Yesterday on February 20th we were able to squeeze in a road bike ride!! This is a big deal for us Missourians. Actually all of last week we were given the gift of warmer weather. But due to sick kids & my sick sister, we were unable to do our bike ride outside.
I was excited to get the bike outside & see what the legs could do. We have been on the trainers, but for some reason I can never get comfortable on the bike inside. And the time just drags by. It was a very windy day yesterday, so we rode into the wind for 1 hour & 10 mins and then turned around and headed for home. It feels excellent to have a strong wind at your back! We made the trip back in 45 minutes and were able to feel like real cyclists.
We had a great time and once again I'm excited for spring!!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Finally....Warmer Weather!
We've been craving some warmer weather and melted snow. For now, we'll take the warm weather. They go together, really. It just takes a while for 20 inches to melt.
Heidi & I have switch the schedule around a bit and plan to take FULL advantage of a rare 70 degree day in February and get on the bikes. Outside! We are very excited to get off the trainers and actually see what our legs can do.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
the beginning... again
Please forgive the picture quality. I took this picture from my phone, but its proof we've started training. Sorta.
This week we've had a bike trainer workout (intervals-fast-difficult, but it doesn't last long). Also got reacquainted with the swimming pool. I would say both workouts this week have gone well. Unfortunately we have been hit with a MAJOR snow storm and missed our run yesterday morning. Tomorrow is another run so we'll probably just move forward & not beat ourselves for missing yesterday.
My hope is that shoveling snow counts as some sort of exercise. PHEW. We got 18 inches here!!
This week we've had a bike trainer workout (intervals-fast-difficult, but it doesn't last long). Also got reacquainted with the swimming pool. I would say both workouts this week have gone well. Unfortunately we have been hit with a MAJOR snow storm and missed our run yesterday morning. Tomorrow is another run so we'll probably just move forward & not beat ourselves for missing yesterday.
My hope is that shoveling snow counts as some sort of exercise. PHEW. We got 18 inches here!!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
P.F. Chang 1/2 Marathon Jan 2011
After Kansas 70.3 (last June) things have been kinda quiet for me regarding exercise. I didn't turn into a complete couch potato but desperately needed something on the calendar. I knew going into the holidays without a plan and focus was dangerous. So after checking some websites, mostly Rock N Roll I started thinking about going back to Arizona to do the PF Chang 1/2 Marathon. I ran this race several years ago with my dear friend Dee. The timing was perfect! January 16th. No time to continue slacking! It was time to start training. (All this was back in October sometime)
**On a side note: My husband, Phil ran his 1st half marathon in October at the Denver Rock N Roll. He was talked into training & running with my friend Holly. Denver was lots of fun & the boys & I enjoyed cheering them on very much. **
Ok back to my AZ training story... So I signed up & began training for AZ. Heidi ran & trained up until the last week. We enjoyed the training most days and I kept hoping she would buy a ticket & come with me. She never did. She also never stopped training. Even when the weather turned COLD, the trail was covered in snow and the sidewalks were ice. Typical Heidi! Givers gain! This was the 2nd time she has trained for AZ 1/2 & not done the race.
Holly also signed up for AZ 1/2. Unfortunately, due to injury she was unable to train, much. But somehow, this still doesn't make sense, she ROCKED the RNR! I was able to keep up for 8 miles (which I'm thankful for the fast 8). Around the 8 mile mark she went on & we met up @ the finish line. We both PR'd (personal record).
Now we begin training for our 2nd 70.3. The sisters are going to do Kansas again in June. Training plan details to be planned this week. We are in better shape this year vs. where we were last year. Please don't mention that to Amy (our coach)
Stay tuned. The journey continues...
**On a side note: My husband, Phil ran his 1st half marathon in October at the Denver Rock N Roll. He was talked into training & running with my friend Holly. Denver was lots of fun & the boys & I enjoyed cheering them on very much. **
Ok back to my AZ training story... So I signed up & began training for AZ. Heidi ran & trained up until the last week. We enjoyed the training most days and I kept hoping she would buy a ticket & come with me. She never did. She also never stopped training. Even when the weather turned COLD, the trail was covered in snow and the sidewalks were ice. Typical Heidi! Givers gain! This was the 2nd time she has trained for AZ 1/2 & not done the race.
Holly also signed up for AZ 1/2. Unfortunately, due to injury she was unable to train, much. But somehow, this still doesn't make sense, she ROCKED the RNR! I was able to keep up for 8 miles (which I'm thankful for the fast 8). Around the 8 mile mark she went on & we met up @ the finish line. We both PR'd (personal record).
Now we begin training for our 2nd 70.3. The sisters are going to do Kansas again in June. Training plan details to be planned this week. We are in better shape this year vs. where we were last year. Please don't mention that to Amy (our coach)
Stay tuned. The journey continues...
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Heidi's Race Report
WARNING: This could be long.
