So the final prep is coming together.   Making plans for packet pick-up.   This is why every mother athlete is a master coordinator!   Not only do I have to coordinate packet pick-up, racking my bike, and just getting all my stuff together;  I also have to coordinate this weeks soccer schedule.   Would be hard enough for a normal weekend, but this weekend the Little Guy is in his first soccer tournament which is a half an hour away.   It includes 4 games over two days.   Then Middle Guy also has his opening soccer game which will require car pooling (Thank God for car pooling).   Add to the mix that I need to make sure Big Guy gets up to see the sun too.   Dear Hubby will handle it all, but I just have to have it all mapped out.   Good Times.

I seem to have most of the coordinating done.   Now it’s time to focus on what I need.   Tomorrow morning I am going to take my bike out for a short ride.   This will give me a chance to make sure everything is in working order.   If not, I’ve got a problem:)   I also want to figure out how to properly use my Garmin 310 as it is designed to for 3 sport racing.  In between all that I’ve got to do some actual work around the home front (Did you know I’m also a baker?).   Some how it will all get done.   It always does.

I’ve been reviewing the Sandy Hood athlete information (always a good idea).   Looking at the courses which are very straight forward at this event.   No running or biking on the open road.   A closed course is nice:)   A flat closed course is even better!!     

As I’ve said before, I’ve done all I can do at this point.   Two days will not make or brake my time.   So what worries me the most (other than the swim, my feet, and the weather)?   My hair!   I’ve got flat hair.   I’ve got hair that does not do well without a brush even then it’s just passable.   It’s the kind of hair that knots just walking around town.  So after being crammed in a swim cap, then covered by a bike helmet and add in some sweet; you just know it’s going to be a good hair day!  Case in point, the hat.  I’m not wearing one this time.   I’ve been running with headbands recently and plan on using that instead of my hat.   Now I have never been truly a vain person, but I’m vain enough to wish for a flattering photo finish.   I’m really not sure if that is possible, but I’ve seen some good ones.   So I will just smile for the photo opportunity crossing the finish line and bask in the fact that I’ve finished another one.  

Oh and put my medal on too!

As I may have mentioned (ahem), Ive got this thing called a Tri this weekend which means that I am supposed to have a light week of training.  I’ve never really been one to follow protocol, but as I’m learning you really are supposed to taper the week before and event.   Some people swear by it.    I already figured that I would count my Tri as my long run on Sunday.   I think I might work slightly harder than I would on my normal long run.   Wouldn’t you agree?

Now, I’ve got my Hat Trick training plan that I’ve been following.   I have to say that I am pretty proud that I have followed it almost to the letter.  I may have switched a few days up, but for the most part I’ve been following the miles.   According to this weeks training plan, I am supposed to do the following:

5 easy miles – Check (ran 6.25)

Rest Day

5 easy miles

7 miles with 5 @HMP

9 miles

Originally, I was thinking that I would follow it for the most part.   Now I’m not sure.   This morning while running I ran into two of my seasoned running buddies.  Love that they switched directions and we got to run together. They both told me not to follow this weeks schedule.   Maybe just take a shake out run on Saturday.   I think they may be right, but it will be hard not to put on those running shoes.

So my plan for the rest of the week will be to have a rest day tomorrow.   Then Friday I think that I will go for a bike ride which will give me a chance to make sure my bike is up to snuff.   Then Saturday an easy 3-5 miles.   I really wanted to see how I did with the 7 miles, but I don’t think it’s smart to push it.    I think part of the problem is that since I had such a big running number last month, I was hoping to continue that 100 streak this month.   Don’t think that is going to work out, but there is always next month:)

One thing at a Time.

One Event at a Time.

It’s almost here…….

The Iron Girl Sprint Triathlon!

I’ve been focusing a lot on my Hat Trick and my feet that I let some of the other stuff slide.   Important stuff like my swimming and biking, but too late now!   Oops.   Not much I can do about it now.  Although, it really doesn’t make me nervous.   It’s not like I’m an expert, but I’m comfortable enough to know baring any problems I will finish.   My goal is always just to finish.   Yes, in the back of my mind I have a number but done is done.

With just days away, there really isn’t anything that I can do now.

It’s the final countdown!

I’m doing what I can now to mentally prepare myself, because training will only take you so far.   I’m reviewing the course information as it is slightly different than last year.   The swim distance is the same 1/3 mile.   Doesn’t sound bad until your in the water.   I’m praying that the water is calmer this year.   Last year it was a beast.   This year they did change the bike course to 15 miles.   Then to bring it home with a 3 mile run course.

Easy Peasy

That is until I get out there!    I by no means think that this is going to be a walk in the Park, but I’ve been training all year.   So it is what it is.

