My dad is always on time. Always. I would be willing to bet he has never once in his adult life been late to anything. Ever. Growing up I learned that this is a matter of respect and dependability. If you say you will do something, you do it. If you say you will be somewhere you show up early. I've taken this lesson with me in so many different aspects. Of course, I took it with me in my professional life and I took it with me in my social life. But it wasn't until recently that I realized I took it with me when it came to training.
I'm no better than you. I have days when I don't feel like running, swimming, cycling, teaching or even just waking up. Hey, it happens! I'm human. But if I say I am going to train, then I do. Because I need to be able to count on ME. I know now that if I say I will go swimming, I will. I will show up to that pool and do what I said I would do.
At work, people count on you to be there and do your job well, so you do. At life, people expect you to keep your plans and show up to events that have been scheduled, so you do. When your hubby asks you to please pick up something for dinner, you do. Why? Because you said you would. So, why don't you start counting on yourself a little more to do what you promised yourself you would do? You don't make excuses to your place of work, your friends or your family. But you make excuses for yourself. Stop it.
Sure, I have a coach(thanks, Jeff!) who looks after me and helps train me. But, at the end of the day, I am the only person I answer to in regards to my training. I won't disappoint anyone but myself. At the end of the day, I need to know that I was dependable and respectful, not just to others...but to myself.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Race morning
It's hard to explain race morning. A mix of nerves, excitement, anxiety, fear and delight. If you've experienced a race morning, you know. Triathlons have 3 events you are planning for which makes it extra stressful. You have to get there super early to make sure you get a spot in transition and set everything up just the way you like it. Then, it's off to body marking where you stand in line to get your number "tattooed" on with Sharpie. Somewhere in the midst of this, you have to pee like 500 times. As you leave transition for the last time, you are just hoping that you left everything you needed at your transition area. As you make your way to the swim start, you need to make sure you are prepared with wetsuit, goggles and swim cap before your wave goes off. Before your swim, you are already fast-forwarding to the bike and then the run. You start coming up with weird scenarios like, "What if I get stuck in sea weed? What if some girl drags me under water? What if I trip and fall as I get out? What if I don't make it? What if I barf?" Oh, race morning.
When I first started doing triathlons, I was looking forward to a calm and casual race morning where everything went smoothly and I wasn't a big ball of emotions. As time goes on, I am more confident with my racing and I have learned exactly what I need to pack. I even have a CD with my motivational music. But every race morning, I am still a ball of emotions ranging from elation to utter fear. I decided if I ever show up on a race morning and I am calm and casual and I really have no emotions about it, that will be my last triathlon. Race morning is what makes it real. It makes me realize that I care and that's why I feel these things. And if I don't care, then I'll hang up my wetsuit, my cleats and my Zoots. For now, I look forward to my race mornings.
When I first started doing triathlons, I was looking forward to a calm and casual race morning where everything went smoothly and I wasn't a big ball of emotions. As time goes on, I am more confident with my racing and I have learned exactly what I need to pack. I even have a CD with my motivational music. But every race morning, I am still a ball of emotions ranging from elation to utter fear. I decided if I ever show up on a race morning and I am calm and casual and I really have no emotions about it, that will be my last triathlon. Race morning is what makes it real. It makes me realize that I care and that's why I feel these things. And if I don't care, then I'll hang up my wetsuit, my cleats and my Zoots. For now, I look forward to my race mornings.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Can I borrow some hours?
As I went through my schedule last night and then looked at the things I still needed to add to the schedule I realized a couple things. One, I need a new scheduler because it runs out in March and two, I need more hours and days on said schedule.
I generally like to keep myself busy, but I always schedule myself in. I have been doing it for years. I know myself and I know that unless I get a few hours alone in a week, I will lose it. I will openly admit that. There will probably be a mini-meltdown should I not get some time to breathe, reflect and plan.
