Monday, December 31, 2007

Farewell 2007


Ah, the sun sets on yet another year. And I have to admit I'm happy to see this one go. Yes, I accomplished a great deal this year ... training for and completing an Ironman while raising over $9000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I made some great friends along the way too. Yet my Mom's passing on January 18, 2007, put a damper on things to say the least. I know she's proud of me. I just wish she could have been here to share this success with me. My Dad too (he died on January 15, 2002).

My Dad was my first coach. He had my four older brothers and me doing drills daily ... swinging the bat 50 times in front of a mirror, fielding balls, playing catch, etc.; but always we were thinking ... visualizing the ball and thinking about the play we would make. And quitting or giving up was never an option. My Mom was team mom, manager, score keeper, etc. If there was a job that needed doing, she did it. I don't know how she did it, but she seemed to attend EVERYTHING for all FIVE of us. Amazing! She even traveled from Arizona to San Diego to be there for my first triathlon! She was a little disturbed by the "skimpy outfits" worn by some of the athletes, and she thought I should have won, but she was there for me. Always. Thank you both.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

11:46

For two weeks in a row my total duration of training has reached exactly 11 hours and 46 minutes. I ran more and swam less this week, but still the total time was exactly the same as the week prior. I don't think I could do that again even if I tried. Freaky. Maybe it's a sign that I can finish an Ironman in 11:46. Ha!

Yesterday I rode on PCH in Malibu with the Team. It was a beautiful day with an easy 2 hour ride on the schedule. PCH has some rolling hills and gorgeous views. Seven months ago it was our easy, recovery ride. But yesterday the hills seemed a bit harder than I remember. I'm a little worried about what's gonna happen when we start riding the real hills. Will I be able to make it? Will I be going so slow that I'll just tip over? Or start sliding backward down the hill? I doubt it of course, but still I worry.

Stats for the week of December 17th:
Swim: 6200 yards; 3:00
Bike: 67.0 mi; 4:42
Run: 11.0 mi; 2:04
Weights: 2:00
Total Time: 11 hours, 46 minutes

Stats for the week of December 24th:
Swim: 3050 yd; 1:40*
Bike: 52.3 mi; 3:50
Run: 20.3 mi; 4:01
Weights: 2:15
Total Time: 11 hours, 46 minutes

* I had to cut my swim short on Dec. 24th because of the aqua aerobics class. Those old ladies can be ruthless.

It feels good to be back :)

Friday, December 28, 2007

New Muscles

Well, the week is almost up so it's time for a new post. These past two weeks have been a little strange. I'm on vacation so even though there has been lots to do ... baking, shopping, wrapping, spending time with family and friends ... I have been able to fit in all of my workouts. Last week I logged over 11 hours, but I have been eating SO much that I feel kinda gross. I'll be glad when the holidays are over and I can get rid of all the junk in my house (and on my thighs!)

I felt some new muscles while swimming last night. I think they were the pecs! I have worked out with my trainer four times so far. I have also done the workout she has shown me on my own several times. I love that tingly feeling I get after I work out with weights ... like my muscles are still working. And feeling them last night was even better. It's going to be a challenge fitting everything in, but I just know all this work will pay off.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

I'm Back

Holy crap! It's been a long time since I've posted. How does that happen? I'm back in the training groove, and I'm liking it. I love having a schedule to follow and a purpose for each workout. You can check out my training log here. I've also hired a personal trainer. I need to drop about 10 pounds and get leaner and stronger. This will make help tremendously on all those long bike rides and runs. I will start posting at least once a week again whether you like it or not ;)