Three a Day's ??!!

This week was our second week of training. I'm feeling very good about my running and eager to get to work on my road bike. My confidence in the pool is growing with every session of laps and drills. The only issue is that I also work out for a living. It seems lately there's always a few extra classes a week to sub or some kind of training. I'm definetely not complaining because I absolutely love my job, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day or gas in my tank lately.

Yesterday, thurs. I actually did a three a day. I went to a spin training with my boss, which was all elements of a spin class crammed into 30min of butt kicking, which wouldn't of been too bad if I hadn't taught spin on tues. and three classes on wednesday! Right after my spin training I met Teresa in the pool for 30 min of drills and laps. This was actually my strongest session yet so I was glad I didn't skip it. Later that night, the girls met at my house for our 5mile run. The run was fast and easy. We chatted it up the whole way.

Today my legs were a little sore but since it rained I decided to make it a rest day. Tomorrow I'll get my hills in and then swim with the girls on sunday. Iron Girl is right around the corner and I really need to get some more hill work in so I'll be ready for that bridge!!

Sink or Swim!

Today was the first swim all four of us did together. Amy is an ex-swimmer and therefore nominated swim expert. She really knows what she's talking about. She kept reminding me I could just do side stroke. I don't think that's a good sign ;)

We did a lot of drills today, kick board, floating thong, etc. I was getting a little arrogant on how "strong" my legs were. The kick board put me in my place. There is so much to think about while you're swimming; head down, elbows up, draft your arms in an hour glass shape, flick your wrist, oh and BREATHE! The miracle of today however was that at the end of the session I was actually feeling stronger than when we started. I'm hoping all the swims go that way, with a little improvement each time.

We have an Ironman that works at our Y and is running a "try a tri" program for the race we're doing. I think us girls are going to give it a "try" but I have to see what it will consist of. I already teach a bunch of classes and I don't want to wear myself down. Plus, I'd rather not make a total ass of myself in front of one of my co-workers. I'm not the most graceful and I whine a lot!!!!

Today after we dropped off the kids at school Teresa and I drove down to Clearwater to run the bridge in preparation for the IronGirl 10k. There was a storm coming in and the wind was whipping! Hopefully we'll get down there to run it a few more times before the race. Running up from the base was no joke!! I definetely need to add some hill intervals to my weekly runs.

After our run we went to Pickles Deli right next to Coachman Park. The food was awesome!

Triathlicious!-(Teresa will appreciate that)

Training for the Dunedin sprint triathlon has officially begun!! I wish I was that excited. Honestly I'm horrified.

So far four of us are doing it together. Teresa and I are stressing over every detail while Barb and Amy are much more relaxed about the whole thing. This is however, our nature!

If it isn't a nightmare about swim cap suffocation, it's the realization of having to run in and out of the water in our bathing suits! I know what you're thinking, "you look good in a bathingsuit" Yes, in a perfectly adjusted suit with matching wrap skirt. Not a lifeguard style suit that accents the negatives and eliminates the positives! I mean come on, do they have to be so hideous. Don't even get me started on the swim cap. Can you imagine what my hair will look like by the time I run, after I've worn a swim cap and then a bike helmet. Let's just say, it'll be easy to spot me.

edit

Actually my chip time was 1:43:03 for the Gasparilla 15k. I'm glad I read Jenny's blog and looked that up! That's more like it! Can't forget that 2 min delay at the start. Every minute counts!!!

Gasparilla 15k

Awesome! The only word appropriate for describing this race.

The morning could not have gone any smoother. I woke up at 4am(shocking, I know) ate my breakfast of 1/4 cup rolled oats cooked with water and 1tblsp of peanut butter mixed in. It may sound gross but the p.b melts in the oatmeal and it's the perfect pre-run fuel for me. I stopped drinking water around 6 that morning so that meant only 2 potty stops before the start, instead of a typical 4/5. I've had three kids. Enough said.

Anyways, Teresa picked up Nancy and I and we headed down to Tampa (loved the Toyota SUV, almost as nice as the corolla ;) We parked and then wouldn't ya know there was a YMCA right at the exit of the garage. Couldn't of been more perfect. We were able to secure our stuff, and use the restroom instead of a porta potty.(Those come later)

I've yet to mention the minor downfall of this day. I woke up sick, sinus headache, chest congestion, cough, the works. Actually, it hit me the night before and I took some med's, which unfortunately dried me out like the sahara!

The course for this race is breathtaking. On one side are million dollar homes and the other side is Tampa Bay. The first 6 miles were great, we were under our pace and doing great. Right about mile 6.2 my inability to take a deep breath really became an issue. I guess I can only run 6 miles holding my breath! After, some wonderful Gatorade, yes I said WONDERFUL!! I was definetely slower but still plugging on. In the end my time was 1:44:50. Not bad for a first timer that couldn't breathe. I will definetely be back for the Gasparilla races next year and I'm really looking forward to the upcoming Iron Girl.

Thanks to my two awesome racing buddies Teresa and Nancy. You girls rock!!

3 miles? Nah Let's do 9!!!

That's not exactly how it happened but pretty close. We decided last week to make Thurs. our long run instead of Sundays. However, after my terrible Tues. run I was thinking a few more days of rest til my long Sunday was looking pretty good. But, as soon as we headed out last night we were all feeling pretty good and 3 just felt like...well, just 3?? At what would of been our turn around point we decided to keep on truckin. Since we had planned our long run for the week to be 8 we opted for that route(root) LOL! Teresa is our navigator(she has the Garmin) she also is great at keeping us on pace. She suggested our extended route and let's just say her calculations were a little off. At approx. a half mile from my house(the starting point) we were at 8.5!! TERESA!!! It's a good thing I love ya girl. Actually, I felt great and even said I could go farther, we sped up too. Well when we got to my house we were actually only at 8.7. I'm thinking well, that's good .7 over our goal. Oh, no. "At this point we may as well run 9." The voices of my evil running partners. I had to run PAST my house not once, but TWICE!!! It was psychological warfare. (I shouldn't of sped up at 8.5, damn my ego) Despite the fire burning in my knees and hamstrings I actually felt great. A little nauseous, but great! I got in and iced everything, took a hot shower and slept like a baby! This morning believe it or not I woke up pain free and actually looking forward to my 3 miles on Sunday.

This is my longest run ever and I couldn't have gotten through it without my running girls. Teresa the navigator(no she's not fired), Christy the motivational speaker("you love these long miles, you do") and Barb the silent weapon whom always shows up injured or not ready for anything!