On my run today I was thinking about how much I did and how far I have come in one year. I don't think I would recommend it to anyone but I am proud of what I was able to accomplish in 2007. So to end the year off I though I would recap my favorite experiences, lessons, and of course gear of my year of so much change.
First off I have to say that I was very lucky to have so much support from Kyle who had more confidence in me that I did most days. And of course my family and friends for putting up with me.
I have to give credit where credit is due - I was able to archive so much this year thanks to the help of my great coach Colleen - who pushed me and kept me in check when I needed it. She helped me in so many ways it is hard to even start to explain how thankful I am.
Favorite Experiences/memories/achievements
- Biked over 100 miles and faster than 14 mph ("if that" Kyle says)
- I "loved" the long training rides with the crew esp a 90 mile ride in Eastern Washington after 3 flat tires I still had energy and beat the guys up the last few hills
- Really learned how to swim
- Can run more than 3 miles
- Can run down hills with out pain in my calves
- Ran 2 marathons (1st one in an Ironman, then did the Nike Marathon)
- Finished first half Ironman distance event - Hawaii 70.3
- Finished Ironman Canada in 13:50
- lost 15 lbs :)
Lessons to remember
- I can keep going even if it hurts - Just keep moving
- Salt, gels, and water are very very important
- I can keep up with the group
- Believing you can do something is the most important thing
- It takes a while to recover from events so don't feel bad about still being tired 3 weeks after a race
Favorite gear
- Cervelo R3 Bike - still feels like a race car and loves to climb
- Garmin Forerunner 305 - always know your mileage/time/pace/location so you can just go run and don't have to plan as much
- Anything Sugoi - Fizz tank, Jackie knicker, zap vest, hydrolite jacket, tri shorty shorts, ect - their clothes just fit me, you can use most pieces for both running and biking, and I love the fabrics and colors
- BBB Carbon Race Ribbons Bicycle Handlebar Tape BHT-04 in white - it is super easy to keep clean
- Vittoria Open Corsa EVO CX Tire in white - just looks cool ;)
- Training Peaks - keeps everything in order
- Blueseventy Helix Sleveless wetsuit
- Tri-style changing Skirt - best way to change out of wet bottoms
- Fuel Belt Helium 2 bottle belt - most comfortable belt, does not move
- Speedo spliced swimsuit
Favorite Nutrition stuff (a very personal thing)
- Accelerade Lemonaid with Caffeine
- Accelerade chocolate gels
- Powerbar recovery chocolate shake
- Thermolyte sodium supplement
- Luna Moons Energy Chews-Pomegranate
- Edurox R4 Recovery drink powder Lemon Lime
It is crazy to think that last year I barely knew how to run, bike or swim and now that is all I do (well not really but at least now I sort of know what I'm doing).
I think that covers most of it - if I think of something else I will just add it in later :) Next up will be my 2008 goals...
Dec 29, 2007
Dec 26, 2007
holiday fun
I have been doing my best to keep up on my training the last couple of weeks during the holidays. I have been having the hardest time getting time on my bike - mostly because it has been hurting my shoulder to ride my road bike, the weather has been sort of nasty (I'm sure I can come up with a few more excuses lol). I'm planning to start riding in to work more and actually go to spinning class (though Col wants me to get on my bike on the trainer instead) so that should help. I have been good about going to pilates which seems to be helping with my shoulder, posture, and my hip issue. I justify the cost only in that I have not been getting regular massages lately.
As for Christmas we have spent time doing things around the house, and hanging out with family and friends. Kyle got me a very sparkly snowflake necklace that I love - it is sooo me :)
On Christmas day while Kyle and Bryan played with bikes Col and I went snowshoeing up on Snoqualmie pass. We had lots of fun even though the trail was very well traveled. It was wonderful just to be up in the snow.
Today I had a bike fit with Col - with the goal to get it so that my left shoulder does not hurt when I ride. First she did a pt exam on my shoulder and was surprised at how weak my shoulder is. Now I have some more exercises to do to hopefully help build some strength. Then we did the bike fit, moved my seat back and up a bit. Added a shim to my right bike shoe so I'm more on the ball of my bad foot. Then the big change I need to get a 55 stem which is crazy short and will probably have to be special ordered. I'm also looking to switch out from road bars to a flight deck with bar end shifters so the goal this winter is to get my bike fitting perfectly. :) I'm a bit annoyed that I even bothered with the bike fit at SVC when I first bought the bike - it sort of seems like the stem length is something that should have been figured out then and even makes me question if my bike is really the best geometry for me... ahh well we will see what we can do to make it just right :)
As for Christmas we have spent time doing things around the house, and hanging out with family and friends. Kyle got me a very sparkly snowflake necklace that I love - it is sooo me :)
On Christmas day while Kyle and Bryan played with bikes Col and I went snowshoeing up on Snoqualmie pass. We had lots of fun even though the trail was very well traveled. It was wonderful just to be up in the snow.
