My journey to NYC Triathlon 2008

Still a triathlete!!!

2008-10-22T05:04:00.002-04:00

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.

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!

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
www.marathonrunnerwannabe.blogspot.com

Blogging on!!

2008-08-25T14:18:00.002-04:00

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!!!

Hello from C Fit P Conference in T.O!!!!!

2008-08-15T06:20:00.003-04:00

I'm wearing my cheesy triathlete t-shirt today! I just moved to T.O. So if you live here, holla!!!

I am a triathlete. No longer a Wannabe.

2008-07-20T16:28:00.004-04:00

Piwai's NY Triathlon 2008 from TiM Franklin on Vimeo.

I completed my race today!!!! Wow! Congratulations to me & all other finishers.

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...

Here are some quick highlights of the day including some dumb things:

-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....

-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??!!

-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.

-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!

-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!

-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!

-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!!

Thank you to you all for your encouragement and for being there with me through this journey.

Thank you to all goodness and all life.

One week to triathlon!!!! How do I feel??? How can you help???

2008-07-13T06:03:00.007-04:00

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:)

How do I feel with one week to go?
Don't ask me if I'm ready, but I really won't know until race day. I've been training somewhat, I guess!!

I feel:
excitednervoussadhappyhistoricanxiousgratefulwishingmyfamilywashere

Here are things I have to do this week:

-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!)

-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!!!!

-Friday. Attend some dumb meeting for race participants. I hope they feed us...

-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.
Sleep

-Sunday: wake up at 4am
-start swim at 6:20Am (don't worry, you're not expected to be there!!)

HOW CAN YOU HELP??

- 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.

-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.

-Food: You all know I love cotton candy and redbull. Keep me away from this & all other similar products in the next week.

-Wetsuit: I need to practice getting in and out of my wetsuit. Maybe just moral support for this part will do.

-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!!!!

-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!

-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:)

-See me at the finish line!!

-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 Accenture website

I may need help returning the wetsuit & bike to their respective homes after 2pm on Sunday.

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.!!!

ten days to tri...Running drills...strength training for my triathlon....training advice...nutrition dilimnas

2008-07-10T03:41:00.005-04:00

My 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:

Running Drills class:
1. Half mile easy jogging warm- up
2. 3 sets of high knee exercises
3. 3 sets of butt kick exercises
4. 3 sets of four-by-fours. That's 4 high knees followed immediately by 4 buttkicks
5. 3 sets of sprinting drills. (My issue here is that I need to run on my toes more when I sprint)
6. Half mile easy jogging
7. Strength training exercises for runners:
a) Tricep dips. I hate these but hey- gotta work those triceps
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.
c) Push up followed by side plank(on hand) - 10 of these
d) Side plank (on hand) with top leg elevation
8. O.7 of a mile as a cooldown jog.

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???

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.

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.
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.

Anyhow, here are some last minute triathlon tips he gave me:

1. Get a good massage two days before your race. (I hope to do this)
2. Soak in epsom salts the night before the race. (I threw away my epsom salts last week:(:( are they cheap to get again???)
3. I expect you to do well and enjoy the race. My my!!! What strong words:):):)

16 days to NYCTri

2008-07-03T18:59:00.003-04:00

I'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...

I've had a good week. I have some new workout buddies & we do indoor spinning together:) It's fabulous!!!

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...

I'm definitely a morning workout person. No doubt. Then the rest of the day is mine!

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???

The trauma of trying on wetsuits

2008-07-01T18:05:00.001-04:00

Ahhhh

So traumatic. I hate neoprene.

I'll be going with the long sleeved zoot

My first open water swim!!!!

2008-06-29T12:31:00.002-04:00

I did it!

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!!!

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.

I feel confident for my race, especially knowing that I'll be swimming with the current.

I'll be going to the SwimBikeRun store this week...

Getting stronger!!!

2008-06-27T10:38:00.002-04:00

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.

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.

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.

Tommorow is my first open water swim. Wish me luck!!!

Do athletes have clear skin?

2008-06-24T05:31:00.002-04:00

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?

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.

I'm probably renting a wetsuit for this first race...

Outdoor training!!!

2008-06-16T17:07:00.002-04:00

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.

I almost bought a tennis racket yesterday, but decided to wait till after my race to play tennis:):):)

More actual training updates soon.

3...2...1...Step it up the Clean Crash week!

2008-06-14T09:36:00.002-04:00

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.

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:(

heat wave...discipline...new trisuit!!

2008-06-10T11:46:00.005-04:00

Hooray!!! The store replaced my trisuit. It's now proudly hanging in my room:)

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!

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.

I'd like to register for the Toronto Island Triathlon in August. This is what my workout has looked like this week:
Sunday: strength training
Monday: swimming & spinning
Tuesday: swimming & running

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!

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.

my first triathlon...tri tantrums

2008-06-06T03:37:00.002-04:00

Thursday am I find myself at the gym at 5:30am in my brand new Danskin tri suit.

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.

How do I feel about my first tri? Here are my numbered thoughts.(How organized am I!!)

1. Swimming with the tri-suit, I felt heavy and fat at first, then by the end it was better.

2. The tri-suit does improve my bouyancy so I'm not as concerned about drowining.

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

4. The transition from swimming to cycling(indoor) was ok- it was just rather wet because I kept my trisuit on.

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.

6. Afterwards I felt such wonderful accomplishment. I was a ball of sweat. Bathing in endorphins. Absolutely amazing.

7. I'm a triathlete!!!!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

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.

Here's to a good week of training!!

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???

Will post more update this weekend.

mid week 1 update- I bought a tri-suit

2008-06-04T12:49:00.002-04:00

My 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.

The theme of this training week is "What was I thinking when I signed up for the triathlon?!"

I bought my tri-suit from Danskin yesterday! I need to get a wetsuit soon too.

Need to find some sprint & olympic distance triathlons to do in Canada. Any insight on this is much appreciated:)

Training Day 1

2008-06-01T10:08:00.003-04:00

So y'all know I haven't been running since the Turkey Trot race in November due to my injury.

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?"

dum dum dum...

Ok, I NEVER say no to someone wanting to sweat with me so I find my dusty running gear and hear this!

I can still run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Going strong... except...

2008-05-22T04:12:00.002-04:00

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.

I'm regaining that athlete feeling. Tummy getting flatter. Eating well.

Anyone who can help me answer this question- are bananas good for me?

Back in the groove!!!

2008-05-11T08:51:00.004-04:00

Monday - Saturday here is what I did:
Bootcamp class on thurs- it kicked my butt, but it's totally what I need!
Sword fighting class on Tues!
Kickboxing on Tues!
Spinning on Wednesday
Total body class on Monday
Swimming on Monday
Session with Trainer on Saturday
Dance class on Saturday

Some yoga throughout the week.

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:(:(:(

I might check out another branch of my gym this week because I hear they give you free workout clothes and all!!

I clearly did start out slow, but still worked hard.

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!

2.5 months to go!!!!

2008-05-04T09:01:00.002-04:00

I haven't exercised in almost a month due to bla bla bla.

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...

not bad, right? The same can be said about my boxing skills. Always very stiff.

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...

Upcoming 8 week training program...

2008-04-14T20:17:00.002-04:00

During May & June I'll be embarking on an intense training period as the triathlon date fast approaches. I'm excited about that.

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.

Otherwise, I'll be trying to update even before the 8 week training program beginz...Thank you all for your support!

what to do when you have no time to exercise???

2008-04-05T07:16:00.002-04:00

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.

