TInkerbell

If anyone has a desire to run a half marathon (I know you all do), I strongly suggest running the Tinkerbell half marathon (well, if you’re a female. or don’t mind being surrounded by 10,000 females in tutus). Despite having a recovering knee, a sinus infection and starting the race at 5am, I finished the race in 2:08. This is my personal worst, but all things considered I’m really happy about it. My energy level was great, it’s a flat easy course, I was able to run the whole time, & was cheered on by Disney characters, live bands and an impressive amount of people who showed up that early to watch the race. Only gripes: 2^nd half of the race was through the streets of “beautiful” Anaheim (I’d rather have the last 6 miles be in the park!) & that we missed the Expo because of LA traffic. We were FOURTEEN minutes late & got turned away… so allow for plenty of time to get there.

 

Oh, and did I mention the medal???

My friend Megan & I braved the LA traffic & stroller monsters moms to get to this race even though we were both feeling unprepared, and well… crappy. Breathing in/out of our noses was a challenge at this point, & we were joking over dinner that out of our friends, we’re definitely the minority who would put a race before our health (& all logic, honestly).  :)

We also reflected on the fact that it was basically NBD for us to not feel well & wake up at 3am to run 13.1 miles in the freezing cold dark. I ran my very first half marathon (Santa Barbara) with her as well 2 years ago, and at that point running a half was a VERY big deal. Lots of training tips, carb loading, blog reading and playlist making involved there. And now 2 years later what we considered a huge accomplishment (well ok, it still is), is now moved into the shoulder shrug “why not?” category. For us, this race was merely a training run our real marathon and/or triathlon training.

I’m now a little less than 8 weeks out until my first marathon! I will still be cross-training like crazy, but my main focus will be running. I consider this a very big deal. I know that I can follow the training plans & eat accordingly, but the mental part is what’s freaking me out the most. During a race your mind turns on you. It’s rude. The thoughts of “you can’t do this”, “whyyyy are you doing this??” “you can stop at any time” “are we done yet?” surface & it takes all of your mental strength to either battle the thoughts or get them to shut up. I know how to physical train for a race, but how do strengthen your mind? CAN you? Even Basshunter & Calvin Harris can't drown out my thoughts sometimes...

Ta-Da! err… Tu-Tu!  :)

 

(Still) All about that new new

2013… so far so GREAT! I knew right from the start that this is going to be a really really great year.

Like always, I start with overly-optimistic goals for what I want to accomplish throughout the year and realistically hope to cross off at least half of that list. I’ve been taken by surprise that so much has happened already and we’re only two weeks in. Aside from a very obnoxious sinus infection (I think I said “ohh I nevvvvver get sick” one too many times, so I had it coming), I’ve taken a job promotion at another company, am back into full triathlon training schedule thanks to my coach (yes, I have a coach now), have a recovered knee AND bought a new bike.

Holy.Cow. It’s been pretty wonderful.

I’ll get more into the job stuff later when I can officially announce what’s happening, and hopefully by that time I can talk about some other really sweet stuff that’s currently in the works ;)

For NOW, I’ll get back to the training since that’s the main purpose of the blog. I have a lot of goals this year – meaning a lot of races. I’m trying, for the second time, to run a full marathon in March as well as compete in a number of triathlons and a half IronMan. My goal is to podium at one of the races and ,while I know it’s a pipe dream, it would be so awesome to have that happen at Vineman. It would be the best birthday present EVER!  Also I’m determined to get the tripod headstand nailed down. Yes, that is a serious fitness goal I have.

So as you’ve read already, I’ve hired a coach to help me be adequately prepared for my races and to keep me accountable for my training. He definitely knows what he’s doing and I trust that if I follow his schedule (which is tough, by the way), I will be physically prepared and have the confidence to race at my full potential.  And a new race bike should help too :)

 I’ve also been going to physical therapy twice a week which is producing miraculous results with my knee. I ran 10 miles with no pain last weekend, which I'm stoked about considering since last September I have not been able to run over 6 without my knee acting up. Pretty incredible. We’ll see how it does in my first race of 2013 – a half marathon – this weekend! I’ll be wearing a tutu running through Disneyland… what could go wrong?

