Today was Day 1 of my Total Immersion transformation. Today I went to 24 Hour Fitness before work for 1 hour.
I pulled on my new Total Immersion cap and reminded myself that whenever i pull on this cap I am swimming in a whole new world. Different goals, different priorities, different measurements of a good workout... like I said a whole new world.
This was my 'workout' today....
A bunch of 12.5 and 25's drill. From a pre-TI perspective that is how I would have thought about this workout. and I would have come away with pretty much nothing. No gained fitness, not improvement of technique. It would have been a waste of time.
However, now that I have taken the workshop I now see it as the best time I could have spent. I spent my time working on balance and relaxing my head. Specifically I worked on hanging my head. Here is what I found. If I push my hand forward and keep that muscle tension on I tend to use my head as part of my "force" of my stroke. If i didn't work so hard to keep my hand reaching forward i could relax my head, relax my shoulder and just let the power happen.
I only did 3 lengths of whole stroke free. And I did this in an unheard of 13 strokes. (Without a long push off either.) Also while I was drilling I did not work on breathing. If I had to breath I rolled onto my back like we did in the workshop and then rolled back and continued.
During the superman drills and skate I kept the propulsion kick going. However when I got to doing switches I let the kick go to nothing or just a small 2 BK except when I rolled on my back. If I was on my back I kicked a little but when I rolled back I stopped my kick because it really pointed out how much I "muscle" my way down the pull. Being at basically a stop really pointed out how my muscles were being triggered and allowed me to really focus on making it feel different.
The other distinctive thing I did was I did things to perfection. I didn't just do the drill to get the lengths in of the drill. I did the drill focusing on the 1 thing I wanted to concentrate on and doing that as perfectly as I could.
Here's a video that was taken of my pre-Ironman Canada 2007 that is probably pretty representative of my stroke as of about a month ago when I started working on the TI drills.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJSwVm3U1FY
And here is a video of what I want to look and feel like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJpFVvho0o4
Monday, October 05, 2009
Saturday, October 03, 2009
New Identity
Right now I am working on developing a new identity, changing from a Slow Fat Triathlete to a Slim Fast Triathlete. I know I can do it but here is what I think. Until I change my picture/view of myself I will not "transform" myself into something else. So as of today I am a Slim Fast Triathlete. Not a huge change but substantial. Many things will remain the same I am just modifying a couple things.
Slow to Slim
Slow to Slim
- S:
- L:
- O to I: Streamlined and slim
- W to M: Totally turn this around from weight to muscle
Fat to Fast
- Just adding and S here: Not a huge change just Slim and Slender
Day 1 of Total Immersion Workshop
Not to brag but my stroke looks better than it ever has at the beginning of this workshop. Granted there is a HUGE difference between 25 yards and 2500 yards. Holding that stroke can be a different story. I actually find though that if I keep it smooth and easy I can keep it that way longer.
Patience is going to be the key here. Practicing the drills and getting back to the basics. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do this while I'm swimming with my regular group. I'm not sure I have that amount of discipline to keep it together without trying to return to the normal mindset of yardage focus.
The main thing I think I need to work on is:
Patience is going to be the key here. Practicing the drills and getting back to the basics. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do this while I'm swimming with my regular group. I'm not sure I have that amount of discipline to keep it together without trying to return to the normal mindset of yardage focus.
The main thing I think I need to work on is:
- Head position: keeping it down more and stationary
- Breathing: Keeping my breathing in the same timing and same stroke as when I am not breathing. That will be a big one. I already know that my timing gets off when I swim and breath. I have a hard time keeping the same stroke.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Why Total Immersion
I have been thinking about why I want to take the TI wrkshop
One is to improve my Ironman swim the other is because I think swimming is the fountain of youth. My goal is to stay as healthy as I can for as long as I can. I think swimming truly is one of the few sports you can do for life. And if I am going to do this for a life I want to figure out a way to make swimming pleasurable and a place I can improve for as long as possible in my life.
Total Immersion Workshop
i decided I need some concrete goals prior to attending this TI workshop otherwise what am i spending my $$ on. After the workshop I'll figure out the how I'm getting there.
Gecko Swim 2.4 miles in May/June 2010 in 1:12
IMC 2011: 2.4 miles in 1:10
Gecko Swim 2.4 miles in May/June 2010 in 1:12
IMC 2011: 2.4 miles in 1:10
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Black Diamond Half Ironman 2009
I have to admit I was really nervous about this race. The morning of I was almost in tears thinking I did not have the fitness to even complete this race. So I set my task for the rest of that day to change my expectations for the race.
I always strive to improve my time from my previous time. However this year (or rather past 2 years) has been very different than what I had seen in my life when I did Ironman Canada in 2007. I would not exactly say that I "trained" for this event. I worked out and did workouts that would possibly enable me to complete this distance, not necessarily race this distance.
On my way up I worked on developing my "intent" for the race. I decided it was time for me to give up my expectations of how I should have trained or what I didn't do in preparation for this race. All that was behind me and there are no excuses. We all choose to spend out time the way we do and we all make other decisions that impact us every day.
So my "intent" for the race was a mantra of Enjoy the Experience, Relax, and Smooth. That is what I concentrated on. I did not concentrate on who I was passing, who was passing me, how fast I was going, etc. I concentrated instead on listening to my body, enjoying the sheer fact that I have the priviledge to participate in these type of events, I have the priviledge of getting to be around some extraordinarily motivated people who share at least some of the same ideals, and to appreciate the fact that there are still people out there who will go out of their way to come cheer me on in what must be one of the unproductive, boring events they can imagine.
I listened to my body in the morning. I had concentrated on eating a good amount the day before to make my glycogen stores pretty full so i did not have to have a huge breakfast that day. For breakfast i only had 1 bagel and peanut butter, not my usual pre race meal for this distance but it is what felt right. When i got to the race I set my stuff up and walked away and went to the lake and relaxed. My mom was there supporting me all along the way. I did not let her worry get to me either or annoy me which it often does. I tried to give her my perspective of the race and teach her about how to read the maps, figure out timing of things, etc. There's alot I just know from doing the race that makes it almost intuitive for me to figure these things out. I forget that most people don't have the same experience.
The swim was a bit rough at first. I felt my chest getting tight and I seemed to only be able to breathe on 1 side. Finally I relaxed and just enjoyed the feeling of being on top of the water. I could tell that my body position had changed this past year. In my wetsuit I felt like I was on top of the water. As a matter of fact I could feel myself lifting my leg out of the water sometimes when i kicked because I was riding so high. I found that I had lots of speeds I could maintain and i played with them.
Out of the water and onto the bike i expected the same route as last time. They cut out a big hill from the previous route. It was a perfect bike route for me gentle rolling hills and some long flat stretches where I could just push a big gear. There were times when i would get anxious about whether I would have enough in my legs to do the run. So I didn't go all out on the bike. i held back some.
Into transition and out the chute straight to the bathroom. one thing I know about this race is that 3 miles can be a long way to the next blue room. I knew that there was only 1 blue room per stop too which meant you could wait awhile. I went coming out of transition and was glad I did. I found another woman who was just my pace and I kept her in my sites the entire time. We traded leads on the run a couple times and I was impressed with her endurance because I honestly think of myself as being an exception to the rule that I have this pace and just have the endurance to hold it. I don't think many people my speed have that level of endurance. She surprisingly did. She held it until mile 10 where she fell off somewhere off the back. I did not even see her finish.
