Brookings to Boston

I broke four hours in the marathon!  This was a huge mental barrier for me, and will hopefully lead to additional sub-four hour times in the near future.  It was great to have my family, and friends from the gym, cheering me on to this accomplishment.  I am especially grateful for my wonderful friends volunteering on the bikes this year who rode beside me in the last miles to bring me in.  

I am looking forward to a few easier days before beginning my training for a biking trip to Colorado and my first triathlon this summer.   

A nice two hour walk with a friend this evening; great recovery on some sore legs before back to training tomorrow.  

Cycling class this morning felt great to get the legs moving again and flush out some remaining soreness from Sunday's marathon. The resistance was pretty light, allowing for my average MPH for the 60 minutes to be 99.

After cycling, I participated in a 60 minute TRX course.  I am very excited for this 6 week course/TRX training.  I look forward to using it with the weight-loss group I am leading over the summer and some small group trainings soon as well.  

In the evening I taught a cross-training class. Tonight we did half of our workout with kickboxing moves and the other half using the BOSU for strength exercises.

Swimming is certainly going to be my most difficult task in training for my first triathlon.  I swam 1500 yards today, but I could not wait for the workout to be over.  I hope that as I become more comfortable in the water, the workouts will not seem to be such a chore, and I can find enjoyment in them, as I can with running and biking. 

After swimming, I took my new road bike out on the highway for a 19 mile bike ride with many hills.  The ride was very enjoyable-much better than the last time I rode the route with 29 mile an hour winds.

Teaching a 50 minute core and more class concluded my day.  Fire-walkers, wall squats with the stability ball, BOSU exercises, and numerous and various planks may show up in some soreness tomorrow.   

Busy, busy day.  A doctor appointment in the afternoon led to little time to workout between my hours on the wellness floor and teaching.  A job offer also had me slightly side-tracked, and on the phone instead of back to the gym to complete a few more miles on the bike before leading a small group training session and my beginners spin class.

This morning I did complete a 60 minute TRX class, which is easily becoming my favorite workout.

In tonight's beginners spin class, I had three new members who had never been to a class before.  My miles were significantly less this evening (8 in class), as I was off of my bike, working with them.  Yet, the thrill of getting others involved is absolutely worthwhile, and I would not have it any other way.

Another 21 miles on the bike after finishing my shift on the wellness floor.  Still not the workout mileage I had planned for today, but it will do.  

Rest day.  Drove to South Dakota to visit family. 

Back home in SD today to visit the family. My husband and I did an easy three on part of the Brookings, SD marathon course before watching the runners in the race today.  It sure is a different feeling watching the race today than racing.  

Not as many miles as I would have liked today, but enjoyed spending time with friends and family.   

Completed 1000 yds swimming today. I was again alternating between strokes, just to get the yards in as I begin to add swimming to my training.  

After swimming, I went for a four mile run with my husband.  The run was miserable.  Incredibly slow pace, and felt like I was fighting against my body to complete the run. I had not been drinking my water today with the trip back to Nebraska, and a busy work shift in the afternoon.   Possible dehydration on the hot-weather run?  

Nice ride today in the warm but windy weather on the highway. 

Busy day!

Began with 6.5 miles before heading to TRX class.   TRX was a mix of strength and cardio exercises today, and I loved every minute of it.  I absolutely love this new challenge, and am so excited to begin incorporating this new equipment into some of my classes later this summer!

This afternoon I worked with the members of a weight-loss group in a combination of cardio and strength exercises.  They have already made so much progress in these two weeks! Their determination is very motivating!

Later this evening, I taught a cross-training class, which allowed me to get in 13 miles on the bike.  

Another busy day coming up tomorrow, so it's time to rest up. 

My morning workout began by teaching an advanced group of spinning students.  While our mileage was much lower with today's workout, the high resistance made for a tough workout. Following the spinning class was 30 minutes of core work with the stability ball in the "core & more class."  

In the afternoon, I swam for 1000 yards, again alternating strokes.  While I still do not find swimming the most enjoyable, I have already seen improvements in my breathing.  

