Sunday, June 26, 2016

I Need Water! (WW # 47)

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!


This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia at MissSippiPiddlin.    The purpose of this link is to connect with and support other active women. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!  {See rules}   

We are thrilled at the number of linkers we have each week.  Thank You!  The support and camaraderie are truly priceless.  Please return later in the week and interact with more women. It's an excellent way to make new friends and gain invaluable support, all while holding yourself accountable!  Don't forget to comment on each blog that you read and remember to support your hosts.  


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M -- Strength
T -- Ran: 3 Miles Progression (9:54 / 9:32 / 9:06) + Swam: 20 Min
W -- Ran: 4 Miles Easy (10:14) + Swam: 20 Min
T -- Ran: 3 Miles Progression (10:14 / 9:59 / 9:31) + Strength + Swam: 15 Min
F --  Swam: 20 Min
S -- Ran: 7 Miles Slow + Water Skied: x 2
S -- Brick: Cycled 15 / Ran 3 + Swam: 15 Min

Total Run:  20 Miles
Total Cycle:  15 Miles
Total Swim:  90 Minutes
Total Water Ski:  50 Minutes

You may notice from the list above that the pool is my new best friend.   I'm contemplating another sprint triathlon and this time the water will be deep.   I would also have to jump from the platform of an old-fashioned paddle boat into the river for the start of the swim leg.  EEK.   I also have a fear of alligators.  Still thinking...



Speaking of triathlons...here are a few pictures from my very first one!




So with heat indexes being well over 100 degrees this week, you almost had to be in the water if you were outside.  Accordingly, I had one of those weekends where I simply stayed in a swimsuit (or running clothes).  I'm good with that.

I headed out for my longish run Saturday morning at 5:50 to beat the heat.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  Although slow, I felt strong.  We had friends visiting and went water skiing that afternoon. We returned to our own backyard for the evening where PoPo grilled delicious red snapper caught during a recent deep sea fishing trip.



Sunday I did a brick workout.  I was very tired from the previous day and slept late.  It was so hot when I got to the run segment (feels like = 105).  I took the plunge as soon as I returned home.  Nice...



This was my first 20 mile week since mid May.  I know I've got to get in the swing of marathon training soon.  So, I'll plan on another 20 miles this week.


And that's a wrap!


How are you beating this heat?   Or, is it mild where you live?



Friday, June 24, 2016

Runfessions (June)

How is it nearly the end of June already?

I'm linking up with the lovely Marcia today from Marcia's Healthy Slice
Please stop by and join in with your own Runfessions!




I Runfess...

One of my worst fears during my recent sprint triathlon was forgetting to take off my bike helmet. That's because I did it in training...I runfess, more than once.  I guess that is a testament to the true comfort of the helmet I have.  Seriously, each time it took me a while to realize it was still on my head!  Goob.  My mantra during the bike leg?  Take Helmet Off...Take Helmet Off...Take Helmet Off.  Here is proof that I indeed remembered to take it off during the race.


I've ordered this picture, so I'm not stealing it...

I Runfess...

The thing I was looking forward to most about the triathlon was the body markings.  Shallow, I know. But oh...so super cool.  I think we should mark our bodies all the time.  It would eliminate the on-going senior discount confusion at my grocery store.  Just look at my calf, Missy!
 

Coolest thing ever!


I Runfess...

I haven't been running very much lately.  I've been giving my feet, hips, knees, and all other aging body parts time to chill before marathon training commences.  Also, it's hot.  And.I.don't.want.to.  Yep, I just said that.  I've got to unearth some motivation soon. 


I Runfess...

Speaking of lacking motivation, I haven't cooked but twice in three weeks -- partly due to travel.  But still.  Soon, I'll have to start dusting the stove.  PoPo has cooked more than that on the grill.  Indeed, this is news.


Do you have anything you need to runfess?

 

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Lost Opportunities

Lost:  denoting something that has been taken away or cannot be recovered


The older I become, the more I am aware of lost opportunities.  I don't want to be in my twilight years and think "I wish I had ____________."  On Saturday, I competed in my first sprint triathlon.  It was not planned.  It wasn't a goal written on my 2016 to-do list.  {Actually, I don't have one of those!}  I wanted to participate in a duathlon but the tri opportunity presented itself instead.  I had very little time to train on the swim portion.  My younger self would have said "Are You Kidding?  No Way!"

