Be the athlete You Want to Be!

Sep20

There are a million and one training plans. Most share similar ideas of how to improve. The question though is not “what plan” but “what is your goal?” Asking that question will help you narrow down your plan.

As you know, when I started running, I just ran. I started with the basic running plan that my Tri Group introduced me to. The couch to 5k. It was perfect for my goal of the time which literally was just to get my @ss off the couch to run the 5K in the Tri. It worked.

When it was all said and done, I turned into Forest Gump without the beard. I just ran and ran some more. The more I ran though, the more I realized that I needed to learn more about the “art” of running. Yes, running is simple. Just put one foot in front of the other, but there can be so much more… If you want there to be.

I will say though that if in the beginning I felt the need to do more than just run, I might not have run as far and long as I am now. I ran just to run. I didn’t have a plan. I didn’t have a goal. I didn’t know about mile repeats, speed training or any of the other types of training. I thought if I put the miles in that was enough. You know what? For me at the time, it was enough. If I didn’t just put on my shoes and run, I might not be where am today in my training. My only thought in the beginning was just pure and simple to be able to run without feeling like I was dying.

I was talking with a friend who is just getting back I to running (yes, I mean you:). She was asking me if I was doing all these accelerated glides (not even sure what that is) and magic miles (something else to investigate). I told her no because right now I’m too late into my Hat Trick training plan to start something new. Stick with the plan. Keep my eye on the end goal. I do want to investigate over the off season, but not yet. I know that I do have much to learn about running, but I think if I knew how clueless I was when I started that I might not have started. I would have been overwhelmed. I’m glad I didn’t know any better and just ran.

My advice to anyone just starting out is to not worry about those Magic Miles yet! Don’t think about all the things that you think that you need to know to start, because the bottom line is that running really is simple. Yes, there are many complicated training exercises that you can do to improve your running. Yes, they can help you run faster. But the knowledge will come in time as will the improvements. As I said in the beginning, ask yourself one simple question (which you can share with us if you’d like):

What is Your Goal?

If you goal is just to run. Then just run…

Can’t Do It All!

Sep19

You don’t have to be an elite athlete to be serious about your training. Even a Stay at Home Baking Mama can be serious about her training. No, I do not expect EVER to run at the top of the Pack. I’m happy with the back of the Middle:) What I do expect is to run the best race that I, personally, can run. In order to do that, I have to be serious and dedicated to the training at my level which isn’t always easy…

You want to be able to do it all. Be the Best Mom, volunteer for your kids activities, bake some cakes, clean your house. get the laundry done, make healthy dinners, cross train, get some sleep, and also have a life. I’ll be honest. It isn’t easy. I’ll be even more honest. It can’t be done at least all at the same time. Something has to give. That’s just the way life is or at least the life of the Mama in this house.

In looking at my training schedule through the weekend, I realized that I have the following:

Friday: 5 Miles

Saturday: 7 Miles with repeats @ 10K page

Sunday: 10 LSD

Also in this time frame, I have to decorate a two tiered cake in a circus theme, I’ve got to get J1 (Big Guy) up and out for a Boy Scout Hike, J2 (Middle Son) to a soccer game, J3 (Little Guy) has to go to Goalie Training, host a meeting at my house, maybe sneak in some family time, as always pick up the house and some other things too!

During a run this week, I was running with two other running Mamma’s and I found out something interesting. We all said that we make sure that our running doesn’t effect the men in the house. Why is that? I’m not sure, but it seems a common theme. I know my Dear Hubby works very long hard hours and he really doesn’t ask for much. He just needs some quiet fishing time on his days off and maybe a nice dinner now and then. He has never told me I couldn’t do a race. He has never told me that I couldn’t go for a run, bike ride, or gym. He has never been anything but quietly supportive of all that I do. So it’s not him. It’s me. Why? Is it that 1970’s mentality that is still coming through?