I wrapped up the day by teaching a step class and a core class.  The step class was quite an adventure, as I have never taught this type of class before, but was a last minute sub for a sick instructor.  We had a good time, and still got some good cardio work in; but I think everyone will be happy to have Cian back next week!

TRX was tough today.  My body feels rather fatigued from the past few days and lack of a good night's sleep last night. In between sets on the TRX straps we did various jumprope exercises.  It is amazing how an activity that I would love to do for hours years ago is now such a difficult workout!

In tonight's spinning class we worked with a few different intervals.  Heavy gears for some, fast legs for others.  Ended about 14 miles.   

Taught kickboxing this morning; a great cardio workout!  The rest of the day was resting up for a long bike ride tomorrow with my mentor, Cindy.  

Strong winds cancelled the bike ride this morning.  It is very disappointing, but I know that the strong cross winds on our route would not have been safe on the highway.  

 So instead of cycling this morning, I attended a cardio kickboxing and bootcamp workout.  It was very challenging, and a class I think I should add to my weekly workouts! After the class I stepped onto the stair master for half an hour and then grabbed the TRX equipment to add some strength to the morning.  

Tomorrow will be a rest day, as my good friend, LaShawna is getting married.   

Rest Day

Congrats to LaShawna and Doug! 

I subbed for two cycling instructors today, allowing me to get a full 41 miles in the saddle.  I also taught a 30 minute core class.  

Legs class, TRX, cycling class for middle school students, and cross training today.  

Subbing for Cindy's spin class, and another spin class for the middle school end of the year party.

Wish I could ride outisde, but the winds have been dangerously high. 

50 Minute core class ended the evening.   

AM: TRX Strength Training

PM: Spinning with beginners class; 15 miles.

An awesome spinning workout this morning.  I took quite a bit of time working on some new intervals to teach in the morning spining class, and I absolutely loved it! Short recovery time between intervals and all-out sprints made for some good mileage (25 miles).

After spinning I subbed for core class, and did a half hour abs circuit.  Busy weekend ahead: house hunting! May need some longer runs to weigh our options, neighborhood search, and relieve some stress. 

No workout today, and house hunting is not going too well.  I'll try to consider it a rest day, and get ready to go after the weekend search. 

Morning workout-5 miles.   Missing the gym back home, and can't wait to be back tomorrow!

Home Again! So great to be back in the regular work and workout schedule. 

AM: TRX strength workout at the park.  I absolutely love TRX, and today was even better using the suspension trainer outside.  Beautiful weather and a great workout; you cannot ask for much more!

PM:  Cross Training workout with one member tonight. Spinning workout to warm up and get some good cardio in, and an introduction to TRX. 

2 Miles fast this morning with my husband before work.  Hope to get either a long run or bike ride in today before the stormy weather. 

Stormy weather hit before the run or bike ride could. Looks like two days of stormy weather and inside workouts ahead.  Did get 50 minutes of core and cardio in, in the evening hours. 

Two miles before work again this morning.  It's not a lot in terms of mileage, but hopefully establishing some good habits of a run/workout before work.  

AM: TRX with spinning cardio (12 miles on the bike in between weight sets).

PM: Beginners spin class was fun tonight; my husband came to my class.  Got another 12 miles in with Tabata sprints and a heavy climb.  After spinning tonight, I subbed for a resistance training class, and got in a few more reps. 

Thirty-four mile bike ride with Cindy and Elizabeth today.  It was wonderful to ride with them, and get back outside after the crazy winds lately.  I took my first fall on the bike today.  OUCH! It left some marks, on me, and the bike, but we both survived, and made it the rest of the way back.  It was a slower ride, 16mph, but very enjoyable as we talked about our upcoming Colorado adventure.  I am looking forward to some longer rides with them as we continue to prepare for those long mountain passes.  

Wow! I am more sore today than I think I have ever been!! That fall on the bike yesterday took a bigger toll on my body than I had thought.  Ice and rest today! 

