So this is it, I mean this really is it! I'm doing a triathlon in about 12 hrs from now!
Today I went to the pool. And just swam like 200 yards...at this point it was just about me feeling confident about my swimming technique.
Then I went down to the race expo to get my race packet! My swim cap, race bib, timing chip & goody bag! Why am I so excited about the runnin cap & 2 new water bottles?!?! I also got a license plate frame that reads Triathlete magazine SWIM BIKE RUN. Wow that is me!!! I'm gonna do this!
I totally realize how dorky I sound but you have NO IDEA what is going on in my head!!!
It's like when you study for a big test and right before the test you feel like everything you learned you forget!!!!
I know I trained & I'm capable of doing more than all 3 distances in the race yet I'm totally freaking out!
What is helping is the words of encouragement, advise & just sorting through the thoughts.
-remember this is supposed to be fun
-remember swim relaxed, it is just 1 part of the race. Pedal at a high cadence and start stretching your legs before dismount. Then find a pace you can keep up saving a little kick for a strong finish & HYDRATE
-you are already a winner just by stepping on the finish line
-so proud of you
-your going to do great
-dont worry! The Lord said you won't die ;)
Ready or not the time is now! I got all my stuff ready! My sweet friend is gonna come with me in the morning!!! Answered prayer for sure cause I was sad about having to go all alone!!
Once I finish the swim I am sure I will breathe a sigh of relief & then just push myself through it!
When I finish (oh good for me I didn't say IF haha)...I think I will probably cry. There is a bit of doubt, can I do this, it seems like a huge mountain I'm a bout to climb but I have the will & desire to get there. & most of all I know God is with me! I'm so counting on Him!!!!
So unless I keep going crazy & need someplace to purge my rambling thoughts my next post should be post race!!!!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
race day is TOMORROW!!!
So I didn't write all week because I went camping at the beach with my kids and a bunch of our friends. Going into this week I thought PERFECT place to get some training in. Monday I didn't train I had so much to do getting ready to leave & worked! Tuesday we got up to camp, got all set up & I did get on my wetsuit & get in the water. The suit totally works! I didn't feel the water temp AT ALL. The swell was pretty big but not huge waves like moonlit beach where I freaked out. So a friend & I were going out. (He had fins on). I never really got a good stroke going. I was once again slurping sea water, choking I think I tredded water most the way out there. So maybe 300 yards off shore he says let's go back in no stopping. I think ok I got this, going in is easier cause the current carries you. As soon as I try to head back in I feel like I'm going no where.& I full on panic! He had taken off & I was freaked out I was stuck & was gonna be left behind! I don't get how I can flip out like that! I mean I can tread water, float on my back whatever as long as I need. It's not like I was in danger but I was soooo fearful in that moment. The wetsuit made me immeadiately clausterphobic & I unzipped it out there in the middle of the ocean. It actually helped me breathe calmer. Then I swam in. I had a calf cramp & ended up back stroking my way in but geez what happened?!?! that experience only makes me see I need to keep at it, work harder & eventually I will master open water swimming in any and all conditions.
I really have gotten to the point of frustration with training. I was mentally done last week even though I am in fact not done. So it was hard to be motivated to do it while relaxing on the beach watching my kids play.
Then talking with a friend about training/fitness & how time lost takes double the time to get back...I thought I can't take time off! I won't be ready! So even though my heart & head weren't in it I got someone to watch the kiddos & went for a bike ride.BUT as I tried to top off the air in my tire...I deflated it AGAIN! I wanted to cry! I so didn't even wanna go & now this. I tried for like 20 minutes with the pump I got & no luck. Another girl let me use her bike which I reluctantly did. I tell you once I got going I felt incredible! I rode for about 30 minutes! It was hot too but I loved it being out on my own! Then when I got back I went for a 20min run! I was exhausted and hot (keep in mind I'm on 4 or 5 hours of terrible air mattress sleep). So I see a life guard tower like 5 feet away & think uh I will turn around there hahaha...but no I pushed myself farther and farther and got the whole 20min in!
So the next day Thurs I really had no plans to do anything...I'm really over this aren't I hahaha. But I did go to bed early because I know I need rest for this race. Anyway I ended up in the water swimming (without my wetsuit & goggles) with friends. It was so fun! But also worked on my stroke a little. When we got back to shore I said I'm gonna go for it & ran to the bike threw on my clothes & shoes & took off on the same 30 minute ride. My transition was fast (no wetsuit). It really boosted my confidence!
