Triathlon Training- Week 5 Recap

Sorry for the mid-week, delayed recap. I’ve been busy and sadly that means blogging is one of the first things to get bumped. BUT, I’m here now- ready to recap week 5! Can you believe I am just 15 days out from my first triathlon? I can’t believe it!  I should note that if Mom’s surgery is scheduled for that same week I will obviously miss the tri in order to be home with her. I’m still training like I will be here but I won’t be sad if I miss it- family first!

Week 5 Plan:

Monday- strength training

Tuesday- bike 30, strength training

Wednesday- run 40

Thursday – swim 30, run 25

Friday- rest

Saturday – run 50

Sunday – swim 30, run 45


Total planned for week 5: two strength sessions, 160 minutes running, 30 minutes biking, 60 minutes swimming

Week 5 Actual:

Monday- barre class

Tuesday- AM: run 40 mins PM: barre class,30 min swim class  

Wednesday- bike 52 mins

Thursday - AM: run 34 min PM: barre class,30 min swim class  

Friday- rest

Saturday - run 50, barre class, reformer session

Sunday - unplanned rest day

Totals for week 5; four strength sessions, 124 min running, 52 min biking, 60 minutes swimming

+2 strength sessions, +22 minutes biking, -36 minutes running

Yay! I’m getting closer to meeting all my training goals. This week I was only off by 36 minutes of running. Not too bad. My least favorite aunt (flo) came to visit me this weekend so Sunday and Monday I was pretty much out of commission. I think this week’s training schedule might be a little under too but such is life, right? I just keep putting one foot in front of the other and just try to do my best.

So, what’s in store for week 6? I’m glad you asked J

Week 6 Plan:

 
Monday- strength training

Tuesday- swim 15 mins, run 40 mins

Wednesday- bike 40 min, run 15

Thursday – run 40 mins, strength

Friday- rest

Saturday - run 5 miles

Sunday - swim 30, bike 60

 
BUT- don't forget, I am also starting my half marathon training. Actually, I messed up and last week was my first week. I only got in three runs instead of the four planned but I’m pretty sure I’ll survive. It’s only the first week. For this week I have four runs on the schedule; an easy-paced 2 miler, an interval workout for speed work, a hill run, and a 5 miler as my long run. I already added the 5 milers onto my schedule for Saturday and will just use the three other run days listed on the tri schedule to do my half marathon training plan runs. Does that make sense? If not, it should next week when I list what I actually did.

 
Total planned for week 5: two strength sessions, 95 minutes plus 5 miles (not for time) running, 100 minutes biking, 45 minutes swimming

 

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for the Spartan Race entry. The entry period ends tomorrow and a winner will be announced Friday!

I am pretty sure I took this photo from someone's Facebook page. I thought it was awesome. 

Reebok Spartan Race Giveaway!

Reebok was one of the sponsors at Fitbloggin’ 2013 and I was very fortunate to come home with some amazing goodies from them. I am pretty sure that the total value of the items I received from Reebok actually exceeded the ticket cost to attend Fitbloggin’. And it was all really nice, and very useful, stuff so I was one happy camper.  Thanks Reebok! J

I was even more excited to find out that I could receive a free entry fee into any of Reebok’s Spartan Races, if I was interested.

Heck yeah, I was interested. Paul had just signed up for the Spartan Race in Mississippi a few weeks prior to me attending Fitbloggin’ and was hoping that someone else would sign up with him. I had said no originally because I am running a half marathon the following weekend and was concerned I would injure myself or at least still be totally exhausted from the race a week later.

When the Reebok rep told me about the free entry fee I thought to myself…’What would Dani do?’ (when it comes to running, she's my measuring stick for crazy ideas) and since I know she would have said ‘heck, yeah I’ll do it!’ I decided I would too. I immediately told Paul about the free race fee and he was super excited.

And I’m excited too. I have never done an obstacle race before. Do you remember that I registered for one back in April that ended up being canceled-that crushed my heart.

 

I know I'll be happy to receive that medal in the end. Hopefully I don't have to fight off someone with a giant q-tip thingy to get there....