Today I had a bike fit with Col - with the goal to get it so that my left shoulder does not hurt when I ride. First she did a pt exam on my shoulder and was surprised at how weak my shoulder is. Now I have some more exercises to do to hopefully help build some strength. Then we did the bike fit, moved my seat back and up a bit. Added a shim to my right bike shoe so I'm more on the ball of my bad foot. Then the big change I need to get a 55 stem which is crazy short and will probably have to be special ordered. I'm also looking to switch out from road bars to a flight deck with bar end shifters so the goal this winter is to get my bike fitting perfectly. :) I'm a bit annoyed that I even bothered with the bike fit at SVC when I first bought the bike - it sort of seems like the stem length is something that should have been figured out then and even makes me question if my bike is really the best geometry for me... ahh well we will see what we can do to make it just right :)
Dec 14, 2007
Jingle Bell Run
The Jingle Bell Run was a very very cold morning - I even wore my warmest pair of full leg tights which I never run in. But it felt cold enough to justify the full tights and gloves, hat, jacket - pretty much the works. It was hard leaving the warmth of the car.
I could have sworn when we registered they mentioned to pick up a timing chip on the day of race so we went through Westlake center and asked around but no body knew anything about timing chips - one lady said "well it is a fun run". How does having a timing chip make it less fun. Oh well I had my garmin...
After they did the kids run they had the start for our group the Rudolph's Runners - there were a ton of high school age cross country kids at the front of the line and big groups of people in holiday costumes having fun.
I fallowed Kyle up to start near the front since it was so crowded. I should have done a little warm up but didn't.
The coursed started with an uphill - I took off to fast and spiked my heart rate and lunges with a min or less and it killed me the rest of the climb (first mile was 6:26). Then I spend the next mile trying to maintain a good pace while recovering. At the top of the kill the course goes on to the I5 express lanes which was cool and unique for about a minute then it becomes dark, dreary and boring as it continues for the next 2.5 miles on the freeway. I was really disappointed - I was hoping to run through the city and see the holiday decorations and stuff - serves me right for not really looking at at the course I guess.
Kyle and I saw each other as I was getting close to the turn around point - I think I was only a min or so behind him. As the course exits the tunnel/freeway back into the city streets it started to snow - which I loved. I was also glad to see the finish though my garmin said I was already done with 5k.. oh well I picked up the pace - at least it was all downhill to the finish.
The final distance was 3.28 miles(vs 3.1 for a 5k) and my time was 24:50. Not bad for having tired legs and starting to fast. I don't know if I will be inclided to do it again just because the course is so boring but it is one of those local races you have to do once just to say you have I guess.
Kyle and I after finishing.
I'm not sure why but I look retarded in this pic but of well.
I could have sworn when we registered they mentioned to pick up a timing chip on the day of race so we went through Westlake center and asked around but no body knew anything about timing chips - one lady said "well it is a fun run". How does having a timing chip make it less fun. Oh well I had my garmin...
After they did the kids run they had the start for our group the Rudolph's Runners - there were a ton of high school age cross country kids at the front of the line and big groups of people in holiday costumes having fun.
I fallowed Kyle up to start near the front since it was so crowded. I should have done a little warm up but didn't.
The coursed started with an uphill - I took off to fast and spiked my heart rate and lunges with a min or less and it killed me the rest of the climb (first mile was 6:26). Then I spend the next mile trying to maintain a good pace while recovering. At the top of the kill the course goes on to the I5 express lanes which was cool and unique for about a minute then it becomes dark, dreary and boring as it continues for the next 2.5 miles on the freeway. I was really disappointed - I was hoping to run through the city and see the holiday decorations and stuff - serves me right for not really looking at at the course I guess.
Kyle and I saw each other as I was getting close to the turn around point - I think I was only a min or so behind him. As the course exits the tunnel/freeway back into the city streets it started to snow - which I loved. I was also glad to see the finish though my garmin said I was already done with 5k.. oh well I picked up the pace - at least it was all downhill to the finish.
The final distance was 3.28 miles(vs 3.1 for a 5k) and my time was 24:50. Not bad for having tired legs and starting to fast. I don't know if I will be inclided to do it again just because the course is so boring but it is one of those local races you have to do once just to say you have I guess.
Kyle and I after finishing.
I'm not sure why but I look retarded in this pic but of well.
Dec 11, 2007
in more exciting news
Kyle got me a single speed for our 4 year wedding anniversary! It is pretty blue and just perfect. I need to find a seat I like but otherwise he has it fully set up :) I love it. While I rode it around the neighborhood it even started to snow a bit which was so fitting since we got married in the snow.
Dec 3, 2007
wet and snowy run
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On Sunday morning with in just a couple steps my feet and back of my calves were already wet and cold but I had gotten all bundled up and had started my watch so I just kept going. I got about 4.3 miles before I was so cold I needed to go in and take a hot shower. Even so I love seeing snow on the ground.
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