I didn't make it to any kind of workout yesterday/friday.
I was so busy coming home from camp, laundry, my sons bowling league (he got 1st place-shout out to bugs).
I'm glad I got the workouts I did because during each one I felt like yeah I can do this...now not so much but more about that later!
I really have gotten to the point of frustration with training. I was mentally done last week even though I am in fact not done. So it was hard to be motivated to do it while relaxing on the beach watching my kids play.
Then talking with a friend about training/fitness & how time lost takes double the time to get back...I thought I can't take time off! I won't be ready! So even though my heart & head weren't in it I got someone to watch the kiddos & went for a bike ride.BUT as I tried to top off the air in my tire...I deflated it AGAIN! I wanted to cry! I so didn't even wanna go & now this. I tried for like 20 minutes with the pump I got & no luck. Another girl let me use her bike which I reluctantly did. I tell you once I got going I felt incredible! I rode for about 30 minutes! It was hot too but I loved it being out on my own! Then when I got back I went for a 20min run! I was exhausted and hot (keep in mind I'm on 4 or 5 hours of terrible air mattress sleep). So I see a life guard tower like 5 feet away & think uh I will turn around there hahaha...but no I pushed myself farther and farther and got the whole 20min in!
So the next day Thurs I really had no plans to do anything...I'm really over this aren't I hahaha. But I did go to bed early because I know I need rest for this race. Anyway I ended up in the water swimming (without my wetsuit & goggles) with friends. It was so fun! But also worked on my stroke a little. When we got back to shore I said I'm gonna go for it & ran to the bike threw on my clothes & shoes & took off on the same 30 minute ride. My transition was fast (no wetsuit). It really boosted my confidence!
I didn't make it to any kind of workout yesterday/friday.
I was so busy coming home from camp, laundry, my sons bowling league (he got 1st place-shout out to bugs).
I'm glad I got the workouts I did because during each one I felt like yeah I can do this...now not so much but more about that later!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
5 days to go
I have been reading all these triathlete magazines which are so helpful. My ironwoman friend passes them along to me. One thing every magazine has is contributions from athletes writing about their races. They talk about the anticipation, emotions, nerves, excitment leading up to the race. The mental aspect during the race. Mind you these are written my people doing much longer races then mine but it really is the same for me. As my race is a few days away my head is swirling with thoughts. I have worked so hard but is it enough? Am I ready? Can I really do this? The thing is I really don't know until I get there. So I worry and wonder, get excited, feel ready, have doubts, have no doubts. Even just setting up my transition area has me thinking, what I am gonna wear, how to change outta the wetsuit of death to my clothes quickly, trying off enough to get clothes on fast. On the one hand I don't care about my time but I want to finish well and don't wanna spend 20 minutes in transitions. In the magazines and ebook I read they talk about this, exactly what I am writing out mentally going over everything. Organizing a plan of what is gonna happen in your head, visualizing the race, the transition, what to do think about in your head when your body wants to stop.
I know so much of this IS MENTAL because like I have written there are days when my head is not in the game while training and I can't do it. I keep praying Lord don't let race day be one of them. Although everyone says the same thing adrenaline carries you through a lot. But on the flip side I have read stories of athletes who have gone the whole distance of the ironman only to fall to the ground and quit a few kilometers from the finish line.
I leave to go beach camping today Tue-Fri, 3 nights. The plus side is what a great place to be for training I can work on my transitions, do all the events back to back & get more practic in the ocean. But I have concerns too, I won't sleep well (I assume), it will be hard to eat healthy (not that I have been AT ALL & my stomach is currently punishing me for that), and this could hinder me race day. I am hoping mentally to combat these concerns with getting some solid work outs in the next few days. While still enjoying time with my kids and friends.
I CAN NOT BELIEVE THE RACE IS IN 5 DAYS!!!!!!
This post is sort of random rambling of what is going through my mind. Some moments I can't contain the excitement and anticipation and others I wanna not have to swim in the bay @ 7am.
The day before the race is the expo and I go pick up my packet with timing chip, my race #, and I guess they have tri-tatts to apply the # to your body instead of a sharpie. There will be all the sponsers with booths set up and they giveaway samples of their stuff. It is fun and just adds to the build up to race day (and also mandatory to get your race stuff).