More updates coming soon, y'all :)

Delayed... not Defeated

So… marathon training:  It’s not happening. I haven’t felt very encouraged to blog about my progress because I’ve been going backwards. Not only do I have the excuses used by everyone that,  “I don’t have enough time”, “I’m too busy”, I also have a stubborn left knee that refuses to get on board with my 2012 Goals list. I want to run sooo badly but my legs aren’t cooperating. I’m sure that this is my body’s way of making a point, which I can’t ignore, that it’s tired from completing all of my other goals this year.

I’m officially “downgraded” to running the SB half marathon in a few weeks instead of the full. Downgraded you say? I know. I realize I’m talking crazy for most of you reading this. I should be stoked that I’m not even phased by running 13 miles, and do admit it’s a little ridiculous to be super bummed out that I’m only running 13 miles instead of the 26 I was hoping for.

Don’t worry… already signed up for the LA Marathon in March. Delayed… not defeated. Goal for 2012 2013: run a marathon. Among other things…. ;)

In the meantime I will be besties with Ibuprofen, a foam roller, ice, a PT (Geoff I’m counting on you!), and my knee brace. Oh, how I LOVE my knee brace. I can run a slow painful 4 to 5 miles with it on, versus not wearing and having much limping and crying involved after only running 1 mile. It’s pa-thet-ic.  I suppose that now is as good of time as ever to focus on my swimming “skills” if I’m attempting to complete an IronMan in the near future. (Wait, what?)

Also, in unrelated news I’m MOVING! (Finally, right?!) Just to a different part of the city, but I’m so excited for a change… AND a roomie AND awesome neighbors ;). I broke the news to my sweet, generous grandparents last night… I told them I had very exciting news for them to which my grandpa immediately replied “you’re finally getting married??” God bless him. “Mmmm… no…. grandpa, I’m not. I’m just moving out 3 years after I told you that this was only a temporary living situation, & thought you’d be excited about it.” Delayed… not defeated.

This will also delay my plan to get a “better” bike with aero bars. Less than 1 year & I already want an upgrade!! It’s unfortunate that I can’t bring my current bike in & just exchange it for a different one. J

So with many things athletic and personal, I will accept *temporary* delays and not be or feel defeated. Oh, United Airlines would be SO proud of me for saying that (which is a WHOLE other story which I can tell you if you’re having a bad day… it’ll make you feel a lot better). I think I’m beginning to understand & respect the mantra that I’ve heard a few of you use: 

Relentless. Forward. Progress.

Race Report Digression

I’m definitely going to sign up for more sprint triathlons – they’re super fun! And for me, way more practical at this point J. The Carpinteria Triathlon was a bit harder to train for only because I felt like I got too busy with LIFE to put training as a priority. My life has shifted from having track workouts, Nite Moves, or group rides and swims everyday to my volunteer work plus trying to get in more face time with family, friends and also not be a complete disaster in the dating realm.

With little training, I was pleasantly surprised with my performance last weekend. I came in 7^th in my age division and had a great race with no injuries, flat tires or shark bites, great weather and great support. For this race I felt like I was actually competing against people instead of watching everyone fly by me. Granted I still felt like that during the swim, but on the bike and run course I was actually PASSING people. I have a lot of swim work to do before my next race since it’s without a doubt my weakest area, but overall it felt really great. And FUN! Again… love the sprint distances. For anyone reading this who hasn’t done a tri (but I know you wannnnt tooooo!!), please do what normal people do & sign up for the sprint distance FIRST.

