Saturday, Cinco de Mayo, I started by day off with a very early BRick (a Bike + Run). It was a tough bike ride for me (only 10 miles) since it was the first real time I was on my bike. (5mi bike rides don't count) I realize I'm behind for sure. I didn't realize though, how severely my allergies were reacting, which is probably what made it even tougher.
After a non-alcoholic Cinco de Mayo party, I came home and was in bed by 11pm. Sunday, I woke up, and couldn't feel my face because my sinuses had gone bonkers with my allergies, and no longer wanted to function. I ended up staying home from work on Monday, skipping swim and run this week, and today (thursday) was the first day I felt moderately okay enough to do a 20minute workout this morning, but I was still winded. I'm still phlegmy and congested, but I know I have to try to let it not all go to waste.
How am I going to be able to get up to 4 hours in less than 8 week? Pray for me!!!
-S
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Things are finally beginning to click...
Things are finally beginning to click -- they really are. Monday's swim was pretty good, when I finally learned to scull. One of the coaches had to physically walk me through the correct motion of sculling (literally, taking control of my wrists and walking me through the motion, lol) and I was able to do it! Sculling thus far has been the skill lesson that I like to avoid the most, as its painful slow to get up and down the pool, but now it feels like I know what I'm supposed to be doing.
Yesterday's run was another great run. We did approximately 4 miles, which included 4 loops (or 2miles total) of the Great Lawn. I did the loops nonstop, and only stopped once on the way back to Columbus Circle because I was feeling a little claustrophobic with a pack of runners all around me, but I was back and at it in a second! I'd say we ran for about 50 minutes total, with another 30minutes of stretching and talking.
Go team!
Yesterday's run was another great run. We did approximately 4 miles, which included 4 loops (or 2miles total) of the Great Lawn. I did the loops nonstop, and only stopped once on the way back to Columbus Circle because I was feeling a little claustrophobic with a pack of runners all around me, but I was back and at it in a second! I'd say we ran for about 50 minutes total, with another 30minutes of stretching and talking.
Go team!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Officially registered! See you July 8th!
I'm now officially registered for the NYC Triathlon on July 8th, and I'm inspired to backfill my blog of all my training-related thoughts to date. Before I do that though, I wanted to mention exactly why I'm feeling inspired by the fact that people actually read this stuff.I included my blog URL with my triathlon registration. No big deal, right? No one ever reads that stuff! Wrong.I opened up my email this morning to a message from the traithlon director. He's a big deal, and I've now heard him speak twice about the race and his Team In Training experience (and how he met his wife through it!). And yes, I went and found a picture of him for my blog :)
Here it is:
------------------
Subject: Triathlon #2! and your blog
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for entering your second New York City Triathlon. Great blog but don’t work out with a sinus infection!
Let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you July 8th in the Hudson.
Happy spring training!
John Korff
Korff Enterprises
Organizers of the New York City Triathlon (http://www.nyctri.com)
Organizers of the Ironman U.S. Championship (http://ironmanuschampionship.com)
------------------
My sinus infection is finally clearing up this week (that lasted waaaaay too long this year), and I'm really getting some good workouts in. I'll update you all soon, but this message from John really inspired me!
Here it is:
------------------
Subject: Triathlon #2! and your blog
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for entering your second New York City Triathlon. Great blog but don’t work out with a sinus infection! Let me know if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you July 8th in the Hudson.
Happy spring training!
John Korff
Korff Enterprises
Organizers of the New York City Triathlon (http://www.nyctri.com)
Organizers of the Ironman U.S. Championship (http://ironmanuschampionship.com)
------------------
My sinus infection is finally clearing up this week (that lasted waaaaay too long this year), and I'm really getting some good workouts in. I'll update you all soon, but this message from John really inspired me!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Great run!
Fantastic run tonight! We ran about 4.5miles, which included a loop of the Central Park Reservoir! Am feeling pumped about the fact that I did not walk once! So very pleased with myself and ready for another great workout next week!I now understand why people love running around the reservoir. The setting sun is fantastic to run to.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Spring allergies vs. The Big Bad Pool
I was in San Francisco last week for a work conference, and I definitely have been affected by being in 3 climates in the last 2 weeks. I got home on Thursday late night, and went to the doctor on Friday morning. Its probably the worst sinus infection I've gotten in the 10+ years I've lived in New York.
Regardless of how my head, throat, chest, and ears felt, I was thrilled to hit the water on Monday. I really felt good with how I'm progressing with my swim, and I felt like I could swim the race at a pretty good pace. We did about 15minutes of a continuous swim (a "snake swim") where we snaked our way up and down the alternate lanes of the pull, working our way over and back. I swam about a pool and a half in the allotted time, and felt really good about myself. Wish I felt better about my running and biking! Have to get my bike tuned up at some point soon...
