Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Saddle Sore!


Warning - Maybe TMI but most (tri)athletes are usually okay with this!

So it has been less than a week since the session has ended and I hopped on my chopper for a 25+ mile group ride out of Newington Bike. I alligned myself with the B group and shot off like a cannon out of the gates. By the first five miles my bum, or more accurately my "lady parts" were killing me. This seat that Lee so generously lent me is just not correct for me and this is the most time I've spent on it, on the road. For some reason my time on the trainer did not bother me.

This ride, "Toll Gate plus Norton" took us out of Newington, through Berlin, Kensington and probably some other towns that I was not aware of. The route was very similar to the Wednesday night Cycling Concepts ride. This group split up alot and only regrouped once, too early. By the end, riders were straggling in and it was not a group at all. I was definately sucking some wind on some hills, though, and am glad I'm not tackling the Barkhamsted hill loop with Julia this Sunday. I need to resolve this saddle issue and get some more road time in first.

I did get to the shop early before the group ride to test out the ISM Adamo seat that all my girlfriends have been raving about. I only rode it for about 10 minutes but (no pun intended) I didn't love it. After the ride I befriended a girl (a HEATster) and I hopped on her ride to test her saddle and I loved it! It was just a regular looking seat with no cutouts and a flared back section for the sit-bones. Her name was Caryn and she and I are both doing the Mass State Oly Tri in July. She seemed super nice so I'll have to look her up. That's always the fun thing about group rides-meeting new people.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Still Alive and Pretty Well

Hey People!

I have still been training but am no longer officially with Max. I've bought a house so had to direct some monthly expenditures at that venture! Between that and my crazy work schedule I have been doing some training but not to the tune I would like. Did ya'll catch the news about the decrease to hunting & fishing licenses in the newspaper recently? That was all me....

Anyways with Timberman 120 days away and the end of the session slated for May 5th I'm back in full action mode. I even bought myself a Garmin and am eagerly awaiting its delivery in tomorrow's mail.

Hope everyone has been well and I look forward to catching up with you!!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Deadlifts

Six Singles Deadlifts

115-115-125-135-135-145

Monday, March 8, 2010

20k Bike TT

20k Bike TT
Result: 46:15
Average MPH 15.8


Set the trainer up in the porch with the windows and door open. Don't like my seat, must find a more comfy one!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

AMRAP & Bike

20 box jumps, 5 push presses, 10 burpees AMRAP 15 mins

Did 5+ rounds in 15 minutes, including running out of the weight area into a burpee-suitable area. Once again, almost smashing into equipment and people enroute. They love me at my gym!

Going to hit the bike now for 4 rounds of 5k, decreasing speed/increasing effort. Have a 30mi ride planned through a meetup.com group out through Bloomfield, Tarrifville, Windsor, etc. Super excited to get out there - supposed to be in the 50's!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

45 Min Run

45 Min Run, Result = 3.81 Miles

Two days after the 10k race, and yesterday's run/kettlebell combo I am pretty sore and told Max I wanted to switch out today's planned 45 min run for a 700m swim planned for later in the week. After Coach made some very poignant statements, and I did a little soul-searching, I hit the treadmill.

Again, I'm overdressed. Had tights on, because I wanted to run outside, but couldn't find my sports watch. REALLY need to get that Garmin I have my eye on! I plugged into the NYSC boobtube and off I go!

It wasn't pretty but I got'er done! thanks to some classic rock and a Bruins game. (Still hate the Bruins, GO WHALERS!)

My right pirformis is baaaaack, and I should ice it tonight. I so love icing my butt :)

Anyways, I'm pleased with my performance and glad Max had me rethink my almost swaping out WODs. Thanks, Max!! I believe in myself a little more after today

Run, KettleBell, PullUps

Run .25mi, 21 KB swings, 12 pullups
Three times, for time

Result: 18:29
(time includes running between stations)


The first round was good, second round tough, and third round killer - had to switch to a lighter KB to maintain form. Again, looked like a nut running from my treadmill/KB station all the way around the gym to the gravitron machine and back.


