Okay, if you have gone back in the history and read my blog archive, you will already know that I am not a runner. I was in high school and quit after a knee injury at an indoor track meet my freshman year. I stuck to softball and swimming and just never ran for fitness or fun after that.
Softball is not the best sport for knees, add the positional factor as a catcher and you know my knees were royally screwed up from so many years of catching and the up/down and dropping to block the plate and wild pitches and everything else. My knees have always been a mess. I had my first knee scope at 17 years old. I just had my 4th scope on my right knee four weeks ago and 6 months ago, I had the first scope on my left knee. After a small patellar tendon tear last summer, I walked my triathlon in October and at a followup with the Orthopod, he looked at my left knee for the first time and commented that my left knee was actually WORSE than my right knee. (WHAT????) My good knee is actually the bad knee??? WOW!!!
So I haven't been able to really throw myself into the run training for a triathlon ever because of the pain in my knees when I run.
Last night, I went for a walk that was part of my training plan for White Lake Sprint in May 2010. I decided to see how it felt to jog part of the route. OMG!!! I didn't need my flashlight last night because my smile was so big. I was able to jog, let alone downhill without pain. I was so happy that I actually went further than I planned so I could jog a little more. It felt awesome. I couldn't quit smiling last night.... I think I was even smiling in my sleep.
This morning, I had planned to go out and do a gym ride from my old gym (no membership necessary for the ride.) I woke up with a crick in my back and after many failed attempts on my own to realign it, decided that I'll go ride and it will work itself out later. I pulled in, did my basic ABC check for my bike, clipped in and off I went. For those not aware, an ABC check is Air, Brakes, Crank. Full tires, brake calipers closed, crank looked good, so off I went.
I am admittedly a hill slug, especially at this time of year. It's late in the year and actually, prior to tri training, I would hang my bike after Bike MS and look at it adoringly all winter and then pull it out in April. Today was actually my latest ride ever. I couldn't miss an 80 degree day for a ride. So we set out and knowing at least part of the route has some buggers for hills, (especially post-op) I warned the group that I would be granny-gearing up a couple and that I'd see them at the top.
I finished the ride with 17.49 miles, avg speed of 14.5, max speed of 33.1 and finished in 1 hour 13 minutes and 9 seconds. My speed in the last year has really picked up despite not riding this year like I have in the past...(I don't get it either.)
So, I am celebrating jogging for the first time in 18 months, my latest ride of the season and my furthest ride following surgery. PLUS!!!! I have crossed the 50 mile mark post-op. I am planning for a 100-150 mile month. Well, off to PT to share the celebrations with the man who has gotten me back to this point. THANKS MARC!!!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Saturday, October 9, 2010
WOW!!! What a weekend already!!
I have to say it again. WOW!!! What a weekend!! And we still have another day to go.
I was able to get my 10 minute walk in yesterday afternoon, and then attended the le Tour de Femme Ladies Night at Cycling Spoken Here. If you aren't aware, Tour de Femme is a women's only bicycle ride in Cary, NC. The ride benefits the LIVESTRONG Foundation and The Angel Fund at Rex Hospital. This is my second year cycling in this event. Last year I rode 15 miles solo, (no teammates.) I had a race the next day and didn't want to burn my legs doing too many miles in too high of a gear to stay with my teammates on the 32 mile route. It was the right decision for me as I was able to hammer the bike leg at my tri, cutting six minutes off my bike split from the previous year and then gave nearly all of it back on the run, ( which I walk).
This year, I decided on the 15 mile route for several reasons. One of which being that I consulted with my PT regarding distance to ride. I am almost 4 weeks out from surgery and while yes, I am back on the bike, my quad still hurts and the knee will swell like a balloon if I am not careful and overdo it. The second reason was that I would be attending the NC State football game with my bestest cycling buddy, Miss Sandra. Sandra always keeps me in stitches and to see how far she has com as a cyclist in the last two cycling seasons is AMAZING!!!
On our ride today, we had pretty much dusted the rest of the riders on the 15 mile route by 2 miles in. Upon closer inspection, I checked our speed in that first 3 miles, (a good chunk of that downhill,) and realized that while I thought we were booking, I didn't realize just how fast we were going. The stats from MapMyRide on my phone showed a downhill speed of 37.6 mph. OMG!!!! Really??? My fastest dowhile speed was achieved this year on a NICE downhill in Harnett County. I believe that I topped out at just over 42 mph.