As a recap here is Last years Time

Swim 23:13

T1 3:43

Bike 34:22

T2 3.34

Run 29:19

Total Time:  1:34:10

I’m not sure how it will play out with the extra 5 miles on the bike.   Hopefully, it will even out with a shorter swim time.   My swim for the NJ Triathlon 1/2 mile was 15.36.   With any luck my swim in the bay will be smooth and quick.  I’ve really got to get over not keeping my head down.   All year in swim lessons, I was good but when I get in open water I panic a little.   Not sure why, but I just can’t keep my head down and bring it to the side to breath.  I know I work harder keeping my head out.   I know then I don’t have a good swim stroke.   I know all these things, yet I have a problem.   A problem that I am working on.   A problem that hopefully I can beat this Sunday.

So the prep with continue.   I will go over the course.   I will pack a bag.   I will check my bike.   I will do all that I can.

It’s all a person can do.

Try + Athlete = Triathlete

That’s me:)

I am not a person to run without water.   I know part of it is a mental thing, because even on a short run I take water.   That being said when going for longer distances traveling with water is really a necessity.   Since I started running, I’ve been carrying my water bottle.   I got used to it and the one I bought is easy enough to carry, but I decided that I needed more.   I’ve been on the fence for a while on what to buy.   Asked all my running friends, looked on line, and ever browsed at the store.    I’m not sure what I was waiting for.   Finally, I just bit the bullet and bought one.  

I bought the Nathan Mercury 2 and took it for a test run today.   Actually, not bad.   At first I ran with the belt a little too loose which did allow for some bounce.   After tightening up the belt some, I didn’t notice it at all.   Really.   Then again I also run with my Garmin 310 which doesn’t bother me either.  Then again my friend Dawn (yup, I’m talking about you again) was going to take it for a test ride and I don’t think we made it 10 feet before she had to take it off!   But I’m getting off topic a little…..

The bottles both hold 10 ounces of water and there is a small pouch to put stuff.   The description says that it will fit an iPhone, but I didn’t have any luck.   Then again, my iPhone has an Otter-box case so that maybe the problem.   I could take the case off to try, but I won’t.   I have an armband that my phone fits in fine and I’m used to it.  That being said, I’m sure if you had a smaller case your phone would fit fine.   For me though I just put my other essentials in the bag – chapstick, a few dollars, and my ID.  

The water bottles were easy to reach, open, and put back without stopping.  The only recommendation that I really have is to make sure to alternate which bottle to drink from.   Otherwise, you will notice the unevenness of it or at least I did.   Other than that I cant wait to see how it holds up for my long run this weekend and the trails in the near future!

Before I became a runner, I never understood why runners would run on the side of the road when what appeared to me driving by a perfectly good sidewalk for them to run on.   Now that I’m a runner (again, I use that term loosely), I totally get why a runner would choose running on the side of the road rather than run on the sidewalk.  The bottom line is that SIDEWALKS SUCK!   In all of my training the only time I have ever fallen ripping a new pair of running pants and scraping my knee is when I made the mistake of running on the sidewalk.

Sidewalks were made for walking not running.   What is the difference?   The difference is that when you are walking, you can dodge the unevenness, the cracks, the holes, and the assortment of things that make them dangerous to run on.    And, yes, I do mean dangerous.   I would much rather watch the cars coming at me planning on taking a dive than twist an ankle tripping over an uneven sidewalk due to a growing tree. 

I give you exhibit A

and B

These actually aren’t bad at all.   These were just when I thought to take a picture.

Now even though I run in the road, I run carefully in the road.   I run against traffic.   I watch  the oncoming traffic, because I don’t trust them enough not to.   I also know if something goes wrong, I am the one to pay the price not the driver.   There are some that get that I am just out there to try and take care of myself, but there are those who act like I am there to bother them.   I am by no means doing the latter.   I run as close to the side of the road as I can.   I pay attention to what is going on and stop when I feel that it might be the prudent thing to do.  As I said before, I know in a game of chicken I am the loosing chicken.   My whole goal is to make it home.

I will say that for the most part most people are very gracious to those of us on our bikes or running, but there are always exceptions.   These are the ones that worry me.   These are the ones who keep me vigilant.   These are the ones that make me look to the side of the road for an quick exit plan.

Here are some easy tips to share the road with those trying to keep themselves healthy.  This is not a complete list, but the ones that come to mind:)

1. Don’t be an @ss.   We are not out there to piss you off.   It actually has nothing to do with you.   It is actually about us and our goals.   So if you need to wait to pullout from your driveway for a few seconds while we run past, wait.   That time isn’t going to get you where you are going any faster and think of how late you will be if you hit someone.
2. If I can put my arm out and touch your window as you drive by, chances are you are too close.   No you do not need to go to the opposite side of the road, but a little space would be nice.   Remember, if you are getting that close I am already thinking at what point I should jump.
3. Keep your eyes on the road and don’t drift over the line.  I have limited space on the side of the road as it is.  Let me stay where I belong and you stay where you belong.
4. For the love of God, please don’t text while driving!   This goes to rule number 3.   Unless you are using a fully automated voice text, wait.

