tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12845944589006559382024-03-14T05:59:35.771-04:00My journey to NYC Triathlon 2008How I combat my quarter life crisis, by finally learning how to swim and how to ride a bike. At least I can run. Charting my path to NYTri '08RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-25578834477456487782008-10-22T05:04:00.002-04:002008-10-22T05:21:16.559-04:00Still a triathlete!!!So I'm still here and will be doing other races. I will be taking part in the NYC triathlon in 2010 and before then some other triathlons here in the land of the maple leaf. <br /><br />I consider this to be my off season. I'm taking 2009 off from triathlon to train for the 2009 marathon and also to work on my swimming and cycling skills so that by the time I do the 2010 NYC triathlon, my results will be a huge improvement. You know...self growth!<br /><br />I will continue to post my triathlon training updates on here, but there won't be any for a while because I'm training for my marathon. You can visit my website at <br /><a href="http://www.marathonrunnerwannabe.blogspot.com">www.marathonrunnerwannabe.blogspot.com</a>RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-11755529638653342842008-08-25T14:18:00.002-04:002008-08-25T14:21:27.410-04:00Blogging on!!I'm growing into my life's mission as a fitness professional and holistic lifestyle coach. It's a journey. I'm in Toronto. You can still leave comments on this blog & I'll respond. I still check this blog & will post sometimes. If you're considering doing a triathlon & just want to talk, email me!!!RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-31229170988845764182008-08-15T06:20:00.003-04:002008-08-15T06:22:43.953-04:00Hello from C Fit P Conference in T.O!!!!!I'm wearing my cheesy triathlete t-shirt today! I just moved to T.O. So if you live here, holla!!!RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-55395532720659335842008-07-20T16:28:00.004-04:002008-07-22T00:21:38.875-04:00I am a triathlete. No longer a Wannabe.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohCH_Cz0-xhdKTuuxJHxSEQvGbr-lWi1UbOMBYogn64diT-girLn1gXx1AFxIgzhgwgc-cPqoSUERnn6nYCZNsZbRIphHL34GnEZA6qGohLqIgC860YLHbNSWco3rSseCq3ufR0uew6w/s1600-h/SmilingCoconutWaterFinisher.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohCH_Cz0-xhdKTuuxJHxSEQvGbr-lWi1UbOMBYogn64diT-girLn1gXx1AFxIgzhgwgc-cPqoSUERnn6nYCZNsZbRIphHL34GnEZA6qGohLqIgC860YLHbNSWco3rSseCq3ufR0uew6w/s320/SmilingCoconutWaterFinisher.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5225199318767194114" /></a><br /><br /><object width="400" height="225"> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1379778&server=www.vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /> <embed src="http://www.vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=1379778&server=www.vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://www.vimeo.com/1379778?pg=embed&sec=1379778">Piwai's NY Triathlon 2008</a> from <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/user618881?pg=embed&sec=1379778">TiM Franklin</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com?pg=embed&sec=1379778">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br />I completed my race today!!!! Wow! Congratulations to me & all other finishers. <br /><br />It was an intense day from being up at 2:30 am, giving thanks for the day, eating quiche at 3am, taking the subway train to the boat basin, setting up my transition, getting body marked, putting on my wetsuit...wow...<br /><br />Here are some quick highlights of the day including some dumb things:<br /><br />-One of the volunteers body marked me and she wrote my age on my calf. Twenty minutes later, I go up to another volunteer to ask why everyone else has a number on their calf and what that number represents. Yes, I completely forgot that I'd been body marked....<br /><br />-Today was the first day I ever swam with my wetsuit. Yes, yes, stupid. In some ways I'm glad I did that because I hate swimming with a wetsuit and this way I found out on race day instead of the day before. Race day is tense anyway, why not just add more tension to it??!!