It was wonderful and I'm glad I did.


I just recently went parasailing for the first time too.  {Those "Why Nots" seem to be flying out of my mouth with abandonment these days.}  I had been thinking about this one for years.   I went as far as getting to the parasailing stand about 10 years ago, but they had already closed.  What kept me from acting on it since then?  I don't know.  I finally decided to fish or cut bait, so to speak.  Even better, Sh** or Get Off the Porta Potty, as my good friend Wendy so eloquently posted recently.

It was wonderful and I'm glad I did.




The same goes for several other firsts over the last couple of years.  What is making me try these things now?  The fear of not trying them...the fear of losing an opportunity I may never get again. And perhaps, the death of a brother who lost his battle with a horrific, aggressive form of cancer at the young age of 56.  Time is passing quickly and health is a precious commodity.  The fear of losing out is much larger now than the fear of the activity itself. 

Next time you get an opportunity, think about acting on it.

What do you have to lose?

It will be wonderful and you'll be glad you did.



I'm linking up with Deb @ Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word.

Please visit Deb and the other participating bloggers.  It's fun!




Sunday, June 19, 2016

Trust Me...I Tri'd (WW # 46)

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!


This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia at MissSippiPiddlin.    The purpose of this link is to connect with and support other active women. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!  {See rules}   

We are thrilled at the number of linkers we have each week.  Thank You!  The support and camaraderie are truly priceless.  Please return later in the week and interact with more women. It's an excellent way to make new friends and gain invaluable support, all while holding yourself accountable!  Don't forget to comment on each blog that you read and remember to support your hosts.  


*******************************************************


Monday -- Strength Exercises
Tuesday -- Rest Day
Wednesday -- 4.5 Miles Run (am) + 12 Minutes Swim (pm)
Thursday -- Strength Exercises
Friday -- Mini Tri Practice:  6 minute swim / 20 minute ride / 5 minute run
Saturday -- Callaway Gardens Sprint Triathlon
Sunday -- 5 Miles Run


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I am a Triathlete!    Hold on, hold on.  I'm getting way ahead of myself.

About a month ago, I decided I wanted to do a duathlon and immediately incorporated  brick workouts. At some point I checked Active.com and noticed everyone (except one person!) had signed up for the triathlon.  I inquired with an e-mail and was told they were merging the Du with the Tri and I could "walk" the swim portion as the water was shallow.  After way too much internal struggle and debate, I signed up for the Callaway Gardens Sprint Triathlon.

I got in our backyard pool a few times and dog paddled for 30 minutes nonstop.  A few days before, I received the typical pre-race e-mail...and yep it included duathlon instructions.  {Heavy Sigh}  By this point, I was invested in the Tri.  I had swam.in.our.pool for goodness sake, as opposed to my normal napping floating. 

Google was my friend.  I looked up everything you can imagine from swimming, to rules, to racking my bike, to body markings, to laying out gear in the transition area.  I read every newbie article I could find. Marcia very sweetly sent me some great tips too.   I took my Trek Lexa XL in for maintenance and pretty new red handlebar tape to replace her nasty white.  Sanity was ready.  Was I?

Last minute, I ordered tri shorts from SLS3 since I had a $25 gift certificate for participating in Level Up Virtual Runs.  Whew -- they fit.  Keeping in mind I have never found a pair of goggles that worked on my pea-sized face {would I HAVE to wear goggles?} and have never worn a swim cap, I was as ready as I could be with so little preparation.  Adding to that, Thursday's afternoon thunderstorms forced my last workout to the day before the race...when I should be resting.  Que Sera, Sera. 

Let's do this thing...


She looks good with her new red handlebar tape!

I arrived at the event with an hour to prepare.  At check-in I was given a blue swim cap and was told I was in the 6th wave.  This was the last adult wave (aka old lady group).  I racked my bike in the transition area easily enough, although it was crowded and I had to squeeze in.  The weather was cool for Dixie (around 70) but humid with heavy, low-hanging clouds.  Thankfully, there was a 15 mph wind. Soon it was time for the blue-haired *ahem* I mean blue-capped group to start.  