You all know how nervous I was. That finally subsided on friday morning. I woke up feeling great and excited. We packed up and headed to the race early afternoon- arriving at campsite around 4pm. They had already started packet-pick up on friday and as we drove by it to get to our campsite I decided that I was going to prolong that as long as possible. I knew once I picked up my packet and race information the nerves would come back. And these nerves would be the real deal. So, I pretended it was just a fun camping weekend with my family and friends. Like Heather said, a bunch of our multisport friends came over to race & cheer us on. One our two campsites we had 3 campers and about 6 tents by the end of Saturday.
The next morning (Sat) we had to do a little swim, bike, run. 15 min of each. It was brutely hot but we did it early and it felt good. We picked up our packet next. I love to get the whole experience so Heather, Dad & I went through the process together (of course), shopped a little, took pictures, got a delicious smoothie, etc. That was all fun so I was still excited. The day passed by SO quickly. We ordered italian take out so we wouldn't have to fight long going out to eat. It was perfect. I started getting nervous and anxious BIG TIME that evening. I felt unorganized and stressed. We decided to sleep all the kids in our camper and I slept in mom & dad's camper with my other teammates :). I didn't get to bed until 10pm.... STRESSFUL!
RACE MORNING!!! Up at 4:30am! Forced a bagel, applesauce and some coffee down. Packed a pb&j sandwich and got everything ready. My stomach felt like it was race morning- AWFUL! We had already racked our bike stuff (there were two transitions) so we ran our transition 2 stuff down and headed to the lake. We had to be out of transition about 45 minutes before our swim start. So, plenty of time to stand around and be nervous! Thankfully, heather & i started in the same swim wave so we were together till the gun went off.
Off we went. The first 1/2 of the swim felt fantastic. Until I followed this red cap off course... back on course I go and keep on swimming. The way back was a little brutal- sun in face and red caps (wave behind us catching up- guys 20-24) catching us and swimming on top of us and sometimes knocking us (heather got knocked really hard in the ear). I thought I was WAY behind Heather at this point. Out of the water only to hear a TON of cheering from my family & friends. 43 minutes. I couldn't beleive I swam it that quickly.
A minute into transition (or less) and Heather comes and smacks me on the butt! I hurry up and leave T1 so I will be ahead of her. I knew she'd catch me quickly (she's a great biker) on the bike so I hammered it. The miles were going smoothly. I am usually very happy on race day- and this was no different. I was having a great time- making up songs, chatting with people, cheering for people and just kickin' it. Mile 26 we turn around and I see her! I yell to her "I've been waiting for you!!!". hee, hee. She catches me in another mile and we go back and forth for the next 20-25 miles. Having a blast! The course wasn't easy but it sure didn't feel anything like it had 3 weeks earlier when we came to "test" ride it. Heather lost me on the last few miles.
She was still in transition (and it really is amazing that our transition spots were so close- 2000 racers) but left quickly when I got there. More cheering from my fabulous family. I saw her on the 1 mile turn around and then again at mile 3 water station. She had to stop for the bathroom so I caught up to her. We both made a pact that we wouldn't hold back for each other. We would each race our race. But it ended up we pulled each other at the exact times we needed to and ran the rest of the 10 miles together. We were told by a few racers that we had "way too much energy". We got a high from cheering others on, joking with others and just having fun. It is the reason why I love to race. And seeing our family & friends at the CMC corner was the highlight of our run. And we finished a fabulous run- and experience- hand in hand through the finish line.
What a perfect day.
You all know how nervous I was. That finally subsided on friday morning. I woke up feeling great and excited. We packed up and headed to the race early afternoon- arriving at campsite around 4pm. They had already started packet-pick up on friday and as we drove by it to get to our campsite I decided that I was going to prolong that as long as possible. I knew once I picked up my packet and race information the nerves would come back. And these nerves would be the real deal. So, I pretended it was just a fun camping weekend with my family and friends. Like Heather said, a bunch of our multisport friends came over to race & cheer us on. One our two campsites we had 3 campers and about 6 tents by the end of Saturday.
The next morning (Sat) we had to do a little swim, bike, run. 15 min of each. It was brutely hot but we did it early and it felt good. We picked up our packet next. I love to get the whole experience so Heather, Dad & I went through the process together (of course), shopped a little, took pictures, got a delicious smoothie, etc. That was all fun so I was still excited. The day passed by SO quickly. We ordered italian take out so we wouldn't have to fight long going out to eat. It was perfect. I started getting nervous and anxious BIG TIME that evening. I felt unorganized and stressed. We decided to sleep all the kids in our camper and I slept in mom & dad's camper with my other teammates :). I didn't get to bed until 10pm.... STRESSFUL!
RACE MORNING!!! Up at 4:30am! Forced a bagel, applesauce and some coffee down. Packed a pb&j sandwich and got everything ready. My stomach felt like it was race morning- AWFUL! We had already racked our bike stuff (there were two transitions) so we ran our transition 2 stuff down and headed to the lake. We had to be out of transition about 45 minutes before our swim start. So, plenty of time to stand around and be nervous! Thankfully, heather & i started in the same swim wave so we were together till the gun went off.
