Track Practice

Tonight, we had track practice. We did a warm up of 1/4 mile and then some quick knees, butt kicks, speed increases. Then, we did 1 mile "faster than normal" with slow ends and fast in the straight way which I did in 10:10. Next, we did 1/2 mile "faster than normal" which I did in 4:50. Next, we did 1/4 mile which I think I did in about 2:20. The last 1/4 mile one I did in 2:25. We then did 1/2 mile cool down, stretched, and wished everyone a Merry Christmas. :)

We are doing our 8 mile run this week, and I am ready to get it behind me. I am a little nervous, a little excited. We are going to do it as a group which should be fun.

We had a team lunch at TFlats, and I ate WAYYYYYYY too much. I never needed to have dinner as I was full. I am hoping that running took care of that. :)

4 Miles

This morning, I set out for a 4 mile run. I didn't really have any goals time wise or heart rate or anything. Just 4 miles. So, the first 2 miles were great. It was cold, but it felt pretty good. The second two miles were a bit of a struggle as I had to go to the restroom. :) So, I finally gave in, went back to the house (of course it was 3.5 miles by then), and then I went back out for the remaining .5 so that I had done the 4. LOL...Oh the things we will do.

I did get up early to work first so that I could run a little later in the morning when it wasn't quite so cold.http://connect.garmin.com/activity/20822028

Rest Day

I had planned on running 4 miles today, but I decided that my legs might need a little more rest. They were feeling somewhat sore still. Seems odd, but I am trying to listen and not get hurt. So, I rested. We shopped for Christmas and such.

3.1 with Mike

Today, I ran 3.1 miles with Mike. It was meant to be an "easy" run as my legs were still pretty sore. Not sure why but they are lingering some. Especially my hamstrings. So, I just had a nice, light jog with some walking thrown in. It was good. It was nice to just enjoy being with Mike and not worrying about the speed or anything. Helped the legs too. We went to Busch Gardens after, so I got in lots of walking too.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/20822027

Biko Day

Today, I saw Biko. I am still mainly doing arm work and core work as my leg is still someone of a pesky thing. It isn't really painful now. It is always just a bit tender and seems like it is always on the verge of being hurt. So, I will keep taking it a bit easy until that stops.

No run today...just Biko...I heart Biko...:) He rocks.

Seven Miles Running! Woo Hoo!

Woo Hoo! After last week, I was really scared about this half marathon. That 6 miles was TOUGH. Holly and Jen told me that I really should do the run 5 min walk 30 seconds intervals. So, I decided it was worth a shot. I LOVED IT. I felt so much stronger. I beat my 5 mile time and my 6 mile time, so they were definitely right about going faster. The last mile was still pretty hard, but I banged out 6 without too much trouble. MUCH better than last week. Much. Love it. So happy. 6.1 more to go. :)

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Fastest Mile EVER

Yesterday, I had a Biko session where he killed my arms, back, and abs.

Tonight was a track night, and we did 2 mile repeats. The first mile, we ran hard around the ends and jogged on the straight. We rested for a minute or so. On the second one, we ran hard on the straight and jogged on the ends. I ran my fastest mile ever at 10:04. The second one was 10:14. I have never ever done 2 miles in 20:18 although I don't think I could have done that either without the rest in the middle. The best news is that this is faster than the 2:38 splits I was doing for a quarter mile only 5 weeks ago and this was a whole mile at a time. :) I screwed up on the Garmin and didn't push the button, so I didn't get the times. Guess that means I will have to do it again!

I am very nervous about the long run this week since the 6 miles was so hard. However, I think I am going to try the 5 min run with 30 second walk intervals like they suggested. :)

Flapjack 5K

Another PR for me! This morning, we ran the Flapjack 5K, and I hit another personal record by a whole 7 seconds! Too funny. I might could have been a few seconds faster, but I almost puked in the last tenth of a mile. My HR was too high I think. Oh well...:) I was pretty close to puking, and of course I was right next to the guy who was announcing people coming in. Hee Hee...:)

At the beginning of the race, we were laughing as the guy said that if you are a slow runner and run at a 9 or 10 minute pace, be sure to get to the back. We were cracking up and I wanted to ask where they people go who are trying to GET to a 9 or 10 minute pace. :) I am at 11:25 and proud of it. :)

It was basically a big circle through a neighborhood, but they had the miles marked well. It was kind of weird through the neighborhood as they didn't have police or anything. There were cars FLYING down the road, and it made me a little nervous. They did have police on the main road to stop traffic though.

Also, the water was pretty sparce. They had a tiny little cup of water just before the 2 mile point. The other races we have done (I like the sound of that) had two water stations. I like that better. I was going to wear my fuel belt, but I decided I would look like a complete dork. :)

After the race, they had flapjacks (hence the Flapjack name of the race), and they looked really good. I was a good girl and had a banana since I have eaten two big dinners at Outback in the last two days AND I had PIZZA at the cheer competition. Oops...I did well at Outback wiht my choices, but it is still a lot more than I normally eat. (I like the sound of that too).

The other Amy in Amy squared was there too and Mike also ran it. Other than the lack of water and traffic control, I think we all enjoyed it.

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Six Miles Completed!

The picture represents the motivation I had to keep running without walking to make it home before the storm. I made it back 5 minutes before the downpour.

The picture represents the motivation I had to keep running without walking to make it home before the storm. I made it back 5 minutes before the downpour.

This morning, I managed to fight off nervousness and excuses, and I got out and ran. I am still battling the kidney stone, but it wasn't hurting for the first 5 miles. That last mile was hard. My back hurt by my kidney, my bladder cramped, my legs hurt, my toes hurt...BUT, I kept going. I just ran until the next street sign, the next turn in the road, the next whatever. I took three sips of water at each place I made it. By the last quarter mile, I was enjoying it again. There were these workers pouring concrete right by my house, and they smiled at me each time I passed them (3 times). This other lady was pushing her child in a stroller as a workout, and I am not sure I was looking pretty good as she said" at least you are trying." I am not sure that is a good sign as I don't really want people to say "at least you are trying" LOL. I felt pretty strong except for 5.25 - 5.75. That was a rough half mile. I did it though!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




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HILLS!

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This was our first hill workout. I have been reading a lot about hills, and I have really heard that they help with your form so much. I was nerous but excited. I did forget to start my watch at the end, but I got most of it. Holly said that we should lean into the hill a little and let your arms pull you like here is a rope ou are pulling on. I enjoyed that feeling by the end. It was really hard, but I enjoyed it. I am hoping it busts up some stone!

Easy 3 mile run

Today was the first time in about two months that I have run two days in a row due to my leg injury. I took it easy and did a run based on my heart rate. I tried to keep my heart rate between 168 and 170. I felt pretty good, and I enjoyed the run. :)

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Easy 4 Mile Run

Did I just say that in the same sentence? Easy? Run? 4 Miles? LOL

I wasn't feeling too badly today (I have a kidney stone but the pain comes and goes), so I decided to go for a 4 mile run. I ended up going a little extra - 4.28. I decided to work on going at a pace that my heart could handle, so my goal was to keep my HR in the 168 - 170 range. My average was 168! It felt pretty good. I am pretty confident that I will be able to do 6 miles this week. Tomorrow will be the first day that I will have run 2 days in a row in a LONG time. Chris (my PT) says that I am ready.