The one thing I love about the ebook I read (and re-read last nite) is how simple, basic, and encouraging it was written. She really made you feel like doing a tri was not that hard. She said you need shoes, a swimsuit and goggles, a bike (anyone you got or borrow from your mom, neighbor, friend) and helmet. Really it was all I needed!!! She repeats over and over "we are capable of more than we think we are" SO TRUE!!!!! The training schedule gradually built up over time and now looking back at the blog and training I did, it was so perfect. It did require me to be dilligent and stick to it BUT I DID!!! Regardless of how I do in the race I am very proud of how determined I was to stick to the plan. It is gonna be cool to see it to the finsh line.
I know so much of this IS MENTAL because like I have written there are days when my head is not in the game while training and I can't do it. I keep praying Lord don't let race day be one of them. Although everyone says the same thing adrenaline carries you through a lot. But on the flip side I have read stories of athletes who have gone the whole distance of the ironman only to fall to the ground and quit a few kilometers from the finish line.
I leave to go beach camping today Tue-Fri, 3 nights. The plus side is what a great place to be for training I can work on my transitions, do all the events back to back & get more practic in the ocean. But I have concerns too, I won't sleep well (I assume), it will be hard to eat healthy (not that I have been AT ALL & my stomach is currently punishing me for that), and this could hinder me race day. I am hoping mentally to combat these concerns with getting some solid work outs in the next few days. While still enjoying time with my kids and friends.
I CAN NOT BELIEVE THE RACE IS IN 5 DAYS!!!!!!
This post is sort of random rambling of what is going through my mind. Some moments I can't contain the excitement and anticipation and others I wanna not have to swim in the bay @ 7am.
The day before the race is the expo and I go pick up my packet with timing chip, my race #, and I guess they have tri-tatts to apply the # to your body instead of a sharpie. There will be all the sponsers with booths set up and they giveaway samples of their stuff. It is fun and just adds to the build up to race day (and also mandatory to get your race stuff).
The one thing I love about the ebook I read (and re-read last nite) is how simple, basic, and encouraging it was written. She really made you feel like doing a tri was not that hard. She said you need shoes, a swimsuit and goggles, a bike (anyone you got or borrow from your mom, neighbor, friend) and helmet. Really it was all I needed!!! She repeats over and over "we are capable of more than we think we are" SO TRUE!!!!! The training schedule gradually built up over time and now looking back at the blog and training I did, it was so perfect. It did require me to be dilligent and stick to it BUT I DID!!! Regardless of how I do in the race I am very proud of how determined I was to stick to the plan. It is gonna be cool to see it to the finsh line.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
fat girl little wetsuit......
I try to refrain from calling myself fat but the title suits the post. I know I say I am a big girl all the time, it is because I am. I haven't lost one pound this whole time! Good thing I don't post what I eat cause it is insane how much I love good food :) My body has totally changed though and I see a HUGE difference. Besides at some point after becoming single I just decided to be happy in my own skin and not care. So I don't let my looks hinder me, or be self conscious. God tells me ALL THE TIME how beautiful I am to Him!!!! Seriously that is enough in my book!!!
So one thing I love about this journey is I have learned that setbacks are temporary, being flexible is a must and no matter what happens don't give up.
So when I broke the valve on my bike tube I didn't get too upset even though I am sooooooo busy I really didn't know how to get over to a bike shop. My day off was just jam packed. Did school with my son (oh never mentioned I home school did I....now I am in the insane category right?), then his bowling league, then the bike shop...
Here is where the mom role and parenting stuff creeps in the blog...
I was sooooo excited to actually go to the bike store and check some stuff out while I got the repair. I prepped my kids before entering, you know don't touch, no running, no playing etc etc...HA
Got in the store they immediately climb on the kids bikes, run around, my son trips, my daughter hides, has to go potty, etc etc...
Don't get me wrong I am giving the looks, telling them to stop but I guess the bike store is equally exciting for them. I did not get a chance to look around. I wanted to get the heck outta there! As I was paying I started to say "kids quit running you are gonna knock over the biii" could not even get the word bikes out as the row of bikes come crashing down like dominoes....
SIGH, red face mom, the gracious worker says don't worry it happens AND even gave me a free water bottle (God is good all the time & if you check the wish list a water bottle for my bike was ON THERE)!