Do as I say, not as I do ;)

Now I can “fully” concentrate on my upcoming marathon. Yes I know – it never ends! I have about 5 weeks to feel comfortable running 26.2 miles, which at this point seems really scary and unattainable. WHY a FULL marathon?? It hurts. The training hurts my body more than it did for the triathlon. I’m also still swimming a few times a week & incorporating yoga in as much as I can for cross-training. I’m realizing that training for a marathon requires yoga and foam rollers as much as it does running!

It’s crazy to think that one year ago I was training for the half-marathon which, at the time, seemed like a huge undertaking. Now I’m running distances longer than the half as my TRAINING runs. My legs are absolutely not happy about this, but my ego thinks it’s pretty cool. As much as I complain, I really love it though. Not the pain, but everything else. Pushing your body (& mind a lot of the time) and being temporarily (super) uncomfortable is worth the rewards that come with it. Double entendre? Kidding?

Not sure that I can be a marathon advocate as much as one for doing a triathlon at this point. Will keep you posted as promised. I can say though… running 15 miles yesterday has erased ALL guilt of me sitting here right now listening to Louis Armstong’s “La Vie En Rose”, enjoy the “Fall” weather & write… with chai tea… and cookies… sleeping in until 8, even. I’m not sure I can sell you on running 20+ miles, but I can sell you on how great recovery days can be.

I’ll try & do a better job keeping up with blogging with my last few intense weeks of training for the year. I’m hoping I won’t have too many training woes. Maybe I’ll just it into a running forum: ex: “what 4-5 hours of music do you listen to on your iPod?”, “how long am I allowed to stay in the ice bath?”

I digressed a bit from my original plan to have this entry be a race report on Carp. So…. ahhh, yes basically Carp is really as great as everyone says it is & I would most definitely do it again. J

 

P.S. If anyone knows great Seattle running routes (cough, Maddie) let me know

The Morning After

I couldn’t have asked for a better race day. I had everything I needed, the weather was perfect, my tires didn’t blow out, had no injuries, and I finished the race with a number next to my name. Not a 1^st place number, but not a last place either. For my 1^st BIG race, I have already criticized so many parts of the race that I need to work on for next time (yeah, we all knew that was going to happen). At the same time, I couldn’t be happier. I completed the race, therefore completing my original goal, proved to myself that I can mentally and physically do/get through things I previously thought impossible, and MOST OF ALL…. MOST MOST MOST of all… the people!! I think that in just about all of my blogs I’ve mentioned how amazing the people are and I’m going to keep on doing it... because it’s that important to mention.

I’ve been asked a lot why I decided to sign up for long-course triathlon (especially for my first race!) and a big part of that is the people. Of course there are other “minor” things like… wanting to challenge myself, being in THE best shape of my life, and having the satisfaction of accomplishing a huge personal goal. I couldn’t have made it through 5 months of training and the actual race itself without moral support (and GU). I can’t begin to express how grateful I am to have so much love, encouragement, training tips, etc etc from such wonderful people. But for now at least… thank you family, thank you friends, thank you coaches & trainers, thank you spectators, and thank you fellow athletes & training buddies.

Today, as I was enjoying my first morning off in a while and taking time to reflect, came to the realization that many others have come to… the reason to continue to race, train and to keep signing up and showing up. It’s not just about how well you do in a race (although important), it’s about overall health, about commitment to personal growth, about being part of a COMMUNITY of people who value the same lifestyle. I feel that after doing this race, I’m beginning to truly understand what it’s all about.

As cheesy as this is, the past 6 months of training, supporting and racing have been the most fulfilling and gratifying months I’ve probably ever had in my life. I mean it! Mentally, physically and emotionally satisfaction…  all bundled up in just one race. Another question I’ve been asked a lot is “will I sign up for another race or do this again?”. It’s not really an easy yes or no answer for me. Actually… let me rephrase that… it’s not an easy YES answer. YES means committing more time, committing my mind and body to more goals, making lifestyle changes to keep myself in the shape I need to be in for what I want to accomplish. Which is still TBD, btw. Ultimately, the answer to that is: I want to accomplish everything that I possibly can. I don’t know what that means yet or what my limit is or if I even have a limit, but I will never know unless I try to find it.