Yep, I am definitely excited to train up for the Spartan Race. I may even go back to CrossFit to help get me ready for this race. I mean, Reebok did give me a free pair of CrossFit shoes so I probably should put them to good use, right?

Crazy!

Oh, and do you want to know something else that is pretty darn awesome? In addition to my race entry, I also have one to share as well. Reebok Spartan Race has given me one free race entry to give away on the blog. The winner gets to pick any open heat in any 2013-14 race within the continental U.S. How awesome is that? And if you live in my area of the south you could even sign up for the Mississippi one with me J

Ridiculously crazy!

I was actually kind of jealous of all the amazing locations there are for the Spartan Race. If I wasn’t already committed to a trail half marathon in Georgia on September 29 I would have totally registered for the one in my hometown Philly- at Citizens Bank Park (where the Phillies play, for you non-baseball people) on September 28. That one looks awesome!

Yikes....

In addition to Philadelphia, there are races all over the country; New Jersey, Illinois, Nebraska, Virginia, Massachusetts (Fenway!!!), Wisconsin, and Washington to name a few. It looks like about half of the states in the U.S.  have at least one of the three race options offered; Sprint (what I’ll be doing), Super, and Beast. I love that they not only offer so many locations but that they offer various lengths/obstacle counts – this makes it less intimidating for a newbie like me.

Completely badass!

It’s also very cool that you can sign up to receive emails with their signature Spartan Workout of the Day. I have yet to try one of these but Paul has been doing them and they are no joke.  I guess they would have to be intense in order to get you ready for the race. Yep, I am excited (and a bit terrified) for this new challenge- definitely entering a new frontier for me.

So, without further ado...what you have all been waiting for…

How to Enter

I am going to make the entry process fairly easy for all of us…if you want to enter just leave a comment on this post telling me which Spartan Race location you would pick for your race entry. That's it.

 *Check out their website here for a list of race locations.

You can only enter once.

You have until 11:59pm (central) on July 18^th , 2013 to enter.

Winner will be chosen at random and announced here on the blog some time Friday, July 19^th, 2013.

Easy enough, right?

Remember this is only good for open heats in any 2013-14 Spartan Race located within the continental United States. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments or email me- axid200 (at) gmail (dot) com 

Since there will only be one winner for the race entry fee, Spartan Race so kindly offered up a 15% off registration fee code for us to use. Isn't that awesome?

Here is the link: 15% off code 

Now the only question that remains is ARE YOU SPARTAN TOUGH???

Disclaimer: Reebok/Spartan Race provided me two free race entries in hopes to promote their events. I did not or will not receive any compensation for this or any Spartan Race post. I will be writing about the race I participate in but all opinions will be my own and true to my experience.

Note: there is a mandatory fee of $14.00 for insurance that is not included in the race registration fee. Winner will be responsible to pay for their own insurance costs.

Photos and videos were taken from Spartan Race website with prior approval J

Thirty-Five...and a Half!

Today is my half birthday. Yippee!

You’re probably wondering why I even mention it. Partly it's to give you a heads up- only six months left to try and find me the perfect birthday present! ;)

But mostly it's because it’s a great time to stop and evaluate how I am doing on my 35 in 35 list.

In case you hadn’t noticed, back in January (on my birthday) I posted a list of 35 things I hope to do in my 35^th year. Then I created a page for it and have been updating it ever since. As of today, this is where I stand.

Running Goals (40% complete)

1. Run 12 races in 12 months

2. Run in 3 different states So far this year I've ran in Texas, Florida, and New Jersey

3. Finish a race hand in hand with Paul (optimally I would be running his pace, not the other way around) Firecracker 5K 07/06/2013

4. Sub-30 minute 5K- current best time is 30:26

5. Sub-60 minute 10K- current best time is 65:30

6. Complete (and PR) a half marathon - 01/13/2013 02:38:17, a PR by 28:43

7. Complete a full marathon

8. Log 750 running miles

9. Run a trail or beach race - 03/30/2013 Bunny Dash 5K on the UWF trails

10. Join a running or training group

 

Ok, so far I have ran 10 races over the last 6 months with 5 more I am already registered for in 2013. Definitely think I will be able to cross off #1 by my 36^th birthday.

