Posted by: pursuingsub17 | February 22, 2011

A triathlete’s right to be selfish

Well, it’s started already. My boss is putting excessive stress on me, asking me to come in without pay on my days off to drive her children to school (when I should be training). I have friends wanting to meet me for movies, dinner, or brunch and family members making excessive demands even though I say it’s training season, as well as people I barely know wanting to get to know me better by saying – not asking – saying, “we HAVE to go out!” No. No we don’t and excuse me for saying “I”M FIRST”

Wow. I totally get why triathletes have to develop a thick skin when people say they’re selfish. I’ve been the pleasing type my whole life. I say yes when I don’t want to go or can’t just because I’m worried I’ll dissappoint someone. This year it has to stop. I told myself January 1st that this year, I come first. So what happens? This year, so far, has been the WORST for people putting demands on me.

I keep remembering something an old co-worker of Marc’s said. He had had a nervous breakdown and had to quit his job managing Staples. He told us that he told his counsellor that he felt like a pie and everyone wanted a piece of him and they kept taking and taking and he’d give until there was nothing left for himself. That’s what I feel like right now.

I give and give 6.5 months of the year. Why can’t the 5.5 months that I need for focusing on training be for me? I’m not asking any of my friends, family or people who want to be my friend anything of them but respect for the fact that I’m training so please – do not say “I’d like to see you” or “I need you to do this for me.” Because right now, I need you to leave me alone for half a year because I need myself.

This is to those of you who have a triathlete in your life – whether they are your spouse, friend, family member (cousin, spouse’s 2nd cousin), or employee. Do not put that pressure on them. Do not get huffy and say mean things because that person can’t be with you for something. Understand that if you ask, and they say “I’d love to but I have a 3 hour bike that day,” that they don’t mean to be rude and it’s not that they don’t want to see you but they have a commitment that is very important to them.

I have made the commitment to improve my time at Sylvan Lake half iron. I want to do better than last year. I want to feel like I’ve finally accomplished something in my life – winning over my demons to do something spectacular for me. I have spent half my year bending over backwards for everyone in my life so – yes – I have the right to be selfish. I have the right to have a personal goal and work towards it. It isn’t an unhealthy goal and it means something to me. By showing disrespect for that, the people in my life have basically told me that they don’t care about my needs and aspirations. To me, THAT’s selfish.

A triathlete has a right to pursue their goal – first place finisher or just to finish. In order to do so, sacrifices need to be made. Just remember they’re temporary.

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

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | January 18, 2011

The nutritional side of triathlon – it’s a lot of work

Okay, first off, I’m finally feeling better. I went for a run on Friday (on the treadmill – groan) and it wasn’t too bad but I did take it easy for fear I might bring back that wicked cough. Saturday I was on the bike for 30 minutes and I was wiped. I thought I could do 40 minutes but I was just too tired. Not sure if that’s because I’ve been sick or if it’s because I was strength training the day before – more on that in another blog.

Anyway, I’ve been focusing on my nutrition the last week. I’ve been on a few different websites to determine exactly what it is that a triathlete needs! Last year I bonked too much. I know I need more fuel during training and the race but what about in general? My diet isn’t bad but it isn’t beneficial to what I do either. Well, I have to say there’s all kinds of people with all kinds of advice out there. But based on several websites that are triathlon specific – and Livestrong.com – I think I’ve finally figured out the right ratio.

Believe it or not, the fat/protein ratio is almost the same. Actually, on average, most sites recommended a little more fat than protein. But mostly, you need carbs. From what I can tell, the average active female (like me) needs 1880-2200 calories a day. You need 60-70 percent of your daily calories coming from carbohydrates. You need about 20-30 percent from fat and 15-20 percent from protein.

Okay – so I got my energy source ratio so all I needed was something that recorded my food intake and figured out the percentages. Again – lots of sites out there but the one I use is ontri.com. I also get my training programs from there so I’m a bit biased. But be warned – it’s a lot of work and if you don’t have a great memory, you need to bring a little notepad with you everywhere…or log it in your BlackBerry or iPhone. That way, when you go to record all your meals and snacks, you won’t forget anything.

That being said, you have to look up the many types of food, meals, snacks in the database. Most of them are there but if they aren’t you have to do a little research with Google and figure out the nutritional values if it isn’t in the ontri.com database. Nice thing is that once you do enter it, you don’t have to again :) . You can also choose to make the food log public to help out your other fellow triathletes. (I was surprised that Clamato juice was in there – a very Canadian beverage).