Had that pukey feeling again at the end and was beet purple at the end. Hobbled out of the gym and could barely make it down the stairs to the lobby. Proudly wore my Hyannis shirt out to the car....

Monday, March 1, 2010

Race Report-Hyannis 10k


Race Report - Hyannis 10k (6.2 miles)
Result: 1hour, 10 mins


Got to the race site early to get a parking spot and was very grateful to have an indoor place to wait around. The race expo had tons of merchandise, indoor ladies rooms, coffee, Cabot cheese samples, 30th anniversary Hyannis Marathon posters, and the race t-shirts are really nice long-sleeves. I mean it is all about the shirts, right?

The starting line was chaos. We lined up by pace, so I made my way back to the 10 minute sign and eagerly awaited the starting gun. It was pretty chilly, but NO RAIN. Breakfast was an english muffin with peanut butter, water, and black coffee. Oh, and a double-espresso.

Despite my initial fears of a wind-driven, soaking rain, it ended up being what I consider ideal conditions! The weather held off, but it was still rather chilly waiting around outside for the race to start. I had on tights, an Under Armour compression turtleneck, my Brooks nightlife floursecent yellow running jacket (thanks, Santa!), a wicking Asics hat, and some gloves.

The starting siren went off and it took me two minutes plus to cross the starting line. Hynannis streets are very narrow and it was somewhat difficult to navigate the pack of 5,200+ for the first mile or so. By the first mile, the hat and gloves came off and I wonder how much measurable time I lost fiddling with my outfit.

I also ran with my iPod which I did not do at the Ironhorse 10k, my only other 10k that I did in 2009. When I was part of the FleetFeet running group, they always discouraged running with music so you could “listen to your body”. I can do either, but for some reason felt it was kind of a security blanket thing for me, a friendly companion. Did I loose time fiddling with this, too (eventhough I only got it out of my pocket once to change a song or turn down the volume)?

Anyways, I saw the first mile marker, which was a tiny orange cone and then didn’t see another mile marker the whole time! I was definitely looking for them, too. One of the volunteers was calling them out at mile 4 and I was pleasantly surprised at my progress at that point. Mile 5 started a gradual uphill but I cranked my arms and tried to do my best to finish strong. The very last part, turning into the hotel -the last .1 or so through the finish chute, was pretty challenging up an incline, but I heard the announcer call out my name and hometown and I was done!

I scared a few young girls as I had a few dry heaves as I walked it off (not sure what that was all about – the near puking) but I got my meadal, my bottled water and hit the car for the hotel. I couldn’t get those cold, wet clothes off fast enough and was shivering pretty badly. It was also a rough ride home and I should have stretched more before the long ride home. A hot bath later and I’m good to go.

My 1:10 result is 6 minutes slower than last year’s Ironhorse 10k but 6 minutes isn’t that far off. Back to the gym tonight! Thanks for reading

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Remember Me?


I have been out due to a two-week migraine. I am not exaggerating and I am not a hypochrondriac. I have barely been able to function at my job let alone training. This disease is invisible to the naked eye...

I did manage to get out during this time for a 5 mile run and a random bike ride on one of those bright, chilly weekend days. Slowly getting accustomed to the aerobars on the road and look forward to actual road time once nicer weather comes around.

Must get neoprene booties!

Anyways, I have been under the care of my neurologist and have a new medication which has gotten me out from under the hole I've been in.

Back in full swing!! ONLY SIX MONTHS TO GO

Hyannis 10k is this weekend and the forecast is calling for a cold rain - awesome. I prefer snow but hey, what doesn't kill you makes you a tougher half Ironwoman.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Still Need to Shovel

and I updated my blog from this morning

just sayin - when you just edit a post on here I don't think it comes up to the top of the queue on the "dashboard"

Have a great night faithful readers and CrossFitters, alike!

