"If it doesn't hurt, it isn't worth it."

That is the perfect quote to describe the Suncoast Triathlon this weekend.
swim .33mi, bike 10mi, run 3.1mi

When I arrived at Ft. De Soto at 5:45 in the morning it was pouring down rain. The sunrise was at 7:34 and the first wave was scheduled to started at 7:38. That didn't give us a whole lot of time to check out the swim course. That was probably a good thing. The ocean was supposed to be crystal clear with the current pushing us along. Instead it was angry! Let me put it to you this way, it would of been too rough to go out on our boat. Despite all this I felt more excited than nervous to get swimming! My enthusiasm was short lived. About 200 yards in I totally panicked. The waves were crashing on me, throwing me around and I felt like I drank half the ocean. I was sympathizing with anyone who'd ever been ship wrecked! This swim was even hard for the GOOD swimmers, which I am NOT! A guy on a kayak informed me that we could swim inside the buoys , where I could just barely touch the bottom enough to push off from time to time in between swells. This little piece of information saved me. It wasn't exactly shallow but just being able to push off a couple times really helped. I was swimming the side-breast-free stroke. It's an original, not pretty, but definitely affective. I highly recommend it if you're ever shipwrecked!

I managed to survive the swim, with a little dignity and then run my butt out to transition. Luckily I had a quick T1 to make up for my crappy swim time (12:00 for 660 yards). I was so thankful to be on land that I didn't even care about my time. I was hoping to make up time on my bike, which would of been possible if it weren't for the wind! The first 5 miles I couldn't break 18mph because of the crosswind and when I hit the head wind I slowed to 14mph. Luckily that wasn't for long and as soon as I made the last turn I was up to 23mph. That felt awesome and I was so glad to finally be hauling butt on my bike. The course was really wet with standing water but it was also nice and flat and if it had been better conditions it would of been FAST!

I am apparently terrible at reading course maps and had somehow got it into my head that the majority of the run was path. Wishful thinking I guess. The first mile was beach, second mile was sandy trail and then the last mile was path. According to my Garmin I was actually faster in the sand. By the time I got to the path I became very aware of the fact that I had not put on socks and that my feet were on fire! I kept looking down because I swore they were bleeding. Right at this point I met the nicest girl that said she runs better when she talks. She was telling me all about her upcoming commitment ceremony, asking about my tri outfit and talking about her Halloween costume. Some people might of been annoyed by this but I was relieved to hear her stories as it took my mind off of my throbbing feet. She was a sweet girl and I would of thanked her after the race but I was in a hurry to get home so Matt could get to work.

Even though this race posed a lot of weather related obstacles it was such a blast! As soon as I finished I was already looking forward to next year. The suncoast triathlon people really know what they are doing and even though it was the largest race I've been to with 650 triathletes it was also the most organized and well-run race I've been to so far.

My goal was to come in at 1:30 min and my actual time was 1:30:28. So that's my time to beat next year. This first season of triathlons has definitely been physically and emotionally difficult but I couldn't imagine not doing them. Next season I plan to train for speed and try to beat my times at each race. I was thinking of adding some longer distances but I think I'll shoot for speed instead and save endurance for 2010! Hopefully that new ChicQilo and some master swim classes will help me reach that goal.

A great swim!

Over the past few weeks my swims have been nothing to blog about. I've spent most every swim critizing myself. I literally run all my personal critiques through my head as i go. Head down, relax your neck, follow through on your pull, don't drink the pool, don't bend your knees too much, flick your wrist....the list is endless. After 1000 yards or so I get really sick of myself!

Today I decided to just relax, get through my work out and not be too hard on myself. I had a great swim. The air was a little cool (80 with no humidity) but the pool was nice and warm. It was also a huge bonus that I actually had the entire pool to myself. That is a very rare thing!

my workout:
all free
5/100
400
300 pull
200
4x100 drills
(kick, finger drag, pull, sighting)
200
I went through this workout with very little rest, just an occassional sip from my water bottle.
My goggles were fogging up like crazy so now my dilemma is wether or not to buy a new pair before Saturday. I already bought a new watch this week and my new tri shirt doesn't fit right with my shorts so I'll probably be getting a new tri suit this week too. Nobody ever said triathlons were cheap!

Sunset Run

Yesterday I had a busy day planned but I decided in the morning that no matter what I would get my run in, no excuses. In the morning I taught step and then pilates so Tyler spent 2hrs in the kids gym. That meant no morning run. In the evening Ashley had girls on the run but there was no way that Ty was going back in that kids gym. Luckily Matt was getting home at a reasonable hour so he could come home, get the boys, and go pick up Ashley. I already had dinner working in the crock pot so that was one less thing to have to think about. As soon as he got home I headed out for my run. I decided to run down 54 because I needed a little change of scenery. Running the "loop" is really boring eventhough I do enjoy checking out everyones Halloween decorations. Our neighborhood really goes all out.