I don’t have any 5Ks or 10Ks on the horizon but I am hoping to find a few in the fall and cross off #4 and #5.

 

#7 won’t be happening in 2013. My original plan was to run the Philadelphia Marathon in November but my really close friends are getting married that weekend in Texas. I can’t do both and there will be another Philadelphia Marathon so I happily chose to postpone this one.

 

Gosh, I really suck at tracking my miles. I stopped using my Garmin after I moved to FL and I never log into dailymile. Not really sure how I will be able to assess #8.

 

#10- I still run on my own. I have yet to find a running group that works for my schedule. I always wonder do the people in these groups not work? If I can find a group that runs early enough in the mornings I will join.

 

Cycling Goals (17% complete)

11. Attend a spin class I bought a spin bike and use spin class videos...same thing, right?

12. Participate in 25 group rides

13. Complete a 50 miler

14. Complete a 100K ride

15. Log 500 miles on the bike

16. Join a cycling group

 

Wow, when I made this list I thought my life in Pensacola would be very similar to how it was in San Antonio, at least in regards to cycling. I was completely wrong. I barely ride anymore. Well, at least compared to how much I used to. It sucks. I have to drive 30 minutes just so I can safely ride my bike which makes it much harder. I am limited to only riding on the weekends basically. I am still going to try and get in some long rides, maybe even find a race or two I can sign up for, in the fall and hopefully get a few of these crossed off.

As for a cycling group, I’m still trying to find one.

 

Other Fitness-Related Goals (50% complete)

17. Attend a yoga class - attended a yoga class at Fitbloggin' 6/29/2013

18. Attend a pilates class- started taking Pilates Barre and reformer classes 06/13

19. Attend a boxing class

20. Attend a Nia class

21. Attend a dance class - attended a cardio dance class at Fitbloggin' 6/29/2013

22. Take swimming lessons

There are no Nia classes here in Pensacola but my plan is to take some classes when I am back in San Antonio this November. Swimming lessons start tonight- yay! Now all I need to do is find a boxing class.

Health Goals (25% complete)

23. Plant-strong for another year

24. Achieve a body fat percentage between 20-22%

25. Attend body composition and nutrition analysis through MWR

26. Complete an annual physical- completed on 1/29/13

 

So far I have been doing really well with following a whole foods, plant-based (aka vegan) diet. Still plant-strong, still loving it 21 months in. I did accidentally eat one bite of a sandwich (that we were told was vegan, came out with mayo, had it remade, and ended up still having mayo) but I don’t think that warrants me saying I failed at this one. I was told multiple times it didn’t have mayo and of course as soon as I realized it did (one bite) I stopped eating it.

 

I am still working on reducing my body fat percentage. I hope to have some tests done towards the end of the year and see where I stand. It would be great to get my BF down to a healthy number. To me, body fat is more important than weight. I don’t care if I am overweight if I am muscular and at a healthy body fat percentage.

Life Goals (67% complete)

27. Visit my parents Completed 3/15-3/17/13. Too short of a trip, can't wait to see them again in October

28. Buy my best friend a coffee (or glass of wine) and enjoy it with her Completed 3/15/2013. Coffee, beer, dinner and dessert. Lots of laughter and some tears. Of course I wish we had more time together.

29. Meet a social media friend in real life- I met Dani (Weight Off My Shoulders) and Melissa (A Lifetime Loser) in Boston on 1/26/13

30. Make a new friend I've made a few new friends here in Florida

31. Publish 100 blog posts

32. Read 12 books

33. Join a social group/club

34. Find a job that isn't 'work' - I love my current job, it definitely doesn't feel like 'work'

35. Learn a new hobby or skill - Completed on 03/24/2013- kayaking

I am doing really well in this category.  I have six of nine items completed and I am hopeful I will get the other three over the next 6 months.

So far I have posted 43 blog posts in the past 6 months. Not quite half way but close.

I am not so sure I will be able to read 12 books though. Right now, I spend a bulk of my reading time devoted to my graduate classes (which I did not anticipate having when I wrote this list) so this one will be tough to complete. But I am still going to try.