Anyway, it does require work – like training – but it’s worth it. My protein intake is very good. My fat intake USUALLY is good. Today, I recorded two tablespoons of margarine on my toast and the percentage skyrocketed! So now I’ll be careful on my margarine use. My carb intake is higher than the rest but it isn’t ideal. So my goal for the next few months is to monitor my food and try to increase my carbs and reduce fat where I can.

So that’s it for today. I’m doing research on strength training for triathletes…not so much what to do as how often and how the heck you can fit it in your schedule without hampering your regular training!

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Posted in ironman, Nutrition, Training, triathlon, Triathlon

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | January 12, 2011

Need motivation? Try being sick for two weeks.

I’m having deja vu. I’ve been pretty good at keeping in shape over the winter – even during the Christmas holidays. I’ve been working out 3-4 times a week, not following a set schedule, but at least getting in a run, bike or half hour on the elliptical trainer. Then last week, I started getting that dreaded scratchy throat. Oh no. Yup – wound up losing my voice last weekend, by Monday I had a sinus infection and now I have a horrid dry cough. So unfortunately, now that it is in my chest, I have to put off any kind of training until I get better.

Now you might be thinking – but it’s only January – lots of time. The thing is, I made a promise to myself I was going to train harder this year – show more discipline – and make sure that January and February was going to be the months I really got back into my strength training. Not so. Not so says the universe. “you stay down!” it said. Maybe it’s telling me I need the rest – physically and mentally. Okay. I’ll listen – but I think two weeks of doing nothing is good enough. Hell! I bought myself a new iPod shuffle for Christmas!! Or maybe it’s because I haven’t bought my new Mizunos yet – the universe doesn’t want me to start training with old, worn out runners. Or maybe the universe wants me to REALLY want to train – and what better way than to tell me I can’t for two weeks.

Last night I came home hacking and talking like my vocal cords were about to snap, and what do I see? Marc is on his windtrainer. Well, if that wasn’t a kick in the pants. Actually, I’m really glad to see him on there again after two years. I think he’s finally feeling motivated again. Then I pictured myself setting up my bike next to him – and we’re peddling and watching Ironman Kona 2010, and shifting gears, and…oh, wait, yeah, I’M SICK!!! Doh!

So now I’m really committed to wanting to do well this year. I feel like a caged dog. I need to get on that bike! I need to swim laps (even got a pool lap counter for Christmas), I need to do strength training. I need to get better. I need to eat better, drink more water and get more sleep. Being sick has made me realize I fell off the wagon over Christmas. Yes, I worked out but I was getting by on little sleep, socializing and drinking too much, eating too much crap. Now I’m paying for it. Now I’m seeing what I need to do.

Full steam ahead – thanks Universe. Thanks for the yukky flem-infested lungs and sore throat to make me want this even more. Look out 2011. I’m going to kick butt and make way for sub 17 in 2012!!!

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Posted in Motivation, Set backs, Training, triathlon, Triathlon

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | December 16, 2010

Mind is now in training mode

Well, I’m glad I held off as long as I did. I had a breakthrough the past 5 days. I guess I should say more of a mental breakthrough. I actually sat on the windtrainer this past weekend for 40 minutes and felt I could go longer. I didn’t just pedal either – I followed one of Coach Mark’s old routines. 5 minutes spin at 95 RPM, then three sets of: 3 mins spin, 1 minute each of R and L single leg spins, 1 minute stand at about 55 RPM, sit in aero position for 4 minutes spin at 95 RPM and repeat. Then I finished with 5 minutes of easy spin on an easy gear.

I actually followed a routine meant to improve myself. Huh! How ’bout that?

I took two days off and then got up at 5:30 am to do another  bike that included a warm up, 3 sets of 9:30 spin sitting, 30 seconds at 130 rpm and then 2 minutes standing, followed by a minute of easy spinning. Today I ran on the dreaded treadmill – again at 5:30 in the morning – and it felt good. Wasn’t super speedy but I had a comfortable pace. Did just under 3 miles in 32 minutes.

My head is more in training mode now. I’m thinking more about my races and what I want to accomplish. I’m a little anxious over the fact that I haven’t been doing the strength training and plyometrics that I was doing last year at this time but it isn’t too late to start. I’m also already focusing on what I need to do to improve my swim time.

