiting for me! I was so stoked to try it out. I went out running the first morning and WOOHOOO! I found out on that trip that I am a runner... I really am. I set it for 12 minute miles and flew by that.... I then set it for 11 minute miles the next day and flew by that too! I was hitting 10-11 minute miles, and even down in the 7-8 minutes at some points through my miles. I wasn't gasping for air, I wasn't feeling like I'd pass out at any moment... I was running and I was completely enjoying it. I wanted to just go forever. Up and down the cracked sidewalk, under trees, in the rain, through the cemetery, by fields of flowers.... I just wanted to see it all and I wanted to see it by running. God made such a gorgeous world. I did as much running as I could in our 2 weeks there. And I also ran a 5k race for cancer - which BTW ended up being THE hottest day there - go figure. I thought I did ok... not my best but I met my goal to stay under 11 minute mile average overall. Welllll...... I got home to Vegas and a few days ago I got a big envelope in the mail from the organization. It was a certificate for placing 3rd in my age group!!! I know that may sound blaze to some of you ultra runners, but to ME, little ol' me who is just hoping to beat her last PR - that is HUGE!
I have the Camp Yuba Tri Sept 12th and we're so excited to go camping! I'm so in the mood for a laid back fun triathlon with all my fam there. In Jersey, my whole crew came - hubby, kids, in-laws, nieces, nephew.... and having them cheer me on throughout the race was SUCH awesome motivation. I can't wait to have my honey and kids there for this one too. It's more exciting when you know people are waiting for you to cross the finish line.
Then I'm on a team for the Ragnar Relay October 10th. I'm really nervously stoked about this one. I'm training hard but I'm nervous having other people depend on me. It really helps that my teammates seem chill and fun.
I volunteered for the Area 51 midnight race (Calicoracing.com). That was SOOO neat. I will most definitely run that race next year. Maybe a half, or just a 10k, but most certainly something! If you didn't run it, you really should look into it for next year. It's such a fun to-do race!
I'm hitting it hard on Power90. P90X was a little time consuming for us right now. Dh and I are both doing it together. I've been majorly TurboJamming and whatever else I felt like doing. But now that vacations are over and we're steady at home (other than races), I'm ready for a full on regimen. It's day 3 and I'm going really strong. My 30-day pic will be at the Yuba Tri and the 60-day pic will be at the Ragnar relay. I can't wait to post 'em!
That's all for now! Thanks for reading, if you did :o)
I have lots now, so that should make up for it.
I got very sick after the Devil Race and stayed sick for quite some time. Two things were going on though. I was sick from being in the heat for so long, but my body was also starting a rejection of sweet dairy. I found this out for sure when I hit Jersey on vacay. Every time I had even a small piece of cake or ice cream, I threw up. I have to admit though - this isn't such a bad thing! It keeps me totally in check and I'm healthier for it.
I got to Jersey and my Garmin 305 was already there waiting for me! I was so stoked to try it out. I went out running the first morning and WOOHOOO! I found out on that trip that I am a runner... I really am. I set it for 12 minute miles and flew by that.... I then set it for 11 minute miles the next day and flew by that too! I was hitting 10-11 minute miles, and even down in the 7-8 minutes at some points through my miles. I wasn't gasping for air, I wasn't feeling like I'd pass out at any moment... I was running and I was completely enjoying it. I wanted to just go forever. Up and down the cracked sidewalk, under trees, in the rain, through the cemetery, by fields of flowers.... I just wanted to see it all and I wanted to see it by running. God made such a gorgeous world. I did as much running as I could in our 2 weeks there. And I also ran a 5k race for cancer - which BTW ended up being THE hottest day there - go figure. I thought I did ok... not my best but I met my goal to stay under 11 minute mile average overall. Welllll...... I got home to Vegas and a few days ago I got a big envelope in the mail from the organization. It was a certificate for placing 3rd in my age group!!! I know that may sound blaze to some of you ultra runners, but to ME, little ol' me who is just hoping to beat her last PR - that is HUGE!
I have the Camp Yuba Tri Sept 12th and we're so excited to go camping! I'm so in the mood for a laid back fun triathlon with all my fam there. In Jersey, my whole crew came - hubby, kids, in-laws, nieces, nephew.... and having them cheer me on throughout the race was SUCH awesome motivation. I can't wait to have my honey and kids there for this one too. It's more exciting when you know people are waiting for you to cross the finish line.
Then I'm on a team for the Ragnar Relay October 10th. I'm really nervously stoked about this one. I'm training hard but I'm nervous having other people depend on me. It really helps that my teammates seem chill and fun.
I volunteered for the Area 51 midnight race (Calicoracing.com). That was SOOO neat. I will most definitely run that race next year. Maybe a half, or just a 10k, but most certainly something! If you didn't run it, you really should look into it for next year. It's such a fun to-do race!
I'm hitting it hard on Power90. P90X was a little time consuming for us right now. Dh and I are both doing it together. I've been majorly TurboJamming and whatever else I felt like doing. But now that vacations are over and we're steady at home (other than races), I'm ready for a full on regimen. It's day 3 and I'm going really strong. My 30-day pic will be at the Yuba Tri and the 60-day pic will be at the Ragnar relay. I can't wait to post 'em!
That's all for now! Thanks for reading, if you did :o)
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