Woohoo Down Three Pounds

I shouldn't be looking at the scale every day. Things go up and down all the time. I was shocked to see today that my loss from last Wednesday was 3 pounds as I've seen numbers almost as low along the way but not on official weigh in day. Total lost 12.2 pounds in 26 days.

Tri training class started this week. Swim class started yesterday, I. am. slow. Too slow for the advanced class but further along technique-wise than the beginners, I put myself in the advanced class to get more work in. This week afterwards I got in a short run, runner's yoga and a little strength training. Sunday, we start the bike and run, its much worse not keeping up on the run than on the swim--not looking forward to it.

Watch out LoserMoms!

I'm Back and I'm Fat

I'm back and I'm fat. Maybe I am back because I am fat, maybe I've been missing because I'm fat, all I know is I may have done several triathlons, I ran a half marathon and suddenly (or maybe not so suddenly) I weigh as much as I ever have when I am not pregnant.

I am almost two weeks (started on 1/2) into Phase I of the South Beach Diet--week one I rocked it, -5.7 pounds, I was hoping that another week of breadless, fruitless, potatoless living would get another big number (yes, I watch the Biggest Loser). -1.7 pounds, I was surprised it was that much because, being scale obsessed, I've been on the scale every morning and it just feels like its not changing. But I feel better, no afternoon compulsion for a siesta, maybe my clothes are a tad less tight. This weekend I will take my measurements and see if I've made any progress there.

So, what the heck do I do from here:

• Keep up the "good carb" eating--I am going to add in a few high fiber, whole grain carbs and a few pieces of fruit, I don't think I can make it through training without them!
• Get back into triathlon training--man its a whole lot harder hauling around all this extra weight! Went to the gym for the yaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn! 5:15 AM stroke class this morning
• Be accountable to someone--I chose the LoserMoms (thanks Sarah from Sarah and the GoonSquad for showing me the way) and I am recording it all on WeightWatchers online.

Let the games begin!

13.1 miles summed up: Hot, Hilly, Hellish

Here is the race report I wrote up for the tri club:

Racer:
Heather Zoller-Gritz
Race:
Country Music Half Marathon
Date:
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Location:
Nashville, TN
Race Type:
Run - Half Marathon
Age Group:
Female 35 - 39
Time:
3:46:45
Overall Place:
21638 / 22749
Age Group Place:
2058 / 2179

I met my sister in Nashville so the two of us could run our first half marathons. I've been fighting a nagging foot issue but put in the miles and after a good 10 miler last Sunday felt prepared for the race. After running consistently in 50 & 60 degree weather I wasn't prepared for it to be 80 by the time we started (in corral 27, almost an hour after the first runners started) to only get hotter and sunnier along the way. I felt good for the first five miles other than what seemed like constant uphills, not big hills just lots of them (very decieving elevation chart. Cytomax and water on the course and I took some at every stop. At the halfway point I was right where I expected to be, right about 1:30 (I was aiming for 3 hrs).Unfortunately things went downhill (not literally) from there. I started to feel sick to my stomach and felt increasingly dizzy so I sat down in the shade, ate my sport beans and waited for the bathroom. I felt considerably better after about 10 minutes of downtime. At the next water stop I took Cytomax, water and added some salt (literally, from 2 packets sitting on a table).

That did the trick and I was able to alternate running and walking but my calves felt really tight every time I ran. I kept telling myself time didn't matter, I just wanted to finish. At mile 11 my calves started seizing up so bad I couldn't walk, the cramps went all the way down into my feet. I had to stop, stretch and massage them to keep moving, first one side, then the other. I felt like I was getting passed by 100s of people every time I stopped. By that time I just wanted it to be over, it was hot, no shade and I was moving so slowly I really thought it would never end. There were cheerleaders giving out jelly beans and then a Gu station, I had some of each and some water and that seemed to help with the cramps but I couldn't run at all, my calves wanted nothing to do with it so I walked the rest of the way in.

There was good music all along the course and tons (31000 between the marathon and half) of people. There were a good number of shuttles moving people from the finish line to the start. The finish was at LP Field where the Titans play which was pretty cool. I will definitely carry some liquid with me next time if there is any doubt about whether I will need it.

Yesterday at the airport I was talking to a guy in the security line and he said of the 20 halves he has done this was by far the hardest, that definitely made me feel a bit less of a wuss. I am seriously torn between awe of the accomplishment and disappointment that I didn't run much more than half of it. Probably a good life lesson in accepting what you can't change.

I Wear Ugly Man Shoes

These are my new "ugly man shoes." When I started running I never, ever thought that finding the right shoe was akin to the pursuit of the holy grail. There are so many permutations of running shoes--what is your arch, pronation, how far do you run, how much do you weigh, do you wear and orthotic--if not, hey we can sell you one. With the formula you'd think that they could pop in the data and come up with a shoe that makes you run like the wind. Wouldn't you?

