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Taking the leap- Training for Spring 1/2 or full?

guest — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 13:15:43 GMT

Hi everybody.

Mary Kay - saddened to hear about your mother's passing and gallbladder surgery. You are one tough lady. Here you are a few weeks out of surgery and already out running. I really admire your tenacity and persistence. Wishing you well in your training.

Right now, my mindset is not 100% into training either for my HM and Tri events. Discovered that my significant other got another girl pregnant. Obviously, I was the last person who knew about it. So I had to move out. He was my training partner so when I tried to do my running workout, I just felt so miserable to the point I had to stop because I was having difficulty breathing. Working out was one of our activities that we enjoy doing together. Running routes can bring back memories. I need to travel 30 minutes farther just to swim in another pool to avoid him. Right now, I have zero motivation to train. Btw, we both registered for the HM & Tri, so I do not know what will happen when I see him again. I am trying my best to keep my composure and not suddenly cry. Really hate feeling this way. Maybe I can better handle a stress fracture in my ankle than a broken heart.

Anyways, sorry for a non-related running post. Just needed to vent this out.

Taking the leap- Training for Spring 1/2 or full?

guest — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:36:08 GMT

Hi all. It has been awhile since my last post.

Mary Kay - have fun on your training for your fall races. Omg, 3 HMs in 3 months. Wish I had your discipline in training.

Britta - looks like you and baby kahuna are doing great. Fresh mountain air and beautiful scenery, you and baby kahuna can go on forever. check Hal Higdon and runner's world basic training plans online. They are free or you can order a more comprehensive program too.

Mtrunner - we are in the same boat, 2-3 days before my period starts, my legs feel heavier, gets fatigued more easily, and everything seems more difficult from breathing to even doing a slow jog. But soon thereafter even on my third day of my period, things start getting easier.

Andy - Thanks for the link. Right now, I am enjoying my Tri training particularly swimming. Doing 1.5 km right now though at a regular pool. Tried open water one weekend which was a nice change. No black line to follow, got disoriented a bit but got to practice on keeping calm in the deeper part.

As for race goals, I am scheduled to run a HM on sept 23, then a sprint Tri on oct 13 if I remain injury- free. I alternate weeks for running, then another week for Tri. Not sure if this plan is correct. Got to do brick training, cycling then run. My legs just felt weird for the first 5-7 minutes. It was like my legs were still doing the circular motion of cycling on the ground. Just felt different. There are some days that it is so hard to get up early in morning to squeeze an hour of workout.

Btw, got to watch running the sahara. It is a documentary of 3 men who run the sahara desert for 110 days. If you can get a copy of this film, try to see it. It is very inspiring.

Run safe, run strong, run fierce

Taking the leap- Training for Spring 1/2 or full?

guest — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 12:42:11 GMT

Hi everyone. Good luck Jeanine for your upcoming HM. Mary Kay and I were in your shoes before our 13.1 race. Anxious, nervous, scared out of our wits that we will not be able to finish the race but with our determined mindset and never say die attitude, we finished two HM races. Just believe in your training plan, taper at least a week before the race, and proper fueling, you will be crossing that finish line with a smile on your face (definitely practice that smile for the cameras).

Mary Kay - wow, what an impressive line up of races. 3 HMs before the year ends. You are so inspirational. Congrats on your 2-hour 8-mile long run.

Britta - Be careful of not overdoing things. Things may flare up. Recovery/rest days are important. You will get to longer distance running come November before your HM race. Loving your bike ride stories with baby kahuna.

My training for the triathlon just started this June. I finally got the diamondback airen bike. Like britta, I am enjoying the bike rides, though at first, I had painful and sore glutes for a day or two. Still need to learn how to change a flat tire but still learning the proper form of bike riding. Of note, after purchasing the new bike and that would be the last purchase for the triathlon. Then came, bottle carriage, portable hand pump, bike shoes, biking shorts or Tri shorts for comfort, aero fuelbox, plus had to get buy a new pair of swim goggles since my old ones were fogging up. These little things are easily adding up to be quite an expense. Now putting a little overtime work to cover for the Tri registration fee, a swimming coach for five 1-hour sessions, pool fees, etc. Really saving up for a new pair of newton shoes and Tri apparel. Sigh, what did I get into? But working out during the early morning hours, running or biking, definitely worth every cent spent, a real high for me.

