Posted by: pursuingsub17 | January 23, 2012

My life is an invasive parasite on my passion for training

Well, I’ve been a little lazy with this blog – used to be 4-5 times a week. Past year I’m lucky if it’s once a month. Probably because I haven’t had much to say lately about triathlons and marathons – my life has become a flurry of other matters taking me away from my passion. Life…so invasive.

One thing I’ve been keeping up is the weight training. But I think I’ve neared the end on that one. I started the “Power Phase” three weeks ago and to put it bluntly, I’m done. I’m done with my legs feeling like lead and putting up with lack of ettiquette in the weight room. I’m ashamed to say a lot of women really don’t know what they’re doing and thus…get someone to train you…not your boyfriend (unless he’s experienced). I’m tired of fighting for a machine or even free weights because people are hogging them. I’m tired of being around people. I want to zone out and you can’t do that weight training. So it might be time to just return to pilates bands or maybe get a TRX thingy for my little ol’ apartment.

Okay – enough whining about weight lifting. I must say, I have gained a lot of strength in my legs. My bike effort has improved. Now it’s time to just get more time in on the bike. My runs in the last month have been miserable – but then, my energy level is completely depleted. No amount of excess sleep or caution on the nutrition is helping. I’ve been sick twice this month and just exhausted and feeling overwhelmingly anti-social….more than normal for this extroverted introvert. I blame the multitude of invites that we feel compelled to attend. Why??? I’ve never been much of a social butterfly. Why are we always on the A-list? Good Lord. “We haven’t seen you in awhile!” Well, actually, yes you have. Just a month ago…or was it even three weeks ago? Unfortunately, most of it is because of family. It’s amazing how much they guilt you into either dropping a workout in favor for socializing or trying to cram your workout in so you can hurry up and be there for the party as well.

So now I have training as my excuse to decline and now I’ve been hampered by extreme exhaustion. My anxiety has taken its toll. Being around people makes me snap. As for personal problems, I’ve become numb. I don’t even give a rat’s butt anymore. I’m too tired. My vehicle has had to get towed into the garage twice in the last few weeks. Marc and I are flat broke – his client keeps “postponing” payment for one reason after another. We have a trip to Palm Springs coming up in three weeks and we’re broke. I’m sure Marc will get paid before then but it’s just one more personal problem that I’m tired of dealing with….lack of money.

I’m looking forward to the holiday too but yet again, half of it will be visiting family. I have 4 weeks holidays this year – one of them I would like to spend alone with Marc. I don’t know if that will ever happen. Maybe our wedding in Hawaii LOL. I’m not sure what I’m looking forward to more – getting married in Hawaii or actually having a holiday where we don’t know anyone!

Holy! That makes me sound like a grumpy old anti-social lady. Truth be told – I haven’t had time to myself and introverts need that time. That’s why I love training and I love training alone. It’s my time – my time away from my invasive social life! LOL. I like going away alone for awhile (like my time in the mountains) because when I come back, I’m a social butterfly again. But these past few months have been too much. I’m overdue for isolation and recharging. OMG – I don’t even want to see my best friend lately, I’m that much in need of personal time.

Hopefully my trip in February will pick me up. But by then I’ll only have 8 weeks for marathon training. Is that even possible???? I’ve lost one week already. Me thinks I might have to aim low this year – and just re-focus on my third half Ironman in Calgary.

Well looky there – hit over 691 word count. Guess I had a lot to say afterall – maybe next time it will be more positive and more about training.

Toodles!

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | December 29, 2011

Ending 2011 with a fizzle but 2012 will be about me.

Well, 2011 certainly hasn’t been memorable. There’s been a lot of things happening, but I feel I’ve personally accomplished nothing. I look back and all I remember is being angry, upset and burned out…maybe even a sense of losing myself. I had hoped to put a little more “me” first in my life but as 2011 draws to a close, I realize even the last week of the year has been about everyone else. I don’t feel like it’s been much of a holiday – again, I’ve been a “yes” person and have burned myself out with social activities. Being a Maid of Honor was really a metaphor for my entire year – always the bridesmaid, never the bride.