I have been wearing New Balance shoes for most of the time I've been running other than a misguided detour over to Mizuno. I also ended up at the podiatrist for custom orthotics when my foot started burning and then feeling like I was running with a knife stabbing me continually in the forefoot. The orthotics helped, some. They let me get from 3 miles to 5 miles before the pain got unbearable. This then lead me to the great running sock search.

Injinji toe socks, super thin Nike socks, Adidas bamboo socks. Each were okay but only for so long, like 5 miles. The super thin socks are winning so far but not sure they'll hold up for a half marathon. The bamboo socks are okay but I put toenails (short ones) through them on a regular basis. The toe socks were great for awhile, theory being it separates the toes and helps take pressure off the forefoot. Still, pain between 3 and 5 miles.

Finally, with a 9 mile run staring me in the face I went back to the local running store for new shoes. Anyone in Howard or surrounding counties--go to Feet First, they rock (locally owned, knowledgable staff, new high tech equipment and big new store!). I gotta say that it was the best shoe fitting ever, even if I ended up with ugly man shoes. I learned early on that you have to be willing to pay whatever and wear whatever feels good. The cute or cool looking shoes are rarely the ones. The heavier you are and the further you run the more true this becomes, IMHO. I must have tried 0n 2o pairs of shoes, each of them having some annoying factor, rubbing the top of the toes, rubbing the ankle, slipping the heel, or all of the above. After much trial and error out came the ugly man shoes. Smart sales guy didn't TELL me they were man shoes. Smart guy. It would have made me resistant, because that is just the way I roll. He gave me the super special way to tie the shoes so my heel wouldn't slip. Nothing sewn across the top of the shoe to rub in one spot or another. Ahhh, running shoe nirvana.

Now I feel I must begin to stockpile the ugly man shoe. Unfortunately in the running shoe world the companies remake their shoes all. the. time. And the new, improved version, isn't necessarily an improvement for all of the devotees of the current shoe. I did get a heads up that Hola Bird Sports is a great source for shoes at a discount, especially the discontinued ones. And the best news FREE SHIPPING.

Weigh In Week 1, Take 2

Today I weighed in at WW and was down .8 pounds. That is certainly better than gaining weight but still a downer. I have really picked up the workouts getting ready for triathlon torture, er I mean training class. To be basically be maintaining is really ticking me off, I managed to do that this time last year and I was eating whatever, whenever. One theory is that I am not eating enough. Buildermama turned me on to the Livestrong site today. You can track your food there much like Weight Watchers but at least for me I get about 25% more calories and that is without adding in my exercise. Given all of that, next week I am going to not spend any time hungry, I am going to eat more!

Leg, what have I done?!

I have a sore leg. Its achy. Its annoying. Nothing seems to make it better or worse for that matter. Different times, different parts of the leg bother me more than others. Yesterday I had a little Mr. Don treatment, last night stunk but today seems to be better. Let's see what happens as the week (and getting back to serious training) continues.

I started back to Weight Watchers last week. Tomorrow is my weigh-in and its not looking so good. I feel good, I think I look thinner but the scale just isn't telling the tale. Its muscle, right?!

Looking Into the Crystal Ball for 2009

If only it were as easy as looking in the crystal ball to see what the year has in store!

Weight goal, 60 pounds by the end of the year, 5 pounds a month, definitely doable (I've done it before and vowed never to have to do it again). Back to Weight Watchers I go.

Exercise goal, finish the Country Music Half Marathon, April 25 with my sister Jennifer. Then on to tri season and the Tri to Win Sprint Triathlon, Iron Girl and at least one other triathlon (maybe an Olympic distance?!).

Money goal, with Gman dig ourselves out of our credit card debt, at least halfway.

You notice I never used the R-word, resolution, these are my goals for the year--measurable and I hope attainable.

Run #1 down today.

Year In Review

When I think back on 2008 two things really stand out to me. One an accomplishment of my own, one a loss for my whole family.

In January I started training in earnest for triathlon season. I remember my first Sunday training class, I was pretty sure I might die by the time it was over. I went to church afterwards and was barely able to get up and down for hymns. My face was bright red for hours. I had to go home and take a nap. But I did it. I was excited to go back the next week. I got to meet some neat new people. I went to swim one morning a week at 5:15AM, in the pool at 5:15 AM, which meant leaving my house a few minutes before 5 which I believe is still officially night. The payoff was completing 2 sprint triathlons, an indoor tri, 3 5Ks and an 8K for the year. I joined the Mid Maryland Tri Club and met cool people living the tri lifestyle. I stretched myself like I would never have imagined. It carried through to all parts of my life, really if I can do a tri, I feel like I can do anything! I lost 25 pounds on Weight Watchers and felt like an athlete for the first time (subsequently I've gained back 10 of that but isn't that what New Year's resolutions are for?!). I am headed into to 2009 with the goal of finishing a half marathon in April, the same 2 sprint tris, and an Olympic distance tri somewhere late in the year. Did I accomplish everything I wanted, of course not. Did I accomplish things that I wouldn't have imagined a year earlier, yes.

