From Fat to Triathlete

Tag: Running

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Ironman Training Week One

June 4, 2012

The past few weeks have been crazy, and unfortunately, training has been too low on the priority list.  About three weeks ago, I dislocated my knee.  Fortunately, it wasn’t too bad.  I was on crutches for about a week, and then wore my knee brace for two more weeks.  And on Friday, I began running again.  It will take me a while to get all my strength back, but I’m very happy that I can run.  There were moments that I was worried that it would be months instead of weeks before I could run again.

This week begins the actual Ironman training program that I have chosen.  My biggest concern now is to build up my stamina, especially on the bike.  I will probably be riding for 6-7 hours and need to make sure that I can keep up a good pace for that length of time.

So, here is the plan for this week.

  • Monday – run 45 minutes
  • Tuesday – bike 60 minutes, swim 30 minutes
  • Wednesday – rest
  • Thursday – swim 30 minutes, bike 45 minutes
  • Friday – run 90 minutes
  • Saturday – bike 90 minutes
  • Sunday – run 45 minutes

Wow!  Seems like a lot of work.  I ran my 45 minutes this morning, so I’m on my way.   I’ll try to check in every day, as my training progresses.  I think the next 137 days will fly by!  I’m looking forward to the journey.

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172 Days…..and Counting

April 30, 2012

Well, it’s official.  I am registered for the Beach2Battleship Iron Distance Triathlon in October.  I have been trying not to throw up since I finalized my registration.

It’s super exciting since I am now one step closer to my goal.  It’s a bit terrifying since it’s such a huge undertaking, but I’m up for it.  I feel pretty good about my training.  I feel great about my running, since I’m getting faster and stronger every week.  I’m not feeling so hot about my cycling.  I have got to get more hours on my bike.  Which is something I plan to start work on this afternoon.  Maybe I can figure out how to watch a movie while on my trainer…..

On a separate note, Gayle will appreciate anyone who is willing to come spend a few hours with her on October 20th.  While I am racing, her job as support is much more difficult (as in BORING).  She will just be sitting and waiting for me to breeze by for a minute or so, then she will be back to waiting.  So, if anyone is available to hang out with her, I’m sure she will love the company.

You can keep up with my training here on my blog.  I will keep it updated as best I can.

I want to say a special thanks to Bramble Berry for choosing me to be a part of their Bramble Berry Athletic Club.  It’s very exciting to be a part of this group!

Well, I’m going to get on my bike….it’s a great day for a ride.

Still tri’in

Jenn

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On My Own

February 22, 2012
My running buddies

My running buddies

My morning runs usually consists of running a mile with Marshall, then a second mile with Wrigley.  It gets them both some needed exercise as they are young energetic dalmatians and it gets me to run twice as far.  Unfortunately, for the past few days Marshall has been sick.  He was throwing up, very lethargic and dehydrated.  He has not been up for running.

So, even though I can work out when I’m sick, I have a difficult time running when one of my running buddies is sick.  (There is probably a blog post about the importance of workout partners somewhere in there).  Needless to say, Wrigley and I have been doing some walking, but not much.

This morning I decided I just needed to do it, with or without my running buddy.  Every day missed is one day closer to my Ironman with no preparation.  Wrigley and I ran a mile and then I did the second mile on my own.  I must admit I was a bit apprehensive about running by myself.  But I did it, and it had good and bad aspects.

Good – I was actually 2 minutes faster over the course of the mile.  I will chalk that up to not having to stop at every bush, tree and mailbox along the way.  The chart of my pace from Map My Fitness shows that my pace was relatively consistent over that mile, which makes me happy.

Bad – There was no one to talk to.  I actually was lonely.  And it’s not the same talking to yourself.  However, that is a feeling I will have to get used to because during the race I will be alone most of the time.

All in all, I’m glad to be back to training after a few days off.  Marshall is feeling better and will be up and running soon, but even so, I can run with just myself for company.

On another note, this past Saturday I participated in the Polar Plunge to raise money for Special Olympics.  You can read all about it here.

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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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You said that you would do it. And indeed you did.

February 2, 2012

It’s probably bad that a training accomplishment makes me think of a song from a musical.  But it did!  Yesterday, I was able to run the entire two miles with no walking breaks, which hasn’t happened for quite a few years.  And the entire time, all I could think of was the song from “My Fair Lady” entitled “You Did It”

Of course, they are chauvinistic pigs and I’m training for a triathlon, but I made the connection nevertheless. It’s a great feeling to know you have accomplished your goal, even if it’s just a small step on the way to a larger goal.

One of the big things I’ve learned in the past month is that even though it may seem difficult, or that I just wasn’t getting any faster or stronger, when I look back I’ve really come a long way. Just by putting one foot in front of the other and not quitting. I know I have a long way to go, but I also have the confidence that I can get there one step at a time.

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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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    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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