I’m so played out from having to visit so many people over the last three months that I’m ready to scream. Even my plans for my wedding with Marc has suddenly turned into a fiasco – trying to do what everyone else wants. I don’t even care anymore. I’m ready to just let it go for now and I don’t even want to talk about it to anyone.

This past week has left me feeling anxiety rather than peaceful and Christmassy. I feel like I’m drowning. It’s been one party after another. I was thinking of inviting another couple to the New Year’s dinner Marc and I have planned but not now. Next weekend is Marc’s grandfather’s birthday. When does all this ever end?? When can Marc and I just do something together for ourselves?

I feel like I’m marrying 150 other people in Marc’s life and not Marc. It’s enough to give me cold feet. Actually, it isn’t “enough” – I do have cold feet. I’ve been feeling anxiety because I feel that if I do make that commitment, I am going to lose myself. There will be no more me. My identity, who I am, what I’ve finally recovered from the last marriage, will crumble and I’ll be left with nothing but a shell with someone else’s name. Yes, I’m scared. I don’t want to live the rest of my life around other people’s needs. I’ve managed to recover what’s left of myself over the last 6 years since my divorce and I’m scared that it’s going to dissappear.

So 2012 will have to be the year of sticking up for MY needs and MY goals and not sacrificing myself for others. My relationship with Marc and my need for my space and personal time WILL be put before others my friends. I’ll tolerate a little – we all have to – that’s family. But there has to be balance. I don’t want to spend the rest of my 40-50 years on this planet catering to others first. I can’t do that anymore. It’s self preservation. I have to look after myself. I’m not Kate Middleton. I’m not some princess who has to live under others’ expectations.

As for training, I’ve at least managed to work on weight training this past few months. I’ve been following Mark Allen’s 12 Best Strength Exercises on active.com. I’ve gained a lot of muscle in my legs and my arms are strong. I’ve noticed a difference on the bike. Even on the bike at the gym, I can easily do an effort level of 3 whereas last year, that just about killed me. After a power lifting workout, I did 20 minutes of an effort level 4 with hills two days ago and followed it with a 10 minute run that made me feel strong.

One thing I’ve been reading on the internet and in Triathlete magazine is to keep your training workouts short but intense during off season training. Training season is about building the endurance and long distances – off season is about perfecting form and keeping workouts intense but not long. So far, I’ve been sticking to that. What I can’t believe is that starting January 6th, I’m already starting my training for my marathon!

Like I said – it’s been a very hectic year.

Well, I might try and fit in another blog before this year is over. I ended it with a firm “no!” when asked if I would like to go to yet another party tonight. Of course, I had to follow it with a series of “whys” but at least I said no. I could have said “it’s either this party or your grandpa’s birthday party next weekend but I left it as “I’m burned out and it’s been too much.” I was left feeling a little worried about upsetting Marc’s parents, but I can’t be at every social event that they put on. I honestly don’t think they expect us to say yes all the time, either. Of course they’re going to invite us, but Marc takes that as a “I have to be there” so that gets put onto me. I don’t even go to all the parties my own family has! I never feel guilty about not going to those. Why should I feel guilty about not going to Marc’s steady stream of family get togethers?

Maybe I have to start being a little hard ass. Maybe I have to stop worrying about what other people will think – that stupid “guilt” demon needs to be duck taped. Then I can pick and choose what “parties” I’ll attend without feeling I have to be everywhere. It’s my life – I choose to live it for me. That will be my mantra for 2012!