<br /><br />-I forgot to put on my goggles as I jumped into the Hudson!! Gross. Not a good start. The swim was good after a few minutes. I kept trying to avoid jelly fish. I did feel a stinging sensation on my face at some point in time, but maybe it was just Hudson grossness. <br /><br />-The cycling portion. Given that I've only been on a bike a total of 10 times my whole life, I was not prepared. Yesterday I learned how to ride a road bike! Congratulations are in order to me for successfully riding 26 miles of pretty hilly terrain and sharp hairpins on the Henry Hudson Parkway. Needless to say, I often had to give way to speeding triathletes with their $4000 bikes and aerobars!<br /><br />-ok, I stupidly don't know how to change a bike tire and I didn't even bring extra tubes and pump to the race. I completed the race with the faith that there would be no flat tires. And that my childlike riding skills would get me through coupled with my 1000% positive energy. Wow. I'm here. I did cry after I got off the bike because I was grateful & I wished my parents were there...Then I wiped the tears and thought "what stupid person decided that running 6miles is a good thing to do after cycling for 26 miles??" I quickly got over it and began my trot on the Upper West Side!<br /><br />-My run/walk. My ankle had issues so I basically took it easy until the last 0.25 miles when I kicked it on and the African runner in me came out. The most beautiful thing was to hear spectators calling out to say "Go Zimbabwe" or "Go radiant" or "You're no longer a triathlete wannabe- you did it!!". The encouraging energy of watchers & races was amazing- I even appreciate the guy who said "keep going cookie!" to me as I slowly cycled along!<br /><br />-The end- wow. Unbelievable. I have my medal. I'm a triathlete. This is the end of my quarter life crisis. Watch out world because I can do anything I set my mind to!!<br /><br />Thank you to you all for your encouragement and for being there with me through this journey. <br /><br />Thank you to all goodness and all life.RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-82246117334881030082008-07-13T06:03:00.007-04:002008-07-13T08:12:38.777-04:00One week to triathlon!!!! How do I feel??? How can you help???<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Qd2HjkloAYhMITPOUgj1ZuREvCCGT4Ejy5V3mEXlN19OSPQIlDwC3ah0XseNSJlNi-AAWEKJQ6HamOcdjuIKcIKn8kuzrGXED7KzpK9nqxnQW4XAKgGt5EYzH8GtKBqPd_-8qqhp8V4/s1600-h/WetsuitTrial.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Qd2HjkloAYhMITPOUgj1ZuREvCCGT4Ejy5V3mEXlN19OSPQIlDwC3ah0XseNSJlNi-AAWEKJQ6HamOcdjuIKcIKn8kuzrGXED7KzpK9nqxnQW4XAKgGt5EYzH8GtKBqPd_-8qqhp8V4/s200/WetsuitTrial.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222468514252434786" /></a><br /><br />Wow- 6 days to go & I'm still here & haven't abandoned this dream! I've never been this consistent about wanting something. EVER. So I guess I'm growing up. Finally:)<br /><br />How do I feel with one week to go?<br />Don't ask me if I'm ready, but I really won't know until race day. I've been training somewhat, I guess!!<br /><br />I feel:<br /><strong>excitednervoussadhappyhistoricanxiousgratefulwishingmyfamilywashere</strong><br /><br />Here are things I have to do this week:<br /><br />-Thurs: pick up my wetsuit. I haven't been swimming in a wetsuit yet, so I need to get in the water with it on Thursday & Friday just to get a feel of how some tight neoprene outfit affects my oh so stellar swimming skills!! (not!)<br /><br />-Thurs: pick up road bike??!!I hope. Ok, so I've only ridden a road bike once and I'm not sure about gears and stuff...Until a few days ago I was going to with the mountain bike that I'm quite comfortable on, but I realized it didn't live up to my standards of class & even though I learned how to ride a bike last year (don't laugh), I need to graduate to more sleek & visually appealing methods of transportation. Ok, so thurs & friday I'll be getting comfortable on the road bike!!!!<br /><br />-Friday. Attend some dumb meeting for race participants. I hope they feed us...<br /><br />-Saturday: drop off bike on the Upper West Side transition area. Call mummy & daddy to tell them that I love them and in case something happens in the Hudson or on the Henry Hudson twas nice knowing you.<br />Sleep<br /><br />-Sunday: wake up at 4am<br />-start swim at 6:20Am (don't worry, you're not expected to be there!!)<br /><br /><br />HOW CAN YOU HELP??<br /><br />- Emotionally: I still have moments when I ask myself what I was thinking when I signed up. I'm positive 99.9% of the time. My goal is to finish the race and be alive at the end.