The sun was just starting to set as I headed down 54. The sky was pink, purple and just gorgeous. The pasture was full of mama and baby cows that were so adorable. Eventhough I was really enjoying the sunset it dawned on me that once that sun went down I'd be running on the side of a major road, surrounded by "nature" in the dark. Thankfully, it didn't get dark until I was back in the neighborhood. My hungry family arrived home at the same time so I stretched out in the kitchen as I finished dinner. Mom's are masters of multi-tasking!

4mi- avg 9:40
mi 1 9:25
mi2 9:33
mi3 9:45
mi4 9:57
My lower back was killing me tonight but I'm glad I kept it under 10min miles. I blame step. A little ice and it was fine.

Little by Little

If you read my blog regularly you may have notice that my monthly mileage has been slowly increasing. I've been busy with work, kids, getting my house ready for company and a hubby in and out of town so I've missed a few runs lately. In an attempt to not get too off track I've been running a few miles here and there any chance I get.

I'm excited for Suncoast next weekend but I will be glad when I can just focus on my 1/2 marathon training schedule. Trying to get swims and bike rides in has been a daunting task lately. Today in between my morning trainings I was able to jump on my bike(Black Betty) and do a 4mi bike ride and then come inside for a 1mi run. I even had 10min to cool off and grab some granola before my next training.

Tomorrow I teach two classes in the morning so I doubt I'll have time to get my run in. Hopefully the girls will be up for a late night run and then I should get a swim in Friday morning before I pick up mom from the airport. I had planned on biking that morning too but the kids are off school. For what? Who knows!

If these replaced the condom there'd be no "oops" babies!

This contraption/contraceptive is solely responsible for the splitting headache I suffered for the rest of the day after my swim this afternoon. My whining, crying, fighting children also played a part but mostly I blame the swim cap. Do they shrink? Has my head grown? Did I buy a child's size? Now, I am the first to admit that I have a less than dainty head but come on, one size fits all should still apply to me. I'm not a giant for god's sake!

Today's swim:
3x100 warm up
300 pull buoy
300 free
100 cool down

Night Running

Lately with everyones crazy work/family schedules us girls haven't been doing our pm runs together. Last night Barb, Amy and I headed out for the 3.5 that was on my 1/2 marathon schedule. We all felt really good and headed out at a nice pace.

I've been having some issues with my Garmin so I'll have to get together with my tech, Teresa!

mile 1 9:20
mile 2 9:30 ( we got stuck at the cross walk during this mile)
mile 3 9:00
the last .5 -not sure

There was a new obstacle tonight, other than the stupid cross walk. There is a small, slimey pond at the entrance to our neighborhood. Apparenly the mold/slime has crept it's way onto the sidewalk. That sidewalk is extremely treacherous!

We all felt good after this run and I wanted to run more but I new that today included bike to run bricks inbetween my morning trainings and teaching bodyflex tonight. Suncoast is only a few weeks away so I have to keep my tri-based training at the top of my priority list.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Today as part of the Y's "Do Good Divas" team Teresa, Amy, Christy, Barb and I ran the 5k race in St. Pete. It was a beautiful morning and the race was well-organized and a lot of fun.

I started off a little too fast in my first mile, 8:00 pace but actually I felt great! There was some weaving and bobbing through the crowd but it wasn't too bad. It was cute seeing all the kids and dogs and babies in their "cure" gear. Pink was in full force today! I kept telling myself to slow down but I think that was actually harder than maintaining the pace because I wasted too much time looking at my watch! Next race I'm just going to go hard until I absolutely have to slow down.

My bubble was busted on mile 3 when I got a terrible side stitch. (note to self: no chinese for pre-race dinner) Overall I was happy with my race and we all had a really nice time.

There were tons of vendors for the post race festivities. Unfortunately I had to rush the girls out of there because Matt had to get to work. We were all really impressed with the race and will definetely be there next year!

Time: 29:03

Quintana Roo ChicQilo - Chainwheel Drive Clearwater Palm Harbor

Quintana Roo ChicQilo - Chainwheel Drive Clearwater Palm Harbor

This is the tri bike I've been dreaming about.

Last week after meeting Matt for lunch I stopped by Chain Wheel drive in Clearwater. After a run-in with a size too small tri suit I decided to go over and check out their bikes. The guy working there thought it was very comicial that I was checking out the Trek Equinox. Apparently you have to be atleast 5'7 to ride one. I don't think I'll be getting any taller any time soon so that's definetely not the bike for me. It stinks being short!

He instantly steered me towards the Quintana bikes. Basically there were two, this one and one that was TWICE as much. As you can imagine, this one was then my first choice! Although the 6mos same as cash payment plan was tempting I knew Matt would KILL me if I came home with a new bike.

Hopefully I can beg, borrow and steal myself into this bike for next tri season! It even already has a great name. ChicQilo, which is almost as awesome as my current bike, Black Betty ;)