I purposely started near the back.  I know my limits.  The water was much warmer than the air and quite shallow.  At no point was it up to my chin.  Some ladies did more of an aqua-jog as opposed to a true swim.  I tried to swim as much as possible, mostly side stroke with some free style, but admit to putting my feet down a couple of times.  When I had open space, I back-stroked as that seemed to be faster. They had gigantic yellow buoys on our right which were easy to see even on my back.   Before I knew it, this swim was over.  Swim = 9:48

Body Markings = Bad Ass

After running across a sandy beach, up a grassy hill, down a side-walk, and into the parking lot -- I was at transition.  I put my helmet on first as to not forget and then washed the sand off my feet with a bottle of water, dried them quickly and put on my socks and running shoes.  I popped a SaltCap and drank Gatorade.  Off I went with my bike.  T1 = 3:08

Thank goodness for volunteers!  I was worried about mounting (and later dismounting) my bike at the wrong time and getting penalized.  The volunteers shouted to every single rider when to do this.  I simply adored this portion of the race.  Remember how I started in the last adult wave?  Guess how many people I got to pass?  Hundreds.  Gosh.that.was.fun!  The scenery was spectacular.  I truly wanted to yell "Whee!" the whole time.  Instead, it was "On Your Left!"  Those rolling Georgia hills claimed a few victims, but not this old gal.  {Thank you Sanity!}   I didn't get my Garmin turned on initially but according to others I overheard, what was supposed to be 9 miles was more like 10.  Bike = 36:49

A very pretty T-Shirt!

Too soon, that part was over the I knew the death march was next.    The transition from bike to run was really nothing.  I put my bike on the rack, took off my helmet, attached my race bib belt, drank Gatorade and got busy.  I had cycled in my running shoes.  T2 = 1:26

As soon as I began the run, my left calf cramped.  I spent the first 1/2 mile trying to walk/run that out and finally did.  I did not have the jelly-leg feeling I did during training though --  I was just TIRED.  I saw two ladies in my age group pass me (got to love the age written on the calf!) and thought I must be near the back of my pack.  I plodded on.  Just get it done.  I did manage a small sprint to the finish line, which felt satisfying.  Run = 21:27

A beautiful location for my first triathlon!

My total time was 1:12:36.  I placed 4 out of 28 in my age group (#2 and #3 passed me on the run!) and 79 out of 254 all females.  I'm very glad I went ahead with the Tri.  It is not the scary animal I had created in my head.  Most things aren't.  This particular race was first-timer friendly too. Would I do another? Yes!  But only after more swimming practice.  I don't think the swim portion of any other race would be as forgiving.

And that's a wrap!



Sunday, June 12, 2016

Coastal (WW # 45)

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!


This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia at MissSippiPiddlin.    The purpose of this link is to connect with and support other active women. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!  {See rules}   

We are thrilled that we continue to have a record number of linkers each week.  Thank You!  The support and camaraderie are truly priceless.  Please return later in the week and interact with more women.   It's an excellent way to make new friends and gain invaluable support, all while holding yourself accountable!  Don't forget to comment on each blog that you read and remember to support your hosts.  


*******************************************************

Monday -- Ran 4 miles + Strength
Tuesday -- Brick: Cycled 20  / Ran 1
Wednesday -- Ran 5 miles
Thursday -- Cycled 10 miles + Strength
Friday -- Rest Day
Saturday -- Brick: Cycled 13 / Ran 2
Sunday -- Swam 30 minutes


Four Miles Progressive as TS Colin Moved Out


We were on the coast this week.  I had a fairly strong week of workouts regardless.  Monday we contended with dear ol' Tropical Storm Colin.  I did manage to go for a late afternoon run. Mmm...steamy.  Once Colin was gone, the rest of the week was gorgeous -- but oh so hot and humid.

The remainder of the week looked like this!




I took my bike on this trip and enjoyed cycling and getting my brick workouts in at Conservation Park. It's a natural wooded preserve with both paved and unpaved trails.  There are also several long boardwalks which are always fun to run on. I noticed at 8:00 one morning, the feel like temperature was already 90. No wind.  That's all I'll say about that. 




We had a blast deep sea fishing Thursday on the Southern Hooker {best name for a fishing boat ever!}. Of course we couldn't resist the "Rode The Hooker" t-shirts. We caught our Red Snapper limit plus King Mackerel and Beeliners (also a type of snapper) for a total of 80 pounds.  A great haul. We will be eating fresh seafood for a while.

