Not from work (although that would be lovely too), but this week I've taken a little time off from the daily grind of training. I decided that yesterday was my I-can-do-whatever-I-want day with NO guilty feelings allowed. I did not run that morning, skipped my lunchtime treadmill session and did not ride my bike when I got home from work. I plopped down on the couch and watched a sweet little movie I found on Netflix called "Arranged." Then I went and sat on the front porch and watched the sunset until Jason got home. At the end of the day, I really didn't feel guilty about it, and I am already feeling somewhat refreshed from the break.
The thing I forget about triathlons is that a lot of mental and physical energy goes into doing them. That seems like a given, I'm sure, but for a marathon runner, it doesn't always feel like it was hard on my body. After an Olympic distance tri, I may be a little tired and sun kissed, but I do not feel nearly as used up as I do after a marathon, or even a half marathon. But I have to remember, I spent over 3 hours swimming, cycling and running...and that is a long time. Despite how I may feel afterward, my body still needs time to recover.
But if the race was on Sunday, I usually pick up with my training as usual on Monday. And then I wonder why everything seems harder than usual. Whereas after a marathon, I usually allow myself rest and recovery before picking it all back up again.
Here is what my weekly schedule looks like so far, and I think you can see where my body said enough is enough.
Sunday - Music City Triathlon
Monday - Ran 4 quickies on the treadmill, short swim workout after work
Tuesday - Ran 6 morning miles, biked 18 after work
Wednesday - Ran 6 morning miles (tempo run), home after work to catch up on chores
Thursday - Nothing
Friday - Ran 6.3 morning miles - and felt pretty good
Saturday - Anywhere from 40-60 miles on the bike planned...
By Wednesday I was ready for a break. It hit me that I hadn't rested at all since the triathlon so I gave myself permission to do so. There is also the fact that while I am running in the mornings, working all day and swimming or cycling in the afternoons, life is still going on. There are clothes to be washed and folded (and quite a few with two of us doing two workouts a day). There are dishes to be washed and put away. There is tea to be made, flowers to be watered, groceries to be bought...
So I took Wednesday afternoon to do these things...and I had a blast. I put on my latest Maroon 5 tunes and rocked out while I cleaned and made dinner. And then Thursday I rested.
I could tell on this morning's run that I felt better. I had more energy and my knee was not as angry as it has been. That was a good sign that my body needed rest, and I'm glad I listened. I may designate one afternoon a week to chores, dancing in the kitchen, or cheesy movie watching - some non-training activity I enjoy. I think a little time off is a needed addition to my training plan.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Sort of Tempo Run
This morning I joined my girls for a run. Running with them is always a great way to refocus on what I love about this sport... and what really matters. We start our morning run with a prayer, and then fill the rest of it with fun, hilarious, meaningful conversation. I love hearing about their lives, their thoughts, their training and everything in between. They all encourage and inspire me, each in their own different ways, to be a better person and a better runner.
As I've mentioned before, Katie is training to run a 3:15 marathon and she's following one of the strictest plans she's ever used. On Wednesdays she does some sort of speed/tempo/hill workout and I usually join her for whatever I can manage. This morning she had a tempo run planned, but it was unlike any tempo run I'd ever done. I am used to one mile warm up, the middle miles at a certain pace, and then a 1 mile cool down. The one she sent me last night involved minutes and obscure terminology like the word "gradual." Okay, so I read it while watching "The Proposal" so I may have skimmed...
But I was game to give it a go and hang with her as best I could. The workout was to be a 10-15 minute warm-up and then a gradual increase of speed until we were at 7 minute pace and we were to hold that for 6 minutes and then cool back down. We chose a 6 mile route and ran for about 15 minutes before we decided it was time to rev it up. I thought "gradual" meant about a minute to get down to the pace we wanted, so I picked up the pace and thought, "Jane, you can do this for 6 minutes."
Katie wasn't really sure when we had started or how long we should go, and I forgot my watch (which just about sent me over the edge) so I was no help... but I was thinking this 6 minute thing was not so bad after all and feeling really good about my pace. That's when she informed me that we were still in the gradual phase and it was time to take it up a notch...for 6 minutes.
"But I don't have another notch!" I said. She wasn't bothered by this. She informed me that I had to stay with her or I would not know what my pace was since I didn't have a my Garmin. She knows my weak spots. She also said it was just six minutes and left it at that. So I ran as hard as I could, trying to keep the gap between us as narrow as possible, thinking to myself the whole time, "But I already DID my six minutes!" (think whiny 5-year-old voice here).
After the second set of 6 minutes, we slowed back down and my legs felt like complete jello. It was great, though, and I was really surprised that I could do that type of run at 5:00 in the morning. Even though Katie and I didn't really understand the workout or know if we'd done it correctly, I enjoyed running it with her and pushing myself. We had great conversation along the way (except for that second 6 minutes), talking about training and planning and thinking about it all.
We met back up with the rest of our posse after the run and got to chat with them a bit more before going home. As I drove away, I was thankful for the morning run and such wonderful friends to share it with. It was a great start to my refocusing efforts, and I knew exactly Who to thank for that.
As I've mentioned before, Katie is training to run a 3:15 marathon and she's following one of the strictest plans she's ever used. On Wednesdays she does some sort of speed/tempo/hill workout and I usually join her for whatever I can manage. This morning she had a tempo run planned, but it was unlike any tempo run I'd ever done. I am used to one mile warm up, the middle miles at a certain pace, and then a 1 mile cool down. The one she sent me last night involved minutes and obscure terminology like the word "gradual." Okay, so I read it while watching "The Proposal" so I may have skimmed...
But I was game to give it a go and hang with her as best I could. The workout was to be a 10-15 minute warm-up and then a gradual increase of speed until we were at 7 minute pace and we were to hold that for 6 minutes and then cool back down. We chose a 6 mile route and ran for about 15 minutes before we decided it was time to rev it up. I thought "gradual" meant about a minute to get down to the pace we wanted, so I picked up the pace and thought, "Jane, you can do this for 6 minutes."
Katie wasn't really sure when we had started or how long we should go, and I forgot my watch (which just about sent me over the edge) so I was no help... but I was thinking this 6 minute thing was not so bad after all and feeling really good about my pace. That's when she informed me that we were still in the gradual phase and it was time to take it up a notch...for 6 minutes.
"But I don't have another notch!" I said. She wasn't bothered by this. She informed me that I had to stay with her or I would not know what my pace was since I didn't have a my Garmin. She knows my weak spots. She also said it was just six minutes and left it at that. So I ran as hard as I could, trying to keep the gap between us as narrow as possible, thinking to myself the whole time, "But I already DID my six minutes!" (think whiny 5-year-old voice here).
After the second set of 6 minutes, we slowed back down and my legs felt like complete jello. It was great, though, and I was really surprised that I could do that type of run at 5:00 in the morning. Even though Katie and I didn't really understand the workout or know if we'd done it correctly, I enjoyed running it with her and pushing myself. We had great conversation along the way (except for that second 6 minutes), talking about training and planning and thinking about it all.
We met back up with the rest of our posse after the run and got to chat with them a bit more before going home. As I drove away, I was thankful for the morning run and such wonderful friends to share it with. It was a great start to my refocusing efforts, and I knew exactly Who to thank for that.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Losing Focus
This morning I went for a run. It was hot and humid and I was slower than I wanted to be. During the run I thought to myself, "Jane, you are losing your joy." All of the striving and pushing and training and trying - it has been wearing me out. And I've begun chasing myself with such fervor, that I've forgotten that it doesn't always have to be about reaching a goal or beating a PR. It can be about just running down the road because I'm blessed enough to do so.
I think losing focus on the simple love I have for this activity points to losing focus on much bigger things. Like maybe the One who made me and all this running possible. Like the One who gave me a wonderful husband to do all this running with me. Like the One I am supposed to glorify in all that I do, running included.
In the past, my solo morning runs have been peaceful, joyous times of me, the sunrise and the Creator of it all. But it has been a while since He and I have spent time together - running or otherwise.
A running friend of mine wrote a beautiful post about this very thing today. I have had many runs like the ones she described, but not recently. And more than running quickly down the street, I want to be running with my heart focused on Him.
So it is time to refocus, to change directions. Sure, I'm still going to train, but I'm going to give this body, heart and mind a little peace and quiet too. It's time to let go of the things that don't matter. As Katie pointed out, my God loves me and he knows the desires and delights of my heart. He also knows what I need more than I do.
I'm not sure how I lost focus or why, but I intend to get it back. Starting now.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Fun and Fiascos in Music City
Yesterday was the Music City Triathlon in Nashville, TN. We did this event last year, the only difference being that I did the sprint instead of the intermediate distance. This year I decided to do a bit more. Jason and I had a great time, but it was not without a few fiascoes along the way...
Our alarm clock went off at 4:00 am. I had already set the coffee pot to start then, so I didn't bother getting up until I heard the beep. We'd already loaded our bikes on the rack and our bags in the car, so all we had to do was get dressed and pour the brew. I put on my new, snazzy onesie. I decided I wanted something that would not move and shift, so I bought the Sugoi Women's Blast Tri Suit and it turned out to be perfect.
We drove to Nashville, parked and went to get our packets, numbers and race chips. Somewhere in all of this, Jason misplaced his ID. He told me to go on to the transition area, and went in search of it. A few minutes later, the announcer said she'd found an ID and called his name. Such a relief! I had put my IDs in my bra and forgotten to take them out...so I ended up doing the entire event with my USAT card and my driver's license in my bra.
The swim went well. It seemed long, and we had a current against us at the beginning and end, but I got into my rhythm much sooner than last time. At one point, a guy tried to swim over me. He made it half way up my back before I kicked him off. I thought, "Dude, if you take me under, you are going too." But he moved on and the rest of the swim was without incident.
There was a bit of a jog up to the transition area and when I got there I was pleased to see that my bike was not alone on the rack. I tried to hurry as I shoved on my helmet and my shoes as fast as I could. I had meant to leave my IDs at this point, but I forgot...and almost forgot my sunglasses too, but I went back for them. As I made my way toward the bike exit, I tugged on my helmet straps. They felt so tight! I did not remember changing them but this was not going to work...
That's when two volunteers said they thought I had my helmet on backwards. And I did. I was mortified. "Don't you hate it when that happens," said one of the guys and I wanted to say, "IT DOESN'T EVER HAPPEN," but I just righted my helmet and quickly got out of there. I laughed and shook my head at myself as I began my ride. Nothing shouts, "I'm the new girl!" like a backwards helmet (and I thought I looked more seasoned in my snazzy onesie too!).
The ride went VERY well. I pushed hard, used my gears to my advantage and shaved off a whole minute. One. Whole. Minute. Its a start, I suppose. That is my fastest intermediate bike time to date. I'll take it.