So… my answer is YES.

But it’s not a light-hearted yes, because I’ve carefully considered all of the aforementioned commitments and know that by saying yes, I’m accepting responsibility to keep myself disciplined, to be held accountable, to keep signing up and showing up even when I hate every second of it. I understand this is no small undertaking, and as I progress it will even less small, but I also know without a single shred of doubt in mind that I want this. “This” meaning the feeling of accomplishing a great goal and working hard and honestly for it, the feeling of surprising even yourself of what you can accomplish and looking at how far you’ve made it, the feeling of having great relationships with people… with a community… that want all of the same things you do and knowing we’re all here to help each other.

At this point I’m not exactly sure where I’m headed (aside from a full marathon in November. Ha!), I just know the general direction I want to go and WILL go with an open heart, open mind and open arms… welcoming more challenges, relationships and self-discoveries.

So I, Erica, take thee [insert race], to be my lifestyle, and before God and these Facebook witnesses and blog followers, I promise to be a faithful and true trainer/ee  give it my best. I will love you AND hate you, take comfort AND soreness, in sickness and in health, in wealth and poverty (unless I find some sponsors), 'til death do us part I say so and will forever do my best to pay it forward.

 

"Triathlon doesn't build character. It reveals it."- Unbekannt

 

See y’all out there. Much love and thanks,

-E

Daydreamin'

My race is THIS month! 22 days to be exact. Time sure flies when you’re training. I have to constantly remind myself of how far I’ve come physically and mentally since I started. Conversely, I have to remind myself to not get so discouraged with body that it can’t do everything I want it to… yet.

In the broad scheme of things I am still very “green” with the training, racing, logistics, etc. compared to a lot of people I train with who’ve been at it for years. It has been extremely beneficial (and humbling!) to train with and to be surrounded by seasoned racers. I’m truly grateful to the moon and back for all of the patience, support and training tips I’ve received in the past few months. THANK YOU GUYS!!!!! You know who you are. I’ll also have you know that it’s really frustrating for me to constantly try and be on your level. Almost makes me want to sign up for an IronMan one day (baaaaaahahahahahahahaha)…

Almost.

Running update: Not much to say here except more often than not I’m getting the relaxed “euphoric” feeling (without music, even) versus the “ohmygawd…kill me now” feeling. Oh – and I’m most definitely getting faster! Thank you track workouts.

Swimming: I’m staying under 30min now for the Nite Moves swim! A horrific time for you, but always a PR for me. I feel like I actually have swimming lungs now and am pretty comfortable swimming about a mile & a half during my swim practices. Still in the geriatric lane (lane 1) but I can honestly say that I really enjoy swimming. Not only does it make my muscles feel great, it also allows me time for a lot (a LOT) of daydreaming.  Practice (& races) really fly by and are a lot more pleasant when I imagine myself winning gold medals and accepting Ryan Lochte’s marriage proposal rather than counting my strokes every 100 meters. My imagination has no bounds and ZERO shame.

Biking: ohhh biking. I would love nothing more than to chuck my bike off a cliff after lighting it on fire and doing a ceremonial dance. I’m able to go the distance and can tackle the hills pretty well, but I’m still bitter about my wipeout and can’t seem to get over my fear of going downhill. I know… it’s supposed to be the fun part. The RELIEF. For me I’d prefer to race uphill because I can actually full out race and not grab my brakes the whole way. My bike & I have been spending a lot of quality time together & have gone through what I consider the “scary” parts of course over and over and over, but I can’t seem to get past my residual fear of eating shit… err… asphalt again.  

General: I have to say that overall, mentally and physically, training for the race has been SO great. I think this applies at all levels. Whether it’s “couch to 5k”, a Tri, IM, marathon, etc. it’s such a great feeling to know that you’re improving yourself and can get to the realization of  “wow I can actually DO this!”. I’m finally at the point where I’m very much looking forward to this race. I know I’m not the fastest but I know that I’m capable. Although I still have 3 whole weeks…

Tri Trial Try #1

Greeting from the French Press!