The good thing is I'm back!!! & here to stay:):)

Spring update

2008-03-24T18:03:00.002-04:00

Been doing ok. Taking rest time & sweating in healthy amounts & eating in healthy amounts.

I love my gym. I hate my job.

Nothing is new.

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.

I'm here.

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.

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.

Getting back into the groove...

2008-03-16T14:52:00.002-04:00

of exercise...after 3 rocky weeks.

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!!!!

Tommorow is an easy light day exercise wise.

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.

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.

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.

State of the art...

2008-03-10T06:44:00.003-04:00

I'm a snob when it comes to the finer things in life...

I'm cancelling my gym memberships & yoga membership so that I can afford the fancy gym! I actually save quite a bit this way.
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!

I met a triathlete wannabe this weekend. Good to know I'm not alone!

I'm so glad I have this blog. I appreciate the advice & encouragement others leave for me & the experiences others share on their blogs.

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:):):):):):):):)

After my 2 week exercise hiatus...

2008-03-05T06:06:00.005-05:00

On Saturday I returned to my lovely world of sweat...I certainly jumpstarted it.

You are not going to believe this, but I made strength gains just from taking time off!! I'm benching 10lb more. I'm using 3 lb more weight in my sculpt class...
It's quite exciting really.

In yoga class though, I seem to have deteriorated:( But I'll get it back in a few days...patience.

On Sunday, DOMS was killing me & yoga class was almost impossible to get through, but I made it.

Something great happened at Spin class on Sunday. This woman I don't know came up to me after class & said,
"You have such perfect form & I'm always looking at you to figure out how to fix my own form"
Wow!!! It was so good to hear. I'm always working on my form. Good form sometimes takes time.

For those of you that spin...you know position 2? I always engage my core & the rest of my body is still & balanced except for my legs that are pedaling...you can balance a pot of water on my head & it wouldn't fall...I think that's why the woman commented on my form...I love second position. Great for quads.

My push up form is pathetic- better now, but still not good enough at all for me. But it takes constant practice & strengthening of core, chest & tricep to get to the absolute perfect form. A lot of people can crank out pushups with bad form & they don't even know it...Very bad for the lower back to abandon form like that...

I'm back in sweatville!

Vancouver musings...Another Transformative month ahead...

2008-02-28T04:02:00.002-05:00

I have done NO exercising for two weeks. I feel lousy. While in Vancouver, I rode around "my" bike in Richmond & around the Pacific sea wall it was amazingly beautiful!!

Vancouver is the cleanest city I've ever been to. Also the healthiest city. It seems like the yogic lifestyle was prevalent almost everywhere I went. "Everyone" runs outside even in the winter. People take walks in central park & rent bikes all the time. I've never seen so many bike rental stores in one place!! I'm hoping that I can spend my summer working & exercising outside there. Wow- that would be bliss. And I thought central park was the be all and end all...Stanley Park, here I come!!

March 1st begins my fitness routine again. I can't wait to get back into my groove. This month I am mostly focusing on the other parts of health- cooking my own meals instead of store bought things. One of my goals is to cook every week for the week ahead and to eat something ever 3 hours or so. It may be a challenge, but it will be better for my metabolism in the long run and a cheaper way to live.

I will also be starting an 8 session dance class next week. It's a sensual African dance class. I will tell you more about it once I actually start! I can't wait to start swimming again! The March madness begins on Saturday the 1st of March:) February was awesome! Please stay with me through my journeys.

Living & discovering Yoga...

2008-02-17T02:36:00.002-05:00

This morning I was up at 5am. At 6:30Aam I was in bed deciding whether or not to go to the 7Am yoga class...Then 10 minutes later, there was was outside the studio after a train ride, only to find out that the 7Am class was cancelled because of a mistake with building keys. There were 6 of us waiting out in the cold pretty bummed out about the fact that here we were up & about on a Saturday night, ready to medidate, or should I say, sweat!

Anyhow, it turned out to be quite an adventure...Two of the women there had been practicing at this studio for over 4 years and they began to gossip about different teachers...there seem to be a few types....

-the ones who are so strict & make you do every posture exactly the way the founder prescribes it, even though you may have injuries

-the ones who learn your name & acknowledge all your little progresses & help you modify asanas sensibly

-the ones who keep the room at 150degrees F & end up getting fired because people are burning up...

So far in my experience with fitness professionals & yoga instructors, I find that I'm extremely sensitive to negative energies. I've had two personal trainers & one of them is super hardcore & strict in an old school way but with little to be said about the emotional transformation & caring piece. But I do appreciate the END result...My other trainer was gifted in unconventional ways- his training sessions never included cardiovascular components. He would show me 3-4 excercises that involved core, balance & strength challenge all in one. The excercises were crafted by him & very hard, but super transformative for my body. We would also have very meaningful discussions & he was very profession, very personable & never got huggy or friendly in suspicious ways with clients. Flirting wasn't part of his image. He felt like a brother or father figure to me. I find that many personal trainers market themselves through flirting & I find that so unprofessional. Anyhow, it works though as a money making tool...
My experience with Bi.kram. instructors hasn't been too traumatic. I don't like the ones that don't learn the students' names. It's important to me that the instructor has excellent command of the english language...
I had one negative experience...I am happy with the progress that I've made with my supta vidrasana pose...but depending on the energies in and outside me, I don't always fully go into the posture. Even when I do go into it, my feet can't go straight back without pain. I also have very interesting shaped feet, so I may never be able to straighten the feet safely in this posture. That said, last week, one teacher was asking me to try to fix the feet. I told her that it hurt if I did so. Then she went on to tell me how important it was to try. I told her I tried every day & that I wasn't going to hurt myself in the process. Then she went on about how I need to try harder & how I was still new to yoga & bla bla bla. Yogic energy or not, I completely ignored her advice because it was coming from the control freak side of her- I wanted to beat her up. I don't appreciate anyone telling me what to do when it's not laced with love. I would NEVER do something that I wasn't comfortable with. I work hard in all my fitness & yoga endeavours & I'm one that knows to keep on trying, trying trying, until one day the change happens. However, it's only for me, not about any teacher or anyone else...

That said...Back to the cancelled class story...
So it's 7Am & we're all pretty upset that the class is cancelled. Two of the women were willing to do anything to find another class in a different Manhattan neighborhood. I was drawn to the idea of going back to bed, but I needed to be in Chelsea for my jumprope class at 10am, so the women were able to persuade me to come with them to a studio on the Upper Ea.st. Side. It was a little trek to get there but boy was it worth it!!! This studio is like a 5 star B.ik.ram. Yoga studio!! Fancy, two studios, amazingly well kept. I was blown away!!!I like my regular studion, but this one is quite something, I must say...200% more fancy, which I'm all about. I guess what can you expect from snotty Upper. Ea.st Side??!!! I got to know two wonderful women along the way, experience this gorgeous facility & a brand new positive energy. I bought mat cleaner & yinyang earrings at the studio. Don't ask me how I was able to make my 10am chelsea class, but I was able to run from one end of Manhattan to the other in 15 minutes- using public transportation. I love this city!!

So here I am wondering around Union Square looking for Par.ag.on Sports...I've been there a few times, but never on my own, so given my nonexistent sense of direction, I was getting lost...Here are the amazing things that happened to me this afternoon:

1. I stumbled upon the Union Square Bikram studio - it's gorgeous in there!! I didn't take a class, but I'm considering checking it out. Wow is all I had to say when I walked in there...

2. I stumbled across a huge yoga center called Ji.va.mukti. WOWWWW is all I can say. I walked in & I could feel my life changing forever. I spent time picking this staff member's brain about the center & what I could get out of it. They have a cafe in there & they gave me free food. All I felt was love & peace in there. I know I'm being extreme & cheesy. I will return to that place when the time is ripe.

