From Fat to Triathlete

Training

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So Far, So Good

January 5, 2012

OK, so when I first typed the title of this blog, I typed “So Fat, So Good”.  Probably not the best title, although it does go along with what I’m trying to accomplish.

I can honestly say I’ve been out running or walking every day this year.  Even yesterday, when the temperature was in the 20′s.  I also have my training schedule mapped out from now until October 20th, which is exciting to me.  I know things will come up and workouts will have to be moved or modified, but it’s nice to have a firm plan in place instead of just taking it as it goes.

I still need to get to UNCW and get my swim pass.  I also need new tubes for my bike, but I built that into my training plan and am sticking with just running until Feb 15th.  That gives me time to build up a fitness base and also time to get things together to start biking and swimming.

Now it’s time to get to work.  Don’t you wish we all could be like Wrigley after every workout?

wrigley post workout

Wrigley after a run

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It’s the Little Things

December 30, 2011

mapmyfitnessToday I did my first workout using Map My Fitness.  Map My Fitness is an app that I downloaded to my phone (for free) that keeps track of my workout while I am running or cycling or whatever.  It kept track of my distance, speed, time and route.  I can even see the elevation changes that occurred.  It’s very cool.  When i was done I just hit the stop button, saved my workout and even posted an update to my Twitter account.

I had to laugh at myself while I was running though because the workout I did was not much different from many I’ve done in the past.  I ran up and down our street, my pace was average, there really was nothing new or exciting.  Except this little gadget on my phone giving me all sorts of information.  I almost couldn’t stop looking at it.  Even though I knew approximately how far I’d run or how long I’d been going, it was exciting to look on the screen and see real time data.mapmyfitness2

My fascination was funny to me, it’s not like I’ve never seen GPS or a timer before.  I knew all these things existed – had even used them in the past.  But here I was, riveted.  My hope is that I will keep up the excitement and turn it in to a challenge to go faster and farther.

If you are also a member of Map My Fitness look me up – my username is 3athlete_nc.  Happy Mapping!

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Ask and Ye Shall Receive

December 28, 2011

skeletoesI have been wanting a pair of Vibram 5 Fingers shoes for a very long time.  I even wrote about them here.  And, this Christmas, Santa smiled on me and I got a pair.  They aren’t the Vibram brand, they are Fila Skeletoes.  But I love them anyway.  I have worn them to run twice now, and I am extremely pleased with how they feel.  I am looking forward to training in them for a long time.fila-skeletoes

I have also spent some time putting together my training schedule for 2012.  This is the year for an Ironman.  The Beach2Battleship is on October 20th, 2012, and it is my goal for this year.  I have the training all mapped out.  I have already overcome one hurdle – where to swim.  I discovered that as A UNCW alumni, I can use the university pool for a very nominal fee.  So, sometime soon I need to go get that all set up.  It takes a big weight off, because the only places that I thought I could go swim were very costly and not worth it.   This makes swim training much easier.

As I go, I will try to be diligent at blogging my progress.  I’d also like to keep a log of my mileage somewhere on my blog.  I’ll be interested to see how the miles add up!

Be on the lookout for more posts as my training progresses.  2012 is going to be a very exciting year.

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Forward Motion

October 20, 2011

It’s been a few weeks since my fresh start, and I’ve been pretty good at walking/running every day.  This week I have upped my mileage to 2 miles.  I do the first mile with Marshall and the second with Wrigley.  Saturday is the day to up again to 2.5 miles.  I will probably up the time spent with Wrigs since he will be the one running the 5K with me on Thanksgiving.  Although both of them could run circles around me easily.

I am proud that I have kept it up.  Today my second mile was 3 minutes faster than my first and the fastest it has been since my new beginning the first of October.  And I know it will just keep getting faster.

I’m losing weight too…..and people are noticing.  It’s a great feeling!  Things are moving in the right direction.  I’m disappointed that I won’t be participating in the Ironman next weekend, but on the other hand it  allows us to go to Gayle’s alma matter for alumni weekend where one of her classmates will be inaugurated as President of the college.  It’s a big deal, and I am very glad we will be able to attend.

So, all in all, I’m pleased with my progress and looking forward to what will come in the future.

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Begin Again Again Again…

October 1, 2011

After way to long wishing I had time to train and work out I have come to the conclusion that there will never be time unless I make it and if this is something that is important to me I have to take the time.

To that end, I have decided to start over by running a Turkey Trot 5K. Part of the reason I picked this race is because Wrigley can run it with me. So, we have begun training. We walked/ran a mile yesterday and today. I’m not thrilled with our time, but I am pleased that we have kept it up (even if it’s only 2 days) and that I am not as sore as I thought I might be.

I am excited to get back to it.  I am also looking forward  to keeping my blog updated.  I enjoy blogging, I just don’t take the time for it that I should…..same is true for my training.    Here’s hoping that this new beginning has a successful ending.