So our next stop is the wetsuit warehouse. The company that makes, sells triathlon wetsuits nationally is located here in San Diego! I called and turns out they rent wetsuits too!! Perfect! I don't want to buy one until I finish this race and decide if I am gonna keep doing races. I am equally excited to go get fitted for a wetsuit. I am glad I can try it before I get one too! My mentor said get a full suit (they have sleeveless as well).
Little did I know what I was about to experience...
again the talk with the kids before we go in. My daughter was actually asleep until I had to put her down to go in the fitting room. The man working the counter gave me a mens full suit to try first. OK really I wish the girl had helped me....the mens wetsuit did not fit around certain areas, so here I am in a tiny box (fitting room) in a non air conditioned room, trying to squeeze myself into this suit I did finally pull it over my curvy parts but it wasn't going to fit right. I peeled it off and went out and said no this is not gonna work. By this point I am sweaty, stressed, my blood pressure is up and my son has found a tennis ball that he thinks is totally acceptable to be playing with in the show room. The girl working the counter says you need to try a womens suit cause it accommodates for the curves....well duh (and by the way every one asks your height and weight FUN!!!)
So I try the womens suit OH MY WORD the bottom definitely fits better around my curves (her words not mine...I say lumpy parts haha), but I cant get the top part around my upper body (I got curves and lumpy parts up there too). So I put my shirt on and come out and tell the girl I need help I cant get in on. At this time my daughter is running in and out of the racks about to knock every bit of wetsuit down. The guy says something to her and I tell both my kids to come get in the tiny box with me cause they cant just chill.
So the girl comes in and says were you trying to get it over your shirt? No I cant walk out of the fitting room topless so I had to put my shirt on to come ask for help. So I have to take my shirt off in front of this poor defenseless girl (sorry chick hope you can get the image outta your brain) and we get the top pulled up and zipped. I tried to manipulate the suit to fit properly but the amount of sweat pouring from my body created some sort of suction that no force of gravity could fight...I was DYING DYING I tell you!!!! Now mind you race day it is early morning, cold out and I am not in a little box so it should be easier to do this. But I felt like I was suffocating!!! so restricted. I just didn't think I could swim feeling like this. It is so hard to really gauge being in the not so ideal conditions. So I say I think I want a sleeveless, I just think have my arms free will be more comfortable. Do you want to try it on she asked. NOOOOOOOOO I say full well knowing I have to....
at this point the sweat is literally forming a small pond on the floor, I peel that wetsuit off and take the first breathe in 20 min I am able to....keep in mind my kids are sitting on the floor beneath me playing tag! I say please just sit still or I may have to knock your heads together, they say "yeah lets knock our heads together!!!! 1-2-3-" and yes they did.... (this really all did happen to me)
So I try on the sleeveless at this point due to the sweat (which my son was nice enough to point out "wow mom you are very sweaty") it was so hard to get the suit on, I am literally feeling faint and nauseous...I got it on, my friendly girl clerk has disappeared (I assume she was scared off by topless tri-kate) and I have to ask the guy to zip up the suit. I must say the sleeveless was more comfortable given the situation. For the race this time really it should be just fine. I will have to think more about a purchase in the future which style to get. I think I will feel better having my arms completely free to move around during the swimming. We are beach camping next week so I will have time to try it before the race.
One of the aspects of the race I was so fearful of was the cold water at least now I have the suit to hopefully keep me from geting hypothermia...
ah the adventures of tri-kate!!! I am sure this is all part of the journey to being a tri-athlete! challenges come in all different ways....
So one thing I love about this journey is I have learned that setbacks are temporary, being flexible is a must and no matter what happens don't give up.
So when I broke the valve on my bike tube I didn't get too upset even though I am sooooooo busy I really didn't know how to get over to a bike shop. My day off was just jam packed. Did school with my son (oh never mentioned I home school did I....now I am in the insane category right?), then his bowling league, then the bike shop...
Here is where the mom role and parenting stuff creeps in the blog...
I was sooooo excited to actually go to the bike store and check some stuff out while I got the repair. I prepped my kids before entering, you know don't touch, no running, no playing etc etc...HA
Got in the store they immediately climb on the kids bikes, run around, my son trips, my daughter hides, has to go potty, etc etc...