3. I spent hours at P sports trying to find a bathing suit that was polyester(more resistant to chlorine), and that fit me, & whose style was acceptable in my eyes. Bathing suits can be way too expensive. You can find good deals online though...Anyhow, of course I wound up looking for a new workout outfit. Unsuccessfully.

4. Then I walked to J.ack Rab. & ended up buying a TYR swimsuit! Black & classy. Somewhat me.

5. I bought 5 amazing reads...
-The Joy of Partner Yoga (i've been wanting to do this for a long long time now & hopefully will find some friends to do partner yoga with)
-Bi.kram's Beginning Yoga class (I know I'm a sucker, but I just thought I should own this!)
-Jivamuk.ti Yoga (I can't wait to delve into this.
-The triathlete magazine
-Canada guide book

I've been transforming in many amazing ways, but the best is yet to come. A new 30 day cycle begins for me on February 25th. Meanwhile, I will continue to update you on my adventures. Thank you for being a part of this, virtually.

My 30 Day Bikram Yoga Challenge...

2008-02-15T06:53:00.002-05:00

Is complete!! I am so amazed & extremely proud of me!

It has been an amazing month of intense training, wonderful eating & self reflection. I look fabulous, my clothes fit better. I've been eating very well. I feel confident in my body. I feel wonderful when I dance.

The biggest accomplishments during this past month have been non physical. I have taken care of business- things that I postponed doing for YEARS, I took care of. I have a to-do list posted on my wall every week and I ALWAYS accomplish what I should. I am very disciplined in my personal life & taking care of business. I am better at returning calls. I know what I want out of life and I'm ready to do what it takes.

I didn't get to write as much as I hoped. I took some rest days & felt alright about it. Last night I even had chocolate and that too was alright!

I know you're interested in the physical accomplishments:
-I am slimmer & more toned
-I can fit into clothes haven't worn in a while
-I can do pushups with 200% ease than I could/couldn't in January
-I can excercise for 15 minutes & break a sweat that equates to a 1hr workout.
-I am swimming 40 laps now!!!
-My eagle pose has improved

I'm an athlete.

3 days to go!!!!

2008-02-10T22:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I took two yoga classes in a row! Today I took a class at 7Am, then another one at 7pm. Pretty fabulous! I double up today so that on Thursday (valentine's day), I won't have to do any excercise, but I also won't have to feel guilty about it!

I feel good:)

Today I did't swim & I didn't go to the bootcamp class. I'm learning how to take little rests in between so that I don't burn out.

Otherwise, I'm flying!!!

Day 24...6 days to go!

2008-02-08T21:19:00.000-05:00

I'm going strong!!! I had 2 rest days this week but I'm still on schedule!

My pushups are 200% improved from how pathetic they were 3 weeks ago!!! You wouldn't believe it!! I haven't weighed myself since Feb '07 but I feel very light...

Damn thunderthighs still exist, but I like the way I look in a bathing suit...

Yesterday my swimming partner & I saw this professional swimmer doing his freestyle- it was AMAZING- his strokes are long & powerful- it takes him 4 strokes to do a lap, yet it takes me 400 strokes to swim the same lap. I'm pathetic. I do acknowledge my little progresses though. I'm up to 40 laps a day (4 days a week or something). woohooo...

Namaste.

Is it yogic to...

2008-02-02T19:30:00.000-05:00

fantasize have sexual fantasies during yoga postures in class???

I woke up quite ill today, but I'm trying to fight it so desperately because I can't afford to miss work...I tried to sweat it out. I also drank the Cold Warrior tonic from JG on 72nd street.

Otherwise I'm feeling good & flying high athletically.

A part of the triathlon community...

2008-01-29T07:21:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I attended a meeting for people who are training for NYC Tri. It was held at anonymous high end health club in Manhattan. Anyhow- it always feel good to be adressed as an athlete & get to be surrounded by other triathletes. I ran into an acquaintance & it's good to know that I'm not the only one attempting this for the first time. Hooray for good training & July 20th & post July 20th parties celebrating this goal!!!

Full time athlete...Help me with my research:

2008-01-29T07:18:00.000-05:00

That's one of the things I dream of being...

Anyhow on a more serious note...

Feb. 17th, I'm flying to Vancouver, BC. Just for a few days, but I'd like to check out their high end health clubs/training facilities & I'm looking for suggestions.

More importantly, I'm also researching high end health clubs/training facilities in Toronto.

Most importantly, I'd like to complete a few tris in Canada this year- any suggestions of good events would be welcome.

I am desperately seeking advice on all of the above.

Day 12 of the madness & food updates...Also my first real yoga class...

2008-01-27T22:42:00.000-05:00

I'm flying!!! I feel fabulous. I had two rest days during this past week. I have been eating fabulously & living still. I ate wonderful food at my friend's dinner party-:) Yay home-made cookies & sorbet. I went out for dinner on Friday nite at the Republic. I was happy to find delicious options that felt good to eat...I am still eating massive amounts, which is good. I eat tons of veggies, lots & lots of chicken, beans,nuts, raisins etc... I'm also eating a lot of fruit- blueberries, peaches, nectarines. Today I treated myself to a J.mba Juice smoothie. Delish.

I feel fit. My pushups show a slight improvement, but still need a lot of work. The past two days, swimming has been ridiculously easy & pleasant. I felt like a fish. I'm adding 10 more laps to my routine & also now working on drills. I feel like I can swim. I just don't know how to tread water- how ridiculous is that....I can tread, but only for a minute(barely)- I can't imagine treading for longer than that...I'm staying away from back stroke & breaststroke for a while. My freestyle is rocking & I need to hone that & be efficient. I keep wondering- how does one swim in a straight line in the ocean? With hundreds of other people in the water???

Speaking of firsts- I took my first real yoga class yesterday!! Vinyasa Yoga. About 10 minutes into the class I realized I had signed up for 90 minutes of madness- plus it was an advanced class. I am still hung up on the foreign names used for the postures & the ommm chanting, but I will try to be open minded & overlook that. I can pretend to be an ignorant closeminded person at times. I just need a really positive introduction to yoga. This class wasn't a positive introduction to yoga. It was advanced- everyone could do head stands except me- everyone knew what do to & the instructor barely demonstrated anything. The good thing is that because I'd taken Bikram & because a lot of my friends are yogis, I'm familiar with a few postures- enough to get me by. I know how to get in & out of the asanas. However, I know I know nothing & that I have much to learn. I am looking to hire two people:

1) Wanted: Someone to teach me how to do a head stand safely & effortlessly & other cool postures like lotus. This is a 6 month job. I'll pay in food/kindness. Bonus pay in 5 yrs. Payable at Ironman Kona 2013.

2) Wanted: Someone to turn me into a fish that can swim backstroke & tread water effortlessly & swim for miles & miles & miles. This is a 6 month contract also. I'll pay in hugs. Bonus pay in 5 yrs. Payable at Ironman Kona 2013.

The bonus pay for both occupations will come in the form of fame for you when I become an ironwoman in 5 years!!! I'll attribute my success to you (part of it anyway), dear imaginary trainer.

Am I kidding? Way too much adrenaline & endorphin in me!

