We Moved.... And Now We're back

Thank you to all of you who continue to check for new content on this site. Ok, so, way back when... (now longer than I'm willing to admit) I got really excited and started a new fancy website with graphics, I increased my content, got all excited... and then life got in the way.  I allowed a couple of 'negative ninnies' to get into my head... when MANY MORE of you told me to keep writing. I began to freak out about our company sale, then not for sale, then for sale again--- and finally it sold. I stopped running (not permanently, I hope)... sigh. It's been a long road. But, basically I just stopped because everything just got too difficult for me. I have so much to tell you- but I'm not going to go all into it in one post... lol I need content here if I'm going to get back at this thing!

So, I've decided to simplify things. The fact of the matter is- I love blogger. It's easy. It's FREE! And I know the interface much better than I did with the other website. That was a big hurdle for me- so, I just decided to come back here.  Cheers to me opening up my mouth again!LOL

Sprint Tri Training

Have you ever considered doing a triathlon? I can’t say I ever aspired to be a tri-athlete, but somewhere along the journey to fitness last year- I got the bug. It was right around the time that I realized that a knee injury was really hurting me and I had to find a way to cross train to be healthy and let my knee rest. I got a bike for my birthday and then in the fall I started taking beginning swimming classes. I realized I loved riding a bike and started getting upper body muscle definition I never knew I could have while learning to swim.

So, right around the time I was munching down on Christmas cookies I decided- I’m doing a triathlon! I took a class to prepare me for the indoor YMCA tri. It was amazing to compete in, but I knew deep down inside- it was just a warm up to a real sprint tri. I needed to compete in a distance based event.

time based and all inside- swim 15 minutes in the pool, spin 15 minutes on a stationary bike and run 15 minutes on the treadmill. It was

Well, this weekend I took my step toward that goal by starting a new triathlon training course- where we train distances.  We started out on the stationary bike. Unfortunately the weather isn’t warm enough just yet to take us out on the road—but they’re hoping for next week. We settled in for an hour class on the bikes. Then we bundled up and headed out to run a 5k.

I am surprised at what my body can do. I am pushing myself harder and feel a great sense of accomplishment when I reach my goals. Was I running as fast as I wanted- no and because of that I had to stop beating myself up over it. Heck- I’m out there doing it right? I could be home eating more cookies- right?

Doing a triathlon is a scary goal, but I’m swimming, biking and running my way toward it because it’s helping me stay fit. Do you have a secret goal? You know what I’m talking about- a goal that just seems too scary to try or tell anyone about. My advice to you is- go for it! You are stronger and more talented than you may believe you are. What’s the worst that could happen if you try and fail? You tried… and you can try again. What’s the worst that can happen if you don’t try? You will never know if you could have done it. Just crossing the finish line will make you feel like a winner. 

You Must Tri

 Adrenaline is the equalizer. I have trained 6 weeks for the YMCA Indoor Triathlon. They teach you how to improve your swimming, cycling and running. You can't be taught how to deal with nerves.

I did my first triathlon this past Sunday. Got there an hour early, set up my items and paced excitedly until they said it was my turn to get in the water. Adrenaline kicked in- I jumped into the water (a first because I'm usually a wimp to the cold water). I did some bobs to get my whole body wet. Then it was time to go!

This tri was a little different than most. It was just 15 minutes in the water, 15 on a stationary bike and 15 on a treadmill. Just see how far you can go in that time. It's a great intro into the world of triathlons.

My breath was ragged and I just couldn't calm. I started out free stroke, mostly did breast stroke because it's my strongest, did a length side stroke, quite a few back stroke lengths. I was sure I only swam a 1/4 of what I was physically capable of doing but in the end was shocked to learn I actually swam 575 yards- 23 lengths of the pool. Not bad for someone who was majorly freaking out.

 It was on to a quick change into my sneakers and onto the stationary bike. The music was pumping and I was pedaling... fast. I felt best here. I wanted to push. I was doing my best to challenge my husband (behind me in the green shirt) and kept checking in (to make sure I was ahead of him hehe).

At one point I almost started to cry. I looked over at my son taking pictures of me and my two daughters who had poked their heads out from child care and they were rooting me on. I just felt so proud to show them that hard work pays off. I was doing it!

I got off the bike and was satisfied with 7.6 miles in 15 minutes.

One of my tri trainers told me that's about how fast he goes! I'm not so sure I'd go that fast on the roadways- but it's cool to know he thought I did really well!

Up to the treadmill. As soon as I started to run I was sure I was going to throw up. I spent the whole 15 minutes trying to convince myself that I wasn't going to. As much as I wanted to push the pace and try to get as close to 2 miles in 15 minutes as possible my stomach just wasn't letting me do it. I took it minute by minute. I would increase the pace but a wave of nausea would come over and I'd pull back and try to breathe. I tried not to think about that steak dinner from the night before and the fact that I should have eaten much lighter. I got through it with a measly 1.36 miles. I could have done better there. I have to keep reminding myself- this time last year I wouldn't have been able to run 5 minutes- let alone 15- I need to stop being so hard on myself.

My stomach was still unsettled for the rest of the day- so I really think it just was not my day to get a good run in.

Then I beat myself up for not being able to settle my stomach... as if I had control over it. But we waited around for the results just for fun. I was shocked to learn I came in first overall for the female cycling! I knew I felt good- and probably could have gone faster. There were just a handful of men faster than me too! Wow.

I am already signed up for a training class that will prepare me for a distance based triathlon. I have only one expectation for that race- to finish. This whole fitness thing has been so fun. I am discovering my athletic ability and it is rewarding to learn the harder you work for something the stronger you get.