Regardless of how my head, throat, chest, and ears felt, I was thrilled to hit the water on Monday. I really felt good with how I'm progressing with my swim, and I felt like I could swim the race at a pretty good pace. We did about 15minutes of a continuous swim (a "snake swim") where we snaked our way up and down the alternate lanes of the pull, working our way over and back. I swam about a pool and a half in the allotted time, and felt really good about myself. Wish I felt better about my running and biking! Have to get my bike tuned up at some point soon...
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Back for more training!
I went to the late night training session for swimming, and was really pumped to be back in the water. We were working on various skills including swimming without your hands (fists only), and really working on getting a correct stroke, and using our forearms. Today, I'm sore. I also possibly may have fractured my toe. In the excitement of getting time to do 5 minutes continuous in the water, I was really pushing myself and may have kicked the barrier at the very end. My pinky toe is blue today, and I'm hoping the pain goes away.
I'm feeling healthier than I did before Peru, and I think the hike is to thank! At some point I'll post some pictures from the hike to show you exactly how treacherous the rock stairs were!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Baby steps!
Today was the first group run that I was able to attend. It was a great feeling, sprinting across Columbus Circle to join the swarm of people gathered by the main fountain at the entrance of Central Park. It is moments like this that I need to take more time to stop and take in. I am lucky. I have a blessed life, and I live a pretty awesome New York City life. We gathered in the dimming light of a great New York City sunset, with temperatures in the 70s. We completely missed winter, and the weather was beautiful.
Two years ago when I did the triathlon, there was a man named Ken who I used to see at several workouts, and on more than one occasion, spoke about his reason for doing the NYC Triathlon. His daughter was diagnosed with Hodgkin's, and as a family, they competed in the NYC tri, many tri's ago. I don't even know how many triathlons Ken has done at this point, but both he and his daughter are an inspiration. Today, Ken's daughter spoke during the mission moment. She'll be finishing college this year, and promised to come train with us once she was out of school. She called the triathlon a family event. I think its fantastic.
It is really beginning to feel like that for me. My own little NYC family of people of all shapes, sizes, colors, personalities, backgrounds, etc. We all have our stories, and we are all in the triathlon together. While TNT is a great way to get into shape for an event, it really is a whole lot more, and the fundraising is just one part, but a major part of it. We are all blessed with the lives we lead, and for most of us, we are disease free, still experiencing life for all its worth, and have the flexibility to do anything. I'm happy to say that I have personally donated to the cause of LLS, and know that I really am a part of saving lives.
Today, we ran about 30minutes at a slow jog, before stopped in the open parking lot behind what once was the most fantastic location of a NYU semi-formal I went to (Tavern on the Green). Again, more surrealness. We did a half hour of lunges, squats, and baby running steps. (Literally, we ran in place, barely taking our feet of the ground, for a good 10 minutes.) Then we did the same motion, edging forward across the parking lot, looking like a bunch of crazies moving in slow motion horizontally, and yet our feet moving at incredibly fast paces. We focused on relearning what its like to run and our foot placement, and really focused on those small details. This time around, I'm really going to try to be the best I can be. No cutting corners, no partying like a mad woman on a Saturday night and thereby nullifying all the hardwork I would have done that morning. I'm in it, 2012, and I'm going to really invest in myself here. It might take baby steps, and relearning everything I ever thought was right, but I'm really excited about what I can do.
Fun metrics of the day:
Two years ago when I did the triathlon, there was a man named Ken who I used to see at several workouts, and on more than one occasion, spoke about his reason for doing the NYC Triathlon. His daughter was diagnosed with Hodgkin's, and as a family, they competed in the NYC tri, many tri's ago. I don't even know how many triathlons Ken has done at this point, but both he and his daughter are an inspiration. Today, Ken's daughter spoke during the mission moment. She'll be finishing college this year, and promised to come train with us once she was out of school. She called the triathlon a family event. I think its fantastic.
It is really beginning to feel like that for me. My own little NYC family of people of all shapes, sizes, colors, personalities, backgrounds, etc. We all have our stories, and we are all in the triathlon together. While TNT is a great way to get into shape for an event, it really is a whole lot more, and the fundraising is just one part, but a major part of it. We are all blessed with the lives we lead, and for most of us, we are disease free, still experiencing life for all its worth, and have the flexibility to do anything. I'm happy to say that I have personally donated to the cause of LLS, and know that I really am a part of saving lives.
Today, we ran about 30minutes at a slow jog, before stopped in the open parking lot behind what once was the most fantastic location of a NYU semi-formal I went to (Tavern on the Green). Again, more surrealness. We did a half hour of lunges, squats, and baby running steps. (Literally, we ran in place, barely taking our feet of the ground, for a good 10 minutes.) Then we did the same motion, edging forward across the parking lot, looking like a bunch of crazies moving in slow motion horizontally, and yet our feet moving at incredibly fast paces. We focused on relearning what its like to run and our foot placement, and really focused on those small details. This time around, I'm really going to try to be the best I can be. No cutting corners, no partying like a mad woman on a Saturday night and thereby nullifying all the hardwork I would have done that morning. I'm in it, 2012, and I'm going to really invest in myself here. It might take baby steps, and relearning everything I ever thought was right, but I'm really excited about what I can do.