My dream is to be a full time athlete. I'm looking for a soccer league for the summer. I hate my present occupation. The funniest thing- last week I was reading my horoscope & it talked about the perfect profession for my zodiac sign- Leo as being a personal trainer! It was exciting to read that because I already figured out last year that working in some shape or form in the fitness & health industry is my calling. I already have my certification. But I'm not ready to make a career switch yet- many obstacles. I'm not ready to be there yet & I'm working on me. I don't want to do it for money- just because I enjoy it...I want to teach group excercise classes mostly & get my spinning cert...Need to take the CanFitPro test. Today I took a sports conditioning class & I used to take this class once a week during the summer till I fell off the bandwagon. Anyhow, it was great because after 5 months of absence, I show up to the class & it's still the same students taking it- they all look the same & all, but the instructor was someone new- it turned out to be a trainer that I used to work with at the gym. So there was definitely no slacking off for me in that class! It was good though to see someone who knew me. Will definitely go back next week. I haven't excercised at the gym I used to work at in 6 months - I definitely need to go back. It's hard to work out there because it just becomes a huge social scene of people wanting to talk to me & telling me that they miss me & that I should come back to work & bla bla bla.

Otherwise I'm soaring. I pray that I keep up this momentum through Feb 16th. Or should I say...forever.

Week 2 report & update on my 30 day Challenge

2008-01-22T04:01:00.000-05:00

Today is Day 7 of my 30 day challenge.

The 30 Day challenge is a countdown until Feb 15th, my next week vacation from work. Here is what I have to accomplish in 30 days:

-30 hot hatha yoga classes aka, the dreaded word...Bikram
-20 Spinning Classes
-12 Strength Training sessions
-20 Swimming sessions
-4 Books Read
-4 Chapters/poems written
-4 Rest days (at least)
-Continue to eat well

If I accomplish all this, here is my reward:
1. A new bathing suit
2. A new hairdo
3. Tattoo
4. Brazilian Wax, Total body wax & Brow threading

So far I have 3 Spins, 3 Strength training sessions, 5 swims, 6 yoga sessions.

Hooray!!!!!

C'mon a little encouragement from you won't hurt!

Help- the chlorine ate up my bathing suit:(:(:(

2008-01-14T23:55:00.000-05:00

To be honest I haven't been that good with looking after my bathing suit.

But I just want to scream, I'm annoyed about this!! It's deteriorating really fast lately. Probably a combination of the chlorine & the fact that my room is 100 degrees warm.

Now I'm on the hunt for a really good swim suit brand that won't get eaten up quickly. I'll pay whatever & I promise to look after it better. My last suit was/is N.ike. Please offer suggestions of good brands & good places to shop. Don't say Mac.ys. or Mo's. Until then I might just be caught indoor skinny dipping. Save me. Thank you.

Week 1 Report!

2008-01-13T03:58:00.000-05:00

I raise a glass of water to the past week! I'm soarin & flyin!

Here are the good things about the past week:
Consistent excercise
close to 90 laps total
Sweated every day!!
Ate well!

The great thing about this week was the fact that I got to excercise with part of my fitness posse of friends:) The second greatest thing was Wednesday night's total body conditioning class- the instructor was awesome- the moves were unique & effective so on Saturday, I took another class with the same instructor- Cardio Jump Rope. Crazzzzyyy sweating & fun! Then trying to run over to Union Sq to make a spinning class that was full by the time I got there...darn:(:(

Another awesome thing about the week was Monday night's boxing class. Spose to be an indoor class & we showed up & the dude makes us run along CPW & do lunges & pushups bootcamp style at 9pm at night...so unexpected, but hey- I'm love that stuff to be honest though I may be cursing at the instructor the whole class, inside, I love a challenge.

Sad notes:
I almost cried when I realized that I'm benching 10lb less than I could in July 2007. Simply because I haven't been using my pecs much:(:( Gotta build back up to that.

Reflective notes:
I was blessed with gigantic thunder thighs which always appear big to me but not so big in photos. Today I took part in the no pants subway ride & the photos of me from that actually show my thighs to be toned. A camera never lies! I guess I'm not obese after all. Hooray!

Next goal: keep it up, self!!!! More reports in 3...2...1....

6 week goals...

2008-01-10T03:13:00.000-05:00

I'm off to a fabulous start.

Aside from trying to fit in some fun classes- boxing & all...and going out dancing, here is my goal for the next 6 weeks.

Each week my training will consist of the following:
-5 swim sessions: Fast/Slow intervals Skill drills. 30 mins
-4 spin classes (minimum)
-3 strength conditioning sessions

I'm trying to find a way to fit in Bikram Yoga, but I probably won't be able to because of time constraints. It's also a cost issue. However it's worth it- completing the 30 day challege would rock my world.

I've been eating so well lately. I'm hungrier though so I do end up eating later than I really should.

Otherwise I'm flying!

Jumpstartin' my year!

2008-01-05T01:51:00.000-05:00

On the first of January I attended a fitness day at this facility on the Upper West Side. A huge fitness fair with some rocking classes, among which was a class on Chi Running!

If you remember I purchased a book about Chi Running several months ago. Running is a basic motion, but many times, the ways in which we run are strenuous on our bodies & accelerate injury & stress to the joints. Using some of the principles of Tai Chi, this form of running drastically reduces or eliminates injury. The main things I got out of the class are
-keeping the core engages while running
-propeling the arms backwards & using the rear delt

I still need to read the book a little more, but even with just these two concepts, running felt good. I was supposed to run the NYE race in Central Park but I decided it wasn't a good idea because it might invite reinjury. I'll run again in the spring.

I now have access to an good sized pool for my training. I have a training/fitness partner. One consistent training partner & two others that exist in spirit. Beginning on Monday I have a one- week jumpstart program. I'll also be starting a 5 week triathlon training program that is swim intensive. Details on all this coming right up...

Good bye 2007!!!

2007-12-30T17:33:00.000-05:00

I had the best ending to the year! A week's guest pass to the fanciest gym in Manhattan! Fabulous
Talk about coat check, celebrities, sexy personal trainers, talented fitness class instructors, spa, free mouthwash, cafe, outdoor running track, indoor rockclimbing wall...

Wow!

I went to this snobby gym 6 days this week. What heaven.

This past summer, I started to buy this athletic clothing brand. One of the most expensive brands ever. Anyway, it turns out at this gym- everyone wears the same brand! A way to show off & say I pay through my nose for sweat pants too!!! So I fit right in in that sense coz I have a lot of hot workout gear. Even though I'm lower class, I'm a wannabe. If I was a rich girl...

I'm back!

The me that is sweating everyday & swimming obsessively & sleeping & dreaming of athletics is BACK!!! I even ran on the outdoor track today. Effortless.

I'm bringing healthy back into 2008!!!

As the 2008 approaches...

2007-12-17T09:22:00.000-05:00

I reflect on the things I've done this year of which I'm proud & cry with overwhelmed sentiments when I ponder the new year to come.
This year my fitness has fluctuated and presently seems to be a slowly improving lull. I can't believe that I worked as a trainer in the spring & I am so proud of myself for doing that & thriving at it & immersing myself in something new. I am proud to have passed my NASM test. I'm happy with my summer fitness state & my running accomplishments.

I have failed in terms of consistency. I am struggling to find the balance between training for fitness & training for a triathlon. I must say though that I started the year weighing much less than I do presently, but I am happy with my body because of the recovery from injury & self love that I have.

I will be embarking on a 30 day Bikram yoga challenge. I am buying a 6 month membership to a swimming facility & from January to June, excercise is all I will know. I am going to transition from being the social butterfly I've been lately to a hermit excercise freak. Wish me luck. No, seriously though, I need to figure out the balance because for sure the thought of the triathlon will not keep me warm at night.

I was so excited today- I googled my name & saw my turkey trot results online!!! My first race evverrrrr. My time is terrible, but I completed the race:):):):):) go me.