Off we went. The first 1/2 of the swim felt fantastic. Until I followed this red cap off course... back on course I go and keep on swimming. The way back was a little brutal- sun in face and red caps (wave behind us catching up- guys 20-24) catching us and swimming on top of us and sometimes knocking us (heather got knocked really hard in the ear). I thought I was WAY behind Heather at this point. Out of the water only to hear a TON of cheering from my family & friends. 43 minutes. I couldn't beleive I swam it that quickly.
A minute into transition (or less) and Heather comes and smacks me on the butt! I hurry up and leave T1 so I will be ahead of her. I knew she'd catch me quickly (she's a great biker) on the bike so I hammered it. The miles were going smoothly. I am usually very happy on race day- and this was no different. I was having a great time- making up songs, chatting with people, cheering for people and just kickin' it. Mile 26 we turn around and I see her! I yell to her "I've been waiting for you!!!". hee, hee. She catches me in another mile and we go back and forth for the next 20-25 miles. Having a blast! The course wasn't easy but it sure didn't feel anything like it had 3 weeks earlier when we came to "test" ride it. Heather lost me on the last few miles.
She was still in transition (and it really is amazing that our transition spots were so close- 2000 racers) but left quickly when I got there. More cheering from my fabulous family. I saw her on the 1 mile turn around and then again at mile 3 water station. She had to stop for the bathroom so I caught up to her. We both made a pact that we wouldn't hold back for each other. We would each race our race. But it ended up we pulled each other at the exact times we needed to and ran the rest of the 10 miles together. We were told by a few racers that we had "way too much energy". We got a high from cheering others on, joking with others and just having fun. It is the reason why I love to race. And seeing our family & friends at the CMC corner was the highlight of our run. And we finished a fabulous run- and experience- hand in hand through the finish line.
What a perfect day.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Race Report
I can't believe its taken me so long to write this out. Pictures take more time for me to upload, so this post may not have many pictures.
This race was simply amazing!! It was fun and fabulous! I enjoyed every minute (6 hours and 50 minutes)! I am ready to do this again, my family still needs more time to recover, but I'm doing another 70.3 race.
Since Heidi & I are in the same age group (30-34) we began the swim together. I was able to see Heidi's yellow jersey just ahead of me for the swim. Wasn't able to catch her, but felt good knowing where she was. I tapped her butt running by her transition spot. She thought I was ahead of her. She left on the bike a couple minutes ahead of me and it took me 26 miles to finally catch her. SHE WAS FLYING! Our coach & friend Amy texted us on Saturday with advice. She told us that the bike should never feel hard, but don't mess around either. So every so often I asked myself "is this hard? nope" Okay, keep up this pace. As you know, we had ridden this course 3 weeks prior to race day and I could not believe how different I felt on race day! Amazing what happens when you let your legs & body taper for race day. Once I finally caught Heidi we rode together until the last 6 miles, when I pulled ahead. We joked & sang songs. We made up silly words and encouraged other cyclist. I enjoyed each mile.
Once again Heidi & I were in the transition area together before the run. We did not plan to race together and each of us agreed to have our OWN race! I ran out of T2 slightly ahead of Heidi, but just like the bike it wasn't long before we were together again. Neither of us waited for the other, but it was amazing & very special to complete most of this race with my sister & best friend. I felt really good on the run, which surprised me very much! We had never put all these distances together, so the run made me a little nervous. How would my legs feel. Would I have more energy to give? I struggle with heat & running and knew that would be a factor. But thankfully my body had just what I needed to get across the finish line. Our dad finished before us (He started about 20 minutes ahead). And when we rounded the last corner and could see the finish chute...there was dad. Cheering his heart out. We crossed the finish line together, holding hands! Gave each other a HUGE HUG that lasted a while. I was afraid if she let go, I'll fall down :) A memory that will forever be burned in my brain. I still feel like it was yesterday and sometimes it feels like a dream.
One side note: Our local triathlon club, CMC (Columbia Multi-sport Club) was in the house!! BIG TIME!! We raced with many fellow club member & friends, but many many club members drove 3 hours to spectate & cheer their hearts out. On the run we passed "CMC Corner" in the campground 4 times. It was HUGE motivation & encouragement for us to see our friends & family!
I am beyond blessed & thankful for my family who has supported me & trained with me along this journey. I would never be doing triathlons if it were not for my dad! He got all this madness started and I'm so thankful he did!!
do we look nervous? we are! about to begin the swim!
This race was simply amazing!! It was fun and fabulous! I enjoyed every minute (6 hours and 50 minutes)! I am ready to do this again, my family still needs more time to recover, but I'm doing another 70.3 race.
Since Heidi & I are in the same age group (30-34) we began the swim together. I was able to see Heidi's yellow jersey just ahead of me for the swim. Wasn't able to catch her, but felt good knowing where she was. I tapped her butt running by her transition spot. She thought I was ahead of her. She left on the bike a couple minutes ahead of me and it took me 26 miles to finally catch her. SHE WAS FLYING! Our coach & friend Amy texted us on Saturday with advice. She told us that the bike should never feel hard, but don't mess around either. So every so often I asked myself "is this hard? nope" Okay, keep up this pace. As you know, we had ridden this course 3 weeks prior to race day and I could not believe how different I felt on race day! Amazing what happens when you let your legs & body taper for race day. Once I finally caught Heidi we rode together until the last 6 miles, when I pulled ahead. We joked & sang songs. We made up silly words and encouraged other cyclist. I enjoyed each mile.