Don't get me wrong I am giving the looks, telling them to stop but I guess the bike store is equally exciting for them. I did not get a chance to look around. I wanted to get the heck outta there! As I was paying I started to say "kids quit running you are gonna knock over the biii" could not even get the word bikes out as the row of bikes come crashing down like dominoes....
SIGH, red face mom, the gracious worker says don't worry it happens AND even gave me a free water bottle (God is good all the time & if you check the wish list a water bottle for my bike was ON THERE)!
So our next stop is the wetsuit warehouse. The company that makes, sells triathlon wetsuits nationally is located here in San Diego! I called and turns out they rent wetsuits too!! Perfect! I don't want to buy one until I finish this race and decide if I am gonna keep doing races. I am equally excited to go get fitted for a wetsuit. I am glad I can try it before I get one too! My mentor said get a full suit (they have sleeveless as well).
Little did I know what I was about to experience...
again the talk with the kids before we go in. My daughter was actually asleep until I had to put her down to go in the fitting room. The man working the counter gave me a mens full suit to try first. OK really I wish the girl had helped me....the mens wetsuit did not fit around certain areas, so here I am in a tiny box (fitting room) in a non air conditioned room, trying to squeeze myself into this suit I did finally pull it over my curvy parts but it wasn't going to fit right. I peeled it off and went out and said no this is not gonna work. By this point I am sweaty, stressed, my blood pressure is up and my son has found a tennis ball that he thinks is totally acceptable to be playing with in the show room. The girl working the counter says you need to try a womens suit cause it accommodates for the curves....well duh (and by the way every one asks your height and weight FUN!!!)
So I try the womens suit OH MY WORD the bottom definitely fits better around my curves (her words not mine...I say lumpy parts haha), but I cant get the top part around my upper body (I got curves and lumpy parts up there too). So I put my shirt on and come out and tell the girl I need help I cant get in on. At this time my daughter is running in and out of the racks about to knock every bit of wetsuit down. The guy says something to her and I tell both my kids to come get in the tiny box with me cause they cant just chill.
So the girl comes in and says were you trying to get it over your shirt? No I cant walk out of the fitting room topless so I had to put my shirt on to come ask for help. So I have to take my shirt off in front of this poor defenseless girl (sorry chick hope you can get the image outta your brain) and we get the top pulled up and zipped. I tried to manipulate the suit to fit properly but the amount of sweat pouring from my body created some sort of suction that no force of gravity could fight...I was DYING DYING I tell you!!!! Now mind you race day it is early morning, cold out and I am not in a little box so it should be easier to do this. But I felt like I was suffocating!!! so restricted. I just didn't think I could swim feeling like this. It is so hard to really gauge being in the not so ideal conditions. So I say I think I want a sleeveless, I just think have my arms free will be more comfortable. Do you want to try it on she asked. NOOOOOOOOO I say full well knowing I have to....
at this point the sweat is literally forming a small pond on the floor, I peel that wetsuit off and take the first breathe in 20 min I am able to....keep in mind my kids are sitting on the floor beneath me playing tag! I say please just sit still or I may have to knock your heads together, they say "yeah lets knock our heads together!!!! 1-2-3-" and yes they did.... (this really all did happen to me)
So I try on the sleeveless at this point due to the sweat (which my son was nice enough to point out "wow mom you are very sweaty") it was so hard to get the suit on, I am literally feeling faint and nauseous...I got it on, my friendly girl clerk has disappeared (I assume she was scared off by topless tri-kate) and I have to ask the guy to zip up the suit. I must say the sleeveless was more comfortable given the situation. For the race this time really it should be just fine. I will have to think more about a purchase in the future which style to get. I think I will feel better having my arms completely free to move around during the swimming. We are beach camping next week so I will have time to try it before the race.
One of the aspects of the race I was so fearful of was the cold water at least now I have the suit to hopefully keep me from geting hypothermia...
ah the adventures of tri-kate!!! I am sure this is all part of the journey to being a tri-athlete! challenges come in all different ways....
Saturday, September 4, 2010
im ready....to be done training!!!