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Five Miles Again

Today, I did 5 miles. I got up at 6 and fought off every excuse my brain had (they were pitiful anyway). It might rain, it might be cold, I just did swimming last night, my legs are sore, there might be puddles from the rain last night, what if I can't do it, what if I don't make it back in time to take Morgan to school, etc, etc, etc. I pushed onward and did it! I knocked off about 20 seconds from my time. 23 more to go to get under an hour.

The next long run is 6 miles. I am nervous as I was pretty tired at the end of 5. We will see!

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Swimming

Tonight, I joined the Tampa Metro Masters swimming group for a trial swim. I really liked the group. I have a long way to go to be able to swim like they do (if I ever get there), but it is great to have found a group that I can swim with. I have found that if I have an appt, I am much more likely to do it. So, this will give me times that I need to swim.

I did
200 any stroke
200 kick
200 drill (any drill)
200 kick easy
4 X 75 kick any kick
100 cool down

It was lots of fun, but man my legs were sore after all that kicking! :) I am planning to go back again on Saturday.

Track Night - Tri Team Practice

Tonight at track, we did a simulated 5K for time. Holly and Jen have my time as 9 seconds different than my garmin. Odd....

I was about 30 seconds slower on this one than in the race. Bummer...Otherwise, I did it! :)

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Jingle Bell 5K

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I did the Jingle Bell 5k in 34:45. I am definitely getting faster!!! The WC 5K was 3 weeks ago, and I did that one in 37:32. Almost 3 minutes faster! WOO HOO!

FIVE MILES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so very shocked to report that I actually did it! Me! I actually ran 5 miles today. Unbelievable!!!!!!! Even as I got out of bed, I told Mike that I hoped I could do it. 5 miles is something I have never in my life though t I could do.

On this Thanksgiving 2009 Day, I am very thankful that I have made such great changes in my life. The last several Thanksgivings, I have been way too stressed out to really enjoy the day, and I have lounged and eaten way too much. Today, I got up earlier than normal, ran 5 miles, made the food for Thanksgiving, had a little bit of everything but certainly not a lot, and rested. I enjoyed the time with family and friends, and I have had a fantastic recharging day. What a difference 6 months can make in my life! 57 lbs down and running 5 miles. I never could have done it without the couch to 5K running plan to get me started and without the Wesley Chapel Tri Team to push me to new limits all the time.

I am so thankful!

Rest

Today, I rested in preparation for my 5 mile long run.

Tuesday, Of Course - RAIN

For some reason, in sunny Florida, it always seems to rain on Tuesday nights. We have been meeting now on Tuesday nights for about 4 months, and it has probably rained on at least half of them. Insane! So, practice was cancelled again. Not for Heather, Nicole, and I though! We met and ran 3.1 on the treadmill, and it was about 5 miles with the walking through warm up and cool down. I started off at 4.8, moved to 5.0 at 1/2 mile, then I worked my way up to 5.8 (for a tenth of a mile). I thankful on this Thanksgiving week for friends like Heather and Nicole who help me keep at it!

Travel Day - Rest

I rested today after my 4 miles. Tomorrow, we are doing a 3.1 time trial at the track, so I am taking it easy. This is a weird week as I am doing the 5k tomorrow for practice, then the first 5 miler on Thursday (Thanksgiving), and then a 5k race on Sunday!

4 Mile Run!

Happy birthday to me!
I got up and ran 4 miles on the treadmill!!!! It was a great present to myself. :)

I ran the first 3 miles at 4.8 (12:30 pace) and the last mile I increased it every so often until I ran the last .1 at 6.4!!!!!!! That is now the fastest I have ever gone on the treadmill! WOO HOO!

Saturday - Walking

Today, we walked a lot all over Atlanta, but I didn't do any formal exercise.

Friday - Rest

Today was a rest day, and I flew to Atlanta.

3.5 Miles and Biko

Today, I didn't get up when the alarm went off. I snoozed. i was so tired. I didn't think I could get up. I almost just used it as an excuse, but then I smacked the alarm off and got up. :) I ran 3.5 miles in 41:39. :) I did the first mile in 12:32, second mile in 11:57, third mile in 11:38, and the last half mile in 5:30. The max pace I had was 9:33. WOO HOO!

I also had a session with Biko today. It was his birthday, so Mike, Morgan, and I took him a cake and a balloon. :) We worked on upper body and abs again.

Rest

My leg was pretty sore, so i rested today. I am trying to get back on track by doing every other day. I will run tomorrow.

Simulated Track

Today, I was in a hotel and it was raining. Since it is track day and I was out of town and had to miss it, I did a simulated track event on the treadmill. I did the 1/4 mile at 6.0 for 4 times and then 6.1 and then 6.2!!!!!!!!! I warmed up and cooled down on the elliptical. My leg didn't even hurt! It was a little sore later in the day, but I did it!

On a bad note, I was bad on the eating front today. I had two packs of M&M's (we were up late preparing for a work presentation) and crab cakes for dinner. YUM but bad.

Easy Day

Today, my leg was pretty sore - not in pain, but sore. So, I decided to take it really easy. I did a little light elliptical to loosen it up, but that is it.

FOUR MILES BABY!!!!!!!!!!!

I am still in complete shock as I sit here and type this. I ran 4 miles today. Me! I did it! I was so nervous when I left the door. Mike was laughing at me because I had two water bottles. I put one in the mailbox so that I could grab it at 3 miles when I planned to pass our house. I took the other with me. I really need to get a fuel belt or whatever it is called.

Anyway, I walked to the end of my street, and then I started jogging. I went really slowly for the first 3 miles, and then the last mile I went a little faster. I definitely wasn't blazing or anything, but I did 4 miles in 50:24. For my first time over 3 miles, I am so happy! I did laugh though as I usually run at the end and go faster. I don't go quite full out, but I get close by the very end. This is only for the last tenth of a mile or so. I thought I was going so fast, and then I looked at my Garmin. It said 12:02. LOL. I thought I was going so fast, but I guess my legs were tired. Hee Hee...Anyway, I did it. Only 9.1 more miles to go by Feb 28. I think I can do it even though doing 5 miles two weeks from today seems unlikely. We will see. :)

Saturday - Supposed to be Step Day

I decided that I had missed way too many of Anita's step classes on Saturday due to my stupid leg. So, I packed myself up and went. I figured I could at least do it on the floor and be getting back into it. I really like her class. SO, I get there and all of these people have yoga mats. Uh oh. I look at the door and it says Yoga at 10:30. Uh oh. This can't be right. I go look at the schedule and realize that there is no longer Anita's class on Saturday. WAAAHHHHHHHHHH..... I thought I was going to cry. She was my absolute favorite step instructor ever, and I missed her last day and don't even know where she went.

However, it was probably fate telling me to not do step until my leg is better. LOL....

So, I never really got motivated after that depression, so I just walked today. I am trying to be good and not run twice in a row as Chris told me. I didn't feel like biking or swimming even though that is what I should have done probably. Anyway, I walked.

Rest Day

Friday is a rest day. I flew home. I ate from the Hungry Greek for dinner. OMG I love that place. I had an gyro (with less than half of the meat that was on it and no sauce) and a small greek side salad (with very little dressing and none of the potatoes). I thought this was fitting as it is Georgia/Auburn weekend, and I had my first ever gyro when I was in 4th or 5th grade in Auburn, Alabama at Papa Gyro's courtesy of my big brother Mike. :) I was SOOOOOO close to ditching the flight and staying for the game, but I really wanted to exercise and be good.

