Great Expectations for 2011

2011 is the year I will turn 40. It's funny. I remember as a young teen thinking the year 2000 was so far away, and I would be 28 then. It seemed so strange. I never really though further out than 2000, but here we are 11 years later. I guess the good thing is that I don't feel like I am almost 40 years old. I still feel like a 28 year old.

So, to celebrate this milestone, I have decided to participate in the hardest, longest triathlon race of my life on the last day of my 39th year. I will be racing in the Beach 2 Battleship Half Iron Distance Triathlon. The race will be a 1.2 mile ocean swim, a 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run. All of these events must be completed within 9 hours. Luckily, I have about 9 more months to prepare for the race.

I was inspired to do this event after watching our group of tri friends finish it this past November. I trained with most of them during their preparations. I may not have trained for as long or as hard, but I was there. I felt that I wasn't ready to move on to the longer distance - that it was just too much for me to accomplish. I began to change my mind while sitting out and being the team photographer during the 2010 race. I kept thinking to myself that I should be out there with them. I may not be as fast as any of them, but I still have the ability to complete the race. So, on the day registration opened for 2011, I was ready.

It will be a challenge, but I think (hope) it will be a attainable goal. There is a lot of work ahead, but I feel that I will conquer 70.3 miles on October 29.

End of the Season

I did my final scheduled triathlon this past Sunday. I was mostly pleased with my performance. I did really well in the swim and the bike, but I continue to have issues with the run after bike. I just can't get my legs back after biking for so long. I am not a fast runner to begin with, but it is even more difficult after biking.

I can't believe triathlon season is almost over. I do have the option of one more race. I keep thinking about it because I just think I am not ready for it to be over. I have really enjoyed the races I have done this year. I have had far more diversity this year than in the past. I have been able to reflect on the season a little bit and already have ideas for next year.

I want to continue to do the one mile swim events. I really do enjoy swimming and these events are just fun. After doing the final series event in August, I wished I have participated in the first three races. I plan to follow through on that plan in 2011. I also need more practice in my wetsuit. By participating in the first mile swim of the series, I think I should get the chance.

I really do like the sprint distance of triathlon, but I was not satisfied with my performance in the International distance. I missed my goal by a few minutes, and I know I can do better. I want to try the International or Olympic distance again in 2011.

I have improved on the bicycle, but there is room for more improvement. That means more and more riding. I would like to keep up our weekly long group rides, but I may also need to so a mid week ride. I have been receiving e-mails from a local women's riding group for months now, but have never joined them for a ride. I want to pursue that option this coming year.

My run is my worst event. On Sunday, I finished 137 out of 510 in the swim, 100 on the bike, but 355 on the run. If I could get my running to the level on the other events, I could really impact my overall finishes. I need to figure out how to make these improvements. I have a feeling it might start with practice, practice, practice!

So, I leave this season feeling good about what I have accomplished, but knowing that there is more work to be done. I have improved in 2010 over 2009, and I am looking forward to an even better year in 2011.

Longest Run Ever

Yesterday, I completed my longest run ever - 20 miles. I was nervous going into the day. My previous high was 16 miles last year, and 14 miles this season. I wasn't sure I would be able to make the extra distance. Every time I finish a half marathon, I feel like I have given it my all, and there is no way I could go any further. It would all be tested on Saturday.

I woke up at 4:10am to meet my friend to get an early start. She prefers to go earlier in the day for long runs so we can finish earlier. I was hesitant to wake up this early, but I am sure glad that I did. We met in the pitch darkness of the morning. I was surprised to see 6 people from another group already there to run. There were 4 in our group, so there are at least 10 crazy people in the area. We ran with headlamps and a little but of conversation. I was scared after the first mile - I seemed to be having problems breathing. I felt like I was going too fast, but there was no choice. I did not have my own lamp, and there was no way I was going to be by myself in the dark. The others were able to slow for me, though, and we ran 5 miles before heading back to meet the group.

It turned out to be an extra benefit for me. My Garmin watch failed after 4.8 miles. I was lucky to be able to reset it in the parking lot before the main group run began. It would have been really horrible to have it fail during the main run.