<br /><br />-Hair: You bet there's a superficial angle to this. Ok, my hair is too poofy for the swim cap and I'd like company when I braid it. <br /><br />-Food: You all know I love cotton candy and redbull. Keep me away from this & all other similar products in the next week.<br /><br />-Wetsuit: I need to practice getting in and out of my wetsuit. Maybe just moral support for this part will do.<br /><br />-Pictures: I need to take pictures in my trisuit, wetsuit, bike & at the finish line to send to my family. It would be good to take some pics on Thursday & Sunday so I need help with this. There goes the superficial again!!!!<br /><br />-Reading: I'm reading two stories a day from my book on First Triathlons. I don't exactly need help reading, but maybe I do. Sometimes I can't focus. Self diagnosis of ADD!<br /><br />-motivation: I need to get in 2-3 light workouts this week but spending uber amounts of time in SBR or Jack Rabbit or just talking about the race sounds more fun:)<br /><br />-See me at the finish line!!<br /><br />-Or if you can't make the actual race watching, you can track my progress - the system can send you a text when I finish swimming, biking & running (duh, it's a triathlon!!) sign up at <a href="http://triathlons.accenture.com/NewYork/default.aspx">Accenture</a> website<br /><br />I may need help returning the wetsuit & bike to their respective homes after 2pm on Sunday. <br /><br />I just want to take this moment to say to you all thank you for all your support throughout the year & for being there through my training, training with me, giving me advice. Regardless of how the race goes, the journey has been amazing & if I fail in any way, I've succeeded as a learner and I'll just get up and tri again!!! Of course my dream is the ironman race in 2013. Well. Dream on. I will.!!!RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-43169105990768042452008-07-10T03:41:00.005-04:002008-07-10T04:07:56.940-04:00ten days to tri...Running drills...strength training for my triathlon....training advice...nutrition dilimnasMy body hurts. Ouch. Ok, not that bad. I exaggerate. My right shin is a pain in the ****. My left ankle won't cooperate. I haven't run in a while. Yesterday I ran one PATHETIC mile, then gave up on account of taking care of my body. On Tuesday I took an amazing running clinic. Here's what we did in the class:<br /><br /><em>Running Drills class:<br />1. Half mile easy jogging warm- up<br />2. 3 sets of high knee exercises<br />3. 3 sets of butt kick exercises<br />4. 3 sets of four-by-fours. That's 4 high knees followed immediately by 4 buttkicks<br />5. 3 sets of sprinting drills. (My issue here is that I need to run on my toes more when I sprint)<br />6. Half mile easy jogging<br />7. Strength training exercises for runners:<br />a) Tricep dips. I hate these but hey- gotta work those triceps<br />b) Push ups. I know it's uncool, but I always swear at trainers when they ask me to do pushups!!! Ok, it is uncool because I remember showing clients pushup form and such and not appreciating it when they complained. Ok, I don't really swear, I just complain out loud, then I go ahead and do the pushups to the very best of my ability.<br />c) Push up followed by side plank(on hand) - 10 of these <br />d) Side plank (on hand) with top leg elevation<br />8. O.7 of a mile as a cooldown jog.</em><br /><br />Wow!!! I need to just take a moment to take pride in the strength gains I've made! Today I had to drag myself to my strength circuit while kicking and screaming and pouting & crying. Not a good sight. Maybe not so dramatic. But wow, I gave it my all as usual once I started. My body has made amazing strength gains. If I was on testosterone or male, I would be looking mighty fine right about now. I still look fine, but as a female the cosmetic benefits from my training will take a while to show up...I've made 5 - 15lb increases in strength which is AMAZING. It's been just over a month. If you're checking me out in the weight room, you'll see me diligently marking my exercises in my journal every time and each time I assess to see where I can increase the mass. You will NOT see me with an ipod or other distraction in the weight room. I'll be focusing on my form or checking myself out. Probably the latter! You can probably predict my routine like clockwork. It's amazing & I gotta ride this out until the end of July. I'm so worried about losing strength after July. I won't have a gym membership which is ok, but can someone tell me how can I strengthen my hamstrings outside of a gym- aside from the ball method???