Updated WODs Feb 16th

Feb 16th

20 min run distance: 1.87 miles, dreadmill

10! (Descending reps starting with 10 - 10, 9, 8, 7, etc.) of box jumps, burpees, & situps - plan doesn't say for time so I'll just concentrate on form and keep a good tempo. I didn't time it (Max I didn't see your email until I got home just now) but I couldn't have given it any more effot; nearly puked.

One trainer at the gym asked me if I was okay. I muttered "never better" with a smile and another trainer told me "great job today". It's always the burpees that gets people's attention.

Showered and then suited up for WOD 3 of the day. Yeah, that's right.

I have one of those endless days at work tomorrow so I just plan on doing my 250 lunges before work and wanted to get my 500 swim out of the way. Didn't have my stop watch on me and so again, off I went untimed. Busted out the 20 laps and hit the hot tub for a well-earned soak and steam. The lady I had to share a lane with today had QUITE the 'tude (and her stroke was painful for the eye to see; I used to hate that about lifeguarding - watching ugly swim strokes)

Sitting pretty on the couch now, waiting for the snow to taper, so I can hit WOD #4, shoveling. Yes, I'll be really careful shoveling :)

'nite all

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Nice Run Today


Headed out for a nice 5 miler today and finished in about 52 minutes - not too shabby! It was SO nice to get out there...inhaled way too much exhaust though. Must find routes less traveled.

Feeling good with Hyannis 10k coming up in two weeks!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Side Effects May Include Weight Gain

So I've gained 30lbs in the past year and I've also started a new medicine within this same period (Lexapro 10mg). My neurologist prescribed this to me to help with the stress-related migraines that creep up upon me during the really intense days here at the State Capitol where I am a budget analyst. If you haven't heard, state finances are not really in good shape lately. Days during the legislative session can be up to 15-17 hours, and I have 187 bosses (the legislators), plus the internal ones.

Anyways, I take two prescriptions everyday as migraine preventatives. One is a seizure drug, Topomax, which is a really strong drug and can cause hair loss, forgotten words (they call it "Dopo-Max" because you can lose yourself mid-sentence) and side-effects "may include headache"!? Are you kidding me? I am taking this for MIGRAINE. This drug hasn't caused me to lose any of my hair, and has helped the migraines dramatically, so I deal with the tingly hands & feet and the way it makes carbonated beverages (seltzer water & beer) taste rancid. Luckily I don't get too dopey from it and can remember most of my words :)

This Lexapro, has got to GO, however. I will not put up with THIRTY POUNDS of gained weight from this poison and at this point would rather deal with extra migraines. I train like a MAD MAX and am eating in the Zone and haven't lost a SINGLE pound. How SUPER frustrating and even embarassing! People that know me at the gym and know that I'm training for this half-Ironman must think I'm a sloth. I really don't care about what people think, it's affecting my performance and my motivation.

I care about all this extra weight that I have to drag around in the pool, pedal up hills, and jiggle behind me as a trudge along in my extra-supportive running shoes. I know it took a whole year for this weight to creep on, and it won't come off as soon as I wean myself off this drug (yes, I'll notify my neurologist) but it's really got me way down in the dumps. The legislative session means dressing up for work again and all of my fancy work clothes and suits don't fit!

Great idea to start this blog, Coach. I've gotten this off my chest, and won't let it stop me anymore. I haven't trained in two days because I've been so down about this. Time to get back on the horse and get over it. Thanks for reading.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Row & Kettlebells


Row 500m, 50 kettlebell swings (20# KB), Row 500m, 40 kettlebell swings, Row 500m, 30kettlebell swings, Row 500m, 20 kettlebell swings, Row 500m

I was afraid someone was going to walk into the deadly path of my swings!

Love this workout. Doing the 800m swim tonight. My hips were pretty sore after this (the bursitis feeling, not the pirformis feeling) and I treated myself to a nice, hot Epsom salt bath which helped tremendously.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Made Hotel Reservation for Half-Ironman!

http://firesideinngilford.com/index.htm

(I don't know why the "insert link" feature on this blog template doesn't work)

It's becoming more and more real. It'll be nice to check out on Monday and not have to worry about checking out the morning of the race.

