Normally, I would have completed one race in the month of May but procrastination has bit me where the sun doesn't shine and Rob and I were boxed out of Terre Haute Triathlon - "Thunder in the Valley."
The Terre Haute Triathlon is a great first race. Since it is in middle of Indiana, the weather is normally warm - 80's. The swim portion is in a nice small lake that is normally and smooth. In the two years that I have competed, I used a wetsuit one time.
The first time I competed in this race, Rob told me that it was not hilly...not true. The bike portion is nice but hilly. I guess that statement is relative because Chicago is flat...really flat and any slight incline such as an overpass is labeled a "hill."
The run portion is within a running path and ends through the woods and up a hill.
All in all, it is a great first race to gauge your training. Normally, I conclude that I have not trained enough.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Back to Blogging
For those of who were following me, I apologize for taking some time off blogging. Unfortunately, other things have gotten in the way including training.
Despite my absence, I have been training. Since the season has begun, I will be more active in blogging about the races, equipment, nutrition and other aspects of training.
Despite my absence, I have been training. Since the season has begun, I will be more active in blogging about the races, equipment, nutrition and other aspects of training.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday morning swim..little different
Thursday morning swim was a little light in both the participants and the swim set. Normally Alessio would coach but Greta, I think is her name was coaching us...I didn't know she was a coach but she basically called out the drills. I really don't remember the drills but I may post them later. The drills were fine but instead of calling out times, for example:
Also, Matt, our beloved All American Coach swam with us or at least swam and we tried to be like him.
- 8x50 in 50 seconds - complete the 50 yards in 50 seconds then start and if you do it in less time, you get more rest time
Also, Matt, our beloved All American Coach swam with us or at least swam and we tried to be like him.
Wednesday...run
Wednesday was the first time to run since the Geist Half Marathon...so I wanted to ease into it. I am not sore but my right knee is a little painful.
It was a beautiful day - 82 - so I wanted to take advantage of the weather.
I ran three miles...the pace was a little faster than normal...I was basing it on my HRM and my breathing...Sometimes the weather can throw that off. I noticed that heat and cold can throw the body off. I wasn't particularly sore during the run and it did feel good. 3 miles.
It was a beautiful day - 82 - so I wanted to take advantage of the weather.
I ran three miles...the pace was a little faster than normal...I was basing it on my HRM and my breathing...Sometimes the weather can throw that off. I noticed that heat and cold can throw the body off. I wasn't particularly sore during the run and it did feel good. 3 miles.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday Swim
I woke up at 4:30 to go swim on Monday but I was so sore and tired..I went back to bed. Luckily, there is swim on Tuesdays at noon. Matt was our coach and he is very good not only at swimming but coaching us on proper form. Here was our set:
- 200 warm up
- 200 S.K.I.P.S. (200 - Swim, 200 - Kick, 200 - IM, 200 - Pull Buoy, 200 - Swim)
- 100 easy
- 8x25
- 100 S.K.I.P.S.
- 200 cool down
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The Geist Half Marathon...better than I expected
After getting off the bus that transported me from the packet pick up location to the race start, I was rather calm. Normally, I am really nervouse. Many people have their own pre-race rituals but most have the one thing in common....requisite pre race bathroom stop or 2 or 3. During a triathlon race, I normally visit Mr. Johnny on the Spot 2-3 times. Today...only twice.
My strategy was simple:
1. Finish
2. Finish
3. Do not stop
4. Maintain a steady pace.
5. Do not worry about other passing me.
6. Be positive.
7. Drink at my own pace.
I lined up in the 2:30 section of the line. This was my first half marathon so I realized that they have pace sections.
I stood at the national anthem with my hand on my heart and cheered as planes flew over during the end.
I heard the race being and I was off....
It was a little difficult to know my pace in the beginning but I tried base it on my heart rate monitor. I was averaging 155bpm which told me that I wasn't working too hard. After mile 1, I was maintaining the same bmp and clocked in a time of 11:30...that was a little fast for my training.
What surprised me were people who would pass me, then a few minutes later, I would see them walking, then they would run passed me, and the cycle was repeated for 13 miles. What don't they just try running a consistent pace?
The course was beautiful...we ran through the nicest neighborhoods of Indianapolis and through the Geist Resovoir.