January is already proving to be a challenge. Every week has been full so far and then I find out I have so many more things to add to it! Now that I am sponsored I have to take in to account the days the team practices and I am contractually bound to attend practice. Of course the practices fall on a Thursday, when I teach, and a Sunday when I will have puppy class. AHHHH!! I should have asked Santa for more hours in a day.
This is why I schedule in time for myself. This afternoon I will get a couple hours to myself and I will be able to figure this all out and come up with a plan. Life will always get overwhelming at times, but if I can sit down, breathe and make a plan at least I will avoid previously mentioned mini-meltdown ;) And I will remember that it will all be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
I generally like to keep myself busy, but I always schedule myself in. I have been doing it for years. I know myself and I know that unless I get a few hours alone in a week, I will lose it. I will openly admit that. There will probably be a mini-meltdown should I not get some time to breathe, reflect and plan.
January is already proving to be a challenge. Every week has been full so far and then I find out I have so many more things to add to it! Now that I am sponsored I have to take in to account the days the team practices and I am contractually bound to attend practice. Of course the practices fall on a Thursday, when I teach, and a Sunday when I will have puppy class. AHHHH!! I should have asked Santa for more hours in a day.
This is why I schedule in time for myself. This afternoon I will get a couple hours to myself and I will be able to figure this all out and come up with a plan. Life will always get overwhelming at times, but if I can sit down, breathe and make a plan at least I will avoid previously mentioned mini-meltdown ;) And I will remember that it will all be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Why not LIVE?
I was never the person who thought that bad things couldn't happen to me. Much the opposite, actually. There are times when I worry that I might lose my health, my family or friends, etc. But on the opposite side of that I also believe that wonderful things can happen to me. Hey, I could win the lottery(if I ever played). Why NOT me?
This theme resonates in to my daily life. And I am very glad because it gives every day as sense of worth. I hear people complain all day that they "have to" work out. They "have to" eat well. They "have to" do all these things that make it sound like their life is really just one big chore. I won't be that person. I make an effort every day to not be that person and here is why...
I know many people who can not physically do what I do every day. Jeff's dad had ALS and I am willing to bet he would have given anything to be able to walk to the mailbox. I have friends and family who have or have had cancer. They are fighting for their lives. They are working on surviving while we complain about not getting to eat another slice of pie. My mom loved to run and she sustained an injury that will no longer allow her to feel that feeling of total peace and freedom that running brings. Of course, there are so many more. You know these people. They are friends and family and neighbors and co-workers.
You get to live once and you have a new opportunity every single day to make it count. Don't waste it. If today was your last day, would you be proud of who you were? If you are able to get up and swim, bike, run, play...you don't have to...but why wouldn't you?? Why NOT live a little!
This theme resonates in to my daily life. And I am very glad because it gives every day as sense of worth. I hear people complain all day that they "have to" work out. They "have to" eat well. They "have to" do all these things that make it sound like their life is really just one big chore. I won't be that person. I make an effort every day to not be that person and here is why...
I know many people who can not physically do what I do every day. Jeff's dad had ALS and I am willing to bet he would have given anything to be able to walk to the mailbox. I have friends and family who have or have had cancer. They are fighting for their lives. They are working on surviving while we complain about not getting to eat another slice of pie. My mom loved to run and she sustained an injury that will no longer allow her to feel that feeling of total peace and freedom that running brings. Of course, there are so many more. You know these people. They are friends and family and neighbors and co-workers.
You get to live once and you have a new opportunity every single day to make it count. Don't waste it. If today was your last day, would you be proud of who you were? If you are able to get up and swim, bike, run, play...you don't have to...but why wouldn't you?? Why NOT live a little!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Food for thought
Food is a hot topic for me. I don't believe in diets and I never will. A diet will work temporarily, but if you can't do it for the rest of your life, don't do it! I don't diet and I don't deprive myself. I FUEL my body. People should think of calories as fuel rather than some number with no meaning. Here's the deal...I know if I eat crappy food(think fast food, lots of sugar and empty calories) then my body will perform accordingly. I am not saying this because I think it's true. I know it's true. I have attempted to fuel with cookies(no joke) before a training ride. I performed awfully. I have fueled with many different things to see what my body responds to. The verdict is in...it responds to lean protein, fruits and veggies and good old carbohydrates. If I drink alcohol, I know the next day will be a struggle for me. I have learned that it is better for me to eat clean than to try and struggle through training. Have you ever had to swim, bike or run for hours and you felt lethargic, achey and grumpy? Yeah, it is no fun.