Wow this week most days it was so hard to get out of bed to train! Partly I think because my kids were getting dropped off later then usual the opportunity to sleep was very enticing! I went though!! Yesterday I once again had a flat bike tire! I broke the valve. I so didn't wanna ride the bike @ the gym. I had no choice cause I had a 90 min bike ride & needed a new tube. I dragged my butt outta bed & went to the gym. Mentally I was so not willing to sit on the bike @ the gym for 90min. Sure I can watch tv and its aircontitioned. But I never find a groove on the bike like I do when running. I can't ever get my heart rate up. It is no way similar to actually riding. I made it 20min & bailed. I just didn't have it in me (I've said this before haven't I) I went home & did laundry instead. I got my bike fixed in the afternoon & rented a wetsuit for the race.
This morning I was no more excited or willing to go riding (even though I had my bike fixed). I'm definitely burnt out on training. Not that I can stop I'm in the home stretch!!!
So I got out & went down to the bay. I got there @ 7am. I just rode around fiesta island 3 times earlier in the week. Crabby Katie was whining in her head I don't wanna ride around the island for 90 min...wa wa wa...so I set off in a different direction along the bay. My thought was to go a ways a long the bay & then turn around & go around the island. So I went along the bike path past Sea World, then instead of turn around, I went past Dana Landing then I thought might as well ride down to the beach & back, but as I got toward Mission Blvd I was like maybe I should just go around the whole bay?!?!?! That would be cool! its different, its something I don't even know if I can do, yeah I'm gonna do it. So I kept goin all they way along the bay side of Mission, past Crown Point, Campland, the golf course, De Anza cove back to Fiesta Island, THEN I rode around the island. It took exactly an hour and half!! Crabby Katie was replaced with happy rejuvenated proud of her accomplishment Katie! Each time I do a great training it makes me more confident about my race. I don't think it is gonna be a piece of cake BUT I know I have given my all in training for it!!!
This morning I was no more excited or willing to go riding (even though I had my bike fixed). I'm definitely burnt out on training. Not that I can stop I'm in the home stretch!!!
So I got out & went down to the bay. I got there @ 7am. I just rode around fiesta island 3 times earlier in the week. Crabby Katie was whining in her head I don't wanna ride around the island for 90 min...wa wa wa...so I set off in a different direction along the bay. My thought was to go a ways a long the bay & then turn around & go around the island. So I went along the bike path past Sea World, then instead of turn around, I went past Dana Landing then I thought might as well ride down to the beach & back, but as I got toward Mission Blvd I was like maybe I should just go around the whole bay?!?!?! That would be cool! its different, its something I don't even know if I can do, yeah I'm gonna do it. So I kept goin all they way along the bay side of Mission, past Crown Point, Campland, the golf course, De Anza cove back to Fiesta Island, THEN I rode around the island. It took exactly an hour and half!! Crabby Katie was replaced with happy rejuvenated proud of her accomplishment Katie! Each time I do a great training it makes me more confident about my race. I don't think it is gonna be a piece of cake BUT I know I have given my all in training for it!!!
Friday, September 3, 2010
why am I doing this?!?!
That is what I keep asking myself...
My personality is sort of I will try most anything once, I'm always down for a new experiance or adventure BUT triathlete...I keep thinking what the heck has come over me.
What I have come to realize just in this last week is how different I feel! When we were at the beach last week I got there before our friends with my kids, immeadiately I ran down to the water with the kids and started playing with them-I promise you last year I would have sat on my butt & watched from a shady spot the whole day. Then I went to a concert (in the lawn area) I jumped & danced all night long :D same thing a year ago I would have sat on the lawn to watch the show. My friends kid got stuck on the play structure & I climbed up EASILY, and got him down. All these things that I seriously was to lazy & out of shape to do! WOW
I wish I could have been better on the dieting aspect cause I'm kinda a big girl that's in good shape HAHA!
I have so much pride & self confidence in myself (not my looks) and what I can & have acheived that I don't mind so much.
I can't remember a specific time that God said "become a triathlete" (said in my head in a loud booming looming voice). But I'm sure this is His will for my life right now. There is no way I have the dedication or will within myself alone to do this or accomplish what I have done.
Getting a little personal here: I came out of my marriage so broken, full of pain I can't even explain, no self worth or self esteem. Now I feel empowered, beautiful, worthy & HAPPY!!! & its not because of swimming, cycling or running it's because when I'm in the water, on the bike, running God has been there, encouraging me, helping me, carrying me, making promises He won't break to me, loving me, completing the work He started in me.
There is a spiritual aspect to this that I needed. Thank God that my friend asked me to do that first race.