As I finished my ride, I could feel the heat bearing down on me. My bike thermometer read 100 degrees and for the first time ever, I was not looking forward to the run. During the ride, I tried to drink more Gatorade than usual, and I forced 3 gummies down too. I wanted to be hydrated for a run I knew was going to be hot and hilly.
I got to the transition area once again, put on my shoes, Garmin and visor, and headed out. Just like last time, I had to pee and I did not want 6 miles of holding it, so I quickly made my way to a port-a-potty in the transition area. It added time, but I did not want my 10k to be any harder than it had to be.
The run course contained 3 big hills and I got to do them all twice. Much to my surprise I actually felt good as my legs started their run. I took small steps, trying to hold a quick clip. My first mile was a 9:07, but after that I began to slow. I still felt good, but it was very hot and around the 3rd mile, I stopped sweating and got chill bumps. I never felt bad, but I was afraid to push it, so I ran about a 10 minute pace for the rest of the run, staying relaxed, and getting water at every aid station.
I finished my race as the announcer called my name and said, "She's finishing with a smile on her face." I was so very glad to be done and happy with the efforts of the day. I did start to feel really strange once I stopped. I got lightheaded and the headache showed up again. I drank an entire bottle of water as Jason checked the results. We slowly made our way to the car to load everything back in. I changed clothes in the car, noticing the lovely brown tint evident on the white parts of my new tri suit from swimming in the Tennessee River.
We ate at Baja Fresh afterward, and I inhaled two of the most delicious mahi mahi tacos of my life. After eating, I felt much better. Jason and I struggled to stay awake on the way home, but we made it and were thrilled to finally shower, washing off the river, the port-a-potties, the salt and sweat and Gatorade. I discovered some lovely new tan lines - one of which is my race number on both arms and my left leg.
I was happy with it all until I looked at the results later that night.
Swim - 39:18 (WHAT IN THE WORLD?)
T1 - 4:50 (thanks to the backward helmet)
Bike - 1:31:19 (fastest to date)
T2 - 3:25 (peeing takes time)
Run - 59:59 (hills and heat, I suppose)
I knew I'd done the best I could but...I had hoped my best would be a bit faster. Good grief. My one and only intermediate distance last year had been MUCH faster than this, and I had hardly trained at all. Maybe the key to triathlon training is to train for an ultra trail run, instead of cycling and swimming...
As always, Jason talked it through with me and eased my frustrations somewhat. I've got 4 weeks until Fall Creek Falls, and 5 weeks until Rocket Man (goal race). Part of me wants to throw up my hands and say, "What is the point?!" but part of me also feels a fire has been lit. It is that part I intend to give in to... and the training continues...
Our alarm clock went off at 4:00 am. I had already set the coffee pot to start then, so I didn't bother getting up until I heard the beep. We'd already loaded our bikes on the rack and our bags in the car, so all we had to do was get dressed and pour the brew. I put on my new, snazzy onesie. I decided I wanted something that would not move and shift, so I bought the Sugoi Women's Blast Tri Suit and it turned out to be perfect.
We drove to Nashville, parked and went to get our packets, numbers and race chips. Somewhere in all of this, Jason misplaced his ID. He told me to go on to the transition area, and went in search of it. A few minutes later, the announcer said she'd found an ID and called his name. Such a relief! I had put my IDs in my bra and forgotten to take them out...so I ended up doing the entire event with my USAT card and my driver's license in my bra.
The swim went well. It seemed long, and we had a current against us at the beginning and end, but I got into my rhythm much sooner than last time. At one point, a guy tried to swim over me. He made it half way up my back before I kicked him off. I thought, "Dude, if you take me under, you are going too." But he moved on and the rest of the swim was without incident.
There was a bit of a jog up to the transition area and when I got there I was pleased to see that my bike was not alone on the rack. I tried to hurry as I shoved on my helmet and my shoes as fast as I could. I had meant to leave my IDs at this point, but I forgot...and almost forgot my sunglasses too, but I went back for them. As I made my way toward the bike exit, I tugged on my helmet straps. They felt so tight! I did not remember changing them but this was not going to work...
That's when two volunteers said they thought I had my helmet on backwards. And I did. I was mortified. "Don't you hate it when that happens," said one of the guys and I wanted to say, "IT DOESN'T EVER HAPPEN," but I just righted my helmet and quickly got out of there. I laughed and shook my head at myself as I began my ride. Nothing shouts, "I'm the new girl!" like a backwards helmet (and I thought I looked more seasoned in my snazzy onesie too!).
The ride went VERY well. I pushed hard, used my gears to my advantage and shaved off a whole minute. One. Whole. Minute. Its a start, I suppose. That is my fastest intermediate bike time to date. I'll take it.
As I finished my ride, I could feel the heat bearing down on me. My bike thermometer read 100 degrees and for the first time ever, I was not looking forward to the run. During the ride, I tried to drink more Gatorade than usual, and I forced 3 gummies down too. I wanted to be hydrated for a run I knew was going to be hot and hilly.
I got to the transition area once again, put on my shoes, Garmin and visor, and headed out. Just like last time, I had to pee and I did not want 6 miles of holding it, so I quickly made my way to a port-a-potty in the transition area. It added time, but I did not want my 10k to be any harder than it had to be.
The run course contained 3 big hills and I got to do them all twice. Much to my surprise I actually felt good as my legs started their run. I took small steps, trying to hold a quick clip. My first mile was a 9:07, but after that I began to slow. I still felt good, but it was very hot and around the 3rd mile, I stopped sweating and got chill bumps. I never felt bad, but I was afraid to push it, so I ran about a 10 minute pace for the rest of the run, staying relaxed, and getting water at every aid station.
I finished my race as the announcer called my name and said, "She's finishing with a smile on her face." I was so very glad to be done and happy with the efforts of the day. I did start to feel really strange once I stopped. I got lightheaded and the headache showed up again. I drank an entire bottle of water as Jason checked the results. We slowly made our way to the car to load everything back in. I changed clothes in the car, noticing the lovely brown tint evident on the white parts of my new tri suit from swimming in the Tennessee River.
We ate at Baja Fresh afterward, and I inhaled two of the most delicious mahi mahi tacos of my life. After eating, I felt much better. Jason and I struggled to stay awake on the way home, but we made it and were thrilled to finally shower, washing off the river, the port-a-potties, the salt and sweat and Gatorade. I discovered some lovely new tan lines - one of which is my race number on both arms and my left leg.
I was happy with it all until I looked at the results later that night.
Swim - 39:18 (WHAT IN THE WORLD?)
T1 - 4:50 (thanks to the backward helmet)
Bike - 1:31:19 (fastest to date)
T2 - 3:25 (peeing takes time)
Run - 59:59 (hills and heat, I suppose)
I knew I'd done the best I could but...I had hoped my best would be a bit faster. Good grief. My one and only intermediate distance last year had been MUCH faster than this, and I had hardly trained at all. Maybe the key to triathlon training is to train for an ultra trail run, instead of cycling and swimming...
As always, Jason talked it through with me and eased my frustrations somewhat. I've got 4 weeks until Fall Creek Falls, and 5 weeks until Rocket Man (goal race). Part of me wants to throw up my hands and say, "What is the point?!" but part of me also feels a fire has been lit. It is that part I intend to give in to... and the training continues...
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Picking a Shirt
Jason's second Ironman is coming up and he is in the thick of his training. It is insane. And he's got about six weeks left. That means I must get crackin' on my preparations as well. One of which is picking out my shirt.
Last year, as I supported Jason's first Ironman, I saw all kinds of cute, creative apparel worn by the other wives and moms and families out supporting their Ironpeeps. I was sporting a comfy and cool running outfit so that I would be quick on my feet, and I did get the Ironman logo painted on my arm at the face painting booth...but this year, I vowed to be more prepared. No longer will I be the rookie supporter, no sir. This year I will show up looking like a pro!
So I gotta pick my shirt. And shopping for it has been fun and hilarious. Here is what I found:
Last year, as I supported Jason's first Ironman, I saw all kinds of cute, creative apparel worn by the other wives and moms and families out supporting their Ironpeeps. I was sporting a comfy and cool running outfit so that I would be quick on my feet, and I did get the Ironman logo painted on my arm at the face painting booth...but this year, I vowed to be more prepared. No longer will I be the rookie supporter, no sir. This year I will show up looking like a pro!
So I gotta pick my shirt. And shopping for it has been fun and hilarious. Here is what I found:
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| Till I get my husband back...I like it. |
 |
| Or, he goes the distance...cheesy or cute? |
 | |
| Appropriate! |
 |
| Oops...got sidetracked... |
 |
| This one is in the running...I like it too. |
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| This may be my # 1 choice. It says it all. |
 |
| Sidetracked again. But so TRUE! |
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| Jason said I wouldn't have the nerve...but it makes me grin. |
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| For Jason...so true. |
 |
| Aaaaand sidetracked again. I guess it would depend on who the other aunts were... |
 |
| One day... |
I think I may go with the "I Heart My Triathlete" one. But I like the 140.6 ones as well. So tough! What do you think?
All shirts were located at www.cafepress.com by searching for "triathlon shirt."
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
The Swim Workout
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| The University Fitness Center Pool |
All in all, I do not know much about swimming competitively. And really, I don't care much about that portion of the triathlon. It is merely a section to complete before moving on to the bike ride. Still, I don't want to be out there all day. And if I want my overall triathlon time to come down, the swim has to be a part of that.
Up until now I've focused on time in the water. I've been getting in two or three 30-minute swims a week and calling it good. I've got a good rhythm and my form is not bad either. Not great, mind you, but not bad. After Chattanooga, however, I decided I'd like to actually train when I'm in the water, only I was not sure how to do that. I consulted my trusty triathlon guru, Jason. He told me what he did in his Ironman training, and I brought it down to my level.
My first go at an actual training swim was Monday. Here is what I did:
250m slow/100m fast x 5 (about 7 there-and-backs in the pool for those of you like me who have no concept of meters). That's about 35 laps - a lap being a "there-and-back."
Please forgive my homemade terms - this English major doesn't do a whole lot of math. Jason is wonderfully patient with me as I quiz him on meters and laps and take his terms and repeat them back in my own so I understand what we are talking about (and even then I think I still get it wrong half the time). It would probably be quite comical should anyone overhear the conversation. But I'm digressing.
This workout wore me OUT. Jason was still swimming when I left. I stopped on the way home to get gas and when I got out of the car, my body felt so weak and slow. The thought of going home, letting Chance out, rinsing off and making sandwiches...it made me even more tired. Eventually my energy returned and as I plopped down on the coach with my sandwich for an episode of "The Closer," I felt quite proud of myself. I'd run 8 miles that morning, and felt good about the day's efforts.