There were some inclines but after hitting all the mile markers, my pace stayed between 11:30 and 11:46. I was pacing three females and an older gentleman who was speed walking. He was pretty fast for speed walking...maybe he was running then.
When Mile 7.5 came, so came the hills...nice long, rolling hills. My paced dropped to as low as 12:45. I was thinking about tweeting during the race, but I wanted to stay focused.
People tell me that in a half marathon, there are two parts to it: 1) the first 10 mile and 2) the last 3.1 miles. Same thing with a marathon. I kept telling myself that I didn't want to belive that....any sport is more mental than physical. The mind is definitely more powerful than the body.
At mile 10, I was fine...I felt really good. During the race, I only ate one GU gel....at about 1:00 into the race.
When mile 11 hit, I was getting tired...I was very tempted to stop and walk, but I knew if I stopped, I may not finish....so I kept going...mile 11 was the last hill also. I decided to just try to shuffle and maintain some sort of pace.
When I saw the bridge crossing the resovoir, I knew was almost at the end. I really wanted to stop but I kept going and knowing that it was almost over. There were a group that I was running with the last 6 miles and they were ahead of me so I decided that I wanted to pass them...it was my own little victory and that no one would pass me during the last quarter mile. While in the middle of the bridge, I sprinted, passed the group and kept going...around the corner and finally to the finish line....FINALLY!!!!
I finished my first half marathon of the season. My longest run before that was 8 miles so I was really happy. This race would be the benchmark for my runnning for the season. I believed that if I performed well, than I was on pace to finish Ironman Louisville...we will see.
After I stopped, I was hurting...really hurting...my knees and and thighs were in a lot of pain and stairs....forget it.....
My strategy was simple:
1. Finish
2. Finish
3. Do not stop
4. Maintain a steady pace.
5. Do not worry about other passing me.
6. Be positive.
7. Drink at my own pace.
I lined up in the 2:30 section of the line. This was my first half marathon so I realized that they have pace sections.
I stood at the national anthem with my hand on my heart and cheered as planes flew over during the end.
I heard the race being and I was off....
It was a little difficult to know my pace in the beginning but I tried base it on my heart rate monitor. I was averaging 155bpm which told me that I wasn't working too hard. After mile 1, I was maintaining the same bmp and clocked in a time of 11:30...that was a little fast for my training.
What surprised me were people who would pass me, then a few minutes later, I would see them walking, then they would run passed me, and the cycle was repeated for 13 miles. What don't they just try running a consistent pace?
The course was beautiful...we ran through the nicest neighborhoods of Indianapolis and through the Geist Resovoir.
There were some inclines but after hitting all the mile markers, my pace stayed between 11:30 and 11:46. I was pacing three females and an older gentleman who was speed walking. He was pretty fast for speed walking...maybe he was running then.
When Mile 7.5 came, so came the hills...nice long, rolling hills. My paced dropped to as low as 12:45. I was thinking about tweeting during the race, but I wanted to stay focused.
People tell me that in a half marathon, there are two parts to it: 1) the first 10 mile and 2) the last 3.1 miles. Same thing with a marathon. I kept telling myself that I didn't want to belive that....any sport is more mental than physical. The mind is definitely more powerful than the body.
At mile 10, I was fine...I felt really good. During the race, I only ate one GU gel....at about 1:00 into the race.
When mile 11 hit, I was getting tired...I was very tempted to stop and walk, but I knew if I stopped, I may not finish....so I kept going...mile 11 was the last hill also. I decided to just try to shuffle and maintain some sort of pace.
When I saw the bridge crossing the resovoir, I knew was almost at the end. I really wanted to stop but I kept going and knowing that it was almost over. There were a group that I was running with the last 6 miles and they were ahead of me so I decided that I wanted to pass them...it was my own little victory and that no one would pass me during the last quarter mile. While in the middle of the bridge, I sprinted, passed the group and kept going...around the corner and finally to the finish line....FINALLY!!!!
I finished my first half marathon of the season. My longest run before that was 8 miles so I was really happy. This race would be the benchmark for my runnning for the season. I believed that if I performed well, than I was on pace to finish Ironman Louisville...we will see.