The second thing that most immediately comes to mind when I think of 2008 is the loss of my grandmother on July 4. I lost both of my grandfathers before I had kids. They were both important to me but my grandmother influenced me in so many significant ways. Part of it too was with the loss of my grandmother it changed so many other things. The house that had always been hers my entire life was sold. I'll never spend time in that house with her again. The things I took away from her house were things from the kitchen. Grandma and I spent much time in her kitchen, cooking, baking, talking. As a kid I would take a walk and end up at Grandma's house, she always had time for a talk and an apple or something to drink. When I am in the kitchen using her measuring cups, using her recipes or her rolling pin I feel connected to her and growing up. She was an amazing woman of faith who I will miss and I am sorry my kids won't get to know better.

In comparison to those two things there are other important things from the year that might be the milestone of another year. My second nephew Brady Augustus was born in January. In February Gman and I celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary (and I finished the Tri to Help Indoor Tri). March brought PDQs seventh birthday. April had Gman and I celebrating birthdays. In July I ran the Run for the Roar race in Marietta, we spent two whole weeks in Ohio for Grandma's funeral and our vacation in the Hocking Hills the following week (at the big log house, as the kids dubbed it). August was the big race, the month I'd been training for all year. I became an Iron Girl. What an exhilarating experience! Boobah started Kindergarten in September after months of waiting to find out if she was admitted (she missed the cutoff by 2 days and we had her tested). The Pouter started high school, we were very proud of his choosing to apply and being accepted into the STEM program. I also completed the Police Pace 5K with a friend who wanted to get back into running. In October we made it to Marietta College for Homecoming, I hadn't been back for that event in many years. My BFF from College and I ran a 5K race with my sister. When we were in college no one would have believed that we were going to run, let alone get up early in the morning to do it! In November I travelled to Richmond to run the NTelos 8K with Buildermama. Neither of us ran the entire way but we did have fun and and after a debate about whether or not to even go we were glad we did in the end. I got a new boss this year and its been a working whirlwind but I've learned a lot and have enjoyed almost every minute of it! He is new to the company and brought in some other new people who are positive and fun to work with. Finally, we are in Ohio to celebrate Christmas and the end of another year. Lots of time for family and friends.

Tomorrow, new year, new goals.

Running Thought O' The Day

It is really amazing to me how much your mind has to do with running. Tonight was my short run, 2 miles. It was dark almost as soon as I started but relatively balmy so I put on my shoes and went before dinner. I know that if I start off with a less than stellar attitude about a run it takes much longer to get into it and sometimes it just never surfaces, the whole thing is an exercise of mind of matter. On the other hand, some days, like today I was a woman obsessed, I needed to run. It was dark, there were leaves piled on the sidewalk, I really didn't care. I needed to blow off some stress, I needed to RUN. It felt good, the first half mile wasn't a struggle (other than half of it being uphill). When I got home I was sweaty and stinky but I was done and could actually start dinner without biting any heads off or feel like I was ready to implode.Nike might have been right when they said Just Do It, I can't say there has ever been a time when mentally I've felt worse after a run (or a ride or a swim for that matter) than before I started.

"Just" five miles

I ran five miles today, the farthest I have ever run. If you had told me a year ago that I would be running five miles and have signed up to run a half marathon, I'd have laughed at you, perhaps rolling on the floor while doing it. So now I've done the distance, I will head to Richmond to do an 8K race with Buildermama in a couple of weeks.

I've learned a lot about running: The first time at a distance is always the hardest. The first mile generally stinks (this is my theory on why I've never done it before). Some days, leaving the house may be the hardest part of the run. My worst runs are at races, I don't want to compete but it would be nice not to send my heart rate into the stratosphere and feel like crap. Some days running feels good and empowering, some days running is a battle of the mind over the body. The best part of running is almost always being done and feeling like you've really accomplished something!

Time to 'fess up

The whole diet thing, pretty much down the toilet. Reality has hit, its not tri season any more and I can't keep eating as much as I was. Since moving upstairs at work I have discovered it is a vast wasteland littered with donuts and lunches where there isn't a lettuce leaf in sight. I still fit into my pants but I am afraid it won't be for long. I haven't made it to a Weight Watchers meeting in week. BuilderMama and I were whining to each other and have decided to do the daily--Good, Bad or Ugly check-in. Hopefully that will get me back on track. We are scheduled to run an 8K in about seven weeks. The lighter the easier the run!

On the exercise front there hasn't been too much going on. A trip to the podiatrist ended up with a brand spanking new pair of custom orthotics which are supposed to make my feet feel better. By the time I got those the season's first cough had settled in. I've had one run in them, not as much pain. I need to find really thin socks to help everything fit into my shoes! My feet are huge as it is, just no way I am getting BIGGER shoes!

So, here is to getting back on the exercise and eating right track!

Iron Girl Race Report

I think I've finally had enough time to absorb the whole event and now I can tell you about it, sorry if it is in painful detail.