I'll be doing this same workout today and then possibly again on Friday if there is time. Next week I will consult my triathlon guru once again to help me mix it up. I'm not exactly sure how these workouts will benefit my triathlon performance, but at the very least they are much more fun than swimming for 30 minutes (watching the clock) or trying to keep up with how many laps (there-and-backs) I've done.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Tuesday's Treat
You're probably thinking, "Well this is nothing new!" I know. Its an oldie. But sometimes I have a hard time getting down my daily banana. I just don't always look forward to it. But if I have some peanut butter to slather on each bite...oh my. It becomes a decadent treat!
Two things to watch - the contents of your peanut butter and the amount of peanut butter you take. One tablespoon is the perfect amount for a nip on each bite of banana. It doesn't sound like it, but give it a try before you decide you need more. If you DO want more (and let's face it, some days are two tablespoon days), simply make room in your diet for the extra calories. Most brands have a "natural" version that does not have tons of sugar or trans fat, but make sure to read the label so you know what you're getting.
Peanut butter is a great source of protein and I know I don't always get as much as I need. That, coupled with all the nutrients of a banana equals a wonderful, healthy snack! Other options are to put it between two slices of bread for a delicious and nutritious lunch time meal. Or, if you want to shake things up a bit, use an apple with peanut butter instead of the banana.
Monday, July 18, 2011
USATF Coaching Ed and Beyond
What a weekend! My brain is full of fascinating track and field information. Man, I love my sport! I learned so much. We talked about philosophy, ethics and risk management first, following that up with physiology and biomechanics - all on Friday night. Saturday was the longest day of my life, but it was still filled with all sorts of interesting stuff. We learned about psychology and training theory (one of my favorite parts), biomotor training for speed and power events (another favorite part), and then sprints, hurdles and relays. We spent 14 hours sitting in a classroom to learn all of this. I felt a bit crazy and unhinged by the end. Sunday morning, I returned ready to learn about throws and endurance events (another fave).
The class itself was taught by Loren Seagrave, Ian Dube, and Mike Judge. All of these guys knew their stuff and had amazing stories to tell, with bits of humor thrown in as well. A few times Loren got so technical he was hard to follow, but it gave me a new appreciation for all that is required in track and field events. It isn't just about being strong and fast - there is so much more involved! Skill, focus, drills, training, technique... maybe this is all assumed, but when I watch a 10 second (or less) sprint, it is hard to fathom all that went in to preparing those athletes to move at that speed.
I can't wait to get started. I'd love to work with a high school track and/or cross country team as a volunteer. I'd like to shadow what the coach is doing (provided he is not simply a stand-in football coach being forced to coach another sport), see first hand what I have learned and get involved in the coaching. I'd love to talk with the young athletes themselves, learn what they like and what they don't, and find out what they want to achieve. Then, if I could, I'd like to help them get there.
I also learned a lot that I can use right now, things that will help me work with new runners or experienced runners trying new things. I learned much I can apply to my own running as well, and in the two runs I've had since getting home, I have pondered these things. Mostly form, but also maximizing my velocity as I move forward and preventing my own form and movement from slowing me down. That will take a lot of practice, but I think being aware is the first step.
I've wanted to work with runners of all sorts for a long time. I've been able to do this somewhat with the No Boundaries program, but I'd like to do more than that. I love helping brand new runners, those who have never run a step in their lives, to find a sport they love. I enjoy showing them how strong and able they are, that they have the power to change the things they do not like in their lives. Sure, there is much more to that than running, but if they have sought out the sport, I feel like I have the gift of sharing it in such a way as to make them successful in their pursuits.
I also like helping experienced runners try something new. Whether it is a new distance or a faster pace, I feel like my own 15 years in the sport have given me insight and knowledge into how things work, how they don't and how to maneuver around the road blocks runners find along the way. Should someone come to me, however, I want to be able to provide more evidence of this than "I really like to run and I have done it for a long time." While I do have credentials such as taking almost 2 hours from a marathon time, cutting time from all other distances, running ultras, relays, and triathlons, and learning about training strategies, nutrition, hydration and safety for all of this...I feel like there needs to be something more. Classes, study, certifications that show what I have learned, experience in these fields - things like that.
This USATF Level 1 class was a first step. While I do have knowledge and experience, there is still much more I don't know. But I intend to learn and get involved with coaching others. This is what I love.
The class itself was taught by Loren Seagrave, Ian Dube, and Mike Judge. All of these guys knew their stuff and had amazing stories to tell, with bits of humor thrown in as well. A few times Loren got so technical he was hard to follow, but it gave me a new appreciation for all that is required in track and field events. It isn't just about being strong and fast - there is so much more involved! Skill, focus, drills, training, technique... maybe this is all assumed, but when I watch a 10 second (or less) sprint, it is hard to fathom all that went in to preparing those athletes to move at that speed.
I can't wait to get started. I'd love to work with a high school track and/or cross country team as a volunteer. I'd like to shadow what the coach is doing (provided he is not simply a stand-in football coach being forced to coach another sport), see first hand what I have learned and get involved in the coaching. I'd love to talk with the young athletes themselves, learn what they like and what they don't, and find out what they want to achieve. Then, if I could, I'd like to help them get there.
I also learned a lot that I can use right now, things that will help me work with new runners or experienced runners trying new things. I learned much I can apply to my own running as well, and in the two runs I've had since getting home, I have pondered these things. Mostly form, but also maximizing my velocity as I move forward and preventing my own form and movement from slowing me down. That will take a lot of practice, but I think being aware is the first step.
I've wanted to work with runners of all sorts for a long time. I've been able to do this somewhat with the No Boundaries program, but I'd like to do more than that. I love helping brand new runners, those who have never run a step in their lives, to find a sport they love. I enjoy showing them how strong and able they are, that they have the power to change the things they do not like in their lives. Sure, there is much more to that than running, but if they have sought out the sport, I feel like I have the gift of sharing it in such a way as to make them successful in their pursuits.
I also like helping experienced runners try something new. Whether it is a new distance or a faster pace, I feel like my own 15 years in the sport have given me insight and knowledge into how things work, how they don't and how to maneuver around the road blocks runners find along the way. Should someone come to me, however, I want to be able to provide more evidence of this than "I really like to run and I have done it for a long time." While I do have credentials such as taking almost 2 hours from a marathon time, cutting time from all other distances, running ultras, relays, and triathlons, and learning about training strategies, nutrition, hydration and safety for all of this...I feel like there needs to be something more. Classes, study, certifications that show what I have learned, experience in these fields - things like that.
This USATF Level 1 class was a first step. While I do have knowledge and experience, there is still much more I don't know. But I intend to learn and get involved with coaching others. This is what I love.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Speed work, Gears, and Atlanta
After the triathlon on Sunday, my week has been a little off kilter. Still, I've been able to try some of the things Jason and I discussed and so far, so good!
Speed Work
When approaching speed work, I have to start with something I can wrap my mind around. And I have to start small, slowly working my way to the bigger workouts. Yesterday morning I ran 2 miles to the track to do a workout with Katie. She was doing 5x800s, but I wasn't sure I was ready to jump right into that. I chose 4x400s, and then added a 5th one once the 4th was complete. "Just one more" always seems easier when I add it at the last minute. I guess it is a mental thing.
We have devised a hill workout for next Wednesday, although I may try to throw in another short track workout Thursday or Friday. I'm just tagging along with Katie as she trains for a 3:15 marathon using a plan from Hal Higdon. After the Music City Triathlon on July 24, I will increase these speed workouts, fitting in one a week.
Gears
There isn't a whole lot to say here, except that I conquered my fear of the gear. I rode 15 miles yesterday, trying out different combinations of both gears for different terrain. For hills, I have to return to the middle gear (in front), but when going downhill or on a flatter road, I can use the top front gear and it makes a HUGE difference on my speed. It is a more difficult gear so my legs will need some time to get used to it, but I saw what Jason had explained to me, and I am no longer nervous about using it.
Atlanta
Tomorrow morning I will run and hopefully fit in some time on the bike before I head to Atlanta for the weekend. There won't be much time for training Saturday and Sunday, but I will be learning quite a lot! I am attending the USATF Level 1 Coaching class. After I complete the class and pass a certification exam, I will be certified to work with junior high and high school kids in track and cross country. I am pretty pumped about this. I'm excited about the class and what I will learn, and I'm also excited about the possibility of coaching.
I'd like to start on a volunteer basis, get my feet wet and get some experience. Before I can progress to Level 2 (or even take the level 2 course), I must have 3 years of coaching experience. And the thought of working with kids and coaching track... oh man. I can't even describe to you how much I would love that.
Monday, I will resume my weekly training schedule. Since bootcamp is over, I may replace it with a 5:30a.m. Power Yoga class or weights at the gym. Even though my weekly mileage count goes down if I don't run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I think the break from it is good. Especially with the knee knob. Since I'm not training for the longer distances right now, I am okay with the smaller mileage numbers (mostly).
Current Training
Here is what the training plan is supposed to look like right now.
Monday - Run, Swim
Tuesday - Yoga or Weights, Bike
Wednesday - Speed work, Swim
Thursday - Yoga or Weights, Bike
Friday - Run, Swim
Saturday - Run long, Bike or Swim, or possible race day
Sunday - Bike (leisurely), Weights, or possible race day
Saturday and Sunday are flexible since they could be race days, although if there are no races I would like a longer run (10+ miles) and a longer bike (20+ miles). Tuesdays and Thursdays I may also include a lunchtime treadmill run. Those are usually only 3-4 miles at a quick clip since I only have an hour to run, shower and get back to work. But it breaks up my day nicely and keeps me from getting the boredom munchies.
As for the knee knob, I've been doing my foam roller exercises every night and it is working! I still have soreness and tenderness, but the pain is not nearly as intense as it was and it does not last as long. I think I still have a long way to go with that, but it is extremely comforting to see results.
On with the training!
Speed Work
When approaching speed work, I have to start with something I can wrap my mind around. And I have to start small, slowly working my way to the bigger workouts. Yesterday morning I ran 2 miles to the track to do a workout with Katie. She was doing 5x800s, but I wasn't sure I was ready to jump right into that. I chose 4x400s, and then added a 5th one once the 4th was complete. "Just one more" always seems easier when I add it at the last minute. I guess it is a mental thing.
We have devised a hill workout for next Wednesday, although I may try to throw in another short track workout Thursday or Friday. I'm just tagging along with Katie as she trains for a 3:15 marathon using a plan from Hal Higdon. After the Music City Triathlon on July 24, I will increase these speed workouts, fitting in one a week.
Gears
There isn't a whole lot to say here, except that I conquered my fear of the gear. I rode 15 miles yesterday, trying out different combinations of both gears for different terrain. For hills, I have to return to the middle gear (in front), but when going downhill or on a flatter road, I can use the top front gear and it makes a HUGE difference on my speed. It is a more difficult gear so my legs will need some time to get used to it, but I saw what Jason had explained to me, and I am no longer nervous about using it.
