A Wolfpack of One

I'm starting to embrace my inner lone wolf. Not in a scary way, like the uni-bomber or anything, but more like an eccentric who can't be bothered with really fast bike-riders. I rode alone today and it was a real delight. Please note, I enjoy ever single person I'm training with. They are all fabulous, funny, kind-hearted people. But they're all faster than me, and today, I needed some solitary exercise to actually feel capable.

And it worked. I made it around the lake in 30 minutes, and for me, that was a huge accomplishment. I even did some hills! Feeling like a real badass, I decided to run two miles after I loaded Blue Steel back up into the Jetta! AND I got those 2miles in just under 20 minutes.

Fun sidenote: When I started to trot off from my car, there were several bikers around me pumping their tires and getting ready for a ride. When I got back from my two miles, the same bikers were still there- they were like "hey, you ok? Why'd you come back so quick?" To which I responded, "Oh, I just did a quick two miles"... they were very impressed!

Clearly, I run better in a pack of one. I realize I'll have to get over this since I'll be running and biking and swimming with, like, 1,000 people soon, but for today, I liked my me time.

Claire

If You Can't Say Anything Nice...

I think I'll take my Mother's greatest life advice: Since I can't say anything nice about my bike, or biking, I'm not going to say anything at all.

Instead, I'll say, I had a great swim last night: 1500 meters! So yesterday was a great day workout-wise- I completed the event distances for run and swim- boo-ya!

This morning's ride was approximately 13 miles. That is the only info you get.

Happy Tuesday,
Claire

Double Days

I am very proud to report that I ran 6miles this morning! This is the distance I'll run in the actual event so that feels really, really good. Got it in in 63 minutes- only walked 3 times. First walk at 3.2 miles, second at 4.5, third at 5.75 (I know, kinda whimped out, but finished running nevertheless). Not too shabby, in my opinion.

Tonight, we swim. I must admit. I really like days where I swim AND run. I don't know why, except, it makes me feel alot cooler than I am. And that's nice. We don't get many opportunities in life to feel that way, so I savor those doubled-up days.

Challenge for the week is to figure out how to incorporate some additional bike rides. My un-official coach has recommended I bump up to four rides a week... and frankly, I couldn't agree more. After riding with Coach last week, and getting some strengthening tips, working on turns and practicing drinking from my water bottle while peddling, I felt SO much better. The more I can do that, the better off I'll be in the ways of biking anxiety.

Stay tuned...
Claire

Mark This Day On Your Calendar

July 24, 2010: Blue Steel and I began to bond today. I'm not going to go out on a limb here and say I "like" biking, but I will tell you, this morning's group ride was semi-miraculous. I don't know if it was the nutrition lecture I received earlier this week or the Tylenol simply-sleep I took last night, but something clicked this morning and I had a really strong ride. Or I should say, my strongest yet.

120min set aside for a ride is an intimidating chunk --Especially when you start thinking "oh God, please don't let me take 120 minutes to finish my ride during the actual event." However, the time spun by pretty quickly. We started with a simple ride around the lake. A nice breeze helped keep sweating to a minimum (excellent since I can only carry one water bottle with me presently) and there were fewer bikers out this morning (though, there were a FREAKISH amount of runners out... seriously, they were in packs).

After the first time around the lake we plodded through Lakewood taking on some pretty serious hills. Many a curse word was uttered. Then it was back around the lake and one more time up the hill, aptly attached with the street Loving.

Finished with approximately 21 miles at 120 minutes, including a break to help a teammate with a flat- so really, we made some good time! This was also my third time this week to watch a flat tire be repaired, so I'm feeing very prepared, mechanically speaking.

Truly, my attitude about biking is shifting... I think it's going to be fine. AND, possibly the best side-effect: biking has removed me from kankle-warning-zone. It's good to be out of danger.

Claire

Third Times a Charm

I finally rode today. After two ill-fated tries, I got to White Rock at 7, hopped on board Blue Steel and got around the lake in under an hour. Which was a good ego boost and a slight improvement. So, hurrah for trying one more time today!

Still feeling slow, but truly getting more and more comfortable on teh bike. I don't know that this will be my favorite segment of the event, but I am starting to feel like it might not be a total disaster!

Happy Trails,
Claire

Do-Over Please

It's been an ill-fated workout day so far! Tuesday is a bike day, so per usual, I set my alarm for 4:45am this morning to be ready to roll by 5:45am with my teammates. Unfortunately I had a health related issue this morning and had to turn around and come home before even unloading my bike.

Feeling much better by 8am, I put my workout clothes back on and went to unload the bike. Nothing wrong with a nice, flat ride around my neighborhood for a change. And then I broke my tire. I tried using the little hand pump my bike came with and I took off the gauge on the tire that holds the air in, so I flatted myself. Awesome.

Then while I was walking my bike in, I cut my ankle on it's peddle.

Seriously. I WANT TO LIKE MY BIKE. I REALLY DO. But we're in a fight right now. We'll be going to counseling later today, aka, Richardson Bike Mart for a new tire, good pump and a little give and take.

