when in doubt (or pain)...just swim

I spend a lot of time @ work doing nothing...it gives me time to make lists, schedules, read (not a big reader), make crafty stuff (again don't really take advantage of this).
I did work out my new training schedule. It should work for now. Some things will have to change some down the road. I'm still hoping to join the running club through the YMCA to train for the marathon. I also wanna do this 6 wk weight loss challenge. If I get into those some changes will need to happen.
I'm trying to work a little less to leave more time for my kids & training & SLEEP
Today didn't go as planned. I got insoles for my shoes hoping they would prolong the life of my shoes & help my shin pain. I got to the tredmill & forgot my water bottle & headphones. I don't know why but stuff like that psychs me out. Then when I ran my shins just hurt. Could I have pushed myself & gotten it done? Yes...Did I? NO
I even had set out my gym stuff the night before & packed my swim stuff so I could swim after my run.
I bailed the tredmill after only .75 mile :-(
I did go get I'm my swim stuff on and did a half hour of laps. Swimming felt so good especially on my shins. At least I got a work out in.
I need to swim anyway I am so nervous about the swim in my next triathlon. Mostly getting back into the wetsuit!! I haven't had a successful wetsuit swim...its too constricting. Once you start to panic in the swim it all kinda falls apart...I know most of it is mental so I'm trying to thibk it all out & keep myself calm & confident about getting through the swim...
I think I can I think I can...

Do u wear a headband when u run too!?

Today was the day I planned to do the big run of the week for marathon training. This week was a 3 mile run. Keep in mind I'm coming off of 3 days straight of boot camp. Need a refresher??? Wed was "run day" you know when we had to do the Goshen hill 3 times & the USD stairs! Then Thurs was the E hour boot camp. Then Fri I went to 530a boot camp...cause I didn't wanna skip it!!
So "the plan" was to get to the gym by 8am with the kids going to play @ Kids Place. In and out in 36 minutes.
Today didn't go as planned. I got up & moved from my bed to the couch. It's like Saturday morning was made for relaxing on the couch....or is that just me? So I'm catching up on The Biggest Loser...yes I'm watching a show where people are working out while I'm not getting ready for the gym.
Its time for me to be getting ready to go & I tell myself "you're sore","its cold", "you can count the run from the other day for today", "you have to work later".
Then I get a text from my marathon partner that she is heading to do the run. Hmmmmm I start to realize I suck if I don't go! I'm trying to figure out when I can get to gym, after work tonite, somehow tomorrow...then the solution hits me "turn off the tv, get up & go now!!!!"
There was enough time to go get it done right then if I just got off the couch to go.
I got up went, got the 3 miles done in & out! The best part was the picture I got from my marathon partner of her doing her run (she looked super cute) saying "Do u wear a headband when u run too!? Hahahaha". It made me laugh & smile & so glad she motivated me to get er done!!!

Thanksgiving Day Boot Camp

OK first of all finally some pictures!!!! I never really feel like bringing a camera to boot camp was a good idea. I would have felt like a dork being the lamest person in class and trying to get pictures of me! The pictures are totally out of order AND I couldnt figure out how to rotate them and get them in order!

BUT this was a special occasion and I got everyone to get pictures too. I think Jason is gonna use them for his B3 Fitness company (this class today was through his business not the YMCA).

So 7am we all arrived and were freezing!!!!! We met right next to the zoo on the grass next to a junior high. Jason put us into 2 teams and gave up matching headbands. My team was the Flamers and we had flame headbands! The other team was the Cash Money Millionaires and had money banadanas. It was very Survivor/Biggest Loser style (loved that part). We set off on the run. I try not to go overboard on keeping up with the rest of the class. I know my pace and try to keep it....seriously some of these people run 6 minute miles!! I run 12 minute mile so why fight it hahaha

I dont know how far we ran but it seemed sooooo far!!!! We ran up and down some little hills on a trail to Balboa Park to the Juniper stairs. Jason says we are to run up and down the stairs as many times we can in 15 minutes. Each time we get to the top we get a stamp. The team with the most stamps would win. I have never done so many stairs...I did 4 times which was so HARD!!! Everyones legs were vibrating at the end!!! I think the guy that did the most did 8 times. After that we had to run all the way back the same way we came (I was sercretly hoping there was an alternate short cut back). Running with fatigued legs is so weird. I did it in both triathlons and the feeling was similar but way worse hahaha....probably doesnt help that yesterday was run day and we did Goshen and the stairs.

