Back when I was in high school, I ran track for one season. Really, it was less than 1 season. I still vividly remember collapsing after my leg of a relay with terrible pain in my shins. I found out that I had shin splints.
Fast forward 16 years (I didn't run track as a senior, I'm not quite that old), and 2 and a half weeks into training, to discover that shin splints come back with a vengence just when you really don't want them to. It may be the new shoes, it may just be that I'm not built to run. No matter what it is, I'm out of the running for participating in the running leg of the race.
Don't panic, dear reader. I am still racing 3 legs, I'm just replacing the running leg with an additional swimming leg. So, now I will be swimming a half-mile twice and biking 14.2 miles. I'm going to walk and swimming on the days that are supposed to be running days. Any day that you see running on my calendar, know that I will be swimming the length determined for the rest of that week AND walking for 30 minutes.
I'm still hoping that I will somehow gain strength and eventually be able to run again. If it's the shoes, and getting used to a corrected gait with the new shoes, then I'm hoping that walking will adjust my feet/legs and I will get over the shin splits. I know I won't be running in this race, but I'm hoping that I will be able to run in future races. Otherwise, it severely limits the races I can participate in every year and makes the training less varied.
Speaking of training, tomorrow (technically today as it is 3:20 am right now) is the first increase in swimming. I'm looking forward to spending more than 10 minutes in the pool :-)
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Spring Break-to train or to relax?
I'm facing two dilemmas this week (can you believe I had to look up how to spell dilemmas?).
First, I would like to go up to the cabin Wednesday by myself, have David and the kids come up Thursday, and friends come up Friday. The problem is: there's no way I can ride my bike up there, and running isn't likely to happen either because of the snow, mud, and cold. So, that means that I would miss at least 2 days of training. I could rearrange some things so that I swim Wednesday before I leave and take Thursday off, but I'm still supposed to bike 6 miles Friday and run 30 minutes Saturday. So, do I basically workout before the cabin, and repeat this week again next week, or do I skip the first two days of the cabin and only go up for the weekend with friends?
The second dilemma is that I'm having a hard time running. I increased my running to 20 minutes today, with 2 minutes of running and 1 minute of walking alternating. I got the first half of the sets done, but my legs were in intense pain. My shins were burning. I had to walk longer than 1 minute, about 3 minutes, to recover to put in another 2 minute run. It's the first workout that I haven't completed as designed (ignoring that stationary biking is easier than real biking when it's dark outside). I'm very worried because this week I'm supposed to increase to 3 minutes of running for every 1 minute of walking AND increase to 30 minutes of total time. It's the first time I've felt doubtful that I'll be able to keep up with the workouts. So, is it ok that I'm having to spend more total time on the treadmill to get in the total running time AND is it ok if I make that total running time in less lengthy increments (2 minutes at a time instead of 3 minutes at a time)?
Anyone out there have advice?
First, I would like to go up to the cabin Wednesday by myself, have David and the kids come up Thursday, and friends come up Friday. The problem is: there's no way I can ride my bike up there, and running isn't likely to happen either because of the snow, mud, and cold. So, that means that I would miss at least 2 days of training. I could rearrange some things so that I swim Wednesday before I leave and take Thursday off, but I'm still supposed to bike 6 miles Friday and run 30 minutes Saturday. So, do I basically workout before the cabin, and repeat this week again next week, or do I skip the first two days of the cabin and only go up for the weekend with friends?
The second dilemma is that I'm having a hard time running. I increased my running to 20 minutes today, with 2 minutes of running and 1 minute of walking alternating. I got the first half of the sets done, but my legs were in intense pain. My shins were burning. I had to walk longer than 1 minute, about 3 minutes, to recover to put in another 2 minute run. It's the first workout that I haven't completed as designed (ignoring that stationary biking is easier than real biking when it's dark outside). I'm very worried because this week I'm supposed to increase to 3 minutes of running for every 1 minute of walking AND increase to 30 minutes of total time. It's the first time I've felt doubtful that I'll be able to keep up with the workouts. So, is it ok that I'm having to spend more total time on the treadmill to get in the total running time AND is it ok if I make that total running time in less lengthy increments (2 minutes at a time instead of 3 minutes at a time)?