I am not even sure what I meant by join a social group/club.  I did join up with the Kaboom Sports and Social Club for their Cinco de Mayo pub crawl- does that count? I actually made a really great friend that day. So, let me know what you think. Should I count this? If not, what do you think I need to do to cross this one off?

So, as of right now, I have crossed off 15 of the 35 items which is approximately 43%. I know I won’t be able to cross off all 35 (see marathon) but wouldn’t it be awesome if on my 36^th birthday I can say I’ve done 30 of these things? That would be amazing.

And definitely a sign of a great 35^th year!

Triathlon Training Recap: Week 3 & Week 4

Here is my recap of weeks three and four of my eight week triathlon training plan. Travel/Fitbloggin’ , plus the readjustment time after, made it a bit difficult to get in all of the planned training sessions these past two weeks but I am not disappointed. That’s the way life works- it’s not always easy to fit everything in. I chose to sacrifice a few swims and runs for the sake of enjoying my vacation, trying new workouts, and getting lots of sleep after. And it’s not like I was being lazy; in two weeks I only took one rest day. My body felt really good with the workouts and activities I was doing so I was able to get in a lot of activity- even if it wasn’t always running, biking and swimming.

Week 3 Plan:

Monday- strength training

Tuesday- bike 50, strength training

Wednesday- run 35

Thursday – swim 30, run 20

Friday- rest

Saturday – run 40

Sunday – swim 30, run 45

Total planned for week 3: two strength sessions, 140 minutes running, 50 minutes biking, 60 minutes swimming

Week 3 Actual:

Monday- AM: bike 50 PM: barre class

Tuesday- AM: run 35 min PM: barre and reformer session

Wednesday- AM: run 30 min PM: barre class

Thursday- rest/travel day

Friday- boot camp and cardio dance

Saturday- yoga and jump fitness

Sunday – run/walk 5K

Actuals for week 3: three strength sessions plus four additional group fitness classes, 95 minutes running, 50 minutes biking, 0 minutes swimming

+1 strength session, -45 minutes running, -60 minutes swimming

Week 4 Plan:

Monday- swim 30, run 15

Tuesday- strength training

Wednesday- bike 40, run 10

Thursday – run 30, strength training

Friday- rest

Saturday – run 45

Sunday – swim, bike, run 30

Total planned for week 3: two strength sessions, 130 minutes running, 70 minutes biking, 60 minutes swimming

Week 4 Actual:

Monday- AM: barre class and reformer session

Tuesday- barre class

Wednesday- barre class

Thursday- barre class

Friday- 60 min bike

Saturday- run 30 (5K), barre class, reformer session

Sunday – 60 min bike

Actuals for week 4: five strength sessions, 30 minutes running, 120 minutes biking, 0 minutes swimming

+3 strength sessions, +10 min biking,  -100 minutes running, -60 minutes swimming

The last two weeks I was unable to swim because I did not have access to, or the weather didn’t allow me to swim in, a pool or open water so that sucked. But, on the bright side, my swim lessons start tomorrow and because of that I will be able to get in at least two swim sessions a week here on out.  Yay!

My running wasn’t too great the past two weeks either; week 3 I was just too busy at FB to go for a run (but I still worked out and walked a ton) and last week I took the mornings off from the gym trying to get back into a normal sleep pattern, especially with the holiday midweek. This week I am hopeful though, I think I will be able to get in all of my training sessions as planned.

Week 5 Plan:

Monday- strength training

Tuesday- bike 30, strength training

Wednesday- run 40

Thursday – swim 30, run 25  

Friday- rest

Saturday – run 50

Sunday – swim 30, run 45

Total planned for week 5: two strength sessions, 160 minutes running, 30 minutes biking, 60 minutes swimming

Wish me luck this week. The running is really starting to increase which is a good thing because next week starts week one of my 12 week half marathon training plan. I will be trying to balance both training plans for the three weeks left until the triathlon. That should be interesting ;)

Action shot on the new spin bike. I was watching Wimbledon, trying to distract myself from the 16 minute climbing (standing) session I was in the midst of...