We got back and we split in the teams. We had to race against each other 2 at a time, the remaining team members had to alternate between push ups and burpees. I had nothing to give barely did something that resembled a push up or burpee. The racers had to flip a tire jump in it then out, then run around it and do it again. Straight until they reached the cone about 50 ft away (maybe longer), then drag the tire back for the next person to go.

The next drill there was a plastic saucer tied to 2 ropes with shoulder straps (I am describing this best I can). Each person would drag the smallest member of the team down and back to the cone, after everyone had gone the saucer people raced to the farthest cone and back. While waiting we had to do jumping jacks and if Jason caught anyone not jumping their team lost a point....I went first because the thought was the faster people would make up for my lameness...which actually worked we won both those drills.

The next drills was crazy! The one team had a bandana stuck in there pants and ran straight to the farthest cone, our team stood very far to the right and sprinted at an angle trying to reach the person before they reached the cone. It was pretty much impossible which I think was the point. I sprinted harder then I ever have in my life and didnt really gain any ground!!! IT was fun trying (I guess). When we switched it didnt really seem fair cause we were exhausted and seemed like we would get caughter for sure.

When it was my turn they put the strongest, fastest, gnarliest girl in class up against me...was it strategy or coincedence...I dunno. I didnt really care if I got caught I just new I was gonna do my best. READY...SET...GO I hauled butt (which who knows what that looks like in reality a fst jog LOL)...but I pushed and pushed AND BREATHED AND BREATHED and would you believe she couldnt catch me!!!!!!! I know she wasnt going easy on me I just DID IT!!! She even said good job!! I think everyone was surprised!!!

The last thing we did was just a race to one end and back. The first 3 people were the prize winners. 3rd place got Vegan cookies, 2nd a Tofurky and 1st place a 1 hour training session with Jason ($100 value). You will be happy to know I did not come in last....

Jason was so incouraging to me today. I tried to apologize a couple times and he said no your doing good. Im glad I came and even though I was so nervous I think I did well.

I relate today to the races a lot. It's about going further and further, pushing yourself and not quitting. The feeling afterwards is the same...I DID IT!!!

It's been a while since I've really gone outside my comfort zone. I was so happy going up those stairs when the Lord joined me again. It was just like when I was training for the tri and I was pushing past any and all limits....I asked for His strength and help and He did it. I was reminded of the personal trials I was going through 2 years ago at this time and how He carried me through them. I would never of expected to me to get through the personal trials I did back then it was truly God's hand that carried me through. I would prefer to never experience those kind of struggles again (no regrets because of the faith I gained then) but this now it a parallel that I welcome. Getting to that limit where you cant go any further on your own and crying out to God for help and He always answers.

So today I feel thankful for God's love, His faithfulness, His constant reminder of how He will always be there for me to carry me through lifes trials and struggles...that no matter what the obsticle I can get through it!!!

Thankgiving Day Boot Camp a success!!!!

the extra mile

I wish that I had an excuse for still being the biggest slowest person in my Boot Camp class...today I want to blame it on lack of sleep. I do think I do better with more sleep BUT really I think I need more time...
I don't know that I can push myself to progress any faster...can I??? Today was run day: it was cold & wet from rain. I heard Jason tell one person we were doing an easy run...was it some sort of trick??? Cause once we got to the street he says "we are going up Goshen 3 times AND 1 set of stairs" I wanted to cry right there in the dark early morning hahaha.
In order to not totally put myself down I must say I did much better this time compared to last...meaning I was not completely dying, winded & out of breath by the time we just got to the bottom. I made it much further UP the hill before I was having difficulty moving my legs & catching my breath!! Because I am last Jason jogs beside me I HATE THIS!!! It makes me feel SO LAME!!! All he does is encourage me & push me along (verbally not physically). He didn't have me go all the way down the 3rd time. I'm happy with how I finished Goshen & even the stairs! I seriously felt like I had no get up & go @ the end...
We went back to the gym did some weights & abs. I was done!!! Even told a dude from class NO WAY I'm running today (he always sees me on the tredmill after class).
BUT as I was about to walk out of the gym I was like come on Katie at least try to do a run! & there was the dude from class I said "I am gonna run". He actually trains with Jason as his personal trainer after class!!!
I did my best mile ever hahahaha...wish it was my fastest! I think I didn't put a lot of pressure on myself to do it & that made it better in some way...
I'm sooooo nervous about Thansgiving Day Boot Camp tomorrow!!!!

im dating...

