From Fat to Triathlete

Tag: Training

0

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.

Share
: Training
: , , ,
1

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

Share
: Races
: , , , , ,
0

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……

Share
: Running
: , ,
0

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.

Share
: Running
: , ,
0

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

Share
: Training
: , ,
0

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!

Share
: Gear, Running
: , ,
0

Life As We Know It

April 16, 2011

Things have been crazy around here lately.  Crazy in a good way though.  Our business, Glynne’s Soaps, has been growing and expanding.  Last weekend we participated in Azalea Festival, a large two day festival which brings visitors from all over the world.  So the week before we were busy getting ready, the weekend was mainly a blur, and this week has been spent recovering.  We had fun and met a lot of great people, so even with all the craziness, the weekend was a success.

Marshall Looking Cute and Innocent

Marshall Looking Cute and Innocent

Gayle, Wrigley and Marshall

Gayle, Wrigley and Marshall

About a month ago we adopted a new puppy.  His name is Marshall and he is now 8 months old, and a bundle of energy.  Although you wouldn’t know it if you were looking at him now, he is sound asleep with Wrigley on the bed next to my desk.  But they have been playing hard all morning.  Never have I seen something move so fast to grab a sock or a piece of paper.  He will dart in, grab it and be out before you even realize what’s happened.

Needless to say, my training has suffered. Now that the weather is warming up and the sun is hanging around later in the day, I am hoping to ramp it up some. I was able to get in a two mile run yesterday morning, today was busy with the Farmer’s Market, and hopefully tomorrow I can work in a bike ride.

So, things are busy but fun.  As I ramp up my training, I’ll try to up my posting as well so be on the lookout.

Still tri-in

Jenn

Share
: Random
: , ,
0

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

Share
: Running, Training
: , ,
0

Let the Countdown Begin

June 27, 2010

Today marks the official start of my 20 week half ironman training.  The program I am using is from BeginnerTriathlete.com and can be found here.  The plan calls for a 40 minute run and 40 minute swim workout.  I’m not sure about fitting in the swim today, but the plan is to go canoeing this evening and I think that will give me the arm workout I need.  This morning’s run was 2.5 miles in 40 minutes.  And it is hot, hot, hot out.  According to weather.com, it is 86 degrees with 77% humidity.  I know it’s been hotter, and this isn’t a complaint, (I complained about the cold, so I have a hard time justifying complaints about the heat too…..) just observations about this morning’s weather.  I don’t really mind so much for myself, but Wrigley begs to go with me, and who can refuse this face?

wrigley azaleas So, I let him run with me for 15 minutes.  We try to follow all the safety rules for running with your pet.  It’s not worth it if something were to happen to him.

Exercise is important for a healthy, well-behaved dog.  We love that we can take Wrigley with us when we go places and he will be a nice calm boy.  But, this didn’t just happen.  We exercise his body by running and playing and his brain by taking him to obedience and agility classes and working with him every day.  There are some guidelines to exercising with your dog that I think can’t be said enough.

  • Do not participate in vigorous exercise within 45 minutes of eating.  This can lead to bloat which is a very serous and potentially deadly condition.  Some of the signs of bloat are pacing, hard or distended stomach, panting and drooling and unproductive attempts to vomit.  If you see any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately.
  • Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink.
  • If it’s hot, try to exercise early in the morning or late in the evening.
  • Keep a close watch on them and stop if they seem to be overheated, panting excessively or are acting outside of normal.
  • Never exercise with your dog if they have a injury or medical condition.

As I read back through these tips, the advice is good for 2 legged and 4 legged runners, except for maybe the bloat part.  People can choose for themselves what works best as far as eating and exercise.  If you are new to exercising, especially in the heat, be safe and don’t overdo.

Share
: Running
: , , , , , , ,
0

Little Things Mean A Lot

June 9, 2010

Yesterday I got in 2 miles of running in 34 minutes – 18 minutes for the first mile with Wrigley and 16 for the second on my own.  Evidently we take about 2 minutes for him to stop and smell the roses.  Today’s workout was one mile in about 18 minutes, again with Wrigley.  The one thing I did learn, and it should have been something that was completely obvious, was that if I drink a glass of water before I run, I feel like I have much more energy.  Again, should be something obvious, and I was good about drinking water when I came in from a run, but never before I left.  Mostly because I was worried that I would have to come in for a “natural break” somewhere in the middle of my run.  But I was somewhat surprised at the difference it made.   Now I am trying to get in the habit of having some water and stopping at the bathroom before I leave the house.  I’m sure it will continue to make a difference.  Such a little thing, but with a huge impact on my performance.

slower

Share
: Nutrition, Running, Training
: , , , ,
Easy AdSense by Unreal