Anyone out there have advice?
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The End of Week 2-It's not as fun anymore
I have officially been training for 2 weeks now. I'm tired. It's still something I'm proud of, don't get me wrong, but it's no longer the thrill that it once was. It's a bit more like work, now. Hey, but I did lose 1 pound this week :-)
It was 32 degrees and very windy this morning when I was supposed to ride my bike, so I went to the gym and rode a stationary bike instead. It was much more pleasant, I have to say. I got to watch my show while exercising. However, I know I didn't work nearly as hard, or for nearly as long.
I did test out the new running shoes for a couple minutes on the treadmill today. The new running socks are THE BEST! I love them. They keep my feet cool and dry, it's like a miracle of modern technology. I have to figure out a way to buy 10 pairs of them, but at $9 each pair (even on the cheapest internet site I found), it might take me a whole year to collect enough to replace all of my socks. The shoes are nice, too :-) I have to thank my parents for those. Love you Mom and Dad!
Tomorrow is an official day off of training. I need the day to relax and hang out with friends. Saturday, I am biking 8 miles. Hopefully, it will be warm enough to ride outside during Gibson's soccer practice. Otherwise, back to the stationary bike and the gym I will go.
Saturday really starts off the dramatic increase in my workouts. It's going to really push my resolve, so I apologize ahead of time if I either complain alot next week or find myself unable to lift my arms to do any blogging next week...
It was 32 degrees and very windy this morning when I was supposed to ride my bike, so I went to the gym and rode a stationary bike instead. It was much more pleasant, I have to say. I got to watch my show while exercising. However, I know I didn't work nearly as hard, or for nearly as long.
I did test out the new running shoes for a couple minutes on the treadmill today. The new running socks are THE BEST! I love them. They keep my feet cool and dry, it's like a miracle of modern technology. I have to figure out a way to buy 10 pairs of them, but at $9 each pair (even on the cheapest internet site I found), it might take me a whole year to collect enough to replace all of my socks. The shoes are nice, too :-) I have to thank my parents for those. Love you Mom and Dad!
Tomorrow is an official day off of training. I need the day to relax and hang out with friends. Saturday, I am biking 8 miles. Hopefully, it will be warm enough to ride outside during Gibson's soccer practice. Otherwise, back to the stationary bike and the gym I will go.
Saturday really starts off the dramatic increase in my workouts. It's going to really push my resolve, so I apologize ahead of time if I either complain alot next week or find myself unable to lift my arms to do any blogging next week...
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Cost of a Triathlon
Running Shoes are expensive! This morning, I bought running shoes. Previously, I had cool-looking Sketchers, which are terrible for running apparently. I have blisters galore on my heals now! Training has me running tomorrow, and I just couldn't stand the thought of running one more day with shoes that gave me blisters and hurt my arches.
So, that means that in deciding to do this triathlon, I've registered ($75), bought a swimsuit, goggles, bike shorts, shoes, and socks so far. I'm excited for the first time in my life about exercising, but it's cost about $300 so far! That doesn't include the already paid for gym membership that I will have to renew at some point. I will also eventually have to purchase a triathlon suit. I think they're around $100, too. Ultimately, it's worth it for me to be healthy, have motivation, and lose weight, but it's not a great month for all these expenses.
I haven't lost any weight this week, either. So, it's costing me in my emotional state as well. I know, I know, it's not all about the weight. But look, I thought that after a week and a half of working out 7 days a week, I'd see something come off the scale. Granted, I haven't really been tracking my food, but I haven't had dessert other than once, and am not drinking during the week. I was certainly hoping that, with all the exercising, I would see a difference without having to diet as well. We'll see what the rest of this week brings...