Once again Heidi & I were in the transition area together before the run. We did not plan to race together and each of us agreed to have our OWN race! I ran out of T2 slightly ahead of Heidi, but just like the bike it wasn't long before we were together again. Neither of us waited for the other, but it was amazing & very special to complete most of this race with my sister & best friend. I felt really good on the run, which surprised me very much! We had never put all these distances together, so the run made me a little nervous. How would my legs feel. Would I have more energy to give? I struggle with heat & running and knew that would be a factor. But thankfully my body had just what I needed to get across the finish line. Our dad finished before us (He started about 20 minutes ahead). And when we rounded the last corner and could see the finish chute...there was dad. Cheering his heart out. We crossed the finish line together, holding hands! Gave each other a HUGE HUG that lasted a while. I was afraid if she let go, I'll fall down :) A memory that will forever be burned in my brain. I still feel like it was yesterday and sometimes it feels like a dream.
One side note: Our local triathlon club, CMC (Columbia Multi-sport Club) was in the house!! BIG TIME!! We raced with many fellow club member & friends, but many many club members drove 3 hours to spectate & cheer their hearts out. On the run we passed "CMC Corner" in the campground 4 times. It was HUGE motivation & encouragement for us to see our friends & family!
do we look nervous? we are! about to begin the swim!
she was GOOFY & FUN ALL DAY LONG!
Love you Dad!
HUGS!
ice cold water!!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Email Letter
Below you will read a email/letter Heidi wrote to a group of AWESOME people we met back in October 2009 @ a leadership conference near Las Vegas. This class & group has forever changed my life for the better. And I wanted to share this letter with our blog.
Pictures of race day will be coming...sometime.....soon ;) We had an awesome race day full of smiles & laughing! And finished together!
_____________________________________________________
Hello LB2 friends!
I can remember back to the precise moment when I was up in front of all of you making a very serious commitment. I felt powerful, excited and on top of the world. I made a commitment to complete a 1/2 ironman with my sister in 2010. I will admit to you all that when I arrived back home (you see, heather had been thinking about this since our previous quarter triathlon distance and I had been very skeptical and non committal)- into reality- I realized the overwhelming challenge I had committed myself to and was unsure that I could do it. I had many excuses. One of the biggest values I get from Rapport is about commitment. So, I knew I was going to follow through.
Right before Christmas we met with our coach (and friend) to develop a plan. On January 13th we began the plan. Six days a week of training- for 5 months. Totals- 70,000+ yrds swimming, 1200+ miles of biking and 220+ miles of running. And I was still unsure that I was ready!! It has been a fun & tough journey.
I am so blessed to have a training partner that has been 100% positive through the whole experience and has encouraged me and motivated me in ways that she will never know. A husband that has been supportive and encouraging and taken the kids every step and long training day along the way. And many other family members that have made our crazy training schedule possible. Plus, a dad that has been training with us- and is doing the race with us!
Sunday is the day. Ready or not, here I come!
Hugs,
Heidi Crouch
Hello LB2 friends!
I can remember back to the precise moment when I was up in front of all of you making a very serious commitment. I felt powerful, excited and on top of the world. I made a commitment to complete a 1/2 ironman with my sister in 2010. I will admit to you all that when I arrived back home (you see, heather had been thinking about this since our previous quarter triathlon distance and I had been very skeptical and non committal)- into reality- I realized the overwhelming challenge I had committed myself to and was unsure that I could do it. I had many excuses. One of the biggest values I get from Rapport is about commitment. So, I knew I was going to follow through.
Right before Christmas we met with our coach (and friend) to develop a plan. On January 13th we began the plan. Six days a week of training- for 5 months. Totals- 70,000+ yrds swimming, 1200+ miles of biking and 220+ miles of running. And I was still unsure that I was ready!! It has been a fun & tough journey.
I am so blessed to have a training partner that has been 100% positive through the whole experience and has encouraged me and motivated me in ways that she will never know. A husband that has been supportive and encouraging and taken the kids every step and long training day along the way. And many other family members that have made our crazy training schedule possible. Plus, a dad that has been training with us- and is doing the race with us!
Sunday is the day. Ready or not, here I come!
Hugs,
Heidi Crouch
Thursday, June 3, 2010
What's Next?
When we began this journey to 70.3 in January we had big plans to do nothing all summer. Planned to take the summer off & get our lives back to normal (whatever that means, I'm not sure). As we've gotten closer to race day we have begun talking about what's next. We're still dreaming and exploring how to push maybe even farther.
We have even committed to doing Ragnar relay race in Tennessee with friends in November. Google it! Basically a team of 12 people running from Chattanooga to Nashville over 2 days. Round the clock running. I'm certain it will be very fun!
Also talking about training for a full marathon. We're convinced it would require fewer days of workouts, which is exciting!