We began the big group run with a 10 miler on a familiar path. I felt like I was doing quite well at first, but became tired on the return. Of course I was tired! By that time, I was in the 13th mile of my day. We returned to the start and our group began to break up according to how long everyone was to run. The longer distance group went out again. I maintained my place in the back of the 5 person main group. I was tired, but overall, felt surprisingly good.

Soon, I was saying goodbye to my friends. I was so glad to have run the 5 miles so early, so I was able to cut the run short and head back to the car. I was lucky to meet another Galloway runner on the path heading back to the lake. She had lost her legs during her run, and fell behind her group. It was so nice to have someone to finish the last 2.5 miles. It really helps to have someone to talk to at that point. She was great, but soon we were parting ways. She had another 3 miles to finish when I was done. I headed home after about 5 1/2 hours of running.

I felt OK when I got home. Stretching was tough, but I put on my compression socks. This morning, my legs feel pretty good, but I do have soreness in my hips. I have 2 more training runs (23 mi and 26 mi) plus the actual marathon. I am beginning to think I can really do it.

Liking the new gym

I am really enjoying our new gym.

This evening I went for a fitness consultation. It was an opportunity for me to ask questions about any of the fitness equipment available at the gym. We started off slow and I wondered if I had made a mistake with the appointment. I thought perhaps I would not get much out of it. I mentioned that I was particularly interested in working my core and my upper body. Once he heard this news, we were up and running.

He took me all over the gym floor to point out different pieces of equipment and different exercise I could do to reach my goals. We used rubber balls, mats, free weight, machines, medicine balls, and the floor. I love that I have new ideas and new exercises to try. I have always felt that I never know what to do in the gym, but I have no fears now. I have a good foundation of moves now, and it was all complementary.

I am looking forward to my nutrition evaluation next week. I also plan to take advantage of the free clinics held periodically. There are clinics to highlight upper body, lower body, abs, stretching, and many others. I really think this gym will work for me. I am feeling motivated already.

Susan's Ring of Honor Party

Last night, I achieved one of the goals on my Bucket List. I got a plate on the wall at my local Flying Saucer. A two year quest had come to the end. I drank 200 different beers, and now will be forever memorialized on a plate with a saying of my choice.

I decided to make mention of that Bucket List goal, but I also wanted to thank my beer drinking friends who have supported me in this endeavor. So, I added a shout out to my buddies B, T, H, M, and J. I think the best part of the evening was that BTHMJ were all there with me when my plate was unveiled. Good friends, good beer - what more could a girl want? Thank you, J, for the photos!

New Year, Same You

I can't take credit for the title of this blog update. t same from my yoga teacher, Sage Rountree. She is right, though. Everyone says "New Year, New You," but it really the same old you in a brand new year. You are no different than you were at 11:59 pm on December 31, 2008. The question is what will you do with the new year that stands before you.

I, for one, have never been big on resolutions. I have never really made any. This year, I have thought of goals for myself. This year is going to be about making a bigger impact in my community. So far, I think I am off to a good start.

I have volunteered to be the Community Outreach coordinator at work. I started the year asking for my colleagues to suggest charities that they like to support. I have picked from those suggestions groups that will receive a monetary contribution from our company. I am also trying to do tie in projects once a quarter. Yesterday, we kicked off our very first project which is collecting food and toiletries for a local shelter. we will see how it goes. Regardless, I see more projects in the future such as a 5K race and maybe a building day For Habitat for Humanity.

I am also doing more with The Junior League. Today, I attended a kick off breakfast for The Great Human Race - a local race to raise funds for any community agencies willing to register. I am happy to say that I will be coordinating our efforts on behalf of League. I am very excited about the prospects of this project. I will definitely keep you posted.

So, this year, the New Year isn't about me. It is about giving to those who need help.

My List - A Year in Review

At some point this year, my dear husband came up with an idea that we (meaning our close friends and us-6 people) should come up with a list of 50 things we want to do before we die. He thought it would be a good idea for us to compare the things on our lists, and then we would have an idea what we could do as a group. The idea never really took off, but I did write my own list. I came up with 34 things so far on the list. I have crossed 5 things off that list to date.

This year I ran a half marathon. Actually, I ran two half marathons. I am already signed up to run two more in 2009 as well as a 20k. Will running a marathon make my list now? Yes, I think it might.