Still hurting from Friday's fall, but I am so anxious to be up and active again.  I went over to the clubhouse today, and did about 1hr. 15mins on the elliptical.  It was not a strenuous workout by any means, but it was nice to be up and active right away today.  

An easy 14 miles on the bike this afternoon.  After a quick trip to South Dakota Sunday night into Monday morning, it felt good to stretch out the legs.  

Not much of a workout for me (so far) personally today, but I am so proud and so happy for all of the groups that I worked with!!

The morning began with a group of pre-teens participating in their first ever step aerobics class, and a "fitness speedway" activity.  They did such a great job, and I was very impressed with the full attention and participation of everyone!

In the early afternoon I worked with a group of grade-school kids in the first week of their summer healthy living curriculum.  Today was mostly an overview of the summer, but we got them up and moving around today too.  This summer is going to be a lot of fun, working with them.

In the late afternoon, my Y-Lose It group really impressed me.  We did  bootcamp style workout pyramids in between sprints.  They were sprinting! And doing burpees! I was so happy to see how much they have progressed in the last five weeks! We are still in the lead for total body weight percentage lost at our branch.  Let's keep it up!

Soon I'll be off to cross training for kickboxing and plyometrics tonight.  What a fun day it has been.  Not sure if I will get my own workout sqeezed in after all of it; but if not, I am sure motivated by everyone I had the opportunity to work with today, and you can bet I'll bring it tomorrow!

2 mile run with my husband before he went to class this morning.  

The afternoon was busy car shopping.  So many life changes for us recently!

50 minute core class ended the evening.  Bosu planks-and lots of them!

AM: TRX with a focus on core training

PM: Y-Lose It Group workout-bootcamp circuit & beginning cycling class

Broke the 40 mile mental barrier on the bike today!!  It was a warm, windy morning; but an incredibly enjoyable (and rather challenging) ride with Elizabeth and Cindy.  These longer rides have really increased my confidence on the bike, and I am all the more excited about our upcoming trip to Colorado! 

Somehow I need to make sure that my busy days at work do not interfere with my workout schedule.  The last couple days have been busy and slightly stressful.  I know that a workout would do me some good in both a physical sense, and my mental state.  Yet, somehow I keep telling myself that "I don't have time."  

I know better than this! I need to make time! If nothing else, these past couple days have been able to remind me how the issue of time can be such a struggle for many people when trying to exercise.  

I'll be teaching a few classes tomorrow, so I know I will at least get in a few good hours of a workout.  Hope to get a couple more good, long bike rides in yet this week before we leave for Colorado next Tuesday!  

AM: Power Pump (Strength Training for 1 Hour)

AM: Lead youth step class (40 minutes)

PM: Lead youth exercise class (20 minutes)

PM: Treadmill workout with Y-Lose It Group

PM: Cross Training.  Tonight was more of a boot-camp style of workout-full body workout with cardio

AM: TRX (last class..so sad!!)

PM: Beginning Spinning Class

Between classes today, I had planned to get a longer ride in.  However, the weather did not cooperate.  A big storm rolled through, cancelling all plans of a workout outside.  Bummer.

I had this morning off, and it was wonderful!! Since I was not working, I was able to attend Cindy's spin class again.  I am always challenged by this class, and today was no different.  Watt training and high RPMs.  Loved every second of it!!

 I was also able to attend core class this morning.  It was nice to attend, instead of teach, this morning. 

After getting in my workout this morning, I did the last of my gearing up for the trip next week.  Added my rear-view mirror, second water bottle cage, and computer to my bike! Bring on those mountain passes!! I can't wait!

It is official; I am doing my first triathlon!

My husband signed me up for a sprint triathlon at the end of July.  I have been debating for some time now as to if I was going to be able to pull it off yet this summer, especially with our move coming up.  But, I am signed up!

Today three girlfriends and I traveled to Winter Park Colorado.  It has been years since I have been to Colorado, and I had never even imagined myself taking on the tasks that I will be doing over the next few days. 