It's also a bit of a cost in my schedule. You'll notice I'm supposed to bike on Saturday and Sunday this week. Putting aside how biking two days in a row is painful anyway, we're also supposed to be going to the cabin this weekend. Not quite sure how I'm supposed to bike up there with the dirt roads, lots of hills and sharp turns. So, do I rearrange my schedule or do I rearrange my training? Anyone out there have an opinion on that?
***I decided to rearrange my training this week right after I fell down and slammed both knees into the hard tile floor. Biking tomorrow and Saturday, running on Sunday.
So, that means that in deciding to do this triathlon, I've registered ($75), bought a swimsuit, goggles, bike shorts, shoes, and socks so far. I'm excited for the first time in my life about exercising, but it's cost about $300 so far! That doesn't include the already paid for gym membership that I will have to renew at some point. I will also eventually have to purchase a triathlon suit. I think they're around $100, too. Ultimately, it's worth it for me to be healthy, have motivation, and lose weight, but it's not a great month for all these expenses.
I haven't lost any weight this week, either. So, it's costing me in my emotional state as well. I know, I know, it's not all about the weight. But look, I thought that after a week and a half of working out 7 days a week, I'd see something come off the scale. Granted, I haven't really been tracking my food, but I haven't had dessert other than once, and am not drinking during the week. I was certainly hoping that, with all the exercising, I would see a difference without having to diet as well. We'll see what the rest of this week brings...
It's also a bit of a cost in my schedule. You'll notice I'm supposed to bike on Saturday and Sunday this week. Putting aside how biking two days in a row is painful anyway, we're also supposed to be going to the cabin this weekend. Not quite sure how I'm supposed to bike up there with the dirt roads, lots of hills and sharp turns. So, do I rearrange my schedule or do I rearrange my training? Anyone out there have an opinion on that?
***I decided to rearrange my training this week right after I fell down and slammed both knees into the hard tile floor. Biking tomorrow and Saturday, running on Sunday.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Week 2-Keep on going :-)
So, you may have noticed that I posted my workout calendar at the bottom of this blog. In case you want to see details of what I'm doing each day. It's probably mostly meaningless, but it's also attached to my phone so that I remember what workouts I am to do each day.
Technically, the training calls for 5 workout a week at first, then 6 a week. I'm committing right now, to anyone out there bored enough to read my blog, that I will work out 7 days a week! On my one or two "off days" from triathlon training I will be meeting a friend at the gym to walk. Well, she runs, I walk. Just to keep me active all 7 days a week.
I've noticed already how much better I feel. I've been working out (training) for a little over a week now (9 days to be exact). I've only missed one day, due to the stomach flu. I notice I have much more energy, am happier, and am less tired. I used to be tired, even with 8 hours or more of sleep. Well, I woke up this morning at 5am for a workout, and didn't even feel tired! It was amazing. I swam for 10 minutes, ran for 6 (2 minutes at a time rather than 1 at a time) minutes, and walked for 40 minutes. I used to be tired after the elliptical for 30 minutes (if I made it that long)!
Granted, the weight hasn't come off yet, but I really think that's around the corner :-) I'm eating better and not feeling compelled to eat all the time. I still snack when I get home from work, and probably too much, but I'm not craving the dessert like I was, or the alcohol. I've committed to only getting dessert and adult beverages once a week at most, generally on Fridays or Saturdays. It doesn't even feel like a challenge to keep that commitment now :-)
The exercising continue to increase this week. Tomorrow I ride for 5 miles. Towards the end of the week it's up to 6 miles, and 3 minutes of running at a time. I really need a pair of actual running shoes. I plan on that as soon as possible.
I know this blog is mostly unread, except for some curious friends, family members, and a few loving supporters, but I wanted to say thanks. Knowing I have support out there means so much. I keep on going for me, and for you!
Technically, the training calls for 5 workout a week at first, then 6 a week. I'm committing right now, to anyone out there bored enough to read my blog, that I will work out 7 days a week! On my one or two "off days" from triathlon training I will be meeting a friend at the gym to walk. Well, she runs, I walk. Just to keep me active all 7 days a week.