After I stopped, I was hurting...really hurting...my knees and and thighs were in a lot of pain and stairs....forget it.....
Monday, May 18, 2009
Driving down to Indy...
I drove to Indy on Friday night and actually drove through a tornado. Yes..I did...For those of you who remember, my friend Rob and I were driving to Terre Haute for a triathlon and it started to rain...pour...and the winds were extremely strong. We realized that a tornado had touched down a few miles of where we were. On Friday night, the conditions were very similar and when I stopped to get gas, the attendant told me that that a tornado had touched down 4 miles away near the Subaru plant.
Rob was very happy that I arrived in Indy not only because of the tornado but because I have tendency to arrive the day before a race after midnight and we end up having only 3 hours of sleep. This time, I arrived at 10:30, we drove the course and we were in bed by midnight.
For whatever reason, I couldn’t fall asleep and felt like closed my eyes and the next thing, I heard was my alarm going off.
Rob was very happy that I arrived in Indy not only because of the tornado but because I have tendency to arrive the day before a race after midnight and we end up having only 3 hours of sleep. This time, I arrived at 10:30, we drove the course and we were in bed by midnight.
For whatever reason, I couldn’t fall asleep and felt like closed my eyes and the next thing, I heard was my alarm going off.
Geist Half Marathon...the morning of....
Sorry for slacking on the posts.
Last Saturday, I ran in the Geist Half Marathon. It was a scenic run around the Geist Resovoir which is located in the northern part of Indianapolis. That area is basically the North Shore of Indy. It was a very nice run. I call it the Champagne and Caviar Half because of its location and because the stark difference in the scenery compared to the Mini Marathon. For those of you who have run the Mini, you understand.
The morning started out fine. I had a Starbucks Double Shot Light because I need the caffeine and didn't know if I had time to make or get coffee. This a good product for those who need their morning Joe and aren't sure if there are places near the race area. I also had a bowl of oatmeal.
My mistake last year in my training is that I ate too much...I ate every half hour...as a result, I didn't lose any weight.
I also made decided to use my fuel belt.
The races always have aid/water stations but my strategy was to maintain a consistent pace. If stopped for water or even slowed down, then I would be tempted to stop and just walk. Also, I wanted to drink when I felt the need and not depend on the aid stations.
For this race, I drank the GU2O drink instead of Gatorade since I was training with GU2O.
I also packed two GU gels. I wore a short sleeve running shirt, 2XU Compression Tights and my Injinji Socks .
I cannot talk enough about compression tights for both running and recovery. I have both the 2XU and Skins brands. Also, I love the Injinji socks because it keeps my toes separated.
Last Saturday, I ran in the Geist Half Marathon. It was a scenic run around the Geist Resovoir which is located in the northern part of Indianapolis. That area is basically the North Shore of Indy. It was a very nice run. I call it the Champagne and Caviar Half because of its location and because the stark difference in the scenery compared to the Mini Marathon. For those of you who have run the Mini, you understand.
The morning started out fine. I had a Starbucks Double Shot Light because I need the caffeine and didn't know if I had time to make or get coffee. This a good product for those who need their morning Joe and aren't sure if there are places near the race area. I also had a bowl of oatmeal.
My mistake last year in my training is that I ate too much...I ate every half hour...as a result, I didn't lose any weight.
I also made decided to use my fuel belt.
The races always have aid/water stations but my strategy was to maintain a consistent pace. If stopped for water or even slowed down, then I would be tempted to stop and just walk. Also, I wanted to drink when I felt the need and not depend on the aid stations.
For this race, I drank the GU2O drink instead of Gatorade since I was training with GU2O.
I also packed two GU gels. I wore a short sleeve running shirt, 2XU Compression Tights and my Injinji Socks .
I cannot talk enough about compression tights for both running and recovery. I have both the 2XU and Skins brands. Also, I love the Injinji socks because it keeps my toes separated.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Wednesday...Bike...112 miles, are you kidding me
The weather was ok, a little chilly or maybe I am more sensitive to the cold this year. During this ride, I wore:
1. Tri shoes - later I will explain the difference between road and tri shoes
2. Shoe booties - I was going to wear the toe warmers but opted for the whole bootie
3. Bib shorts
4. Short Sleeve Jersey
5. Arm warmers
6. Helmet
7. Glasses.
As I mentioned above, I will go into more detail about some of these these items that people don't normally wear such as the arm or leg warmers and booties.