I have been asked, "Do you ever eat sweets?" Ha!! Of course I do! But I try to eat one or two, not an entire box, batch or bag. I'm not going to say no to a home baked cookie, my friend, but the key is to then adjust accordingly. You have a huge lunch, then eat a small dinner. You have a few extra cookies at work, then come home and don't have another dessert. Don't deprive yourself, but don't over-indulge every day. Simple.
One thing that gets me is high protein, no carbs diets. What is your bodies main fuel source? I can tell you right now it doesn't go, "Moooo!" And your body isn't made to digest a ton of protein. On average, your body digests about 10 grams of protein at a time. If you eat too much protein your body will store the extra as fat. On top of that, too many calories is too many calories be it protein or carbs. I encourage people to balance it out. What would a car do with no fuel? Your body needs protein, carbs and, fats(healthy). Play with it as you like, but make sure you are getting about 60% carbs, 20% protein and 20% fats.
Food is fun and it is one of the things that brings me great joy. It is possible to eat well and enjoy your food. It is up to you to decide what makes you happy when it comes to food. If you hate eggplant, then don't eat it. If turkey isn't your thing, then skip turkey. Don't force yourself to eat things just because someone said they were good for you. Do your research! There are so many options out there, that eventually you will find things you enjoy that are also good for you. You will be amazed at how your body appreciates it!
I have been asked, "Do you ever eat sweets?" Ha!! Of course I do! But I try to eat one or two, not an entire box, batch or bag. I'm not going to say no to a home baked cookie, my friend, but the key is to then adjust accordingly. You have a huge lunch, then eat a small dinner. You have a few extra cookies at work, then come home and don't have another dessert. Don't deprive yourself, but don't over-indulge every day. Simple.
One thing that gets me is high protein, no carbs diets. What is your bodies main fuel source? I can tell you right now it doesn't go, "Moooo!" And your body isn't made to digest a ton of protein. On average, your body digests about 10 grams of protein at a time. If you eat too much protein your body will store the extra as fat. On top of that, too many calories is too many calories be it protein or carbs. I encourage people to balance it out. What would a car do with no fuel? Your body needs protein, carbs and, fats(healthy). Play with it as you like, but make sure you are getting about 60% carbs, 20% protein and 20% fats.
Food is fun and it is one of the things that brings me great joy. It is possible to eat well and enjoy your food. It is up to you to decide what makes you happy when it comes to food. If you hate eggplant, then don't eat it. If turkey isn't your thing, then skip turkey. Don't force yourself to eat things just because someone said they were good for you. Do your research! There are so many options out there, that eventually you will find things you enjoy that are also good for you. You will be amazed at how your body appreciates it!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Back on the BUGG
Watch out, world! I'm back on the Body Bugg! Have you heard of this device? It helps you track your calories in and out. I am a huge fan because it takes the guess work out of losing weight. You simply wear this little device and it tracks your calories all day long. Then, you come home at night and upload them to your computer. While doing this, you add in what you have eaten for the day. Simple math will let you know whether you are in a defecit(losing weight) or a surplus(gaining weight). When I first put the Body Bugg on, I was blown away at what I was consuming versus what I was burning. Let's just say it keeps you honest! 800 calories of rice...ooops!
I am putting the Bugg back on to hold myself accountable. The Bugg can help you with any goal you have. I have known people who use it to gain weight, lose weight, maintain weight, improve performance or increase lean muscle mass. Whatever the goal, the Bugg helps you get there. And it's FUN! It ends up being a game you get to play every day and it helps you learn to make your own healthy decisions.