So, we're still planning & dreaming. Stay tuned. It will be FUN, cause thats how we do training!
Re: Kansas 70.3....We're all driving over to Lawrence Kansas tomorrow. Camping all weekend and hanging out with lots and lots of friends from our local triathlon club (Columbia MultiSport Club). We will not be lonely on Sunday. There will be lots of friends & family racing & cheering us on! I am excited and ready to soak it all in!
BY: Heather
We have even committed to doing Ragnar relay race in Tennessee with friends in November. Google it! Basically a team of 12 people running from Chattanooga to Nashville over 2 days. Round the clock running. I'm certain it will be very fun!
Also talking about training for a full marathon. We're convinced it would require fewer days of workouts, which is exciting!
So, we're still planning & dreaming. Stay tuned. It will be FUN, cause thats how we do training!
Re: Kansas 70.3....We're all driving over to Lawrence Kansas tomorrow. Camping all weekend and hanging out with lots and lots of friends from our local triathlon club (Columbia MultiSport Club). We will not be lonely on Sunday. There will be lots of friends & family racing & cheering us on! I am excited and ready to soak it all in!
BY: Heather
Monday, May 31, 2010
Final Week thoughts.
Heidi.
I wouldn't even have to put my name up there. I'm sure by now you all know that I am the nervous one.
We have entered our final week. I just completed my final 2000 yrds before the race. I decided I better do at least 40 laps without stopping to make sure I could do it. I knew in my head that I could but in our training we always did a swim workout and stopped for breathers. We have been swimming in the lake the past 3 swims but we still stop at the end for a moment. The final swim was in a pool and went by fairly quickly. I was happy that it was only 40 laps instead of 60!
I have been extremely busy- and thankfully this week is also busy. As I was sitting in church on Saturday I started thinking about the race being 7 days away. That is when the knots in my stomach began- a lot like they are doing right now as I'm thinking about it. I tend to get nervous with all races (not sure why I call them races- they are more like events to me) I do and this one seems to be 10x more so.
There will be so many people cheering me on. I am excited about that but it also makes me more nervous. I am focusing on this being MY RACE/EVENT instead of trying to please anyone else. My other focus will be a verse in the Bible- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". If you have any other wise quotes/thoughts that I will help me on race day- or race week- please share them with me.
I know I can accomplish this race. I'm just very nervous and anxious about it. All these weeks leading up to this one event is just a little overwhelming at this stage. Thank you all for your thoughts, kind words and support. They have kept me motivated through this process!
I wouldn't even have to put my name up there. I'm sure by now you all know that I am the nervous one.
We have entered our final week. I just completed my final 2000 yrds before the race. I decided I better do at least 40 laps without stopping to make sure I could do it. I knew in my head that I could but in our training we always did a swim workout and stopped for breathers. We have been swimming in the lake the past 3 swims but we still stop at the end for a moment. The final swim was in a pool and went by fairly quickly. I was happy that it was only 40 laps instead of 60!
I have been extremely busy- and thankfully this week is also busy. As I was sitting in church on Saturday I started thinking about the race being 7 days away. That is when the knots in my stomach began- a lot like they are doing right now as I'm thinking about it. I tend to get nervous with all races (not sure why I call them races- they are more like events to me) I do and this one seems to be 10x more so.
There will be so many people cheering me on. I am excited about that but it also makes me more nervous. I am focusing on this being MY RACE/EVENT instead of trying to please anyone else. My other focus will be a verse in the Bible- "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". If you have any other wise quotes/thoughts that I will help me on race day- or race week- please share them with me.
I know I can accomplish this race. I'm just very nervous and anxious about it. All these weeks leading up to this one event is just a little overwhelming at this stage. Thank you all for your thoughts, kind words and support. They have kept me motivated through this process!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Finally Getting Answers
May 27th 2010
Tuesday of this week I saw a dermatologist due to my doctors referral. Her thinking was that I had a skin issue. After about 3 seconds the derm doc told me "This is not a skin problem". He told me it was a bone, fascial, tendon issue in my foot. So I shared with him my rush for quick results & he exited the room & called Columbia Orthopedic Group. The next morning (to get an appointment that quickly was HUGE!!) I was visiting with Dr. Thornburg who believes I had/have Gout. He explained a little about Gout, which if you don't know, is basically joint arthritis. We discussed doing a cortisone shot to help. That will probably take place next week. Most people who get Gout are older overweight men who drink too much beer & love their red meat. So I still haven't figured out where I fit in and what I can do to reduce my chance of getting this again. BUT. I am thrilled to finally found answers. It took 4 doctors. Bottom line is my foot is getting better. Slowly, more slowly than I would like, but I can see the light or rather the finish line in Kansas 70.3 :)
Today the bump on the top of my foot is a little better/smaller. Just a little. Still prefer to wear flip flops or nothing on my foot. Best news today, I GOT TO RUN!!! It was great. A little pain, but more like discomfort. Heidi & I are biking in the morning. That will be the real challenge, due to biking shoes fitting so tight.