The night before I made a list, checked it twice and packed my bag and milk crate. I also filled up water bottles and made sure I had gu and Kashi bars. I must have made 100 trips up and down the stairs checking and re-checking. Finally I headed to bed, I knew I had to be up early.

I got up at 5:10 AM and had slept much better than I expected. Into my Mid-Maryland Tri top and tri shorts, on with the heart rate monitor and out the door. I was surprised at how dark it still was. The race was only one exit away and almost immediately off the exit the traffic was backed up. Its good to be a local and know to park across from the park instead of in it. I got all of my things together and headed to the park in the dark with lots of other people.

As we moved down towards the transition area they had body markers with lines several women deep. Off with the long sleeved t-shirt, time to get marked! 1524 on both hands, arm and my age on the back of my leg. Pick up the stuff again and off to transition. Stop to hug several people along the way. As I am unpacking I notice I have a message from TriTurtle who I met on one of the Weight Watchers message boards--she'd been at the park before I got up. I went to find her as soon as I was set up but only saw her bike spot. There was a woman in transition who was also set up near me at the tri in July. It made me realize that when you are grouped by age you end up seeing the same people a lot.

Finally it was off to the swim area (after considering shoes or no shoes, which goggles and what else do I need, many, many time!). On the way I had to go to the bathroom. The line for the porta potties was really long so I headed off to the permanent bathrooms. Big line there too but the women had commandeered the men's room so I got in that shorter line. Of course about two ladies in front of me one of the two toilets overflowed. We all giggled about that putting the lake water into perspective. Everyone was chatting and friendly. Finally I did my business and headed off to the swim start. I ran into a friend from church and we went down to check out the swim course. WOW, 1100 yards looks a lot longer when its all laid out in a line rather than back and forth over and over in the pool. Finally I got my MMTC tattoo, found Esmerelda and GMan and the girls. Our great friends Tracy and Shelby came along and helped the girls make signs and gave Gman time to take pictures! Swim


Into the water with 100 of my best friends. We tread water and they announce 40 seconds. At that point I realize that I am in the middle towards the front of the wave. Not where a slow poke like me belongs but way too late to do anything about it. And we are off, after a slight panic I settle down, slow but sure and there are plenty of people behind me. I try to move in towards towards the buoys to swim the least distance possible. From about 1/4 of the way through the swim to the last 200 yards there is this woman I can. not. shake. No matter where I go or what I do she is there. Either swimming into my path or over top of me. I stop to tread water to try and lose her, I try to speed it up to pass her and neither tactic works! Eventually I get her with an elbow (sorry!) and she moves off a bit. All I kept thinking was this huge lake and you have to be ON TOP OF ME?! 32:36, not bad

T1
Coming out of the water they handed us Aflac duck towels for our feet. I jogged up through the transition area to my spot near the back near the end of a rack. Thank you to whomever put an orange lei on the sign at the end of our row. I sat on my crate and changed my shoes. Since I changed from Athena to age group my section was nearly empty of people. I got my feet wiped off and struggled into my socks. Into my bike shoes easily and then a major wrestling match to get my bike out of the rack. My seat was too high and getting it back under the pipe was a battle. Then I had to stop and straighten my things up so they were in the way for everyone else. Finally I was off.

Bike
The bike was fantastic. The exit from the park was lined with people. I saw a neighbor and then I was out on the road. What a difference traffic control makes! I felt good and was quickly in a groove. I was getting passed occasionally but was passing a few folks as well. I got to the big hill and there were people spread out all over the road. I passed several people and said a little prayer of thanks that I wasn't one of the women walking my bike up the hill! At the top I didn't feel as winded as I had many times in the past, training pays off. Worst part over. On the gradual uphill to the turn around there was some yahoo wanting to make a left hand turn but was so far over to the right cyclists couldn't get past him. The officer wasn't quite sure what to do. I was glad I was on the opposite side of the road! Through the turnaround, pass up the water, take a slug out of my bottle and move on. The trip back to the park was fun. I played pass with a woman in blue shorts and a Camel Back. At the top of the last hill I see our friends and their kids with signs. I yell to them and they yell back. I hear one of the kids say "is that really Miss Heather?" All along the way women would yell out encouragement to each other. There were people with signs at the side of the road. A definite benefit of wearing the tri club jersey--people cheer for you, go Mid-Maryland! Its a big pick me up. Finally into the home stretch and back to the park for the run. As I enter the park I realize a) I have to pee and b) I have had VERY little to drink during the ride.

T2
Struggled again with the bike. Decided I couldn't wear the wet socks to run. Took a big slug of G2 and headed out. Thankfully there were porta potties on the way out of transition so I took a minute to do my business. As I exit someone yells "lets go 1524!" Nothing like a cheering squad to pee!