Now we can enjoy some of the festivities after the race. I'm especially looking forward to the New England Lobster Bake!

Run 5k

Got up before work this morning since today begins my long hours

Was super stiff this morning and my hips were achey from three days straight of thrusters and squats. I should have also ran outside because my old deamons of treadmill running (mental games) didn't help either. I barely eaked out the 3.1 miles at a lousy 35 minutes. I was running 28 min 5k's last summer and I'm way stronger now so I know I can do better.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Row & Dumbell Thrusters Feb 1st

Happy February!

Row 500m, 10# dumbbell thrusters (21 reps) x 3
10:43


Wore bike gloves but my hands still are ripping apart! Washing my hair should be fun

Tomorrow morning starts the gym before work because the legislative session is starting at the state capitol in Hartford and that means 13 weeks of grueling work hours for me. Looking forward to the 5k in the morning since it doesn't involve any squatting! Phew...

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Fran



So I went to checkout the new facility at CrossFit Central CT on Newfield Street on the West Hartford/Hartford line. They have a nice new box there!

I walked in and asked if we could do Fran today and they looked at me like I was nuts :)

WARMUP
Row 500m
3 sets of:
dynamics
mountain climbers
slamball
shoulder triplets
squat jumps

Fran

21-15-9 reps
35# thrusters & pushups*
8:58

Squatted down onto a medicine ball at the low point of the thrusters because we all know that friends don't let friends squat shallow! I have a really hard time getting back onto/pushing up through my heels and especially yesterday after running the 10% incline, my quads were super dominant and hammys were tight.

*I subbed pushups (knees) because my hands were a leaky, blistery mess after a kipping pullup lesson by Duffy & Deavon.

Off to a funeral mass now for a childhood friend who took her own life. She was a junior snowboarding olympian and the first female snowboard instructor at Ski Sundown back in the day. RIP Amy Rose.

Bike 60 min TT later to come!

Friday, January 29, 2010

I'm Back Baby! I'm Back... (George Costanza)

Yesterday I first did the 5x5 deadlifts.

Three sets at 135 and then tried 155. Too much; it compromised my form. Back to 135for the remaining sets (no pun intended). Felt great to be back and didn't even notice that my hands were nearly a bloody mess by the end.

Later on to the trainer. Stand, sit intervals - 2 min up, 1 min off x 10. Distance traveled 6.19 miles - fun workout!

Today the treadmill workout was 10% incline, 1 min on, 1 min off at two min slower than 10K pace. That ended up being 4.6 MPH and 13:02 min miles. Hills are fun! Right hip is a little achey afterwards, though.

HeyHo! Let's Go!! Stoked to be back in action and the start of the legislative session is next week; I'm ready.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

24 Jan I'm Sick!

I have a head cold and am not up for 10k after skiing yesterday. I hit Suburban Pharmacy for some nasal spray, instead. A hot shower can only help so much. A humidifier is in my near future-that or moving the bed so my head's not near the heat vent.

Don't worry, Max, my sister is all over me, saying I should be out there, but I have a few 10k's in my future soon enough.

22 Jan WOD

Row 500m, run .25 miles (400m) 5x for time: 25:14

Felt good despite cold coming on.

Rested a little while then did the next day's thrusters since I knew I'd be downhill skiing with a few friends from Conard High School. Did various weight amounts since the prescribed 45# was just too much. Broke the 30 reps into sets of 5's; the entire set of 30 probably took about 2-3 minutes. Settled on a few sets with the 35# bar and then a few sets with the 30# bar. Thrusters are such strong movements and are very empowering~love them!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Ladies Goggle Review

I've had issues with leaky goggles since I was a kid.

I'm probably just a wuss, but whatever. I wear contacts and it's a real pain when turning your head to the side and a gush of chlorinated water rushes into your contact lense.

http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/17687.htm

This femme-specific, small swim mask is it! There are no more excuses to stop and empty out the goggles. I recommend it highly.