Leave a Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | October 27, 2011

Finally into off season training after dealing with life events

I’ve been so drained, I couldn’t find the energy to even blog. I’ve been somewhat keeping up with my tweets but even that’s been difficult. Life has been crazy. The entire month of September was devoted to my cousin’s wedding and my grandmother’s two falls – one that landed her in the hospital for a week before the wedding. There was a stagette, a stag (Marc went with the boys to Banff), Grandmother’s second fall during the stag and cousin and family had to deal with that, the wedding, Grandmother’s third fall the evening of the wedding that led to a broken hip, keeping it a secret from the cousin who went on her holiday, my mother becoming ill, me ending up almost in the loony bin and taking a leave to spend time recouping in the mountains (where I worked out every day and managed to develop the plot outline for my book), Grandmother has a major stroke after her hip operation and slowly deteriorates, I make it back in time before she passes away….then comes the real crap. It’s amazing how the death of a grandparent brings out the worst in some family members. I won’t go into detail but let’s just say one of the uncles is a selfish pig. He’s been causing my mom and the other brother so much stress that my mom had a breakdown and had to get away herself for 5 days south of the border for a little retreat.

The dust has settled somewhat. Mom is feeling a little better physically but she goes in for tests on Friday. I don’t speak to the other uncle. The cousins on that side are MIA. Well, thanks to Facebook, I keep in touch with them but one of them is out of the country and the other keeps busy with working and her friends. It’s just been a horrible year. The flood in my condo, financial upsets (I finally had to apply for a consolidated debt loan as an option before bankruptcy). I’ve even questioned my relationship with Marc at times. I started feeling second fiddle in his life and really wondered if I’m really important to him…does he even love me?? I don’t know whether it’s stress or the two of us have too many other obligations but financial problems and all the crap that’s been going on has put a strain on us. However, the good news is that we’ve been working on it and the last couple of weeks have been very good. Both Marc and I are sacrificing types (see my “demon” list). But it reached a point where we were not only sacrificing our own time but the time we need to spend for each other. Really, we’re a unit. We need to look after ourselves first, then each other AND THEN everyone else but it’s been just everyone else lately.

Anyway, blah blah blah….I’m back into off-season training and my commitments to getting more power in the legs and strength in the arms and core. I’ve been thinking about what races I want to do next year – one of them, in May, is a marathon. I haven’t run a marathon in 2.5 years…it’ll be 3 by next Spring. I’m definitely doing Calgary 70.3 again. I just didn’t like Sylvan Lake. The swim was okay – nice lake – but almost too warm and too long. The bike was ugly. It wasn’t as pretty as Calgary. The run was awful. Out and back 4 times to equal a half marathon and all flat. Ick. I know they had weather problems that affected the swim and run but the bike bored the pi– out of me.

Hmm… just realized I didn’t write a race report. I’ll do that in my next blog – hopefully this week still. But really, in the end, the sudden change of weather from cold for months to extreme heat the day of the race kicked me in the pants. Next year I’m getting more sleep the night before the race and I’m going to really concentrate on my race day nutrition needs. Honest to Betsy, I need more calories and I just have to realize that….and salt pills if it’s smoking hot. I just wasn’t prepared. So I guess that’s the other thing: Be prepared for anything! That’s definitely one thing I’ve learned the last two half ironman races I’ve done. Be prepared for anything.

But I digress. I’m back in the saddle again. This “off-season training”, I’m back in to weights and my focus is bike, bike, bike. I’ve been strength/weight training twice a week for two weeks now. Next week, I’m adding more cardio (and I’ve been doing core work every second day). As for putting “me” back in my life, it’s been hard. I’m still getting guilt feelings and trying to please everyone when they want to see me. But I have to start saying no. Too late for this Friday – already felt sorry for my cousin who, I think, is starting to come down from the wedding and then finding out about our grandmother. So we’re having horror movie night with snacks and wine…Saturday, I have to visit my parents because I haven’t seen them in two months. At the same time, we’ve been invited to a stag/stagette party for one of Marc’s friends, who is getting married in two weeks. He wants to go – and see my parents – and watch UFC 137. See? He’s just as bad as me. Something’s gotta give.