Atlanta
Tomorrow morning I will run and hopefully fit in some time on the bike before I head to Atlanta for the weekend. There won't be much time for training Saturday and Sunday, but I will be learning quite a lot! I am attending the USATF Level 1 Coaching class. After I complete the class and pass a certification exam, I will be certified to work with junior high and high school kids in track and cross country. I am pretty pumped about this. I'm excited about the class and what I will learn, and I'm also excited about the possibility of coaching.
I'd like to start on a volunteer basis, get my feet wet and get some experience. Before I can progress to Level 2 (or even take the level 2 course), I must have 3 years of coaching experience. And the thought of working with kids and coaching track... oh man. I can't even describe to you how much I would love that.
Monday, I will resume my weekly training schedule. Since bootcamp is over, I may replace it with a 5:30a.m. Power Yoga class or weights at the gym. Even though my weekly mileage count goes down if I don't run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I think the break from it is good. Especially with the knee knob. Since I'm not training for the longer distances right now, I am okay with the smaller mileage numbers (mostly).
Current Training
Here is what the training plan is supposed to look like right now.
Monday - Run, Swim
Tuesday - Yoga or Weights, Bike
Wednesday - Speed work, Swim
Thursday - Yoga or Weights, Bike
Friday - Run, Swim
Saturday - Run long, Bike or Swim, or possible race day
Sunday - Bike (leisurely), Weights, or possible race day
Saturday and Sunday are flexible since they could be race days, although if there are no races I would like a longer run (10+ miles) and a longer bike (20+ miles). Tuesdays and Thursdays I may also include a lunchtime treadmill run. Those are usually only 3-4 miles at a quick clip since I only have an hour to run, shower and get back to work. But it breaks up my day nicely and keeps me from getting the boredom munchies.
As for the knee knob, I've been doing my foam roller exercises every night and it is working! I still have soreness and tenderness, but the pain is not nearly as intense as it was and it does not last as long. I think I still have a long way to go with that, but it is extremely comforting to see results.
On with the training!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Training Strategy Talk
One of my favorite things to do after a race is to head to the nearest Cracker Barrel and discuss it with Jason over bacon, eggs, biscuits and coffee. I get to hear about his race - how he felt, what he thought about his performance, any crazy things that happened up there at the front of the pack - and I get to tell him about mine. If I'm excited about how I did, he is excited with me. If I am disappointed, he is encouraging and proud of me anyway. Either way, we usually end up talking about training strategies for the next go round.
Jason is one of the few people I trust to give me training advice. He knows me and he knows his stuff. He ran in high school and college, and has run ever since. He doesn't approach anything haphazardly. He reads about it, studies training plans, learns from what has and has not worked, and he consistently follows the plans and goals he sets for himself. That does not mean he is always right, but it does mean I thoughtfully consider (and probably try) most of what he suggests. He also waits for me to ask, which means I'm usually open to what he has to say.
So as we talked about my performance in the Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon, he knew I was disappointed because I'd worked hard and believed the end result would be a little faster than it was. We talked about what I had done up to that point and discussed why it might not have provided the results I wanted.
For the swim he said it might be good to approach our workouts with a plan. He said it was easy for him to swim and hardly get his heart rate up, and I agreed. Many times when I go to the pool, I swim for about 30 minutes and call it a day. I focus on my form, my technique, and my breathing, but I rarely include any intensity. He suggested some workouts that I intend to try this week.
For the ride he talked to me about how I use my gears. While I am riding much more than I did last year, he said I'm not letting my bike do some of the work for me. I'm using the smaller gear (in the back, several levels), but I leave my larger gear (in the front - three levels) on the middle setting. (Jason explained this to me much better than I am explaining it here.) He suggested the higher setting for the front so I intend to practice this week. The reason I never change that gear is because when I first got my bike, it caused my chain to pop off, which made me nervous. I think it is time to get over that, however, and learn how to use ALL of my bike. We didn't just leave it at gear efficiency, though. I've got plans for my next rides as well.
For my running he suggested speed work. He knows I am not a fan, but I agree with him that it is an important factor that is missing from my running workouts. For now I'm focusing on the 5k and 10k distances, leaving marathon training for the cooler temps. My friend, Katie, is also incorporating speed work into her marathon training, so I intend to join her on Wednesdays at the track. My workouts may be different, but there will be solidarity in the fact that we are out there together.
As far as bootcamp goes, this is the very last week of the six week class. I have enjoyed the challenge and the workouts quite a bit, but I have not seen the results I'd hoped to see (a more toned upper body). Jason suggested, instead of signing up for the next bootcamp, starting a weight training program that I will do 3 times a week. He said bootcamp provided a lot of cardio and that is not really what I need. He said a focus on weights would get the results I am after, and I agree. I intend to start that next week.
Figuring out training strategies and discussing them with Jason helps keep me interested, focused, and motivated. I love it. It is like a puzzle, and I've got to figure out which pieces fit together for the final picture I want to see. Having a plan also keeps me more consistent. If I know Tuesdays and Thursdays are cycling days, I don't question if I'm going to ride my bike after work. It is a planned cycling day. Period.
On my run this morning (on my way back from my track workout with Katie) I was thinking about Jason (I do that a lot) and the impact he has had on my running. When he entered my life, my monthly mileage doubled, my finishing times for all running events dropped significantly, and now I'm doing this triathlon thing. Maybe I would have discovered some of this on my own, but Jason's example, knowledge and belief in me has been a huge influence on much of it. Having him by my side gives me the courage (and motivation) to get up early and get it done, to reach a little higher, to try something new, and I will be forever grateful for all of that...as well as our post race Cracker Barrel training strategy talk.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Tuesday's Treat
This is a drink that has a little bit of substance do it. It contains coffee, milk and whey protein to give you that early morning jolt of caffeine and something in your stomach to fuel your workout. Before a morning run, I usually only take a few sips. Three gulps and I am ready to go. That tides me over for the duration of my workout. Sometimes I may drink again post workout, or I may have breakfast instead. I usually only have one or the other so as not to go overboard on my calorie intake.
Bolthouse Farms makes several products of this sort, so if coffee is not your thing, they have many fruit and vegetable blends to suit your tastes. They come in different sizes, so make sure to read the amount that consists of a serving. You can find it at all grocery stores (Kroger, Publix, Wal-mart, Target, etc.) in the refrigerated fruit section. You can also find Naked brand drinks, which are just another brand of the same type thing. I trust the ingredients in both of these brands, and I'm sure there are more out there. Just make sure to read the labels when choosing something like this so you get the nutrients, protein and vitamins you want.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon Report
The alarm clock went off at 3:00 am our time. I was already awake and wondering if I'd slept at all. I got up, made coffee, and got dressed. We checked out of our hotel and got to the transition area around 5:25 am (Chattanooga time). I set up my bike two rows from where Jason set up his, and met a guy named Brad who used his flashlight iphone app to help us see what we were doing. We laughed about all the gear and planning that goes into these events, and then Jason and I hopped on the bus that would take us to the swim start...and a two hour wait.
Jason went for a warm-up jog and I sat on the ground and chatted with a girl next to me about triathlons. We talked until Jason got back and it was time to line up. The butterflies in my stomach began to stir as I kissed Jason goodbye and good luck. I made my way to the 200s and stood next to Brad who was one number ahead of me. Talking with him eased the nervousness some, and before long we were in the water.
The Swim
The swim was a point to point along the coast of the Tennessee River. The water was a balmy 82 degrees and due to a staggered start, it was not overly crowded. It was hard at first to get my breathing to slow down and get into my usual rhythm, but I eventually got there. I couldn't see the finish, so the distance felt much longer than I remembered.
We swam under a few bridges and I finally saw the ramp where swimmers were exiting the water. There was a large crowd of spectators along that portion, and their cheers were encouraging. I completed the swim in 29:51 and made my way to the transition area.
The Bike
Once on the bike, I was ready to ride hard. This was the portion of the Olympic distance triathlon I struggled with the most last summer and having spent more time on the bike this time around, I was ready to see some improvement. There were some MASSIVE hills, long and steep, and I tried to keep speed as I climbed. It was an out and back course along a highway (27, I think) and we had an entire lane blocked off for our ride. I got to see Jason as he made his way back. He was on mile 17 while I was on mile 8 or 9.
I felt really good about my ride. I pushed hard and tried to maintain my momentum. Knowing what to expect this time, I did not get frustrated or impatient with the distance, although I was disappointed when I reached mile 24 and my speedometer read 1:33:00 (a minute slower than last time). The course was longer than the 24 miles posted on the website, and it took me 1:39:49 to finish the 25+ miles. I was surprised and disappointed about that because I'd felt so good along the way.
As I entered the transition area once again, I heard the announcer call out Jason's name as he finished his 10k run. I thought that was kind of fun, but I'd also hoped to be running before Jason finished so I'd get to see him again. I quickly took off my gear, put on my running shoes and my visor, grabbed my watch and took off.
The Run
My legs felt like jello for the first mile and I was very surprised to see a 9:33 split. As soon as I started running there was a big hill to climb and after the hill there were two sets of steps! We climbed these steps up to the river walk and ran the rest of the race on the path. It had some wonderfully shady spots, but the sun was still beating down and it was HOT. I drank at every water station, taking a few seconds to sip and rest, although stopping made me feel strange so I'd quickly resume running.
I was tired, but after that first mile it felt good to run despite my fatigue. I cheered on other runners wearing the Aquaphor gear (the team of which Jason and are a part) and they did the same for me. When I had almost reached the turnaround, an older man ran passed me knocking me in the shoulder. He said a quick, "sorry" and continued on his way. Once he had turned around heading back toward me, I considered running directly in his path, but decided against it. It had been an accident and he did apologize. It was crowded on the path with runners going in both directions and passing runners could be tricky.
I mentally divided the run up into two 3-mile sections. Even when tired, I know I can gut out three miles. It worked and when I reached the turnaround, I was not intimidated by what I had left. I tried to pick up my pace and ignore the heat.
I was extremely hot and thirsty, and I really needed to pee. There wasn't anywhere to go, however, and I wasn't about to stop for that. I was almost finished, and at the last water stop I was getting excited. I ran to the very last person holding out a cup and took it. Just as I was about to take a sip, I was rammed into from behind. The runner slammed into me and then went on his way without a word. That was it. I was mad. I was hot, thirsty, tired, nasty and mad.
I took a sip, tossed my cup in the nearest bin and went after him. When I reached him and his Florida Gator jersey I said in my meanest, snottiest voice, "You in a hurry?!" (that was the best I could come up with on short notice) and sped off. I sort of had an out-of-body experience as I watched myself do this. It isn't really like me. But he didn't apologize and there was no excuse for that. I know we all wanted to do our best, break our records and get out of the heat, but there was no reason to run into me without apology (or to run into me period, but an apology would have helped...maybe).
