I did it!

Toady was the day. It was totally worth it and I'll definitely do it again. I wish there was another one this year. I didn't do as well as I'd have liked, but I'm just not super competitive. Not even with myself. Laid Back Liz completed her first Triathlon.

Midnight Run

Last night I went for a little run around 12:00am. It was very relaxing. Then this morning I went for a six mile bike ride and I don't feel ready at all. I think I'll do the best on the swimming, then the run, and worst on the bike which is truly ironic. I made the mistake of doing most my bike training in the gym. I just couldn't bring myself out to bike in 100 plus degree weather. Now I will pay.

I also went for a swim this morning. I'm glad the swimming is first. I was pooped. And really slow. Well, I'm super psyched for tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Run in the rain

So I tried to go running tonight, but it rained on me. I'll have to work harder on my Thursday run.

Five days!

I'm glad to report I had a great swim tonight.

Weak sauce,

One week to go! And I didn't work out at all this week. I tried to go swimming today. But everything kept getting in the way. My goggles flooded. Then my head thing kept letting water in and my nose plug started to hurt. Brother!

So my goals for next week are swim Monday and Friday. Run Tuesday and Thursday. Bike Thursday and Friday. Our bikes are getting tuned up this week.

Called in sick

and went swimming today.

This week

I biked on Monday. Swam on Friday. And ran a 5K today. And I actually ran the whole thing. It felt great. I liked that there were a lot of hills and a lot of turns. My timing was about the same. But I didn't walk. I'm really ready for this triathlon. I'm tired of training and ready to race!

A Tri

Yesterday I swam 750 meters. Then I ate lunch. Biked 13 miles. Ate dinner and watched What Happens in Vegas. Then I ran a 5K. So I did my whole Triathlon in one day. It felt great, except for the run. I guess I need to run every day for the next couple of weeks. I only have three left. AHHHH!!!

Biked today

I need to get out on the road though. I'm planning a long ride later this week. Just need to put some air in my tires.

My 5K

Wow, I walked a lot about half way through. I set a goal to finish with this army troop, and I did. Cause they stopped to do push ups and sits up at mile 2. A guy in a wheelchair beat me, and a bunch of 5 to 8 year olds. I really need to practice running. Too bad it just isn't fun like swimming and biking.

29 days to go.

I hardly believe how close it is. Today I swam in the rain. It was just a sprinkle but I could feel it every now and then. The great part is I swam 40 lengths. That's about 1000 meters. I only have to do 750 for the race so I was really proud. And I didn't ever even stop for breathe. And I didn't even do the back stroke for like the last 25 lengths. It felt so great. Can't wait to do it again.

Back in the water.

I finally got to work out today. And it felt great after the terrible week I had. I don't know what I'm going to do when they close the pool. I now love swimming. I think it is the best workout.

Last week is showing.

Five weeks left till the big day. This saturday is my 5K. But as you know, I didn't do so well last week and it showed today when I tried to run a half Tri. My swimming was terrible, and I couldn't run. But I'll try to get back on track this week. The pool is open until Oct 12! Yahoo!

I haven't given up

I went swimming on Tuesday. I did 3 groups of 8 lengths. I didn't even feel that tired after word. And then I had another great workout today. I biked for 20 minutes and then I ran 20. I really feel like I'll be able to do my 5K next saturday.

Half a Tri

Today I decided to do half a Triathlon. The swim went better than I thought. 16 lengths and I wasn't even that tired. I had to do a couple back strokes but overall it went really well. I didn't stop once and I only touched the bottom (on my turn around) a couple of times. Biking went well as always. Good timing. Then I hit the run. WOW! I couldn't even do the full 1.5 miles. Which is weak cause it wasn't even 15 minutes which is usually what I do. I had to walk the end of it. The heart burn was so terrible and my legs were just jello. That's like the first time my mind has lost to my body when I really wanted something. I wanted to finish it so bad but just couldn't. Like asking a Coach to take you out of the game. What a shame.

Day 44 and 43

Wow, I just had the best swim. I made sure I did five lengths without stopping to rest in the middle and I am pooped! I had to do one length in back or breast stroke towards the end. But it felt good to go so strong. And on my last length (20th) I went as hard as I could. What a break through!

Yesterday I swam and biked. I swam next to this girl that went so fast and never stopped to catch her breathe. She's the one who inspired me to not stop between lengths. I really have to nip it in the butt and get ready for this thing.

Day 46

Today I biked my usual 12.4 and then ran on the elliptical runner. Those things are so slow. I ran for 20 minutes and didn't even do a full 3/4 mile. Weak sauce. I swear the new ones have a shorter stride too. I use to feel like I was really running at USU, but now I don't even feel a jog, more like a speed walk.

Day 47, Almost there

Today I ran 15 minutes and it was a pain. Which is to bad because I have to run 20 minutes on Thursday. I also swam my 20 lengths. And now I'm going to go get some cookies from the basement. I am such an oink. How do I stop?