Claire

Monday Swim

So, I'm either completely broken down or I'm growing. Whichever it is, I was a good team player tonight and actually allowed myself to be coached for once. Now, I was a little bit snarky at first, but after taking a deep breath and listening to our TNT coach, I was able to improve my swimming tonight.

I've made some real progress for sure, but still, I've been having difficulty really being buoyant in the water. My legs tend to drag and my bottom sinks. The problem is I'm not looking down enough when I put my head in the water. I've been so hyper-focused on my breathing and getting my arms to really propel me, I've kinda forgotten about my bottom half.

But tonight I really listened and tried what the coach said. When you put your face in the water, over-exaggerate a little as if you were looking at your feet. And voila! You float! Who knew?

I think after almost 30 years, my inner-only child is finally being beaten into submission. Thank goodness!

Claire

Double Brick

I had to take a day off blogging after yesterday's workout. Because I was traumatized. Saturday morning was my first brick- meaning, two disciplines in one workout. And it was a double, so the morning consisted of: 9 mile bike ride, 2 mile run, 9 mile bike ride, 2 mile run.

And when I say it was hard, I mean, it was really, really, really, really hard. And hot. And I cried. Alot. And my knees hurt. Alot. And I cursed at my bike. Alot. And I got passed by elderly bike riders and kids. Alot. And I wanted to give up. Alot.

But, I did not quit. I almost vomited on my pretty pink running shoes, but I didn't quit. I finished that danged thing, and after a 36 hour reflection period in which I've had many "exercise is a metaphor for life moments," I feel OK.

I feel OK because:
1. I am proud I didn't quit and go home, like I wanted to.
2. I was humbled by a friend's unselfish support to run the last leg of my brick with me, even when she had already finished her workout and was certainly tired.
3. I feel stronger today after breaking down on my bike.
4. I was able to do my run today and get 4.5 miles in 45 minutes.
5. I will get back on my bike this week. Blue Steel and I will bond, come hell or high water.

I really did used to scoff when people would say all that stuff about running being a metaphor for life. Don't misunderstand ... I love a good underdog story, but I just never bought into it. Life is a metaphor for life. I mean, it's life. I just assumed these people didn't understand the definition of metaphor- the way people use irony inaccurately.

But yesterday when I was spinning and spinning and spinning and spinning and I kept getting passed and I couldn't keep up.... HELLO. Thank you metaphor. I must focus on doing MY best and not keeping up with everyone else. I've got a big learning curve in many areas of my life so I need to train and practice and pray for patience.

I'll catch up. In my own sweet time.

Claire

The Little Engine That Could

I think we all can appreciate the value of moralistic children's stories. I personally love children's literature. However, I'm feeling a little bit cynical today after my morning bike ride and I've been thinking all day, what kind of drugs is the Little Engine on that he's so positive? I mean really? Who goes through life chanting "I think I can, I think I can?" Didn't the Little Engine ever feel dejected or frustrated? Or fat? I assure you that if the Little Engine were to race against a bullet train he would not say "I think I can." He'd say "Let's pull into the station. It's 5'oclock somewhere."

Truth be told, my ride was not that bad this morning. There were some real positives actually. I'm more comfortable on Blue Steel- I'm really learning to use my gears to my advantage and I was able to complete our 10 mile ride without a stop.

But I'm slow. No longer is the excuse "I'm not comfortable with my bike" accurate. I'm just slow. Which leads us to another beloved parable, "The Tortoise and the Hare." My issue is I'm a hare in a tortoises body. I want to move fast and keep up with my other rabbit friends (aka, the people I ride with) but alas, I'm back here with the other tortoises (geriatrics and recent weigh-loss surgery patients). I suppose the fact that a triathlon is an endurance event should make me proud to be more tortoise-like, but I do feel a little frustrated today.

I had though I should try and get back to spin, but a friend and teammate suggested I just stick with my bike. Get out on it on my own, and continue to ease into it. She brings up a good point in that spin is all about increasing resistance whereas riding on the road is all about maintaining a good cadence with minimal impact, ie, use your gears! So I'm going to stick with it, and embrace my inner-tortoise. As far as the Little Engine goes, I don't trust anyone that optimistic, however, my face turns so red when I work out, I do look steam-powered. It's fair to say, I'm a character.

Claire

Today's Lesson

I had a little moment in the pool today. After running for 40 minutes, I hopped in for a 60 minute swim- this sequence of events made me feel like a real badass. I mean. Seriously. If you know me at all, you know that such activity is COMPLETELY out of character. What's more, I like it. As I began my warm-up for swim, I just had a real sense of strength today.

Which is incredible. To actually feel physically strong, and not just like an emotional steel trap, is a very unique feeling for me. I've always thought of myself as tough because I have a very high tolerance for pain. And to a degree that does make me pretty cool, however, I've never considered myself someone who's in shape, per se. My left hand is oddly strong because I had to have physical therapy on it after my car accident back in the day (which was also good for opening jars and my piano playing- I can reach a whole octave with my left), but besides that, I've always been a little pudgy, and a little puny.