I ran as hard as I could, but I couldn't hold my angry running pace. Mr. Rude Gator Jersey eventually caught up to me, much to my chagrin, but he kept his distance and I merely glared at the gator on his back. I should have shouted, "War Eagle!" but at that point I was tiiiiiiyerd and looking for my man and the finish line.
I finally saw both. Jason was relieved to see me because he had expected me sooner, and I gave him a thumbs up to let him know I was okay. Upon finishing the race, however, I did not feel okay. My head felt like it was going to split open and I was so very hot. I took the bottle of water they handed me and downed most of it as I found a shady spot under a tree and waited for Jason to find me. He never came, so I started to make my way back through the crowed to find him. That's when my blisters made themselves known. I'd run with wet feet and no socks, and I didn't realize it during the race, but I had several raw spots on my feet. I took my shoes off and continued slowly walking, looking for Jason.
Seeing him was a relief. I almost cried but that took too much energy. I'd completed my run in 57:31 and I was a tad disappointed by that too. That was 3 minutes slower than Fall Creek Falls, and I thought I was ready to do more. Jason listened and reminded me that it was hot and this was my first tri of the summer (and my second of this distance). I decided to believe him and that made me feel better about it. I was still proud of myself because it had been hard. Harder than I remembered. I have a renewed respect for people who do this event and do it well.
The End
With my transitions, my total time was 3:12:47 - almost 13 minutes slower than my last tri of this same distance. I'm a little disappointed, but I'm also ready to work on it. Jason told me you can't compare one triathlon to another because they vary so much in distance, transitions, etc. Maybe that is true and maybe not. I know one thing, though. Next up is Music City and after that... Fall Creek Falls. I'll have two triathlons under my belt by then and I'll be itching for a better time.
I'm going to frame my workouts a little differently. I'm going to approach my swims and rides with a plan. I'm going to do a little speed work and replace bootcamp with weight training (more on that later). Despite my disappointment, I still had a great time. That fact may be missed in this post, but it is true. I love going on these adventures with Jason and comparing stories at Cracker Barrel afterward. I love the challenge of the triathlon. I love chasing myself, conquering old times, and training for my next event.
And if I should spot Mr. Rude Gator Jersey, I will be ready with a nice, loud "WAR EAGLE!" as I run ahead of him and stay there.
Jason went for a warm-up jog and I sat on the ground and chatted with a girl next to me about triathlons. We talked until Jason got back and it was time to line up. The butterflies in my stomach began to stir as I kissed Jason goodbye and good luck. I made my way to the 200s and stood next to Brad who was one number ahead of me. Talking with him eased the nervousness some, and before long we were in the water.
The Swim
The swim was a point to point along the coast of the Tennessee River. The water was a balmy 82 degrees and due to a staggered start, it was not overly crowded. It was hard at first to get my breathing to slow down and get into my usual rhythm, but I eventually got there. I couldn't see the finish, so the distance felt much longer than I remembered.
We swam under a few bridges and I finally saw the ramp where swimmers were exiting the water. There was a large crowd of spectators along that portion, and their cheers were encouraging. I completed the swim in 29:51 and made my way to the transition area.
The Bike
Once on the bike, I was ready to ride hard. This was the portion of the Olympic distance triathlon I struggled with the most last summer and having spent more time on the bike this time around, I was ready to see some improvement. There were some MASSIVE hills, long and steep, and I tried to keep speed as I climbed. It was an out and back course along a highway (27, I think) and we had an entire lane blocked off for our ride. I got to see Jason as he made his way back. He was on mile 17 while I was on mile 8 or 9.
I felt really good about my ride. I pushed hard and tried to maintain my momentum. Knowing what to expect this time, I did not get frustrated or impatient with the distance, although I was disappointed when I reached mile 24 and my speedometer read 1:33:00 (a minute slower than last time). The course was longer than the 24 miles posted on the website, and it took me 1:39:49 to finish the 25+ miles. I was surprised and disappointed about that because I'd felt so good along the way.
As I entered the transition area once again, I heard the announcer call out Jason's name as he finished his 10k run. I thought that was kind of fun, but I'd also hoped to be running before Jason finished so I'd get to see him again. I quickly took off my gear, put on my running shoes and my visor, grabbed my watch and took off.
The Run
My legs felt like jello for the first mile and I was very surprised to see a 9:33 split. As soon as I started running there was a big hill to climb and after the hill there were two sets of steps! We climbed these steps up to the river walk and ran the rest of the race on the path. It had some wonderfully shady spots, but the sun was still beating down and it was HOT. I drank at every water station, taking a few seconds to sip and rest, although stopping made me feel strange so I'd quickly resume running.
I was tired, but after that first mile it felt good to run despite my fatigue. I cheered on other runners wearing the Aquaphor gear (the team of which Jason and are a part) and they did the same for me. When I had almost reached the turnaround, an older man ran passed me knocking me in the shoulder. He said a quick, "sorry" and continued on his way. Once he had turned around heading back toward me, I considered running directly in his path, but decided against it. It had been an accident and he did apologize. It was crowded on the path with runners going in both directions and passing runners could be tricky.
I mentally divided the run up into two 3-mile sections. Even when tired, I know I can gut out three miles. It worked and when I reached the turnaround, I was not intimidated by what I had left. I tried to pick up my pace and ignore the heat.
I was extremely hot and thirsty, and I really needed to pee. There wasn't anywhere to go, however, and I wasn't about to stop for that. I was almost finished, and at the last water stop I was getting excited. I ran to the very last person holding out a cup and took it. Just as I was about to take a sip, I was rammed into from behind. The runner slammed into me and then went on his way without a word. That was it. I was mad. I was hot, thirsty, tired, nasty and mad.
I took a sip, tossed my cup in the nearest bin and went after him. When I reached him and his Florida Gator jersey I said in my meanest, snottiest voice, "You in a hurry?!" (that was the best I could come up with on short notice) and sped off. I sort of had an out-of-body experience as I watched myself do this. It isn't really like me. But he didn't apologize and there was no excuse for that. I know we all wanted to do our best, break our records and get out of the heat, but there was no reason to run into me without apology (or to run into me period, but an apology would have helped...maybe).
I ran as hard as I could, but I couldn't hold my angry running pace. Mr. Rude Gator Jersey eventually caught up to me, much to my chagrin, but he kept his distance and I merely glared at the gator on his back. I should have shouted, "War Eagle!" but at that point I was tiiiiiiyerd and looking for my man and the finish line.
I finally saw both. Jason was relieved to see me because he had expected me sooner, and I gave him a thumbs up to let him know I was okay. Upon finishing the race, however, I did not feel okay. My head felt like it was going to split open and I was so very hot. I took the bottle of water they handed me and downed most of it as I found a shady spot under a tree and waited for Jason to find me. He never came, so I started to make my way back through the crowed to find him. That's when my blisters made themselves known. I'd run with wet feet and no socks, and I didn't realize it during the race, but I had several raw spots on my feet. I took my shoes off and continued slowly walking, looking for Jason.
Seeing him was a relief. I almost cried but that took too much energy. I'd completed my run in 57:31 and I was a tad disappointed by that too. That was 3 minutes slower than Fall Creek Falls, and I thought I was ready to do more. Jason listened and reminded me that it was hot and this was my first tri of the summer (and my second of this distance). I decided to believe him and that made me feel better about it. I was still proud of myself because it had been hard. Harder than I remembered. I have a renewed respect for people who do this event and do it well.
The End
With my transitions, my total time was 3:12:47 - almost 13 minutes slower than my last tri of this same distance. I'm a little disappointed, but I'm also ready to work on it. Jason told me you can't compare one triathlon to another because they vary so much in distance, transitions, etc. Maybe that is true and maybe not. I know one thing, though. Next up is Music City and after that... Fall Creek Falls. I'll have two triathlons under my belt by then and I'll be itching for a better time.
I'm going to frame my workouts a little differently. I'm going to approach my swims and rides with a plan. I'm going to do a little speed work and replace bootcamp with weight training (more on that later). Despite my disappointment, I still had a great time. That fact may be missed in this post, but it is true. I love going on these adventures with Jason and comparing stories at Cracker Barrel afterward. I love the challenge of the triathlon. I love chasing myself, conquering old times, and training for my next event.
And if I should spot Mr. Rude Gator Jersey, I will be ready with a nice, loud "WAR EAGLE!" as I run ahead of him and stay there.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Knee Knobs and Foam Sticks
So I have this really strange injury...at least it is strange to me because it is not one of your run of the mill running injuries (that I know of), such as tendonitis, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome...etc. This we shall call the knee knob. I believe the knee knob was acquired during the 50 mile trail run I did last October. Around mile 37 I took a hard fall, landing with my body weight and my running momentum all on my right knee. For the first few seconds, I thought I would need to be medically evacuated by helicopter from those woods...but it passed. I was skinned and bloodied, but I was still able to finish the run.
I did not notice the knee knob until sometime in December when I was shaving my legs and compared the right knee knob to the left knee knob. There was a considerable and somewhat alarming difference between the two. I'd been running on it since the trail run, and there had been some discomfort, but it usually loosened up around the first half mile and I was fine after that. So I kept running. I didn't realize there was a knot there. It is only noticeable when my knee is bent. It juts out farther than it should, but even then if you don't know knees, you might not notice it.
I showed it to Jason and he wasn't sure what it was. I showed it to my friend, Shannon, who is a physical therapist, and she hadn't seen anything like it. I trained for and ran a PR marathon in February on it, and it didn't seem any worse for the wear so...I kept running.
Eventually, however, the pain began to escalate. It would still calm down after about a half mile, but the pain during that first half mile slowly became more intense and began to linger a bit longer. I went to see a sports doctor who took x-rays and told me it was a calcium deposit that forms on a bone that has taken a trauma. She said to keep my IT band, and the muslces around it loose, because they ran right by it, but that in and of itself, it should not hurt me. She said I could keep doing what I was doing. I happily skipped down the stairs and out of her office believing myself to be in the clear. It would heal eventually. These things just take time.
Well, we are sneaking up on a year. A year of the knee knob and this has me worried. The pain is pretty intense now, and when I sit for long periods of time or first get out of bed, it is pretty rough. This is not super motivating at 5:00 am when I want to get out and run. The promise of pain with those first steps is not something I look forward to, and now I have to stop, stretch and rub in the first mile to be able to continue.
The only thing I know to do is what the doctor told me. I've got to get that leg loose. I know my IT band is insanely tight because the entire span of my leg is tender to the touch. I see my massage therapist twice a month for an hour long torture session and despite how often I try to steal the strange purple tool of pain she uses on my IT band, she always catches me.
I don't need to wait for an appointment with her, however, to inflict pain upon myself and my stretching delinquency. I have my very own tool of torture and it is called the foam roller.