I'm grateful to the people that have been with me from the conception of my dreams and continue to walk with me as I aspire to be a triathlete. To those who accept my flaws & allow me to be me. Thank you. To those who are dreaming of athleticism like me, join me & let's have fun. To those who can teach me, I am ready to learn.

Best for 2008- more posts in January so keep reading!

2nd Bikram class...

2007-12-11T11:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, despite the somewhat traumatic experience of my first class, I ventured into another heated room yesterday. It was alright. I'm an extremist & working hard to balance myself out. I like the extreme nature of Bikram although I doubt the benefits it has for me. I like to be around people who like to push their physical limits & grow. Growth is life.

The triathlon is the first long term goal I've ever had for myself & I can't back out which is good because it challenges me.

The goal is January - June, intense training.

my first bikram yoga class. Thoughts on stupidity.

2007-12-09T20:21:00.000-05:00

I have excellent cardiovascular endurance in general. Of course in order to take part in the triathlon, I need to improve. But I'm off to an ok start. Am i a clydesdale?

Anyhow, walk into the studio with my mat & water wearing my excercise shorts & sports bra. I can honestly say that I was a little distracted because people are wearing very little clothing & men show their chests mostly. So I'm distracted by all the hotness & I felt very comfortable, which is good.

Anyhow, I told the instructor that it was my first yoga class ever. I've taken lots of mat pilates last year, but never any yoga. They started off with an interesting throat breating exercise. Within 5 minutes I felt nauseous. I mean who wants to be in a room of sweating bodies?

The class is 90 minutes long and the first hour is standing poses. About 30 minutes into the poses, my head started to feel light- very strangely so. I thought I would just pass out. I had drank tons of water before class & I thought I'd be fine. Then I remembered- I hadn't eaten all day & I drank two redbulls at midnite last night so I was crashing. How stupidly irresponsibly. So I rested and skimped out of one or two poses...The instructor opened the window a few times to let in air-what a relief! "Clean air to replace muggy sweaty air.

I love the feeling of sweat dripping down my back & my face. The only thing that can make me sweat that much is the stairmaster or circuit cardio class. Neither of which are part of my life right now.

I always thought a great title for a book would be "sweat, play, fuck" you know kind of like "eat pray love" only not so cheesy sounding. Anyhow, I need to sweat. The final poses are sitting poses/mat poses. phew. The most exiting thing was discovering that I can do balance poses on both legs! I mean my posture sucks, but two weeks ago I couldn't do any kind of balance excercise on my left leg. I'm healed! God is great. Smile.

Anyhow, I will eat better the next time I decide to take a yoga class. No more stupidity.

Hibernation

2007-12-08T14:41:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm still here. Somewhere. Hibernating and dreaming of bike riding around the city in the summer time...

The good: My ankle hasn't been bothering me this week!!!! I think it's thanks to all the rest that I've been taking which has resulted in my healing, hibernation & ballooning in weight!

The bad: I feel beautiful but fat.

The ugly: I still can't swim a mile.

Alas, the work in progress that I love & that is me.

My running partner is joining my gym this week so I'll be back in sweatville in 3..2...1...

Signing up for a week of Bikram Yoga. Wish me luck.

Turkey Trot Race!

2007-11-24T17:30:00.000-05:00

So at 7:00 am while most of you were snoozing away and letting some woman slave away at making the turkey for you in the wee hours, I was working so frigging hard....

I was waking up. 7:00Am Thanksgiving morning.

I awoke and made my way to to Prospect Park for the 2007 Turkey trot race! My first running race since the age of 12 when I had to do cross country & track in middle school! Anyhow- it was a five mile race- I did it!!! without stopping, or panting- doing my thin- running easy! I didn't win an award or anything, but I won a back pack that has the slogan- "Turkey Trot" on it...
Hooray!!!!

Came back home & cooked up a storm with my buddies & ate & ate & ate then my stomach was bursting so I passed out...

Anyhow. Hurt like hell the next day. But oh so worth it!

Next race: Midnight run NYE 2008!!!!!

Triathletes-in-training bond!!!

2007-11-13T12:44:00.000-05:00

So yesterday I got a shirt in the mail from Nautica!! As one of the first 1000 people to register, I got a shirt that says

NYC triathlon 2008!

Go me!

So of course I wore the shirt to the gym. And guess what! I was in spinning class and this boy/man comes up to me and says "nice shirt"! And he had the same exact shirt as me! Turns out he got it in the mail yesterday and decided to wear it to spinning class too!

Yay.

I've designed this awesome fitness program called Revival 101. More details at another date.

My ankle is healed!!!! I'm not running until the spring. Except for one race a month such as the turkey trot next week!!
I'm back and here to stay.

Inspired by the Marathon!!

2007-11-04T13:56:00.001-05:00

The beauty of living in NYC. I just had to step out of my house and walk half a block in order to witness the world's greatest marathon!

The drastic difference between African elite marathoners & others is ridiculously large in the men's category.

My dream is to run this marathon one day.

I'm not training outdoors until the Spring but my running partner & I will be taking boxing classes once a week or so.

Otherwise, I'm trying to hang in there. I can't wait for the turkey trot race on Thanksgiving day!!

I am officially a triathlete-in-training!!!

2007-11-01T03:27:00.000-04:00

I just registered for the NYC triathlon, July 2008!!! I am one of the first 1000 people to register so I will receive a t-shirt!!!

Go me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm back to regular posting after hiatus.

Raising a glass of water to a good training week!!

2007-10-20T05:01:00.001-04:00

3 runs

2 spins

4 swims

This weekend is all rest!!

Go me!!!!

Literature & quarter mile swims!

2007-10-16T22:59:00.000-04:00

So I splurged this weekend and bought the following books:

-Chi Running by Danny Dreyer
It's supposed to be an awesome method of running that prevents injury forever. (yeah right- I'm gullible!)

-Swimming for total fitness by Jane Katz
It's this book that has really cool drills and advice about swimming

-The triathlete's training bible by Joe Friel

I'm reading Chi Running while I'm in bed right now.

I also found this cool children's book in my colleague's classroom library. It's called Ironman and it's written by Chris Crutcher. So I'm borrowing it and supposedly reading it!

Also I registered on 43things.com and I'm pledging my crazy list of things I'm going to do.

I need to lose 10lb by Thanksgiving. My goal is to strength train at least twice a week. My leg is slightly better. Not perfect. Maybe the Chi Running will cure me!

Please recommend and inspirational movies or books about multisports or awesome athletes. I'm on a roll!

On a side note- I am now swimming over a quarter mile during my workouts. I need to get in the pool more consistently. 4 times a week... Yay- quarter miles plus!!!! I can only do freestlye so far though. I hate backstroke - stupid stroke.

Running injuries and new routines

2007-10-06T04:36:00.000-04:00

This week I have done ALMOST everything on my to-do list. Except Friday morning I couldn't run. My left ankle swollen and hurting. I have been stretching this week and I'm so upset about missing my run. Ice ice ice. This is the same ankle that hurt in June. I went to a neuromuscular training workshop and while the instructor was stretching me, my ankle popped and that night it swelled up and I could barely walk the next day. I've been fine since then. Until...two days ago. And I though I was invincible. There goes my dream of completing the NYC marathon in two years.

I've started taking spinning again and I took two strength training classes this week. Over the summer I did lots of spinning and no running. Lately I've been running and doing no spinning. This is the first week I've combined spinning and running.

Starting on Sunday, my diet will be in major overhaul. My first change is no eating after 7pm NO MATTER WHAT.

My training is going well, but I need to work on the food aspects in order to reap all the rewards. I'm tired of being a slow fat triathletewannabe.