This is a tough post to write. I think partly because I've been in denial. I've been trying to ignore what is so obvious to me & that is really that I'm in love!
I think I'm ready to embrace the idea and share with everyone what's been going on a while now.
I think what final made me realize how serious this really is was the jealousy. I found myself being jealous when other people could spend time with Gym when I couldn't. Also when I was away from Gym I kept thinking when can I go back & spend more time with Gym. The way that Gym makes me feel is truly incredible!! Its a feeling I can't really explain...almost addictive!! Gym has so much to offer, not just for me but for my kids too! They love Gym as much as I do (just in a different way of course). Another big eye opener was that Friday I did two Boot Camps in the same day!!! I just knew that I was ready to tell the whole world!!! I LOVE GYM!!!!
There is just one thing, I'm scared Gym will eventually find out that I'm cheating on Gym and also having a long standing love affair with my bed....

your'e REALLY sweaty...

I'm almost beating myself up about it BUT I gave myself the day off today...
I did Zumba Saturday, went to Boot Camp Sunday morning (I had such a hard time with it cause I was SORE from Zumba!!) So come to Mondays Boot Camp and the little sleep I was going on I was struggling!!!
The warm up alone kicked my butt!!! We starting doing our drills & as I was coming back from my sidewinders I was barely making it hahahahaha (I have to laugh cause it was a sight I'm sure). The instructor says to me when I get back "are you ok??" "Yeah" I say. He replies "cause you're sweating....A LOT"....
OH MY GOSH!!!! I didn't know what to say hahahahahaha let's just laugh again
I'm a real sweaty person in general & if you're interested my face gets beat tomato red too!!
I don't think those facts will change but let's hope in time I won't be so lame in class that it is cause for concern by the instructor. :-)

triple training...

Today I am going re-evaluate my training schedule. One problem is I'm not sticking to the plan exactly.
I'm training for my next triathlon, the marathon & my boot camp obsession...
I realized rather then swim for a certain distance I wanna set a time goal. I was thinking if I'm able to swim for an hour or longer even. When it comes time to swim the 750 yards in the race being able to swim more time then it takes to finish that part should help.
I'm so anxious about swimming in a wetsuit. Both times I swam in one I had somewhat of a panic attack...it felt constricting. In reality wetsuit loosen up when you get in the water. So it is totally mental. I keep praying that by the time my next race comes I will be ready to do it mentally. I hope to buy a wetsuit so I can practice in it to.
So I hope to swim 2 times a week. Bike once, and run 3 times. With one rest day. I don't want to quit doing bootcamp. I feel like the strength I'm building is really gonna help. Also the mental aspect of pushing myself & going further each time AND not quitting!!!
I was watching multiple episodes of biggest loser and that is one thing (besides the way they eat) that I think they are taught.that you can do anything you put your mind to.
So much of this & life is mental. It is amazing to me what I can accomplish in the gym, the challenges I can conquer, the determination & drive!!! Yet in life especially what I eat I mess up. This morning I was telling my self what a difference I see in my body. On Friday I went to a work party & my go to black dress was too big!! I HAD to where a smaller size dress that I wore before I got pregnant with my son (8 years ago)!! Why I hung on to a dress that was too small for 8 years is beyond me haha BUt good thing I did. When I went to the party people's jaws literally dropped. Which shows 2 things one I must look real terrible @ work hehe and two that the hard work is paying off. BUT yes there is a HUGE BUTT....MINE!!! I still weigh the exact same amount. It is so mentally defeating to constantly see the same number. It is a true testament to how important diet is to weightloss I guess.
I'm not gonna lose focus of my triumphs and let a # get me down. I'm just wish I could take that willpower out of the gym and into the rest of my life.
I had an awesome 3.5 mile run yesterday! Then hit up Zumba class. I will tell you that zumba hit some muscles I had NOT been using and I was sore & tired today! I did go to Sunday Xam Boot Camp for the first time BUT it was a tough one being worn out from yesterday!
This was a LOOOONG all over the place post....sorry :-)
I guess I will talk about my shin & shoe problems another time hehehe

& in boot camp news....