But not today. Today I felt strong. I'd like to bottle that feeling up and save it for other days when I don't feel so hot. Days when I freak out about the job situation, or my health, or just general ridiculousness. I think a good swig of "strong" would be an amazing tool for life. Sadly, I'll just have to keep drinking the over-chlorinated pool water to get my high. It's better than the alternative for sure.

Claire

Thanks

I feel compelled this morning to thank every single person who has ever attempted to teach, train or coach me. You are destined for Sainthood.

To all the dance teachers I had, who encouraged me to preform in the front row and not care how I looked in my costume despite my ability or appearance; To my piano teacher who let me come back each week even though I never practiced; To my softball coaches who didn't mind my temper tantrums in deep, deep right field; To a drill team instructor who didn't kick me off the line even after some serious acting out; To all the teachers who told me I was smart even when I was mostly a smart ass. THANK YOU. I am not easy to deal with. At all.

And so now, this morning, I say thank you to the tri-teammates who help me along as I meet new challenges with training. Even though I often lash out at TNT staff and fellow tri-ers, it's nothing personal. It's just the way I cope with fear. Which is probably something I should evaluate.

When you've been as complacent and sedentary as I have been for the past 10 years though, fear is a part of your daily life. And it's very at home with you. Fear has no desire to leave you because it's in control. So starting to conquer that demon of sorts is a little bit like and exercise exorcism. All that fear and worry about not being able to do something start to fight back against you and it really pisses your fear and other negative emotions off. Which is exhausting. I feel like I've been ushered into the crying segment of my training. However, if my head starts spinning around like Linda Blair's, I feel confident there's a book deal in it for me.

Happy Tuesday,
Claire

Open Water

So Saturday we had our first open water swim. Which was interesting. I am very grateful I've been practicing my stroke all this time as it's a whole new experience to get out in the water. Here are the things I learned:

1. I hope to God I am never shipwrecked.
2. The fear of alligator gar is almost paralyzing.
3. Spotting is not just a ballet term.

Seriously though, it did go well. I felt very strong in my swimming abilities however, I do not feel strong in my ability to swim straight. First lap around I almost found myself in the middle of the lake. However, by our last lap or two I was swimming a much more even keel and truthfully, was not too physically drained. Just emotionally.

I also had a flashback to childhood (which seems to happen an awful lot these days and makes me feel like I was a way more traumatized kiddo than I realized when it comes to "playing nicely") regarding some "coaching." I do not do well with encouragement when I am frustrated. After swimming way off course for the second time and exhausting myself trying to get reoriented, I did not take kindly to a team in training coach who was floating on a kyak mid course asking me "hey, you a new swimmer?" No, sir. I am not. I'm actually becoming quite a strong swimmer and if you ask me again if I'm struggling, I'm going to take your kyak paddle and stuff it somewhere you won't enjoy.

Thankfully I had a 70 minute run to do after getting my blood pressure up in the water so I left feeling very zen. Happy paddling.

Claire

Success!

I FINALLY got to ride my bike this morning with my teammates!!! I was no speed demon, but I made it around White Rock Lake in one piece!

It's been 10 years (at least) since I rode a bike and it's true what they say: "It's just like riding a bike." I really did feel more secure by the end of our 10 mile trek and actually, not that tired. Just relieved to get off without injury. I was terrified I'd fall and break something or gash something. So, consequently, I rode like a member of the geriatric set, but no matter!

I am so glad I've been spinning all this time because my endurance was good and I'm not sore. The biggest hurtle for me and biking is just getting used to riding the danged thing. Honestly, the biggest surprise this morning was how easily the balance and cadence of riding came back.

That and how much my hands hurt while riding. My poor little paws were cramping the whole time. Truthfully, that was the only uncomfortable thing about riding- well, that and the anxiety I felt every time a super- speedy pack of pro-riders swished by. I am so glad to have this first time out behind me and eager to get back in the saddle again tomorrow. Maybe I should consider a bike route if a job doesn't pan out- two birds with one stone, no?

Claire

Blue Steel

I have a bike! And because it's an awesome blue color, not dissiilar to a beetle found in teh Amazon, I have named her Blue Steel. Found it today on craigslist, went and checked it out and it's now sitting in the back of my car (need to get it out after I post). For a very modest price I now am an official triathlon trainee! And by official I mean I finally have all my equipment.

I have to say, I have such a sense of relief now that I have my bike. It has really been driving me crazy. Of course, a new fear has started to surface about actually riding the danged thing... it's probably been 10 years since I've been on a bike. Looking forward to some cool new scars.

Claire

MIA

To those loyal readers of my little blog, I apologize for being so out of the loop the past few days. I have been training, don't fret. However, last week was a bit of a bear. Just had a hard time getting going. I'm still searching for a bike and it's starting to become the thorn in my side. I'm freaking out about it honestly and I have got to get over it because it's starting to effect the way I train in general. Hello procrastination (and funds- I just can't bring myself to buy new, but it's looking hopeless).

But on a positive note I participated in my first official 5k this weekend and knocked that bad boy out of the water to a tune or 3.2 miles in 31 minutes. Not too shabby for a novice runner and a panicked tri-in-training participant.

More to come.
Claire