I am so thankful to all my trainers. My beginning running and swimming coaches laid the ground work for me to believe in myself. My body pump and shred trainer is helping me discover my muscles and she inspires me with her perfect deary ear. My triathlon coaches are teaching me how to interweave swimming, cycling and running. It has taken a village for me to get here- and it feels so great.

Do you have a fitness goal? Why not make 2013 the year you make it happen?

Marathon Controversy

Photo: Wall Street Journal

After becoming the focus of intense controversy and divide- the organizers of the New York City Marathon have decided to cancel the race. The decision made 2 days before the race and after days of race officials and Mayor Bloomberg vowing it would take place. Many runners are upset the decision hadn't been made earlier and were already in town preparing for the race. They streamed into get their race bibs for souvenirs. A group of runners had even formed a facebook page to protest the race and organize people to volunteer instead of run.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg came out in support of the race just hours before the turnaround was announced. This marathon brings more than 300-million dollars into city businesses and many say the city needed this race as a sign that New York city will move on.  The mayor had said that few city resources would be used for the race and that much more power and transportation would be on line by race day but media outlets pointed out that last year 1-thousand police officers were used in last year's race. Others were saying that the generators and supplies that were being used in the race should be sent to hard hit areas.

Most can agree- there are no winners here. The people of New York are still dealing with unimaginable loss and destruction. The city is missing out on key income. The runners are not running a race they have spent months training for. The race must figure out how to compensate up to 47-thousand runners.  It's sad all around.

Marathon Decision

Photo: NYC Marathon

In what is a controversial decision- New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the New York City Marathon WILL GO ON! It is scheduled for this Sunday.

Photo: @marathoner

More than 100-thousand people applied for a coveted 47-thousand spots in the race. That number includes about 20-thousand international runners. That means up to 47-thousand runners and their family and friends could converge on the city- some parts are still under water and transportation and hotel accommodations are limited.

The Mayor said that the race is vital to small businesses and he expects most, if not all power will be restored by Sunday.  Also under consideration- these runners may have been planning and training for this race for a year. They have invested a large about of their time and money into this world class race.

Race organizers are looking at the need to alter the route but with 600-thousand people still without power and the city under a travel restriction (requiring a minimum 3 people per car)... are they making the wrong decision?

Race Organizers posted the following information:

We’re adjusting Marathon Day plans as a result of the storm’s impact on our operations and resources. At every turn, we will be working to ensure that our planning doesn’t affect any recovery efforts.

As a result, our sole focus is now on Marathon Sunday and therefore we have:

• Canceled Friday night’s Marathon Opening Ceremony and
  Saturday’s NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5K
• Revised our cancellation policy
• Extended number pick-up hours at the expo
• And established ways for everyone to support the relief effort through charitable donations

Run For Fitness and Charity

Today I ran the Troy YMCA's 5k Race. It was a wonderful atmosphere with people dressed in costumes to celebrate Halloween and the weather was perfect! While I had a great time it was wonderful to know that we were all there to raise money to support families and children in need.

The YMCA does not turn away anyone. If you can not afford to pay for your membership you can apply for a scholarship to go there. It is a place for everyone. A great way for the community to get involved in helping the Y fund these scholarships is through their 5k series. Beginning in May the Y hosts a 5k just about every month of the year in the Capital Region of New York State. If you are located in a different region- please see your local Y for more on this.

The reasonable entry fee of $25 to participate in the 5k gets you a T-shirt and some goodies but more importantly it helps to fund the YMCA’s Reach Out For Youth Scholarship Program. That provides programs and services to children and families. This year (so far) I have participated in 3 of their races. I am forever indebted to them as they taught me how to run.

At the beginning of this year I set out to find my "healthy self". I knew she was there- but with early work hours, three children and a busy life- I ignored her for a very long time. I found her at the Y. Their trainers helped me build my endurance and confidence and then encouraged me to try a Couch to 5K class. Believe me when they say "Couch to 5k" they mean it. In your first week you literally run 1 minute and walk many more!

Because of their support I ran my first 5k in May. To say it was emotional (in a good way) would be an understatement. It was empowering! I couldn't stop there. I set out to do a 5k a month- for this ENTIRE YEAR! I have now completed 9 and there's no stopping me! I am now in a YMCA 5k to 5k class- learning how to build my endurance and speed and I'm in a swimming class. Who knows where that will take me in my 2013 fitness goals. I like to participate in the Y races as a way to pay them back for the wonderful gift of health and fitness!

If you are sitting on the couch and don't think you can make a change or if you are an experienced athlete looking to up your game- you can find your help at the Y and make a difference at the same time and it will be so rewarding.

Flip Flop Marathoner

Photo: Yahoo Sport

Are you lacing up your sneakers for a race this morning?

One of my colleagues told me about this story and I just had to share it with you. There are minimalists out there- and then there's this guy. Keith Levasseur ran last Saturday's Baltimore Marathon in 2:46:58 while wearing flip flops!

To say you've ran a marathon is impressive. To say you ran a marathon in 2:46:58 is amazing. To say you ran the whole thing in FLIP FLOPS? What do you say? Oh yeah- and it's only 8 minutes off his personal record best that he set last year- in sneakers!

Along the hilly race course he said spectators cheered him on and some called him crazy.

He is quoted as saying: "I knew it was all about maintaining a very efficient and balanced stride," he said. "There were times when I my feet and ankles would get tired from maintaining a more rigid stride than I might otherwise have and I would start landing more on the outside of the my foot and cause my heel to slip off the sandal. It only happened a few times and when it did, it would refocus my concentration on my stride and posture."

The day after the race he said the balls of his feet and his quads were quite sore. When asked if he would do it again- the answer was NO.

Are you running a race this weekend? Would you ever run any distance race in flip flops?