Run
Immediately I knew I was in trouble. My legs were like lead. Not nearly enough bricks and laying off the running after a painful training run that ended up shoeless. My goal was to finish in less than 2:45. When I started the run I thought piece of cake! I convinced myself if I could just run the flats I could walk the hills. Then it was hills and water stops. Finally it was just get me to the end! Up the worst hill on the course was the tri club, dressed as the Village People giving out water, Gatorade and wet sponges. I love these people. I ran a little and then walked uphill some more. As we started back down into the park there was a guy yelling encouragement--you know if you made it this far you've got it, you can do anything! He was fabulous. There was a woman saying her husband told her it would take 3 hours and she was walking and thinking he was right. I really wanted to bean him, she was doing it and I imagined him sitting on the couch. I left her as I started to run again. Look at my watch and know its going to be close My foot was hot and my toes hurt. Run a little, walk a little, women go thundering past and I am in awe at the speed of some of them! One last uphill, I am going to try and run this one, made it. Then the crowd thickens, first little groups of people, then clumps of people and finally people lining both sides of the trail screaming and yelling! How can you not run faster with that kind of encouragement?! Into the shoot, I see my girls with their "Go Mommy" signs. They reach out and give me a high five. I run across the finish line. Feeling AMAZING. They put a finisher medal around my neck and I am in a bit of shock.

I did it. It was hard, it was fun. Truly one of the most amazing, empowering experiences of my life. I can't wait to do it again! Esmerelda and I have joked several time that triathlon is dangerous because you truly believe you can do ANYTHING!

So, who is going to join me next year?

298 1433 HEATHER 39 ELLICOTT CITY MD 2:43:47.75
Swim 317 32:36
T1 251 4:56
Bike 246 1:14:43 mph 14.1
T2 314 3:45
Run 317 47:50 pace 14:05

Gearing Up for Iron Girl: The Back Story

Its taken me a week to process Iron Girl. While on the surface it was "just a race" down a little bit deeper it was so much more! Almost two years ago Esmerelda asked if I wanted to be part of an Iron Girl relay team with her. I laughed and said "um, maybe" but I don't swim so well and my bike is old and run, ha, I just don't run. In the end Es decided she was going to do it all herself. I knew she would because I've seen her take on the seemingly impossible so many times and she always gets through it--you know, a triathlon seems easy when I think about her working full time, being pregnant, having a toddler, taking care of someone else's kids full-time, AND getting an MBA all at the same time. Talk about mental and physical toughness. Any way, I was fascinated by her stories as she trained for Iron Girl and the races she did before. I watched her body and attitude change as she made her way towards the races. Iron Girl was the first time I watched her race. Boobah, PDQ & I headed out to the top of a hill to watch the racers come up the hill. The energy was amazing. Oh, here she comes, yell for Miss Wendy and the girls and I did. The look of surprise on her face was priceless. They were riding up a hill and most everyone looked like they were having FUN! Finally, after picking up some flowers we headed off to see her at the finish line--except we didn't make it in time because of the traffic and crowds. When I saw her I was so proud, she was practically beaming with her accomplishment. My biggest surprise was the other women I saw there, friends from church, Mom from the babysitter, neighbor. It made me think, maybe this isn't such a crazy idea, maybe I *could* do it. And thus the triathlon wheels were turning.

I knew that if there were any way I was going to do a triathlon I'd need to start running right away. I could certainly get on a bike, I thought that would be a piece of cake given the time I'd spent in spin class. I dreaded the swimming part but I figured I had plenty of time to get to that but running, I knew running would be my hard part. So over the course of 5 months I did a Couch to 5K program from Beginner Triathlete. The mix of walking and running made it seem not as hard as I expected. I remember thinking I'd die running 3 minutes in a row but more importantly I remember the feeling of triumph the first time I ran 30 minutes in a row. What an accomplishment for someone who had never run more than a mile, ever.


Winter came and so did the triathlon training class, one morning a week at 5:15 AM at the pool and Sunday mornings at the gym and on the track for two hours of biking and running. That first morning I was scared. Would I be able to keep up? Would the class be full of real athletes that I could never keep up with? What if I made a fool of myself? Self doubt kept me up most of the night. But I went, met great people and worked hard, really, really hard. Inside on the bike wasn't so bad other than getting used to being on the bike for an extended period of time. It felt good to work hard. Then came the run. We (and by we I mean they) jogged over to the track to run laps and then we were supposed to run back to the gym. All that running I'd done for months to prepare for this day was on fresh legs. Running on legs that have been riding a bike for an hour is much, much different. I jogged and walked to the track and it was all I could to make it through the laps. When one of the coaches yelled "we're in zone 2 now!" as I trudged by it was all I could do to resist telling her I'd left zone 2 long behind and was working as hard as I could even though it didn't look like it! At the end of the workout I was exhausted. It was a good exhausted though. I went to church and it was all I could do to get up and down for the hymns. When I got home I took pain relievers, a hot bath and a long nap. I kept telling myself I've got 8 months until the race, I *can* do this but believe me, their were days I doubted it.