<br /><br />My eating has been both good and bad. I'm not allowed to have peanut butter in the house anymore because I just binge on a bottle in one sitting then I feel ill afterwards. For some reason, I'm allergic to TJ's frozen berries. I get violently ill whenever I drink a smoothie with TJ's frozen berries. I'm allergic to most foods actually. This week I've had more carbohydrates than usual & I've eaten some meals out. My last week needs to be cleaner than this. I need to eat a lot of good good food so that my body is ready, you know. <br /><br />So today I ran into a triathlon trainer. I had one session with him months ago. I was in the middle of my strength circuit & he was impressed with my form & exercises & said "well done". I felt quite chuffed:):):):):):) A cheesy emotion indeed. <br />Except when I had to do my last side shoulder raise set, I chickened out- my form felt compromised, I think I need to bring the weight down...I didn't want to look shoddy after the compliment! So I went downstairs to another floor to finish my exercise somewhere else. Silly.<br /><br /><strong>Anyhow, here are some last minute triathlon tips he gave me:<br /><br />1. Get a good massage two days before your race. (I hope to do this)<br />2. Soak in epsom salts the night before the race. (I threw away my epsom salts last week:(:( are they cheap to get again???)<br />3. I expect you to do well and enjoy the race. My my!!! What strong words:):):)</strong>RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-82883223053364967572008-07-03T18:59:00.003-04:002008-07-03T19:06:07.566-04:0016 days to NYCTriI'm supposed to do another OWS tommorow, but I just got cold feet. Not because of the water, but just the idea of going swimming on my own, you know. I would go with friends, but I want to go before 10am and nobody I know will agree to that "early" time...<br /><br />I've had a good week. I have some new workout buddies & we do indoor spinning together:) It's fabulous!!!<br /><br />Otherwise, still strength training strong. I did my 10th strength circuit since June 1st. :) I've made much progress & I feel good about that. My swimming is ok. My running. I'm taking it easy because of the ankle still. I'm at 3 miles lately. My goal is to run 6 miles by July 12th. I think I can do it...<br /><br />I'm definitely a morning workout person. No doubt. Then the rest of the day is mine!<br /><br />Question for anyone who's done NYC Tri: Is the bike course really hilly?? I read somewhere that it's moderately hilly...that statement disturbs me...Anyone???RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-77373514757022137722008-07-01T18:05:00.001-04:002008-07-01T18:15:39.522-04:00The trauma of trying on wetsuitsAhhhh
<br />
<br />So traumatic. I hate neoprene.
<br />
<br />I'll be going with the long sleeved zootRennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-86031581575774605372008-06-29T12:31:00.002-04:002008-06-29T13:00:19.659-04:00My first open water swim!!!!I did it!<br /><br />At the beach, in the ocean- swimming away for over an hour & holding my own pretty beautfully without a wetsuit. Wow!! Most people in the group had their wetsuits so they were floating better than I. I'm so friggin proud of myself. Someone bring on the cotton candy because I deserve a treat!!!<br /><br />I learned a sexy move for going around buoy's. It felt pretty easy swimming in the ocean. Yeah yeah buoyancy. But I also think I've done my time especially when I was swimming intensely earlier this year. Damn is that water salty. I swallowed so much I had to pee AFTER I got out of the water.<br /><br />I feel confident for my race, especially knowing that I'll be swimming with the current.