Day 30

I did it! My almost 9 mile bike ride has been succes! It had moderate hills, heavy traffic and I was able to keep up, just stopping once for water. It felt so good to know that I overcame my fears of open road biking. My tush was a bit sore by the end, but that is okay. I know my speed is not where it should be, but I will work very hard on that between today and race day. I realize I have to buy sporty sunglasses since my Coach ones aren't cutting it. Yet one more expense to add to the race! That is okay though; my husband has been wonderful about this and is cheerleading me all the way.

Tomorrow will be crazy; I am volunteering in the kids school all morning, than a lunch date. So my goal for tomorrow is to run 3 miles with several 1 minute walks in between. I am doing a long bike ride Tuesday morning at the Y so my focus tomorrow will be the run.

Day 28

I feel like crap. My throat feels like it is on fire and I am so lethargic. To top it all off, I am so stressed out. All I think about is the triathlon. Whether I can do it or will I drop dead in the middle of it. This is seriously taking over my life and well being.

All I did today was swim 500 meters, and than an hour of swim aerobics. The swimming went okay, but since I was sick I feel like I did not give it my all. If I feel better by this evening, I plan on getting on the treadmill for an hour.

Tomorrow; the plan is to get up early and take a long bike ride before it gets to hot. It is supposed to be in the lower 90's here, so I know that if I do not do it early in the day, it is not going to happen. Keeping fingers crossed that I do not have strep throat or anything worse than a cold.

Day 27

Progress! Today I faced my fear of biking on Rt 370. I only went about 4 miles, but at least it was a challenge with the hills. It was scary to have all of that traffic whizzing by me. I do not know if I was gripping my handles too hard out of fear or exhaustion, but the area above my wrist is killing me. It feels like carpel tunnel or something. Bike gloves are next on my shopping list!

Speaking of shopping, Tuesday night my husband brought me to a bicycle shop and bought two new tires (thinner treads; much easier to work with than the mountain bike tires), and a pair of tri-shorts. The shorts were $64.99! I guess no one said that this sport is cheap. I had to get them in a men's size since the selection wasn't as great. We probably could have gotten them cheaper some where else, but we try to support local B-ville businesses. I thought a pair of tri-shorts with the tight tri tip would frighten small children and adults alike, but it is not as bad as I pictured it to be.

Yesterday I did another mini brick workout. I biked for almost 2 miles (yes I realize I need to step up this mileage), than immediately came in and jumped on the treadmill. I was able to run the first 5 minutes, but after that 2 minutes of running was coming after 3 minutes of walking. My schedule on running for this week is 5:1, walking 1 minute after running 5 minutes straight. It is only Thursday. I have until Monday to meet that goal.

Tomorrow: swimming, biking AND running.

Day 25

Here is our picture at Disney Land. Just felt like posting it.

It is only 4 p.m. and I am very tired. I only received about 6 hours sleep because I am still on west coast time. 6 hours may seem decent but I need at least 8 or I just don't function how I should.

I met with Kelly today (triathlon trainer) and it went great. She is very positive and has confidence that I will be able to pull off the Cato race which is just 5 1/2 weeks away. We went over a training schedule which is doable. The only scary part is the biking. As per previous posts, I am terrified of the biking. I am going to start attending Kelly's 2x weekly bike rides. However, they are LONG. At least long for me. The minimum is 9 miles! I realize I have to do 9 miles for the race but it is still nerve racking.

Now here is what is really freaking me out. I was told that there are only 12 participants signed up thus far for the race. There is no way I am doing it if there are only 11 other people (sorry Kelly!). I can deal with coming in last (I am not in it for the competition, just to do this for myself), but I can not deal with coming in last 30 minutes or longer after the 11th person. Just too humiliating. Everyone will be done with their lunch and post race accolades by the time I touch the finish line. Seriously, the number of racers could be a deal breaker.

So anyway, today was a good exercise day. I spent 45 minutes on the treadmill, biked over 2 miles (yes, two miles is even difficult for me), then followed the bike ride with a run around the block. It was obviously a short distance, but at least I ran 85% of the way.