On a fun note, today is my day with my biking buddies- prancing around the city on our mountain bikes!! good timez!

Weekend Triathlete or Warrior!!! All in a day's play!!!

2007-09-29T20:24:00.000-04:00

Today I ran 6 miles around the whole park!!! yay to me and my running partner!

then

I rode around the park twice- 12 miles!!!! yay to me and my biking buddy!

then

I swam and swam and swam!!! yay to me and my Friday workout buddies who inspired me yeaterday.

almost got onto the subway with just my bathing suit on.

Just kidding!

Is a lap one way or both ways?

2007-09-23T09:00:00.001-04:00

Hmmm?

On Friday afternoon, my coworker & I ran for an hour!! Then we swam ten long laps- it was AWESOME! I'm so excited to have a workout buddy to join me once a week!!! Hooray

Otherwise, I've been so sick. I desperately need to recover because I need to run early in the morning tommmorow. I haven't been this sick in a year, so I don't know how to deal with it...I really can't afford to miss my morning run tommorow. But health is first.

Good news: I've given up the dream of the $3500 bike!
Now I'm off to bike with my cycling partners around the city!

How to swim 72 laps???

2007-09-21T04:27:00.000-04:00

I met with my swim coach last night and it was great but also frustrating. She has bronchitis and couldn't get into the water with me, so she had to coach me from outside.

The only stroke I can do is freestyle/crawl right now...I totally need to learn breastroke and backstroke.

I asked my coach how much a mile swim was in comparison to the laps at the pool...

I have to swim 72 laps!!!! I can honestly say that I am overwhelmed by that thought. 72 laps??? I have nine months to train for that, so I guess to I should be optimistic. But damn!! How does one do that effortlessly, and then turn around and bike for 26 miles, then run for 6 miles?????

Triathletes are HARDCORE....I am striving to be hardcore!!

My running partner and I are running a turkey trot on Thanksgiving day!!! We are also increasing our 3 mile a day run to 4 miles a day...

Road bikes are so expensive....Maybe in a month I'll have one...For now- hooray for riding around the city on other cool bikes!

Am I a Sunday Triathlete?

2007-09-18T05:37:00.000-04:00

On Sunday I woke up, ran 3 miles on my own without my running partner! I really wanted to run around the whole park, but I didn't have time so I just opted for half the distance...

then

My cycling partners & I rode our bikes from UWS to Chelsea Piers! We rode about 8 miles- wow- I haven't been on a bike for so long before- it was sooo much fun! I'm getting better at navigating traffic. I did something aweful. I tailgated two annoying bikers:( They were taking up the road and biking so slowly...

then

I went swimming. I swam and swam and swam.

ALL IN THE SAME DAY!!! Hence the term- Sunday triathlete!

Things I am doing well with:
-running-my endurance is going well
-Cycling-I am comfortable on a mountain bike:)
-Swimming -I am building up my endurance!

Things that need a lot of work:
-Speed as a runner
-I need to try riding on a road bike and work on my hills
-Swimming-I am not comfortable turning to breathe on my left side. I need to build up even more endurance and learn another stroke- not just crawl/freestyle.
-Eating: I need to stop eating "Better 'n Peanut Butter!" so much and eat it in small quantities only.

Running Easy!

2007-09-13T06:47:00.001-04:00

This week has been hardcore in many ways:

Monday and Tuesday morning, I did my morning runs in the rain and it was really dark out, but we ran just as usual. Tuesday morning I ran though I was quite ill.

Wednesday and Thursday runs I realized that the 3 mile run is starting to feel ridiculously easy and I don't even work up a sweat. Wow!!

I spend a lot of time on this site: www.beginnertriathlete.com

I'm considering joining a bike racing club once I have my bike!

I have two days off work to rest and train like crazy!

Running around the park!!!

2007-09-09T16:04:00.000-04:00

Today I ran 6.1 miles nonstop around central park!!!

I don't feel tired, but I'm sure I'll sleep like a log tonight.

Sweating in the water, bike fitting and a great training week...

2007-09-09T05:54:00.000-04:00

Taking time off excercise is dangerous...
For me anyway. I love to stay active, but since last February, I've learned to take time off of intense activity when my soul needs to focus on sometime else, or when my body needs to heal. Anyhow, without fail, whenever I take time off intense excercise, I get sick, or my body makes up an injury. Seriously! The last week of August for example- I hadn't been to the gym in a long while, and lo and behold, my right knee hurt so much that I had difficulty going up the stairs for two weeks. As soon as I started my intensive excercise schedule, the pain STOPPED. Excercise is magic!

A great week of sweat...
I'm back in full force! Sweating buckets in the gym two days this week. Running before 6am each morning, swimming three times this week. I'm back on the stairmaster- I hadn't been on the stairmaster since February and I didn't know if 30 minutes would be too much for me, but I was fine! By fine, I mean sweating up a storm and patting myself on the back with each step up. The stairmaster is an awesome cross trainer and I'm focusing on adding that to my routine a few times a week. I don't use the scale to measure my weight-loss progress, but my goal is to lose 20 lb before next July. How do I measure negative 20 lb, you ask? Um...I'll feel lighter:)

A cheaper swim coach...
On Wednesday night while I was waiting for open pool hours, I saw this trainer teaching an aqua strength class. As he ended his class, I heard him say to everyone in the class (mostly women between 30 and 75 years old...well, two men in their mid forties also)...He said to everyone in the class " Now give yourself a hug. I want to hear you say 'I love myself". I won't dismiss you from this class unless I loudly hear you say you love yourself"

I've never heard any trainer speak to a class with such positive energy. Cheesy, but positive. I was so excited because those are the things I believe and when I work with clients, the changes that excite me in their lives are not the physical ones, but the emotional ones. Long story short...

I talked to this trainer after and I asked him if he taught beginner swimmers like myself. He gave me a free 30 minute lesson in the water! A beautiful dreadlocked Haitian trainer. Here are some of the things he told me to do:

-Think of a safe place (I thought of my room and my lovely loft bed...)
-When you are in the water you need to go to that safe space. There is no reason to be afraid of open water swimming (I kept thinking...loser you'd be afraid of Hudson river too....)
-He taught me the jellyfish float!!! (take a deep breath, relax my neck, hold my feet, hold my breath and go underwater.) After like ten tries, he was finally satisfied that I was doing it properly.
-He taught me how to push off with both feet and propel myelf witout kicking of using arms. Very elementary, but he wanted me to let myself glide and know what that feels like....

So I asked him how much his private lessons cost. They would cost me less than half of what I'm paying in Midtown now.

I've made a decision though. I need to stick with the fancy trainer because I like the fancy pool and the whirlpool, steamroom and sauna experience that comes with it afterwards. Although I don't like the hole in my bank account after the lessons, I'm learning so much. I will however take a weekly half hour lesson with this new swim coach because he uses psychology to help me feel more comfortable in the water. And that, is revolutionary.

When I look into my future, I see...A NEW BIKE!
On Friday afternoon, thanks to three good people who want to see me succeed, I went to get fitted for a bike. I learned a new word- "in seam". I measured my height and in-seam and apparently will need to get a 47 size bike (whatever that means). I did however discover that I am half an inch shorter than what I thought I was. Quite traumatic. It will probably be more than a month before I have a bike. I'm going to get a road bike. Fancy and classy from CANNONDALE.

Do you sweat in the water...
This week, my swim coach made me swim a million laps. Ever since she discovered that I can swim a lap, she's gone completely beserk- making me swim and swim and swim. How annoying and tiring. I guess I'm paying for that...