So, here I go. Back on the Bugg. I got a cool zebra print band so I can look extra stylish while acheiving my goals. I plan on losing a couple pounds. Sometimes being a loser is a good thing!
I am putting the Bugg back on to hold myself accountable. The Bugg can help you with any goal you have. I have known people who use it to gain weight, lose weight, maintain weight, improve performance or increase lean muscle mass. Whatever the goal, the Bugg helps you get there. And it's FUN! It ends up being a game you get to play every day and it helps you learn to make your own healthy decisions.
So, here I go. Back on the Bugg. I got a cool zebra print band so I can look extra stylish while acheiving my goals. I plan on losing a couple pounds. Sometimes being a loser is a good thing!
The long road to a dream
I grew up in the days of Mark Allen and Dave Scott. I would hear about these men and this crazy race called Ironman. It didn't have much meaning to me until recently. Basically, Ironman is the ultimate triathlon. If you are an Ironman(or woman) their is a certain respect and admiration you get in the triathlon community. See, Ironman isn't JUST a race, it is a life changing event. An experience not quickly forgotten. And it's not a weekend race you show up and just do. You train for years to get there. You take it on as a part-time job. You commit. And, if you are lucky enough, you finish.
After I did a few shorter triathlons, I started watching Ironman on TV. Everyone has a story whether it's cancer, a double amputee, a professional, a nun, or your every day triathlete. Every athlete has a story. And you watch the Ironman and you cry and you see their stories play out. You feel like you know them and you bleed with them as they try so hard to make a dream come true. For some, all the time spent training is enough. For others, they fall short and the dream is gone. They fall on the ground like they have nothing left and they never will. And I cry for them. I still watch and cry for these athletes. I root for them to come back and try again the next year, and I invest in them. I truly want them to cross that finish line. The best sound is when the announcer says, "YOU are an Ironman!"
I want to be an Ironman. I want to be one of those stories. A regular girl, with a regular life wants to acheive the impossible. And so here I am about to start my journey. Ironman isn't a race you just enter and then show up at. You have to really plan for it. I am planning to do Ironman Arizona in 2013. It seems so far away, but it really isn't. I might be in good shape, but I am nowhere near Ironman shape. The training starts now. Slowly and surely I will tackle this and in 2013 the announcer will say, "Denice...YOU are an Ironman!" I will be totally spent after swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and completing a marathon in one day. I might be that person that kisses the ground or falls down due to exhaustion. It's possible that I will cry out with joy and disbelief or jump up and down completely giddy. I don't know how I will react. But I DO know, I will finally be an Ironman.
After I did a few shorter triathlons, I started watching Ironman on TV. Everyone has a story whether it's cancer, a double amputee, a professional, a nun, or your every day triathlete. Every athlete has a story. And you watch the Ironman and you cry and you see their stories play out. You feel like you know them and you bleed with them as they try so hard to make a dream come true. For some, all the time spent training is enough. For others, they fall short and the dream is gone. They fall on the ground like they have nothing left and they never will. And I cry for them. I still watch and cry for these athletes. I root for them to come back and try again the next year, and I invest in them. I truly want them to cross that finish line. The best sound is when the announcer says, "YOU are an Ironman!"
I want to be an Ironman. I want to be one of those stories. A regular girl, with a regular life wants to acheive the impossible. And so here I am about to start my journey. Ironman isn't a race you just enter and then show up at. You have to really plan for it. I am planning to do Ironman Arizona in 2013. It seems so far away, but it really isn't. I might be in good shape, but I am nowhere near Ironman shape. The training starts now. Slowly and surely I will tackle this and in 2013 the announcer will say, "Denice...YOU are an Ironman!" I will be totally spent after swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and completing a marathon in one day. I might be that person that kisses the ground or falls down due to exhaustion. It's possible that I will cry out with joy and disbelief or jump up and down completely giddy. I don't know how I will react. But I DO know, I will finally be an Ironman.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Are you crazy?