At this point I haven't thought much about what Gout is. I am focused on getting better and thrilled to be back training!! Amazing how you're perspective changes when your body says NO/STOP. I've never been so happy to wake up @ 4:52 am to run with Dad, Heidi & our friend Melissa. 4 miles felt easy today.
by: Heather
Monday, May 24, 2010
Phil's Great Idea
So, I haven't been doing much since last Wednesday. Until last night only a swim. Somewhere along this training journey I have become somewhat rigid about our training plan. And not being able to accomplished the workout each day has been driving me NUTS! You can ask Phil. I have been grumpy, moody & just not very fun to live with.
So on Saturday night Phil said we could cut up my old shoes and give my foot's bump space. (today was the first day I have warn a shoe, still not tied, but at least it fit.) At first I thought this was a weird idea, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. Last night after supper, he hooked my bike up on the trainer. Taped the shoe & gave me time to sweat & be happy.
Amazing what that 53 minute workout did for my spirits. Immediate mood improvements!
Today, Monday May 24th: The foot still has a bump. Heidi, Dad & I did the swim today in open water. Swelling is down, less pain and I can walk normal. Improvements, but still need the bump to be gone.
Last major workout!!
It felt really weird to go on this ride/run without my #1 training partner! And dad was off doing an olympic triathlon so he wasn't available either. Instead, my #1 husband and super support man went with me. It also felt weird that we were leaving our children with my sister (and her in-laws!) who was injured!
After seeing the hills on the race course I knew this last big ride had to include a bunch of hills. And it did not disappoint! Fifty-nine miles of some major hills in mid-missouri. I felt great the whole time. Of course, your rear is going to feel sore after that long of a ride- and my legs were tired but overall I felt really great- and positive- and confident (that is the key word for me right now). I ended it with a hilly 2 mile run. As I ran past Heather's house (just 1/3 mile down for ours) they had all the kids down at the end of the driveway with cow bells & cheers!
I was worried about the heat (upper 80's- hit 89 before we finished). We hadn't trained in hardly any sort of heat and with that tough of a ride I wasn't sure how I'd feel. It was tough to eat solid food on the bike- I preferred to get my calories through my water bottle. I will make it a point to eat more during the race. Thankfully my parents house was 35 miles into the ride. I finished my sandwich, chugged a bunch of OJ and filled up our water bottles.
The day was a big confidence builder for me. I haven't felt confident about the race yet. So, it was a big milestone for me! And I got done feeling elated that it was our last BIG workout before the race. Plus, it was a fun date day with my hubs! Thanks Heather for taking the kids and supporting me through it all!
Heidi
After seeing the hills on the race course I knew this last big ride had to include a bunch of hills. And it did not disappoint! Fifty-nine miles of some major hills in mid-missouri. I felt great the whole time. Of course, your rear is going to feel sore after that long of a ride- and my legs were tired but overall I felt really great- and positive- and confident (that is the key word for me right now). I ended it with a hilly 2 mile run. As I ran past Heather's house (just 1/3 mile down for ours) they had all the kids down at the end of the driveway with cow bells & cheers!
I was worried about the heat (upper 80's- hit 89 before we finished). We hadn't trained in hardly any sort of heat and with that tough of a ride I wasn't sure how I'd feel. It was tough to eat solid food on the bike- I preferred to get my calories through my water bottle. I will make it a point to eat more during the race. Thankfully my parents house was 35 miles into the ride. I finished my sandwich, chugged a bunch of OJ and filled up our water bottles.
The day was a big confidence builder for me. I haven't felt confident about the race yet. So, it was a big milestone for me! And I got done feeling elated that it was our last BIG workout before the race. Plus, it was a fun date day with my hubs! Thanks Heather for taking the kids and supporting me through it all!
Heidi
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Foot Update...
This morning I called our coach, Amy & she encouraged me to get a second opinion on the foot infection. So, off I went to the local urgent care. This dr. added another antibiotic to fight nearly every infection that could be going on. I'm hoping to wake up tomorrow morning with improvements.
There is a quarter size red bump on the top and the rest of the foot is swollen & red. I have pictures, but will spare you the details.
So, Heidi & Nathan are going to ride 60 miles tomorrow and I'm hoping to get on the trainer for a bit. Phil suggested we tape back the straps & tongue of my (right) cycling shoe and wear the left shoe like normal. I'm thankfully for that suggestion and we even tried the shoe on and I think it'll work.
Also thankfully we swam this afternoon. Felt awesome to get a workout done. I can't afford a lot of time doing nothing. And 2 days off was not fun for me.
I am grateful for my family & friends who are encouraging & praying for me.
by: Heather
There is a quarter size red bump on the top and the rest of the foot is swollen & red. I have pictures, but will spare you the details.
So, Heidi & Nathan are going to ride 60 miles tomorrow and I'm hoping to get on the trainer for a bit. Phil suggested we tape back the straps & tongue of my (right) cycling shoe and wear the left shoe like normal. I'm thankfully for that suggestion and we even tried the shoe on and I think it'll work.