So in the middle of my session this week, I asked her "Do people sweat when they swim?"
She said "Yes, they do- they just don't know it."

Bahumbug. Can someone please give me some kind of scientific response to this question!

My first swimming dream...

2007-09-04T23:20:00.001-04:00

Wasn't traumatic!! I've been worried that I would to start to have nightmares about drowing in open water.

My first dream was wonderful. I was swimming in an Olympic size pool with some classmates from high school. A very simple, vague, yet pleasant swimming dream. I guess late afternoon naps aren't so bad if they wield such pleasant dreams. But they are bad because I overslept and couldnt go to the pool to swim tonight.

A trade off. Would I rather have a pleasant swimming dream or miss my schedule swim drills...

New Running Shoes!

2007-09-03T07:07:00.000-04:00

Are you the kind of adult that's bitter because you never owned a pair of sneakers that light up when you move? Or a pair of healys? I am. Bitter. Was. Bitter.Until...

I got my first pair of running shoes - I now own a pair of Nike Pegasus! Black with a gold Nike check mark...Not only that...I also bought the Nike Elite running socks. Let me tell you - my feet are in heaven! or reincarnated, should I say! According to Nike, this is a legendary shoe...

Next up...bicycle purchase. Saving up to purchase in two weeks!!

The bias that exists for female athletes

2007-09-01T07:23:00.001-04:00

Visit this awesome website Female Athlete

Often when I say I'm a fitness trainer or an athlete I can just see people guaging the circumference of my thighs or the area of my belly. Because according to them that is what makes an athlete. How about you step up and run six miles with me skinny boy or anorexic girl. Because athleticiscm is about skills and training. Not about how I look. I'm a woman. A curvy woman. Whether I dress like a lady or dress like a boy, I am a woman, an athlete. Whether I eat an apple or eat tiramisu, I am an athlete.

FIRST SWIM LESSON!

2007-08-31T03:26:00.000-04:00

So!!! I had my first swimming lesson last night.

The lesson was FABULOUS and worth every penny of what I'm paying through my nose for. I can't even imagine having a better teacher. She's done many ironman races and is trained up the wazoo, she has worked with many beginners, she explains technique so well, we get along. It's amazing!!

That, plus I get to train in an FANCY, SNOTVILLE, UPSCALE swimming club. Midtown Manhattan style.

Here is what I learned and need to work on until my next session (some of these things will sound odd to you):

Bopping up and down in the water- this is the first thing I do whenever I enter the pool
Keeping my right elbow up during my crawl/freestyle
Not bringing my head all the way up when I turn up to breathe
Swimming/floating on my back
Improving my kicks- not kicking from the knees, but using my quads more
Breathing out underwater, breathing in when I come up for air
Looking more elegant when I swim
Efficient breathing patterns- not coming up for air with every stroke

Feedback from my first session:

After my asked me to show her how I swim, she was so excited to see me swim and said I was definitely not a total beginner!!! Yay- at least I'm starting from somewhere
She said that I'm definitely going to get to where I need to go, given where I am now (encouraging, although I still have doubts, I need to squish my fears)
I need to get in the water more times each week

After my session, we had a debrief while relaxing in the hot tub. Hiring an individual swim coach is a very intense process. I'm so glad that I made the right choice for me. My coach's life story and training principals are amazing. She's such an inspiration in ways that I can't even describe fully on here. For all the money I have to dole for this, it's worth it to me. After my first session, I don't think it's expensive for what I get. Then again, it's my cause and my present raison d'etre. I also believe that I'm worth EVERYTHING.

Good news is I didn't feel tired after my session. The weather was perfect and I walked around times square dancing with my head held high, knowing that I had found my voice in a new way.

Je veux etre un athlete du triathlon.

Mama always says shandai muzodya. Work, so that you can eat. I'm working mama. Maybe this is not the kind of goal you would want me to set. My heart is full and this dream is what makes up my reverie. I'm in love with me.

Tips from my triathlon meeting...

2007-08-30T06:27:00.000-04:00

Use body glide under your wetsuit- prevents chafing and makes it easier to take off.
Bring flip flops to the race
Bring chapstick to the race
Know to to change a tire
Use open-water goggles, not pool goggles
Drink water during the bike

I'm taking the rest of the week off excercise. This knee needs rest...:(

growing hair...highs...injury...

2007-08-28T07:04:00.000-04:00

I shaved off almost all my hair two weeks ago. Question of the year is: How many centimetres long will my hair be by the time I do the race in July???!!! Right now my hair is 3 millimetres long...Time will tell!

This past January I was on this super duper excercise high- so awesome. I was 5lb away from achieving my weight goal...then...the small ice-skating fall ruined me. My knee had a slight sprain and I didn't excercise for almost a month. It was devastating. Though it's many months later now - I never quite got back what I lost in terms of excercise highs and body confidence. I was in a pretty good excercise high in July. Right now I'm in a running high, but I need to get back to my strength training and do some spinning and boxing. I'm missing boxing class today because I'm attending the triathlete's run!! I guess that's more important. I love the boxing class and I'm awefully furious about missing it.

Yes- I'm all sweaty from another run! Seems to get easier and easier by the day, though.
My knee is bothering me when I go up the stairs. This is one reason I can't do hack squats incline leg presses...

Run easy, aphrikan, run easy.

Euphoric ante meridiem flight!

2007-08-27T06:45:00.000-04:00

Wow!! Running buddy and I went on our second run. We made a 100% improvement from last week's run. 3 miles total- no stopping around our lap. Tons of sweat- lots of encouragement. Wow - this feels good.

I desperately need to save up to buy running shoes.

I want to run every morning of my life.

I can't quite imagine just how difficult it is to run after a swim and a bike though. Tell me- how do those crazy triathletes do it??

Need to stop typing because the sweat is getting into my eyes!

Bike antix, My first hill and first official bike riding class

2007-08-25T15:33:00.000-04:00

Today I took my first bike riding class for adults. Picture a class of six adults over 25yrs of age, learning to ride a bike! It was so empowering. It's so hard to learn some of these things at an older age...I remember taking piano lessons at 15 and just how hard it was. Learning to drive last year...Learning to ride now...

The class was wonderful. As you know, last week I went on a bike for the first time and amazingly I was able to ride just like that. Except for freaking out in pedestrian traffic and not being able to go downhill without crashing, I felt like I was making baby steps.

After my first class:

I CAN GO DOWNHILL SKILLFULLY!!!!
I CAN NAVIGATE PEOPLE TRAFFIC!!!!
I CAN RIDE STANDING UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow!!! I can't wait for next Saturday's class!

I also made a decision today. I'm going to buy a good road bike so I'd better start saving up because over $1000 it'll be! More on that soon...

3...2...1...and I'm off!!!

2007-08-24T03:42:00.000-04:00

This week has been a slow week for me as I transition into my new excercise routine.

Here are the things accomplished this week:

Morning runs with running partner. Running partner & I have a routine in place and this is so exciting for me!

I've hired my swim coach & I feel mighty confident in her abilities. Anyone can claim to be able to teach me to swim, but the wonderful thing is the experience she has under her belt in terms of working with beginner swimmers. The experience she has as a triathlete herself. Her confidence in her training abilities. I'll only see her once a week, unless of course I win the lottery!

I've hired my bike riding coach and he works with adult beginner riders. I'll only see him once a week too. This should be interesting. I've only signed up for 3 sessions so far.

In terms of these coaches, my goal is to get the basic skills down pat enough so that I can join a triathlete club and train with a group of beginners. Maybe that'll happen in the spring...