As you can tell, I’m hard at work today J. As a birthday present to myself I took the day off of work. Now before you get any ideas of foul play (which is going dowwwwn tomorrow) or me being a complete slacker, I’ll have you know that I was in the pool at 5:45am for my usual practice & incorporated that into the completion of the SB Long Course. I think I’ve finally found my swimming lungs, now I just need to know how to get faster. A LOT faster. This is problem #1.

And yes, you read correctly. This morning I completed the SB long course solo (with a few modifications: 1- substituting the ocean for the heated pool, and 2- using my house as the transition area). I swam 1700m so it’s equivalent to the distance I would be swimming in the Tri. I will not, repeat, WILL NOT, go ocean swimming by myself. I just know that when I do it’ll be the ONE time killer sharks decide that East Beach is a great feeding area. It's also Friday the 13th. I'm not taking any chances.

And it’s colddddddd!!

The cycling went fine… my average was 16mph meaning almost 30 on the downhills (my favorite!) and 10 on the uphills. The hills weren’t so bad after doing the half century ride up to Big Sur. My clip-ins and I seem to be bonding rather nicely with the exception of 1 spastic “almost” far into a pile of leaves. Let me explain that this was not the fault of the clip-ins, just my ability to complete spaz out. Which happens quite often.  Wha ha happen was… I was attempting to unscrew the top on my camelback and the cap flew off & water started spilling everywhere on me and my bike, so I tried to pull off on the side of the road to fix it & only got one foot free in time. Hence, “almost” falling. Luckily I was at a section with piles of leaves versus possibly falling down a steep cliff.

Problem #2: I always bonk around mile 20 no matter the ride. Thank GOD for GU chomps and Clif bars but how do I prevent the bonk & what is the best way to effectively refuel when riding??

Fast forwarding to the run. The first mile is brutal!! Imagine a chubby toddler hanging on to each of your quads while running. That’s what mile 1 feels like for me. After the first mile though, the toddlers run off & take a nap somewhere until around mile 7.5ish when they’ve multiplied somehow & now you have one on your back as well. Miles 2 – 7 were actually pretty relaxing & oddly enough – enjoyable even. I’m well aware I’m a crazy freak like that. I was able to maintain an average of about a 9.5min mile. This is a lot slower than I usually run but after the swim and bike I’m quite impressed it was that fast. Or that I did it at all.

Besides working on, well… everything, at this point (Problem #3) I think I need to focus a lot of energy on doing brick (running and biking) workouts. If I can nail down this transition I’ll feel a lot more comfortable & prepared for the tri. I’m not sure if anything can be done about my swimming (dis)abilities at this point or ever.

Problem #4: STARVATION!!!!! I’m constantly eating because I’m constantly hungry (or bored). I’m starving after the swim, I’m starving in the middle and at the end of my bike ride, and starving around mile 5 of the run. And when I say starving, I mean I am angry-hungry (“hangry” so they say). I know that this problem is extremely obvious considering the amount of calories I’m burning, but what is the best way to combat the hunger without having a sudden urge to run off into the trees hunting for food mid-run?

Ok enough with the problems. I swam a mile, biked 34 (ehh more like 30.... but I’m counting it.) and then ran for 10 miles. Not with transitions as fast as the actual race but it was still good timing. Also happy to report no injuries thus far and some really sweetn tan lines.

The fact that I KNOW I can do the long course, I still have time to train and that my body can go beast mode is awesome! Thank you body, for what was one of my best birthday presents this year. Can.Not.Wait. until I redeem my spa day coupon after the race!!! I should also mention that this training has given me such a great appreciation and love for yoga.

Please let me know if you have any recommendations, comments, etc for any of the problems I mentioned, or any comments in general really. Especially if they include eating a lot of pizza… which I fully intend to do later. J

xoxo  -E