Also thankfully we swam this afternoon. Felt awesome to get a workout done. I can't afford a lot of time doing nothing. And 2 days off was not fun for me.
I am grateful for my family & friends who are encouraging & praying for me.
by: Heather
Open Water Swim! May 22, 2010
These are pictures from our 1st open water swim. We love this lake and its very fun to involve the WHOLE family with some of our training. We are FINALLY getting some warm weather and it felt great to swim outside today.
Parker
Nathan gave "ride" to kids while being our lifeguard.
Jackson
Four kids playing in cold water! This shot gives some perspective of the length of this lake. About 1100 is 1 lap. We did 2 laps tonight.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
INJURED...
Blog Info Only. I haven't talked about this on Facebook..... don't wanna blow this up to much.
I am limping around the last 24 hours due to some strange foot injury. My troubles began nearly 2 weeks ago when I slipped on my "Nike Pool" (my term) shoes. The right foot hurt a little where the top of the shoe flexed. I thought, ummm thats weird and wore my running shoes instead to the pool. A couple days later I put them on again and same problem. The top of my foot was picky about what shoes I wore. No problems during workouts, running & cycling was fine. The problem slowly got worse. A couple days ago I was either wearing flip flops or running shoes. And began noticing a little bump where the pain was. Ok-that was weird, but it will pass.
Yesterday Heidi, Dad & I took a GREAT ride on new bike route north of Heidi & I's road. It was one of my favorite rides, because I felt it was similar terrain as our race route. Long hills. Perfect training. Thanks Nathan for being a route-master. Last night the bump began to swell and was red. And more painful than before.
So today I called the doctor. And thankfully my family encouraged me to make the call sooner rather than later. And Dad took over some carpool duties so I could make the 3 p.m. appointment. The doctor was not sure what the problem was, but we are leaning towards an infection. Not sure from what, but she drew blood and even sent me to hospital for x-rays. Just to rule out anything broken.
So here I sit with a very fat foot elevated and applying heat (antibiotics started). Thankful for a body that can even think about training for a half ironman. Grateful for family who supports me & encourage every step or limp of the way. Maybe I was just meant to taper & swim for 3 remaining weeks till race day. Not sure what will happen from here regarding training. I will take it easy until my foot is better. Hoping thats sometime Saturday night, so we can still get our last long ride in on Sunday!
BY: Heather
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The World's Best Triathlon Coach!
Last night we spent a pleasant evening with our friend and coach, Amy. She is an amazing triathlon coach, a Kona Ironwoman (and many, many more), owns her own business (the best triathlon store- The Starting Block), is a mother and a fantastic friend. It was great to catch up on life, family, friends and of course... our training.
The best news Heather & I heard all night was that we got to cancel a 70 mile bike in preperation for taper week. We talked about the next few weeks, race day preperation and race day nutrition. This upcoming weekend will be our last big training workout. Which both excites me and scares me!
Thanks Amy!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Trial Run- Lawrance, KS
Friday afternoon we packed up and headed to Jayhawk country... Lawrance, KS. We thought this would be a very smart idea. And it was.... We just could have chosen a nicer weekend! All Saturday it was raining and cold- never leaving the 50's! We were supposed to get in a swim on Saturday but decided against it and stayed healthy and well. I think I can speak for us all when I say that we were pretty anxious about the weather all day Saturday and not looking forward to a replay on Sunday morning. We knew we didn't have a choice though.
Woke up Sunday morning and it was drizzling. And continued to do so for about the first hour of our ride. Temps were in the low 50's the entire workout.
We choose KS because everything we saw of KS was flat. Uh.... we were WRONG! Huge, monstrous climbs. Don't get me wrong- we have trained in the hills but the hills in Columbia are steep, fairly short and have a downhill before the uphill! These KS hills not very steep but very long climbs. We are SO glad that we went and discovered it this weekend. There isn't much we can do in 3 weeks to more prepare for this but at least we will be prepared with knowledge. And we know we can do it!
By mile 50 my legs were done. My legs felt so tired and I was counting down the minutes till the end. I was also very stressed about how my legs could even run. We got back to camp, put on our running shoes, downed some nutrition and off we went. After biking your legs feel like you're doing a 15 minute mile so it didn't feel like we were going fast at all. After the first mile or maybe two I could feel my feet and legs again. I was very happy with the four miles. Not easy at all but do able. And we finished in great time.
Up until this weekend I have been very anxious about this race. I don't feel like I'm ready. I know I'm getting stronger and realize that I can most likely push though it but not feeling good about it. My hold up is the 13.1 mile run. And I must admit running is my favorite sport in this training. It is just doing the 13.1 after my legs get off that bike!
Before race photo. We look a little apprehensive!
DONE!!!! Looking a lot happier than the before picture! Our cheering crowd joined us for the picture!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Mental Toughness
I am beginning to have a little mental strength. Before this 70.3 journey I had zero mental strength when it came to triathlon. I listened too much to my body and mind.