I think for me (and I’m only speaking for me) part of it is the Mom complex. If something needs to get done, Mom generally does it. I’m getting better about having J1 & J2 help with some things, but the whole reason I am a stay at home Mom is so that I can take care of things around here. I just didn’t know how many hours that require and how much scheduling goes into it! But I am getting better. Kind of. I am learning to say no things and juggle time. Sort of. I’m also learning that I don’t need to do it all. Some things really can wait.

This morning I was stressing myself out trying to figure out how I was going to squeeze in a run, Crossfit, some household chores, and bake a cake all before school got out. I realized that just by taking Crossift out of the equation it removed a big portion of the stress. Am I sad that I couldn’t go? Of course, but in the whole scheme of things it was an unnecessary stress for today. I need start looking at the big picture. Yes, I’m sorry that I couldn’t go, but once race season is over I’ll get back into my gym routine.

So the lesson for today is……… Look at your day that is stressing you out and see what you can change to lift some of your burden off.

Now I’m off for my big stress reliever AKA my run:)

How to you do it all and handle the stress???????

Clear Skies

Sep16

Today was a day I should have done something.

Run
Biked
Crossfit
Anything!

Got up and dressed for a workout as normal. Was planning on a run, but it was raining. Now, I will run in the rain but this was a cold downpour fall type of rain. Then I thought I’d wait for the skies to clear and would go later in the day.

The clouds parted. The skies clear and guess what happened?
NOTHING!
By the time the weather was ready for my run, I was knee deep in the daily minutiae of things that need to be done between training.
Guess what else happened?
The more hours that passed, the grumpier I got.

Add to that a heavy dose of hormones and you’ve got a perfect storm.

The problem with exercise is that once your body gets used to the stress release it brings, it does not function as well without out it. Me without a place to workout daily frustrations is not a happy Mama! Now don’t think that I am an over-stressed Mama. I’m your average over extended, three kids and a boat load of responsibilities Mama like everyone else, but I had a lot going on today that would have gone better with a run. But tomorrow, I will attack the hills with friends right after drop off of the kids. This will adjust my mindset, push me and hopefully make up for those Oreos I shoved in my face in frustration today.

Can’t Always Get What You Want

Sep16

As you know by now, I started on this journey that I’m on by total chance. I was NEVER that athletic kid. I was never the one picked first or even second (third, forth, ect) in gym class. I never dreamed of running races of any types. Then sometimes things present themselves to you and you begin to think, “Yes, I would love to do that!” That’s what started it all. I never would have done my first Tri if it weren’t for someone asking.

Such a thing happened to me this week. I had heard of a potential opportunity to possibly be able to run this years 2014 New York City Marathon on a charity team. It was only a possibility but seemed so real and in my grasp. I plotted out how to take my Hat Trick training up a notch to Marathon training. I will also not lie that the thought of actually running 26 miles In NY was (is) both beyond frightening and thrilling. I was literally moments away from signing up. I sat down to register, when I got the email that the opportunity was no longer available.

Was I disappointed?

No doubt.

Was I relieved?

absolutely

Am a I a little sad?

of course.

Am I still dreaming of the possibility?

You bet!

I honestly don’t know if I will ever run the NY City Marathon. I might. It could happen. What is amazing to me is that I am actually at a point where I even think I could run a Marathon with training. There was a time only two short years ago where I didn’t think that I would even complete a 5K. Now, I’m running all kinds of things. It’s amazing how things change if you want them to.

I think the blessing in disguise here will be that when I do finally run a Marathon which I think will be in 2015, I will we be able to go into it feeling more confident and not rushed in my training. I am also a firm believer in that things happen for a reason. We may not always know the reason, but that is just the way life is and there really is no point questioning it. So even though I was not able to get in this time, I will support my friends who were able to get into the race and cheer them on every step of their journey.

Happy Trails

Sep13

The beauty of Running is that there really are just so many ways to do it. Today was a trail run day. I needed ten and my cohort needed nine. We ended up with a happy medium of 9 1/2 miles on the trail.

Road running is so different than running on a treadmill. That being said trail running is so different than running on the road. Each has its own challenges and perks. Each pushes you in a different way.

These are the perks of running on the trail!

Tips for Running on the Trail.

