August 24, 2014

PinkNinjaLaura

valmaebel

Love the thread starter today!

Laura- I do ride quite a bit. My shortish version of coming back into the athletic word is that after I had my second, I gained a ton of weight. I am a swimmer from highschool but had no access to a pool so I tried my hand at running...which I had never done before. I successfully trained for two half marathons before having my third. Again, gained all the weight back...even with exercising and eating right (grrrr...). At this point we had a Y membership with a pool for lap swimming, so my hubby wanted me to try a triathlon. Since I love swimming and can endure the running, I got measured for a bike and discovered my hubby's fit me perfectly. So I borrowed his bike and started riding, and haven't looked back. I've completed more sprint triathlons than I can count and 4 Olympic length triathlons. my goal for the next year is to start training for a full marathon and a half ironman. Long story short, I love riding bike so it's been a rough few months without it. . I also highly recommend clipless pedals. The idea terrified me at first but my balance and speed have improved drastically with them.

I have been tracking all my food and going to bed at a more reasonable time each night. I probably should go to bed even a little earlier, but I'm headed in the right direction.

I got back up to 6 miles yesterday morning. I'm pleased that I finally got back into a routine with my running this week. It's improved my energy level a lot. Of course the headaches started this week, but they were manageable. I fractured my skull 10 years ago and ever since then I've been prone to headaches. Basically if I get dehydrated, not enough sleep, or when I change my diet. So every time I drop some weight and then adjust my calorie intake, I get a headache. But this time around hasn't been too bad, I think mainly because I'm getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water.

Today is a rest day, so I slept in a little and have had a leisurely morning. Now to shower and get the family off to church.

Goals for today:
Enjoy my kids.
Plan out my meals for the week and then buy the food for it...to avoid the temptation of eating out.
plan my workouts for the week.

Happy Sunday!

PinkNinjaLaura

Valma I'm hoping to do my first sprint tri next year. I was not athletic at any point in my life prior 2013 so this is all new to me. I was in the water a lot as a kid (my aunt had a cabin nearby) but I never really learned to swim the right way. And I biked a lot as a kid but again it's been 30 years since I've spent any time on a bike. My bike has standard (flat) pedals now until I figure out what I'm doing. The lady who waited on me at the bike shop does tris so she was really helpful in figuring out what I needed now and what I should wait on. I'm planning on buying a trainer so I can use that over the very long winter months.

Sorry to hear about your migraines. Glad they aren't as bad this time. Sounds like you've got a good Sunday planned!

I usually go to the gym late afternoon or early evening on Sundays but decided to get it over with early today. I needed to go to Walmart and it's quieter there earlier in the morning so I did that first, then went to the gym while I was out. It also was a lot quieter at the gym than my usual time, so that was nice too. Rowed for 5 minutes to warm up, had a 35 minute strength routine from my trainer, did 5 minutes on Jacobs Ladder for a quick hit of cardio, then stretched for 5 minutes.

Rest of the day will be spent getting stuff done around the house, and I plan to take a nap. It's overcast, rainy & cool so it would be a good lazy day if I didn't have so much to do.

PinkNinjaLaura

Break in the rain so got out for a bike ride - rode one of my usual running routes. There are some moderate hills (and one pretty steep hill) so I got practice shifting, but most of the rest was either flat or lightly rolling hills. Went just over 10 miles. Was nice.

btsinmd

Did my last long run before my half marathon today. It was 12 miles. I didn't walk any of it, but I did take two breaks at the ranger station, both about 5 minutes. Since last Sunday's single break was for 15 minutes, I think that this is an improvement. I took the absolutely shortest route to the ranger station, so that was 5.2 miles. Took a quick break, drank a bit of water, splashed my face with cool water and used the bathroom. Then ran one more mile down the trail, turned around and started back. Hit the ranger station again at 7.2 miles. Ate a gel and drank some water. Splashed my face again and started back. When I hit where I wanted to leave he trail, I started walking. I had covered 12.2 miles. So I walked the half mile or so home. I found it even easier than last week. Still not easy, but I had no impulse to quit today.

I'm still worried about the half marathon itself. In addition to being a mile more, it is also hillier. My route does have some small hills, but it's easier terrain here then where the half marathon is. Well. we'll see. Next week (weekdays) will be the same as the past two weeks, but next Saturday, my taper starts.

Laura, the bike riding sounds like a lot of fun. You are giving me the impulse to get out on my bike, too.

Valma, my goal is to do a sprint marathon in the future, too. I have a nice swim center near me and I good bicycle so I just need to start training. Really sorry about the headaches. Hope you feel better.

Edit: Oh Laura, thanks for the taper advice. I'm planning to follow it.

agingwithfitness

Just got home from work. Rest day exercise, very little sleep. I have family and friends in Napa and daughter lives near there.

Tomorrow I have dr appt before work so no time either....hopefully tues can fit something in before work, busy week.