Annette's update

Wow, where to start?

I did the Cochiti Lake Triathlon back in July. I think that race will go down as the "granny gear" race. : ) I registered for the OLY distance but when my sister, Michelle, and I went to pick up my race packet at the lake, I took one look at the boat ramp hill and said, "awww helllllll noooo!" I swear that hill was CAAAARAAAZZZEEEEEEE steep and lasted at least a mile, and that was coming straight out of the transition area. That meant you had to be in a low hill climbing gear from the get go. Then the route went along the top of the dam, which was very very rough pavement....too much shaking going on.

I'm not a fan of going downhill to begin with, so imagine the scene of going down the killer hill I first climbed. I'm surprised I have any brake left. T2 meant "running" up that stupid hill now.....walk more like

Did I mention that it was hot too? I was just very relieved when I finished and was able to join the kids for a cooling dip in the lake.

Soooooo.....how's the Ironman training coming along you ask? I look over at that counter and see it's just about 90 days away...I'm F R E A K I N G O U T!!!!!!!!!! Now with Kate out of the race, that just adds to my anxiety. We don't typically race at the same pace, but there was always a comfort knowing that my compadre was out on the route too. So, I'm leaning on all my other Ironmoms.

It's been so blazing hot here this summer that I have yet to get a 70 mile ride in, and that's got me concerned. I figured I'd get to a century ride at 60 days out, which is in 30 days. I also thought I'd be running a lot longer by now too. I really really really REALLY hope that it cools down sometime soon. I've got a work related trip coming up to "home" in Montana, so I'm planning on getting some longer runs in while I'm there. It'd be great to rent a bike and get a longer ride in too, but it is a work-related trip after all. : )

Hmmmmm....I could squeeze in a round of Insanity, and still have time to taper. Think I'll order this week. The other thing that's frustrating is that I haven't really lost any weight! arrrrgh. I'm not really surprised though. Kim found an article early on that you can't train and lose weight at the same time.....gotta choose one or the other. : /

I'm probably not going to do an official Half Ironman, but I will do the distances.

My morning shake has evolved into a veggie laced vegan Shakeology - kale, spinach base, scoop or packet of vegan Shakeology, 1 tsp chia seeds, frozen fruit (either mango, pineapple, blueberry, or strawberries), and coconut water. I've also cut back on meat, and increased more of a plant powered eating plan. Mung beans and lentils over quinoa or brown rice with creole seasoning is tasty! Tried tempeh...still need to experiment. My new fav sandwiches are avocado veganaise on sprouted wheat bread. YUMMMMMMERS!

I need to relax. serenity now......serenity now....serenity now........

Race Updates

Holy cow--we're just a little over 90 days out from our Ironman AZ adventure! I am getting nervous and freaked out, so it was time to look at the race schedule and see how things line up for the BIG race.

September:  Trifamily race in Peoria, Nathan's Olympic Tri
October: Tour de Scottsdale?, Soma 1/2 Iron Triathlon
November: Women's Half Marathon, IRONMAN!

It's crazy to think that I'm only a few races away from Ironman.  Annette and I have been trying to get caught up on the bike rides (she's doing better than I am!!).  I've been getting regular strength training in each week.  I was fortunate to be in a cooler climate over the weekend and got some solid runs in as well.  My new goal is to get 3 runs/3 swims/3 bikes in each week--with one of each of those being a "long" workout.  I think if I can keep up with this training schedule and the strength training I should feel pretty good.  It will be nice to get some races in soon so that I can see where I am at and what adjustments I need to be making. 

On a sadder note, Kate will not be joining us if Ironman this year.  I am hoping she updates us with a post soon and keeps us in the loop for what she'll be doing to rehab her injury and if she's eying IMAZ 2013.  :)

MN Color Run 2012

Here's a picture from the Color Run that I did in Minnesota back in July.  It was a fun atmosphere...but not much of a run.  I'd recommend it if you're not looking to run so much as to hang out with 10,000 people on a race course. 

Biking Moms!

Annette and I had a nice ride up the beeline this morning. Here's to getting back in the saddle again! :)

Results

Well, I got my MRI results today.  I have Arthritis and two herniated discs.  I'm looking it up on line now.  Doctor is going to send me to physical therapy.  I'm sad.

Where has the time gone?!!

Can you believe it--it's the last day of July?!!  We are just 16 weeks from Ironman AZ.   I have to admit, I am getting a little nervous.  I need to get some long rides in ASAP.  I slacked a bit the last couple of weeks as I was in MN.  I have scheduled some races to help get me back on track.  I have pretty much abandoned Fink.  I like the concept, but it doesn't really fit my training style.  I am working on getting 2-3 days of strength training in each week and at least 5 days of cardio. 

I really need to hit the pool with more intensity.  I've noticed that my stroke has gotten sloppy and I know that will sap energy from me in the long run.  So, I've come up with some August goals:
1.) Get in the pool weekly and focus on form.
2.) Get 3 rides a week in.
3.) Get 2 a day workouts in at least 3 days a week.

I think if I can get in this routine in August, I'll feel a lot better going into the September Oly and October 1/2 Iron. 

MRI and blood work

I went for a walk on Sunday to see how i would feel.  It was leisurely and short.  When I got home a half hour later my hip and thigh hurt.  My husband forced me to make another doctor's appointment. 

I went to the doctor on Monday and he said he can't tell what's up with my back.  It could be arthitis, a deteroriating disc, or a pinched nerve.  He recommends waiting for the MRI results so we can treat the problem.  Since I'm still feeling a dull pain in my lower back and pain in my right thigh he doesn't want me to irritate if further. UGH.  Frustrating. 

The good thing is that not only are we looking at my back but we are also doing test to see why I can't lose weight.  (B/c Weight causes more pressure on my spine!)  I'm not a big eater and I exercise but I can't get below a certain threshold.  He is testing my insulin levels and my my hormones. 

MRI and Bloodwork are done.  Now just the waiting game.  Wish me luck! 

Injured

Hello everyone -

I thought I'd give you a quick update.  I'm injured.  I hurt my back about three weeks ago.  I took a week off and then hit my training again.  I did a long bike ride, long run and then started Fink training again. 

On July 3rd I did the exercise that required us to do 5 one minute long sprints with a minute in between.  I felt great!  When I got back from my run I told Ron, "I can't remember the last time I sprinted!"  When I woke up the next day I couldn't walk b//c of back pain.  This was two days before I left on my cruise.  I went to the doctor the day before I left on my trip and they loaded me up with Pain meds and muscle relaxers so I could sit on the plane and walk.  I was MISERABLE!  It took 6 days before I could walk like a normal person without pain or meds. 

I'm back from vaca and am going to try to get into a specialist.  My family and I decided we would see what the doctor said and then make the call on Ironman.  I'm sad about the potential of not doing the race but I want to proceed with caution.  There is no way I can be in that kind of pain on a regular basis.  I think it scared everyone.

I'll keep you posted.  Kate