I've noticed already how much better I feel. I've been working out (training) for a little over a week now (9 days to be exact). I've only missed one day, due to the stomach flu. I notice I have much more energy, am happier, and am less tired. I used to be tired, even with 8 hours or more of sleep. Well, I woke up this morning at 5am for a workout, and didn't even feel tired! It was amazing. I swam for 10 minutes, ran for 6 (2 minutes at a time rather than 1 at a time) minutes, and walked for 40 minutes. I used to be tired after the elliptical for 30 minutes (if I made it that long)!
Granted, the weight hasn't come off yet, but I really think that's around the corner :-) I'm eating better and not feeling compelled to eat all the time. I still snack when I get home from work, and probably too much, but I'm not craving the dessert like I was, or the alcohol. I've committed to only getting dessert and adult beverages once a week at most, generally on Fridays or Saturdays. It doesn't even feel like a challenge to keep that commitment now :-)
The exercising continue to increase this week. Tomorrow I ride for 5 miles. Towards the end of the week it's up to 6 miles, and 3 minutes of running at a time. I really need a pair of actual running shoes. I plan on that as soon as possible.
I know this blog is mostly unread, except for some curious friends, family members, and a few loving supporters, but I wanted to say thanks. Knowing I have support out there means so much. I keep on going for me, and for you!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The End of Week 1
Friday was my off day. I decided to weigh myself just to see how bad the trip to California with; wine, beer, dessert, and lots of bread, was to the scale. Turns out that the working out this week made it a pretty ok week. I didn't really lose weight, still at 182, but I didn't gain either. I was expecting a gain, so I was very happy with that number.
Today, I ran again. I have to walk for 5 minutes, then alternate run/walk every other minute for the remaining 10 minutes. Today, I increased my speed on the running portion from 5 mph to 6 mph. I forgot my headphones, so I had to listen to the gym music the whole time. I can't stand the music they play at the gym. Definitely putting my headphones in my purse right now for next time :-) Next time, I have to increase the running portion to 2 minutes, walk for 1. That will be hard, but I'm positive I can do it.
Tomorrow I'll be biking 5 miles. I think I may take my bike out to Mom and Dad's and ride it out there. Difference scenery, and I could get Mom to watch the kids while I go. We were going to make it a family affair, but David's helping Dad at the cabin tomorrow. Funny thing how being married with kids can make scheduling a workout a bit of a challenge :-)
I keep expecting to hit this wall and hating exercising. After all, every other time I've started to exercise, I give up out of boredom or just plain hating it. I know it's only been a week, but I really am enjoying myself so far! I like the variation and amount of exercise. Of course, when it starts increasing running time, biking miles, and swimming distance, I may change my tune. I hope not, though. It's the first time ever I've looked forward to exercising rather than seeing it as yet another chore. And hey, if it allows me to eat normally, have dessert and a drink once a week and still lose weight, it'd so be worth it!
Today, I ran again. I have to walk for 5 minutes, then alternate run/walk every other minute for the remaining 10 minutes. Today, I increased my speed on the running portion from 5 mph to 6 mph. I forgot my headphones, so I had to listen to the gym music the whole time. I can't stand the music they play at the gym. Definitely putting my headphones in my purse right now for next time :-) Next time, I have to increase the running portion to 2 minutes, walk for 1. That will be hard, but I'm positive I can do it.
Tomorrow I'll be biking 5 miles. I think I may take my bike out to Mom and Dad's and ride it out there. Difference scenery, and I could get Mom to watch the kids while I go. We were going to make it a family affair, but David's helping Dad at the cabin tomorrow. Funny thing how being married with kids can make scheduling a workout a bit of a challenge :-)
I keep expecting to hit this wall and hating exercising. After all, every other time I've started to exercise, I give up out of boredom or just plain hating it. I know it's only been a week, but I really am enjoying myself so far! I like the variation and amount of exercise. Of course, when it starts increasing running time, biking miles, and swimming distance, I may change my tune. I hope not, though. It's the first time ever I've looked forward to exercising rather than seeing it as yet another chore. And hey, if it allows me to eat normally, have dessert and a drink once a week and still lose weight, it'd so be worth it!