Today was a relatively short ride - 25 miles. Some may say that it's not short but that depends on the distance you are racing. For a spring race (13m bike), it is long but for the Iroman (112m), it is a warm up.
During the ride I was focusing on the correct pedal stroke but I remembered that I still need to get fitted for the bike. Also, I need to purchase new cleats for my shoe. Currently, I ride a Look Keo pedal with the grey cleats. The grey cleats allows me to move within the pedal something like 5 degrees. Since I have horrible feet and use wedges in my cleat, I think have no movement is better.
During the second half of the ride...I call it the second half because once I get to the Botanic Gardens, it's time to go back, I was thinking to myself "how the hell am I going to complete 112 when I am tired after 13?"
1. Tri shoes - later I will explain the difference between road and tri shoes
2. Shoe booties - I was going to wear the toe warmers but opted for the whole bootie
3. Bib shorts
4. Short Sleeve Jersey
5. Arm warmers
6. Helmet
7. Glasses.
As I mentioned above, I will go into more detail about some of these these items that people don't normally wear such as the arm or leg warmers and booties.
Today was a relatively short ride - 25 miles. Some may say that it's not short but that depends on the distance you are racing. For a spring race (13m bike), it is long but for the Iroman (112m), it is a warm up.
During the ride I was focusing on the correct pedal stroke but I remembered that I still need to get fitted for the bike. Also, I need to purchase new cleats for my shoe. Currently, I ride a Look Keo pedal with the grey cleats. The grey cleats allows me to move within the pedal something like 5 degrees. Since I have horrible feet and use wedges in my cleat, I think have no movement is better.
During the second half of the ride...I call it the second half because once I get to the Botanic Gardens, it's time to go back, I was thinking to myself "how the hell am I going to complete 112 when I am tired after 13?"
Tuesday Run
It is nice to have the weather improve. Although I don't mind running in the cold, running with just a long sleeve shirt is really nice. I am less than two weeks away from the half-marathon and hoping to finish it. Today I ran 3 miles.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Monday Swim..so so
Mondays seem to come quickly after a Saturday morning session. Alessio seems to be letting up a little...maybe its the summer, the Cubs or he is having good weekends. Here was for the most part our workout:
- 200 freestyle with pull buoy
- 100 back
- 5x25 freestyle (2x drill, 2x progression, 1 all out)
- 5x25 anything but free (2x drill, 2x progression, 1 all out)
- 50 easy
- 10x50 freestyle in .50
- 2x200 freestyle (150 with pull buoy, 50 backstroke)
We are schedule to swim against the University of Chicago Masters Swim. I have signed up for a half marathon the next day so I don't know what I will be swimming, if any. Alessio suggested a 500...500...what? I have to think about it.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Saturday Bike Ride...not too bad
After swim and breakfast, I got on the saddle and completed a short ride...25 miles at an average speed of 19 mph. Since it's early, I need to get accustomed to sitting on the aerobars. Before, I really get into the cycling I need to get fitted for my bike and have it tuned up. The next few posts will talk about the bike fitting and bike tune ups.
Saturday Swim
Now that tax season is over, I don't rush to the office to see clients. Now, I have breakfast with some of the team, go home and do a ride. I need to remember to right down what did that morning. On Saturday, Leah coached us. She likes to do more distance and drills. I can't really remember what we did...sorry.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Thursday Swim
Alessio wasn't too bad on us today:
- 4x75
- 4x75 with pull
- 6x25 freestyle – (25 with pull almost catchup, 25 fast)
- 6x25 anything but free (25 with pull and crossed legs, 25 fast)
- 4x75
- 2x50
- 3x75
- 3x50
When any of the coaches give us the workout set, they normally give us a time to complete it (e.g. 50 free in 1:10). I kind of understand it but because I normalyl don't swim first in the lane, I really just watch everyone else...I know...really bad...keeping track of time helps understand pace. Yesterday, Mandy was in the lane next to me and helped me keep pace....Thank you Mandy!!!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Sunday Run in the rain.