Happy lap counting

20 Jan WOD

20 Box jumps, 20 pushups, 20 situps, run 1 mile ~ TWO TIMES*

All of the treadmills were being used by the second round so I rowed 10 mins. (because I run about 10 min. miles and that came out to 2,096 meters). TOTAL TIME 18:03.

* forgot to do the 20 squats so I banged those out at home separately.


SWIM 500M ~ new goggles are awesome! No leakage. About 14 minutes...pool was crowded and I actually used my lifeguarding skills and saved a little girl who wandered off the step during her swim lesson.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

I'm In The Zone


This is pretty easy! Definately will take some Sunday prep for the week, but I am used to doing that anyways.

I am going to like being in THE ZONE!!

Here is my refined block schedule....

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Four One-Mile Repeats

NYSC has two new treadmills, called the Woodway http://www.woodway.com/index.html which is supposed to be for "the long run". I was only doing my four one-mile repeats the other day but decided to use this new equipment anyways. It did have more give than the regular treadmills so I'll run on it a few times and see how I like it.

Results of Mile Repeats, resting 8 mins in between:

1st Mile: 0.5% Incline, 10:05 mins
2nd Mile: 1.0% Incline, 10:57 mins
3rd Mile: 1.0% Incline, 10:44 mins
4th Mile: 1.0% Incline: 11:06 mins

Incline kills!

I went skiing the yesterdat at Stratton in VT, the day after the mile repeats. We did lots of hard runs and my quads were screaming! My hips (especially left hip) was really sore after running, then skiiing, but feels 100% fine today, so that's good news.

Zone Nutrition



Max emailed recently and said if we really wanted to get the full experience, we'd (Team TriMax athletes) better commit FULLY to the Zone lifestyle of eating. Proper nutrition is my weakest discipline of triathlon, even more so than running! Again, it's really just a mental block (no pun intended). It's really pretty simple, if I plan accordingly.

I've struggled with my weight for most of my adult life (always a skinny kid), being about 35lbs overweight currently. I am also a yo-yo'er, which means I have several sizes of pants in my closet ~ not cool. Lost 30lbs last year on Weight Watchers, just to gain it all back. Super frustrating and not healthy. I am a former Weight Watchers gal and counted "points" which is why I think I have this perverse aversion to counting Zone blocks. I think in my mind it is too much like a diet and not something I'll be able to do forever because it seems so high maintenance, doing all of this measuring and counting of units.

All it really takes for success on the Zone, I think, is planning ~ planning out the next days meals. I've done it before on WW, and I can do it again. This time I have a very important end goal (Timberman!) so why am I not as committed to the Zone as I am to my WODs? This is important!!! I have a four-day weekend ahead of me, so I am going to plan out my meals for the week ahead and not look back.

Training, Recovery AND Nutrition are all equally important and I've been putting all of my efforts into training and recovery. Ignoring the third factor of the trifecta will not help me be the best person I can be on August 22nd. Plus, who will want to look back on all those pictures in that unforgiving tri-suit?! Good luck to anyone trying to incorporate the Zone or perfect their blocks!

The plan seen here is for the first month, Jan 16th through Feb 16th.








Monday, January 11, 2010

I Love Deadlifts

They are so empowering and make me feel strong! Love lifting heavy weights with the big boys!!

Sooo Little Time!

So I haven't updated my blog but that doesn't mean I haven't been doing my training!!

I barely get on the computer ("devil box") over the weekend (I use weekends to unplug) and I really shouldn't be blogging at work, so that will leave me very little time to blog. I barely have time to fit in all off my WOD's, pack the gym back, pack the day's meals, etc. that this is going to prove VERY difficult to keep up with.

I will blog when I can, but rest assured, when I am not blogging, I am WODing and plodding through the life of a triathlete.

Stay tuned!

Friday, January 8, 2010

Jan 8 WOD

4pm at NYSC - Blue Back Square - any other Team TriMax members workout here? Would be fun to CrossFit together and roll some heads!


Anyways, the workout was run .13 mi, rest for that time, run .25 mi, rest that time, run .5 mi, rest for that time and back down. 100% effort and 1% incline.