On the run I set my intent to make it to the first 5K without walking. This included the stretch of really rough unimproved road that I don't like. Once I got there I felt great (the first 30 minutes are always the worst part of any run for me). Then I concentrated on making the next 5 K as easy as the first, then at 10K to make the last 10K feel as good as the first 10K. I did pretty well to this point. In the last about 1.5 miles I started to really feel a muscle in my quad knotting up. Cardiovascularly and fatigue-wise I felt pretty good. My stomach was good for the most part except the initial sip of anything but that went away quickly. It was just this one muscle that was getting shorter and shorter that was hurting me. Makes me remember why you put in all those hours for an ironman. to just get your body used to the pounding more than anything else. The fitness cardiovascularly comes but the muscles learning how to stay loose and endure the pounding is quite another situation.
Anyway, I finished. I didn't know my time as I did not have a watch nor did I see a clock posting it anywhere. When I saw my brother I looked at the time and it was 3:25. That means I did it in 6.5 hours. I was amazed. i had no idea. I expected around 6:45 or so for this race. It was a nice surprise.
Now, 3 days after I again remember why you do all the things you do for an Ironman. you ride the bike you will ride for miles on end because you need to get the muscles (not necessarily your legs) used to holding you in that position. My traps are very sore as is my neck which is what I usually experience during an Ironman. my legs are still a bit sore but i swam most of that soreness out today.
All I have to say is I LOVE being Fit and Healthy. I just hope that I can keep doing this until I am 65. that is my goal.
I always strive to improve my time from my previous time. However this year (or rather past 2 years) has been very different than what I had seen in my life when I did Ironman Canada in 2007. I would not exactly say that I "trained" for this event. I worked out and did workouts that would possibly enable me to complete this distance, not necessarily race this distance.
On my way up I worked on developing my "intent" for the race. I decided it was time for me to give up my expectations of how I should have trained or what I didn't do in preparation for this race. All that was behind me and there are no excuses. We all choose to spend out time the way we do and we all make other decisions that impact us every day.
So my "intent" for the race was a mantra of Enjoy the Experience, Relax, and Smooth. That is what I concentrated on. I did not concentrate on who I was passing, who was passing me, how fast I was going, etc. I concentrated instead on listening to my body, enjoying the sheer fact that I have the priviledge to participate in these type of events, I have the priviledge of getting to be around some extraordinarily motivated people who share at least some of the same ideals, and to appreciate the fact that there are still people out there who will go out of their way to come cheer me on in what must be one of the unproductive, boring events they can imagine.
I listened to my body in the morning. I had concentrated on eating a good amount the day before to make my glycogen stores pretty full so i did not have to have a huge breakfast that day. For breakfast i only had 1 bagel and peanut butter, not my usual pre race meal for this distance but it is what felt right. When i got to the race I set my stuff up and walked away and went to the lake and relaxed. My mom was there supporting me all along the way. I did not let her worry get to me either or annoy me which it often does. I tried to give her my perspective of the race and teach her about how to read the maps, figure out timing of things, etc. There's alot I just know from doing the race that makes it almost intuitive for me to figure these things out. I forget that most people don't have the same experience.
The swim was a bit rough at first. I felt my chest getting tight and I seemed to only be able to breathe on 1 side. Finally I relaxed and just enjoyed the feeling of being on top of the water. I could tell that my body position had changed this past year. In my wetsuit I felt like I was on top of the water. As a matter of fact I could feel myself lifting my leg out of the water sometimes when i kicked because I was riding so high. I found that I had lots of speeds I could maintain and i played with them.
Out of the water and onto the bike i expected the same route as last time. They cut out a big hill from the previous route. It was a perfect bike route for me gentle rolling hills and some long flat stretches where I could just push a big gear. There were times when i would get anxious about whether I would have enough in my legs to do the run. So I didn't go all out on the bike. i held back some.
Into transition and out the chute straight to the bathroom. one thing I know about this race is that 3 miles can be a long way to the next blue room. I knew that there was only 1 blue room per stop too which meant you could wait awhile. I went coming out of transition and was glad I did. I found another woman who was just my pace and I kept her in my sites the entire time. We traded leads on the run a couple times and I was impressed with her endurance because I honestly think of myself as being an exception to the rule that I have this pace and just have the endurance to hold it. I don't think many people my speed have that level of endurance. She surprisingly did. She held it until mile 10 where she fell off somewhere off the back. I did not even see her finish.
On the run I set my intent to make it to the first 5K without walking. This included the stretch of really rough unimproved road that I don't like. Once I got there I felt great (the first 30 minutes are always the worst part of any run for me). Then I concentrated on making the next 5 K as easy as the first, then at 10K to make the last 10K feel as good as the first 10K. I did pretty well to this point. In the last about 1.5 miles I started to really feel a muscle in my quad knotting up. Cardiovascularly and fatigue-wise I felt pretty good. My stomach was good for the most part except the initial sip of anything but that went away quickly. It was just this one muscle that was getting shorter and shorter that was hurting me. Makes me remember why you put in all those hours for an ironman. to just get your body used to the pounding more than anything else. The fitness cardiovascularly comes but the muscles learning how to stay loose and endure the pounding is quite another situation.
Anyway, I finished. I didn't know my time as I did not have a watch nor did I see a clock posting it anywhere. When I saw my brother I looked at the time and it was 3:25. That means I did it in 6.5 hours. I was amazed. i had no idea. I expected around 6:45 or so for this race. It was a nice surprise.
Now, 3 days after I again remember why you do all the things you do for an Ironman. you ride the bike you will ride for miles on end because you need to get the muscles (not necessarily your legs) used to holding you in that position. My traps are very sore as is my neck which is what I usually experience during an Ironman. my legs are still a bit sore but i swam most of that soreness out today.
All I have to say is I LOVE being Fit and Healthy. I just hope that I can keep doing this until I am 65. that is my goal.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Pacing
Today my main set was
5 X 100 on 1:50 (wetronome set at 1.3) tried to keep pace at 19 - 20 BPL
5 X 200 on 3:40
1 X 500
I used the Wetronome to keep my pacing the same. i did pretty well throughout the 100's holding 19 and 20 beeps per length. However when i got into the 3rd 200 I was definitely doing more like 20 - 21 BPL. I also noticed that I wasn't necessarily doing each arm stroke the same. I think what I found is that when i breathe, particularly to my right I drop my hand so my stroke is actually much faster and it gets me off. The left side I do not feel like i lift my head or drop my hand nearly as much. This is a great area for me to focus on and improve my stroke and get a better catch and a more streamline position. I can almost feel the fatigue as i sit here in the top of that shoulder from pressing it down in teh water to get my head up.
5 X 100 on 1:50 (wetronome set at 1.3) tried to keep pace at 19 - 20 BPL
5 X 200 on 3:40
1 X 500
I used the Wetronome to keep my pacing the same. i did pretty well throughout the 100's holding 19 and 20 beeps per length. However when i got into the 3rd 200 I was definitely doing more like 20 - 21 BPL. I also noticed that I wasn't necessarily doing each arm stroke the same. I think what I found is that when i breathe, particularly to my right I drop my hand so my stroke is actually much faster and it gets me off. The left side I do not feel like i lift my head or drop my hand nearly as much. This is a great area for me to focus on and improve my stroke and get a better catch and a more streamline position. I can almost feel the fatigue as i sit here in the top of that shoulder from pressing it down in teh water to get my head up.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Breakthrough
I had a revelation today. I'm not sure how resolve it yet but I've had the revelation and that is at least half the answer to the problem.
This week I have been concentrating on why when I get home I walk through the kitchen and I immediately put something in my mouth. Sometimes I'm hungry but usually I'm not really hungry but I do it anyway. So, why? Why do I do this? I'm not bored. I'm not lonely. I realized that I have this tension that I am trying to resolve.