Friday, March 18, 2011
What did I get myself into? (Week 1)
I started the week in California. Actually, before my official training began, I rode 23 miles, from Monterey Bay to Pebble Beach and back. Thinking that I would be biking 28 miles total for the triathlon, all I could think was, "What in the world did I sign up for?" That was Sunday. Then, on Monday (the off day planned in training) I swam 200 meters.
So, Tuesday was the official first day of training. I had to run/walk for 15 minutes. It was a 5 minute walking warm-up, followed by alternating 1-minute chunks of running then walking for 10 minutes. It actually went well and was fairly painless :-)
Wednesday was biking 5 miles. Should be easy after my Sunday adventure, right? Did you know that I live on top of a hill? What that means is while biking away from my house (the start of the 5 miles) is relatively easy, coming home (when I'm already tired) is painful. I did 7 laps around a hilly park, plus 2 miles to my sister-in-law's house and back home (since I know that distance is 1 mile). Then, I had to work until 7pm!
Thursday was my favorite day. I got to swim 200 meters. It only took about 10 minutes :-) I've definitely decided I will be that freak in the water who is going to be doing the breast stroke the whole time, as freestyle is neither easier nor faster for me. Hey, it will make me easy to spot :-)
After those 3 days, I get a break day today. I have decided to change my triathlon legs. I will be biking 14 miles, then running 3.5 miles, then swimming half a mile. I just can't imagine biking 28 miles in the hilly part of Aurora! So now, I need a good pair of running shoes :-)
I still have workouts Saturday and Sunday to go this week. Saturday is running 15 minutes again, just like last time, and Sunday is a 5 mile bike ride. I'll take the family with me this time for distraction :-)
For the next 3 weeks, I get to enjoy 5 workout days a week, then it increases to 6 days a week. I'm trying to figure out how to embedd my workout calendar in this blog, if anyone knows how, would love to hear! It's a google calendar.
For the first time since I've been on this losing weight roller coaster, I'm actually excited! I am excited to have a plan, a goal, and a reason to do this (besides wanting to be skinny and pretty again). I'm hoping that this exercise, and just watching what I eat (no desserts, wine only once a week), will give me the permanent results that I so desire.
So, Tuesday was the official first day of training. I had to run/walk for 15 minutes. It was a 5 minute walking warm-up, followed by alternating 1-minute chunks of running then walking for 10 minutes. It actually went well and was fairly painless :-)
Wednesday was biking 5 miles. Should be easy after my Sunday adventure, right? Did you know that I live on top of a hill? What that means is while biking away from my house (the start of the 5 miles) is relatively easy, coming home (when I'm already tired) is painful. I did 7 laps around a hilly park, plus 2 miles to my sister-in-law's house and back home (since I know that distance is 1 mile). Then, I had to work until 7pm!
Thursday was my favorite day. I got to swim 200 meters. It only took about 10 minutes :-) I've definitely decided I will be that freak in the water who is going to be doing the breast stroke the whole time, as freestyle is neither easier nor faster for me. Hey, it will make me easy to spot :-)
After those 3 days, I get a break day today. I have decided to change my triathlon legs. I will be biking 14 miles, then running 3.5 miles, then swimming half a mile. I just can't imagine biking 28 miles in the hilly part of Aurora! So now, I need a good pair of running shoes :-)
I still have workouts Saturday and Sunday to go this week. Saturday is running 15 minutes again, just like last time, and Sunday is a 5 mile bike ride. I'll take the family with me this time for distraction :-)
For the next 3 weeks, I get to enjoy 5 workout days a week, then it increases to 6 days a week. I'm trying to figure out how to embedd my workout calendar in this blog, if anyone knows how, would love to hear! It's a google calendar.