Thursday - Travel Day

Today, I was traveling to Philly (well really Delaware) and then to Atlanta. I was walking a lot through airports and such. I did pretty well with food as I had a grilled chicken salad at lunch with very minimal dressing and I had boiled shrimp for dinner. The shrimp was in some kind of juice, but I don't think it was that bad. When I got to the hotel in Atlanta, it was 10:25. I felt frustrated due to some other things going on, so I went to the fitness center in the hotel. I did the elliptical for 30 minutes. Good girl Amy, Good girl.

Biko and Elliptical

Today, I did 20 minutes on the elliptical and saw Biko. I completely forgot to weigh in before I warmed up, but by my scale I am down 55 lbs total. Amazing.

Biko focused on the upper body as I am completely paranoid about hurting my stupid leg again. I enjoyed doing the arm work though. I need to get strong again. Then, we did a lot of core. I didn't do anything that would hurt the leg, so I didn't do lower ab work - only upper. We did a lot of upper though. That Biko kept bringing it. :) I have had 35 sessions with Biko now in 5.5 months. It is amazing how much I missed him over the last month as I have only been 2 times in 4 weeks due to my stupid leg injury. I am hopeful that by this Thursday that Chris will let me run a little more and do a little leg/lower ab workout. I am trying so hard to be a good girl.

Track Day

Today was supposed to be track day. However, hurricane Ida decided to cause us rain and wind. Since I will miss the real track workout on Thursday, heather and I went to the gym to do treadmills. I did the 6 times of 1/4 mile at a faster pace than I normally do (roughly 2:35 per quarter mile). That is FAST for me. I know it is slow, but I am so happy that i did it and my leg didn't hurt. Chris at Elite Sports Massage & Bodywork worked on the evil adductor muscle today, and he must have conquered it. When I was warming up, it felt a little sore. I thought I wouldn't be able to do it. But as I got started and got warmed up, it didn't hurt at all. :)

My shoulders have really been bothering me a lot as I carry all of my stress there. Chris also worked on my shoulders, and I feel so much better. He is good at hitting all of the trigger points.

Great day!

Ellipical

Since today is the day before "track" day, I did the elliptical for 20 minutes and that was all. Leg is still getting better. Not really hurting at all unless I tweak it or use it too much.

Sunday - Bike Ride

Today, Mike and I rode bikes. We did almost 11 miles in 43 minutes. It was WINDY due to hurricane Ida. At one point, i was going 27 miles an hour. I have definitely never been that fast on a bike before. :) It was a little scary I was so fast. However, on the way back, I was going into that wind. Then, it was hard to go faster than 14mph and at one point we were going 12mph.

It felt good to ride again. I had been avoiding the whole bike thing for some reason, but I really enjoyed it.

My leg seems to be healing nicely. I felt it a little while riding into the wind, but it wasn't bad.

Wesley Chapel 5K

Today, Mike and I did the Wesley Chapel 5k! My time was 37:32 which is 2:36 faster than I did it a few weeks ago in the triathlon. I am so proud of myself.

According to my Garmin,

Mile 1 - 12:42

HR 168

Mile 2 - 12:18

HR 176

Mile 3 - 11:29 - WOW - under 12 min!

HR - 183

Last .1 - 1:02

9:56 pace - WOW!

HR 189 WHOOPS

This was the first Wesley Chapel 5K race, and it was fun for us because there were only 130 people in it. It was in the beautiful saddlebrook resort area which is near us, but I had never been inside there. We ran by golf courses, tennis courts, pools, and beautiful homes. It was really nice.

Nicole from my Wesley Chapel Tri Team was also there. She is super duper fast though so I never saw her during the race. She finished in 29 minutes. Oh, how I can dream to be that fast some day. :)

Mike did awesome and finished in 43 minutes. He hadn't really trained much for it, so it is awesome that he did it that fast. He will be faster than me in no time. I hate that men can do that so easily, but it is what it is. :)

I looked back at the Jingle Bell Run that we did in 2007. I had been doing the couch to 5K for 7 weeks before that, so I walked and ran. That one took us 46 minutes and I felt like I was going to die by the end. So, I have come a LONG way. SO proud of us!!!!!!!

Elliptical

I decided to do 30 minutes on elliptical instead of trying to run today. I could have biked, but my knee is all stiff from me being a clutz and falling. So, I just ellipticalled it (is that a word?).

I now offically hate Halloween. I actually really like the holiday and enjoy it. I do not enjoy the leftover candy. It is evil. It calls to me all day. Come get some candyyyyyyyyyy. I have been pretty good, but I want it to be GONE. :)

By the way, check out the Wesley Chapel Tri Team's website! Come join us in our quest for a half marathon!

Track Day

Today was our first track day of the half marathon training. I was excited. We started by warming up for 2 laps around the track at a slow jog. Then, we did skips (high knees) and kicking your butt kicks. I don't like those butt kicks. Then, we started off doing 1/4 mile (1 track lap) at a pace that we couldn't talk during. Then, we rested for a minute or two. The workout was to do that 6 times, but I didn't make it as my leg was hurting. I had to walk and then I stopped and just stretched. We finished with a slow job that still hurt my leg so I stopped.

I cannot explain why it is so frustrating to be injured when I have not even wanted to do this stuff for years or maybe even my whole life. I have never run, and I have never been sad when I couldn't. It is so maddening to want to do it and to enjoy it and to not be able to do it. GRRRRRR......... I think the most maddening part is that I thougth I was almost better. :( Oh well, on to the next day.

3 miles

Today, I ran 3 miles! I did the last mile in 11:40 which is my fastest pace yet for a mile! WOO HOO! My leg felt somewhat sore in the first mile, so I went slowly. By the second and third miles, it was all good. I think it might finally be healing!

Time to Start the New Goal

Today officially marks the beginning of my training for a half marathon. We have 18 weeks to prepare for the Gasparilla Half Marathon. I am scared that I won't be able to do it, but I am going to try anyway. :)

According to the plan, I am to run 3 miles today. I did run 3 miles in 38 minutes. Better than the 40 I did last time. I felt pretty good, but I did fall about 2/3 of a mile from my house. I went to throw my water bottle away and when I turned to go back to the street I fell. Gashed up my knee but I kept going! I ran all the way home even though it hurt and was bleeding. By the time I ran a while, it didn't hurt any more. I had kind of forgotten about it when Mike saw me. He got this shocked look and said what happened? It was funny because I said, oh yeah, I fell. Hee hee. I think i am officially a runner. I fell, bled, and kept going. Day 1 complete.

Elliptical and Cheat Day

Today is Halloween. I decided that I was going to have a cheat day. We didn't have Morgan or Mike's kids, so I ate what I wanted, drank margaritas, and had a great time. I did do the elliptical for 35 minutes before we went out. :) I was amazed at how long I can go at a faster speed now. I am getting better!

I had chips and cheese at Cantina Laredo. They were worth it. :)

Rest, Leg Healing, Some Running, BIKO

In the week after my very first triathlon (still patting myself on the back), I didn't do much. I was trying to let my leg injury heal. So, Mon, Tues, Wed, I rested. Thursday, I was a bit hungover from my celebratory first drinking event in a long time, and I decided I had better run before work. Phil was nice enough to go with me and to go my snail pace.

I rested over the weekend, and then Tuesday, we had triathlon practice again. We are now training for a half marathon and have 18 weeks to get there. We are now officially the Wesley Chapel Triathlon Team, and we even have a new website. The half marathon is in Feb and is the Gasparilla Half. I hope I can do it.