Road construction made for a longer trip than we would have liked, but finally we could see the mountains.  The numerous fires in CO have caused so much smoke that we had to be almost in denver before you could really make out the horizon outlines. 

Once near Winter Park, we stopped and got out for a hike.  We planned to hike before anything else so that we could adjust to the altitude.  I loved the hike-climbing up to the peaks and touching the snow!

The hike went well, but as soon as we got back in the car, altitude sickness hit hard.  I was very dizzy and felt sick (no fun!).  Almost blacking out at the house, I got very sick, and was almost no help unpacking the car.  I almost blacked out again while we were at the grocery store picking up our food for the week.  I had never experienced altitude sickness before, and it is awful.  I was determined not to let it ruin my time, and hoped it would be better by the morning. 

With our later arrival, we didn't get a bike ride in (maybe that was good news for me!) but enjoyed a nice dinner out on the deck, and planned our first pass for tomorrow: Vail Pass. 

Our first full day in Colorado, and I could not be more excited to experience biking my first mountain pass.  I was still not feeling too well from the altitude, but adrenaline and excitement played enough of a counter-part.

Our morning became a very educational start to our trip.  We woke up to two flat tires in the garage-Elizabeth and myself. 

Elizabeth noticed her flat first, and she and I worked together to quickly change her tube so that we could pack up and get on the road.  But when we finished up her tube change, I went to check the pressure in my tires, and discovered a front flat myself! At this point, Elizabeth had some additional time to have Cindy teach her how to patch her old tube.

So, I began changing my front tube as well, and once it was changed, began looking for the hole in my old tube.  As I was pumping up the old tube, a huge "POP" made us all jump.  My front tube was flat again!

Last Saturday I ran over something on the highway that slashed both my tire and tube.  I had splinted it from the inside with a dollar bill and some duct tape (they were new tires! only a month old! I was not yet ready to buy another one!) Yet, the splint was not holding well enough, and the tube began to poke through and punctured the tube.

How frustrating!

After patching a few tires, and reinforcing my tire splint with some flexible cardboard, we were finally on our way to Copper, CO.  We rode from Copper to Vail (up, up, and then an awesome desent down!), and enjoyed a nice lunch at a German resturant in Vail. 

The ride back up from teh Vail side of the mountain was certainly more of a challenge, but I loved every second of it.  The slow steady grind up the large grade was wonderful, and really my strength, and I certainly did not mind the ease and the speed of the descent down the mountain!

After that, it was back to the house for another nice dinner on the deck and planning for Trail Ridge Road tomorrow (the ride I was most looking forward to!)

A couple bike repairs again this morning before we drove to Trail Ridge Road.  My tire splint looked questionable, and I really did not want to worry about it while descending down the mountain.  High speeds and a flat front tube just sounded like a crash waiting to happen! Elizabeth also had a stiff chain link, that would be nice to get fixed.

So, we stopped off in Fraiser at one of the bike shops to look for a new tire for me.  Not an exact match of tire depth, but it was certainly better than one with a slash! The salesman was rather friendly until I told him not to use his screwdriver to take off the old tire.  He was going to either scratch up my new tire rims or puncture that tube that already had two patches!! I offered to take the tire off myself with my tire irons, but he eventually find some himself and did it correctly (I am rather protective of that bike!). 

With a new tire and Elizabeth's chain in better working order, we were off to Trail Ridge Road.  After an hour drive of anticipation, we were ready to enter Rocky Mountain National Park and begin our climb.

The ride began with about 10 miles of beautiful highway.  It was a very mild grade and new pavement.  Wow--you could fly! We enjoyed speeding by the car speed checks!

And then, we hit the switchbacks, and I was back in my element-enjoying the steady grind up the grade! How beautiful it was! I surprised myself that riding so close to the edge of the mountain was not as scary as I thought it could have been. I felt so strong, and in control.  I was loving every minute of this (and it did take us quite a while for that climb!)