I look forward to coming home because it means I get to spend time with my little Moo, E'llee. I love this time we have together. It's fabulous. But the other part of it is that I am also coming home to Barb. Please don't get me wrong Barb is a wonderful lady but here's the deal....
I want home to be a safe haven. I want to be comfortable and be able to create the atmosphere of my household. However, when I get home there are a few things:
This week I have been concentrating on why when I get home I walk through the kitchen and I immediately put something in my mouth. Sometimes I'm hungry but usually I'm not really hungry but I do it anyway. So, why? Why do I do this? I'm not bored. I'm not lonely. I realized that I have this tension that I am trying to resolve.
I look forward to coming home because it means I get to spend time with my little Moo, E'llee. I love this time we have together. It's fabulous. But the other part of it is that I am also coming home to Barb. Please don't get me wrong Barb is a wonderful lady but here's the deal....
I want home to be a safe haven. I want to be comfortable and be able to create the atmosphere of my household. However, when I get home there are a few things:
- Barb is already there so in essence has already influenced the mood of the house.
- Barb is sick and I am hypersensitive to her moods,
- I learned this hypersensitivity as a survival technique when I was an adolescent with my dad.
Now Barb has never really been all that grumpy much less explosive with me. However, she does "kick the dog". Tawnie is the next one down on the totem pole from her and she gets really cranky with Tawnie. I can tell her mood by how she treats Tawnie or how Tawnie is acting.
I am hypersensitive to that. I feel the mood. I am flooded by that emotion. I expect an outburst anytime but quite honestly the outburst is more likely from me than from Barb. It is odd because I find myself getting annoyed with the same stuff that I used to get in trouble for with my dad that I learned to by super attentive to over time.
For example, putting away and cleaning up after ourselves was something my dad would explode about if it wasn't done. He did this because he didn't feel good enough to do these things and my mom was already taking on lots of extra responsibility. I'm sure he felt super helpless about being the cause of my mom's extra stress and not being able to do some simple things to help her out like making sure the dishes were put away and kitchen was clean when she came home. Cognitively I get that. Emotionally I still resent the fact that it felt like it always fell on me. Why was I always the one that had to clean it up?
I get home now, what 25 years later in life and I have the same feelings from a slightly different angle. I come home and I always make sure that when I leave the sink is clean of dishes because there are always a few trickle in dishes after dinner it seems. And I try to make sure that the dishes are put away so that if someone dirties a dish it can be put in the dishwasher. HOwever when I get home there are dishes in the sink. And if I ran dishes in the morning instead or didn't put them away I get home and the dishes are still sitting in the dishwasher.
This really triggers something in me. I get the same feeling I got when I was an adolescent. Why does it fall on me? She is home for many hours in a day. Many times the dishes are just left on the counter wherever she happened to make her lunch much less in the sink or god forbid in the dishwasher. Can it really be that much more effort to rinse the bowl out and put it in the dishwasher? And, why can't she put away dishes? Almost everything is within 2 steps of the dishwasher. 90% of the stuff that comes out of the dishwasher is within arms reach if stand on one side and then the other side. It's pretty damn easy. So why does it feel like it is always me?
And I see the pressure on Cate. I again feel like that adolescent who needs/wants their parents (in this case partner's) attention and I resent the fact that so much time and energy go to this other person who really shouldn't be taking up the lion's share of her time and energy. (Well except for the fact that she is ill). I think there is even double resentment because not only do I feel that for myself I feel that for E'llee too. I feel like Cate is missing out on being a mom sometimes to E'llee because she is so wrapped up in Barb's stuff. And I feel like E'llee misses out on things from her mom because of Cate trying to balance her mom, work and family. It feels like we are third priority. We are always the thing that can be flexed. Which we really are? We do not usually have appointment times or deadlines.
So, back onto the food thing. Here is what I find myself doing. I look forward to going home and spending time with E'llee and cooking a nice meal for Cate and I. I get home and I am suddenly anxious. By the time I hit the kitchen after picking up E'llee and stripping off my bike clothes in the laundry room I am compulsively reaching for something to put in my mouth. I'm not sure if I feel really soothed by the food because I find that I keep reaching for it on instinct unless I go distract myself with something else. That is why going for a run immediately after I get home or taking E'llee to the park or swimming is a good thing for me. It helps break that cycle a little. Granted I encounter it again when I return home but I've gotten through the critical point.
Like I said at the beginning I don't know how to resolve it. However acknowledging that is what is going on for me is huge. Admitting that that is why I have this love/hate relationship with being home is a big deal.
I've been trying to create a little more grey in the world for myself this week. This is also something really difficult for me, I'm very good at black and white. I have been trying to embrace something Renee said about letting both things be true. An example is, I can be slender and safe. THis is something that has always been an or for me. I can either be slender or I can be safe. It doesn't have to be this way.
So I know I have this tension between wanting to home and not wanting to be home. What is the AND there. I can be support Barb in her illness (perhaps I should change this to treatment) and create the atmosphere I want in my home. I'm just not convinced of that yet....
Renee has a new subject she has been exploring (compulsions). She just posted a new podcast which I am grateful for because I did the homework of figuringout what the trigger is for me when I get home. In this episode she has you blow through that compulsive feeling by visualizing a more perfect you, embrace I think is her terminology. And you release this tension by pulling it back and then letting it go like a slingshot so that you are exploding with this more perfect self. And you just kind of keep doing this over and over again until you feel the release. I'm having a hard time seeing that more perfect me in that situation. I get so bogged down in the resentment it's hard to visualize something positive coming from that. But I'll work on it. That is my goal for this week. I know that if I can master this compulsion I will be able to easily lose weight and get to my naturally slender self. I just have this thing in front of me right now that i'm not sure how to hurdle.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Starting to drop my 100 pace
Today throughout whatever set we were doing my 100 pace was lower than normal. even during a set of
100 Free
50 Stroke
100 free
50 Stoke
100 Free
50 Stroke
100 free
The free was on a 1:45 and I held about a 1:38 pace on that even though it was at 75% of the way through the workout.
I'm really happy with it. It seems like I'm having to think less to keep everything together too. I'm able to think aobut some other things like my hips instead of just my hand position. i'm excited maybe i will be able to swim a 1;10 IM!
100 Free
50 Stroke
100 free
50 Stoke
100 Free
50 Stroke
100 free
The free was on a 1:45 and I held about a 1:38 pace on that even though it was at 75% of the way through the workout.
I'm really happy with it. It seems like I'm having to think less to keep everything together too. I'm able to think aobut some other things like my hips instead of just my hand position. i'm excited maybe i will be able to swim a 1;10 IM!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Great swim this morning
today there were was only Chris and I at practice this morning so i have lots of space and time. I did drills for about the first 1000 yards and then we did a set of 10 X 100 on 1:50.
First, this is a fast pace for me for 10 X 100's. I would usually do this set on 1:55 or 2:00. however I decided... I'll do the 1:50 interval expecting to hold 1:45's. Preceding the set was 2 X 200's and I figured i would try these on 3:40 shooting for holding the 1:45 pace.
I did the 200's in 3:25 easily, 5 seconds faster than I expected. So I figured holding the 1:45 pace would be about right with 5 seconds rest.
Then I started and I did the first 100 in 1:37. I basically held the pace easily throughout. I focused on relaxing my hand in the front primarily and my kick was minimal. Everything just felt like it was flowing. It was good stuff. Faster and easier that's perfect!