<br /><br />I'll be going to the SwimBikeRun store this week...RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-59974060652634010142008-06-27T10:38:00.002-04:002008-06-27T10:43:27.284-04:00Getting stronger!!!So I've been very consistent with my strength training program. The last time I'd had a consistent routine was July 2007, so it feels good to be back on track. It's a total body program and I strength train 2-3 times a week. For the past 4 weeks it's been going strong. <br /><br />Yesterday I increased my bench press amount by 5lb and I also started to do wide grip bench presses in order to target my chest. Hopefully this will improve my pushups soon. <br /><br />I woke up today & my chest hurts like bloody hell. My shoulders hurt, everything hurts today. I was going to go swimming at 5:30 am but instead extended my sleep time to 10:30 am. And I still hurt. I need to do at least some yoga today though. I'm not opposed to rest days at all. The sports masseuse will be back in town in two weeks and I'm definitely getting one of those before my race. <br /><br />Tommorow is my first open water swim. Wish me luck!!!RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-75359814024526894222008-06-24T05:31:00.002-04:002008-06-24T05:39:37.484-04:00Do athletes have clear skin?I've been eating very well and training consistently, but my skin isn't clear. And no, I'm not doing this triathlon in order to attain clear skin, but usually, when I'm on track, my skin isn't acned and rashy. Ugh, I hate this. Cheap dermatologist anyone?<br /><br />My new routine begins on Friday June 27th. From June 27th to July 20th, my excercise will be stepped up a little. I'll be adding morning yoga, dance & core routines & my exercise will be in the mornings except on Tuesdays when I have sword fighting & kickboxing in the PM. Just a little fun cross training, I guess. <br /><br />I'm probably renting a wetsuit for this first race...RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-44449344510057350942008-06-16T17:07:00.002-04:002008-06-16T17:14:38.709-04:00Outdoor training!!!As the weeks move on, I'm transitioning to training in the parks & in open water. I'm quite excited about this. My gym membership ends soon , but come January, I might sign up again.<br /><br />I almost bought a tennis racket yesterday, but decided to wait till after my race to play tennis:):):)<br /><br />More actual training updates soon.RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-87245248353862513022008-06-14T09:36:00.002-04:002008-06-14T09:42:12.296-04:003...2...1...Step it up the Clean Crash week!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z_hFvcxmMayxifkbtVhlf-b0NGMUV33uMF2L_2Kv8_1EqeM2dZBRjfEWwF7G5B888py-EtDpptsSBghf9kO0yC71ZUU-PgkWVTOVBqlDl4FxKWMWAlbjxV_f1tSauc-Uve4cg13p21g/s1600-h/ZimbabweVisit2008+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Z_hFvcxmMayxifkbtVhlf-b0NGMUV33uMF2L_2Kv8_1EqeM2dZBRjfEWwF7G5B888py-EtDpptsSBghf9kO0yC71ZUU-PgkWVTOVBqlDl4FxKWMWAlbjxV_f1tSauc-Uve4cg13p21g/s320/ZimbabweVisit2008+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211731914495150930" /></a><br />So tommorow is the start of me taking my training a little more seriously. I've been doing relatively ok. I'm struggling at times though. Today is an off day just so I can get my life in order, do grocery shopping etc. Staying motivated is really really hard for me right now. I do very well with AM workouts, but it's not always possible to leave my house at 5am, you know. I'm trying. <br /><br />For the next seven days, I'll be eating pretty clean & healthy - eating enough and an lot though, but good stuff, sweating like a pig, sticking to my routine & hopefully enjoying the process...allergies are getting in the way though:(RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-984669514315468952008-06-10T11:46:00.005-04:002008-06-10T11:55:57.989-04:00heat wave...discipline...new trisuit!!Hooray!!! The store replaced my trisuit. It's now proudly hanging in my room:) <br /><br />This weekend I had a work retreat at this hotel in NJ. Guess who ate well throughout the stay and went to bed early and woke up at 5Am to do an intense exercise session????!!! Me!<br /><br />I'm stronger than before. My current philosophy is working out smarter not longer or harder. I'm spending probably an hour in the gym lately, then I leave to live the rest of my life. I feel balanced & healthy because I just fit in what I need to do & do it throroughly instead of wasting mediocre hours. <br /><br />I'd like to register for the Toronto Island Triathlon in August. This is what my workout has looked like this week:<br />Sunday: strength training<br />Monday: swimming & spinning<br />Tuesday: swimming & running<br /><br />Oh- you wouldn't believe it! Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far. And guess who went to Bikram Yoga class just to add to the misery! Me!!! Crazy or hardcore? Does it matter??? I don't know how many liters of water I drank yesterday. Definitely enough!<br /><br />If you're a triathlete in training too & you have a blog, leave a comment- would love to tap into more online tri support through reading blogs & such.RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-50264213057078954352008-06-06T03:37:00.002-04:002008-06-06T04:45:21.671-04:00my first triathlon...tri tantrumsThursday am I find myself at the gym at 5:30am in my brand new Danskin tri suit. <br /><br />I did my first triathlon ever!!! I swam for 30 minutes, then cycled for 30 minutes, then ran for 30 minutes- one after the other & all in the same trisuit! It was awesome. <br /><br />How do I feel about my first tri? Here are my numbered thoughts.(How organized am I!!)<br /><br />1. Swimming with the tri-suit, I felt heavy and fat at first, then by the end it was better.<br /><br />2. The tri-suit does improve my bouyancy so I'm not as concerned about drowining.<br /><br />3. My stroke was good towards the end of my swim session. In terms of endurance, I just need to keep on swimming. I can feel my heart struggling to get stronger<br /><br />4. The transition from swimming to cycling(indoor) was ok- it was just rather wet because I kept my trisuit on.<br /><br />5. When I got off the bike and onto the treadmill, my legs felt like rubber. So friggin strange. Maybe that's why they call it the brick transition. I actually started out by walking, then went into my jog. I took it easy with slow increments in speed and my final speed was just the ten minute mile. I'm content with that because this is my first week getting back into running.<br /><br />6. Afterwards I felt such wonderful accomplishment. I was a ball of sweat. Bathing in endorphins. Absolutely amazing.<br /><br />7. I'm a triathlete!!!!<br /><br />-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />3am the next morning I wake up and look at my trisuit. I notice a little defect. I'm freaking out. Yes- tantrum style. Internally I guess. I bought this from my all time favorite fitness store & it's an investment so I'm upset. I have to wait until the AM to call the company. Oh well. That's life. I must calm down & grow up. <br /><br />I don't know why I'm wide awake so early. My sleep patterns are terrible. I do try awefully hard but I'm an early early early morning person.<br /><br />Here's to a good week of training!!<br /><br />I've been eating well & when I don't eat well, I just plan on improving the next time. I'm not eating meat(except fish) until after my triathlon. Yesterday I did exceptionally well with my eating habits. Free food was available all day at work, but because it was all bagels and pizza and cake, I brought my own lunch and breakfast- soup, blueberries, yogurt & tons of goodness:):):) Go me!!! Free food doesn't entice me anymore- what has happened to me??? <br /><br />Will post more update this weekend.RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-47919481670051232262008-06-04T12:49:00.002-04:002008-06-04T12:54:23.250-04:00mid week 1 update- I bought a tri-suitMy body hurts from running. My allergies are flaring & I'm a non-believer in medicating. Running is hard. I am sleeping way too much. I hate when my hamstring cramps. I can't imagine being able to swim for a mile. Morning workouts are hard to do before I go to work. Evening workouts are hard to do after work. I think I'll workout in my sleep.<br /><br />The theme of this training week is "What was I thinking when I signed up for the triathlon?!"<br /><br />I bought my tri-suit from Danskin yesterday! I need to get a wetsuit soon too. <br /><br />Need to find some sprint & olympic distance triathlons to do in Canada. Any insight on this is much appreciated:)RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-23318238353355538202008-06-01T10:08:00.003-04:002008-06-01T10:18:10.823-04:00Training Day 1So y'all know I haven't been running since the Turkey Trot race in November due to my injury. <br /><br />Anyhow, today I was supposed to take 7am yoga, but shock horror, I overslept. 8:30 am a text message from my roommate wakes me up. "Would you like to go running?"<br /><br />dum dum dum...