Fishing with my Fellas.

A nice catch!

Our youngest son agreed to go parasailing with me.  I owed him an adventure as he missed out on the helicopter ride earlier this year.  We had a fantastic time and it was not nearly as scary as I had built it up in my mind to be.  We opted for the 800-feet-of-line, one-dip-in-the-ocean experience.





We did the usual daily beach bumming, nightly Putt-Putt competitions, and seafood consumption.  I ate my favorite Oysters Rockefeller three times. Three!  Just don't ask about the ice cream indulgences. 😉

And that's a wrap!


Do you like to stay active on your vacation?

Have you been deep sea fishing?   Parasailing?





Sunday, June 5, 2016

Mixing It Up (WW # 44)

Welcome to the Weekly Wrap!


This linkup is hosted by yours truly and my good friend Tricia at MissSippiPiddlin.    The purpose of this link is to connect with and support other active women. You can summarize your whole week or just a small portion of it.  It's up to you!  Race recaps are also encouraged!  {See rules}   

We are thrilled that we continue to have a record number of linkers each week.  Thank You!  The support and camaraderie are truly priceless.  Please return later in the week and interact with more women.   It's an excellent way to make new friends and gain invaluable support, all while holding yourself accountable!  Don't forget to comment on each blog that you read and remember to support your hosts.  


*******************************************************

Monday -- Water Ski (1x)
Tuesday -- 4.5 Miles Progression Run (10:32 / 10:26 / 9:58  /9:40 / 9:38)
Wednesday -- 3.5 Miles Speed Work (2 miles @ 9:17 plus 6 x 400  @ 8:18)
Thursday -- 30 Minutes Swim + Strength Training
Friday -- Rest Day
Saturday -- 30 Minutes Swim
Sunday -- 5 Miles Steady Run (9:52) + Strength Training


Coming out of the water at the start of a ski run

The week started off with Memorial Day and a trip to the lake.  I hopped in and skied.  However, it was windy so I cut my run short and we rode on further to a calmer part of the lake.  Just when I was about to jump back in to ski again, PoPo said he smelled something burning.  The kids and I rolled our eyes...because PoPo always smells something.   He insisted on opening the engine compartment and lo and behold -- FLAMES.  The fire was put out with a wet ballcap that had blown into the water and was drying on the dash.  Our fire extinguisher...did not work.

It was a long afternoon of rescue.  Even though a nice couple stopped quickly to tow us in, they had a smaller boat and we were as far away as we could get.   Luckily, I had a $100 Visa gift card in my wallet. They deserved every penny and more!  The next person who needs a tow?  We will gladly pay it forward. We also had to be towed last Memorial Day.  That event required a brand new engine.  Yes, that's right. Our engine is new, which made our little fire that much more aggravating. 

I'm standing beside the engine compartment where the fire was located!

So, we had yet another Griswold Family experience and enjoyed some odd, but memorable, family bonding time.  Thanks to PoPo's overly sensitive nose, nobody was hurt, the 45 gallons of gas did not ignite {think about that!} and there was very little damage.  The Happy Anna was in the hospital less than a day and will be back on the lake as soon as it's not raining.




I'm still not running many miles in preparation for impending marathon training.  This week was all about mixing it up -- Skiing, Progressive Run, Speed Work, Easy Run, Swimming, Strength Training, Planking, Pushups and Cycling were all on the agenda.  It all happened except cycling.  I had to scrap those plans because of weather.

I celebrated Global Running Day by working on speed.  I added a couple of swim workouts to the mix this week.  Although I look pretty pathetic, I feel fairly comfortable in the water.  I will never win points for form or style.  My Saturday morning swim was in steady rain, which was surprisingly enjoyable.  Sunday I awoke to rain again and decided to run instead of cycle.

I plan to continue the mix for the month of June.  I should be cycling on a few different routes in the coming week.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate.  Before I forget...registration is open for June's Level Up Virtual Run.  You may run your 5k any time between June 15th and 30th.  Don't forget to use SAVE10 at checkout!  Cowabunga, Dudes!  Join me!



And that's a wrap!

Hmm...what do you know...I didn't once complain about the suffocating heat and humidity!  


What's your favorite way to mix it up? 