Run safe, run strong, run fierce.

Taking the leap- Training for Spring 1/2 or full?

guest — Thu, 31 May 2012 10:04:16 GMT

Britta - you are definitely runner. One mile at a time and you will finish your HM in November. Just have fun with your runs and try to follow your PT's recommendations. They are helping you get stronger and faster.

Mary Kay - What a running schedule you got! You just finished two HMs and one 5K race in one month. Congratulations!

Andy - Thanks again for the info. You were right about the Aloha, it was not that comfortable for my vertically challenged size. It would take time for me to get used to the aerobar shifters and the higher seats. My tri friend recommended the diamondback airen road bikes. They carry size 44 which is a perfect fit. I loved the bike with its compact size and reasonable price. My friend is also providing me with videos and magazines about triathlon. It is so inspiring to see ordinary folks achieving extraordinary things like na ironman, from an 80-year-old grandfather to a breast cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy to a former biggest loser constestant. This is an amazing set of people.

Anyway after my black and blues have healed, I am starting to run and swim again. As for biking, I have to get over the fear of crashing or falling again. Now, that will be tough one.

Run safe, run strong, run fierce.

Taking the leap- Training for Spring 1/2 or full?

guest — Thu, 24 May 2012 11:39:59 GMT

Congrats Mary Kay on your 2nd HM and nice looking medal too. Awesome pic too. Nice to hear that you enjoyed this race. The weight will be coming off soon and fast. Just keep moving and stay active.

Andy - again thanks for the info. I might just run a 10k on Sept 23 as a tuneup race for my sprint Tri on Oct 14. I will be checking out a Fuji Aloha bike this Sunday. Is this a good entry level tri bike? Still having a hard time deciding which bike to purchase plus it is difficult to get hold of a small sized frame bike.

Sorry folks for not being too active these days since had my first minor bike crash 2 weeks ago. Got distracted for a second and hit a parked van and I was 500 meters away from my front door. Nothing too serious, just some minor bruising on the legs and arms. My left rib cage hurt the most but getting a bit better. Thank God for the helmet. Just a bit shaken but will be back on the bike this weekend.

Run strong, run safe, run fierce. Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend!

Taking the leap- Training for Spring 1/2 or full?

guest — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:04:17 GMT

Britta - you are already running stronger and faster sooner than expected. So awesome to hear that you are enjoying baby kahuna this weekend. Stick with your training plan for your HM and you will do great.

Debra - thanks for the well wishes. Please do update us if compression gear do help with recovery.

Right now, I started my training for a sprint triathlon by October 14. Is it okay to run another half by September 23 then a sprint triathlon three weeks after? Am I just delusional that I could prepare for both or just run a 10k on sept 23. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

Taking the leap- Training for Spring 1/2 or full?

guest — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:32:53 GMT

Hello everyone. Got home Monday evening from my race, did work the following day so I was not able to post. Anyways, had a blast with my 2nd HM. No pressure, no cramps, and no dehydration. Weather was cooperative, not too warm since it rained early Sunday morning 2 hours before the full marathon gun start. I ranked #38 in my age group female. Took half a clif bar and a banana before race. Shot bloks every 2 miles and Nuun hydration, then ate the remaining clif bar at the mile 10. Everything went well. I had to use a McDonalds restroom to pee. It was basically a flat race, just a small bridge that I jogged through. There were cold sponges for the half and full marathon runners which was a godsend when it was getting warm. At the expo, I was supposed to buy the 2xu compression tights, but run out of my size. Does compression clothing really enhance one's athletic ability?

Mary Kay - good job on finishing your first HM. it shows how tough you are. You persevered even if you are feeling awful with the UTI. You did not give up which is amazing. Good luck on the Cleveland HM.

Andy - Congratulations on the 25k trail. You are so right, just suck it up and run. Please keep us updated on your Olympic triathlon training. I will be starting my training too by May 15. Will be taking a few days off from any exercise activity.