Hopefully I can just plow through Christmas season (ha ha – no pun intended) keeping up the workouts to stay in shape, use January to increase my core workouts and strength training, and start training in February. I’ll probably use the ontri.com program again – but I’ve been getting pointers on improving pedal stroke, etc. from triathlete magazines and triathlon websites. Still debating on whether or not I’ll join a spin class – but I’ll definitely look at master swim classes.

So I am glad I took a few months off of actual “training mode”. There’s a little voice inside my head that keeps telling me “the triathlete magazines said you were supposed to use off training season to join master swim and do strength training – you are going to fail.” I have to ignore that voice. Too late to look back but I can look forward.

I’ve determined my race schedule too – a half marathon in mid May, olympic distance triathlon with an open water swim third week of June and my A race is Sylvan Lake third week of July. After that I’m not sure. I feel like I’m repeating myself…did I blog about this already? Oh well, doesn’t hurt to repeat yourself :) .

I’ve decided I’ve finally earned that triathlon tattoo as well – my badge of honor. I may not have done an ironman race yet but triathlon has definitely helped me inch a little more forward in my battle with some very bad habits. I owe my mental and physical state to pursuing this sport. So everytime I look at that tattoo, it will remind me of where I was, how far I’ve come, and where I’m going. The goal is sometime in January after my 43rd birthday. Haven’t quite yet decided on the actual design but it will incorporate the symbols of swim, bike and run.

That’s it for now – I have some races to sign up for and some Christmas shopping to do :) . Happy training and/or goal setting for 2011.

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Posted in Accomplishments, ironman, Motivation, Training, triathlon, Triathlon

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | December 7, 2010

Picked a great time for a gym membership

Of course – what was I thinking? Signing up for a gym membership right around Christmas and now with Marc not being able to find a lot of construction work. He couldn’t pay our insurance so they cancelled it. Of course without me knowing. I know I can be a crazy Viking when I’m angry but if I had have known earlier, I could have found a way to pay it. So now we’re scrambling to pay off the debt of $1000 so we can have our insurance back.

Okay – Marc was trying to be the man and look after it himself but got in over his head when suddenly work dried up for the season. Unfortunately, Allstate (and I feel no shame in posting who our  lovely insurance company is who claims “you’re in good hands with”) is refusing to cover us despite spotless driving records – even if we do pay off what was owed. Overdue by a month. We explained our situation and said that they will be paid this week but, alas, they don’t care. Despite the fact that we actually are going to pay the outstanding bill, they will never let us get insurance with them again. This is not the first time I’ve heard Allstate do this – they did it to my boss’ 75 year old mother. So folks, there you go. Allstate cares – but only if you have a 6 figure income. If you are anywhere below the line that says “upper class”, forget it. They don’t want your business.

Luckily, there is a small local insurance broker who understands our predicament and is going to cover us – as long as we get our debt cleared with Allstate first.

Anyway, enough griping – Christmas is coming, we have a hotel booked in Banff for New Years and bought tickets to an event at a local pub that wasnt too expensive, friends are wanting to go out for dinner for Christmas get togethers – and I decide now is a good time to get a gym membership. The YMCA tried to talk me into a “Membership Plus” for double the price. I don’t think so. I bought the regular membership – only difference being is that the “Plus” has a private steam shower and hot tub. Whoop-di do.

I guess I can’t complain – if it’s just a gym membership that I’m whining about. There are a lot of Canadians living on the street in dangerously cold temperatures. Santa’s Anonymous just posted that they’ve run out of kids’ gifts to wrap. Sad times right now. Employment is up .5% – but no one is talking about how many people are taking 2 or 3 part time jobs because there’s nothing full time.

It’s just tough times right now – and hard to pick up the spirits so hopefully this humbling experience will make Marc and I appreciate just being with friends and family and each other than Christmas gifts!