At practice, we did two miles. It felt good to be going again. On Wednesday, I did two miles and I had Biko. I have missed Biko. I certainly have met some amazing people through this journey. I guess it was meant to be. Biko took it a little easy on me as I was struggling after not lifting any weights for three weeks due to my injury. I have lost 13% body fat since I started though. :) My stupid leg is aggravated, so I am still taking it easy. :(

Today, I saw Chris at Elite Sports Massage. He tried to make it better. He says it is close. I hope so. I don't like worrying about it. I just want to run. Whoever thought I would EVER say that?????? Amazing.

I am officially a TRIATHLETE!!!!!!!!!!

I am loving being able to say that. :) I landed last night around 10pm, and I got home around 11:40pm. Thanfully, I had laid out my clothes before I left and I made a checklist of the remaining items I needed to get. I was very organized (for once!).



I stretched for a while to try to help ease the groin pain and hoped that it would cooperate for the run. Stupid adducter muscles! They are not my friend, and they are very stubborn.



We got up this morning at 4:50am. WHOA...really? Already? Seriously? I struggled to wake up, but then excitement hit and I was up and getting ready. I got the kids up (Katie, Michael, and Morgan all got up at this crazy hour just to come cheer us on - what great kids we have). It was 52 degrees. OMG that is freezing when you live in Florida. I grab a sweatshirt.



We arrive at 6:02 which is a miracle as we planned to get there at 6. Mike drops me between the parking lot and the registration building (the town hall building in LongLeaf). I walk and try to keep my teeth from chattering. I go in and get my packet. I am number 574. Here we go!



I walk back to the parking lot. It is about a half a mile I think. I am very cold by the time I get there, and I am very thankful that I grabbed the sweatshirt. It is dark, and I almost twist my ankle. I am very cold and starting to get very nervous.



I get to the car, and Mike pumps up our tires. I was standing there trying to use my cell phone to give enough light to him, and this nice man in his truck turned his headlights on. It made it MUCH easier. The kids stay in the car as they want to sleep until it is light/warmer/closer to the race. Mike and I take our bikes toward the transition.



When we arrive behind Florida Design, they start marking us. That is a weird experience. They put your number on both arms and on your left leg. Then, they put your age on the back of your right leg (although mine was a LIE since they use your age as of December!. Not that I am bitter...). After we are marked, we head into the transition area. I find my rack where 574 is, and there is not much room. The girl with 575 moved down some. I hang my bike from the seat and lay out all of my stuff. I practice with my helmet as it always is difficult for me to remember which way it goes. I see several of the girls from my tri club. Stacey, Nicole, and I are smart and head to the restroom. Then, I lost them. We wanted to take a group picture, but I couldn't find them. I did see Aleida. We wandered all around trying to find them, and we even went down to the lake. It was SO cold out and the lake was steaming as it was warmer than the outdoor temp. I think they said that the water was 77 degrees. We look at the buoys, and then we head back up. As we get to the top, we see our group.



We give Holly and Jen their medals, and then Heather V gets her medal. I am so happy that she was there to be part of the team. Aleida read a poem she wrote. The Extreme? part is because early in the training, Holly said that you have to be a bit extreme to get into triathlons (meaning that we should stop being whiny I think), and we laughed that our team name should be Extreme? since we weren't sure yet.

An Ode to Holly & Jen

by Aleida

You painted a picture that we’d never seen. You said we’d be “real” athletes and members of a team that’s extreme?

At times we were nervous & whiny & scared.We weren’t sure we could do it, that we’d be prepared.

Three months have gone by and we are all here,Anxious and nervous in our dreaded tri-gear.

Our transitions are ready, our bikes set to go.We know what to do and we’re ready to go!

So we’ll go the distance and we’ll finish this race.We hope to make you proud and put a smile on your face.

You’re the two BEST coaches that we’ve EVER known.So, what’s left to say but “THANKS, WAY TO GO!”

I loved it. It was perfect. After that, we took one MILLION pictures, and then we headed to the lake. I was really nervous. The international distance people went first, and they had to do farthre than us and then they had to do it twice. WOW. It was amazing to see. Then, they started the sprint people into the water. We went in three seconds apart. Holly and Jen were there when we got into the water. :)

I went a little to the outside in the swim, and I enjoyed it. It was warm. I did run into several people in front of me (3 or 4), but otherwise, I think it was alright. Morgan kept my shoes and sweatshirt while I was in the water. When I came out, she was right there, and then she ran with me to the transition. It is about 1/4 mile to the transition. I ran in and started getting ready. I sat down to put socks and shoes on. I wasn't sure I could do it standing.

Mike, Tim, Mark, and Abhi yelled to me as I was transitioning. It made me so happy. I got on my bike, and about 2 miles in, my leg started to really hurt. The wind is really strong (they said 14 - 16 mph), and I am not sure what to do. So, I just started pedaling with only my left leg. I did that for 2.5 miles. I actually passed quite a few people which made me happy. There was a speed bump near the turnaround. This would have been ok, but the people in front of me stopped to a halt. There was a gap that I went through, but then I had to get started again from a dead stop. I finish the rest of the bike and head into the transition. I guess because of the wind my toes were numb. Also, I could hard walk getting off my bike. I felt like I had been riding horses all day. I needed to pee before I even started the bike, and now I really had to pe.

I did a pretty quick transition in the bike to run, but I could have knocked a little time off.

Then, I went to get water. I couldn't find my water bottle, so I just went. Amy was already out the door, so I was behind her. About a half mile in, I was next to her. She said, "Thank GOD you are here. I need you to push me!" We ran the whole rest of the way together, and we crossed the finish at the same time. It made it much better to have her to run with.

The finish line is really weird and you can't see it until you are right on it. I was soooo happy to make it! We helped push on a Kristen from USF to finish too. The last .1 mile, Mike, Morgan,Katie, and Micahel were cheering for me. Then, I saw Couach Jen and Coucah Hollly. They were yelling for the Amy's. We DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After the race, we hung out and had pizza, cookies, and drinks. I got 3rd place in the Womens under 40 Athena category. WOW! Mike got second place with Mark McCune! They did really well. They did it in honor of heather who couldn't do it. So, Heather got a medal! :)

I even won a shirt in a door prize drawing. What a great day. Holly and Jen gave us certificates, a water bottle, and a new bag to carry our stuff in. THEY ROCK!

What a fantastic day.

Things I learned...

1. If it is cold, bring a windbreaker.

2. Stop to pee in the portable potty if needed. Being miserable and having to pee that long is not fun. Maybe the lake next time?

3. Figure out the helmet issue.

4. Figure out how to bring garmin without water ruining it because the run isn't well marked and it would be nice to know how muhc farther.

5. I can do it!!!

6. My team and coaches rock!

7. I work with some amazing people who did a great thing today for a co-worker. :)

8. I think I like triathlons!

This was the LongLeaf Triathlon, and I did the sprint. My times and my own PR (persnal record)

Total Time - 1:29:09

Swim - 6:18

Transition 1 5:47

Bike (with transition 2) - 36:46

Run (cough, jog) 40:19

Rest and Elliptical

Wednesday, I flew to Texas for our user group meeting. I didn't exercise. Thursday, I was planning to try the elliptical, but the Gaylord didn't have enough machines. So, I walked outside for a bit. Friday, the elliptical was available, so I did it for 15 minutes and then stretched. I am happy that it wasn't bad. Saturday, I flew home and didn't exercise. I did a lot of stretching though. I am as ready as I am going to be.

Last team practice

Tonight was our last team practice before the race. We did 1/4 mile swim (8:08), about 6 miles biking (22 min), and then we walked or ran 5 minuites out and 5 minutes back. I did well on the swim and well on the bike. I could only walk for the last part. I am nervous that my leg isn't going to be ok for the race.

