Training camp: coach ELF style!

Yesterday was day one of Camp ELF. Andrea, Cat and I made it to Chicago after lunch and after getting acquainted we headed out to do our first training session. We are not talking smal potatoes here... It was a 2 mile open water swim; where we got to meet Jen H. as well.

The lake was a good size and with the exception of Cat who was doing a combination of swim/run/swim, we swam around it. Each loop was about a mile, so we headed for 2 loops. Immediately after we started I lost sight of everybody. Jen and Liz are very fast swimmers and there was no way in the world I would be able to keep up with them. So, truth be told I didn't even bother.

Sighting was a bit difficult mostly because the landmarks were unfamiliar and the lake was new to me; so I did my best to try to follow other swimming caps. The first loop was uneventful; I swam and swam and swam and eventually made it back to the beach. The second loop felt much longer than the first one but I made it around. I had a few moments where my left calf/foot cramped up and I managed to push through. I was happy to finish up though. This was mostly a confidence builder for me. I set out just to swim the 2 miles; without concern about times, to gain peace of mind that I could finish the Ironman swim. And you know what? I can. I totally can swim the 2.4 miles; and I think I might be able to pull in a pretty decent time as well. Only time will tell.

After swimming we all headed to Noodles for dinner. It was delicious; and it really hit the spot. Conversation was awesome too; but we were all pretty shot. Long day of travel and workouts; we were ready to hit the sack.
I slept pretty well; and the morning came all too quickly. I was greeted by the one and only BOSS; and I do have to say he is the cutest Chihuahua I have ever seen. Not your typical loud, obnoxious Chihuahua; but this sweet little thing!

Everybody got up and after a breakfast of oatmeal and coffee (of course) we headed to the track to get our running videotaped and critiqued. One by one; we ran, got taped and then carefully listened to what Liz had to say about our form. It was very interenting to see the different running forms and to watch Liz run. Oh my gosh! Her body is able to move in ways that I am not sure I will ever be able to. There is no "bounce" to her running. It is pure forward motion. I am hoping someday I'll get there. We did a couple of timed sets; before and after run critique. It will take some getting used to the new way; but it should be more efficient.

We headed back to the house for some lunch; and since Cat and I were borrowing Liz's bikes we got fitted to them. Man she has some nice machinery! We chilled for a while and then it was time to head out to swim. Again. This time it was about form and stroke efficiency. We all got some excellent pointers and I was able to discover my lats. That is a whole new source for swimming power right there. Truth be told, it is harder to swim with my lats and it will take a while to build endurance. Anything to get better and faster, right?

Next on the list was a spin through the Arboretum. I loved that we were able to just ride there. I am always having to get in my car, drive somewhere and THEN ride. But here, we just got on the bikes and started pedaling. Awesome. The place was gorgeous. Mostly shaded (a nice break from all the sun we were exposed to), with a lot of turns and some little climbs thrown in for good fun. We rode for an hour and then left Liz to finish up her 2 hour ride.

After everyone showered and cleaned up, Andrea and Liz made this awesome chicken dinner with curry and coconut milk. VERY YUMMY. Add some veggies and brown rice and you have the perfect athlete's meal.

Right now we are just chillin'. Boss is by my side murdering Squeaky Carrot, Andrea is watching The Office, Cat is Facebooking and Liz is writing schedules. Pretty soon I think I will be crashing hard and hitting the bed and it's onle 8:15. The day has been long but super fun. The company is great and that makes training that much more fun. We have been bad about taking pictures, but I am taking the camera during our ride tomorrow. Hopefully something good will turn out.

POWER!!!

I can't believe it is only 12:30 and I have already had somewhat of a full day.

It all started at 4:45 this morning. For some reason, my body has been deciding to wake up way before the alarm goes off, with me being wide awake at about 4 am. Today I managed to stay sort of relaxed until 4:45. On my schedule for today was a bike test.

About a week ago, I purchased a new piece of equipment to use with my bike when I ride indoors. I purchased a new trainer that is actually like a computrainer but a different brand called Tacx. I set it up last weekend and immediatly tried it. I loved what I saw. It measures power, cadence, distance, speed. You can also adjust slopes, so when you need to feel like you are going uphill, instead of switching to a harder gear; you just crank up the slope and then you are able to ride your bike as you would outside. The only problem I encountered with this new friend of mine, was the installation of the software on the PC. For some stupid reason every time I connect it to the USB port it asks me to re-install the driver for the bike computer. Certainly a minor issue, but annoying nonetheless.