How it all started...
I wasn't born a triathlete. I never even thought about becoming one. I grew up going to triathlons to watch my parents, aunts and uncles participate in them. For me, it was another day to play with my cousins and spend time out of the house. I watched as the adults set up their bikes and their shoes and got in to their wetsuits. The energy was palpable. They would start and then I wouldn't see them for a couple hours. When they finished I figured they must have accomplished something big, as they were always super-sweaty with a huge grin on their faces. So, my parents were heroes. But I had really no idea what they did to get to the finish line.
As I grew older, I started running. Not for exercise, but to run away from my problems or to go on an adventure. It was just for fun. It became my way to process life. Some people see counselors. Some people go to church. I ran. I ran until I couldn't run anymore. Literally. I injured myself and I hung up my running shoes. I ended up trying cycle after being convinced that I would NOT die if I took a cycle class. And then I was hooked. I ended up becoming a cycle instructor, and taught myself to ride a road bike.
So, what's left? I figured I knew how to swim, bike and run so maybe, just maybe I could do a triathlon. Why not?! I signed up for a triathlon that was about 6 months away so I could train for it and be totally ready. But you know life never works that way. I got a call from a friend who couldn't do a triathlon and it was three weeks away!! For whatever reason, I said yes. I spent the next three weeks training and practicing and having minor panic attacks. When I showed up on race day I could not begin to tell you how nervous I was.
Triathlon is a big, yet small world. Some people do it just to do it, some people do it to go pro, some people got suckered in to it(kind like me). But one thing is universal, on race day everyone is anxious. As I looked around, I could see all these nice bikes and fancy shoes and super light wetsuits. I felt like the only one with regular running shoes, a 1985 road bike and a wetsuit I borrowed from my dad. When the swim course was pointed out to me, I thought they couldn't be serious. Distance in a pool doesn't look the same in the ocean! When the gun went off to start I couldn't breathe. I spent the entire swim hyperventilating and trying to freestyle with my head up. This was not how it went down in a heated pool! When I got out of the water I was just happy to be alive. I got on my bike and headed out. At this point, I figured I was dead last and so I went as fast as I could to try to catch up. Off the bike I attempted to run. My legs felt like logs and to even try and move in a running motion was laugh-able. But, I was determined to finish. Crossing the finish line was one of the highlights of my life. I had proven I could do a triathlon. I hung around high on endorphins and soaking up the atmosphere. I checked the times when they came out because that's what everyone else seemed to want to do. I didn't really care. I finished and I wasn't dead. But when I checked my time, the craziest thing happened...I finished first in my age division!!!! How was that possible? I cried. I called my parents. I paced around thinking they would take away my first place. But it was true, I won. To this day, that day goes down as one of the best days in my life.
With one triathlon down, I did do another and then another and another. I continued to do well and eventually got sponsored. I now finally consider myself a triathlete. My story serves to show that you should try new things even though new things can be scary. You never know what you might end up being good at, or loving, or both! Had I never stepped out of my comfort zone, there is something huge I would have been missing in my life. Something that has changed me for the better.
As I grew older, I started running. Not for exercise, but to run away from my problems or to go on an adventure. It was just for fun. It became my way to process life. Some people see counselors. Some people go to church. I ran. I ran until I couldn't run anymore. Literally. I injured myself and I hung up my running shoes. I ended up trying cycle after being convinced that I would NOT die if I took a cycle class. And then I was hooked. I ended up becoming a cycle instructor, and taught myself to ride a road bike.
So, what's left? I figured I knew how to swim, bike and run so maybe, just maybe I could do a triathlon. Why not?! I signed up for a triathlon that was about 6 months away so I could train for it and be totally ready. But you know life never works that way. I got a call from a friend who couldn't do a triathlon and it was three weeks away!! For whatever reason, I said yes. I spent the next three weeks training and practicing and having minor panic attacks. When I showed up on race day I could not begin to tell you how nervous I was.