Have a Map
Plan on running much slower than you would on a road run
Don’t scream when another trail runner whizzes by with dogs
Run with a friend you not only like but who also is a compatible runner
Stay on your trail
Don’t fall and if you do, don’t get hurt.
Enjoy the beauty of it.
Bring change of shoes for the end
Go for Dunkin Donuts when done.

Happy Trails

How I Think I Look When I run….

Sep11

I admit it. I’ve been feeling pretty proud of myself after Sunday’s Tri. I had decent times. I didn’t drown or have a heart attack. These are very good things. So I’ve been walking around with a little spring in my step. I admit it. Then the shoe dropped.

Hard.

Now, I’m sure that we’ve all seen this before, haven’t you?

The reason this is beyond funny is because it speaks the truth!

Now there are people out there who can complete a Triathlon or Big Event and look cute. I hate those people. I know those people. I’m good friends with some of those people, but deep down I still hate them. I hate them because I am not one of those people.

Boo Hoo:(

So today with all my I’ve got this attitude, I check my email to find the dreaded email that my official race pictures are in. Happily click away.

Oops.

Look Away.

Look away!!

I would share these lovely photos with you, but I am not paying $60 for pictures that show me looking like I am just finishing up swimming, biking, and running all within two hours. All I can say is that it’s pretty close to the above picture.

So I will leave you with a prerace photo where I may still look like I got up at 3:30 in the morning, but at least my face does not look like I’m grasping for air about to have that heart attack I mentioned.

How Big is That Pill?

Sep11

I’ve always on and off taken my vitamins. Usually, I start to take them either right before or after a Doctors visit. This way I am not lying when I tell my doctor that I am or plan to take my vitamins. Yes, I know I am no spring chicken. I am reminded by that daily when I see my Freshman in High School’s friends and I know that they are kids. I think it’s worse when I see “kids” that are in College and I think of them as kids. When did I get to be sooo old. But as Old people often do, I digress. Back to the topic at hand.

My vitamins ran out. I usually just take a one stop shopping women’s multivitamin with Iron. I couldn’t find my normal one and ran across a box that caught my eye.

So I bought it.

Figured why not?

I’m old and could use the extra vitaminss. They are huge! I’ve got a months supply, so I guess I will have to do what I have to do. Besides the size of the pills, I will say that the packets are something that you could easily put together if you were so inclined. It includes: 2 multivitamin & mineral pills, 1 “bone support” pill, 1 “Energy Formula” which is a combo of B12 & a proprietary blend of roots and extract, and lastly the super huge “Super Omega-3” which causes me to have an after taste of Fish. Don’t think I will be able to take that Omega-3 for the month. GROSS! Who wants to be tasting fish all day? I have taken Fish Oil pills before and the good ones do not leave an aftertaste. (just saying). I actually have some good Fish oil pills in the cabinet that I may substitute for this one.

So since I’m cheap and paid for these vitamins, I will take them or most of them.

Yes, I know they are good for me.

Yes, I know that I am getting older

Blah, Blah, Blah.

All that being said, when the month is over I will go back to my normal one stop shopping vitamin. Maybe continue with the Fish Oil that doesn’t taste like fish and add a yummy calcium chew in the mix.

That should help this old Mama’s bones from getting brittle:)

There May Be Something To This…..

Sep9

For those who read my Race Day Recap post, you know that I said that I tried something new with my run. Yes, I know you shouldn’t do anything new on race day. I get that, but I wanted to run with a friend. So I did. What did I do? I walked! Say Whaaat??? What do you mean walked? Well, just what I said. I walked. I also ran and then I walked again. My friend swears by this plan.

The plan apparently is from Jeff Galloway who apparently is a really big deal. How do I know this? Because my friend told me. I’ve learned that he not only has written books on running, but was also an Olympian. I feel he might deserve more investigation on my part.

Now to me the concept of walking when I’m supposed to be running just doesn’t seem right. I’ve done it, but only with guilt. I’ll be honest – One of the reasons I did this with my friend besides wanting to finish the race with her is because the thought of being allowed to walk without guilt after swimming and biking seemed really good. So I did it and still had a great run in 27.55 minutes. So I thought I would give it a try today on a non race day.