Next Tuesday I'm attending a transition zone talk and doing a run with a group of triathletes. I'm excited to attend. There is nothing more empowering than getting together with other triathletes. Well- I'm a wannabe, but who cares!

I called up an old trainer of mine to let him know that I'm training for this. He and I will hopefully work together. I'm just having a hard time figuring out my schedule. I can only work with him in the mornings, but the problem right now is that I've reserved my mornings for runs and I want to keep it that way. The runs instill this discipline in me and I feel independent. My evenings are for my boxing classes or my personal time really. My weekends are for my workouts and for me to have a life. So I really want to work with him, I just don't know how to fit it in without feeling frustrated, you know.

If you're a triathlete or beginner reading this or a supporter - feel free to leave comments:)

Do you want a free snack???

2007-08-22T03:34:00.000-04:00

A healthy one you greedy slob...

http://www.kashi.com/outreach/snack_drive

Decisions made and punches thrown...

2007-08-21T21:47:00.000-04:00

I love my Tues. boxing class. I feel like flying and I want to run and run and run, but time does not permit.

Wow! I love to sweat. It's so therapeutic. My instructor says I need to work on my crosses. But it's odd because I always thought that was my strongest throw. Hmmm. He's a great instructor and I absolutely love his style and energy. There are very few instructors I like, and he is one of them. You know those people who know their shit and genuinely care about each and every student and the kind of person you know has a gentle soul. It's beautiful. Excercise doesn't have to be all harsh, you know. Boxing doesn't have to be about violence. For me it's about releasing all the negative energy and thoughts. Punching out the self doubt and insecurities that every blue moon try to tarnish my dreams.

I am committing to working with a specialty swim coach. And I'm also getting a cycling coach. I can't afford it really, but I am just going to have to struggle. I also won't be able to work two jobs. Anyhow- this is worth it to me. I will live off of water and love. Here is how my routine will be:

Sunday: Cycling outside, Bootcamp Class, Swimming.
Monday: Morning running
Tuesday: Morning running, Evening- Spinning, Boxing & strength training
Wednesday: Morning running, Evening-Spinning, Boxing
Thursday: Morning running, Evening- Cycling, Swimming with coaches
Friday: Morning running
Saturday: Cycling outside, Strength training, Swimming.

It looks like a lot but it's actually about 50% less than what my routine was in December last year. It's also a lot less than my July routine. But it's not about quantity. This routine is going to help me achieve my goals. I know for sure that I'm going to have to change my routine soon and I can handle the changes. But this is a start.

Believe me I have a huge life outside of training for the triathlon. I am very good at taking rest days now. Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings are quite sacred where I go to my scheduled arts nights. I also have plenty of other time to hang out and relax. I like the look of this.

I know what you're thinking- that I don't have a life outside of this. You are so wrong!!

Self doubt and ???

2007-08-21T17:16:00.000-04:00

Ahhhhhh the expensive hourly charge of trainers!

OK, ok, calm down Aphrikan- just because you're poor doesn't mean that you should take it out on the businessperson. After all you understand the business yourself...

Right now I'm really doubting me. I'm trying to focus on the positives:
-I am motivated
-I went biking twice this weekend
-Some of my friends believe in me (thank you!)
-I now own a helmet and bathing suit
- I can run effortlessly

I am doubting seriously right this second:
-I keep envisioning myself drowning in the Hudson
-I'm worried that I'll forget to register for the triathlon & that there won't be any slots left...
-I hate riding downhill
-I hate riding with traffic and I imagine crashing into all these crazy triathletes next year and having them run over my lovely helmet and my precious body
-The idea of being in a trisuit really disturbs me. I hear people spray cooking oil on the inside to lubricate it so that it slips off easily. Hell no. I refuse to put that sh*t on my body.
-I hate water and I hate how I feel after swimming.
-Oh...I can't really swim...I mean, I try, but I can't swim a mile yet...I CANT SWIM...
-I wish I wasn't so goal oriented and I wish I didn't want to do this. But it means a lot to me...

I intend to be honest with myself through blogging about my road to the tri. Honest even about my self doubts.

My first swim and ride!!

2007-08-18T20:28:00.000-04:00

Before today I had only ever ridden a bike once when I was 18 years old. I rented a bike and took it to a park. Amazingly, I just hopped on the bike and I could miraculously ride- easy as pie!!!! I hate going downhill though. I need to work on it. I CAN RIDE A BICYCLE!!!!!!!!!! Yes, yes, I hear the standing ovations!!!

So I've been looking at bikes I want and my eye is on a Hybrid bike or a hardcore racing bike!!! I'm getting a black & or silver bike & I'm really quite excited about that. Might hold off on the bike purchase until the spring though.

The swim! So for the first time in my LIFE I swam a ful lap without stopping. I haven't been in a pool since I was in 7th Grade and then I could barely stay afloat. But I braved it. I am going to keep working on my swimming and take some swim classes and hire a swim coach. Quite exciting.

So, I can run, I can ride, I just need to work on my swimming! Hooray for a great self eval today!

Hiring a USAT trainer

2007-08-17T08:34:00.001-04:00

Now, while seeking expert help with minimal budgets, I've been conversing with a USAT triathlon trainer. Really though, so far the conversations seem so passive. Issues I have so far- he refers to me as "girl", he did not contact me for 4 days.

Moving on in search for other expert help. I'm seriously considering joining a Triathlete club instead of hiring and individual tri trainer. Tryna weigh the benefits. I definitely don't lack motivation and I definitely don't have dough.

I know you're thinking this is imposssible...but...

2007-08-17T08:20:00.000-04:00

Ahem...if only you knew what other seemingly impossible things I've done so far in this lifetime...My family thinks i'm CRAZY to want to do this...Hmmmm but can they stop aphrikan? Hell no!

This week is the first week I've known I can achieve this goal for sure. I can breeze through the running. Today I'm going cycling!!!!!!!! I'm so excited- I'll try to take pix of me lookin all cute in a helmet and on a bike!!! (hmmm maybe next year I'll learn to ride motorcycle)

I'm also off to buy a bathing suit. No I will not post the pix.

Progress so far:
-Increased running time. I can run for over an hour and it feels like nothing to me. Run easy, aprhikan, run easy
-I have a running partner now for daily morning runs!!! I'm so excited!

Goals for today:
-Jogging
-Cycling
-Light endurance-style strength training
-Buying bathing suit
-Reminding myself that I do have a life aside from pursuing this.

Will post later on.

Official Training Day #1

2007-08-16T22:45:00.000-04:00

Running: 60 mins Incline 2, Average speed 5-5.5

Strength training- total body, hypertrophy style (4 sets of ten- hack squats, incline leg press bla bla bla)

State of mind: Enthusiasm, Pride!!!

My left knee was bothering me so boxing class was out. Otherwise, let's see what tommorow brings...

My name is ______ and I'm a triathlete.......wannabe

2007-08-16T11:41:00.000-04:00

Welcome. I'm embarking on this journey to train for NYC triathlon - July 20th, 2008. Here is my journey documented .

Countdown as of today: 338 Days to go

Skills Progress:

My current advantages:

Amazing Cardiovascular Endurance
Great Stamina (no innapropriate thoughts, thank you)
Astounding motivation
Knowledge of anatomy

My current disadvantages:

Inability to ride bicycle
Inability to Swim
Lack of training funds
Busy schedule
Lack of family support
No bicycle
No bathing suit
No practice pool
No swim cap
No helmet

Ahem...

The task ahead is daunting. Here I will post my training strategies and successes along the road/river. Watch me as I make my first visit to the bike store....stay tuned for daily updates.

Please note: As a reader of this blog, you are morally obligated to watch me finish the race next year.