Ran 15 mins, Swam 20 lengths

And continued to eat junk food

Day 50, Slow Poke

Today I only biked half my miles. I was just so exhausted. I don't know if it's because of yesterday or because I didn't get to sleep until 4am. But I wanted to reserve some of my strength for swimming. Which I did 15 lengths. The pool was so gross. There were so many dead gnats. Hope it's cleaned out by tomorrow.

51, a little of each + Basketball

Today was tiering. First I biked my 12.4 in 41 minutes. Then I tried to run for 15 minutes but only made about half the time. Then I swam, once again only half the lengths I usually do. But to top it off I played Bball tonight. So to say the least, I'm tired. I really need to work hard in order to be ready for my Triathlon. 6 1/2 weeks to go!

Day 54, Open Water Swim

All the advice givers say it's best to practice the open water swim, so that's what I did yesterday. It was pretty weird. There wasn't any seaweed, but I did get a mouthful of dirty water. And it's weird to look through your goggles. I don't think I'll ever be able to swim a full half mile, but I'm determined to try.

Day 56, a partner

Today I biked 12.5 miles with my father-in-law. It was nice to be on a real trail instead of just a machine. We went through the woods, up some big hills, and home. It was a nice ride.

Almost Flawless, Day 59

I ran 15 minutes today. I'm not quiet at 6 miles an hour which is where I need to be if I want to meet my goal of 5K in 30, but hopefully I'll get there.

Today was the first day I actually felt good about my swimming. I'm nervous cause I won't hit the water again for a week and I don't want to loose my rhythm. I swam freestyle for 19 lengths, and did the breast stroke for one. I wasn't as tired as usual and I felt like I had a good steady pace. I'm so excited. Now I know I can do this.

Good swimming on day 60

My biking was a little slower than last time. I don't know if that's because I had it on a higher level or what. But my swimming was a lot better. I did three whole lengths in a row without much of a struggle. I can't really turn my head right when I come up for breathe. Weird, that that's my biggest struggle. Oh, I need to get a suit.

Done Early on Day 61

Today I ran a wooping 11 minutes. One mile to be exact. Then I walked another half a mile. Next I was on to my swim. I wore the little hair cover thing today. I bet I looked like such a geek. But I didn't have to wash my hair when I showered today. I swam 4 heats of 5x25. I really feel like I'm becoming a better swimmer.

To help me keep up on my workouts I wrote out a calendar on our fridge's white message board, since we never use it for messages. I was going to take a picture of it, but turns out it is all backwards in the photo. Well, my goals are to bike the full 12.4 once a week. Run my 5K in thirty minutes on Sept 6, and start swimming 3 heats of 200 in a couple weeks. I really think these goals will keep me on track.

Day 63, Whole Lotta Swimmin

Today I did another 20 lengths in the pool. I tried doing reps of five. Some training advice I read said it's best to do 5x25 as fast as you can. But I could only do 5x25 one time. Then I was pooped, so I lollie gagged the next 15 laps.

I'm a little disappointed in myself this week. I only did about half the work out I had hoped for. I better do better next week, no excuses.

Been slacking off, Day 64

I missed the last couple of days because I wasn't feeling good. And I would have missed today if Ben hadn't encouraged me to go running for a little bit. The sad thing is I could only do about 13 minutes! AHHHH, what have I done? I'm not in as good a shape as I use to be. Ben and I signed up for a 5K in couple of weeks, so now I have to do some training for that.

Going the Distance

Today I biked the whole 12.4 miles of my Triathlon. I even did it in under 36 minutes. Which is real good considering my goal on race day is 45. And the girl who won last year did it in 34. Now, if I could just reach her time of swimming in 11. Are you kidding?!?!?! I think that is incredible. I do not know how she did it. And she ran 3 miles in 18 minutes. There is no way I'm going to place with people like that running this race with me.

I also lifted some weights to beef up my arms. But now I'm just sore.

2/3 of my laps on day 68

Today I swam 20 laps and I'm not even that tired! I decided I would take all the websites advice and avoid burnout so I'm not going to work out as much each day as I've been trying to. Two days of a good run and a good bike ride ought to be enough. Plus that will make it easier to get in my 4 days of swimming and a couple days of weights. I didn't run the 5K. I want to do one before my Triathlon so hopefully another comes to town. I had to take the Praxis Saturday, get plants for our balcony, and do the grocery shopping. Plus my shoulder hurt from all that swimming, so by 8:00 I just wasn't up for a 5K. Maybe later.

Half my laps

Yesterday I biked and swam. I biked 9.5 miles in 30 mins, which is right on track with my goals. The more amazing part is that I swam 15 lengths of the pool, which is approximately half my triathlon. Granted I stopped and rested at the end of each length. But just the fact that I could do it says something exciting. I think I might run a 5K today. Wish me luck!

Day 72, A Lot of Basketball

I didn't work out today because I had to finish Water for Elephants. I couldn't put it down. But I still got a lot of running in, with a good two hours of Basketball. I love Thursday night Basketball. The girls I play with are are so fun.