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Posted in Post-race thoughts and activities, Set backs

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | November 24, 2010

Cold weather training woes: how to stay motivated

I feel like I’m repeating myself. The cold has finally hit Edmonton. It went from +8 C to -10 almost overnight with a dump of snow that absolutely refused to go away. Winter is here to stay. I haven’t seen a flock of geese in two weeks. They’re gone. So sad :(

My motivation is gone too. I can work out on the weekends but I have no ambition after work. I’m so tired when I get home (in the dark at 4:30 pm), that I take off my big winter boots and parka, and head straight to the kitchen to cook. Sometimes I take the dog out but that lasts no more than a few minutes because even she can’t stand to be out in this freakin’ deep freeze. I go to bed early now – unsure of whether it’s the cold or the dark making me sleepy. I can’t get out of bed at 5:30 am to sit on my bike for a half hour. Trying to run in this is equally upsetting. Haven’t had a good run in a week and a half. 

I used to run in this crap – probably because I took up running about 6 years ago in the dead of winter so I didn’t know any different. I also hated running in the heat. Years later, I am used to the heat and can no longer stand running in the cold. It’s hard on the joints, lungs, the lining in my nostrils, my eyes, …shall I go on?

Sigh – and I gave up my gym membership in the spring this year. Not a dumb move – wasn’t really impressed with Spa Lady in terms of triathlon training anyway. Over the summer I thought I could wait it out until 2011 when my cash flow is going to increase. I figured I could run, bike, use the eliptical in the condo building, only pay $5 for lane swim at the city pool and use tubing to strength train.

I forgot that I am sick of swim, bike and run and I need to do something else for the winter until training starts up again in March. Okay – I have to get on that stupid windtrainer. I need to get more time in on the bike. But right now, I don’t have any motivation.

The answer is return to the gym, my friends. If I go home, I won’t workout. When I had a gym membership, I went straight there after work. I can be motivated until I walk into my condo and that’s it. It goes away with the stripping of the snow boots off the feet. And I’m sorry but “Buff Bob’s Fitness DVD” does not help! Don’t believe the ads. You can buy the DVD and all the home gym equipment but if you would rather just take it easy, do laundry, cook, anything but workout, it will just sit there and eventually end up on Ebay. Trust me! The lazy mind is very powerful – more powerful than those “bust your butt!” ads on TV. Get a gym membership, pack your duffle bag in the morning and take it to work and head straight to the gym.

So as of tomorrow, I will be a YMCA member. I picked it as it is a 10 minute drive from my home – on the way home from work on work days – and my friend is a member at the one where she lives so I can go work out with her when feeling unmotivated. They have an indoor track for running, treadmills, stairclimbers to build the muscle in the legs, weights, and yes – a pool. Although the pool times are not that great. But it also has a hot tub and steam room! Great motivator on those cold nights.

Signing up for a race is a good motivator too. I signed up for the Sylvan Lake Half Iron. Marc doesn’t believe in signing up early but I have to. I need something to aim for. I need that carrot dangling in front of my nose or I’ll just be a stubborn mule, eat chips and watch TV ads about tight abs and buns.

Maybe this weekend, I’ll buy a new pair of Mizunos. Nothing like a new pair of runners to break in to make you want to hit the – uh, treadmill or track.

It is very tough to train in Northern climates. But I’ll just suck it up and watch Family Guy while running aimlessly on a treadmill for now.

But as soon as I see one of those honking V-formations flying back from the south, I’ll be back on the bike and on the road!

Stay warm!

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

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | October 6, 2010

My “workout but don’t train” plan is working.

I was going over my race results compared to last year and realized my 2009 season was much better. There are several reasons why. I was more serious about training then. I had something to prove to Marc. I had a nemesis to motivate me. But most of all – and I think I’ve said this before – I started training waaaayyyy too early for 2010. In 2009, I didn’t start any kind of training until the end of February.

In the past month I’ve been easing back into running and forcing myself to just slow down a bit and enjoy the scenery. I finally have my legs back and some energy but I’m not pushing myself too hard. You don’t realize how much a half Ironman takes out of you until you think you’re ready to give it all you got and you are lucky to be able to run 9 k without feeling like garbage. Marc’s teammate, Andrew, said he still felt like he was pulling a piano behind him when out for a run in September – and his race was in June!

Anyway, I digress. I’ve been trying to mix it up a bit. I started some light workouts for sculpting the upper body last week but I’m using the pilates bands and tubing instead of weights. I’ll start including plyometrics by November. But I’ve thrown the schedule out the window in terms of what I’m actually going to do on a particular day and why I’m doing it. If I feel like running, I will. Maybe I’ll bike instead if the weather permits (and we’ve had some really nice days lately).  Swim only occasionally. Sometimes I’ll hop on the eliptical for a half hour or just go for an hour long power walk without the iPod and take in the sights and smells of fall. Belly dancing classes have taken the boredom out of exercising. I love the isolation exercises and I think I’ll benefit from them a lot. I’ve been doing yoga too with the Wii when I’m not using the tubing. And I’ve been doing crunches and other core exercises about 4 days a week. All of this is starting to show results, mentally and physically - unlike last year. Why?