I’m hoping after this weekend, which will signify the end of a steady stream of commitments to others, I will have two months to just focus on what I want, get my first chapter of my book started, and focus on getting physically stronger.

Wish me luck.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Demon scores a point, ironman, Motivation, Nutrition, Set backs, Training, triathlon, Triathlon

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | September 2, 2011

Giving back to the sport

I keep promising a race report for the Sylvan Lake half iron. It will still happen. I’m not sure whether I just can’t relive the experience or I’m just too tired for a long report.

In the meantime, I have another triathlon experience to report about – volunteering. I volunteered for the Element Women’s Only last year as a lap counter for the pool. It felt good – I was a little envious watching the girls and had wished I signed up but it did feel good giving back to a sport that has literally picked me up out of the gutter. So when I volunteered in the massage tent at Ironman Canada this year, I have to say, I left with admiration for the age groupers, affirmations of my path in life and epiphanies for new goals. It was a great experience and it felt good to give back.

I was a little nervous at first. A few years ago, I decided that as soon as my debt was paid off, I was going to go back to school to be an RMT. Volunteering in the massage tent this year would be a great learning experience to see if I would like massage therapy as a career. I had no intentions of signing up for Ironman 2012. I knew after my half distance this year that I still had a few things to work on. But Marc was volunteering to sign up (as well as give back of course!) so I decided this would be a good experience. It was.

I met the most incredible people. We worked the 8 to midnight shift and given the scorching heat that day (plus 38 celcius), we were expecting a lot to show up around that time. There were 40 of us – some RMTs and some just like Marc and I who took a crash course to help out. Listening to everyone’s stories – where they came from (as far as Mexico, Oregon and California), why they were doing Ironman, if it was their first or not, what the conditions were like out there (smokin’ HOT). It was cool listening to people’s strategies and great for me to learn some tips and tricks. They really wanted to talk and a lot of them were almost more appreciative of the opportunity just to talk their experience out as they were to get a massage. Each time I wrapped a silver emergency blanket around their shoulders, put their medal back on and said “congratulations! You did a great job!” I’d get a smile back and a thank you and it just warmed my heart.

These people were amazing. One thing I realized about my last half iron race is that it’s the age groupers who are doing everything they can just to hang on and persevere that really win the crowd. They know how to dig deep. This isn’t easy for them. So when they are having a tough time out there, they have to really win that mental battle to finish. Someone crossing the finishline at 16:59:59 deserves that medal just as much as someone achieving a pr of 12 hours. Even the ones who were pulled off the run course were heros in my heart. It’s a great feat.

So I came away with a great respect for my fellow athletes – and an affirmation (something I’ll discuss in my race report) that sometimes it isn’t just how fast you did the race. It’s the journey and the people you meet along the way that is most important. Volunteering and giving back to the sport I love has taught me that. You really learn something about yourself by volunteering – and you develop a stronger bond with strangers who share your passion.

I’m definitely going to do an Ironman – probably 2014 after my massage therapy program. I’ll probably be better prepared – and maybe the goal of just finishing so I can say “I’m an Ironman finisher!” is good enough for me.

Hopefully you’ll see my race report next blog!

Leave a Comment

Posted in Accomplishments, Heros, ironman, Motivation, Triathlon

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | August 11, 2011

Still sick from my half iron race

I haven’t been able to write up my race report. Everything lately feels like an immense effort. It’s been three weeks and I’ve only been able to engage in some type of physical activity twice. I wound up with an ear infection two days after the race and it’s progressed into a throat and sinus infection. If that isn’t bad enough, I’m still completely exhausted. This is very different than last year when I bounced back fairly quickly. I think this race really kicked me in the pants – or I was already sick going into it and just didn’t realize it. Only way to describe how I’m feeling is that it’s similar to how I felt when I had mononucleosis as a teenager. I’m just exhausted all the time.