Fun metrics of the day:
- Third day straight of working out for more than 30minutes (not sure when I last did this - 2010?)
- 1 day till my parents get here, and 3 days till my brother gets here, and...
- 3 days till I leave for Peru, with my entire immediate family & one lucky cousin!
- Fundraising is at 5% (I get an alumni discount on how much I have to raise, so I'm getting to that $2650 goal!)
Sunday, March 11, 2012
First run of the season!
It has been really cold out these last couple of days, and with my seasonal winter ashthma, I have been making what the coaches call 'smart healthy decisions' to opt out of running outside. I've also been making excuses on how to get out of running indoors as well, ie cleaning my apt inside of running because of the impending visit from my parents and my upcoming trip to Peru requires more of my focus.
With that thought, I willed myself out of bed this morning to go for my first run! I am thrilled at how I paced:
1 mile = 8min 33sec
2 miles = 17min 58sec
3 miles = 28min 19sec
Overall pace = 9.4min/mile
I slowed down a little since it has probably been about 2 years since I ran 3miles (lame, I know), but I also had set the machine to cool down for the last 5minutes!!
You know you never regret a workout, and this one definitely makes me confident that I am going to have a really strong triathlon season!
With that thought, I willed myself out of bed this morning to go for my first run! I am thrilled at how I paced:
1 mile = 8min 33sec
2 miles = 17min 58sec
3 miles = 28min 19sec
Overall pace = 9.4min/mile
I slowed down a little since it has probably been about 2 years since I ran 3miles (lame, I know), but I also had set the machine to cool down for the last 5minutes!!
You know you never regret a workout, and this one definitely makes me confident that I am going to have a really strong triathlon season!
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Kickoff!
It's official, the triathlon traing season has officially micked off! And I am officially signed up for the NYC Triathlon!
So far I haven't done a whole lot of training yet, but I am prepping my body for a serious 15 weeks of training. I'm definitely eating better and Monday was the first swim practice. I am okay and can do the lengths but I was getting shooting cramps up my toes, feet and lower legs, and it was definitely not a good feeling.
Regardless, I am in it for this amazing cause, and my goal this year is to be a smarter, better athlete, and really commit to the workouts and the schedule. Who knows, this may be the year that I even begin to look like a triathlete!
Its good to see a lot of the old friends and faces back...
Kelli and Mo are both back in Brooklyn, and former colleague, Mark is my mentor this year. Lonergan, who was a first timer with me in 2010 is back as our super energetic co-captain, so I know having them all together is going to motivate me to do well. Of course, not everyone is back (jeanne, i already miss you!) but I am going to make the best of this season, even with all the traveling I have coming up!
That's all for now!
So far I haven't done a whole lot of training yet, but I am prepping my body for a serious 15 weeks of training. I'm definitely eating better and Monday was the first swim practice. I am okay and can do the lengths but I was getting shooting cramps up my toes, feet and lower legs, and it was definitely not a good feeling.
Regardless, I am in it for this amazing cause, and my goal this year is to be a smarter, better athlete, and really commit to the workouts and the schedule. Who knows, this may be the year that I even begin to look like a triathlete!
Its good to see a lot of the old friends and faces back...
Kelli and Mo are both back in Brooklyn, and former colleague, Mark is my mentor this year. Lonergan, who was a first timer with me in 2010 is back as our super energetic co-captain, so I know having them all together is going to motivate me to do well. Of course, not everyone is back (jeanne, i already miss you!) but I am going to make the best of this season, even with all the traveling I have coming up!
That's all for now!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Kicking myself into shape!
So, its true, i ended up not doing the triathlon last year, and pretty much since April 2011, stopped working out altogether. 2012 will be the year that i reclaim back my life in many ways. In this time of reflection (as january is for most people), i have decided to sign up for a variety of activities to kick myself (literally!) into shape. Today, i took my first kickboxing class, and it was a reminder of how much of a natural athlete i am. Igot somekudos from the MMA teacher, snd really felt great walking out of thst class after learning how to do jabs, hooks, roundhouse and side kicks. There is a feeling of empowerment that i am riding on right now, that i think also come from being a single woman in a large city. With my boxing gloves in tow, i left the class feeling reslly good. I have also signed up for a course tsught by an Israeli army trainer, and plan on taking as many classes as i can before it time to kick into gesr with triathlon training.
The fun runs have already started for triathlon alumnus, but i might hold off till it warms up a bit more. In the meanwhile, i think israeli army training tactics and kickboxing will keep me plenty busy. :) thats all for now. Until next time!
The fun runs have already started for triathlon alumnus, but i might hold off till it warms up a bit more. In the meanwhile, i think israeli army training tactics and kickboxing will keep me plenty busy. :) thats all for now. Until next time!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)