The key is to pick something I’ll enjoy just to get some exercise just to stay fit and maybe shed a few lbs that I’ve gained over the last few years. So I’m working out because I want to – not because I have to. Last year, I ”trained” with the goal for a speedy 70.3 for 8 months before my first race (the marathon). By that time, I was sick of training. And I still had 2 more months to go before my 70.3. So I slacked off, went to too many gatherings with friends, ate too much rich food and drank too much wine and beer. I was packing on calories and getting minimal training in when it should have been the opposite.

So that’s where I’m at right now. It’s made a lot of improvements – some physically but a lot mentally. I actually look forward to going for a run or a bike or whatever my heart wants to do. No schedules, no coach. Not until the end of February anyway :) .

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Posted in Accomplishments, marathon, Motivation, Training, triathlon

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | September 9, 2010

Fundraising for cancer – 5k Rock and Roll Climb of Hope

Okay – last weekend I volunteered for the Women’s Only triathlon. Technically, it’s the last triathlon of the season for me as our weather takes a nose dive in September. Last Sunday was no exception. I arrived, freezing, and wishing I had brought my gloves. As I watched the gals show up in their warm up clothes, looking nervous, racking their bikes, getting body marked, I have to admit, I still wished I had signed up despite the cold. I was assigned to counting laps in the pool. I shouted words of encouragement and said good luck and have a good race as each participant got out of their lane. I stayed and cheered on the last swimmer and went outside to watch the bikers come in and the runners head out.

By this point, it was warmer. The majority of the women were smiling – beaming – as this was their first ever triathlon and they were loving it. There were some seasoned athletes there. They had the serious “I’m gonna kill this race” look on their face. I’m sure that would have been my look…maybe. I was jealous. I remember my first triathlon and the exhileration that I felt when it was over. I knew I was hooked. There were many there who had that same look and I felt so great for them. It made me sad knowing this was the last race for awhile but it also inspired me. I went for a mountain bike ride that day and then an hour long run the next and then planned out my work out goals for the next few months. Best thing to get out of a funk!

But wait! I have one more race. This one also involves giving back. My friend and I are once again doing the 5k Rock and Roll Climb of Hope. Last year was the inaugural and I have to say one of the best organized races I’ve ever participated in. We were dressed up glam rock last year. This year, we’re the Raspberry Beret Runners. Yes, we’ll be wearing berets! I also designed the logo for our t-shirts and we have lacy Prince style gloves. There will be rock bands, great tech shirts, fantastic prizes and a burger for the end of the race. WAAAAYYYY better than the Calgary 70.3. Those race organizers have a lot to learn.  The 5k race, which includes several hills and stair climbs in and out of our river valley,  is to raise money and awareness for the Alberta Cross Cancer Institute.

If anyone wants to donate, here’s the link to my donation page (have a good laugh at my photos!): Let me know if the link doesn’t work.  http://albertacancer.ca/lorelhammerstad

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Posted in Heros, Motivation, Post-race thoughts and activities, Training, triathlon, Triathlon

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | August 24, 2010

Financial pitfalls of triathlon

Ok – first off, the half marathon wasn’t my best performance but I still did well considering I just did a half Ironman three weeeks prior. I was 8 minutes off my personal best – finished in 2:20 (actually, chip time was 2:19 – from gun start it was 2:20). I felt like crap the last 3k. It was a battle of wills. I kept telling myself I have nothing to prove on this race and it’s okay to walk. But my other self said “you are not walking to the finish! Just get through the next 6 minutes and you can have your 1 minute walk break!” It was tough. I wasn’t sore but I was utterly exhausted. At 14k – 7k to go, I actually thought “I hate running.” Wow! Talk about negative speak in the head. I responded with “enough of that negative talk – you’re in the middle of a race. Suck it up.” So I got my medal – and a valuable lesson. No more races after a half ironman (or full ironman). Not unless it’s 3 months later! I never rested. I went from half ironman to a few days off to speed work for a half marathon.

