2012 in Review

I feel compelled to write this 2012 in review. If nothing else to remind myself of my accomplishments this past year.  I tend to be unnecessarily hard on myself. I'm going to make an effort to stop doing this in 2013.

2012 was a year of facing challenges head on.  It started off with a carryover commitment from 2011 to complete a sprint triathlon, specifically, the Irongirl. In hindsight, I realize the IG is the most difficult sprint tri I could have found in the area. That seems to be my mo, start with the hardest then work my way backward. What's up with that?

I knew help would be needed to meet this challenge.  A way to receive the help and raise money for a good cause was to join Team in Training [TNT].  I met some wonderful people who helped me meet many fears ahead on. Starting with a 50m pool that frequently caused me to forget that I really do know how to swim. Next up cycling--19 miles was the distance. The farthest I'd ever swim or cycled. But there was nothing like the joy and sense of accomplishment I felt after completing that event.

Following Irongirl, I completed My Next Tri and Callaway Gardens.  The three events allowed me to accept that more work, mental and physical, was needed for the swim. There is always a lesson learned and room for improvement.

Next up, fulfill my coaching commitment with USAFit. As a co-coach with the run/walk group, I had an opportunity to meet and work with a group of wonderful ladies. We learned from each other and continue to be friends. It was a pleasure seeing a few of them complete their first 5k, 10k, and half marathon during the season.  

In November, after my last event, I realized in order to progress, I need to focus on my development and face some fears. I began to ponder what I needed to do in 2013 and realized it involves more swimming, cycling, weight training and running. Also, I need to add flexibility/core work.  The goal is to do this and stay married.  Balance is the key and somehow involving my husband.

While reviewing this, I feel a sense of pride knowing that I'm setting a good example for my family and friends. Looking at the original goals, I've met all except Acworth. Maybe that will be a carryover to 2013.

Keep moving forward and enjoy your life...

Lanier Under the Lights

I ran the Lanier under the Lights 5k this evening.  I’ve spend a lot of time at Lake Lanier this events. Zooma, IG, MNT and now this one. I feel like I’m forgetting something. At Zooma, I cursed the course. IG, I was so happy to be out of the lake, that I laughed and cheered throughout the bike and run courses. MNT, I don’t remember much. It was so close to IG that I don’t think it mattered much. Finally LUTL. My goal for this run was simple. Run the entire 5k. Funny, how I’d forgotten the course would be hilly. Over the last month, I’ve been working on different types of workouts. I’d even practiced calming myself during hill runs, reminding myself to slow down instead of walking. All of the practice came into play this evening. I started fast, probably too fast, but quickly reminded myself to slow down and run my race. As I watched your children zip by, I didn’t’ allow myself to get caught up in their excitement. I reminded myself, stay present in this moment. Don’t worry about the next hill, half mile, or mile. Stay focused with the current and next steps… that’s it, that’s all. Reminding myself to do that worked. Before, I knew it, the 1 mile sign passed.

I’ve been on the course often enough to know that we were heading toward the back for mile 2.  This meant  a series of hills, up and down, up and down, so had to pace myself.  I didn’t want to go too fast on the downhill [although I was tempted].   I don’t remember if it was Kermit or JoJo who reminded me to use the time to recover and prepare for the next uphill.  I did that and remembered to breathe deeply and relax my belly [don’t hold it in].

Although I felt good, the two hills in mile three were too much. I so didn’t want to stop and made it through the first hill. I was going slow, plugging along during the second hill but needed to walk 20 steps to regroup. Although the goal was non-stop run, I don’t feel bad. Those 20 steps allowed me a bit of rest and a chance to regroup.  I completed the hill, then rounded the corner to the finish. Good thing it was downhill, thanks to the uphill start   It felt good to stretch out and stride across the finish line. Although initially hesitant to run a 5k, I now realize why people complete them.  It was a nice feel good opportunity to gauge my progress. 

I’ll probably look for an upcoming jingle jog and register for it.  One of the best parts of the evening was hanging out with Debbie, Jan, Scott, and new friend Rachel afterward.

Keep moving forward. 

New Run Experiences!

This past week, I discovered that I can lose 10 lbs if I run 28.2 miles in a week. :-)  That might be a bit extreme but it's nice to know. It wasn't intentional but I scheduled back to back half marathons. I'd taken the time to train and been watching my food choices. What a nice reward! 

I’ve had a couple encouraging runs this week. Tuesday, I ran 2.7 miles nonstop with JoJo.  This is my farthest nonstop distance. Whoop whoop!  I felt good after and could have made it to 3.  It was 55 degrees and blustery, providing a reminder to pack more clothes and layer.  Since I didn’t layer, I had to wear my black jacket which meant low visibility (not good).  Luckily I’m running with a group so we are quite visible. 

Wednesday, I ran with JoJo and Kermit.  Wow! How cool was that? Definitely not what I expected but it felt good. I appreciate their willingness to work with me. They are educating me on a variety of things and race approaches.  I'm finally starting to understand the purpose of tempo runs and track practices. We ran 3 miles non-stop in addition to warm up and cool down.  I felt awesome and encouraged as I drove home. 

Tomorrow, I’m scheduled to run an easy 3-4 miles before swim practice. Now, that I’ve embraced running slower to get the distance, I’m looking forward to it.

As always, when the time is right, God presents who/what I need.  Although, I've been running since 2009, I never felt that running an extended without walking was possible for me. I now realize, I can and will do this. Today, it's 3 miles, hopefully in a few weeks, it will be 6.  A 10k nonstop--thats my goal.  I’m pumped up thinking about the possibility.

On the drive home, I thought of how wonderful it is to know people who are willing to help others. I’m always willing to help others and it’s nice to be on the receiving end.  With every passing day, I’m feeling more confident and comfortable about the marathon.  I’m going to do it and feel good about it. I am proof that age doesn’t matter.