I also accomplished a triathlon this year. As of yesterday, I am an official member of The USA Triathlon Association. I see more tris in my future...

Take a yoga class has been completed many, many times this year. I have truly enjoyed my Yoga for Athletes class this year with Sage Rountree (see her blog in my favorites list) and I will continue to be a student of hers for long after 2009 ends.

We did adopt a shelter dog this year (well, actually 2 of them!) It was an unexpected thing this year, but it is something I am so glad we did. Misty and Lily are not perfect, but they make me smile and fill my heart with love every single day (just like hubby does).

I fired a gun this year. I can say it was my least favorite item on the list. I am glad I did it, but I don't think guns are for me. I don't know, maybe it is something I need to try again.

Well, that's 5 things, but the year isn't quite over yet. Tonight, I will drink 2 beers at the Flying Saucer. With those two drinks finished, I will have completed the 200 I need to earn a plate on the wall. By tomorrow morning, #23 should also be crossed off the list.

I would run 500 miles, and I would run 500 more...

As of this morning, I have run over 500 miles this year!! I hoped to reach this goal by the end of the year, but now I'm wondering how many more miles I can add to the tally.

Running has been such a big change in my life. When I was a kid, I was the worst runner in PE class. It would take me 2 minutes to get around the 1/4 mile track. I hated those days when we had to make that run. Even when I started running as an adult, I could only go for 1/2 mile before stopping. Now, I am getting ready in less than 2 weeks to do my second half marathon.

Sure, sometimes it is a pain in the ass. This morning, I didn't want to get up and go running in the cold and the dark. I did it anyway. Now, I am wondering if I could do a half marathon if every state in the Union. Wouldn't that be fun? We are already planning our 2009 travel around at least one race, and maybe more.

Maybe I will run a marathon...

Tri and Suceed!

Today, my friend Heather and I did something new. We became triathletes. We participated in the Ramblin' Rose Women's Triathlon.

Our morning started very early. We were at the race site by 7am. It was dark and it was cold. We were bundled up in coats, gloves, and hats. We had no choice, though, as the transition area closed at 7:45. We picked up our chips, got body marked, and set up our transitions. Then, we waited. My swim time was 9:25; Heather's swim time was 10:00. We tried to find spots of sunlight and cheer on our fellow competitors. Soon it was time.

I stripped down and headed into the pool area. Thank goodness that it was an indoor pool. It was awfully cold when I took off my warm-ups and stood barefoot in my swim outfit. I met all the ladies who were swimming around me, and we talked about our tri experience. I was glad to know that I was not the only newbie to the sport. Then, I was in the pool. I loved the pool. The 250 yard swim went quickly. I soon passed 2 competitors, then I was soon passed by 2 more. I really liked the swim - I felt good and strong. I was out of the pool and on my way to transition. Yep, barefoot and wet into the transition area in the cold. No wonder after a 7:15 swim, it took me 3 minutes and 35 seconds to get ready for the bike.

I was off on my bike when I felt the chain slip. I thought I had a big problem, but luckily, I was able to down shift, then shift back up to get my bike going again. I was quickly passed on the first long hill, but I soon found my rhythm. I made my way through the gorgeous homes around the venue. I spent the time checking out the Obama vs. McCain signs in the yards (3 McCain signs and about 25 Obama signs). The wind was blowing and I was cold, despite my jacket, earmuffs, and gloves. I was still pretty wet after all. But, the nine miles passed quickly in 46 minutes and 47 seconds. I was back in transition.

Transition was much faster this time - 2 minutes and 1 second, but my legs were shot. I was very wobbly as I moved to the run. I was glad to see that about 80% of the women were walking at some point in the 2 mile run. I was one of them. I made it to the 1 mile turn around, and headed back. I think I got my legs back as I neared the finish. I was able to run strong toward the finish line. It was a great feeling to finish my first tri. Bill was right there to take pictures. I finished the run in 27:07.

We cheered on Heather as she finished. I was so surprised how much fun I had and how good I felt at the finish. It was a truly fun event. I will definitely train for my next tri (no more procrastination!) and I know I will beat my 1:26:44 time. After all, tri and tri again!!