We stopped for a while at the top to take some pictures and enjoy the view before descending back down.  Wow did we fly down that mountain! Using the whole lane (because we were going as fast, if not faster than the cars on the way down), we could whip around those corners.  We were screaming and smiling the whole way down until we hit that strong headwind for the last 10 fairy flat miles.  My legs did not want to go again! We made it back to the car, cleaned up, and went to a little Mexican restuarant nearby to celebrate our ride!

About an hour later we took a short hike to Adams Falls-beautiful! We thought about going to the field up a little further to see if we could see some more wildlife, but opted to return home for dinner instead.

I was in charge of dinner for tonight.  Salmon cakes, broccoli, and corn on the cob was the menu.  Tasty, and just light enough after a heavier Mexican meal. 

Tomorrow we are going to do some mountain biking-a new experience for me!

Mountain Biking today!

Today was a nice change of pace.  We did not have to drive anywhere to begin our ride; we left right out of the garage this morning.  

Today we were headed to the old town of Corona, up Rollins pass.  It was totally different than road biking, but I loved it.  Bouncing through the pot holes, and over the rocks was very different than avoiding obstacles on the road bike!

It was a steady grind up to the top again, but I totally see the benefit of the shoes that clip onto the pedals.  On the mountain bike, I just had my tennis shoes on bare pedals, and saw a complete difference.  I felt that there were muscles in my legs that I was not using! I was missing that "pull." 

Descending down on the mountain bike was terrifying! It was fast, so bumpy, and totally out of my comfort zone.  Yet, at the same time, it was so good for me! I later described it as "terrifyingly exhilirating!"

Worked out with my weight-loss group tonight.  I had them do three strength circuits with biking in between. 

Cross-training soon! A tough workout coming, and I am very excited about it!

Went to Sian's step class one more time before we move.  With 100+ degree temps still in the evening, an indoor workout was probably smarter.  I really wanted to get outside and run this morning, when it was at least a little cooler (80 or so..yikes!).  I need to get up earlier and get that done before work!!

After step class I taught my last core class.  I am sure going to miss my classes-especially those regular members.  Hopefully I can become as connected to another gym when we move!

27 Miles biking today.  This weekend begins major training for my first triathlon!

It's July, and I am running out of training time for this upcoming tri.  

Got back in the pool this morning, and did 900.  Timing my strokes, I found that the breath stroke is by far my fastest stroke.  I would also feel comfortable sighting with this stroke-as trying to close my eyes while under water and sighting while breathing with the freestyle, I quickly found the lane barriers.  Yet, I am not sure how tired that would leave my legs for the bike and run portions of the race.  

The tri is on July 28th.  Am I out of time to quicken my freestyle stroke?  Any suggestions for sighting?

After the short swim this morning, I threw on a pair of short and my shoes (without socks this morning) and ran to the golf course.  I was hoping to see my husband on the putting greens, but I must have just missed him. Oh well.  

After the drive to SD, my husband and I got out of the car and got on the bikes.  My husband rode the mountain bike my parents have been working to fix, and I brought my road bike.  My poor husband, trying to keep up on the mountain bike. He got a good workout, while I enjoyed the easier pace and conversation today.   

Another solid day of training today.  It began with a 16 mile bike ride on the highway.  The wind direction was very confusing this morning.  On my way out, I felt that I was against the wind, and was looking forward to the wind at my back for my return trip.  However, upon turning around, the wind was at my face again! (or at least I thought so!)

Despite the wind, and my computer not working so that I could not see my average mph, it felt like a good ride.  After completing my ride, I handed my bike off to my husband so that he could follow me on my run.  

The brick workout was excellent practice, and I really appreciated my husband's positive comments to get me through what seemed like a slow 3.7 miles.  I am hopeful that the race will not feel as hot with an earlier start (90 degree temps are not so much fun.)

Another brick workout today.  I biked along the highway again, but ended up shortening the bike ride when I had another front flat tube.  I am not surprised that I got a puncture with the condition of the highway shoulder, but it still never a part of the training plan! After fixing the flat, I headed back home to make sure that I still got my six mile run in before my brother's birthday party. 