<br /><br />Ok, I NEVER say no to someone wanting to sweat with me so I find my dusty running gear and hear this!<br /><br />I can still run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Ok, minus the misery I feel while doing it (this used to be bliss for me...), I can do it! We ran 2.5 miles - running the whole way! Well- he is 6 ft 3 & uber athletic, I am 5 ft 2 & pseudo athletic so I'm sure it was more like a walk for him!! I came back drenched in liquid, but still going strong! Wow. <br /><br />Pace needs to improve majorly, but I'm more concerned with endurance. I need to build back the kind of endurance that can run for 6 miles and still feel like running for 6 more miles after. I'm also good at running with other people so I'm going to start enlisting everyone I know to come running with me any chance I get, even at work.<br /><br />No pain in ankle at all. For that I am grateful. I think the yoga & taking it easy has helped, as well as the goodness that comes from the universe & other powers.<br /><br />I'll be posting my training updates & plan once I have it. I'll be updating blog a lot. I need so much encouragement now more than ever. Triathlete Wannabe, Triathlete Gonnabe.RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-24811476603509817372008-05-22T04:12:00.002-04:002008-05-22T04:18:55.896-04:00Going strong... except...I need to step up the swimming and begin to run. I need to get back to strength training . My routine will include those things from June 1st...Right now I'm doing a lot of cross training- I've been spinning twice in the Am before work this morning. I went to sword class for the third week in a row. I also went to kick boxing for the third week in a row. I love routine & consistency. It's orgasmic.<br /><br />I'm regaining that athlete feeling. Tummy getting flatter. Eating well. <br /><br />Anyone who can help me answer this question- are bananas good for me?RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-72948939539497418782008-05-11T08:51:00.004-04:002008-05-11T09:00:14.404-04:00Back in the groove!!!Monday - Saturday here is what I did:<br />Bootcamp class on thurs- it kicked my butt, but it's totally what I need!<br />Sword fighting class on Tues!<br />Kickboxing on Tues!<br />Spinning on Wednesday<br />Total body class on Monday<br />Swimming on Monday<br />Session with Trainer on Saturday<br />Dance class on Saturday<br /><br />Some yoga throughout the week.<br /><br />The session with the trainer was intense- he had me working on these glide like objects changing my centers of gravity to work my inner thighs mostly because I have thunderous thighs. He made me do running drills on the stairs, push ups, cruches with the ball- feet holding the ball up & crunching up to the ball. I'm missing speedball class again today:(:(:(<br /><br />I might check out another branch of my gym this week because I hear they give you free workout clothes and all!!<br /><br />I clearly did start out slow, but still worked hard. <br /><br />I'm taking today off to get my life in order so I can focus on organized exercise this week without. Laundry's all done just trying to tie up some loose bits. I will kick even more butt this week!RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-68107028432907597172008-05-04T09:01:00.002-04:002008-05-04T09:07:42.694-04:002.5 months to go!!!!I haven't exercised in almost a month due to bla bla bla.<br /><br />A few days ago I had my swimming evaluated. The verdict was that I have perfect stroke mechanics but I need to loosen up in the water...<br /><br />not bad, right? The same can be said about my boxing skills. Always very stiff.<br /><br />More updates soon...I'm getting back into it- took yoga the other day. I'm cleaning my house and will be hittin' up the spinning...RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-58150384881193852972008-04-14T20:17:00.002-04:002008-04-14T20:21:59.143-04:00Upcoming 8 week training program...During May & June I'll be embarking on an intense training period as the triathlon date fast approaches. I'm excited about that.<br /><br />During the next two weeks I'm not going to be at the gym, but rather I'll take time out to make peace with my body, maybe do a few body weight excercises. I'll be out of the country mostly & formal exercise won't be accessible to me in the same way. I look forward to May & June. I'll also start taking a dance class in a few weeks & I'm excited about that.