Anyway – next piece of bad news. I definitely have to reset my goals for Ironman Canada. One thing about this sport – it’s not cheap. Tri-bike – $3500. Wetsuit – $400. Ironman entry fee – $550. For everything else, there’s MasterCard. Mmmm hmmm. My MasterCard is now at $10,336. Ihave a line of credit sitting at $9994 and another credit card at $2100. So it’s time to say enough is enough. I need to get my debt paid down before I slap the plastic down next Sunday. I never saved up for the entry fee. My parents are helping me with my debt so I can’t justify driving out to Penticton for a 4 day holiday and spending another $1000 – at least. Marc can’t either. We made the decision last night. Best not to even go and be tempted.

It was a tough decision but the wise one. We were supposed to volunteer in the massage tent. I’m letting them down. We were supposed to cheer on a virtual teammate whom I’ve never met but communicated with a lot. We’re letting him down. As for not signing up, I’m not really letting anyone down. It’s the mature decision. It just sucks.

But maybe it’s fate telling me I need another year of triathlons before jumping in with the big boys. This will give me time to tackle my weaknesses and build my strengths. I’ve decided not to go on Coach Mark’s plan – they started too early. I was sick of training by March. It will also give me time to save up for my race fees. Because let’s face it – racing and gym membership fees and gear are not cheap.

It’s all happening for a reason. I’ll be in better physical and financial shape next year and that will put me in a great position for Ironman Canada 2012! Watch out!

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Posted in ironman, Post-race thoughts and activities, Set backs, Training, triathlon, Triathlon, Uncategorized

Posted by: pursuingsub17 | August 17, 2010

Time for just one more race

Okay – did my 15k run on Sunday. My speedwork has been awesome – the LSR on Sunday was a bit difficult. I felt sluggish and my legs felt like they were heavy. I was either tired or it could have been from biking for an hour the day before. Regardless, I felt ready to do one more race.

When I first started race planning for the year, I had decided not to do the Edmonton Marathon. I was tired of it and wanted to try Calgary. Well, we all know that fell through. So I went to the Edmonton Marathon site. Still room for more half marathoners. But I didn’t want to sign up until I proved to myself that I could at least run 15k without spilling my guts onto the sidewalk. So I ate what I used to eat training for the marathon last year and tried not to take in so much water. That seemed to do it. Why I suddenly felt I needed a heavy breakfast to get me through a workout, I don’t know. I also didn’t down a 500ml bottle of Vitamin Water or Dasani half way through a run because I thought I needed it. Gee – do you think that’s what made my gut slosh around?

Anyway, yes, still tired from the Calgary 70.3 but I’m not sore and I made it through the 15k. My hips felt tight and there was a slight pull behind the kneecap. I remembered to focus on my form on the way back and I was injury free. Did 11 minute miles so not so pretty but I can still manage the Edmonton Half. I signed up Sunday night.

I’m not expecting a personal best. I just want to go out and have fun and at least run a 2:15 half. My PB is actually 2:12 I believe so if I do better, great but as it isn’t my A race, that’s okay. The big thing is to check out the new race course, see if there are more goodies in the swag bag than last year – basically see if the event has improved at all…and get one more finisher’s medal of course :) . Who knows? I might do well. Traditionally, my last race of the year always seems to be my best even though it’s never the A race.

That being said, I’m ready to pack it in for the year. I’ll be volunteering at the Women’s Only – the one I did remarkably well at last year at the end of the race season. After that, it’s all maintenance workouts and catching up on good books and condo cleaning. I’ve been reading up on off season training and Marc suggested I focus on what I need to improve on – that being the bike. Improve the bike, improve the run. I’m going to get back into strength training - concentrating on my upper body and arms at least until January. A friend of mine is joining a pilates class – I think I might start with that just to do something different for awhile, combined with core work, and then move into plyometrics and weights by December. I’m also planning on joining a spin class on Saturdays – 8:30am start! That’ll make me behave!

Two weeks from yesterday will be Ironman Canada sign up day. I’ll most likely do it but I haven’t decided 100 percent yet. The half Ironman was a lot tougher than anticipated – mostly the run because of my effort level on the bike. But it was a good learning race. As long as I keep those lessons in mind and become more disciplined in my training, especially once the new year hits, I can do it.

Until then – rest, recovery, play!

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

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