Bike

Today, Mike and I did 9 miles again. I was about my normal pace. I did the 9 miles in 34 min. I had the tri bars to practice on with the bike. I almost spilled as soon as I tried to use them. It is an interesting feeling geting into them.

Bike Again

Today, we went and rode 9 miles again. Then, we walked about a half mile. I rode at near speed for the second half. It felt good. Abhi rode with us to practice as well. Race is one week away!

Easy Bike Day

The Tri group met to bike and run again, but I just biked - and SLOWLY. When they ran, I stretched and walked a bit. It felt good to do something but it was depressing to not do it. Mike and Abhi rode today to practice for the triathlon.

Biko at Sport and Field

I wanted to mention that anyone looking for a personal trainer in the Tampa area should call Biko at Sport and Field. Not only has he helped me so very much, he has a great rapport with many people who are much more into the weights thing than I am. He has been very good at growing the program as I needed it, and he is also great at knowing what buttons to push to get me to do just a little more. So, if you are looking for a trainer, call him at 813-948-5500 (sport and field). He rocks!

Rest - AGAIN

So, I am stuck again. No running, no biking, no swimming. Nothing. Just rest. I am trying to be a good girl, but I am sad. I can't even walk like a normal person. We went to dinner at Cracker Barrel, and I felt like and old lady trying to walk to the table. Mike and Morgan were way ahead of me, and I was just trying to walk without a limp. :( Here's to hoping that tomorrow is better. :(

No Workout for You

Stupid leg. I could hardly walk down the stairs. :( Pain is not my friend. I went to a physical therapist/Massage Therapist who is awesome today. The triathlon coaches recommended him. He said that I should be ok to still train but that I need to chill and rest it.

Hopefully, he is right. No training today. Who would have ever thought that I would care? :)

Biko

Today, I saw Biko. He is the BOMB. He made me feel so much better about my stupid leg, and he encouraged me and helped me stretch. Of course, he wouldn't be Biko if he didn't make me work my butt off, so he had me do mainly arm and core work with a little legs.

By the end, I was not feeling good. As the day went on, my leg got worse and worse and worse and worse. Bummer.

Triple Brick

I am pretty sure that I saw what hell is like tonight. We did a "triple brick" workout with the triathlon group. WOW. We swam 1/4 mile, and then we biked 3 miles, and ran 1 mile. THEN, we biked 3 miles and ran 1 mile. THEN, we biked 3 more miles and ran 1 more mile. Let me tell you, I was questioning my sanity by the third run. WOW. What a great workout.

Unfortunatly, my stupid leg started really hurting. It has been sore for a few days, but it was mild. Now, it isn't mild. Boo. Hopefully, it will get better soon.

I did run two of the three miles in under 11 ish minutes each (11:38 was the fastest). That is a big improvement for me after that run!.

Bike and Short Run

Yesterday, I found out that I should have been pumping my tires up on the bike. OOPS. Someone that lives in my house and is an experienced biker told me that I didn't need to worry about it. :) Anyway, I was SOOO happy because I have been struggling on the bike. With air, it is a LOT easier. :)

Mike and I met Abhi at Flatwood Trail, and we rode the loop which is 11 miles. Abhi did well. :) When I finished, I ran 1 mile. That first mile is just not fun.

Trial Run

I was really nervous today as I met two other girls from my group to do a trial run of the whole distance. Amy and Stacey were there, and I was so excited and nervous. We swam first in a zig zag which was interesting. Basically we just went in zig zags across the pool by going up one side of a lane and down the next and then moving over with each lenth of the pool. It was kind of cool. I did the 1/4 mile in 8:40.

Then, Stacey went to run as she didn't have much time, but as much as I wanted to chicken out I didn't. I rode with Amy who is a great biker. She pushed me some, and I was tired. We finished in 35 minutes.

Next, we started out on the run. The first mile took FOREVER to pass, and I thought I might die. The next half mile was hard but easier. Once i turned and headed back, it got a LOT better. I was even feeling like I could go faster. I didn't, but I think I could have. We finished the run in 42 minutes.

I now know that I can do it. I was tired but on a high all day. Also, I didn't get in until late the night before, and then I got up and met them at 7. The day of the race, I won't get in bed until nearly midnight, and I have to be there before 6:30. Ick...

Run WITH HILLS

This morning, I got up extra early to be sure I could run before work. I was in Atlanta near perimeter mall, and it is pretty hilly. I was nervous, so I asked the front desk guy which way to go to avoid hills. He kind of laughed and said that I wasn't going to avoid hills, but that I could go UP the hills first if I went left. Then, I could at least finish downhill. Sounded good to me. :)

I so didn't realize that the hill was 2/3 of a mile up. Man, that isn't a hill. It is a mountain! Note to self, only sign up for Florida races where it is flat. Anyway, back to the run. I made it up the hill although it was SLOW and I was wondering if I would make it. So, I turned and went left until I hit a mile thinking that I would just do 2 miles since it was hilly. As I headed back, I thought, oh, now I get the easy part of going down the hill. While it was MUCH easier, it was harder than I thought as I had to control the motions and keep from busting my butt. When I got to the bottom of the hill, I decided that I would be a wuss if I didn't go the whole 3.1. So, I turned and went 2/3 of a mile down the street (with more small rolling hills) and saw the beautiful sun shining on the lakes on the way. It was so nice. It was pretty cool out, but by this point I was hot. I made it back to the hotel and was so proud of myself. It took almost 43 minutes, but I did it.

Thursday, Rest

Today, I traveled, and I decided to give my poor body a rest day.

Couch to 5k Completed

I think I can officially declare graduation from the Couch to 5K program. Today, I did 3.1 miles again, and I even shaved 2 minutes off my time to do it in 40:05. I know, slow. But, I am getting faster! I just want to get under 40 minutes now. :)

3.1 Miles and Biko

This morning, I ran 3.1 miles again today and cut two whole minutes off her time! Still SOOOOOO slow, but I am getting faster! I can't believe I have run 8.2 miles since Monday. :) I ran it in 40:05.

Swim, Bike, Run

Today, I met a few people for an unofficial practice. We did 1/4 mile swim, 6 miles biking,and 2 miles running. WOO HOO! Progress from last week. I cannot believe that I am doing it! That first part of running is SO hard. I did run the 2 miles in around 24 minutes, so I am getting faster!

September 28 - less than 3 weeks to go!

Freaking out a little that it is less than 3 weeks to go. WOW. Today, i ran 3.1 miles. I was so proud because it was the first time that I actually knew I would do it BEFORE I started. That was a good feeling. Of course, I am SLOW AS DIRT. I did it though. I am keeping my heart rate in the 160's until the last half mile. I go high 170's for 1/4 mile, and then I just go as fast as my legs will still go at the end. It felt good.

Then, I had Biko. He shook it up a bit today with some great arm and leg reps before focusing on core. He kicked my butt. I told him that I would have to stop saying nice things about him, but he kept pushing anyway. :)

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

I wrote out all the days to show what a slacker I was. We flew to Rhode Island, drove to the Cape, and then drove to Boston, and flew home from Rhode Island. Other than walking, dancing, and 25 minutes of swimming laps, it was a pretty lazy weekend.

Onward!

Biko and Brick

Today, I went to Biko, and it was legs day. OUCH. Biko is really great, but I do not really like him on those leg days. I felt a little better when this weight lifting guy told me that he dreads leg days. :) He had me do the leg press on the upside down one where your head is tilted to the floor. I did the 17, 7, 5 or something like that. I twas evil. I also did the incline bench sit ups and the elbow rest thing while lifting knees up. I did have a ball in betwen my legs this time though. Progress!