First, this is a fast pace for me for 10 X 100's. I would usually do this set on 1:55 or 2:00. however I decided... I'll do the 1:50 interval expecting to hold 1:45's. Preceding the set was 2 X 200's and I figured i would try these on 3:40 shooting for holding the 1:45 pace.
I did the 200's in 3:25 easily, 5 seconds faster than I expected. So I figured holding the 1:45 pace would be about right with 5 seconds rest.
Then I started and I did the first 100 in 1:37. I basically held the pace easily throughout. I focused on relaxing my hand in the front primarily and my kick was minimal. Everything just felt like it was flowing. It was good stuff. Faster and easier that's perfect!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Still recovering...
I got something akin to the flu this week. I couldn't sleep Tuesday night and my stomach was upset. I ended up throwing up and had soreness, headache etc. for the next two days. That's all it lasted so I'm not sure if it was flu or if it was more like something I ate. We had gone to Red Robin and I had fries that were really greasy and that could have set my stomach off.
I haven't done much this week. Today I ran for the first time and really the last real run before the 1/2 Ironman. I did a 90 minute run and did the Lance Armstrong Interval workout for the first 40 minutes and then just ran for the last 40. It felt good. I have been a bit concerned about my fitness for the 1/2 Ironman but really at this point there is little I can do. I certainly have not been following a training plan, more of a fitness plan. It will be interesting to see how it goes.
I'm pretty sure I got infected when I did the Hood to Coast. A note remembering that an event like that can really cost you with long term effects.
I haven't done much this week. Today I ran for the first time and really the last real run before the 1/2 Ironman. I did a 90 minute run and did the Lance Armstrong Interval workout for the first 40 minutes and then just ran for the last 40. It felt good. I have been a bit concerned about my fitness for the 1/2 Ironman but really at this point there is little I can do. I certainly have not been following a training plan, more of a fitness plan. It will be interesting to see how it goes.
I'm pretty sure I got infected when I did the Hood to Coast. A note remembering that an event like that can really cost you with long term effects.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Hood to Coast Recovery
Today was my first workout/run since Hood to Coast. I feel pretty good about everything. I found that there was no pain in any of the joints. My quads were a very different story however. Running uphill was fine but boy downhill its as if I could feel all the little tears in my muscle. It tells me that you use your muscles differently in those two activities. My guess is that it is either the contracting of the muscle of the lengthening of hte muscle that you use in one and not the other because I believe it is still the same muscle itself.
Today I worked on eating like a naturally slender person. I ate when I was hungry and tried to stop when I felt satisfied. That was probably the hardest part especially if something was particularly good. I had to remind myself of the abundance. I had made 2 yummy mushroom pizzas and only ate one although I really wanted to eat the other. THe other thing I made was a shrimp salad sandwich which was also very yummy. I had half a bagel with it and fruit and just a few doritos. It again was hard to stop with just that. I am going to work on thinking about stretching the flavor versus sucking it all in at the beginning. THere is an abundance and I can always make it again. I do not have to eat it all right now.
The other thing I've noticed this week is that we have soooooo much food in our house at any one time. I haven't had to make a trip to the store all week. I actually have a hard time using up all the fresh veggies and fruit before they go bad. LEarning how to shop for the quantity you need is an art. So is cooking for a small group. We seem to always have more than we need. It feels like we always have to have leftovers and that you only want so much leftovers. I think this is another area to work on because it all feeds into the other.
Today I worked on eating like a naturally slender person. I ate when I was hungry and tried to stop when I felt satisfied. That was probably the hardest part especially if something was particularly good. I had to remind myself of the abundance. I had made 2 yummy mushroom pizzas and only ate one although I really wanted to eat the other. THe other thing I made was a shrimp salad sandwich which was also very yummy. I had half a bagel with it and fruit and just a few doritos. It again was hard to stop with just that. I am going to work on thinking about stretching the flavor versus sucking it all in at the beginning. THere is an abundance and I can always make it again. I do not have to eat it all right now.
The other thing I've noticed this week is that we have soooooo much food in our house at any one time. I haven't had to make a trip to the store all week. I actually have a hard time using up all the fresh veggies and fruit before they go bad. LEarning how to shop for the quantity you need is an art. So is cooking for a small group. We seem to always have more than we need. It feels like we always have to have leftovers and that you only want so much leftovers. I think this is another area to work on because it all feeds into the other.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Body fat calculations
So if I take my body fat that I measured today then at 0% body fat I would be 109. At 20% body fat I would be 132. So goal weight would be around 135. So about 140 would be fabulous. That means that I have about 55 lbs. to lose.
Time to get serious again. I know I can do this. Just takes time and focus.
Time to get serious again. I know I can do this. Just takes time and focus.
Ironman Canada 2011
I just watched the highlights for IM Canada 2009. Boy do I want to do that again. LOVE that race! Love that feeling!
What if I were fitter and faster than ever before? How would that feel? WOuldn't that be awesome? I would LOVE to go under 13 hours. I know I could do it.
So I guess it's time to start setting my goals for the next two years to get ready for this goal. First and foremost is getting my weight down to a normal range. That will be my biggest asset. THe other is making sure I have the training time and can balance working and training and E'llee!
What if I were fitter and faster than ever before? How would that feel? WOuldn't that be awesome? I would LOVE to go under 13 hours. I know I could do it.
So I guess it's time to start setting my goals for the next two years to get ready for this goal. First and foremost is getting my weight down to a normal range. That will be my biggest asset. THe other is making sure I have the training time and can balance working and training and E'llee!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Hood to Coast
Yes, I finally did the Hood to Coast.
Would I ever do it again? Ummmmm.... maybe. Not really my cup of tea.
I did better than I thought I would do. I had leg 6 whose 2nd leg goes uphill for 4 miles. I didn't think I would do well with that but I did. I kept the same pace throughout just a bit slower than my first leg which was downhill quite a bit.
I kept a 10:15 pace for most of my legs. Hilary and I talked about it and he said I am probably a tempo runner in that I will try to keep the same pace regardless of the terrain. So on the downhill I don't push the pace but relax and on the uphill I push it harder to keep it up.
Would I ever do it again? Ummmmm.... maybe. Not really my cup of tea.
I did better than I thought I would do. I had leg 6 whose 2nd leg goes uphill for 4 miles. I didn't think I would do well with that but I did. I kept the same pace throughout just a bit slower than my first leg which was downhill quite a bit.
I kept a 10:15 pace for most of my legs. Hilary and I talked about it and he said I am probably a tempo runner in that I will try to keep the same pace regardless of the terrain. So on the downhill I don't push the pace but relax and on the uphill I push it harder to keep it up.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Test Swim Set
Today I picked out the test set workout. I didn't realize it was that workout until I pulled it out.
During the warm up I just did the TI drills working my way up to whole stroke freestyle. Warm up was 100 kick, 100 swim, 100 kick, 200 swim, 100 kick, 300 swim, 100 kick, 400 swim.
Then we did a set of 6 X 100's 75 Build Free, 25 K... Odds Free, evens back.
Test set was
4 X 100 @ 1:55
2 X 100 @ 1:45
4 X 100 @ 1:50
2 X 100 @ 1:40
I made all of them pretty much on 1:40 except the last one. It was a 1:43.
I focused on letting gravity help me. To relax into my stroke and let gravity push me forward instead of strength. I found I was not that tired when i was done although my stroke was falling apart a bit at the end. When you relax it doesn't fall apart. It's when you put all that effort into it that it falls apart.