The foam roller can be your very best friend and feel heavenly IF the spot you are rolling is in good working order. If it is not... just remember to breathe. It takes all I have to place the side of my leg on that roller and roll slowly back and forth. I make faces, moan, Chance checks on me only to be told he has to move, and I try to breathe. I chastise myself for getting into this position in the first place. Running is great. Running far is wonderful. But if you don't tend to the body you are using so thoroughly, it will eventually revolt.
Mine is in revolt.
I plan to ice, but I have not gotten around to it yet. I've considered an Ibuprofen regimen for a few days in order to get any inflammation down and on its way to healing (I'm just not sure if that is harmful to other parts or not). I've increased my stretching, shortened my runs (somewhat and grudgingly), and incorporated the foam roller (I feel like that should have horror music playing in the background while Dracula reads those words aloud).
I'm also trying to focus more on my diet, and eat what I consider to be healing foods (mostly fruits and veggies...blueberries...Greek yogurt...things I come up with in my head that seem healing...Hershey bars...).
It is a tad disheartening as I look back at this time last year. Training so unsuspectingly for my first 50 mile ultra. Hitting high mileage each week, injury free and feeling great (somewhat tired, but great). Doing triathlons for fun amidst all that mileage...it was a great summer. I want this one to be great too. I've just got to take care of the knee knob.
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| Ta da! |
I showed it to Jason and he wasn't sure what it was. I showed it to my friend, Shannon, who is a physical therapist, and she hadn't seen anything like it. I trained for and ran a PR marathon in February on it, and it didn't seem any worse for the wear so...I kept running.
Eventually, however, the pain began to escalate. It would still calm down after about a half mile, but the pain during that first half mile slowly became more intense and began to linger a bit longer. I went to see a sports doctor who took x-rays and told me it was a calcium deposit that forms on a bone that has taken a trauma. She said to keep my IT band, and the muslces around it loose, because they ran right by it, but that in and of itself, it should not hurt me. She said I could keep doing what I was doing. I happily skipped down the stairs and out of her office believing myself to be in the clear. It would heal eventually. These things just take time.
Well, we are sneaking up on a year. A year of the knee knob and this has me worried. The pain is pretty intense now, and when I sit for long periods of time or first get out of bed, it is pretty rough. This is not super motivating at 5:00 am when I want to get out and run. The promise of pain with those first steps is not something I look forward to, and now I have to stop, stretch and rub in the first mile to be able to continue.
The only thing I know to do is what the doctor told me. I've got to get that leg loose. I know my IT band is insanely tight because the entire span of my leg is tender to the touch. I see my massage therapist twice a month for an hour long torture session and despite how often I try to steal the strange purple tool of pain she uses on my IT band, she always catches me.
I don't need to wait for an appointment with her, however, to inflict pain upon myself and my stretching delinquency. I have my very own tool of torture and it is called the foam roller.
Mine is in revolt.
I plan to ice, but I have not gotten around to it yet. I've considered an Ibuprofen regimen for a few days in order to get any inflammation down and on its way to healing (I'm just not sure if that is harmful to other parts or not). I've increased my stretching, shortened my runs (somewhat and grudgingly), and incorporated the foam roller (I feel like that should have horror music playing in the background while Dracula reads those words aloud).
I'm also trying to focus more on my diet, and eat what I consider to be healing foods (mostly fruits and veggies...blueberries...Greek yogurt...things I come up with in my head that seem healing...Hershey bars...).
It is a tad disheartening as I look back at this time last year. Training so unsuspectingly for my first 50 mile ultra. Hitting high mileage each week, injury free and feeling great (somewhat tired, but great). Doing triathlons for fun amidst all that mileage...it was a great summer. I want this one to be great too. I've just got to take care of the knee knob.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The First Tri of the Season
In two days and three sleeps, I will be waking up early to swim, bike and run. The Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon will be my first of the season, and I am pretty excited. Unlike last summer when I started all of this, I am beginning with the intermediate distance instead of the sprint. I hope that turns out to be a good choice. I'm feeling excited and a tad nervous with a hint of bring-it-on.
Last year, my first (and only so far) intermediate triathlon was in Fall Creek Falls. It was a pretty great experience, except for the bike section. I got a little frustrated toward the end by how easily other cyclists flew by and I felt like I was out there all day peddling furiously, getting nowhere fast. Of course, last year my goal was the 50 mile trail run I was training for in October. This year my goal is better performance in the triathlon with a focus on the intermediate distance.
That being the case, I've kept up my running, but I've also focused more on the swimming and cycling, and I've gotten considerably more time in with both. I hope that pays off. I don't think I've put in enough time and effort to be competitive, but I'm going after that Jane chick to see if I can take her down...or at least get off the bike sooner than I did last year.
Should things remain as they are now, I'm planning a few more of these with my goal race being the Rocket Man triathlon right here in my home town. Should nothing change after that, I may set my sights on a half Ironman... but that is a pretty big maybe. Red Sass and I would have quite a bit of work to do for me to be ready for that.
Still, its fun to think about.
Last year, my first (and only so far) intermediate triathlon was in Fall Creek Falls. It was a pretty great experience, except for the bike section. I got a little frustrated toward the end by how easily other cyclists flew by and I felt like I was out there all day peddling furiously, getting nowhere fast. Of course, last year my goal was the 50 mile trail run I was training for in October. This year my goal is better performance in the triathlon with a focus on the intermediate distance.
That being the case, I've kept up my running, but I've also focused more on the swimming and cycling, and I've gotten considerably more time in with both. I hope that pays off. I don't think I've put in enough time and effort to be competitive, but I'm going after that Jane chick to see if I can take her down...or at least get off the bike sooner than I did last year.
Should things remain as they are now, I'm planning a few more of these with my goal race being the Rocket Man triathlon right here in my home town. Should nothing change after that, I may set my sights on a half Ironman... but that is a pretty big maybe. Red Sass and I would have quite a bit of work to do for me to be ready for that.
Still, its fun to think about.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Hot Yoga
A few of my friends have been attending a hot yoga class on the other side of town. And by other side of town, I mean there is a whole mountain between that side and me. They've been telling me what it is like and I listen while shaking my head in disbelief that someone would willingly exercise in over 100 degree temps.
This Saturday, Kristi talked me into going with her. It was "donation day" and I could pay $5.00 and get in without buying a package (which we discovered wasn't how it worked, but the guy let me in anyway). I followed Kristi's instructions of what to wear and bring. She said a towel over my yoga mat was mandatory, and that I would want a big bottle of an electrolyte beverage (water wouldn't cut it). She also said to wear tight clothing because it would be totally sodden and would get in the way if it hung loose. I did all of these things, also bringing an extra change of clothes so that we could go to the frozen yogurt place next door afterward.
I drove over the mountain feeling both apprehensive and excited about this new adventure. When I walked into the hot yoga room, I was immediately enveloped by the heat. I know I should have been expecting it, but I wasn't. The heat was borderline overpowering, but I thought since yoga was slow and fluid, maybe I could glide through the moves easily and the heat wouldn't be so bad. (ha ha ha).
We got started and within the first few minutes I noticed the sweat beads forming on my legs. I felt pretty good for a while and focused on my breathing and form. After about 20 minutes, however, things got harder. We did downward dog so many times I thought my head would explode, and I usually like downward dog (or down facing dog or down dog - whatever you call it). I like the stretch I get in my calves as I try to move my ankles down, but we did it so many times I began to feel lightheaded.
The sweat was insane. When Kristi described it to me, I figured it would be comparable to a humid summer run, but it was different. The sweat did not drip, it poured. Streams ran down my face, so that in downward dog, it threatened my nose and eyes. When I changed positions, the sweat poured down onto my towel, showing me why it was necessary to have one. I quite literally never stopped sweating, as if someone was continually pouring a bucket of water over me.
Twice, I felt overpowered by the heat, like I could not stand it for one more second. For those few minutes, I simply sat on my mat, drank my Gatorade and focused on my breathing. For some reason, the heat made it imperative to breath, and breath correctly! I looked around desperately for a clock to see how much longer I had to stay in that room, but all I could see was the thermostat reading 104 degrees. The feeling would eventually pass, and I would gently continue with the class.
When the class neared its completion, we laid flat on our mats for some breathing and...relaxation or mediation. The instructor told us to let our bodies sink into the mat and to forget about them. I laughed to myself. How could I forget about my body when my heart was beating in my face? When the class was over, Kristi lingered to talk with the instructor and I tried to look nonchalant as I inched toward the door...and blessed air conditioning...or the cool 95 degree temps outside. Either one would have been a relief.
Just as Kristi had promised, I looked like I'd been swimming in my yoga clothes after class. I took them off, wrapped them in my towel, and put on my dry t-shirt and shorts. We then proceeded to Sweet Cece's for some strawberry kiwi yogurt with strawberries, blueberries, and granola. It was the most delicious thing in the world after hot yoga.
I have to admit that I liked it. It was different than anything I'd ever done, as well as incredibly challenging, but I think if it were in a closer location, I might go more often. I usually fall apart when heat of any kind is involved, and by simply staying in the room when I'd wanted so desperately to get out, I felt like I'd overcome something. Overall, it was a great experience and I just may have to try it again sometime.
This Saturday, Kristi talked me into going with her. It was "donation day" and I could pay $5.00 and get in without buying a package (which we discovered wasn't how it worked, but the guy let me in anyway). I followed Kristi's instructions of what to wear and bring. She said a towel over my yoga mat was mandatory, and that I would want a big bottle of an electrolyte beverage (water wouldn't cut it). She also said to wear tight clothing because it would be totally sodden and would get in the way if it hung loose. I did all of these things, also bringing an extra change of clothes so that we could go to the frozen yogurt place next door afterward.
I drove over the mountain feeling both apprehensive and excited about this new adventure. When I walked into the hot yoga room, I was immediately enveloped by the heat. I know I should have been expecting it, but I wasn't. The heat was borderline overpowering, but I thought since yoga was slow and fluid, maybe I could glide through the moves easily and the heat wouldn't be so bad. (ha ha ha).
We got started and within the first few minutes I noticed the sweat beads forming on my legs. I felt pretty good for a while and focused on my breathing and form. After about 20 minutes, however, things got harder. We did downward dog so many times I thought my head would explode, and I usually like downward dog (or down facing dog or down dog - whatever you call it). I like the stretch I get in my calves as I try to move my ankles down, but we did it so many times I began to feel lightheaded.
The sweat was insane. When Kristi described it to me, I figured it would be comparable to a humid summer run, but it was different. The sweat did not drip, it poured. Streams ran down my face, so that in downward dog, it threatened my nose and eyes. When I changed positions, the sweat poured down onto my towel, showing me why it was necessary to have one. I quite literally never stopped sweating, as if someone was continually pouring a bucket of water over me.