Saturday, June 4, 2016

Coffee Talk (June)

Welcome to Coffee Talk

It's a rainy Saturday morning here in Dixie.  Let's settle in a chat for a while.  Today's creamer of choice is Coconut Creme.  Yummy.


Over Coffee...

I'd tell you I'm drinking coffee out of my new Starbucks NC mug I purchased after the Gateway to the Smokies half marathon.  This is where I got to finally meet the lovely Karen of Running Over The Hill.  That race was nothing but tough!  Since we conquered those smoky mountains, I had to have a memento. 

 

Over Coffee...

I'd admit I'm a little late joining in this morning.  I woke up to steady rain (although there was very little chance of rain today -- go figure). I was quite irritated as I planned to do a swim/bike brick workout.  I laid in bed lazily contemplating what to do.  Duh.  I went outside and swam 30 laps in the rain.  I actually enjoyed it.  Luckily, I only heard thunder once.  Mini, one of my dogs, sat beside the pool in the rain the entire time.  I know she loves the rain, but I thought that was awfully loyal of her.  Anyway, after a late start at least I did get in a decent swim workout.


Over Coffee...

You'd hear how if I want to still do the duathlon I was thinking about this month, I'd have to compete in the triathlon instead.  So few people signed up for the du that they are merging it into the tri.  I was told I could walk the swim portion.  At first, I thought "Walk?  Ha!  Easy!"  Then I realized (ding ding ding) they meant in the water!  It's a shallow 400m swim of 4-5 feet.  So I've been testing my swimming skills just in case I get a wild hair to go ahead and do this crazy thing.  Eek!  So scary.


Over Coffee...
  
You'd hear how June will be all about mixing it up.  I'm trying to give my legs some extra recovery time before marathon training begins in July.   Cycling, Swimming, Water Skiing, Strength Training, Planking, Walking, Running -- it will all be there.  I may throw some other things in the mix.  I prefer outdoor activities over gyms or classes.  I'll have to put my thinking cap on.  And, hope for nice weather.


Over Coffee...

I'd tell you I was actually out of coffee this morning.  Well, we were out of Keurig cups.  I had to dig around under the cabinet to find an old school coffee maker.  I found some ground coffee (let's just not think about how old it is) and brewed a pot the old-fashioned way.  So, now I'm off to the grocery store...my least favorite thing to do.  I hope everyone has a lovely weekend.



What would you tell me over coffee?


A huge Thank You to our Ultimate Coffee Date hosts!

Please visit and join in too!








Wednesday, June 1, 2016

My Empowerment


You probably know how I love to water ski.  Yeah -- I tend to gush over it.  But, let me give you a little history.  As children, my sister and I were not encouraged to participate in sports.  It's just not what little country girls did back then.  We were told to play outside.  We rode our bikes and flipped around doing gymnastics on a rusty swing set frame.  Unfortunately, I had horrible growing pains in my legs which earned me an excuse from PE class every year.  In fact, I did not participate in PE until I attended college.  An athlete, I was not.

Our family had a little river cabin on the banks of the Chattahoochee backwater.  It was here that my parents persuaded me to ski (bribed if truth be known).  If I had to guess, it's probably because the used boat my father had purchased came with a set of water skis.  My parents were not athletic, certainly not skiers, and obviously did not realize how strenuous it was.  It was not considered a sport but simply something my father loved to do with his girls.




A wonderful thing happened though.  Water skiing empowered me.  It was the only true challenging physical activity in my life.  I soon traded that set of skis for a single slalom ski and gained even more empowerment.   I learned to adore it and thanked my lucky stars for it.  You see, it gave a shy and awkward girl the confidence she sorely needed.   I could do something active!  And something pretty darned demanding!

All these years later, I still love it.  PoPo continues to support me and is my talented and willing boat driver.  I certainly couldn't do it without him!  I'm not professional by any means...far, far, far from it.  Heck, I've only attempted a slalom course several times in my life.  {A bucket list item is to attend ski school for a week.  Cool!}  But, I've got the endurance of a horse, can zip across the wake without pause, and can kick up a massive spray.  That makes me happy.  It empowers me.  Hmm...I guess on this Global Running Day it's fitting to admit those half marathons do a pretty good job of that as well!


What do you credit for your first sense of empowerment?



I'm linking up with Deb @ Deb Runs for the Wednesday Word.

Please visit Deb and the other participating bloggers.  It's fun!