I could honestly post about every workout. BUT I don't for a couple reasons #1 I will promise myself I will make the time to jot down a post & like gets in the way #2 while I feel like every day there is some challenge or triumph to share about I feel it get repeatitive & boring for my followers (or follower if it is just Elizabeth still hanging around hahaha).
I did have a couple little tidbits I did want to share.
First of all simultainiously training for a triathlon, a marathon, continuing boot camp/power hour classes, while working, homeschooling & having a life IS HARD!!
My plan for now has been to run or bike or swim after classes. The problem is after BC (boot camp) I'm so exhausted the furthest I ran was .75 mile!
Ideally I guess I should stop BUT I can't its like I'm hooked. I did attend a different boot camp this Monday AND was able to get my scheduled 1.5 mile run in after. This BC was not as hard as the one I normally & quite honestly was borderline ridiculous & dangerous! I know she doesn't normally run these drills because all the regulars in class said so.
After warm up she had us get in groups of 4. The first drill we were to race back & forth across the room taking turn carries the teammates. Then we did piggy back races. Next we had one person sit on a towel and the partner would drag them across the floor. The final drill was wheel barrow. I figured I could easily walk on my hands with all the bear crawls I do now. I made it about half way across the floor and what stopped me was actually excrutiating back pain!!! I could not believe how bad it hurt!!! My back was all jammed up & I will tell you that is scary!!! One of my biggest fears is an injury.
I am facing a small injury right now. Shin splints (that is my self diagnosis). I'm hoping with some proper stretching and icing after work outs I can keep up with the schedule & recover ok.
I KNOW the culprit has to be my shoes!!! They have too many miles on them. The problem is new shoes cost money and well I just don't have that kind of money right now.
We will see how it goes with provision for shoes, gear & races fees the next month or so....
I did have one more training day to brag about. Last friday I went to both AM & PM boot camps with Jason. He says "it works...two-a-days". I'm definitely down to do it again it my schedule allows! & I think he was pretty impressed that the big, slow chick from the morning class came back hahahahaha

i miss the summer....

I'm finding a HUGE difference having to train during the school year compared to in the summer.
The other challenge is just the plan fact that I work evenings. If I didn't work and/or have the time constraints of getting school done before work things would be different.
I can not guarantee school will be done each day with enough time for me to work out, shower, make meals, and truth be told nap before woek. What is helping is getting up @ 5am getting to the gym & being home & showered before the kids get home. The only problem with this time frame is I work until 12:30am so I'm going on 4 hours sleep. Most days I can pull it off....
BUT the morning usually goes like this:
1am crawl into bed (my thoughts: am I really setting my alarm for 4 hrs from now?)
5am alarm goes off, I lay in bed for a moment (my thoughts: I debate in my head the option to 1. Snooze 2. Go back to sleep 3. Get up & go. I begine to mentally run through any and all excuses to not go then combat them with the known fact that if I go shortly after arrival I will be wide awake, while it will be tough for a while I will feel AWESOME after, my work out will be DONE for the day).
Well I will be adding to this the fact that if I don't go I will be disappointed in myself, feel defeated, guilty and just plan mad @ myself!
This is what happened today. The excuses won & I didn't go to the gym @ 5am. Eventually after school, my sons bowling league and lunch I made it to the gym with enough time to run 3miles @ my 5mi/hr pace race home shower & leave for work very RUSHED!
I am so glad I didn't skip out all together but learned a lesson! Don't put off what you can get done @ 5am until later!!

Pick up the PACE

Well I have officially started my marathon training! The schedule is a 30 week plan that would actually begin next Monday BUT I tacked on an extra week.
I have made a schedule that includes my Boot Camp & Power Hour classes, followed by my run (except on Boot Camp run day). Or a swim, or bike ride. I am trying to get the circuit/strength training in there with my race training. In the beginning the distance is so minimal it should work.
The other thing I am doing is from the start right now increasing my run pace! I was always running at 4.5 miles per hour. I really believed that was it, all I had & I couldn't go faster.
I don't know if it is because my fitness improved or mentally I changed my mind BUT I ran a mile after class Monday @ 5 miles per hour and today I ran 1.5 miles @ that pace.
My motivation is strictly the marathon! I know the faster I run the faster I will be DONE!!!
I was amazed at how easy it was for me to run faster when I just put my mind to it!

Never in a million years would I have pictured these classes, these races would be so important or enjoyable to me but it really IS!!!

I thank God for giving me something I can have for myself that makes me feel the way this does :-)