I also focused a little bit today with exhaling through the full cycle. I think I'll concentrate on this more when I feel a bit more comfortable with all the nuances. I did feel like it relaxed me more so it's worth the effort but my brain can only concentrate on so many things.
I did notice today when my hand didn't hit the right spot which is good. I really felt it when I crossed over so that is huge progress too.
During the warm up I just did the TI drills working my way up to whole stroke freestyle. Warm up was 100 kick, 100 swim, 100 kick, 200 swim, 100 kick, 300 swim, 100 kick, 400 swim.
Then we did a set of 6 X 100's 75 Build Free, 25 K... Odds Free, evens back.
Test set was
4 X 100 @ 1:55
2 X 100 @ 1:45
4 X 100 @ 1:50
2 X 100 @ 1:40
I made all of them pretty much on 1:40 except the last one. It was a 1:43.
I focused on letting gravity help me. To relax into my stroke and let gravity push me forward instead of strength. I found I was not that tired when i was done although my stroke was falling apart a bit at the end. When you relax it doesn't fall apart. It's when you put all that effort into it that it falls apart.
I also focused a little bit today with exhaling through the full cycle. I think I'll concentrate on this more when I feel a bit more comfortable with all the nuances. I did feel like it relaxed me more so it's worth the effort but my brain can only concentrate on so many things.
I did notice today when my hand didn't hit the right spot which is good. I really felt it when I crossed over so that is huge progress too.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Yeah! Swimming!
It's great to see some old friendly faces back at the old pool! Sybil has returned to be somewhat regular. Wilderness Chris, is back in the pool too! Now if we can get Rob back into the pool and Ann back in September that would be awesome!
Anyway, today was a masters day. I truthfully was not looking forward to it as I felt like crap in the water yesterday. So I went reluctantly hoping that it would feel better than yesterday and it DID! YEAH!!!
I did not do many drills however I have spend about 4.5 hours doing drills over the past 3 days. It's hard to do drills when you are expected to do a written workout. So I incorporate them in the warm up and then try to have a focus for every set.
Todays sets were:
Warm up 800 yards
3 X (100, 50, 50) 100 DPS, 50 Side Kick, 50 Catch up
8 X 50 1:00
4 X 100 1:55
2 X 200 3:40
8 X 50 1:00
The main set was easy. Usually it would be really tiring for me and I would be struggling at the end but I ended the 8 X 50's on the same :50. Things felt good and effortless. I didn't feel any strain in my neck at all. I noticed I let my head relax and my focus was lower than usual and so my breathing was not as big of a turn of my head. I also focused on keeping my hand relaxed both on recovery and catch. That makes a huge difference. No energy just disipating for no reason. I see things now with completely different eyes now. It's good.
Anyway, today was a masters day. I truthfully was not looking forward to it as I felt like crap in the water yesterday. So I went reluctantly hoping that it would feel better than yesterday and it DID! YEAH!!!
I did not do many drills however I have spend about 4.5 hours doing drills over the past 3 days. It's hard to do drills when you are expected to do a written workout. So I incorporate them in the warm up and then try to have a focus for every set.
Todays sets were:
Warm up 800 yards
3 X (100, 50, 50) 100 DPS, 50 Side Kick, 50 Catch up
8 X 50 1:00
4 X 100 1:55
2 X 200 3:40
8 X 50 1:00
The main set was easy. Usually it would be really tiring for me and I would be struggling at the end but I ended the 8 X 50's on the same :50. Things felt good and effortless. I didn't feel any strain in my neck at all. I noticed I let my head relax and my focus was lower than usual and so my breathing was not as big of a turn of my head. I also focused on keeping my hand relaxed both on recovery and catch. That makes a huge difference. No energy just disipating for no reason. I see things now with completely different eyes now. It's good.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Swim
I swam this morning. At first I felt like I had lost "that feeling". However, as I kept swimming it came back. I wish I could describe it in words. Its feeling long but not stretched because when I stretch forward I over rotate. Long and relaxed, maybe.
15 - 16 strokes seems to be my ideal/length right now. If I could keep that stroke count and increase my velocity I think that would be ideal. It seems to be the stroke count where I have the most flexibility of speed.
The other thing I discovered is coming into the walls let the hand float out there longer and then let both arms take you around. Creates a much faster flip.
Today:
90 min Bike
60 min Swim
60 min run
That's the intent anyway.
15 - 16 strokes seems to be my ideal/length right now. If I could keep that stroke count and increase my velocity I think that would be ideal. It seems to be the stroke count where I have the most flexibility of speed.
The other thing I discovered is coming into the walls let the hand float out there longer and then let both arms take you around. Creates a much faster flip.
Today:
90 min Bike
60 min Swim
60 min run
That's the intent anyway.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Swimming with arelaxed hand
Relaxing my hand is the key for me right now to increse my stroke length. The other thing for me to remember is to allow my should to relax too. Not bunch my shoulders up around my ears.
I have also beedn concentrating on keeping a calm focus. Letting my mind relax and focus on one thing at a time.
Its helping a lot. It is very different for me but I am starting to feel like those people in the video who have smooth beautiful and efficient strokes.
Sent from my BlackBerry.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Total Immersion Ideas and Notes
Perpetual motion Freestyle presentation:
- Practice with Intent: Thinking about not just getting from one end of the pool to the other but everything you do in between
- Improvement Oriented Swimmer: Swim better than ever have in life
- Swimming is a concious act not a natural feeling
- Yard are to imprint correct movement
- Intervals are to be used to accomplish a task. Go when ready to complete the task in the manner of the intent.
- Gap between propulsive force and resistive force need to get bigger
- Resistive force is easier to change and improve
Training so far this week
I'm not sure exactly what I'm going to do this weekend. I'm thinking a 2 hour run tomorrow morning and then a long ride on Sunday. I may ride out to Michelle's party tomorrow too.
Monday: Ride 90, Run 90
Tuesday: Ride 90 , Swim 90
Wednesday: Ride 90, Run 60
Thursday: Ride 90, Swim 90
Friday: Ride 90
So far this week that is 13 hours.
Monday: Ride 90, Run 90
Tuesday: Ride 90 , Swim 90
Wednesday: Ride 90, Run 60
Thursday: Ride 90, Swim 90
Friday: Ride 90
So far this week that is 13 hours.
Do Over
Today Barb had to go into the ER again. I noticed however that I was compelled to compulsively eat. I did try to find other things to distract me but noticed that my hand kept going to my mouth.
I did try to control it a bit by just recognizing and acknowledging what I think was triggering it for me. That helped but did not stop it entirely.
I did try to control it a bit by just recognizing and acknowledging what I think was triggering it for me. That helped but did not stop it entirely.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Relaxed swimming
Today my concentration was on:
- Relaxing my hand
- Splashless entry
- Figuring out the right amount of roll
The #1 thing for me right now is relaxing my hand when it enters. I notice immediately that my hand and forearm almost double the amount of surface area when I relax my hand. My palm is automatically in teh right position to catch the water. Also my arm is deeper and ready to catch more water at the front of the stroke.
I find that I resist letting my hand go as deep as it will when it is relaxed. The habits in my body are to keep it close to the surface. I find if I just relax my stroke and let my hand "sink" naturally that works.
The splashless entry is really not a huge deal I think at this point except that it really does make you think about how you are placing your hand. I find that I sometimes do not relax however when I concentrate on the splashless entry.
Now the right amount of roll is key. Not too much. Not too little. That requires those midline stablilizers and training them. Again I need to just relax. I can feel when I go beyond my sweet spot. I just haven't drilled the sweet spot in yet. It's coming.