Work has been crazy too. My personal life has become strained. It isn’t bad – it’s just that August and September are still all about catering to others’ needs and not my own. I’m happy for my cousin – but her wedding stress is taking a toll on me. I’m happy for Marc being able to see his son again. The two have been spending almost every weekend together to play catch up and since his son is moving back home for the school year, I can see why they want to be together. But I’m expected to join them on every outing and it’s wearing me out. Yes, I haven’t been doing any physical activity with regards to training or just working out for a half hour – but my recovery time has been hampered by having to socialize so much. Every weekend has been some big event – going to the fair, going to the Heritage Days festival, having Marc’s son over for Harry Potter marathon night, making dinner for my step-dad’s birthday, this weekend is camping with friends. Why I’m going with a sore throat and sinus infection, I have no idea. I can barely hear, my ear is so plugged up. But God forbid I dissappoint someone.

September will be all about my cousin’s wedding. Every weekend is booked up with helping prepare, holding the staggette, being in the wedding party. I just keep thinking that if I can just get through the next two months, I might actually have three months left of 2011 where I can stick to my New Year’s resolution, to put my needs first.

Sigh – so I’m looking forward to the end of September. I’m hoping I can get started on my off-season training before then though. Not working out is making me grumpy!

I promise I’ll get that race report done before the month is over. There’s a lot to tell – from sticking to things I learned last year to discovering new ones. It was a totally different race than last year. I have all my points written down so I remember. I just can’t seem to focus on what I want to say. But let’s just say it won’t be a typical “here’s what to do and what not to do” type of race report.

Hint: It’s all about the journey that counts – not the reward.

1 Comment

Posted in Post-race thoughts and activities, Set backs, Sports injuries, Training, triathlon, Triathlon

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | July 23, 2011

Night before race day

Well, here we go again. It finally hit me while we were eating dinner at Boston Pizza. There were too many people in there. There were children everywhere and the music was too loud. I actually started feeling sick. I ate as much pasta as my gut could handle. But I found everything was irritating the Hell out of me. I kept wondering what it was that was bothering me. I said “hell, it’s like a training day. you’ve already done this distance a few times over the last month and a half at least.”

It’s the swim again. Why??? I did breaststroke last year because of anxiety and I still did the swim in 43 minutes. I’m a swimmer. My parents had a cabin and my sister and I were water rats – spending all day on and off the dock, swimming out to the floating dock and back. I was a lifeguard. This is just stupid and irrational.

But I do feel better prepared. I ate properly tonight. But here in my room I had to order a beer through room service just to take the edge off. And I rented a movie to distract me.

I keep thinking this race will determine if I’m ready for Ironman next year. I can still register for Coeur d’Alene.  I’ve made the decision to go back to school in 2013 so I have to do it next year or wait another couple years. I’m 43. Plenty of time to do an Ironman. I should stop putting the pressure on myself. But I really feel that this race will be evidence that I did everything right for a change. Can’t blame it on the weather either if I fail. It’s supposed to be perfect conditions.

But tomorrow is an important day. It will tell me if I’ve learned more lessons. It will let me know if 2012 is my year for Ironman – my pursuit of sub 17.

So I’m going to sign off now, drink my Heineken and watch The Adjustment Bureau. Marc’s next door with his son playing video games. I will get all the sleep I need.

There it is kids. I’ll let you know the results by Twitter (unofficial) and a race report next week once I’ve had a chance to contemplate everything that Sunday delivers.

Leave a Comment

Posted in Accomplishments, Demon scores a point, ironman, Pre-race activities, Training, triathlon

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | July 14, 2011

Why am I not nervous about this race?

I was driving to work this morning and I was thinking – one week and three sleeps and I’m doing my “A” Race of 2011. Time flies. I can’t believe it’s almost here. I remember running at the indoor track like it was yesterday. I trained a lot indoors this year. I’ve had quite a few long rides, swam more than last year and made a great leap on my run. I’ve also managed to lose 5 lbs from last year and actually maintain that weight. I’ve done much more than last year. My nutrition for long workouts is better. Is that why I’m not nervous?