Knowing I would be out of town, I decided that I really needed to ride my bike. So, i did the complete 9 miles. Then, I did a short run of .55 miles. I do not like that leg burning. :) Maybe I shouldn't have done all of that on my leg day. I am hoping that is it. :)

Tuesday, September 22nd

Today, we did a swim, bike, run practice for the triathlon. We did a 10 minute swim, 5.4 miles biking, and a 10 minute jog. I did it! It really helped me to start to figure out the transitions. Loved it. I was really slow in the swim to bike transition, so I really need to find an outfit that I can wear in the water and on the bike/run.

3.3 Miles With NO Walking!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Woo Hoo! I jogged 3.3 miles today without a single walking step. I am soooo proud. This is even longer than week 9! I am slow, but I am doing it!

I also went to Biko today, and he focused mainly on arms. We did do some legs with the hamstring thing, the thigh one, and the adductor. I ended up with sit ups on the incline! FIFTEEN!!! WOO HOO!

Rest (due to rain)

I was going to bike today, but by the time I could go, it was pouring rain and then too dark. BUMMER. I did do some step in my house to my own routine (ha ha THAT was funny) and a little elliptical.

Football Game

Today, we went to the Florida vs Tennessee game in Gainesville, and we walked - a lot. And it was HOT all day. No specific exercise, but we did a lot of walking.

Rest Day

Today, I had to catch a very early flight, so I just rested. :) I did get a lot of walking through the airports though.

Cardio and Weights - Monterey, CA

Today, I got up a little earlier, and I did 25 minutes on the elliptical and then I did weights. I did the back thing where you lean over and pull your body back up, the leg press (OMG I did it without BIKO! I did 220 lbs on the legg press, and I did it 17 times, then 8 times, then 5 times), and I did 25 leg up things. :) I also did the weights for the arms by lifting them up to the sides, bicep curls, and rows. :)

Hilton Garden Inn Monterey Gym

Today, I was in Monterey, CA, and the hills outside seemed scary. So, i went to the gym. I did part treadmill and part elliptical. This gym is rockin, but many of the TVs didn't work. It did have weights and cardio though, and that is nice. I did the lift the legs thing up while balancing on your elbows, but nothing else today. Just 30 mins cardio and that.

Elliptical Day

The gym at the Gatlord Palms in Orlando has a really nice gym. I decided to take it easy on my knees today, so i just did the elliptical for 30 minutes. I usually listen to music while exercising, but today, I decided to listen to the TV. Patrick Swayze was all over the news. I was surprised at how fast the time went. I really cranked it up at the end on the resistance and on the speed. :)

Week 8 Couch to 5K

I did make it 2.75 miles without walking! Only .35 miles to go!!!!! This is week 8 of the couch to 5K. I am doing the distance instead of the time. I went around the Gaylord Hotel in Orlando. It is 1 mile around the building, so I did it twice. Then, I went .37 miles and turned around until I hit 2.75 total. That last half mile was BRUTAL. I actually puked after I drank water. However, I then was on a natural high for hours. WOO HOO!

Sunday

Today, I rested as I was driving to a meeting and then didn't have time to do anything. Rest is good.

Biko

Today, I only got to have my Biko session. I didn't get to swim, bike, or run. :(

Biko had to "make up" for next week since I will be out. Whew, he is brutal. He makes me feel like i can do it though, and I feel much stronger now than I did 4 months ago when I started with him. The difference in my fitness level is AMAZING. Thanks BIKO!

Vinoy Hotel Gym

Today, I exercised at the Vinoy Hotel. I was planning on running outside, but it was POURING rain. So, I went to do the treadmill. For some reason, I cannot stand the treadmill lately. I was enjoying it, but I just can't seem to find a good speed or rhythm or something. So, I switched and went to the elliptical. I just put extra resistance and went faster.

Rest Day

Today, I was sore, so I rested. Very sore. Poor muscles. :)

BIKO

Biko and Biking
Today, I had a Biko training session, and he made me do that awful evil leg press. Oh man... I was sore before I even walked out. I also did the legs up thing while you hang on your elbows. I did it 20 times. I felt like a rock star. :)

Later, I biked 9 miles in the neighborhood.

Swim Day

Today, I got to go to the triathlon club meeting! I was so excited. We swam a traditional swim workout. we did 200 warm up, then 100 catch up drill, then 100 drag the fingers drill, then 300 with the last 25 sprint, then 200 with the middle a sprint, then 100 with every other as a sprint. We ended with a 200 cool down! WOO HOO! Felt like old times. I enjoyed it a lot.

Training Day

Today, I did 1/4 mile swim, 11 miles biking, and 3 miles walking and running combined. (did couch to 5 k week 7 and then walked the difference). I didn't do them all back to back, but I did cover the distance.

Bike Ride

Today, we did Flatwoods, and all the kids went. Not sure Morgan wants to go for a while, but she did 11 miles!

Saturday Step Class and Biking

Today, I finally got to go to step class! I just LOVE Anita's class. It is so fun.

In the afternoon, we went on an 11 mile bike ride. I went mainly with Morgan, so it was a fun ride.

I was pretty good, but I did have some popcorn, peanuts, and dippin dots at the game. Did you know that Dippin Dots aren't that bad? I was surprised by the nutrition. I only had a little and then gave the rest to Chris.

Friday, September 4

Biko was sick today (get well soon Biko!), so I just did a 9 mile bike ride through the neighborhood. I am getting better at steering and turning and feeling more at home on the bike.

I did pretty well with food. I even had only one slice of pizza at the laser tag, and that was my dinner.

Thursday, September 3

Today, I got up and did the elliptical for 30 minutes before class. I like that the elliptical doesn't hurt my knees or shins. It is good rest for them but still gets my heart up and works my leg muscles. I played with the resistance levels to get some muscle burn. :)

When I got home, I met Morgan and Tori at the Texas Roadhouse. I had already had a chick fil a sandwich, so I just had a small salad with hardly any dressing, green beans, and mixed veggies. Oh, I did have a roll too. So, when I got home, I felt like I had eaten too much, so I got on the elliptical at home for 10 minutes. Just enough to top it off. :)

Run, Elliptical

Today, I started the morning with a 26 minute run, and i even went up this odd thing called a HILL! Oh my gosh. Hills are not my friend. I am glad I live in a flat place. It was hard.

We went to McCormick and Schick's for dinner, and I had lobster, a salad, asparagus, a roll, and a couple of pieces of calamari.

After dinner, I decided to do the elliptical. Sitting in class makes me feel like a slug, so I need to DO something. So, i did 35 minutes on the elliptical.

I am so proud. :)

I also have disccovered the Kashi Go Lean bars. They are fantastic and have a lot of fiber and protein. :)

Double Run Day

Today, I got up and planned to run on the treadmill since it was still dark outside. I ran about 10 minutes on the treadmill and just couldn't stand it. So, I just got off the treadmill and went right out the door to the parking lot (it was lighter now). I ran laps around the hotel for 15 minutes. I couldn't go farther as I had to get to class.

After class, we went to dinner at Season 52. YUM. I loved it. I had a tomato flatbread that was so good. All of their meals are under 475 calories! Even the desserts are a small little dish and are under 300 calories each. I had a chocolate one that was fantastic.