Did long swimming today just focusing on relaxing. My intent was to swim the last 25% of each distance more relaxed than the first 75% yet maintain the same speed.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Swimming relaxed
Today I watched a video with Terry McLaughlin talking about swimming and something just clicked. Relax. Relax the hand. Relax the shoulder. Relax the legs.
It just clicked so I was very interested to try it out and WOW!!!! I totally felt it. When I relaxed my hand on entry I totally felt like I was sccopping the water instead of pulling through it. It was great.
I did lots of yards. Never got tired. Felt smooth and relaxed. It was awesome. The video was from the Beginners triathlete site. They had 2 part to it. I hope to feel it again.
It just clicked so I was very interested to try it out and WOW!!!! I totally felt it. When I relaxed my hand on entry I totally felt like I was sccopping the water instead of pulling through it. It was great.
I did lots of yards. Never got tired. Felt smooth and relaxed. It was awesome. The video was from the Beginners triathlete site. They had 2 part to it. I hope to feel it again.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Hot Days
I am trying to practice my relaxation technique of trying to just breath into the fact that sometimes things don't work the way you want but that you are blessed with another opportunity instead.
With the heat it is a little difficult (minimally really uncomfortable) to do all my workouts in the time frames I usually do them in. There is only so many workouts you can get in before work you know.
So last night I contented myself with reminding myself that I had done an extra run on Sunday in anticipation of the heat the next 3 days and didn't try to go running.
This morning I missed swimming because we slept in the other room and I had set my watch to go off but apparently did not hear it. But today Shirley has a doctor appt so will take E'llee with her to that and bring her over afterwards. So I can run to the gym for a bit after I get off work and get a workout in. Good stuff. cool and won't add any additional time to my transitions. And dinner is already made! Camarones soup!
With the heat it is a little difficult (minimally really uncomfortable) to do all my workouts in the time frames I usually do them in. There is only so many workouts you can get in before work you know.
So last night I contented myself with reminding myself that I had done an extra run on Sunday in anticipation of the heat the next 3 days and didn't try to go running.
This morning I missed swimming because we slept in the other room and I had set my watch to go off but apparently did not hear it. But today Shirley has a doctor appt so will take E'llee with her to that and bring her over afterwards. So I can run to the gym for a bit after I get off work and get a workout in. Good stuff. cool and won't add any additional time to my transitions. And dinner is already made! Camarones soup!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Paradigm shift
So I am one of those people who is pretty much an all or nothing person. I am wholely commited or not. I am completely passionate, or not. I do not do balance well. It is something I struggle with.
However this week I had training Monday - Wednesday which I don't like because my routine got broken. I didn't get to ride in the mornings and afternoons.
The other things I determined is that if I don't sweat enough to need a shower it doesn't count.
Well Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday i decided that during lunch I would find somewhere I could go and walk instead of going somewhere to eat. This is not something I would have done in teh past.
I found that I enjoyed the walk and felt renewed and usually less hungry immediately after the walk. I timed my food so that I ate when i was hungry instead of at specific times too. I brought good healthy food from home and enjoyed that instead of eating a burger or going to the Sweet Tomatos buffet and over eating during lunch.
However this week I had training Monday - Wednesday which I don't like because my routine got broken. I didn't get to ride in the mornings and afternoons.
The other things I determined is that if I don't sweat enough to need a shower it doesn't count.
Well Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday i decided that during lunch I would find somewhere I could go and walk instead of going somewhere to eat. This is not something I would have done in teh past.
I found that I enjoyed the walk and felt renewed and usually less hungry immediately after the walk. I timed my food so that I ate when i was hungry instead of at specific times too. I brought good healthy food from home and enjoyed that instead of eating a burger or going to the Sweet Tomatos buffet and over eating during lunch.
Do Over
I am trying to use the technique of doing a mistake over and reworking it so that next time it will be better.
Last night was a frustrating night. I took off early from work to take E'llee swimming. We had a good time but afterwards she wanted to go to the park. I thought Etta was going to be there at 5 so I figured I would go home and get ready for a ride. Etta didn't show up until 5:30 and E'llee was pretty needy and demanding so I spent my time meeting E'llee's demands and not getting ready for a ride and trying to watch the TT from the tour.
When they arrived, things went smoothly and I got ready for my ride. I swapped out my pedals, put new tubes on both wheels and checked the tires for glass. Got my stuff ready and finally got out for a ride.
About 7 miles in I got a flat. I had scrounged to find the 1 canister of Co2 I could find and accidentally blew off about half the cartridge and could not limp home on that little in the tire without damaging the rim. So I called Cate for an emergency ride or pump. It felt like the tire was still not holding air so I decided to give up the ghost and just go home.
Cate and Hannah had been at Shirley's purse party but decided that they would go to Macy's and look at purses there as the purses at the party were over priced. So they dropped me off and went off to shop. I took my shower and made myself some nachos. I made less than what I would usually make at first but then ended up making another batch. not because I was hungry or even particularly enjoying them. I was filling the feeling. I was disappointed, frustrated, and wanted to just relax and do what I wanted. So if this is what I could do then that is what I was going to do.
So needless to say I wasn't happy with the fact that I over ate. However, I am happy that I know exactly why I overate. So now the do over. What to do instead?
I think instead I need to change my perspective on the whole situation. I looked at what I didn't have or couldn't do instead of what I did get from the situation.
Last night was a frustrating night. I took off early from work to take E'llee swimming. We had a good time but afterwards she wanted to go to the park. I thought Etta was going to be there at 5 so I figured I would go home and get ready for a ride. Etta didn't show up until 5:30 and E'llee was pretty needy and demanding so I spent my time meeting E'llee's demands and not getting ready for a ride and trying to watch the TT from the tour.
When they arrived, things went smoothly and I got ready for my ride. I swapped out my pedals, put new tubes on both wheels and checked the tires for glass. Got my stuff ready and finally got out for a ride.
About 7 miles in I got a flat. I had scrounged to find the 1 canister of Co2 I could find and accidentally blew off about half the cartridge and could not limp home on that little in the tire without damaging the rim. So I called Cate for an emergency ride or pump. It felt like the tire was still not holding air so I decided to give up the ghost and just go home.
Cate and Hannah had been at Shirley's purse party but decided that they would go to Macy's and look at purses there as the purses at the party were over priced. So they dropped me off and went off to shop. I took my shower and made myself some nachos. I made less than what I would usually make at first but then ended up making another batch. not because I was hungry or even particularly enjoying them. I was filling the feeling. I was disappointed, frustrated, and wanted to just relax and do what I wanted. So if this is what I could do then that is what I was going to do.
So needless to say I wasn't happy with the fact that I over ate. However, I am happy that I know exactly why I overate. So now the do over. What to do instead?
I think instead I need to change my perspective on the whole situation. I looked at what I didn't have or couldn't do instead of what I did get from the situation.
- I got to take E'llee swimming
- I got to spend time with E'llee enjoying her energy while waiting for etta
- I am blessed to have Etta in my and E'llee's life and that she is so dedicated to being a part of E'llee's life
- I did get to watch most of the tour
- I have a partner who will come rescue me whenever I need it
I was focussing on the things I didn't have and the limited time I had. I will change my frame of reference next time and look at the abundance of things I have. not at the limitations.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Naturally Slender Eating #7
Episode # 7
Discussion of metabolism and how to eat based on your metabolism. I have always seen myself as someone with a slow metabolism. I am active yet do not appear to be able to eat like many of the people who work out as much or less than i do. However I honestly think that the truth may be in the times I don't see them. They likely do not consume as much when I am not around.