As most of yuu know the tests call for you to not eat for the 2 hours prior to the test; so this morning I got up at 4:45 with the sole purpose of eating some breakfast. I got up, went downstairs; ingested some toast and guess what?? I went back to bed and set the alarm for 7 am! I hae the day off from work, so I was not about to stay up. Know what I mean?? When the alarm went off I got dressed and ready to test.

I got to my little "workout room", set up my stuff and got on the bike. The warm up was uneventful. I kept it really easy and spun my legs as best as I could. After the warmup was done; I recalibrated the computer to get the most accurate data detail as possible. Reset the HR monitor, take a sip of sports drink and go.

The test comprised of 2x8 minute sets where you are supposed to go as fast as you can, separated by 4 minutes of easy spinning. My goodness! I did not know what I got myself into when I bought the new whatchamacallit.

Liz had advised me that it would hurt in my lungs and legs. And boy, did it ever!!!! I could feel my heart pounding in my cheast, my breath burning my throat and my mouth getting dry with every second that went by. Those first 8 minutes seemed to last an eternity. I wanted to stop so badly! But I made it and the 4 minutes easy spin in between the 2 tests where so welcome!

The second set was more of the same. Hurt as badly, my lungs and legs burnt. I tried to keep the power level at the same numbers than the first set, but fatigue in the legs had started to set in and it showed. This time I covered the computer screen and focused on the music I had playing on my iPod. When it was over, all I had left was a 15 minute cool down along with a 15 minute run off the bike. Surprisingly, the run felt quite good. I thought my legs would be shot, but they actually fared pretty well.

After sending all the data to Liz, I had to get ready for my next adventure of the day. A date with my Father in Law at the shooting range!!!!

I had never shot a gun before and pretty much all the members of my husband's immediate family had told me how much fun it was. So I decided to give it a go. A couple of months ago I would have told you I was anti-guns, but with the husband traveling and spending many a nights alone in the house with Megan I started considering keeping a gun in the house for protection. But first I needed to learn how to shoot and see if I felt comfortable holding a gun.

After going through the safety issues about 3 times and showing me how to properly handle the gun we got to the firing line; put the target out and shot. Wow! What a rush. I tought I'd be scared, but I wasn't. I'd be lying if I said that the noise did not make me jump at first; but it was more from the other people in the range than from the gun I was firing. At first my aim was horrible, but once I kind of got used to what to expect I did much better. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Did I feel comfortable with it? yes. Would I want to go back? Yes. Am I still considering keeping a gun in the house? Yes, given that we take the needed precautions to keep it out of Megan's reach and sight. Luckily for us, my father in law is very versed in firearms and is willing to help me make sure it is all the way it's supposed to be.

Today was a day where I felt powerful; both on the bike and at the range.

I do not know what the numbers I sent to Liz from the bike test mean, or even if I am about average for someone my age and size. But I felt that given the proper training and recovery it can only get better. I still trust the plan, and most importantly the coach. I just now have different tools to get where I want to go.

Here comes 2009... oh no, wait... it's already here!

Wow, 2008 is over. Done. Finished. Left behind.

I'd be lying if I said I did not enjoy it. It was quite the roller coaster ride. Lots of changes, good news, bad news, new friendships, rekindling old friendships, connecting with people, feeling disconnected from the world.

I saw a big change happen within myself. I saw my true colors. Did I like all of them? Not necessarily. But I am embracing this discovery. Accepting it. 

2008 saw me make a big commitment to the sport of triathlon. It was the year I realized I am truly passionate about it, the year I discovered I want to be GOOD at it, the year when I realized that the training is more than half the fun, the year when I signed up for my first Ironman.

2008 helped me realize that people are not indestructible, even the ones we always thought were made of steel. It helped me figure out that all it takes is determination and a strong will to get rid of a bad habit (Dad, I am so PROUD of you for quitting smoking). It helped me make peace with myself; with who I am.

2008 was a great year; full of growth & self discovery. I could not have asked for more.

2009 is here now, and I have a feeling it is going to be even BETTER than 2008. There is much more to be discovered, more adventures to be had, more love to be given.

I hope 2009 finds all of you in good health and excellent spirits. I am expecting another roller coaster ride; after all, that is life. 

Wanna come along?