We had a 3000 yard swim on Monday. I was dreading it! Why? Not sure....Just didn't want to do it. I began swimming with a internal pep talk. Ok Heather you can do this. You'll feel so good when your done. 3000 yards is the longest you have ever swam...That sorta thing. Then I started counting my blessings. Each lap was a different way I am blessed. The laps flew by and my negative attitude turned around (within 2 laps).
On Sunday, about mile 33 my bottom really started bothering me (for reasons we won't share on this blog). And I really began let that pain control the rest of how I was feeling. So for 7 miles I had negative dialog with myself. Then something happened. Maybe a little mental strength crepted in.....I began to focus on the other parts of my body that felt good. Legs...check. Back....check. Heart rate....check. Feet....check. And before too many more miles I also found a position that made my butt feel good also. I also focused on the fact that 66 miles is a freakin long way and how lucky am I to be able to accomplish a ride of that length. Back to the blessings.
So my point is that during race day I will remain focused on positive things & use my new found mental strength to power through the tough & ugly miles! And trust our training plan & preparation.
Another confidence booster will be this Sunday's workout. Don't recall if Heidi mentioned this or not. We are going to the race site to do a practice tri on the race course. 1500 yd swim, 56 mile bike and short run, 4 miles I think. Even camping & doing a trial run of our pre race supper.
by: Heather
We had a 3000 yard swim on Monday. I was dreading it! Why? Not sure....Just didn't want to do it. I began swimming with a internal pep talk. Ok Heather you can do this. You'll feel so good when your done. 3000 yards is the longest you have ever swam...That sorta thing. Then I started counting my blessings. Each lap was a different way I am blessed. The laps flew by and my negative attitude turned around (within 2 laps).
On Sunday, about mile 33 my bottom really started bothering me (for reasons we won't share on this blog). And I really began let that pain control the rest of how I was feeling. So for 7 miles I had negative dialog with myself. Then something happened. Maybe a little mental strength crepted in.....I began to focus on the other parts of my body that felt good. Legs...check. Back....check. Heart rate....check. Feet....check. And before too many more miles I also found a position that made my butt feel good also. I also focused on the fact that 66 miles is a freakin long way and how lucky am I to be able to accomplish a ride of that length. Back to the blessings.
So my point is that during race day I will remain focused on positive things & use my new found mental strength to power through the tough & ugly miles! And trust our training plan & preparation.
Another confidence booster will be this Sunday's workout. Don't recall if Heidi mentioned this or not. We are going to the race site to do a practice tri on the race course. 1500 yd swim, 56 mile bike and short run, 4 miles I think. Even camping & doing a trial run of our pre race supper.
by: Heather
Monday, May 10, 2010
One month & counting
I'm beginning to feel the pressure of the race. I feel like I'm on a roll right now with workouts and my strength is building quickly. I feel like I can accomplish anything that is on the schedule. However, the race itself is still beyond my confidence. I feel like I need 6 weeks and only have 4. The 13.1 miles after the rest is my rock wall that I can't seem to wrap my mind around.
Finally we had a workout that allowed me to start breaking that wall down. Friday we had an hour bike followed by a 10 mile run. I was actually excited about that workout. I would say running is my favorite sport right now. I looked forward to the run afterwards (dad & heather thought I was crazy). Most of our bricks (two workouts back to back) have been a long bike w/ short 1-2 mile runs. I enjoyed getting to feel my legs after the 2 miles- and they felt great. I started hurting at mile 8 and was so excited to finish such a great workout.
Yesterday was a 66 mile bike ride. I was anxious. For some reason bike is my least favorite sport of the three. And I figured out why. I am the weakest link on the bike. Dad could ride all day long and power through anything. Heather has some major strength and powers through the bike so easily (in my thinking at least!). She can conquer a massive hill like nothing! However!!! It was a great ride for me. Besides my seat hurting my butt bones so badly I felt great the entire ride.
This morning we had another milestone. 3000 yrd swim. 60 laps!! We always plan out the workout in sets (10 lap warmup, 8 laps of drills, speed work, cool down....). We did the same thing today except made every thing a little longer and it really passed by quickly. We were both surprised.
Finally we had a workout that allowed me to start breaking that wall down. Friday we had an hour bike followed by a 10 mile run. I was actually excited about that workout. I would say running is my favorite sport right now. I looked forward to the run afterwards (dad & heather thought I was crazy). Most of our bricks (two workouts back to back) have been a long bike w/ short 1-2 mile runs. I enjoyed getting to feel my legs after the 2 miles- and they felt great. I started hurting at mile 8 and was so excited to finish such a great workout.
Yesterday was a 66 mile bike ride. I was anxious. For some reason bike is my least favorite sport of the three. And I figured out why. I am the weakest link on the bike. Dad could ride all day long and power through anything. Heather has some major strength and powers through the bike so easily (in my thinking at least!). She can conquer a massive hill like nothing! However!!! It was a great ride for me. Besides my seat hurting my butt bones so badly I felt great the entire ride.
This morning we had another milestone. 3000 yrd swim. 60 laps!! We always plan out the workout in sets (10 lap warmup, 8 laps of drills, speed work, cool down....). We did the same thing today except made every thing a little longer and it really passed by quickly. We were both surprised.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)