Eric - awesome job for HM PR cutting 9 minutes off from a previous best time. Amazing time. Try not to dwell too much on the ifs. You made a personal record and that is a 100% fact. Don't second guess yourself. You did great!

Run safe, run strong, run fierce.

Taking the leap- Training for Spring 1/2 or full?

guest — Sat, 05 May 2012 09:05:21 GMT

Thanks Andy, Nick, and Eric for the well wishes. Trying to rein in my excitement but still cannot get enough sleep or rest. Too scared to try any sleep aids, might effect how I feel for the next 36 hours. Pain free and good weather, that's all I wish for my 2nd HM. May the running gods take care of us and keep us away from cramps, dehydration, side stitch, heat stroke, over-hydration, abdominal issues, and the dreaded wall. For all of us running our races this weekend, do not forget to smile for the camera when crossing the finish line.

I got wings, have fun with your 4 miles. Walk if you need to.

Run safe , run strong, run fierce.

Taking the leap- Training for Spring 1/2 or full?

guest — Fri, 04 May 2012 04:02:16 GMT

Hi everyone. Feeling under the weather, feeling tired after pulling 2 all-nighters due to work. Drank 5hour energy on those nights, and now I feel strange like I rather sleep than pack for my Sunday race. Maybe the heat and humidity are getting into me. Last Sunday, I run 10k and felt really fatigued, still not used to the heat. Then just had 2 very short runs this week. Hope I can pick up some energy this Friday and Saturday to get ready.

Debra and Mary Kay - we are fierce and strong runners. We prepared for our races. We will finish our races standing up with medals hanging from our necks. No ifs, no buts, we are doing this with blisters, heat, humidity, cramps, fatigue, or thunderstorms. Come hell or high water, we will run and live another day. BTW, I have just registered for another half on September.

Britta - you are finally there. Just be patient, I know it is hard, but take it slow. You will have more PRs than you would expect. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I was supposed to use the diva cup if the race falls on my menstrual cycle, good thing I had it a week earlier.

Kris - good luck on your December HM. Keep us updated on your training.

Stephanie - good luck on whatever race you are joining. Sorry for the bronchitis turned pneumonia.

Take care everyone. Nice to hear what happened in our races. Good luck!

Re: Taking the leap- Training for Spring 1/2 or full?

guest — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:41:39 GMT

Andy - congrats on the great time on the HM, 10 minutes faster, just amazing. Good luck on the next race in 2 weeks.

Mary Kay - it is just 11 days until our HM, so I really think it is time to taper the mileage down. Try to rest and recover. You got your long runs in, so it is better to just take it easy these coming days. As Debra advised, try to reflect on the things you have done to prepare for the race. I think it is the best advice ever. Thanks Debra.

Britta - how is baby kahuna? Sure she is being taken cared of and going out for rides. Wishing that thursday's appointment reveals positive results. I think the brace will definitely be a supportive aid in keeping the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments aligned to prevent any future problems. Maybe when your body becomes stronger, maybe you can run and bike w/o the brace but get your doctor's approval first.

Debra - You are so right about having a strong core that most people forget it and just concentrate on having strong running legs. I try to do some core strengthening exercises once a week on non-running days. Maybe I'll try to get to try a foam roller too.

I tried to do 3 miles this morning but had to cut it short due to a sudden lower abdominal cramping. I thought it was a side stitch but it did not go away, so I decided to just go straight home and walked the rest of the way. This got me worried being so near the race the entire morning. By lunch time, it was just

menstrual cramps after all. Maybe I am just getting so paranoid and neurotic about tapering that I forgot it was the time of the month and that every ache and pain is something serious like a fracture or dislocation. I also am doubling up on the vitamin C, hydrating as much as possible, and looking around for the next event or race to train for. Also looking forward to get my new road bike by the end of May.

So ladies, Mary Kay and Debra, let's finish this HM with a smile in our faces because we know deep inside we prepared for our races. We did not throw in the towel despite pain, setbacks, or crazy work schedules.

Run safe, run strong, and run fierce. Let's rock and roll and can I have my cupcake afterwards.