Remember, the person running or biking on the road is very important to someone else.   Their safety is partly in your hands while they are out there.   Besides, how would you live with yourself if you were the reason they didn’t make it where they were going because of something stupid you did?     

The road really is big enough for both of us!  And if you don’t believe what I’m saying about the sidewalks, get out of your car and come for a run with me.   You’ll see soon enough.

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A while ago, I started wondering how to display my race bibs and medals.   I had them hanging off of pictures in my computer area in the basement, but I wanted something a little more for them.   I worked hard for them and I wanted to be inspired by being able to see them.   After searching online, I discovered a whole host of ways to display my bling.   Some more costly than others!   I found something on Esty that was both with in my budget and perfect for where I wanted to put it.

The quote reads – The miracle isn’t that I finished.   The miracle is that I had the courage to start. 

Ain’t that the truth!

The miracle also isn’t that I bought it, but that I was also able to hang it too!

I admit it and told you so before.   I didn’t want to do it.   I tried to come up with excuses not to do it, but ultimately I know I would have been mad at myself if I didn’t go for my 8 miles today.   So I laced up and headed out the door.   I just had to keep thinking that I haven’t missed a day in my training plan yet and just because isn’t really a good enough reason to start today.

Did it suck as much as I thought?   Possibly

Did I need to stop and rub my foot?   Yes, twice.

Am I pissed about that?   Yup.

Did it suck?   Once again, yes.

Am I glad I did it?   Absolutely!

The key is just to keep going even when you don’t feel like it.   That’s just the way it is.

As only the Clash could sing it….

Should I stay or should I go now?
Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go there will be trouble
An’ if I stay it will be double
So come on and let me know

As I sit here writing this humming the Clash, I really am supposed to be out for my long run today.   I know I will go, but right now I am sitting here drinking my coffee, having a major PMS moment and trying to think of why I can’t go.  I know I will most likely go, but the longer I sit here the harder it will be to both get out and when I do get out the run.   At least today is supposed to be a SLOOOOOOOWWWW one, because the way my behind is dragging I know I won’t have a problem.

Last night my 14 year old came out as I was trying to find a reasonable hotel in Wildwood for me to take the boys.   He sat down on the couch and turned on a movie.   It wasn’t really a movie I like.   Am I the only one who really isn’t a fan of Pirates of the Caribbean?   Judging from the amount of money it made, probably.   But I digress.    The point being when your 14 year old son wants to watch a movie with you, you watch a movie with him.   Even if it’s a night before your long run.   The problem is that he is a 14 year old boy who will now sleep through breakfast till lunch.   I, on the other hand, do not have that luxury.

Normally, when I go for my long runs; I will go early.   Not as early as I go with my trail running friend, Dawn, but early.   This will give me time to be up, have a little coffee, out, and back before anyone wakes up.   Not so this morning.   I woke up at the same time as my soon to be 8 year old.   Again, this might not be an issue except that my husband woke up at 5:00 to go fishing.   Little Guy originally was going to go which would have made my life so much easier.   He was going to go until he realized that he was going to have to wake up at the crack.    Apparently, only a fisherman or runner will wake up early for what they love.   (Did I just say, I love running – Damn, what is happening to me!)

So as I sit here drinking my coffee thinking of excuses, I am also thinking of ways to squeeze in my run today.   It’s not going to be a scorcher today.   Only getting to the 80’s.   Dear Husband is usually home by 1:00 on fishing days.     So I’m not sure when but somehow before the day is over I will get my miles in.   I have to.

Will the world stop spinning if I don’t?   No.

Will I feel like total looser if I don’t?   Yes

Will I wonder the whole time I’m running, why am I doing this?   Probably.

But as the saying goes……

When I first started my blog it was about my life as a Mom and the name reflected that.   I was chatting with my sister who is a published author and she told me that I should change my blog name.    She even gave me some suggestions.  This is a combination of her suggestions.

So why the Accidental Running Mama?   Isn’t it obvious?    When you look at me with all of my 5′ 2″ self, I’m sure avid runner comes right to mind.  Right?   I’ve actually been told by someone that I must look funny running with my short legs. (nice, I know:)   Also, I would NEVER, NEVER, NEVER have thought that one day would not only I run, but also run for fun.    Here’s why….

1.   I was not an athletic kid in the least.   I was actually the kids whose doctor put her on a diet (boo, doctor.  boo).

2.   Not only was I not athletic, but my nickname was butterfingers.    This does not make you think of someone who would ever grow up to be athletic in any shape or form.

3.   This journey I’m on was totally by accident.   My goal was just to get into shape and prove I still had it by running one Triathlon.   Who knew (except my sister) that I would get hooked.  

So, here I am with my new blog name to reflect this new journey that my life is taking.    Hope you come along for the ride, or the swim, or the run:)