For the first time since I've been on this losing weight roller coaster, I'm actually excited! I am excited to have a plan, a goal, and a reason to do this (besides wanting to be skinny and pretty again). I'm hoping that this exercise, and just watching what I eat (no desserts, wine only once a week), will give me the permanent results that I so desire.
How I got started
I have struggled with my weight for 14 year now. Ever since I started college, I've gradually, or not so gradually, gained weight. When I graduated from high school, I weighed 110 pounds. At 5 feet, 2 inches, that was well within accepted weight for my height. Freshman year found me to be the stereotypical female, gaining the "freshman 15" (or 20).
Sometime between then and my first pregnancy, I honestly don't know how really, I gained 65 pounds. I started my 1st pregnancy at 175 pounds. After having my son, I was 195 pounds and started weight watchers. It really worked for me! I lost 65 pounds in 9 months, celebrating my son's first Christmas at 130 pounds.
You know the story, I slowly gained 35 of the pounds back, and ended up pregnant again 2 years later. After having my daughter, and 3 years of promising that this week (day, month) I will start to diet/exercise and get it under control again, I have found myself weighing somewhere between 180 and 187 pounds, depending on the week. I've tried Atkins, with short-term success and no long term committment, Weight Watchers again, just to fail to find the time to track points and take things seriously.
So, here I am lamenting my weight and lack of motivation to really do anything about it. Right in the middle of my most recent short-term success and lack of willingness to continue with Atkins, a colleague mentions that our whole staff ought to do a triathlon together. Honestly, I thought she was crazy. Here I am, the only one on the staff that isn't fit. There is no way I would ever participate in a triathlon. I can't even run for more than 1 minute. But then I thought about it, and started exploring.
By the time it's warm enough to swim outdoors in Colorado, it will be June or July. That gives me 3-4 months to prepare. Then, I found My Way or the Tri Way. A race that lets you pick which order and event you want to do for each of the 3 legs. This was perfect! I could avoid running, which I was worried about.
On March 11th, I signed up for My Way or the Tri Way. I signed up for Biking 14 miles, then Swimming half a mile, then Biking another 14 miles. I found a great 10 week training program online. I decided to start training on March 14th, that meant running my first training day while at a conference in California. Nice place to start :-)
Sometime between then and my first pregnancy, I honestly don't know how really, I gained 65 pounds. I started my 1st pregnancy at 175 pounds. After having my son, I was 195 pounds and started weight watchers. It really worked for me! I lost 65 pounds in 9 months, celebrating my son's first Christmas at 130 pounds.
You know the story, I slowly gained 35 of the pounds back, and ended up pregnant again 2 years later. After having my daughter, and 3 years of promising that this week (day, month) I will start to diet/exercise and get it under control again, I have found myself weighing somewhere between 180 and 187 pounds, depending on the week. I've tried Atkins, with short-term success and no long term committment, Weight Watchers again, just to fail to find the time to track points and take things seriously.
So, here I am lamenting my weight and lack of motivation to really do anything about it. Right in the middle of my most recent short-term success and lack of willingness to continue with Atkins, a colleague mentions that our whole staff ought to do a triathlon together. Honestly, I thought she was crazy. Here I am, the only one on the staff that isn't fit. There is no way I would ever participate in a triathlon. I can't even run for more than 1 minute. But then I thought about it, and started exploring.
By the time it's warm enough to swim outdoors in Colorado, it will be June or July. That gives me 3-4 months to prepare. Then, I found My Way or the Tri Way. A race that lets you pick which order and event you want to do for each of the 3 legs. This was perfect! I could avoid running, which I was worried about.
On March 11th, I signed up for My Way or the Tri Way. I signed up for Biking 14 miles, then Swimming half a mile, then Biking another 14 miles. I found a great 10 week training program online. I decided to start training on March 14th, that meant running my first training day while at a conference in California. Nice place to start :-)
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