Yadda, Yadda, Yadda

Not much to report around here. I am still in the “easy” recovery mode. I took last week completely off and had the green light to eat junk food galore. It is amazing how your body changes and how much you care about those changes. Believe me my friends when I tell you I tried to eat junk food, but nothing looked super appealing. Yes, I partook on my fair share of chocolate, cookies and ice cream; and while those could be considered junk food; they don’t exactly fall in my description on “junk” (burgers, fries, pizza, etc). They are just sweet tasty treats J

It took my body about 3 days to quit being sore. I originally thought I’d be much more uncomfortable, in a lot more “pain”; but was pleasantly surprised when that was not the case. I think it would be safe to say that after about 4 days I felt normal again… And then I tried to play chase with Megan… I literally took 4 strides and the body said: “Oh no, you didn’t”. As coach has said to me MANY times, recovery is important and I am making sure my body is fully back to being functional before I resume the schedule.

This week I have been slowly adding some workouts here and there. I went for a swim on Monday and even though the water felt cold when I got in (I was seriously considering swimming in the warm pool because I did not want to face the cold water); it was a nice relaxing swim. Yes, you read that right. I said relaxing. In my world, relaxing and swimming don’t mix often; but I guess there is always an exception to the rule, right? On Tuesday I ventured into doing some strength training with my husband’s P90X workouts. I have not touched a weight in months and I reached for the standard 5lb dumbbell that is usually heavy enough to make me hurt after the first 8 reps. Lo and behold: they were too light! I guess the swimming is really helping out my arm muscles after all! Yesterday I got up early and went for an easy run. It was short, a mere 2 miles; but it felt great! I am really looking forward to running more this winter. I want to get faster and more efficient.

I have signed up for a fall ½ marathon here in town and I am hoping that with proper training I will be able to set a new PR. What is that going to be? Not sure. I’d like to aim for less than 2 hours but I am not able to tell right now since I haven’t even started training and coach is away at Kona so we really have not chatted much about it.

I have also been busy scheduling doctor’s appointments and checkups. Not that there is anything wrong with me, but there were some things that I knew needed my attention; so I am taking care of them now. One of them was a visit to the dermatologist. I have a couple of moles I was concerned about; and since this sport has us being exposed to so much sunlight I decided that it is a good precautionary measure to add a visit to the specialist once a year; just to make sure everything is in order. By the way, my moles turned out to be just that: moles. Nothing to worry about. Exactly what I wanted to hear.

I started thinking about my season next year and toying around with what races I’d like to do. Some of you might have already read it on FB; but I made a HUGE decision. This November I am going to Panama City Beach, FL to volunteer at IM… The day after, I am signing up for IMFL’09! To this day, it still surprises me that I am even thinking about Ironman. I remember when it seemed so far fetched a mere 3 seasons ago; and now I feel like I am SO ready.

Husband and I have discussed multiple times about the commitment this will be for all of us as a family unit; and he keeps reiterating that he supports me 100%. I have even showed him some of the posts coach put on her blog about her personal experience with IM. He is still on board. And I am psyched!

Besides the BIG race, I will also be doing two half Iron events; a local one and then Augusta 70.3 with Muppetdog, and maybe some sprints (have not decided on those yet). For now, I am focusing on the Off season and becoming lean and mean. This november I am supposed to "Become a swimmer" in Liz's words... I will let you know when and if that happens. Right now, I am off to enjoy some homemade food (that reminds me of Home with my mom and dad) made by yours truly. Catch you later.

PS: Hola Mamma! Te extranio!

The end of peak week

Well folks, I survived Peak week. It kicked my ass, but I survived it.

What did it include?? Let me tell you...

Monday: 1.5 hrs run. With 30 minutes in zone 3 and then on the last 30 minutes, some hard efforts x 8. Nice.

Tuesday: Easy 45 minute spin to get the leg circulation going.

Wednesday: 2400 yrds in the pool, with a LOOONG main set and speed (of which I have none). Man, it burnt in my lungs... But swimming always does, so what else is new, right?

Thursday: 45 min run in zones 1-2. Wake up the legs and get them ready for the next day.

Friday: 2 hr brick, as follows: bike for 1:30, following race day nutrition plan. With 30 minutes in zone 3 and them some time in zone 4 just for kicks. Get off bike and run, first 15 minutes in zones 3-4 and then cool down the last 15. Oh, and find a place that resembles your race course (that would be hilly).

Saturday: a 40 minute swim, with some drills and open water like practice. And then to finish it of a 30 minute easy spin of the legs.

Sunday: It's my day off :)

Oh, did I mention that my office was moving this week? So not only did I do all my workouts as prescribed by coach, I also packed, lifted boxes and got my arms a NICE tiring weight training like workout.