Some of the members of the Swim Team asked me to run the Ravenswood 5k. I opted not to so I can focus on my running at my own pace and to complete a 7 mile run. I have less than a month before the Geist Half Marathon.
Last Sunday I ran 6 miles in the rain. In the middle of the run, it just started to downpour. I used to not like to run in the rain because of the blister potential. Last year, I competed in a the Muncie Endurathon - half ironman - and it rained the whole time. During the run portion, I developed blisters after 3 miles...it was so painful, that I walked the 10.2 miles. It was horrible.
For whatever reason, I felt stronger during the downpour and loved it...you should try it sometime.
Last Sunday I ran 6 miles in the rain. In the middle of the run, it just started to downpour. I used to not like to run in the rain because of the blister potential. Last year, I competed in a the Muncie Endurathon - half ironman - and it rained the whole time. During the run portion, I developed blisters after 3 miles...it was so painful, that I walked the 10.2 miles. It was horrible.
For whatever reason, I felt stronger during the downpour and loved it...you should try it sometime.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Saturday Bike Ride...finally!
After the not-so-great swim meet, I decided that I needed to take the bike out for the first time. I didn't thoroughly clean or lube it but just sprayed the chain and free wheel with some lubricant to get me through the short ride.
I did a 13 mile ride...not very long but I really wanted to get a feel for the bike and I did feel it because my butt hurts!
During the ride, it started to rain which is fine but stopping becomes an issue...remember to give ample time when stopping and making turns.
I did a 13 mile ride...not very long but I really wanted to get a feel for the bike and I did feel it because my butt hurts!
During the ride, it started to rain which is fine but stopping becomes an issue...remember to give ample time when stopping and making turns.
Monday Swim...a 400...are you kidding me?
What a better way to start a work week and a Monday with a a 400, 300 and 200. Alessio had us focus on balance and distance:
- 4X50 (Catch up with Drag)
- 4X75 IM (50 FREE, 25 Reverse IM Order)
- 6X25 with pull buoy 2x25 UP, 2x25 KNEES, 2x25 ANKLE)*
- 100 EASY
- 400 with Pull (That's right...400!!!)
- 100 faster
300 with Pull - 100 faster
- 200 with Pull
- 100 faster
* I dont understand this one...my legs sank...and I kept losing the pull buoy.
Before joining the team, I would just swim....70, 80 lengths but since joining the team, we have swam shorter distances. It is nice to swim the longer distances, since it helps in preparing for the races.
Saturday Swim Meet
Last Saturday, we had a swim meet and like the previous swim meet, I chose to compete in three events:
200 yd. freestyle
50 yd. freestyle
100 yd. freestyle
Two words will describe the meet...."I choked..."
I didn't start out very confident to begin with. Last time, I didn't think there was a 200 event so, I didn't worry about it and just swam. This time, I thought and thought about the 200 and maybe siked myself out of it.
I remember starting the 200 and looking to my right and seeing Gina. I tried to keep up with her and even move past her but that wasn't smart during the first 25 of a 200. Add to that that I was in an end lane and the "waves" are stronger, especially after they hit the wall. After the first 75, I became tired and started to swallow water and panick...I didn't finish the 200...it was more like a 150.
It was downhill after that. I was tired and psychologically defeated that I was not into either the 100 and 50.
There is always next month...we are swimming against University of Chicago Masters Swim Team.
200 yd. freestyle
50 yd. freestyle
100 yd. freestyle
Two words will describe the meet...."I choked..."
I didn't start out very confident to begin with. Last time, I didn't think there was a 200 event so, I didn't worry about it and just swam. This time, I thought and thought about the 200 and maybe siked myself out of it.
I remember starting the 200 and looking to my right and seeing Gina. I tried to keep up with her and even move past her but that wasn't smart during the first 25 of a 200. Add to that that I was in an end lane and the "waves" are stronger, especially after they hit the wall. After the first 75, I became tired and started to swallow water and panick...I didn't finish the 200...it was more like a 150.
It was downhill after that. I was tired and psychologically defeated that I was not into either the 100 and 50.
There is always next month...we are swimming against University of Chicago Masters Swim Team.
I am back...
I am sorry that it has been awhile since I have posted my training activities. Although, I have been swimming, my heart and mind has not been in it. I am making an effort to push past whats troubling me and re-focus on training.
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