After dinner, I decided to run again. I read an article that was talking about running twice a day starting two days a week to increase speed. So, since I would have been at my triathlon group, I figured tonight was a good night. My knee was a little sore after my 2 mile run for 26 minutes (woo hoo! - Done with Week 7 Day 2!).

I was going to get into the hot tub downstairs, but when I got there I decided to get into the pool. I started swimming and swam for about 17 minutes. I dsid some drills and it felt really good. THEN, I got into the hottub. My body bugg says that I took 15,200 steps today. That is amazing since I sat in a class for most of the day!

Travel Day

Today, I didn't get to see Biko as he got stuck on his travels back home. I flew out and had dinner when I got to Atlanta. I did well by having fish, asparagus, a salad, and one piece of bread. :)

Week 7 Day 1 DONE (and 11 miles biking and 0.25 miles swimming)

Sundays are the day that I try to get my body used to swimming, biking, and running all in the same day. So, today, I got up and did week 7 day 1. I decided to go in reverse order for 2 reasons. First, I like that order better as I would rather finish in the pool than running, and second, I knew it would be too hot to run later in the day and I didn't want to get up and the crack of dawn on a Sunday.

So, I did 2.25 miles in my 31 minutes. I am not sure what happened, but somehow I think I actually went SLOWER today than I did on Thursday. LOL. Oh well. I guess I am going to have to pick up the pace because I think I might could walk it faster than I am running it. I did want to do 2.25 miles though since that is the mileage associated with week 7 day 1. So, i went longer than the other day. I actually think I might have gone a little longer than 2.25 miles, but it is close enough for me. :) So, for week 7 day 2, I am going to repeat 2.25 miles and see if I can get it in close to 29 min. The third one of week 7 says 2. 5 miles. We Will cross that bridge when we come to it, but I have 7 weeks to go before this triathlon.

My legs have been REALLY sore the past few days. Biko started me into major soreness with that DAMN leg press thing. I am not sure they have ever recovered. I thought yesterday with just some short swimming would help, but they are still really sore. It goes away once I run or bike, but it comes back with a vengeance when I am done. My body bugg said I had burned 1700 cals by noon. :) lovin it. I do think the body bugg has challenges wtih the biking. It doesn't seem to give much credit for a lot of work.

Anyway, I went 11 miles biking, and I did the first 9 in 35 minutes (that is how long the biking part of the triathlon is). I crossed mile 10 at 38 something, and then I used the last mile to cool down. I went pretty slowly and enjoyed it. I finished the 11 miles at 44 mins. :)

I really need to swim but I am going to eat and see how I feel. :)
Update - I DID make it to swim. I did the 1/4 mile in somewhere between 10:30 and 11 minutes. I did one extra circle but then I was pooped!

Swim Day

Today, we went boating for most of the day, so i decided that swimming would be a good exercise for the day. I did 10 circles in the pool which is about .3 miles (1600 feet) in 12:46. I think 8.5 circles is the quarter mile I need to swim for the triathlon. :) So, I am going to work on endurance and see if I can increase my speed to less than 10 minutes. Not sure how that will go, but I am going to try. :)

Training Day

Today, I went to a different trainer (don't be mad Biko!) as I had purchased a line dancing class at Shapes that they had to cancel. They offered to convert it to training sessions, and I decided that was a good idea. Might be fun. Plus, sometimes I can't see Biko when I am traveling or have a wacky schedule.

So, today was just such a day. Biko was off having some much deserved fun, so I went to see Debbie. She was awesome! I am not sure how I could be so lucky to have happened upon two such wonderful people, but somehow I did. Debbie worked on showing me some things that I could easily do in hotels without the weight machines or a trainer. So, I did 10 squats, 10 push-ups, and 10 bent over rows and then repeated it two times for a total of 3 sets on each thing. Whew...

Then, I did this twister thing where you balance on one leg and arm (opposite) and bring the elbow to the knee. I did that 10 times on each side, and after the first set she had me put the one arm on a ball to make it less stable. Then, I would take the medicine ball and raise it high on one side and low on the other 10 times on each side, and then I ran up and down on the balance thing (the half ball looking thing with the flat platform on the other side). That was hard, and I was so worried that I would hurt my ankle. But, I did it. I did all of those for 3 sets as well.

Then, she took some measurements, and I went back home. :) It was totally different than what I usually do with Biko, and that was kind of cool to do something a little different. I can see how they will compliment each other if I do some sessions with each. :)

Couch to 5K Week 6 Day 3 COMPLETED!

WOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO! I am so proud of myself. So a little background, I screwed up on week 5 as I thought after the 1st one that all 3 days were the same 5 min run (3 times). So that is what I did. Then, I got to week 6 and did the 5 - 8 - 5 run. Then, I did the 2 ten minute runs for week 6 day 2. Then, I looked at day 3 and almost passed out. 25 minutes straight? Are they NUTS? So, I decided to look at it online again. I saw that week 5 was different for all 3 days and day 3 was a 20 minute run. i didn't feel too badly as I had actually done a 15 minute straight run one day simply because i didn't have time to do the intervals (and I survived lol).

So, I decided that I should go back to week 5 day 3 and do the 20 min and then repeat week 6. However, I slowed way down (ha ha as if I am ever not slowed down!) especially in the beginning. When I got to 8 minutes, I thought, I bet I can do the 25 minutes. So, I decided to turn around at 12.5 minutes instead of 10. I figured if I was just dying that I would just walk the rest of the way home and stop at 20 mins. BUT, I not only went 25 minutes, I went 26 minutes and 10 seconds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My little GPS program on my iphone (love that sportsbra with the ipod holder - it rocks! said that I went 1.98 miles and averaged 4.4 mph with my fastest being 6.5 mph (at the end and very briefly). I am so proud! ON TO WEEK 7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh yeah, I did all of that with very sore legs. Biko did his job yesterday for sure! I didn't think I was going to be able to walk, much less run. But, they loosened up after I got going. Biko, don't worry, my legs and butt hate you, but I am thankful for you! :)

Frustrating Day

I have really been struggling this week with my weight. For some reason, I only lost 1 lb in the whole week (Biko's scale showed even less at a half a lb but it was in the middle of the day). I wasn't perfect as it was Morgan's party and we had meetings and my parents were in town, but I did usually have my 1000 calorie deficit (although some days I didn't). I did have a deficit every day though. Oh well.

I went to Biko today, and he was in his evil mood. The main thing that was so hard was the leg press. I had to do 17, then 8, then 6. By 11 on the first set, I was dying. I pushed through it and survived. Then, I realized that I had to do more. I didn't think I would even be able to do 1, but I somehow did 8. Then, I really didn't think I would do the last 6, but I did. It was hard, and it hurt (I almost cried) but I did it. Also, Biko's hand kept accidentally pushing on the weight as I was doing exerces. I told him that he needed to be more careful. :) Toward the end, another guy was in there and he was doing the ab and back work next to me. It kind of felt like moral support. :)

I was going to swim today, but we got a big storm right as it was time to go. Then, i was going to run but I couldn't go very far because my quad was really hurting. So, tomorrow will be a better day.

Monday, Biko

Today, i was nervous as my quad is still really sore. I saw Biko, and he had mercy on me (for once). We focused on upper body and did light quad and then hamstrings. He had me do the twisty abs machine. I like that one as it is kind of fun to spin. :)

I didn't do any other exercise today. Thought I should take it a little easy on the leg. I did not do nearly enough steps. BOO

It was Morgan's birthday, so we had Olive Garden. i did pretty well as I only had half of the apricot chicken with the broccoli and asparagus. The breadstick prob wasn't so great. The pasta fagioli was yum.