How am I feeling?? Race ready. I have written down my race plan. I have my "words". I have my timeline of events leading to the race (day before race and race day). I have my nutrition figured out... I still need to pick out my outfit... Wanted a new top because of the occasion, but I think I will have to settle with what I already own... None of my local stores carries Zoot :( and that is a bummer. I even got a new hat! Because now that I cut my hair I really look ridiculous in my Triathlon Mom visor, something about the layers bouncing up and down and making me look totally dorky. Oh well. 

Nest week is taper and then on sunday, game on!

I am ready to end my season with a bang. Wish me luck.

Peak week

Well folks, it's finally here. Peak week starts tomorrow. I can't believe I have only 2 weeks left until my "big" race. It will be my first 1/2 IM and I can't hardly wait. 

These past too weeks have been pretty hard on me. I have been extremely exhausted, busy at work, and with a gazillion other things going on. I spent an entire week without being able to sleep properly, and my body almost quit on me about 100 times. Somehow I managed to push forward and got myself to a rest week, where I was able to unplug, recharge and get ready for the Betty's (sorry, just saw a cartoon with Megan this afternoon and they have this very catchy song... "Ready for the Betty's", I have been singing it ever since) You know what? I like the expression, so I shall use it going forward... Ready for the Betty's. Yeah..

Anyhow, today we got back from the mountains. Very relaxing trip, short, and beautiful. I realized also that I would not be able to live in the mountains, as every time the road encountered a switchback I was holding onto anything and everything in the car. Vertigo. A lot of it. Not good.

The funny thing is that as we were getting ready to have dinner at the resort last night, I saw a guy with a 37 sharpied on his calf. Turns out he had done a tri that morning. And he said it was in preparation for his 1/2 IM on the 28th... The same one I am doing. Small world. 

Coach gave me my goals for the upcoming race. We took into consideration my current abilities, and we came up with a time that would be doable. A time that would be challenging but not a killer.  Do I have a super secret goal?? Of course I do! I have a super secret time goal for the perfect race conditions; that is if the star, moon and sun align... A bit of a long shot; but coach once told me "Dream Big"... so I am.

Of course, the first goal is getting myself to the finish line. I am NOT quitting this race, no matter how much it hurts; because I know it will. The long distance is a different beast than the short course, and I respect the beast. Does not mean I don't want to crush it, because I do; it just means that I will approach it cautiously and take a good look at it, study it for a bit before I decide to go at it with all my might. 

The focus is on executing the race plan to the T. Making my nutrition on the bike priority number 1; because I know that once I hit the run, my stomach is only capable of handling one gel every 50 minutes or so. 

So of to peak week I go tomorrow. Speed awaits. It's time to let the fun begin.

I LOVE MY COACH!

Two years ago, when I first got involved in triathlon I was all about the group setting. Working out with other people, having the extra motivation to get up early knowing that I would not be doing the workout by myself. It was all laid out for us. We had awesome coaches, that handled the group very well. Some of them had their own coaching business and were pretty successful at it.

Fast forward to this year. When the time came to move on from the group setting, you would have thought that I would have chosen one of the people whose coaching style I know. Someone local, someone that already knew me. Oddly enough I did not. The coaches I had while training with the group were awesome; they knew their craft, they were great motivators, but they did not see "IT" in me. Not that they ever told me; that would have been totally classless; but you could tell by their actions. What is "IT"? I am not 100% sure, but I think it is a combination of potential, dedication and passion. 

So after stumbling upon Liz's blog and reading some of her entries (this one in particular) I decided to take a risk and sign up for coaching with her. And, oh boy! am I happy I did!!!!

Ever since I have started working with Liz I have learned more about myself than I have in a while. It is amazing how through something as simple (note that I did not say easy, because gosh, sometimes it is not easy at all!) as coaching me towards a goal she has helped me realize what I am made of. And we are still in the get to know you phase!!! I have been working with her for 5 months and I can tell you for a fact that I am in the best shape of my life. I am in better shape than I was before I had my daughter (and I thought I looked good back then), and I have been crushing all my times in my races.

Yesterday I had a Sprint tri. It was the one that got me started in Triathlons 2 years ago. Back in 2006 I finished that race in a little over 2 hours, I did it last year and I finished it in a bit under 2 hours. I did it yesterday and I finished 15 minutes FASTER than in 2007. 16 minutes!!!! The best part of it is that I felt awesome during the entire race. And after I finished I could have jumped on my bike and gone home. 

And who do I have to thank for these amazing results?? My coach Liz! Yes, I did all the work, but without her guidance I would not be here. It takes a great coach to get the best out of you; and LIZ is one of them.