Indoor Triathlon

What's this? An actual race report? Yes, yes, it is. Yesterday, I raced at the CTC's indoor triathlon.

My goal swim distance was 1000 yards for the 20 minute swim. That was a stretch goal for me, because I'm not a consistent 2:00 per 100 kind of girl, but it was a 20-yard pool and worth a shot. So, did I make it? Not quite, but I did go 980, which is still awesome!

Then, we hit the spinning bikes, for a decent 20-minute ride that of course, didn't count distance wise.

Finally, on to the treadmills. I typically run between 6.0 and 7.0 on the treadmill, but it was only 20 minutes, so it was time to push it. My speed varied between 7.1 and 7.5. At the end of 20 minutes, I thought I was going to pass out, but I made it 2.38 miles, which was good enough to put me into 2nd place female overall for the race (of course, there were only 4 females total, but it felt good to not be 4th). And, it was my best indoor triathlon ever! Not bad for not being in top shape!

I leave with you with two videos Matt put together (so talented!) Both are from the indoor triathlon, but one is just of me swimming. Feel free to analyze my form. Note that I already realized that my kick is not good.

High heels

When I graduated from college and entered the work world, we had to wear business suits 4 days a week. Like many a young lady, I crammed my feet into all types, heights and colors of high heels.

Fairly soon after I started, business casual became the dress code. I still wore high heels though all the time. But then I became a runner...

I had a bout with plantar fasciatis in 2003/2004 when I started training for my first longer distance race, a half-marathon. Ever since then, heels have pretty much been off the purchase/wearing menu. It bummed me out, but I reasoned that being a runner was worth it.

Mom always said you should be kind to your feet and treat them to the best shoes regardless of price, so I have. Clark's is a particular brand favorite of mine. In October, I went into that store and found a pair of heels that were actually comfortable, so I bought them. They are not as fun as some heels (kind of look like orthopedic high heel shoes), but they were still heels.

I've worn them to several client meetings and a couple of romantic dinners without adverse effects. But, I got a little cocky. I wore them to a meeting that was several blocks walk away just because I wanted to look nice.

So, what happened? I survived the walk without too much pain, but I got hit with a terrible foot cramp in the pool the next day. It was so bad I couldn't work it out and had to get out. Very disappointing. And, so I learned yet another lesson. Wear them, but don't push my luck. Guess the downtown client will have to see me in pantsuits from now on. Oh well!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Hope you have a great one! I shall start off mine with an indoor triathlon at 6:30 AM. I haven't raced in awhile, so thought it was time to test my fitness. Wish me luck!

I finally understand

So, my training has taken a beating this past week. I did have a first-rate brick workout on Saturday morning and inspired by Steve, I took this picture after I finished. I love being sweaty! : )




Saturday evening, we set out to go to my company's holiday party. On the way there, I told Matt I wasn't feeling so good. He suggested we turn around, but I hoped it would pass. So, I made my husband, who recently had bunion surgery in both feet, walk (hobble) all the way from the garage through a tunnel and up to the party.

I made it through the cocktail time by sipping on a ginger ale (hate ginger ale). I attempted to sit down for dinner, but by the time Matt had eaten his salad (I couldn't even look at mine), I knew we needed to go. So, I dragged the poor man away from his dinner back down and through the tunnel to the garage. I insisted on driving, because of his feet.

So, I am now praying that I will make it home in time. Did I make it? Yah, not so much. I had to stop on the berm of the highway just before our exit and get violently ill into a plastic bag (thank god I am so damn over prepared) for several minutes. I recovered enough to make it home, but then proceeded to lose it from both ends (TMI I know) off and on for several hours. I haven't been that sick in years! But, it eventually ended and I was able to keep some fluids down.

When I posted my stomach situation onto Facebook, I got a message from one of my co-workers. Turns out she had it too as did another one of our co-workers. We all ate in the same restaurant on Friday at lunch. They got sick even worse than me. Anyway, we think it was food poisoning. Not fun.

Since then, I have only been eating stomach friendly foods (read bland here). Every day, I feel a little better, but still not 100% yet.

I did get back to working out yesterday (short bike ride) and I swam this morning.

In the past, when I would train, I wouldn't have much problem dragging my butt out of bed even when not specifically training for something. Today and yesterday though, it was a major struggle. I think it had more to do with Matt still being in bed, because he can't work out like normal now with the feet, than me recovering from food poisoning. I finally understand that he had a lot to do with my motivation to get up and get going. When your hubby gets up at 4:30 AM in order to go do his morning workout, it doesn't seem so harsh to get up at 5.

Now, I just have to force myself to get back on that routine. I also shall be even more appreciative of all the things Matt does for us after I've been in charge of them for a few weeks. Wish me luck!