On the run, I stopped by the golf course where my husband, dad, and brother were playing their morning round.  It was nice to take a few minutes, grab some water from them, and then continue on in the heat (96).   

Cross Training today to stay out of the 100+ degree temps and high humidity outside today. Spent my workout time inside on the elliptical. 

Today I went out the the triathlon course to get a feel for the bike route.  I will need to do some checking into the course.  If we are biking on the road, it will be just fine.  However, if we are expected to stay on the bike path, it could be interesting. I was very disappointed by the lack of upkeep on the trail.  Loose gravel and huge sidewalk cracks slowed my times down some.  

The morning run was with my husband.  We both have lots of work to do, but it was enjoyable to run with him again!!  

Back to the gym today to sub for a kickboxing class and a core class.  A good hour cardio workout and a half hour of core work.

 The rest of my workout today was packing and moving boxes in our house.  Only a few days left until the move.  Crunch time! 

An early and easy ride to the farmer's market this morning.

After bringing the produce back to the house from the farmer's market, my husband and I rode on the highway.  He rode 20 miles, and I rode 30.  I thought I was going at a pretty good clip, but he still waited for me for 20 minutes at the end of the highway.  I am very proud of him for pushing it and doing a longer ride than he is used to!! 

Rest day today.  An elderly couple we met at church this morning took us around town, and showed us the public lakes where we can do some swimming.  They also showed us some bike trails.  We are excited to try them tomorrow!

Today my husband and I went to the lake that the elderly couple showed us yesterday.  We did some open water swimming, or at least attempted.  It did not go well.  The winds made for some big waves, and caused me to really doubt my abilities in the swim portion of the upcoming event.  I am hoping that with a few more open water swims I can build up enough confidence and reduce my anxiety about this first leg of the tri!

After swimming, we did one loop around the lake-2.5 miles.  

Later in the afternoon, my husband and I went to the local Y, and did about six miles on the trainers there.  

The tri is less than two weeks away, and I wish I felt more confidence at this point. Let's hope for a good night of rest and some good days of training.   

Practice for the tri next weekend! Went to lake north and got a good feel for all the transitions this morning!

3 sets of 400 for today's swim

My husband and I went to the early morning spinning workout today.  It was a good workout, and just what I needed in my taper for this week. 

One last day in the pool before the race.  My husband and I did a challenging speed workout-racing each other in various distances. (I won)

My birthday!! A rest day before race day tomorrow.  :)

My first triathlon!! I actually did it!!

I was a nervous mess this morning, but now I am hooked and cannot wait to do another one! The morning began with my husband's pre-race morning waffles (yum..thank you honey!), and a 5:15 departure to the race site to set up my transition area.  We arrived just minutes after the transition area was opened, and were able to pick a prime spot for transition.  

After setting up the transition area, I headed over to the check in for swim-cap pickup and body marking.  Then, the waiting game began, as the race did not start til 7:30am.  Waiting was not good for my nerves, but eventually it was race time.

 All participants lined up in our designated waves, and  then headed down to the beach area. With the 100+ temps for the past few weeks, I was pleased to find the water not freezing cold! 

The swim distance was shorter than the race had stated before (it was supposed to be .75K), but I cannot complain, as the swim is my least favorite part.  I was pleasantly surprised with how well the swim went for me.  I came out of the water with a huge smile on my face, knowing that the swim leg was completed!!

I took 46 seconds to transition onto the bike, and then made up a lot of ground on the bike portion.  (certainly my favorite part of the race!) The course was three loops around, so it was nice to see my husband, mom, and dad cheering me on each time.

After biking, it was 31 seconds to transition to the run portion, and off to the 5K race.  Beginning the run portion, I was first in my age group, but lost ground to an amazing runner who was over a minute faster per mile than me! oh well.

Finishing my first tri was an amazing experience! The pre-race nerves were all worthwhile, and I plan to do another one!  I enjoyed a great day of celebration and relaxation with friends and family.  Tomorrow we will travel home, and then Monday it is back to training.