Bike Ride and Couch to 5K Week 6 Day 2

Today, I went on an 11 mile bike ride. It was a pretty easy ride as the boys were with us on their mountain bikes. I was amazed at how fast I could go! LOVE the new bike. So glad I got it.

After we got home, I went to do Couch to 5K Week 6 Day 2. It was 2:30 in the afternoon in Florida, so it was pretty hot. It was hard, but I made it. It said I ran .85 miles in 10 minutes. I am so speedy! LOL

Saturday - Busch Gardens

Today, we did Busch Gardens all day. As you can see, I burned a lot of calories AND took a lot of steps.

Biko and Couch to 5K Week 6 Day 1

Today, I started off with Week 6 Day 1 on the treadmill. It is warm up 5 mins, run 5 mins, walk 3 mins, run 8 mins, walk 3 mins, run 5 mins, cool down for 5 mins. I am terrified of the next two couch to 5k ones, but we will see how it goes.

I went downstairs to start with Biko. We did mainly upper body again, but we did do a few lower body ones. I did the bar thingy where the bar slides up and down but it is like a free weight bar. I also did the weights to the side just standing and raising my arms. The 10lb weight is still heavy for me. I did extra on the quad one, and it felt good. :) At the end, I did the slant down to your head bench and as Biko says "focused on the negative." I was proud though as I did 12 of them when I had only done 8 before. :)

Tonight was morgan's party, and I had pizza and a small piece of cake. I also got my new bike, but I only got to take it for a very quick spin around our neighborhood.

Rest Day

I took today off from exercise, and I think my body really needs it.

Biko Day

Today, I had to go to Biko early and get ready at the gym to make it to a meeting. He had me warm up on the stairs using the ball and the 10 jumps in between stairs (AND all the way to the top of borh flights of stairs). I knew I was in trouble with that warm up. :) Of course, my legs were sore and tired from the night before and from Monday, so I was struggling.

We did mainly upper arms, and I did the machine thing where you put your knees on the platform and you move up and down. I have learned to like that one. At the end, we did the abs part where you reach for the ball that he holds, and he used a 4kg ball this time.

I felt refreshed and alert by the time I left for my meeting.

Running Training

Today, my triathlon training group met and we did "track runs." We would do 1/4 mile, rest a minute, do a 1/4 mile, rest a minute, repeat until 6 times are completed. We were to push slightly beyond what we normally do so that we are breathing hard but not out of control. It was very challenging but I did it! I didn't even walk once. :) I was SLOW, but I did it. :)

Monday (Biko and swim)

Today, I had Biko bright and early. I was worried because I was sore after the Sunday activity. Biko got that evil smile on his face, and I knew I was in trouble. I first did the arm dips on the machine thingy that you subtract your weight from. I didn't mind it that much which means that Biko will raise it next time. Next, we did some arm things with the weights you hold in your hands.

Next, Biko looked really happy. I was scared. He had me doing the sets of leg reps where you do a number, rest, then another number, then more again. For example, on the legs, I did right leg 10 times, left leg 10 times, both legs 10 times, right leg 6 times, left leg 6 times, both 6 times, right leg 4 times, left 4 times, both 4 times. After that, then I had to get into that thing where you lie on your back and push the weight up (you are slanted down). That one I had to do 17, then 8, then 6 or something like that. I got dizzy, and thought I would puke. Biko just smiled and said I could do it. THEN, I had to do the leg one that you pull back at the knee and the hamstrings hurt. It was some other odd sequence that Biko loves. :) I could hardly walk at this point. My legs were so rubbery. Biko finished it with me pulling up my knees 15 times while all of my weight was on my elbows for abs. I was proud as that was really, really impossibloe for me when I started and it was hard but not THAT bad this time. FINALLY. Progress. :)

Later in the day, I swam 1/4 mile before the storm started. I swam the pool around the outside ot get a better feel of swimming without stopping and without walls.

Feeling good (even though I am sore). Biko is smiling somewhere knowing he tortured me :)

Set Back but Doing Well

To catch up:

Friday, Aug 7th, I did couch to 5K, week 4, Day 3

Sat - Mon - Nothing

Tues - 20 mins on spin bike

Wednesday - Biko

Thursday - walked 5 minutes, ran 15 minutes (!!!!!!), walked 5 minutes (was out of time and had to rush - I was SOOO proud) - counted this as week 5, day 1

Friday - couch to 5K - week 5, day 2

Saturday - Step class, 9 mile bike ride

Sunday, 0.25 swimming, 11 miles biking, 2.6 miles walk/run - couch to 5K week 5, day 3 - On to week 6!

It has been a while since I have posted my Polar numbers too:

Swimming - didn't wear it

Biking - 57:43, 855 cals, 30% fat, max 176, avg 155

walk/run - 59:00 mins (I think it was really 47 and I forgot to stop it) - 759 cals, 40% fat, Max 188 (whoa), Avg 142

Another really cool thing is the body bugg goals evaluation. Since 6/19, here are my results as of last Wednesday 8/12. Pretty cool to have exceeded my goal of 2 lbs a week. :)

I was down 35 lbs as of 8/12. :)

Monday, August 3

Today, I had Biko and I did week 3 day 3 of Couch 2 5k. I was so proud as I ended with 90 seconds of 1.5 incline and a speed of 6.0mph. :) With Biko, he tortured me with the machine thingy where you kneel on the platform and then do pull ups (it subtracts from your weight). If it didn't kill my arms, I would love it. :) I also had to do the bar thingy with squats. I didn't like that one. We did lots of other machines that were a good workout. At the end, I did 20 knee ups on the thing where you hold your body weight with your elbows and pull your knees up to Biko's hand. I hate these, but I was proud to do 20.

Sun Aug 2nd

Today, we drove home from camping. We walked and swam more before driving. No body bugg due to water involvement.

Sat Aug 1

Today was a campaing day with lots of walking and swimming (body bugg isn't waterproof so it stayed in the car)

Friday July 31

Today, I had Biko and did Couch to 5K week 3 day 2. We went camping and the bodybugg isn't waterproof. I won't bother posting.

Thursday July 30

Today, I did a 35 minute bike ride with Mike in the morning.

Wednesday July 29

Today, I got up early AGAIN and did Couch 2 5k Week 3 Day 1

Tuesday July 28th

Today, I got up hungover as all get out and did couch to 5k week 2 day 3. :) On to week 3!

Mon July 27

Today, I got up at the crack of dawn to do couch to 5K week 2 day 2

Sunday July 26

Today, I did couch to 5k week 2 day 1

Wed July 22nd

I was in Atlanta in meetings most of the day, but I did still do the couch to 5k week 1. I was feeling sickly, but I did it anyway.

Sat July 25

Today, I did step class. It was great to have Anita back :)

Couch 2 5K Day Two

I finally decided that I was ready for the couch to 5k, and I did day 2 today. Even though it was 10:30am, I had to do it in the 90 degree heat. I actually did better than I thought I would. It felt good.

I traveled today, so tough but ok on food.

Monday - Biko Day - Couch to 5K AGAIN

Today, I started out on the treadmill for 16 minutes. Then, I did my weight training with Biko. We did the weigh in and skin calipers, but it had only changed a little bit. I had lost 3 lbs though. Biko was mean again, and my triceps and thighs were burning like crazy. I have a blast laughing during the training sessions, but that Biko is tough. Mike also came today, and we saw Mark at the end of his. :)

I FINALLY started the couch 2 5k program again today. The whole family did it (even Morgan went in her cast but of course she walked and didn't run)