This was certainly not boring on the dreadmill (at least I scored one at the gym-the resolutioners take Friday off)! I rocked out to the "running" playlist on my 1st Gen iPod and with my lime green Pearl Izumi's, away I went! Everything felt great (right pirformis, too!) and I even tried to incorporate some gravity and CrossFit running technique. My MPH cranked up to 7.0 for a while and the workout/rest was over in 19:13.


I'm going to hammer out tomorrow's 12.4 mi bike tonight too, because I'm headed to the bike shop in the 'morn with a gift certificate from John and I'll probably need to leave her there. I've also decided today to sign up for the Hyannis 10K at the end of February. We're going to bring the dog and make a little weekend out of it. It's a little soon to be doing this distance, but what the heck! It's hard to find 10k races...why is that?

2010 Race Schedule

February 28 Hyannis 10k http://www.hyannismarathon.com

March 20 5 Mile Shamrock Run, Bristol http://bristolct.net/roadraces/shamrockrun.asp

April 3 Greater Hartford 1/4 Marathon (6.55 Miles), http://hartfordtrackclub.org/quarter_marathon.shtml

May 30 IronHorse Half Marathon, Simbury http://www.hartfordmarathon.com/

June 19 Pat Griskus Olympic Tri, Quassy http://www.patgriskustri.com/oly.htm

August 22 TIMBERMAN!

Jan 7th WOD

"Max" Deadlifts - Took it a bit easy at 145# for all reps - back STILL a bit sore
Tabata Bike - :20 secs on/:10 secs off x32 distance traveled 3.55 miles

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Daily Food Log

Thurs 7 Jan

8am ~ Steel cut oats, tsp. honey; black coffee; water
12pm ~ salad: baby greens, pork roast, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, olive oil
12: 45 ~ clementine
Going out to Wood-n-tap with work at 3pm. Must plan ahead! What to order?
http://woodntap.com/menus.htm
3pm ~ sweet potato fries, one pale ale
6pm ~ Grilled pork chops, steamed green beans

Friday 8 Jan
8am ~ 2 eggs with ham & green peppers, 1/2 c. steel cut oats
12:30 ~ Cosi Cobb salad, sherry shallot vinigrette, slice multi-grain bread
6pm~2 tacos: ground beef, tomatos, lettuce, lots of water

Jan 6th Migraine

On Tuesday Jan 5th, I left the office early for the vet's office for meds for my lab's IBD. As I approached my exit (exit 43 WH Center) on I-84 there was a rollover accident right in front of me. I found myself sprinting down the slow lane in my high heels towards the overturned truck. We managed to help the lady out of the vehicle and I left the scene as EMS arrived. I continued onto the vet's office, then to run errands with my sister, and then finally to the gym without having proper nutrition.

http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-web-west-hartford-crash-0106.artjan06,0,1779952.story

For breakfast that day I had steelcut oats around 8:30am, lunch was a salad with eggs for protein and olive oil for dressing around 2pm. Not smart! I arrived at the gym with plans of completing the 5k run that I never did from a few days before and ALL 35 or so treadmills were in use by the New Year's Resolution crowd! So annoying!!! Being so proud of myself that I had my swimsuit in my bag, I hit the pool for the next day's planned 800 swim. I completed the swim with goggle issues and stopped a few times to fix the eyes. Again, very annoying and I need to solve this goggle issue so it doesn't become an excuse to stop. Since I wear contacts it is something I cannot ignore.

Yesterday I was totally out of commission with a nasty, nasty migraine and was in bed virtually ALL day. It was horrible. This migraine may have been precipitated by the severe stress of Tuesday's car accident, poor nutrition, and poor swim warm up. Recognizing these triggers is half of the battle, but I was very bummed to miss the kettlebell, rowing workout as that is my favorite!! Anyways, I will keep going forward and today will tackle the deadlift and tabata bike. Also nursing a very sore neck which I think is residual from the migraine and for being horizontal for so long yesterday.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Fundraising

I'm fundraising for the Mirgraine Research Foundation as part of my Timberman journey.......http://www.firstgiving.com/marcypicano

I've had migraines for over 10 years and it can be really distruptive to everyday life and training.