Es and I did an indoor tri in February and it wore me out. Again a great sense of accomplishment tempered with that was hard, what have I gotten myself into! In June we did a local tri to raise money for melanoma research and education. It was fun, my parents were there, my kids were there and I finished. I walked part of the bike, it was hilly and every time I rode the course I got off, I don't know how much was my lack of fitness and how much was mental after that first bad ride. There were days when I would run or ride and feel great. Then there were other days all along the way that made me seriously doubt what I was doing. Luckily most of the days were somewhere in between and there would be a good day to pull me out of a bad place.

Three weeks before the race there was an opportunity to swim in the lake used for the tri. It is not somewhere they typically allow people to swim. The typical reaction was, "you are going to swim where? eeeeeeeeeeew" There were about 500 women there that morning for the practice swim. We waited a long, long time to get in the the water but finally it was our turn. The first bit was fine, then my goggles broke. I spent the rest of the swim with a horrible headache from tying my goggles on my face. I spent about 500 yards trying to decide if the lake water would give me an eye infection if I just dropped them all together. I was glad I did it but again..."what am I doing?!"

I went to the brick n' pic with the tri club, the first time I'd actually interacted with them in real life, not just virtually on the message board. They were planning to run-bike-run. I decided I'd run and bike since my family was coming afterwards. I'd never run first and I have to say it took a LOT out of me. I had the slowest of the group in my sights for the first half of the run but then I lost them. My heart rate was unbelievably high the entire run. Finally, bringing up the rear I made it back to the bike racks and nearly everyone was gone. The guy riding sag said he'd follow me. I so didn't want to be last but off we went. He was helpful and encouraging. We eventually found some other riders from the club and they took turns hanging with me. I felt horrible for holding people up but appreciated the company. It was great to ride with experienced riders, calling out when cars were coming, there were things in the road and getting to know them a little better. It really shook me though, would I ever make it through the race if this run and ride had been so hard? It was coming up quick.

Finally, one last ride-run brick before the race with Es and our friend D from work. It was truly the best bike ride ever. Tons of people were out, waving and encouraging as they rode by. I was fast, I felt good and my back which had bothered me on nearly every other practice ride was good. I thought I had it licked when I started the run. Ugh. The run was miserable, I just didn't have it. D ran with me and then I'd walk, she'd circle back and run with me some more. We headed up the hill that until this point I'd always avoided. Mistake, big mistake. Holy cow, it was a long series of hills that never seemed to end. D finally took off and I ran with a few other women along the way. My foot hurt, I'd had some foot pain in the past but never enough to make me stop, until that day. About a quarter mile from the end I couldn't take it any more. I finally took off my shoes and walked from there. As I hobbled along I ran into a woman from my tri class and it was good to catch up with her. I was thrilled to find out the end of the race was in a different, closer spot than I thought. Besides the pain in my foot though I felt good. I decided I would baby the foot until race day and see what happened.

Almost a year of training to do a race. Really, it was more of a lifestyle change. Training included at least 5 workouts a week, including one "brick" that usually lasted 1.5-2.5 hours. Never in my life did I imagine I would be exercising long and hard enough to need food in the middle of it! As my distances grew, so did my confidence. Not just in the fact I could finish it, that I could run or that I could ride. I found that at work I was more confident in my opinions. I was more willing to take risks. Becoming an Iron Girl had way more to do about changing my life than just finishing a race.

Next time, Iron Girl: The Race.

Iron Girl Countdown

Es and I went out with a co-worker this weekend for one last ride of the Iron Girl bike course. It rocked, for me it was fast, I felt good and in control. The mantra, don't worry, just spin. And spin I did. I didn't worry about riding fast or passing people, I tried to concentrate on feeling good and having fun and it worked. It didn't hurt to see a person or two walking a bike and knowing I wouldn't have to do that. I finished in 1:11 and for race day I was going to give myself 1:30.

Then we came back to the park and ran (and in my case walked). As good as the bike was the run was not. It was a bummer but again, I just tried to relax and enjoy. There were lots of other women out there, everyone was encouraging each other and my friend D kept circling back to keep me company, she is a chatty runner. It was fun, until the last quarter mile when my foot hurt. A lot. Finally I ended up taking on my shoes and walking to the end in the grass relieving some of the pressure on the bottom of my foot. I spent the afternoon and much of yesterday trying to find solutions for my foot that would get me through the weekend. The woman at the running store and my internet research say I probably have a Morton's Neuroma.

This week I am taking it easy, tonight I rode 3 miles to the pool, swam 500 yds and rode home. It was all nice and easy and meant to remind my body that we'd be doing those things this weekend. This week will be about resting, hydrating, and carb loading.

I have been in a few interesting conversations this week about Iron Girl being demeaning to women. Why is it Ironman and Iron Girl, not Iron Woman? Ironman is a very specific distance, 140.6 made up of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 miles on the bike and 26.2 run. A woman can be an Ironman but a man can't be an Iron Girl. It is a series of women's only events meant to empower women to challenge themselves. There are tris, duathlons and runs. Its about doing it and finishing it and girl power. Just watching last year made me believe I could do it. The encouragement of all those women for each other was amazing. Training this year has been much of the same, women encouraging each other on the bike and run courses.