There are many people around me who are over weight so if I compare myself to those people I eat an average amount. However, if I compare myself to people around me who are naturally slender I notice that they don't eat as much nor as fast. I watch Hilary eat. He takes the entire morning to consume a bagel. Give me a break. If there is food in front of me it is gone.
I am working on slowing down so that I pay more attention to where I am at with my fullness and whether I have had enough. I actually find I enjoy the food more even though I may not eat as much. I enjoy the flavors instead of the quantity. It's another mind shift for me.
So her point here is to eat like a Naturally slender person. That being that those who are Naturally Slender are able to adjust their eating naturally based on various factors. That is the balance that I want to master. How do they know when to start or stop eating? HUNGER
I have noticed lately that I am afraid to be hungry. When I get hungry I feel this compulsion to eat to get rid of the feeling. Why should my response be fear? Have I ever not had enough? Never. Am I likely to not have food in the future? No. So why fear? Is the fear based on the feeling? Am I just afraid to feel? I wonder if this is more the issue? My tendency is to stuff my feelings. So I stuff my hunger (but is this a feeling or a sensation?) with food.
One of the tools she recommends is to use a hunger diary. To rate your hunger on a scale of 1 - 10 of how hungry you are before you eat and after you eat. I doubt I will actually keep a diary as I have a hard time with having the same format with me all the time but I can definitely keep track of and ask myself where am I currently on the scale before I eat and after I eat.
Discussion of metabolism and how to eat based on your metabolism. I have always seen myself as someone with a slow metabolism. I am active yet do not appear to be able to eat like many of the people who work out as much or less than i do. However I honestly think that the truth may be in the times I don't see them. They likely do not consume as much when I am not around.
There are many people around me who are over weight so if I compare myself to those people I eat an average amount. However, if I compare myself to people around me who are naturally slender I notice that they don't eat as much nor as fast. I watch Hilary eat. He takes the entire morning to consume a bagel. Give me a break. If there is food in front of me it is gone.
I am working on slowing down so that I pay more attention to where I am at with my fullness and whether I have had enough. I actually find I enjoy the food more even though I may not eat as much. I enjoy the flavors instead of the quantity. It's another mind shift for me.
So her point here is to eat like a Naturally slender person. That being that those who are Naturally Slender are able to adjust their eating naturally based on various factors. That is the balance that I want to master. How do they know when to start or stop eating? HUNGER
I have noticed lately that I am afraid to be hungry. When I get hungry I feel this compulsion to eat to get rid of the feeling. Why should my response be fear? Have I ever not had enough? Never. Am I likely to not have food in the future? No. So why fear? Is the fear based on the feeling? Am I just afraid to feel? I wonder if this is more the issue? My tendency is to stuff my feelings. So I stuff my hunger (but is this a feeling or a sensation?) with food.
One of the tools she recommends is to use a hunger diary. To rate your hunger on a scale of 1 - 10 of how hungry you are before you eat and after you eat. I doubt I will actually keep a diary as I have a hard time with having the same format with me all the time but I can definitely keep track of and ask myself where am I currently on the scale before I eat and after I eat.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Recovery week
This week I am on vacation so I timed a recovery week along with this week knowing that getting in my workouts would be unpredicatable. However, what I have discovered this week is that my workouts are of higher quality when I give myself time to workout. The other thing I noticed is that when my nutrition is of high quality and consistent my workouts are better too.
I just got done with an hour run. I usually run in the morning but am discovering the joy of running when you have extra energy to burn instead of trying to run on an empty tank in the morning. It makes a big difference. I started my run at 5.3 and worked up to 6.0. I ran a mile at the speed and it didn't feel effortless but I knew I could sustain the effort.
I hadn't run on a treadmill for quite awhile so have lost touch with how fast or slow I run. Also it could be that this treadmill was way off too. I don't know. It's good either way because I felt good and pretty easy.
I just got done with an hour run. I usually run in the morning but am discovering the joy of running when you have extra energy to burn instead of trying to run on an empty tank in the morning. It makes a big difference. I started my run at 5.3 and worked up to 6.0. I ran a mile at the speed and it didn't feel effortless but I knew I could sustain the effort.
I hadn't run on a treadmill for quite awhile so have lost touch with how fast or slow I run. Also it could be that this treadmill was way off too. I don't know. It's good either way because I felt good and pretty easy.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Progress
For the first time in my life I am enjoying running. I am surprised to admit it but I would rather run right now than bike. Odd isn't it. Me! Running! Me! Enjoying running! Wha's up wid dat?
Last night I ran for an hour and just felt light and fast. I never feel light and fast on my bike. I feel fast and strong. In the water I sometimes feel long and strong but never light and fast. It's a fun sensation. I love it.
I think part of it is because I am allowing myself to relax and just lean into my run. I am enjoying running at night too. It's nice to do that at the end of the day. It's a great way to wrap up the day.
I am also slowly discovering my fitness again. My body is changing. My muscles are becoming more apparent again and I a quick step again and a huge amount of energy. It's good to feel that returning.
I have been doing alot of thinking about running lately. I have a hard time psychologically psyching myself up for a marathon. When it's part of an Ironman I can do it but just the marathon is difficult. I think it's for a couple reasons. In a triathlon, I get a chance to feel like I am faster and stronger than others in the swim and bike that the run isn't so psychologically difficult. But when I just run I never feel like I really belong or excel (although I hope that will change in the near future).
The other thing is that I am enjoying being injury free. I keep thinking about Gordo Byrn's picture of turning a styrofoam cup inside out. It has to be done slowly. That's what I feel like with running right now. I am increasing my frequency and intensity but not so much the duration right now and I feel fabulous. Can you truly do all three at the same time and stay injury free. I remember getting up in the mornings and barely being able to walk the next day. I remember the pain in my knees the day after a long run. I don't miss that stuff. I want to be able to run long but I also want to be able to run long comfortably. That's my goal now. To increase my duration frequency and intensity while remaining pain free (or minimal pain). Somehow I think maybe you can do this and not abuse your body.
The other thing I have been pondering is why am I feeling such an improvement in my running right now. I think it is a few things:
Last night I ran for an hour and just felt light and fast. I never feel light and fast on my bike. I feel fast and strong. In the water I sometimes feel long and strong but never light and fast. It's a fun sensation. I love it.
I think part of it is because I am allowing myself to relax and just lean into my run. I am enjoying running at night too. It's nice to do that at the end of the day. It's a great way to wrap up the day.
I am also slowly discovering my fitness again. My body is changing. My muscles are becoming more apparent again and I a quick step again and a huge amount of energy. It's good to feel that returning.
I have been doing alot of thinking about running lately. I have a hard time psychologically psyching myself up for a marathon. When it's part of an Ironman I can do it but just the marathon is difficult. I think it's for a couple reasons. In a triathlon, I get a chance to feel like I am faster and stronger than others in the swim and bike that the run isn't so psychologically difficult. But when I just run I never feel like I really belong or excel (although I hope that will change in the near future).
The other thing is that I am enjoying being injury free. I keep thinking about Gordo Byrn's picture of turning a styrofoam cup inside out. It has to be done slowly. That's what I feel like with running right now. I am increasing my frequency and intensity but not so much the duration right now and I feel fabulous. Can you truly do all three at the same time and stay injury free. I remember getting up in the mornings and barely being able to walk the next day. I remember the pain in my knees the day after a long run. I don't miss that stuff. I want to be able to run long but I also want to be able to run long comfortably. That's my goal now. To increase my duration frequency and intensity while remaining pain free (or minimal pain). Somehow I think maybe you can do this and not abuse your body.