Twice, I felt overpowered by the heat, like I could not stand it for one more second. For those few minutes, I simply sat on my mat, drank my Gatorade and focused on my breathing. For some reason, the heat made it imperative to breath, and breath correctly! I looked around desperately for a clock to see how much longer I had to stay in that room, but all I could see was the thermostat reading 104 degrees. The feeling would eventually pass, and I would gently continue with the class.
When the class neared its completion, we laid flat on our mats for some breathing and...relaxation or mediation. The instructor told us to let our bodies sink into the mat and to forget about them. I laughed to myself. How could I forget about my body when my heart was beating in my face? When the class was over, Kristi lingered to talk with the instructor and I tried to look nonchalant as I inched toward the door...and blessed air conditioning...or the cool 95 degree temps outside. Either one would have been a relief.
Just as Kristi had promised, I looked like I'd been swimming in my yoga clothes after class. I took them off, wrapped them in my towel, and put on my dry t-shirt and shorts. We then proceeded to Sweet Cece's for some strawberry kiwi yogurt with strawberries, blueberries, and granola. It was the most delicious thing in the world after hot yoga.
I have to admit that I liked it. It was different than anything I'd ever done, as well as incredibly challenging, but I think if it were in a closer location, I might go more often. I usually fall apart when heat of any kind is involved, and by simply staying in the room when I'd wanted so desperately to get out, I felt like I'd overcome something. Overall, it was a great experience and I just may have to try it again sometime.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Well Connected
My husband is famous. So are two of my running pals. I guess you could say I'm well connected. And I gotta say I am proud of all three!
This weekend we ran the Firecracker 5k on July 4. Jason and I have run this race since the inaugural one, making us 3 for 3. It is held by the Morningside Baptist Church, and they do a wonderful job. It is well-organized, fun and all the volunteers are the friendliest you will ever meet. Sure, race day is always a hot one, but the course is flat and fast, being run mostly on a greenway, and there is refreshing cold water at the end.
The race is steadily growing, and this year the media showed up. Here is the coverage of the race. You can see first place overall finisher, Jason Reneau, and the first female finisher, Katie Maehlmann finish their races. They also list the first 5 finishers in each gender category with their finishing times, and that is when Julia's name appears as the second overall female.
As far as my own performance goes, I did okay. I finished in 23:12 and was the 7th female to finish. While Julia and Katie did speed work a few times a week, I continued bootcamping, swimming and cycling with my running, hoping maybe that would translate into some speediness on race day. It did not, or the heat and a too-fast first mile got the best of me and I was about 40 seconds slower than I wanted to be.
My goal was to beat my PR, which is currently 22:40, but I think I started out too fast. My first mile was a 7:02, followed by a 7:36 and a 7:42. I felt my legs start to slow as I tried to hold a 7:15. I wasn't hurting and I felt like I should be able to push through the heat and fatigue I was feeling. I tried to consider my training, and I tried to think about Katie and her approach to racing (which is fast and furious and give-all-you've-got), but my legs continued to slow down anyway.
Despite that, I had a great time. After the awards, I ran 2 miles with Julia, giving me 7 for the day (I'd run 2 to warm up before the race). I enjoyed seeing several running friends, catching up and hanging with Jason. Jason finished his race in 18:04, and that was after running 10 "warm-up" miles. He hadn't raced in a long time, being smack in the middle of ironman training, so he wasn't sure what he'd be able to do. I was a proud wife, to say the least. I am always impressed by what he can do, and just watching him spurs me on to try more myself.
It was a great way to celebrate the 4th of July, and I was extremely proud of my amazing husband and running pals. What great company I keep!
This weekend we ran the Firecracker 5k on July 4. Jason and I have run this race since the inaugural one, making us 3 for 3. It is held by the Morningside Baptist Church, and they do a wonderful job. It is well-organized, fun and all the volunteers are the friendliest you will ever meet. Sure, race day is always a hot one, but the course is flat and fast, being run mostly on a greenway, and there is refreshing cold water at the end.
The race is steadily growing, and this year the media showed up. Here is the coverage of the race. You can see first place overall finisher, Jason Reneau, and the first female finisher, Katie Maehlmann finish their races. They also list the first 5 finishers in each gender category with their finishing times, and that is when Julia's name appears as the second overall female.
As far as my own performance goes, I did okay. I finished in 23:12 and was the 7th female to finish. While Julia and Katie did speed work a few times a week, I continued bootcamping, swimming and cycling with my running, hoping maybe that would translate into some speediness on race day. It did not, or the heat and a too-fast first mile got the best of me and I was about 40 seconds slower than I wanted to be.
My goal was to beat my PR, which is currently 22:40, but I think I started out too fast. My first mile was a 7:02, followed by a 7:36 and a 7:42. I felt my legs start to slow as I tried to hold a 7:15. I wasn't hurting and I felt like I should be able to push through the heat and fatigue I was feeling. I tried to consider my training, and I tried to think about Katie and her approach to racing (which is fast and furious and give-all-you've-got), but my legs continued to slow down anyway.
Despite that, I had a great time. After the awards, I ran 2 miles with Julia, giving me 7 for the day (I'd run 2 to warm up before the race). I enjoyed seeing several running friends, catching up and hanging with Jason. Jason finished his race in 18:04, and that was after running 10 "warm-up" miles. He hadn't raced in a long time, being smack in the middle of ironman training, so he wasn't sure what he'd be able to do. I was a proud wife, to say the least. I am always impressed by what he can do, and just watching him spurs me on to try more myself.
It was a great way to celebrate the 4th of July, and I was extremely proud of my amazing husband and running pals. What great company I keep!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Weekly Activity Report
This week turned out to be a good one despite a little sleeping in on morning run days and one missed bike ride due to weather. I got in a total of 41 running miles and I was pleased with that. Here is the report.
Sunday, June 26 - Run 5 miles
Monday, June 27 - Run 4 miles on treadmill at lunch, swim after work
Tuesday, June 28 - Run 4.5 to/from bootcamp, bootcamp, ride got rained out
Wednesday, June 29 - Run 8 morning miles
Thursday, June 30 - Run 4.5 to/from bootcamp, bootcamp, 17 mile ride
Friday, July 1 - Run 4 miles on treadmill at lunch, swim after work
Saturday, July 2 - Ran 11 morning miles, Hot Yoga at noon (and whoa nelly. This one will have its own blog entry).
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I am supposed to get up and run 6-10 miles. At least that is what I like to fit into my weekly schedule. That did not happen this week, making for quick lunch time runs on the treadmill and the title of "slacker" in my morning running group. I also like to ride at least twice a week and once on the weekend. I have yet to fit that in during a week.
I took Sunday completely off and rested. Today, July 4, Jason and I will be running the Firecracker 5k and possibly going for a bike ride at some point. Or, I may go on a cleaning marathon since this is my last full and free day to tackle it.
Happy 4th of July!!!
Sunday, June 26 - Run 5 miles
Monday, June 27 - Run 4 miles on treadmill at lunch, swim after work
Tuesday, June 28 - Run 4.5 to/from bootcamp, bootcamp, ride got rained out
Wednesday, June 29 - Run 8 morning miles
Thursday, June 30 - Run 4.5 to/from bootcamp, bootcamp, 17 mile ride
Friday, July 1 - Run 4 miles on treadmill at lunch, swim after work
Saturday, July 2 - Ran 11 morning miles, Hot Yoga at noon (and whoa nelly. This one will have its own blog entry).
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays I am supposed to get up and run 6-10 miles. At least that is what I like to fit into my weekly schedule. That did not happen this week, making for quick lunch time runs on the treadmill and the title of "slacker" in my morning running group. I also like to ride at least twice a week and once on the weekend. I have yet to fit that in during a week.
I took Sunday completely off and rested. Today, July 4, Jason and I will be running the Firecracker 5k and possibly going for a bike ride at some point. Or, I may go on a cleaning marathon since this is my last full and free day to tackle it.
Happy 4th of July!!!
Friday, July 1, 2011
Observations from the Treadmill
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| The Cardio Center at the University Fitness Center |
It also provides entertainment...or the desire to find it while running like a hamster in place. Here is what I entertained myself with today:
1. If you watch soap operas without sound, it looks like people just standing around talking to each other. There is the occasional hand motion or passionate stare, but mostly it is just talking... which I guess is what they are when there is sound...
2. I read once that if you read a magazine or book while you workout, you are not really getting the full benefit of the workout. So now when someone brings a magazine to their cardio workout, I feel like the know-it-all in my 3rd grade class and I want to tell them. I'm not sure if this applies to watching soundless soap operas, though.
3. Some people walk around without doing anything. The 3rd grade know-it-all in me also wants to understand this. They carry a towel and a water bottle as they mill about, but in the 35 minutes I spend on the treadmill, I don't see them do anything. Maybe they lost their magazine...?
4. It is really embarrassing that when I step off the treadmill, I am just as wet as if I got out of the pool. Air conditioning can be so deceiving. And no matter how cold the shower I take, I am still sweating as I get ready and leave the gym. This provides a good excuse to skip reapplying make-up.
5. There is a TV in the locker room. This alone confuses me, but the fact that it is set on the food network channel is also strange. I don't think that is particularly helpful. I'm thinking The Biggest Loser, So You Think You Can Dance, or Baywatch would be better choices for motivating workouts instead of promoting a mad dash to the grocery store for salmon and chocolate ganache.
Do What You Are
Do you ever look back and wish you knew things long ago that you know now? It may sound cliche, but I do all the time. In some cases, I'm glad I didn't know what I know now because it kept me out of trouble. But in most cases, I wish I did. I feel sure that if I had my 31-year-old knowledge in my 18-year-old self...things would be a lot different now.
And really, I don't want much to be different. I love my life, and the journey to where I am now has been pretty great.. I think the most unsatisfying thing about my life up to this point falls into the category of what I do. Work. While I know no job out there is perfect, all are a pain in the butt from time to time, and I have many other things in my life to fulfill and satisfy...I'd still like to find something I loved to do for 8 hours a day. One of the many things I wish I'd known in my younger years is that an English degree at Auburn University wouldn't get me where I'd eventually want to go. I thought I knew where I wanted to go...but I had no idea what it would take to get there and that eventually, I wouldn't think it was worth it.
At the wise old age of 18 I thought I wanted to be an English professor at a university. There was a brief stint where I wanted to be a librarian too, but mostly I wanted to get a PhD in English Literature and teach my favorite works to enthusiastic young minds. I wanted to be a scholar, but when it came down to becoming one, what I really wanted to do was go for a run on a lovely fall day. I'd rather listen to my favorite song and day dream about adventures than slave over a paper that would only earn me a B at the end of the day. And I loved to read, but I wanted to pick and not to be told what my next book should be.