<br /><br />Otherwise, I'll be trying to update even before the 8 week training program beginz...Thank you all for your support!RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-24158218499560880862008-04-05T07:16:00.002-04:002008-04-05T07:19:01.870-04:00what to do when you have no time to exercise???For the past week I've exercised twice. Been working till late. I thought I was gonna lose my mind, but I made it. My regular fitness routine starts tommorow. It's been hard, but I had a chance to reflect in really intense & sometimes self destructive ways.<br /><br />The good thing is I'm back!!! & here to stay:):)RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-4009252128120436552008-03-24T18:03:00.002-04:002008-03-24T18:10:17.952-04:00Spring updateBeen doing ok. Taking rest time & sweating in healthy amounts & eating in healthy amounts.<br /><br />I love my gym. I hate my job. <br /><br />Nothing is new.<br /><br />I want to write about my Triathlon bootcamp class that I took last Tuesday at the a*# crack of darn, but I really am too lazy to type.<br /><br />I'm here.<br /><br />I'm in a bit of a foul mood because I was looking forward to my training session today, but my trainer bailed at the last minute. Jerk. An emergency came up & I have to reschedule. The problem is that I won't have a free hour to spare for a few more weeks. At least not for that. I have plenty of tie for sillier things. <br /><br />The strangest thing- people are super nice to me here at my new gym. I like it. I have made some awesome acquaintances & I'm already a groupie in this hot trainer's exercise classes. I mean I attend EVERY class the trainer teaches. Obsession much??!! No. Dedication to athleticism.RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-67737310534454220592008-03-16T14:52:00.002-04:002008-03-16T15:04:59.585-04:00Getting back into the groove...of exercise...after 3 rocky weeks.<br /><br />Tommorow is my slow exercise day. Today I took three awesome classes & now I'm relaxing before I take my Yoga Basics class. My first real yoga class!!!! <br /><br />Tommorow is an easy light day exercise wise. <br /><br />I feel obese & that's a real issue for me:( It's hard to talk about this & have people tell me that I'm not fat, because honestly it doesn't help to hear such "encouragement". I love my body, but I also need to nurture it into the changes that it's going through.<br /><br />In two weeks my life will be turned topsy turvy. Only for 10 days though. My exercise schedule will be stolen from me because I'll be working from 8Am - 8pm during that time period:( Next week is a 3 day weekend & for sure I will be swimming & spinnin' like a mad woman to make up for it.<br /><br />On a not-so-good note, my ankle injury is rearing it's nasty head lately. Running is out of the question & I have no idea how I'll make it to the triathlon if I can't run. I have been walking on the treadmill though. The fact is I can't give up walking or else I wouldn't be able to get anywhere. I'm resting a lot though.RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1284594458900655938.post-42785512359468828662008-03-10T06:44:00.003-04:002008-03-10T07:20:16.761-04:00State of the art...I'm a snob when it comes to the finer things in life...<br /><br />I'm cancelling my gym memberships & yoga membership so that I can afford the fancy gym! I actually save quite a bit this way.<br />Ever since I made that decision, I can breathe easier & I feel happy. I start my exercise there today. I'm beginning a 6 week cross training routine. Then a break. Then an 8 week Olympic triathlon workout routine. then tapering...then triathlon!!!!! Wow!<br /><br />I met a triathlete wannabe this weekend. Good to know I'm not alone!<br /><br />I'm so glad I have this blog. I appreciate the advice & encouragement others leave for me & the experiences others share on their blogs. <br /><br />I did get a new swim suit 3 weeks ago & I followed the advice of a blog reader who told me where to go for expert advice. Hooray! I ended up getting a TYR diamond back. Supposedly chlorine resistant. Either way, this is the last swimsuit I buy before I buy my trisuit in June:):):):):):):):)RennaissanceAthletehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12723812123889205638noreply@blogger.com0