From Fat to Triathlete

Running

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Watch out Speedy Gonzales

February 7, 2012

speedyAlthough I must admit, I’m not ready to make any land speed records, I have been able to increase my speed over the last few workouts. During both Sunday’s run and today’s I threw in a few fartleks – running all out for a sort distance, then dropping my pace to recover. I also tried to keep my recovery pace a bit faster than the norm.

I was very pleased with the outcome both days. On Sunday I shaved over three minutes off my average time for the two mile distance. That’s more than a 1.5 minute decrease in my pace. Today I was able to shave another 10 seconds from Sunday’s pace (which granted is only 20 seconds off my total time for the two miles, but still…..it’s faster!)

I keep telling myself not to get too excited, because there will be days where I am slower for whatever reason. But I am still going to take a few minutes to be proud of my efforts.

On a somewhat related note – yesterday I was able to wear a pair of jeans that were a size smaller than my usual size. They had been in the bottom of my drawer for about 2 years, and I decided “What the heck, I’ll give them a try!” and they fit! A big tighter than I usually wear my pants, but definitely wearable.

So, those are my two brags of the day.  If you are worried that you are too slow or too fat to do anything, just get out there and start.  Do a little something everyday and I think you will be surprised at how you progress without even realizing it.

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Pick Up The Pace

February 3, 2012

I am very proud of myself for keeping up my training through my cold.  Now it’s time to pick up the pace.

I did some research on how to get faster, and here are a few tips I’ve learned:

  1. One of the best ways to gain speed is with fartleks.  A fartlek is a workout where you run faster for a certain length of time, and then go at a slower pace to recover and then pick up the pace again.  The most common method is to pick a landmark in the distance, race to that landmark, and then run at recovery pace for a while, then pick another landmark and repeat.  It’s a fun training method because it can be varied throughout the workout which reduces the risk of boredom.
  2. Stay hydrated.  An easy way to get cramps is to work your muscles while dehydrated.  This will sidetrack any workout.
  3. Stretch.  Not much to be said about this one, it’s vital to keep muscles loose.
  4. Hill workouts.  This is a difficult one here at the beach where there aren’t many hills, but a good hill workout can increase your speed.
  5. Beach workout.  Now this one would be easier for me.  Running in soft sand will increase muscle strength and speed.

I definitely want to start with the fartleks first, because that can be incorporated into my daily workout right away. I know I need to start drinking more water and stretching. I would love to get to the beach to run, and might have to try and plan something for the near future. And to round it out, maybe I should start planning a vacation to a hilly destination……

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A Marathon + 19.3

January 31, 2012

janJanuary has come to a close, and I am proud to say that I did something (ran or walked) every day!  My mileage total for the month was 45.5 miles (which is equal to a marathon plus 19.3 miles).  I’m sure that’s a new high for me – EVER!

I’m still extremely excited about the Beach2Battleship.  I keep up with my countdown and even though 262 days seems like an eternity – it will be here before I know it!

My goals for February are to keep up with the running and to add in cycling and swimming.  I have to get new tubes for my bike tires and a swimming pass, which should happen next week.

Here are some January highlights (and lowlights)

  • Longest (distance) workout – 2.13 miles at a 19.4 min/mile pace
  • Fastest pace – 2.11 miles at a 19.0 min/mile pace
  • Longest (time) workout – 42 minutes
  • Slowest pace – 0.8 miles at a 37.3 min/mile pace – In my defense, this was my worst sick day and I just wanted to be in bed!  But I walked – slowly and not very far….but done!
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    I run, I ran, I am running

    January 30, 2012

    After fighting a cold for the last week, and not getting any running done, (I did walk every day….even when I didn’t want to) I decided that I had to get back into my training or I would be way behind.  So today, I ran.

    I could have used this today

    I could have used this today

    I didn’t go as far as I had been before I got sick, nor did I go as fast, but I did more running (and less walking) than I thought I would.  That’s why I’m choosing to call this workout a big success!

    The temperature was in the high 30′s, but after I get moving it’s not too cold, except for my feet.  These “toe shoes” are not built for warmth.  That said, I wouldn’t trade them for anything…even in the cold.  My long pants and sweatshirt are just perfect.

    The numbers – I ran/walked 1.8 miles in 38 minutes which is a 21 minute mile.  I really want to get that pace down to a 10 minute mile by the Ironman, but will be happy with a 12 minute mile.

    I have been doing some calculating in my head and am coming up with times that I would like to finish each leg of the triathlon in.  I’m even formulating my A, B and C goals.  I don’t think it’s too soon to start that, do you?  It keeps me motivated to keep going and pushing myself, so I doubt I’ll stop just yet.  Although, what does it say about me that I like doing math calculations in my head while I’m running?  I’m sure there is some deep psychological meaning to it all.  We’ll save that analysis for another day.

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    Swimming in Caramel

    January 23, 2012

    Remember that commercial where everyone was swimming in caramel?  I don”t remember what it was for, but I do remember the noise made when the swimmers landed in the pool. (As an aside, i hate loud food noises…..)  ANYWAY, I did not go swimming today, but the second mile of my run did feel like I was running in caramel.  Everything felt slow and required way more effort than the first mile.  I did slog through it, walking more than I should have, but I got those two miles finished.

    I am still on my streak.  I’ve walked or run at least a mile every day in 2012.  My focus now is on getting faster, I’m trying not to stay at the same pace, but push myself to pick it up!

    Today’s workout was a 2.12 mile run/walk in 42 minutes.  My pace was a 19.5 min/mile.

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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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    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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    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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