Saturday I will be attempting my first trail run, a 10 miler. I am looking at this as more of an adventure than a race because I have no idea what to expect. The location is 90 mintues from my house and I have never been there. I'm taking my camera so you can expect some pictures on Sunday. The trail is reported to be easy enough for beginners, but still challenging for veteran trail runners. We'll see what happens. Have you ever run trails? Please leave a comment.
Oh, please check out my articles on examiner.com. Thanks!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
This week's training
This week was very busy at work and I had to shuffle some things around to get my time in. I bought a medicine ball to add to my core routine. You know you are a triathlon geek when you go shopping all you buy is a medicine ball. No clothes, shoes, etc. just workout gear.
Monday is usually my rest day, so I rested. Or tried to, but I had to go to a PTO meeting. Tuesday I did some speed work, but was very tired so I cut it a little short. Wednesday I rode the bike trainer for about an hour. On Thursday I had to stay late at work so I use the elliptical machine when I got home. Friday we had a Run at Work event so I ran three miles. Saturday I ran my books to the library and back for 2 miles, then rode the bike trainer again later. Yesterday I did my 9 mile long run. My long runs are getting faster!
I am participating in another 10 in 10 challenge to lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks. It is harder this time, I am close to my goal weight. I'll keep you posted.
Monday is usually my rest day, so I rested. Or tried to, but I had to go to a PTO meeting. Tuesday I did some speed work, but was very tired so I cut it a little short. Wednesday I rode the bike trainer for about an hour. On Thursday I had to stay late at work so I use the elliptical machine when I got home. Friday we had a Run at Work event so I ran three miles. Saturday I ran my books to the library and back for 2 miles, then rode the bike trainer again later. Yesterday I did my 9 mile long run. My long runs are getting faster!
I am participating in another 10 in 10 challenge to lose 10 pounds in 10 weeks. It is harder this time, I am close to my goal weight. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
examiner.com
Did you ever try something not really thinking you could do it, but then you did? I applied to be the Endurance Sports Examiner for my local area on examiner.com and they said I could do it! So I will be writing little articles a few times a week about the local endurance sports scene. If you are into that sort of thing, please read my article or subscribe to my feed. Also, check out these awesome examiners:
Brian and Steve.
Brian and Steve.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Love this website!
Okay, this has nothing to do with triathlon (or DOES it?). I'm a teacher so I get a nice, two week break for Christmas. I'm also a little type A, so when I am home for too long I start looking for projects around the house to work on. I found this fantastic webite called Home Sanctuary. Basically, Rachel Anne's take on housekeeping is to make it managable so that you can focus on what really matters: family. Everyday she posts some little chore and if you are consistent, your home really starts to look great. (See it is a little like triathlon.) She doesn't have a post yet about the piles of technical fabric that have to air dry in my laundry room, but everything else is covered. Check her out and become a Company Girl.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Goals for 2010
I'm a simple girl and all I really want in life is love and good health for my family. But, if you twist my arm, these are things I want for my sporting life this year.
1. I want to break 27 minutes for a 5K. I'm no greyhound, but I think it can happen.
2. I want to average 18 mph on my hybrid. Riding this bike is like running with a weight vest. If I can do 18 mph, I have paid my dues and deserve a "real" bike.
3. I want to do more longer distance running races. I don't have marathon aspirations, but I want to do more halfs, 10 milers, etc.
4. I want to lose 10 more pounds in the 10 in 10 in 2010 Challenge!
1. I want to break 27 minutes for a 5K. I'm no greyhound, but I think it can happen.
2. I want to average 18 mph on my hybrid. Riding this bike is like running with a weight vest. If I can do 18 mph, I have paid my dues and deserve a "real" bike.
3. I want to do more longer distance running races. I don't have marathon aspirations, but I want to do more halfs, 10 milers, etc.
4. I want to lose 10 more pounds in the 10 in 10 in 2010 Challenge!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Ice-buster is More Like It!
We are spoiled here in the southern states with relatively mild winters, made up for with virulent summer heat. So, I was unprepared for riding in almost freezing temperatures today. (Note to self, purchase cycling gloves and those shoe cover thingies). But, it was wintery fun at the 2010 Dustbuster Du!
Last year I was so embarrased to bring my cheapo bike (see photo below). I was so sure that everyone was an absolute expert and it was very intimidating. I realize now that all of that was only in my head. This year I racked my heavy beast right long side those speed machines like I belonged there. And I did. So did everyone else, no matter their gear, fitness level, or goals.
It was a foggy morning and on my warm-up jog. I could easily convince myself that I was the last survivor on the planet. Visibility was about 20 feet. The first run section went well. I got pretty warm and took my fleece gloves off in transition. I regretted this about 20 seconds later when I started riding my bike. I just pulled my jacket sleeves down over my fingers and got on with it. It was cold, but I just told myself that I was having an EXPERIENCE. The sun came out to burn all the fog away and warmed me up a little bit, too. The first half of the second run I couldn't really feel my feet, they were so cold. I felt good the whole time, maybe too good. I always tell people "good job" and cheer for them. I notice I am about the only one doing it. Oh well, you can take a nerd out of high school...
Oh, here are my results:
1.5 mile run - 13:36 (9:04 pace)
11.9 mile bike - 45:29 (15.7 mph)
1.5 mile run - 13:27 (8:58 pace)
A little bit better than last year - yeah!
Last year I was so embarrased to bring my cheapo bike (see photo below). I was so sure that everyone was an absolute expert and it was very intimidating. I realize now that all of that was only in my head. This year I racked my heavy beast right long side those speed machines like I belonged there. And I did. So did everyone else, no matter their gear, fitness level, or goals.
It was a foggy morning and on my warm-up jog. I could easily convince myself that I was the last survivor on the planet. Visibility was about 20 feet. The first run section went well. I got pretty warm and took my fleece gloves off in transition. I regretted this about 20 seconds later when I started riding my bike. I just pulled my jacket sleeves down over my fingers and got on with it. It was cold, but I just told myself that I was having an EXPERIENCE. The sun came out to burn all the fog away and warmed me up a little bit, too. The first half of the second run I couldn't really feel my feet, they were so cold. I felt good the whole time, maybe too good. I always tell people "good job" and cheer for them. I notice I am about the only one doing it. Oh well, you can take a nerd out of high school...
Oh, here are my results:
1.5 mile run - 13:36 (9:04 pace)
11.9 mile bike - 45:29 (15.7 mph)
1.5 mile run - 13:27 (8:58 pace)
A little bit better than last year - yeah!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Dustbuster Duathlon Tomorrow
Tomorrow will be my first race of 2010! Yes, it's early and nobody is in shape yet. That's why it's called the "Dustbuster". It will bust the dust right off you bike, your body, whatever! This duathlon is short: a 1.5 mile run, 11.8 mile bike, and 1.5 mile run. People come from all over the south to participate with super nice bikes. Last year my bike had a kickstand. When I came in from the bike someone had taken my spot on the rack, so I put just popped out that sweet kickstand and off I went. Well, I removed the kickstand this summer so I will have to be a little bit faster this year to keep my spot on the rack.
Last year I ran 9:22 pace, biked 15.2 mph, and ran 9:30 pace. This year I hope to do a little bit better. I have certainly put lots of running miles on my legs this fall, so maybe that will help me. I'll let you know.
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