All the same, I held on to my scholarly pursuits for a while. After completing my B.A., I spent almost a year in China experiencing another culture and then came back to continue my studies. I applied to MTSU, but didn't get in because I didn't have a letter of recommendation from Auburn. I never even tried to get that recommendation. Why would professors remember a regular, run-of-the-mill B student (I did make A's but not in my major)? I thought it was the end of the world at the time, but it turned out okay as most things do. I did get accepted to their school of Library Science, but by then I had decided to move to Huntsville.
I applied to UAH and got into the Liberal Arts Master's program. I majored in English with a certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I completed the certificate but bailed on the Master's degree. It was no different from my B.A. and I'd rather be out running, training for marathons, traveling to run marathons and day dreaming about one day meeting a man to go with me.
I started working at NASA as a secretary and felt pretty blessed by such a great job. I learned a lot during that part of my life. I learned about people and didn't always like what I learned. I learned about men and realized I'd been wrong about most everything concerning them (some may and did call it naive). I climbed what ladders I could while not being an engineer, made more money, met more people, and I considered this to be some measure of success. I never really liked what I did, but I did like what it allowed me to do. I eventually returned to UAH to major in Public Affairs and excelled at my classes while begrudgingly spending time on them that I'd rather spend running, writing, day dreaming and experiencing.
When the Constellation program was cancelled, I lost my job, ending my 7-year employment at Marshall Space Flight Center. It felt odd getting laid off, but I can't say I didn't drive off that arsenal with some measure of excitement and a promise to myself to never go back. A month later I started work at UAH as a Distance Education Coordinator for the Professional and Continuing Studies Department, and this job (it is the one I hold currently) is the closest I have found to actually liking what I do. Ironically, I run the online Engineering courses. I still have to work with engineers, but in a much different and more pleasant capacity. (And let me note here, I have nothing against engineers - I am married to one. I just don't want to work with them.)
Through all of this, running was my constant. I traveled all over the US with my mom, running marathons in beautiful places. I started focusing more on health and nutrition. I joined a gym, cross trained and gradually began to get a little faster. I began setting goals and chasing after them. I ran through tendonitis. I ran through the rain. I ran through heartache and disappointment. I ran through triumphs and excitement. I ran through fear and confusion. I ran through my mistakes. I ran up hills. I ran off some weight. I ran against the wind. I ran into the man who would become my husband.
He ran more than I did and he ran twice as fast (he finished his marathons 2 hours before I did, although I have now narrowed that gap to one). I watched him and imagined more for myself. I read tips and stories about my beloved sport and my own improvement continued. Minutes fell off my times for distances from a 5k to the marathon. I researched training strategies and began writing a bit more about it. I mixed my love for running and writing, and eventually added another love which was helping others do what I had done. I began coaching new and returning runners through the No Boundaries program started by our local Fleet Feet store. I took my own story of the average Jane doing so much more than she ever thought and translated it into showing others their own potential as a runner and as anything else they wanted to be for that matter.
Upon reaching this place, I now know what I wish I'd known at the tender, just-starting-out age of 18. Sure, I love to read and write, but I have finally found my passion. Or maybe I didn't really find it so much as realize that the thing I loved to do should be the thing that I was doing (if that makes sense). I thought reading and writing and teaching reading and writing were my passion and that I ran for fun. But I had it backwards. My passion was running, being strong and healthy, pushing myself passed where I believed I could go and helping others get there too. I'd seen how it affected every aspect of my life - my faith, my relationships, the view I had of myself - and I wanted to share that with others who didn't know they could have it too.
So now I know what I want to do, but I'm equipped with a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, bits and pieces of various Master's degrees, a certificate to teach English as a second language... and I want to work in the fitness industry. And you might be saying (if you made it through my lengthy missive) THEN GO FORTH! But it is not that simple. I believe I need some educational backing, something that proves I have studied and learned and might really know things. I can't just walk out there and say, "I love running and fitness and health and I've experienced a lot, so let me help you!" I think people want and need more than that. Businesses also require more. I'm the same way. If you are going to teach me something, I want to know how you know what you know, and if you are qualified to teach me about it.
That said, I have been working towards this. I don't want another 4-year degree, and in my current location, there isn't one in this field. I don't want to spend more time sitting at a desk somewhere - I do enough of that as it is. But I am working on obtaining the knowledge and proof of this knowledge to match my experience. I believe it takes both to be truly credible.
I feel like I've wasted a lot of time pursuing nonsense. Four years of college and seven years of working. That is a lot of time. I'm 31 now. Shouldn't I be well into my chosen profession at this point? Wracking up retirement and expertise? Maybe. But looking back and wishing only wastes more time. So I'm working on a few things. I'm working on turning my passions into employment. It will take some time, some learning, some sitting and listening, and probably a test or two. And in the end, I won't be the head of a major health industry or the lead dietician in a hospital. But I might be helping people set some goals, reach those goals, improve their health and improve their life.
And I think that would be pretty great. More to come on that in another post.
And really, I don't want much to be different. I love my life, and the journey to where I am now has been pretty great.. I think the most unsatisfying thing about my life up to this point falls into the category of what I do. Work. While I know no job out there is perfect, all are a pain in the butt from time to time, and I have many other things in my life to fulfill and satisfy...I'd still like to find something I loved to do for 8 hours a day. One of the many things I wish I'd known in my younger years is that an English degree at Auburn University wouldn't get me where I'd eventually want to go. I thought I knew where I wanted to go...but I had no idea what it would take to get there and that eventually, I wouldn't think it was worth it.
At the wise old age of 18 I thought I wanted to be an English professor at a university. There was a brief stint where I wanted to be a librarian too, but mostly I wanted to get a PhD in English Literature and teach my favorite works to enthusiastic young minds. I wanted to be a scholar, but when it came down to becoming one, what I really wanted to do was go for a run on a lovely fall day. I'd rather listen to my favorite song and day dream about adventures than slave over a paper that would only earn me a B at the end of the day. And I loved to read, but I wanted to pick and not to be told what my next book should be.
All the same, I held on to my scholarly pursuits for a while. After completing my B.A., I spent almost a year in China experiencing another culture and then came back to continue my studies. I applied to MTSU, but didn't get in because I didn't have a letter of recommendation from Auburn. I never even tried to get that recommendation. Why would professors remember a regular, run-of-the-mill B student (I did make A's but not in my major)? I thought it was the end of the world at the time, but it turned out okay as most things do. I did get accepted to their school of Library Science, but by then I had decided to move to Huntsville.
I applied to UAH and got into the Liberal Arts Master's program. I majored in English with a certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I completed the certificate but bailed on the Master's degree. It was no different from my B.A. and I'd rather be out running, training for marathons, traveling to run marathons and day dreaming about one day meeting a man to go with me.
I started working at NASA as a secretary and felt pretty blessed by such a great job. I learned a lot during that part of my life. I learned about people and didn't always like what I learned. I learned about men and realized I'd been wrong about most everything concerning them (some may and did call it naive). I climbed what ladders I could while not being an engineer, made more money, met more people, and I considered this to be some measure of success. I never really liked what I did, but I did like what it allowed me to do. I eventually returned to UAH to major in Public Affairs and excelled at my classes while begrudgingly spending time on them that I'd rather spend running, writing, day dreaming and experiencing.
When the Constellation program was cancelled, I lost my job, ending my 7-year employment at Marshall Space Flight Center. It felt odd getting laid off, but I can't say I didn't drive off that arsenal with some measure of excitement and a promise to myself to never go back. A month later I started work at UAH as a Distance Education Coordinator for the Professional and Continuing Studies Department, and this job (it is the one I hold currently) is the closest I have found to actually liking what I do. Ironically, I run the online Engineering courses. I still have to work with engineers, but in a much different and more pleasant capacity. (And let me note here, I have nothing against engineers - I am married to one. I just don't want to work with them.)
Through all of this, running was my constant. I traveled all over the US with my mom, running marathons in beautiful places. I started focusing more on health and nutrition. I joined a gym, cross trained and gradually began to get a little faster. I began setting goals and chasing after them. I ran through tendonitis. I ran through the rain. I ran through heartache and disappointment. I ran through triumphs and excitement. I ran through fear and confusion. I ran through my mistakes. I ran up hills. I ran off some weight. I ran against the wind. I ran into the man who would become my husband.
He ran more than I did and he ran twice as fast (he finished his marathons 2 hours before I did, although I have now narrowed that gap to one). I watched him and imagined more for myself. I read tips and stories about my beloved sport and my own improvement continued. Minutes fell off my times for distances from a 5k to the marathon. I researched training strategies and began writing a bit more about it. I mixed my love for running and writing, and eventually added another love which was helping others do what I had done. I began coaching new and returning runners through the No Boundaries program started by our local Fleet Feet store. I took my own story of the average Jane doing so much more than she ever thought and translated it into showing others their own potential as a runner and as anything else they wanted to be for that matter.
Upon reaching this place, I now know what I wish I'd known at the tender, just-starting-out age of 18. Sure, I love to read and write, but I have finally found my passion. Or maybe I didn't really find it so much as realize that the thing I loved to do should be the thing that I was doing (if that makes sense). I thought reading and writing and teaching reading and writing were my passion and that I ran for fun. But I had it backwards. My passion was running, being strong and healthy, pushing myself passed where I believed I could go and helping others get there too. I'd seen how it affected every aspect of my life - my faith, my relationships, the view I had of myself - and I wanted to share that with others who didn't know they could have it too.
So now I know what I want to do, but I'm equipped with a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, bits and pieces of various Master's degrees, a certificate to teach English as a second language... and I want to work in the fitness industry. And you might be saying (if you made it through my lengthy missive) THEN GO FORTH! But it is not that simple. I believe I need some educational backing, something that proves I have studied and learned and might really know things. I can't just walk out there and say, "I love running and fitness and health and I've experienced a lot, so let me help you!" I think people want and need more than that. Businesses also require more. I'm the same way. If you are going to teach me something, I want to know how you know what you know, and if you are qualified to teach me about it.
That said, I have been working towards this. I don't want another 4-year degree, and in my current location, there isn't one in this field. I don't want to spend more time sitting at a desk somewhere - I do enough of that as it is. But I am working on obtaining the knowledge and proof of this knowledge to match my experience. I believe it takes both to be truly credible.
I feel like I've wasted a lot of time pursuing nonsense. Four years of college and seven years of working. That is a lot of time. I'm 31 now. Shouldn't I be well into my chosen profession at this point? Wracking up retirement and expertise? Maybe. But looking back and wishing only wastes more time. So I'm working on a few things. I'm working on turning my passions into employment. It will take some time, some learning, some sitting and listening, and probably a test or two. And in the end, I won't be the head of a major health industry or the lead dietician in a hospital. But I might be helping people set some goals, reach those goals, improve their health and improve their life.
And I think that would be pretty great. More to come on that in another post.
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