Is My Bike Computer Right?!?!

Last night on the bike trainer, I actually got off and checked all the wires on my new Cateye computer to make sure there weren't any glaring malfunctions. Is everything hooked up correctly? Am I reading the correct output unit for distance covered (although I need my headlamp on to read the damned TINY display)? Did I really only just travel the equivalent of seven miles in my dark, dingy basement? Time seems to pass so slowly down there! I do have my iPod on; maybe it's because my eyes have nothing to focus on. I must conjure up some mental fortitude and grow a pair and stick out my prescribed time/mileage if I am ever going to finish this race in the allotted time. I can't just get off the bike and quit because I'm bored. Like Max said, I should be writhing in pain, not just cruising along for a Sunday ride in the country. Must....pick....up.....the......pace!!

Am I Crazy? Am I Good Enough for a Coach?



Am I nuts for only having completed sprint distance triathlons before (not even any Olympic distance tris) before signing up for a half-Ironman? To add to this craziness, I work for the legislature, and when we're in session (this year February until early May) I may be working 15 hour days! When will I fit in the training? A lot of days call for a morning workout AND an evening training session!! Oh well, I signed up for this - I WANT to do this, so I guess it'll all fall into place.

Am I even good enough to warrant a real coach? This guy, Max, is a top-notch professional who coaches WINNERS in full distance Ironman events.


Who am I to be in the same email distribution lists as these powerhouses? I am *so* not worthy! Thanks, Max, for taking on the underlings such as myself and giving us the power to believe. Anything is possible! Even making the cutoff time at Timberman and possibly not being THE very last person to cross the finish line come 8*22*10.

Stuck Indoors

January is upon us in Connecticut and that means short hours of daylight, icy streets, and very cold temperatures. I don't know why that seems to be a problem, however, because I complain when it's too hot also.

Today's WOD calls for a 5k run. Since I have errands to run after work with a friend, it'll have to be the dreadmill tonight at the gym. I emailed Max today that I've been struggling mentally with all of this indoor training and he reminded me that I should be exerting myself so much that I shouldn't have the time or energy to get bored. My quads are still sore from a gazillion box jumps the other day that this run will be interesting. The incline on the treadmill always seems harder than the natural incline of the street but if I want Timberman enough, I'll make tonight's dreadmill workout HAPPEN! Of course, I could have gotten up early and then I'd be done already......I used to run 3.1 miles like it was nothing but these days, I am just struggling a bit. Sore back from shoveling out of the first snow storm (a week before Christmas), and just sore all over from CF WOD's but thankgod for the hottub at the gym!

Today's 5K Time: _______
Treadmill Incline: 1%

So I've Started a Blog......


My triathlon coach, Max, suggested I start a blog to track my half-Ironman journey; the Timberman 70.3 which will be held in August of 2010 at Lake Winnipesaukee, NH.

Here's a few acronyms, terms, and some "industry" lingo that the casual reader will need to navigate this highly exciting blog and world of tri:

WOD: "Workout of the Day" ~ A CrossFit term that generally means any given day's workout. WOD's generally kick the shit out of you and leave you on the floor in a pool of your own sweat and sometimes defeat and sometimes tears.

70.3 ~ the cumulative distance of the half-Ironman {1.2 mile swim; 56 mile bike; 13.1 mile run}

CrossFit ~ constantly varied, high- intensity, functional movement. CrossFit increases work capacity across broad time and modal domains —the “sport of fitness.” http://www.crossfit.com/
CrossFit gyms, like http://www.crossfitcentralct.com/ usually reside in nondescript, box-type, non-frilly environments. There are no mirrors, egos, or meatheads trying to pick up chicks. There is just alot of really, really hard work and enthusiasm for fitness. You run with sandbags around buildings, jump up on giant truck tires, and do old school moves like pullups, pushups, and situps. CrossFit is the fundamental strength conditioning method my coach has me using for my half-Ironman training.