I may never be an Ironman but I will be proud to be an Iron Girl.

Only Half Crazy?

After running with my sister on vacation we agreed that we'd like to do a race together. I didn't think much of it, I was thinking Turkey Trot when we were home over Thanksgiving. Then I got the e-mail, "how about The Country Music Half Marathon?" At first I laughed. Then I checked it out. Its the week of my 40th birthday, I felt like that was a sign and told her I'd do it. We still haven't worked out who is going with us--is it a couples weekend with Gman and BIL or is it a family weekend and Mom & Dad will come too or even a girls weekend and we bring Mom along? Only time will tell.

So, after deciding I was going to train to run 13.1 miles I decided what the heck I'd add the Columbia Triathlon to my spring calendar as well. It will be my first Olympic distance tri. The bike is hard, the swim requires a wetsuit and well the run is 10K--I've never run 10K. But if I can run 13.1 miles what is 6.2 a few weeks later? Remember that this time last year I couldn't run At. All. No running to 5K was certainly more daunting than moving up from 3 to 13 miles.

So, I'll be looking to all my tri and running friends for advice on preparing for the half as well as the tri. First on my agenda after Iron Girl is being a diligent Weight Watcher and dropping at least another 25 pounds. It has to make everything easier. I have been stuck for about 6 weeks and while its better than being where I started I would like to be un-stuck.

I think this just proves that pushing yourself does make you believe you can do anything!

Just 10%

Yesterday at Weight Watchers I reached a milestone, since April I have lost 10% of my original starting body weight. For reaching this dubious accomplishment, I received a key chain. Its kind of like being a kid and getting the prize in the Cracker Jack box, that little thing means so much more than it should. The stop along the way on my journey is nice. Its like the trip we take to my parents, there is much expectation to get to the stopping point and a recognition that if we just keep going we will get there although it will take time.

What else comes with losing 10% of your body weight?

Lower blood pressure & cholesterol-with a family history of heart disease and prior problems of my own this is important to me. My doctor recently put me back on BP meds at a very low dose because in his office my BP was high. Hopefully I can get back off these meds soon!

Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes-again its in the genes and I showed my susceptibility to it when I was pregnant, I'd like to continue to ward it off for as long as possible.

Gain energy-I have to say I do feel better and am able to keep going longer, whether it be in triathlon training or just making it through a hectic day at home and work.

Reduce pain-Check, this is one I can definitely see. My joints were surprisingly tolerant of running at a higher weight but I have noticed lately that even after a long, hard workout I don't feel it later nearly as much. Part of this is certainly the muscle and stamina I've gained as well.

I AM a triathlete

South Carroll Tri to Win Sprint Triathlon

SWIM 13:27 400m


The swim was uneventful, it was a pool swim and someone held us at the mat until a lane opened up. The guy in the other half of my lane was doing some bizarre frog-like thing for a lap or two, I was so glad when someone else got in.

T1-3:29
On with the cycling jersey, gloves, socks, shoes, open up the beans, chew a couple. I have to say the big surprise here was WET socks! Had a great rack position right next to the bike & run out.



Bike 1:04:51
This course is really hilly, I conquered the first couple of hills without problems, felt strong. The third in the series always gets me. My HR was creeping up so near the top I walked a bit to save something. Did the same thing on the next really long, gradual hill. Got passed by several people here. After these hills were done I knew it was time to hammer. Passed 3-4 people in this stretch. One poor guy lost a crank at mile 8 of 14.7 and was riding in with one leg. There are two climbs at the end, I walked the top part of the first one, its an increasingly steep hill up and around a bend--crankless guy and I walked it together. I got a head of steam and determination and ground up the final steep hill and after that it was back up the driveway into the transition area. There was a dude on a motorcycle who kept showing up at every intersection screaming you can do it. It was cool the first couple of times, after that it got annoying!





T2 2:57

Quick out of the shoes, on with the running shoes. Love my lace locks! Took a big drink, my hydration on the bike was so-so. Almost ran out with my cycling gloves, ran back and took them off.





RUN (or trudge as the case may be) 43:24


The beginning of the course wound back behind the swim center on grass and then a rough gravel path--I heard several people say it was longer than 5K. I took it easy here worrying about a twisted ankle. I walked through the water station and then started jogging up the hill. Stopped to walk one more time on the uphill. Walked through water at the top of the hill and was glad to start the mostly downhill trip back. Walked through the final water station and ran the rest of the way back UP the driveway across the line. My girls came out and ran with me.


It was great fun and only 68 days until the next one. Definitely need to go out and ride hills to prepare!

Think Thin Thursday Update & Triathlon Obsessions

Yesterday was one of the first times I didn't obsess about going into my weigh-in. I was pretty sure I'd gained weight and I'd made peace with it. The nutiness in my head thanks to hormones and pre-race freakiness were all I could deal with. Really, the one other time I gained weight I lost over 5 pounds the next week. I have been seriously lax in keeping track of what I am eating on paper although the calculator in my head is pretty effective if I do say so myself. I was the first one to the scale (I'd actually left a conference call online in my office to go face the numbers). The same. Never have I been so happy to hear that. So still hanging in there at 22.6 pounds lost.