Triathlon is a big, yet small world. Some people do it just to do it, some people do it to go pro, some people got suckered in to it(kind like me). But one thing is universal, on race day everyone is anxious. As I looked around, I could see all these nice bikes and fancy shoes and super light wetsuits. I felt like the only one with regular running shoes, a 1985 road bike and a wetsuit I borrowed from my dad. When the swim course was pointed out to me, I thought they couldn't be serious. Distance in a pool doesn't look the same in the ocean! When the gun went off to start I couldn't breathe. I spent the entire swim hyperventilating and trying to freestyle with my head up. This was not how it went down in a heated pool! When I got out of the water I was just happy to be alive. I got on my bike and headed out. At this point, I figured I was dead last and so I went as fast as I could to try to catch up. Off the bike I attempted to run. My legs felt like logs and to even try and move in a running motion was laugh-able. But, I was determined to finish. Crossing the finish line was one of the highlights of my life. I had proven I could do a triathlon. I hung around high on endorphins and soaking up the atmosphere. I checked the times when they came out because that's what everyone else seemed to want to do. I didn't really care. I finished and I wasn't dead. But when I checked my time, the craziest thing happened...I finished first in my age division!!!! How was that possible? I cried. I called my parents. I paced around thinking they would take away my first place. But it was true, I won. To this day, that day goes down as one of the best days in my life.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Can you hear me NOW?
One thing you will learn about me is that when I am passionate about something I want everyone to share that passion with me. I LOVE to share stories, gear and war wounds with fellow athletes, foodies and bakers. To this day, my dad makes this gesture with his hand to tell me to "quiet down" when I talk about something I love. While the conversation might begin at a reasonable decible, the more I love it the more my voice raises. Pretty soon, you can see people moving back or wincing as they try to not detroy my enthusiasm over the topic at hand by telling me to shut the heck up.
Triathlons excite me. Even more so, triathlon GEAR excited me. Don't even get me started on the new GPS watch, Zoots, or compression gear. Or maybe you should if you have a few hours or days to spare chatting about it! See, if something has helped me, inspired me, or made my life easier...I want to shout it from the rooftops.
I struggled with shin splints for years. Every time I ran, shin splints. I literally could not run. I tried new shoes, different running ground, stretches, special exercises, praying, whatever I could! And then I heard about compression socks. These hideous looking, extremely expensive socks that were supposed to help. So, what did I have to lose? I spent almost $70 on a pair of socks!!! Are you kidding me?? But, you know what? They worked. They truly worked and I have been running nearly pain free for about a year. And this makes me extremely happy. And I want you to be happy too. So I share. And I share loudly.
Please forgive me, in advance, if I share things with you and do so at an unreasonable sound. Feel free to ask me to lower my voice. If I can help you improve your time, keep you healthy, or share a cool new device I will be a happy girl. And go ahead and make the gesture that states, "quiet down." I promise I won't be offended ;)
Triathlons excite me. Even more so, triathlon GEAR excited me. Don't even get me started on the new GPS watch, Zoots, or compression gear. Or maybe you should if you have a few hours or days to spare chatting about it! See, if something has helped me, inspired me, or made my life easier...I want to shout it from the rooftops.
I struggled with shin splints for years. Every time I ran, shin splints. I literally could not run. I tried new shoes, different running ground, stretches, special exercises, praying, whatever I could! And then I heard about compression socks. These hideous looking, extremely expensive socks that were supposed to help. So, what did I have to lose? I spent almost $70 on a pair of socks!!! Are you kidding me?? But, you know what? They worked. They truly worked and I have been running nearly pain free for about a year. And this makes me extremely happy. And I want you to be happy too. So I share. And I share loudly.
Please forgive me, in advance, if I share things with you and do so at an unreasonable sound. Feel free to ask me to lower my voice. If I can help you improve your time, keep you healthy, or share a cool new device I will be a happy girl. And go ahead and make the gesture that states, "quiet down." I promise I won't be offended ;)
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