Day 73. A little of everything.

I was so lazy today. I didn't do anything but read and sleep until about 2:00. Then I finally decided to get my workout in before I had to go to Basketball practice. So I ran 20 mins and biked 30. Went to practice, came home, ate dinner, and got a quick swim in before the night was over. Ben and I figured I have to get up to about 30 laps in the pool to equal my 750m swim. Doesn't sound so bad, but as for right now, I can hardly do two. It's just so hard to breathe. I get so out of breathe. Practice Practice Practice.

I'm going to die . . . Day 74

I don't know why I ever stopped working out. Being too busy is no excuse. I just love the way I feel after a good sweat. I started today with a 30 min bike ride. Our new gym is really nice. I rode a random hill setting. I was making good time. I slowed down a bit on the last half, but I still figured I could have gone 12.4 miles in about 45 minutes. But then I went swimming. That's a whole nother story. I was hoping I'd be able to swim for a good 15 minutes before I wore myself out. I made it 5! I was shocked. So I took a little break. And then made it another 10. But I am still pooped almost an hour later. My arms are really sore in two different spots, so I'll have to find some weight machines that strengthen my muscles in that area. I am just not a good swimmer. I really worked on my breast stroke. I think I finally have the hang of it. After I was done I watched a guy who was really good and I took a few notes for next time.

Well, I think I am going to sign up for my Triathlon today. I am so excited! It will be such a great accomplishment. I have work out goals all lined up in my head. Hope it goes as planned

Slacker!

I've been such a slacker lately. I haven't worked out at all. Unless you count riding bikes downtown with my friends. But other than that, that's all I've done in two weeks. Two weeks! But we are moving tomorrow and then I swear I'm back on the wagon. By the end of this month I'll be running 20 mins, riding 40 and swimming one full lap!

Day 92, slow mow

Today I ran for four songs (which usually seems to equate 15 minutes). I seemed to run a lot slower than when I'm on the treadmill. I'll have to work on that. I swam, but it was more recreational than not. It sure was fun though.

Day 94, All three

Today I ran another 15 minutes straight. I love it! Then I biked 25 minutes. And then I went swimming. I used my goggles and my nose plug and told Ben it's the first time in my life I swam with my head down. He's worried for me now. But I was surprised by how straight I went, and how tired I got. I've got a long way to go. But I'm up for it!

Kim's in.

Day 95, Heartburn Baby.

Tonight was a good work out for me. I decided I would do 15 minutes of running, which is more than I usually do (I usually just run at least a mile but that only takes about 10 minutes). I thought is was going to kill me when at minute 12 I started to get serious heartburn, but I hung in there and finished the whole 15. By the end I was really glad I did it. I decided to go right from that to my bike ride. I still did 25 minutes there. My calves started to hurt and my feet went numb but overall the bike ride was pretty mild. I did my 100 sit ups after that and then walked 10 minutes on the treadmill to cool down. I wanted to walk a full half hour so I could watch The Office (we don't have cable like they do in the gym) but I was too sweaty and ready for bed.

Marie said she was in on the Triathlon. So we will probably sign up tomorrow. I also invited an old roommate, Kim Webb Martin; and I'm still waiting on my sister-in-law Mel. I hope they both are in. It's going to be so fun.

Day 96

I didn't get as much done today as I would have liked. I just biked for 25 minutes and did my 100 sit ups. But I biked at a faster pace than usual. I used the endurance button instead of fat burner, and surprisingly enough the machine said I burnt more calories that way. I was going to run to the store afterward but it is rainy. So I'll have to run to Harris Teeter (that's like the Albertson's of the East) in the morning. 96 days to go until the big run!

The Great Decision

I'd like to thank . . .







two of my best friends from the good old days. Marie and Dee, they are the ones who gave me this idea and really made me feel like I can do it. We'll have to write a book and call it a Cheerleader, a Runner, and a Basketball player - All Turn to Tri.

And of course I have to thank Ben cause he is so supportive verbally . . . and financially. Well, I make most the money (for now) but he's letting me spend so much on swim gear, Triathlon clothing, a new road bike, and possibly (he doesn't know this yet) new running shoes. As he told me today, "You better do more than one since we're getting you all this stuff." And hopefully I will.

The plan . . .

If you read my main blog you know I'm trying to talk Marie and Mel into doing this with me. And you also know I've already been working out an hour everyday. What you don't know is that I work the treadmill for 25 minutes, then I do 100 sit ups, and then I ride the bike for 25 minutes. I'm going to have to add some weights and a lot of swimming to that work out. And I'm going to have to do better on my run. Right now I can only go about a 1 mile, maybe 1 and 1/2, at a time. I throw in some up hill speed walking and a lot of half lap sprint running. I need to work on speed.

The goals . . .

* I want to lose 35 lbs. (inspired by my sister-in-law Laura).
* I want to eat better.
* Swim the 750m in 30 min, bike the 20K in 45 min, and run the 5K in 30 min for a total time of 1 hour and 45 min.

Do you think I can do it?