I'm Really Pissed...

My blog, in regards to the content I share on here, is pretty much a mixture of fluff (training recaps- for my accountability), hippie shit (acceptance, self-love, hug a tree, kiss a cow) and once in a blue moon there are pieces with substance that address some of the harder issues for me. This is going to be one of them. Consider yourself warned. There is profanity, too.

I’m pissed.

I am blood-boiling, gut-wrenching, kicking dirt angry.

As some of you may already know, I found out on Monday that my mom has breast cancer. She called me, as I had expected her to since we missed our normal Sunday call since I was traveling, and told me she had some bad news. Actually she called, told me she had bad news, asked if I was home (which I was not) and then asked me to call her back when I was, she didn’t want me driving when she told me. Luckily I was close by but those 10 minutes it took me to get there were pure torture.

My first thought was it was my uncle who is battling cancer and undergoing chemo. I thought it was more bad news about him.

Then my mind leapt to my cousin. She is currently hospitalized. Struggling. Life has been rough for her.

Then I thought about my father who has already had two heart attacks and then just 2 years ago gave us a hell of a scare when he suffered complications during neck surgery that we didn’t think he would survive.

Then I thought about my grandparents, both in their 80s. I thought maybe it was something with one of them.

I never, not even for a minute, thought it was my mom.

And when I finally made it home and called her back she asked me to have a seat. I knew it wasn’t going to be good.

When she said breast cancer I started bawling.

I could barely hear what she was trying to tell me.

Two biopsies, surgery, double mastectomy…in a few weeks…

What the fuck….

How was this happening? I couldn’t even process it. Paul was there, sitting beside me, holding me but I just wanted to run away.

I wanted to drive straight to the airport and get on the first flight to Philly. I wanted to be by her side.

I was scared.

I am scared.

And I will be going home to be with her for the procedure. As soon as we have a date (waiting on some blood work and CT scan results before the surgery is schedule) I will book my flight and head home.

And it sucks that that is the best I can do.

It sucks that I live so far away that I can’t just drop in and spend time with her whenever I want. This is actually the hardest thing about moving and military life- these moments when it’s really tough (more than the normal amount) to be so far from family.

I should tell you though how positive my mom is that the mastectomy and the hormone treatment (which is just taking a pill daily) will be enough. The biopsy of the lymph nodes during the procedure will tell us more but we are all really positive that she won’t need chemo, that there isn’t cancer elsewhere, that this will be one simple (yet painful) procedure and we will wipe our hands of this and be done.  

And yes, cancer sucks. I hate that my mom has cancer. But it isn’t really why I’m pissed.

I’m pissed because she doesn’t deserve this.

Not that I think anyone deserves cancer. I don’t.

But my mom, she really doesn’t deserve cancer.

I’m pissed because she spent over 25 years of her life battling bipolar disorder. Hasn’t she suffered enough?

She spent years of her life misdiagnosed, on the wrong meds, dealing with shitty doctors, in and out of hospitals, missing out on her life.

Wasn’t that enough?

Doesn’t 25 years of hell earn you a free pass on cancer?

It’s been about 5 years since her doctors found the right combination of meds that work for her. They all have weird side effects and it isn’t easy for her on those meds but on them she can live a pretty normal life.

The past few years, especially since my dad took an early retirement due to health issues, my parents have finally been able to live the life they always wanted.  They go to concerts, hang out in Chinatown, spend time with friends, visit family, take vacations and are really, finally, enjoying their life. It only took 60 years but they made it.

So, now for this to happen; I just have to say what the fuck. Really? Cancer, really?

It just doesn’t seem fair. How can someone who has endured so much be slated with another hellacious illness. How the fuck is that right?

Yep. I’m pissed. I think that’s pretty clear.

If I could take the cancer from her I would, in a heartbeat. No doubt about it.

Because that’s my mom, and she doesn’t deserve this.

She’s been through enough, life, didn’t you get the memo?

But here’s the thing. I may be really angry about this but she isn’t.

I may be anxious and nervous and sad but she isn’t.

Because she is a rock, my rock, which is probably why I’m the one freaking out.