The other thing I have been pondering is why am I feeling such an improvement in my running right now. I think it is a few things:
- I have decided to just let go and relax and quit trying so damn hard at it.
- I relax more when i run
- My nutrition feels like it is right in balance. I am losing weight but at a comfortable speed. Before I would starve myself. I think that really effected my recovery. Now I'm trying to do enough but not too much. It's good.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Balance
I think I did a pretty good job balancing things yesterday as well as starting to change some of our patterns. Last night was date night and instead of going to dinner and movie I rode out to Women's Forum and had Cate meet me there with a picnic dinner. We hung out there at the overlook enjoying the view and then drove up to Larch Mountain and walked out to the viewpoint there.
It was a good way to end the day. I got in 8 hours of work and 3 hours of working out, time with the honey and time with e'llee. A perfect day!
It was a good way to end the day. I got in 8 hours of work and 3 hours of working out, time with the honey and time with e'llee. A perfect day!
Monday, June 22, 2009
Long Term Goals
Life Long Athlete
Ability to keep up with E'llee and her activities until I'm 80 (I figure at that point I'll have an excuse)
2011 Train and compete in another Ironman
Maintain healthy lifestyle
Maintain healthy weight
Ability to keep up with E'llee and her activities until I'm 80 (I figure at that point I'll have an excuse)
2011 Train and compete in another Ironman
Maintain healthy lifestyle
Maintain healthy weight
Sunday, June 21, 2009
2 hour ride
Today I went for a quick ride down Marine Drive and back for about 2 hours. I am trying to learn how to balance my training with being mom at the same time. I had a hard time convincing myself that it was OK for me to go out for a bike ride today. I timed it with E'llee's nap which was perfect. After she fell asleep I went out for a ride. I was taking a shower after my ride when she got up. Perfect timing!
For longer rides I'll probably go early in the morning, when it gets a bit warmer and just miss morning time with her.
This weekend my goal was to get in my workouts, and eat controllably. I definitely got my workouts in and did pretty well with my eating even with going out this morning for breakfast. I ate until I felt satisfied. I do admit that I wouldn't eat the scramble again because it didn't feel good in my stomach long term. So next time I'll try something else. Tonight I seem to be needing to replace more calories because I had an early dinner after my ride and have had a couple snacks since. I have been also drinking lots of water to give me a full feeling.
So overall a good weekend. Nice and balanced I think.
Tomorrow is date night so I'm going to have to figure out my intent for that.
For longer rides I'll probably go early in the morning, when it gets a bit warmer and just miss morning time with her.
This weekend my goal was to get in my workouts, and eat controllably. I definitely got my workouts in and did pretty well with my eating even with going out this morning for breakfast. I ate until I felt satisfied. I do admit that I wouldn't eat the scramble again because it didn't feel good in my stomach long term. So next time I'll try something else. Tonight I seem to be needing to replace more calories because I had an early dinner after my ride and have had a couple snacks since. I have been also drinking lots of water to give me a full feeling.
So overall a good weekend. Nice and balanced I think.
Tomorrow is date night so I'm going to have to figure out my intent for that.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
A New Start
Last weekend I took the plunge again into the world of triathlon. It was an Olympic distance triathlon which is about 25% of a Ironman triathlon. Yet I was scared because my life has changed alot since my last Ironman.
I had fun! I did my normal performance and just enjoyed the experience of being in my body and trying to do something challenging. It was good being back in the triathlon world. I have felt so far away from it recently.
I have been contemplating doing a 1/2 Ironman this year but again was afraid. Today I took the plunge and signed up for the Black Diamond 1/2 Ironman in Enumclaw on September 27.
So now I'm trying to figure out my goals.
I have been listening to a podcast called Outside In Weight Loss and the one I listened today had a section on wanting to get back to your "old" self. That this is not only impossible but that it isn't truly the goal. Because even though in August 2007 I was 25 lb lighter than I am today and stronger and faster but that's not my goal. I may want to get down to that weight and have that feeling of strength and speed again but that I do not want to be in that t aspace that when under stress I fall back onto my poor eating habits and use that as my stress release.
I know these past two years have been very stressful. Just to review here is everything that Cate and I have been going through:
I had fun! I did my normal performance and just enjoyed the experience of being in my body and trying to do something challenging. It was good being back in the triathlon world. I have felt so far away from it recently.
I have been contemplating doing a 1/2 Ironman this year but again was afraid. Today I took the plunge and signed up for the Black Diamond 1/2 Ironman in Enumclaw on September 27.
So now I'm trying to figure out my goals.
I have been listening to a podcast called Outside In Weight Loss and the one I listened today had a section on wanting to get back to your "old" self. That this is not only impossible but that it isn't truly the goal. Because even though in August 2007 I was 25 lb lighter than I am today and stronger and faster but that's not my goal. I may want to get down to that weight and have that feeling of strength and speed again but that I do not want to be in that t aspace that when under stress I fall back onto my poor eating habits and use that as my stress release.
I know these past two years have been very stressful. Just to review here is everything that Cate and I have been going through:
- From June 2007 - April 2008 trying to work with Steph to become a mom and more and more taking on the primary caretaking of E'llee
- October 2007 - Hit by a car and having to take a month off of training because of an injury
- November 2007 - Start of remodel trying to get house emptied out and ready for a major remodel
- December 2007 - We get rid of stove and most of kitchen stuff to prepare for kitchen remodel. We end up living without a kitchen and stove for almos
- December 2007 - May 2008: Fighting with remodeler to get work done until he finally quit the job in May 2008 after we had paid $100,000 to him and only have about $20,000 worth of work which we later found that all but the foundation had to be redone.
- January 2008 - May 2008 - Cate's nephew Matt moves in with us and stays for an unnegotiated 5 months in a house that is torn apart.
- April 2008 Steph runs away to Canada and we tell her she cannot return and we start the adoption process of E'llee
- April 2008 - June 2008 - Struggling with Steph's ambivalence of feeling about us adopting E'llee
- July 2008 - Present - Ongoing CCB struggles to get $$ back.
- Feb 2009 - May 2009 _ Remodel
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Trying to get back on the wagon
This weekend I created a training plan for training for the Portland Marathon. The date is October 4. I think I have a pretty good plan. Obviously it concentrates on running. My goals for the race are to finish the marathon and to get back on the fitness wagon.
Life has been really stressful lately and I have been neglecting my own health. I want to start taking care of myself again. I'm tired of eating like crap and feeling like my life is out of my control. I need to pull myself out of this funk. I know that I have missed the endorphines and how that helps me just balance my life.
I want to live a healthy life. I want to live a full life. I don't want to have health issues. I have been really lucky in my life that I have had a healthy life. But that's not because I have always tried to keep myself healthy. It's time I start making sure that I live a healthy life whether I am training for something or not, whether I have alot of stress in my life or not.
I have been using food to handle my stress and make myself feel different. I need to stop doing that. The food doesn't make me feel better. It just distracts me.
Life has been really stressful lately and I have been neglecting my own health. I want to start taking care of myself again. I'm tired of eating like crap and feeling like my life is out of my control. I need to pull myself out of this funk. I know that I have missed the endorphines and how that helps me just balance my life.
I want to live a healthy life. I want to live a full life. I don't want to have health issues. I have been really lucky in my life that I have had a healthy life. But that's not because I have always tried to keep myself healthy. It's time I start making sure that I live a healthy life whether I am training for something or not, whether I have alot of stress in my life or not.
I have been using food to handle my stress and make myself feel different. I need to stop doing that. The food doesn't make me feel better. It just distracts me.
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