Remember to keep moving forward...

LA Here I Come

I can’t believe it!  I’m actually registered for the Marathon. I’m so excited and nervous. I’m ready to take the next steps toward a stronger body and mind.  26.2 miles throughout my home town.

I’d been considering a 2013 full marathon for a few months. It’s the natural progression in my run journey.  Also, if I’m going to get to an Ironman [there I said it] I’ll need to run at least one full marathon.  Once I decided to commit and work hard, I learned that the LA marathon was in March.  This means great weather, motivation to run through Winter, and an opportunity to train with friends who are running the Shamrock.  Hopefully, the Atlanta hills and cool weather will give me some sort of advantage.

It can’t get much better than a marathon in my home town running through areas in which I’d had a number of pleasant experiences.  Doing the run at this point in my life,  I will view the city in a completely different way, I know it. I’ve not been to Dodger Stadium in what 10 -15 years?  After completing the registration, I’ve found myself humming ‘I Love LA, We love it!!’ by Randy Newman a few times.  Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, Century City, Westwood, and ending in Santa Monica at the beach. Can’t ask for better than that. Well, I could but will save that request for a later date.  

I’ve got a great group of experienced marathoner friends to train with and get advice from. As long as I train, this story should have a happy ending. 

I’m running the Silver Comet HM tomorrow. It’s flat and one of my favorites. It’s the reward for completing Athens. I’m going to use it as the official kickoff to marathon training.  I’m committed to sharing the experience on this blog.  Even if I have to spend my lunch hour typing entries (like today). My posts may help someone with something.  Who knows!

As always, keep moving forward…

Watching the Ironman World Championship

I'm watching the IM world championship and it is so inspiring. This is my first time watching the race and I have such an appreciation for it.  It's nice to understand the challenge of the swim, transitions, bike, grabbing items from the aid station, and run.  Oh, the strategies used are beautiful. The suspense is incredible.  It's so cool to see two tall women, Caroline Steffins and Leanda Cave in the lead.  I hope they will hold off the challengers and win.  Their strides are beautiful.

The inspired participants stories have been nice.  I'm really getting motivated about the upcoming 2013 marathon. 

Watching the entire  event has proven to me, it's not over until the first person crosses the finish line. The favorites Macca and Crowie aren't present. I'd read Macca's and Chrissie Wellingtons books last month. Based on the mental approach, I thought Macca would kick butt but he dropped out of the race. Chrissie took the year off.   You never know what might happen and can NEVER give up.

Amazing IM information:

The male athletes burned 4500+ calories during the ride. What in the heck do they eat / drink to replenish them?

The announcers commented a few times that a 3 hour marathon (after swimming 2 miles and biking 100+) is not fast!  Really?  I'll take it.

Keep moving forward...

People are wonderful gifts

Over the last few days, I’ve had opportunities to interact with ‘children’ of various ages including my own. I found myself marveling at how nice those interactions were.  Today, during a shower for a coworker, I had a chance to stand back and watch the pure joy children have. The laughter at being held upside down or playing peek a boo was nice to see.  They range in age from 2 – 8 and were in the moment, carefree and happy to be. 

On another occasion, while viewing photos, I was able to see the love and joy in the eyes of a big brother holding his few weeks old baby sister.  I thought what a blessing that is.  As I viewed photos of the nursery I thought how wonderful, this child is truly, truly loved. I could tell by the way she was held.  What a wonderful gift.

The last and best for me involved interaction with my own 20 year old daughter. She is finding her way in this world and I’m learning my role as a mother/friend.  For some reason, she has been trying to get to New York for a couple years. Well she is going in a few weeks and totally excited.  The mother in me remembered knowing another younger person who is a little older than my daughter. Someone who might serve as a big sister of sorts. I reached out to her and she gladly offered any assistance she could.  How nice of her to do that, I thought and appreciated. That made me feel a lot better about the trip.

Back to my interaction with my daughter, I’m running a race the Athens half in a couple weeks.  She lives in Athens so after deciding to have lunch or early dinner after packet pickup, I asked about the course.  She described a couple hills in the course to me including how comparable they were to those in our neighborhood.  I thought how cool is that to have my daughter provide a course scouting report.  It might seem like a small thing but I thought it nice.

Another step in our journey I guess.  Saying all that to say, people can be wonderful gifts to us. There are some not so nice folks out there but I choose to appreciate the gifts.

Keep moving forward.

Where have I been?

It’s been a while since my last post. Almost 2 months to be exact. During this time, I’ve been getting over a disappointing run at the Alien HM and becoming more consistent with my USAFit runs.  I’ve also been preparing mentally and physically for the Athens and Silver Comet half marathons.  Athens is typically a bit hilly while Silver Comet is flat. I couldn’t ask for two better runs.  They are less than one week apart. I look at Silver Comet as a reward for Athens.  My goal is to improve my time on both races. I know for Athens that involves hill work, becoming more confident and stronger. To do this, I’ve added Pilates and track work to my training. In order to accommodate this change, I’ve backed off, a lot, swimming. I’m also taking a look at nutrition including how, what and why I eat the way I do.  I’ve been researching how Paleo, Vegetarian and Vegan diets affect endurance athletes.  Like so many things there isn’t a right or wrong answer. I’ll have to gather the information and determine which best suits me. Right now, I’m leaning toward vegetarian.  I’m not planning to go cold turkey but over the coming months will reduce meat, dairy and increased plant based meals.  I don’t think the impact of these changes will be visible at my October races but am hoping any results from this shift in eating will be evident starting with the races I run in November.

I’ve decided to add a full marathon to my list of 2013 goals.  I hope the changes being made now will bear fruit at that race.