I still am not sure why triathlon/triathlete I feel nuts most days but there is something about the finishline. The feeling you get is hard to describe but I look forward to the moment (in 9 days) when I cross it & can say I DID IT!!!
My personality is sort of I will try most anything once, I'm always down for a new experiance or adventure BUT triathlete...I keep thinking what the heck has come over me.
What I have come to realize just in this last week is how different I feel! When we were at the beach last week I got there before our friends with my kids, immeadiately I ran down to the water with the kids and started playing with them-I promise you last year I would have sat on my butt & watched from a shady spot the whole day. Then I went to a concert (in the lawn area) I jumped & danced all night long :D same thing a year ago I would have sat on the lawn to watch the show. My friends kid got stuck on the play structure & I climbed up EASILY, and got him down. All these things that I seriously was to lazy & out of shape to do! WOW
I wish I could have been better on the dieting aspect cause I'm kinda a big girl that's in good shape HAHA!
I have so much pride & self confidence in myself (not my looks) and what I can & have acheived that I don't mind so much.
I can't remember a specific time that God said "become a triathlete" (said in my head in a loud booming looming voice). But I'm sure this is His will for my life right now. There is no way I have the dedication or will within myself alone to do this or accomplish what I have done.
Getting a little personal here: I came out of my marriage so broken, full of pain I can't even explain, no self worth or self esteem. Now I feel empowered, beautiful, worthy & HAPPY!!! & its not because of swimming, cycling or running it's because when I'm in the water, on the bike, running God has been there, encouraging me, helping me, carrying me, making promises He won't break to me, loving me, completing the work He started in me.
There is a spiritual aspect to this that I needed. Thank God that my friend asked me to do that first race.
I still am not sure why triathlon/triathlete I feel nuts most days but there is something about the finishline. The feeling you get is hard to describe but I look forward to the moment (in 9 days) when I cross it & can say I DID IT!!!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
12 days until race day!!!
As the race QUICKLY approaches my trainings have been longer & harder. One good this is my kids Dad was able to take them a little later the last few days. Saturday I finally went on my long bike ride. I was shooting for 2 hrs but didn't have enough time so I tried to get in 20 miles & again ran outta time. I did make 15 miles. My butt hurt so bad all I could think is how people do longer races?!?!
Monday since I had some kid free time, I decided to do my bike/run training at Mission Bay. My first tri I had the hardest time getting around the backside of Fiesta Island. The wind was so strong! I was determined to conquer that island. I ended up getting around it 3 times!!! About 70 min ride. Then I got off & ran for 30min (about 2.5miles). It is the weirdest sensation to run when your legs are so fatigued. I don't even know if I would call it running. It is more like wobbling. I was truly exhausted after that....in fact I came home & passed out. But if I did that Monday no reason I can't do it race day. Sure I gotta swim 500 meters before getting on the bike in frigid water but I bet I can do it!
Today was one of the first times I was truly unmotivated. I didn't want to get up. When I finally did & got to the pool. Every lane was full. Exactly the excuse I needed to turn around & leave. The thing is I knew better & just headed to the other Y location. I was then grumpy about the water complaining it was gonna be cold. Turns out it was warm, my swim went awesome.
Tomorrow I will probabaly do my long run for the week. I'm nervous/scared/excited for race day :)
Monday since I had some kid free time, I decided to do my bike/run training at Mission Bay. My first tri I had the hardest time getting around the backside of Fiesta Island. The wind was so strong! I was determined to conquer that island. I ended up getting around it 3 times!!! About 70 min ride. Then I got off & ran for 30min (about 2.5miles). It is the weirdest sensation to run when your legs are so fatigued. I don't even know if I would call it running. It is more like wobbling. I was truly exhausted after that....in fact I came home & passed out. But if I did that Monday no reason I can't do it race day. Sure I gotta swim 500 meters before getting on the bike in frigid water but I bet I can do it!
Today was one of the first times I was truly unmotivated. I didn't want to get up. When I finally did & got to the pool. Every lane was full. Exactly the excuse I needed to turn around & leave. The thing is I knew better & just headed to the other Y location. I was then grumpy about the water complaining it was gonna be cold. Turns out it was warm, my swim went awesome.
Tomorrow I will probabaly do my long run for the week. I'm nervous/scared/excited for race day :)
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