Tomorrow is a swim day, with a bike ride in the afternoon. I am going out later to get new tires for my mountain bike. This should help a bit with the training. Let's hope I get a good nights sleep tonight so that I am super charged for a long bike ride tomorrow.

Day 34

Back to life...back to reality (or so the song goes). California was a lot of fun. I just love the ocean and showing it to my kids for the first time was amazing. It was a little cold but we still managed to play in the waves.

I did not do well with the working out or eating healthy. I did have two good workouts at the hotel gym, and of course we walked everyday (especially at Disney!). I came home with a 5 lb weight gain. That is actually not as bad as I thought it would be considering I ate lots of carbs and consumed alcohol on a daily basis. It is detox time!

We landed Sat. night and I was back on our treadmill by Sunday afternoon. I had a pain in my shin so I did not do as well. I ran/walked for 60 minutes with my maximum speed only being 4.6. In the end it came to about 4.2 miles or so. As much as I was dreading that first workout, it felt good. However, I am starting to lose my confidence. My husband is concerned that I am placing too much pressure on myself to complete the 1/2 sprint next month and that I should instead focus on the training. I can see his point. I meet with Kelly tomorrow to go over a tri-training plan. This will either give me the boost of confidence I need or it will make me realize that I am in over my head.

In the meantime, no alcohol, no carbs (except for veggies) and lots of water. I am still on west coast time so the sleeping is an issue but hopefully not for long. Workout schedule will resume tomorrow.

Day 22

Well I ofically did it. I paid and signed up for the 1/2 sprint triathlon. Only 56 days away. I feel scared and excited all at once. I also signed up to work with a triathlon coach, so that helps settle my nerves a little. Hi Kelly!

Woa, I am exhausted! I did get in the brick workout yesterday as planned. The problem is that I went from the bike to the treadmill. I realize I need to hit the pavement. I am just so embarrassed to run outside though. I need to get over the mentality that people would laugh at me. You never see big girls run, just the thin ones with the body of an athlete. I do not even like to run on a treadmill in the gym. I like the pool or the comfort and anyominity of my home. Something to work on!

Today I really rocked it. I think I am taking the stress of the trip and turning it into nervous energy. This morning I swam 400 meters without taking a break, and then another 400 with a few breaks. The life guard I adore was there today and he is always offering my friendly critiques. He says that I kick at the knee and need to work on kicking from the thigh. He suggested I use flippers to help me kick. I did try it and it did work. I just hate sharing a lane using them though; I am afraid I am going to kick someone in the face. Anyway, I then came home and did a quick two mile bike ride (big steep hill!) and walked at 4.0 mph for 60 minutes.

I do not think I will hit the Y tomorrow, but will get in one last brick workout before leaving for CA. The next time I blog, I will be sunkissed and ready to intensify the workouts!

Day 21

We are getting ready for our trip to California! I am super excited yet incredibly anxious at the same time. It is my first time flying with the kids at this age and I just hope it goes off without a hitch.

I was a little concerned about being able to get any training in over the course of the 8 day vacation. Our hotel has a gym and a nice sized pool, so I am hopeful to get in a few workouts. I originally did not want to drag my sneakers along, but I really have to. We will also be doing a lot of walking as a trip to Disney Land is included in our itinerary.

So over the weekend, I only got in a walk/run. I stayed consistent at 42.5 minutes for 3.1 miles. I have to realize that it takes a little bit of time to make strides. I also need to lengthen the run. Oh, almost forgot. I did a 90 minute (intense for me!) yoga workout with my step-mom. She is awesome! I on the other hand have to start going back to yoga on a regular basis. It is a great cross-training excersize as it dramatically increases your flexibility.

Today I plan on doing my first "brick" workout. I am going to attempt to bike for 4 miles, then run for 3. It is my first time biking for more than 2 miles, so it will be a challenge.

Swim laps tomorrow!