I should be nervous. I haven’t had an open water swim this year like I had wanted. I haven’t been in a wetsuit since the Calgary 70.3 last year. Tomorrow I’m changing a bike tire on my own for the first time and race day is not that far off. I haven’t done the core work that I promised myself I would for this year – or the strength training. I did more core work over the winter and spring and NOTHING over the last few summer months. I promised myself I would do yoga in the mornings for stretching and strength. Nope. The desire to sleep won that battle. I haven’t practiced transition – maybe mentally practicing is good enough?

Maybe the improvements I’ve made out-weigh some of the things I didn’t do this year. For that reason, maybe I’m feeling ready. I do know I’m sick of long training. I’ve had enough for the year. I might squeeze another running race in for October. Marc and I are really thinking about going to Penticton to volunteer for IM Canada in the massage tent (he’s signing up for next year!!).

Maybe it’s because I’m thinking more about making some big changes in my life over the next two years - changing careers, selling the condo and buying a house, thinking about a “retirement” condo in Kimberley, writing a book. Those seem to be more on my mind than the race.

I wasn’t nervous two days before the race last year…yet Marc thought I was a basket case when we arrived in Calgary. I was edgy and didn’t care at the same time. I ate terrible for the two days before race day. This year I have my nutrition strategy all planned out – From Friday night dinner through to breakfast Sunday morning (no oatmeal!!).

So I say “I’m not nervous”, but maybe I am. My brain just hasn’t acknowledged it yet!

1 Comment

Posted in Accomplishments, ironman, Motivation, Nutrition, Pre-race activities, Training, triathlon, Triathlon

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | July 8, 2011

That training week 14 “I haven’t trained enough!!” feeling

I’ve been so busy between work, travel, training and socializing that I haven’t had the chance to post anything in a while.

I didn’t post a race report for the Element TLC sprint race. Let’s just say it was a good race. Nutrition was good. I battled rain and cold and beat my time last year. Before the swim, I was super relaxed – unlike last year. Heart rate was good. Maybe it was because no one I knew was there watching me? Not sure. But my swim stroke was easy and relaxed. Before the start, the race director said “remember, it’s crappy weather out there so don’t think you’ll get a pr.” Maybe that made me relax – not expecting too much of myself. I was slow in T1 because I was almost too relaxed. I could tell my hill work paid off. The rain and cold didn’t bother me. I didn’t even use arm warmers. I was pokey in T2 but a little faster than T1. The run course was mucky from the rain in one section but it didn’t slow me down much. Overall? I’d say success. I managed to still keep my arse in the upper 50% :) .

Over the last few weeks, I feel like I haven’t trained enough – even though my Ontri training logs state otherwise. I went for a run yesterday to do some speedwork and bonked badly at the halfway mark. Did 6.5 k in 35 minutes. That’s been pretty standard for me. But on the way back, I hit the wall. I wound up walking most of the way because I felt sick. I was overheating and my legs felt like lead. Hmm – I’m thinking it’s the 90 degree temperatures and added humidity that might have kicked me in the pants. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t sweat – or I did but it didn’t cool me off. There was little wind and the mosquitos were relentless in their constant attacks on my legs and arms. I also didn’t eat a proper lunch – only had a small greek salad. That’s it. Oh, and some Gatorade. Ok then – I know what not to do before a race. Just needed to remind myself. But I hope to God the weather isn’t hot like that on race day in a few weeks.

I took my bike into Element for a tune up. They’re pretty busy now so I said no rush since it is now pouring rain and I doubt if I’ll get the last big race simulation workout in tomorrow – not outside anyway. I was supposed to go swimming and Marc wanted to go but by the time he got home from work, he looked mentally drained and I was losing steam myself. I thought I can do the swim tomorrow after picking up my bike – and then do my big workout Sunday afternoon if the weather permits. As long as I do this, I will have only missed a 40 minute run.