OK, my nutiness about the whole tri thing this weekend. I called my favorite acupuncturist yesterday and told him I'd worked myself into a dither and begged for a pity appointment. I must say, it worked like magic, I am pretty sure I fell asleep on the table with skillfully placed needles doing their magic.

I hadn't really slept much since Sunday obsessing over what to wear, the bike rides, all the unknowns that come with doing something for the first time and who knows what else! I am not the least worried about finishing last, I can't actually pinpoint what it is that I *am* worried about. I just know that my mind is, for the first time in a long, long time, moving at warp speed and keeping me awake. The fact that my dear friend AF also showed up this week didn't help and does help explain my slug-like feelings and desire to curl up in a ball and ignore the rest of the world.

I got a stern talking to yesterday morning by Esmerelda about needing to not go to the dark side and just treat this like any other training session. She and Mr. Don convinced me that I need to worry about myself and not my family, the kids, and all the other people who are in my head along with the race stuff.

The countdown is seriously on. By the time the weekend is over I should be an official triathlete. Breathe--in, out.

Congrats to Greeblemonkey the lucky winner of the personalized My Fruit Roll Ups. My girls were glad to pitch in and pick a number out of a hat to determine the winner. Thanks again to the Fruit Roll Up folks and Parent Bloggers Network for sponsoring this giveaway!

Fun run?

Esmerelda (sorry dude for the eyes closed picture, usually that is my role!) and I signed up our whole families for the Howard County library's summer reading kick-off fun run/walk this morning. What a great way to promote reading AND fitness--I hope the kids soaked in a little of the meaning. The seven of us headed out into the fog--yes fog, it was so humid that you could SEE it. The group was relatively small and Esmerelda and I settled in with the four year olds in the jogging stroller at the back of the runners pack. Gman took the older kids (& many pictures but none of all of us) and stayed with the walkers. 2.5 miles I thought, piece of cake. Sponge cake perhaps. I was soaking wet and had it dripping off the end of my nose before we'd gone a quarter of a mile. I had no idea that pushing the stroller would take so much extra energy. Maybe my arms DO help when I run.

Es' younger son, Tippy Tornado, urged her on "faster mommy, I want to go faster!" There is motivation for you-NOT. Boobah joined in a time or two but thankfully just settled in for the ride most of the time. It seemed lik 90% of the run was uphill, really, is that possible? Our goal was to stay ahead of the walkers. Then we noticed the guy with the purple stroller behind us, I don't know if he was jogging or just walking incredibly fast but it became VERY important to stay. in. front. And we did. Es called it the "Bredders Cup." There was a fast guy with a stroller so we finished second and third in a field of four in the self proclaimed stroller division.

After we finished up the pointed us to food and water. I immediately thought of Pasta Queen, there were Panera Cinnamon Crunch bagels free for the taking. It made the miserable run worth it--eating half that bagel without guilt. As we discussed our strategy to stay in front of the guy with the stroller he let us know that he was keeping us in sight, he didn't want to get smoked too badly. HA! Gman was the big winner for the day winning door prize tickets to the Body Worlds exhibit at the Maryland Science Center.

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So that post was actually written on Saturday but blogger appeared to have eaten it for lunch. I went back and looked and there was no draft. Alas today, there it was so enjoy the regurgitated post.

Holy cow, three days until race day! This week has had me seriously on edge thinking, thinking, thinking the whole darned thing over. I was up obsessing over the bike route on Sunday night, see here is the fruit of my labors, an elevation of the course. I haven't worked out much, I know its supposed to be a taper but I feel like I have taken it a bit too seriously. The weather has been miserable hot, its the end of the school year, birthday parties galore and work is hoppin' as well and I just kind of generally feel like a slug. Perhaps it is my body telling me to slooooooow down.

Think Thin Thursday Update

Yesterday I did 2 work-outs, a 2 mile run at lunch and a 14.5 mile ride last night or maybe a 14 mile ride and .5 mile walk. It was hot and those hills are going to be the death of me. I can't decide how much is physically and how much is psychological. Now, on top of that my blood pressure was really high at the allergist and my pcp wants me to have an exercise stress test. Of course he'd like me to have it before the tri next weekend. Yeah, good luck buddy--they only do them once a week, they have me scheduled for 7/31. He told me I should be fine but not to push it too hard. And what exactly *is* too hard? That certainly added to my bad hill mojo last night, especially at the tippy top of the biggest hill when my heart rate was 183. I made it to the top but then I got off to rest and hydrate. I'd hate to have to do it during the race though.

At my weigh in yesterday I dropped another 2.2 pounds for a total of 22.8. With thin thoughts in my head I went out today to buy a few new, smaller clothes. Mostly I've been "shopping" in my skinnier clothes. Unfortunately the realities reared their ugly head, even when you are thinner and have more choices in clothes it still doesn't mean they will fit or be flattering!