Now that the Tri is over (boo hoo), I’m back on my Hat Trick training plan (yeah). Today I has scheduled an “easy” 5 mile run. So I thought, why not? Nothing ventured. Nothing gained. And again the thought of being allowed to walk sounded good. Laced up and off I went.

You know what? It worked pretty good. I was basically better or the same time as my other training runs and I probably walked for 5 minutes. Not bad for just 2 days after a Sprint Triathlon! I had good splits.

Average Pace: 10:05

Best Pace: 7:26

Whaaat??? Hmmmmm, how is this possible?

This really does need more investigating on my part. I may even have to buy his book. I do know though that I did push myself for those 3 minutes because you really can endure anything for three minutes. Then I was looking forward to the walk buzzer. So I’m sure if that is good or what. Either way, I am happy my run today. A run that I really didn’t feel like doing.

So now there is another option…..

Race Day Recap

Sep8

I was so excited last night to post about how things went at the Iron Girl Tri, but I fell asleep. This is what happens when you wake up (on purpose) at 3:30 in the morning to leave your house in the dark at 4:30. I will say though that even though I didn’t get a lot of sleep the night before, my plan of staying up till 11:00 and having a glass of wine put me right to sleep. Wasn’t a long rest, but a good one. So that’s all that mattered.

On to race day! Arrived at 6:00 still in the dark, but plenty of time for set up. plus got to see a beautiful sunrise over transition.

Spectacular!

This being my third Tri, I was starting to feel a little more confident in what I needed to bring and how to set it up. I will say that I worried for a moment that I didn’t bring enough as my bag was not overflowing. I guess it worked because I had some great transition times! T1 was 2:27 minutes and T1 was only 1;15. So I guess I will now stick with this setup.

Recap

Swim – I’ve got to work on this. I am good in the pool. I have a decent stroke and keep my head down. For some reason (called panic), I can’t seem to transition this to an open water swim. I end up doing more backstroke than I should. I’m guessing the only way it is going to get better is to just keep swimming:)

Bike – This year they added an extra 5 miles to the bike ride which doesn’t sound like a lot until your out there pedaling away in the wind from the ocean and bay. I’ve got to get out on my bike more too as you totally use different muscles biking than running!

Run – I did something new this time. I caught with one of the women I went with. She follows Jeff Gallaway training plan where you run 3 minutes and walk 1. So to stay with her, that’s what I did. Besides my legs were jello, so the thought of walking at all sounded REALLY good! I still ended up a great run time with an average pace of 9:18. I might need to investigate this plan more and I will keep you up to date.

Overall

Swim: 20:03 (would like to get under 20 minutes next time – Damn those 3 seconds!)

T1 2:27

Bike: 1:01:34 ( would like to get under an hour next time)

T2 1:15

Run: 27:54 (happy dance)

Great day with some great friends. I’d like to say that I can’t wait to do again (which is true), but I’m off for a deep tissue massage:)

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Sep6

Yes, I know that I have to wake up t 3:45 tomorrow morning.

Yes, I know that it is 10:30 at night.

What I also know is that I always have a hard time falling asleep the night before a race. So this time I am employing new strategy. Rather than go to bed early only to toss and turn. I’m going to bed at 11:00 after a glass of wine. I’m feeling tired after a day of running and think that I should be able to fall asleep.

Bag Packed – Check

Clothes ready – Check

Alarm set – check

Back-up alarm set – check

Friend texting me in AM – check

All systems go!

What a whirl wind today was too! Blazing hot soccer game followed by mad dash to packet picked up. Then off to rack my bike. Got there just in time for downpour with a dose of thunder and lightening. Wisely waited in truck till safe. Quickly racked bike in the pouring rain. Great location for bike too! Second row in right on the end!!!

Off to do one more bag check and then off to a hopefully restful sleep!

The Accidentally Running Mama

Run, Bike, Swim and Have a Life!

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