So why am I feeling anxiety?? I keep telling myself this is typical. As I type this, I say to Marc, “that’s typical isn’t it? Not feeling like you’ve trained enough a few weeks out from the race?” He nods as he watches the PVR’d Tour de France from early this morning. “Yeeeeeesss.” I’ve heard him and his teammate say that several times throughout the past 6 years that I’ve known them. I’m sure pros think that too. Hell, I’ve trained more this year than last. I even started too early by mistake and will have trained 24 weeks by race day. I keep thinking that missing this swim tonight is going to spell doom for me. “That’s it…I’m going to blow the swim. I’ll suck.” Then I remind myself the swim is my strongest sport of the three. I’m like a fish. I was probably a dolphin in another life.

“The swim is my strength!” I say. Marc says “yeeeessss…so what are you worrying about??”

I start thinking I haven’t biked enough – yet I’ve biked a lot and it showed on my race and all the times I’ve taken the tri-bike out. It’s just that I’ve mixed it up by taking the mountain bike out once in a while instead or sitting on the windtrainer at the gym. My mind tells me that doesn’t count. I should have been on the tri-bike the entire time. I’m going to fail.

This is typical two weeks from the race. It’s an internal argument. This is the point where it is no longer all the athletic ability and conditioning that counts. Now it’s the mental strength that is going to make or break me. As long as I remind myself of that, the evil me will not win. Evil me must be silenced.

I’m prepared for the next two days - even have the pasta and sauce from Costco ready for tomorrow night as my “pre race simulation meal”. The water bottles are in the fridge – the gym bag with my bathing suit is already in the vehicle so I can head out for my bike and straight to the workout…inside or out.

Now I just need some duct tape….to, uh, silence a certain annoying someone who keeps telling me I haven’t trained enough! Muuuaaahahahahaha!!

2 Comments

Posted in Accomplishments, ironman, Motivation, Post-race thoughts and activities, Pre-race activities, Training, triathlon, Triathlon

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | June 6, 2011

Focusing on nutrition now

Well, I’ll be in my first triathlon race for the season next weekend – and my big “A” race is in 7 weeks. This year, I’ve really trained a lot more than last. Part of me thinks I should have trained more – something we all think about – but I definitely feel I’m more ready than last year in terms of training. Last year I focused too much on my marathon. I didn’t get enough long bikes in and I definitely didn’t swim enough as I had the arrogance to think “I’m a good swimmer – I don’t need to focus on that much.”

But this year, I’ve really practiced nutrition during training. I’ve been using more gels more often – whether I think I need them or not – and every 20-25 minutes. I have yet to have that “I’m going to be sick” bonk that I experienced regularly last year. I’ve also finally taken Marc’s advice and used Carbo-pro on my last race simulation a few weeks ago – and again did not experience bonking. But I need more practice at this. It’s too easy to get caught up in your bike or run, enjoying the scenery or chatting with a training partner or focusing on your form - and you forget to eat or drink. I have to make a conscious effort to remember to have that gel, take on liquids with the gel for proper digestion as well as the Carbo-pro drink. I have been successful – I just need to remember!

Unfortunately, I haven’t really focused on what I should be eating on a daily basis or how I should eat before a race simulation or big brick workout. I found an article by Kyle Marcotte that has led me to believe I need more research than just practicing what I saw Marc doing before his Ironman races! In a few words, Kyle already alerted me to three things I did wrong for race week preparation last year. Slightly reduce calorie intake (I ate like a pig for 5 days leading up to the race and salted everything I ate); carb load 2 days prior (I had a big steak with lobster and shrimp and drank wine 2 days before – and filled up on a big salad the night before with a little bit of pasta); and reduce fiber intake at least 3 days before the event (hello! remember I had oatmeal 2 hours before the race??).

He did mention things I already knew but didn’t practice – such as taking two gels about 15 minutes before the run and don’t wait too long to take on calories during the run or it’s too late by the time one feels “bonk”. But of course, over excitement and maybe exhaustion made me forget.