And these feelings come in waves. Trust me, I am not spending my day filled with anger, sadness, or despair. For the most part I am pretty positive. My mom is, too. But then again she is the most positive person on the face of the planet. I learned from the master.

But I am still human, so some times my positivity gets pushed aside by that damn feeling of how unfair this all is.

But then I hear my mom’s voice telling me this will all be ok. She will be ok. And I know she is right. Because mom’s know everything.

 

{Semi} Wordless Wednesday: Fitbloggin' Style

I am sure you knew this was coming. Like I've said before, I have over 400 pictures from this weekend so of course this WW (and possibly more to come- if you are up for it) is dedicated to Fitbloggin'. Just another glimpse into an amazing weekend.

 

 Me and Bang...Bang and I...neither sounds correct...LOL!

 

 Lunch at Veggie Grill. I ate there three times. I am still dreaming about that mac n' cheese!

 

 My awesome roomie Brooke! Her shirt says 'I'm not a player, I just blog alot'. Awesome!

 

 Upstairs bar at the Nines, the hotel where we stayed and Fitbloggin' was held

 

 I just love these two pictures of Alan and Brooke...

 

 Mind....

 

...Blown

 

 One of the many things I loved about Portland- it is super bike friendly!

 

 Dinner at Portobello...the restaurant was beautiful. They hand drew those images onto the wall...

 

 After dinner with; Kelly, Brooke, Lindsay, and Annabel

 

 Making faces with Erika..it's what we do best!

 



The table we chose to sit at for lunch was the 'Very Hungry' table...which was fitting. 

 Erika edited our table tent to read 'Very Hungry and Super Pretty'- also quite fitting

 

 Saw this a few times and each time it scared the shit out of me....so creepy! Why???

 

 Annabel welcoming us to Petunia's!

 

 And in case you haven't seen my posts on FB or Twitter- I bought my first ever bikini!

 

The most amazing retail employees ever! They made my experience at Bettie Page so wonderful!

 

 Him: How is your life going

Me: Pretty good, I'm pretty happy

Him: change everything!

That was some pretty good bad advice...

 

 Yum!!!

 

 Action shot! I think I have two dozen pictures just of people taking pictures. Not sure why, but that always makes me laugh...I'm just weird like that ;)

 

 Crazy bikes...

 

Someone told me what these were called but I forgot. Big out in SLC. They are giant!

 

 Voodoo!

 

Second most intimidating purchase of the trip- one piece triathlon suit. At least it's damn comfy even if I do feel like a sausage...Lol!

 

 Saw this picture at Nia HQ and it brought me to tears. The beautiful woman in the blue skirt is my friend and mentor from San Antonio. She helped me find my self-love and acceptance and for that I am eternally grateful. I miss her so much words cannot even describe it!

 

 I love Nia! And if you were at Fitbloggin' and you loved the cardio dance class I highly recommend checking out Nia. It changed my life! And it's all over the country- not just Portland.

 

 Powell's- I could have spent a week in this store!

 

What's up with the creepy heads? Is that a Portland thing? @ McMenamin's Crystal Ballroom

 

 No pennies? And who returns doughnuts anyhow? Lol!

 

 I believe it!

 

Unfortunately this is all I got to see of Chinatown. Next visit I will definitely come down here!

 

 Late night goodbyes...Miss you Annabel!

 

 A RRR first- I ran across a bridge...twice! It was so cool!

 

 SWAG!!! I had a whole second bag just filled with free goodies from Fitbloggin'!

 

 My personal purchases; bikini, tri suit, bicycle socks, and a Rogue tshirt!

 

Maps, card, lots of business cards, my badge, and an amazing gift from and amazing woman!

 

 

I just have to thank Roni and the whole Fitbloggin' crew for putting on an amazing event! It far exceeded my expectations- and I had pretty high expectations!

 

Also, a big freaking thank you to Erika who was the best tour guide ever! We were literally lost without you on Saturday night! Also, thank you for being so accomodating and eating so much damn vegan food. You are amazing person (who looks smoking hot in shorts) and I am so thankful I got to spend the weekend with you! Love ya!