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Today’s Workout

February 20, 2011

Today was a run day, so instead of doing my usual trek up on down the street, I drove a few minutes to Halyburton Park.  It’s a great local park with walking trails and natural areas.  The main loop is 1.3 miles.  I ran the loop twice for a total of 2.6 miles.  My total time was 43 minutes and 36 seconds.  Time for the first lap was 22 min and 17 seconds, which makes the time for the second lap 21 minutes and 19 seconds.  I was happy that my second lap was shorter than my first, although they we very close.  I’m a pretty good pacer, even though my pace is slow, I get going and just keep on at that pace for as long as I need.  Soon, I’m going to have to throw in some speed work, since I need to be about twice as fast as I am if I ever want to finish a triathlon.

Tomorrow is cycling, so I will probably pull the trainer into the house and ride for an hour in the evening.  We will see how that goes, hopefully the TV will be a nice distraction.  I’ll let you know.

Still Tri’in

Jenn

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Day One of the New Plan

September 27, 2010

Well, despite the pouring rain, Wrigley and I were able to find a 30 minute window to run in this morning.  It was later than I had hoped, but better than drowning.  We managed 0.6 miles in the 12 minutes of alloted running time, and walked a bit on either end.  We were out a total of 20 minutes and probably covered a little under a mile.  I’m not disappointed, and actually very proud that we made it when I could have just used the rain as an excuse and stayed in bed.  Tomorrow’s plan includes a bike ride, although if this rain keeps up I might swim down the street.

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Back in the Saddle Again

September 27, 2010

I have been embarrassingly neglectful of this blog and my training.  I could come up with lots of excuses; like it’s been too hot, or I’ve been too busy.  But the truth is that I’ve just gotten lazy.

I haven’t given up my dream of participating in an Ironman the year I turn 40, and in order to do that, I need to get seriously back on track.  I read a blog post last week that really made sense.  The blog is Stay on Target Coach, and the post was about setting goals.   The post said that people are 75% more likely to complete their goals if the journal the experience.  Whether the journaling is private or public, it helps.  I have this perfect place for journaling my experience and I plan on taking better advantage of that.  You should be seeing a lot more of me moving forward.

In that vein, here is my plan for the week:

Monday – 12 minute run

Tuesday – 40 minute bike

Wednesday – rest

Thursday – 20 minute run

Friday – 12 minute swim, 24 minute bike

Saturday – rest

Sunday – 20 minute swim

If you are looking for some encouraging words, spend some time reading the posts at Stay on Target Coach.  It contains uplifting ideas and inspiration for anyone trying to reach any goal.

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The Sin of Envy

July 8, 2010

I must admit – I am lusting after something.  My strong Baptist background causes me to cringe with guilt, but it doesn’t last long.  The item that I desire so strongly is a pair of Vibram 5 Fingers shoes (affiliate link).  5fingershoesThe first time I saw a pair was at the Wrightsville Beach marathon.  They fit your feet like socks, but are made with materials that allow you to run, hike, kayak, play without injury to your feet.  They simulate being barefoot which is the most natural way to be.  It is much healthier for you and helps keep your body in alignment so you have less risk of injury.

My preferred method of being is barefoot.  I hate wearing shoes.  I will take them off as soon as I can and if it’s possible not to wear them, I won’t.  When I saw the Vibram 5 Fingers I was extremely interested.  After hearing how much people love them, I can’t wait to get a pair.  I’ve been reading up and the benefits of exercising barefoot and it just makes sense.

Here are links with more information

Health Benefits of Barefooting

Barefoot Running Laced with Health Benefits

Barefoot and Grounded

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In or Out?

June 30, 2010

Yesterday’s workout consisted of some time outside and some time in the gym.  I believe I got great benefit from both workouts.  I started with a 45 bike ride, taking the long way to the gym.  When I got there, I locked up my bike, threw everything in a locker and headed for the exercise bike where I completed my hour bike ride with 15 minutes on the trainer.  Then I stopped for a few minutes, drank some water and ate a packet of  Power Bar Power Gel Blasts, (affiliate link). sampling_box_img3The flavor was Strawberry Banana and when I opened the pouch, they looked just like banana slices with some strawberry gel coating.  I was skeptical.  But, I thought I would probably need some energy for my 30 minute run, so I ate them.  They were actually very tasty and I was impressed with how much energy I had to run on the treadmill.  I felt like I could go a lot longer and ended up bumping up my speed a few times.  In the spirit of full disclosure, I did not purchase these Gel Blasts, I got them for free.  However, it was a free sample offer that PowerBar is advertising on their website.  They did not provide them to me for free in order for a review.  If you would like your free sample, just go here.  All that to say, I will most likely purchase these and use them in the future.

I enjoyed the indoor/outdoor aspect of my workout.  I really like riding my bike outdoors, but with the heat the way it has been spending an hour and a half outside would have been overly taxing.  It was nice to be able to cool off and use a bathroom.  So, which do you prefer?  Indoor or outdoor workouts?

Todays workout was a 30 minute run which I did outside and was able to take Wrigley with me as it was cooler than it has been.

Still tri-in

Jenn

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