So while I probably could have trained more last year, I still think my biggest issue was nutrition. With 7 weeks left, I still have time to practice nutrition strategies so that they become second nature race day.

Anyone wanting to read the article, here’s the link:  Nutrition – Kyle Marcotte, Pro Ironman

Leave a Comment

Posted in ironman, Nutrition, Training, triathlon, Triathlon

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | May 24, 2011

Sometimes it is where you place and how you ran that matters

Well, I have to say it was my best race ever in terms of doing everything right. I had a light pasta dinner the night before and stayed well hydrated throughout the previous day. I had a light breakfast – which, other than my Calgary 70.3 last year, is always a good choice of a glass of oj and a bowl of Special K. I stayed hydrated on the way to the race but not too much. 10 minutes before the start, I had my first gel. Then the gun went off.

The race course was a tough one. There were a lot of steep climbs right from the start and of course the dreaded steep decents. The wind was unbelievable but at least it wasn’t cold and rainy. The temperature was perfect at +15 C. On the first climb, I told myself not to worry about those passing me and the fact that within 10 minutes I had lost sight of the 2:15 pace bunny. I’ll catch up later. No sense blowing up the first 5 k into the race. I remembered as I climbed that I had read somewhere to take short strides and keep it slow and steady going up and work with gravity going down. That strategy worked.

On the flats, I was gaining ground on all those who zipped past me on the first three hills. First it was Ms. Pink shirt. She and I had battled it out for about 8k and she finally gave in after the water station. I slurped my water and kicked it into higher gear as I set my sights on Ms. Orange shirt. On her heels, I kept a steady pace to catch my breath when suddenly, I realized I was now ahead of Orange without even trying. Then I spotted the ears of the 2:15 pace bunny. I kept my pace steady and found I was gaining without running harder. I passed 5 runners in a pack who had been with the pace bunny from the start and eventually caught up to her. Here, I thought “I can keep this pace up for the remainder until 4k left and then rev up the engine.” I was comfortable and suddenly I felt in the zone. No pain, no exhaustion. I felt exhilerated but not so much that I was over-confident.

My nutrition strategy was bang on. I remembered to have my gels and chews every 20-25 minutes – not every 30. The race was well supported so there were a lot of aid stations. Every other race, I would gulp down as much water as possible for fear of dehydration – thus, ending up with a sloshing stomache that made me ill toward the end of a race. This time, if I thought I was thirsty, I would remember I just had water 20 minutes prior and perhaps I just had dry mouth. So I swooshed the water in my mouth and spit it out. Again – this strategy worked and has been mentally noted for future races.

Then the wind hit. The wind was gusting at 35-40km/hour that morning but for the first 6k, we were protected by a wooded park. The next 4k, we had a tail wind. But the next 8k after that would separate the smart racers from the ones who went all out at the beginning. The wind was so strong, I felt I was running uphill. I dropped off slightly but still managed to keep catching up in between gusts. The last two runners with the pace bunny dropped off and I kept up with her until the last 3.5k. Of course, there was a long climb just before the finish. I lost her – but I still had sight of her.

I crossed the finish line 5 minutes after she did at 2:20:19. Not my best time but I thought – hey, it isn’t my A race and it was a tough one. Two days later, I found out I placed 41 out of 85 in my age group. For the first time ever, I had moved up into the top 50 percent instead of the bottom 30 percent. It was a PR for me – maybe not time-wise – but where I finished.

I’d definitely do the race again. Well organized, the best swag I’ve seen in a long time and there was food, a beer tent and live entertainment after! I chatted with some familiar faces and went home content. I kept my wits about me and raced smart. I had finally learned from all my past mistakes. Paced myself perfectly and practiced good nutrition and hydration. Best race I have ever done to date!

Leave a Comment

Posted in Accomplishments, Nutrition, Post-race thoughts and activities

Older Posts »

Categories

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.