Today's ride with the weather (cool and kinda chilly) with little breeze and a great route, were highly beneficial. After finishing the ride, I had some ART (Active Release) and some Acupuncture. After that, we (Sandra and I) changed into football watching clothes. After parking and then speed walking from the van to the stadium, we made kickoff with time to spare. I am counting the walk from the van to the stadium as my training walk for today.
I got my 10 minute walk in yesterday and previously (Thursday) I had my PT session and he kicked my butt hard. I needed it though.
Tomorrow is a fun day, early wakeup, volunteer at a triathlon and then breakfast with one of the ASP staffers from his past summer. She is in town to visit family and a couple of other ASP Staffers. One lives here and attends NC State, while the other is volunteering with AmeriCorps and leaving NC tomorrow or Monday.
Tomorrow is technically a rest day, but Sandra and I have decided to ride out to our course spot if we end up marshaling the course. LATER!!! Just keep moving!!
I was able to get my 10 minute walk in yesterday afternoon, and then attended the le Tour de Femme Ladies Night at Cycling Spoken Here. If you aren't aware, Tour de Femme is a women's only bicycle ride in Cary, NC. The ride benefits the LIVESTRONG Foundation and The Angel Fund at Rex Hospital. This is my second year cycling in this event. Last year I rode 15 miles solo, (no teammates.) I had a race the next day and didn't want to burn my legs doing too many miles in too high of a gear to stay with my teammates on the 32 mile route. It was the right decision for me as I was able to hammer the bike leg at my tri, cutting six minutes off my bike split from the previous year and then gave nearly all of it back on the run, ( which I walk).
This year, I decided on the 15 mile route for several reasons. One of which being that I consulted with my PT regarding distance to ride. I am almost 4 weeks out from surgery and while yes, I am back on the bike, my quad still hurts and the knee will swell like a balloon if I am not careful and overdo it. The second reason was that I would be attending the NC State football game with my bestest cycling buddy, Miss Sandra. Sandra always keeps me in stitches and to see how far she has com as a cyclist in the last two cycling seasons is AMAZING!!!
On our ride today, we had pretty much dusted the rest of the riders on the 15 mile route by 2 miles in. Upon closer inspection, I checked our speed in that first 3 miles, (a good chunk of that downhill,) and realized that while I thought we were booking, I didn't realize just how fast we were going. The stats from MapMyRide on my phone showed a downhill speed of 37.6 mph. OMG!!!! Really??? My fastest dowhile speed was achieved this year on a NICE downhill in Harnett County. I believe that I topped out at just over 42 mph.
Today's ride with the weather (cool and kinda chilly) with little breeze and a great route, were highly beneficial. After finishing the ride, I had some ART (Active Release) and some Acupuncture. After that, we (Sandra and I) changed into football watching clothes. After parking and then speed walking from the van to the stadium, we made kickoff with time to spare. I am counting the walk from the van to the stadium as my training walk for today.
I got my 10 minute walk in yesterday and previously (Thursday) I had my PT session and he kicked my butt hard. I needed it though.
Tomorrow is a fun day, early wakeup, volunteer at a triathlon and then breakfast with one of the ASP staffers from his past summer. She is in town to visit family and a couple of other ASP Staffers. One lives here and attends NC State, while the other is volunteering with AmeriCorps and leaving NC tomorrow or Monday.
Tomorrow is technically a rest day, but Sandra and I have decided to ride out to our course spot if we end up marshaling the course. LATER!!! Just keep moving!!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Wednesday Double Up
Today was a busy day!! After getting squirt on the bus, I settled out for a bit of relaxation then went for my walk. Walk was planned for 15 minutes. I walked 13.5 minutes which is the same loop I did Sunday with a 4 minute improvement. After that I headed to the gym for a quick workout.
I spent 10 minutes on the bike at the gym, then did some upper body lifting. More reps, less weight. Gonna try to change things up a bit. Something else I'd like to do is some boxing intervals, see if I can talk the hubby into a set of mits and gloves. 5 minute round and then a 2 minute rest. I know I'm not a boxer or mms fighter, but boxing is a great cross-training workout.
Let's see what happens.
I spent 10 minutes on the bike at the gym, then did some upper body lifting. More reps, less weight. Gonna try to change things up a bit. Something else I'd like to do is some boxing intervals, see if I can talk the hubby into a set of mits and gloves. 5 minute round and then a 2 minute rest. I know I'm not a boxer or mms fighter, but boxing is a great cross-training workout.
Let's see what happens.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday and best laid plans
Well, today's plan was for a 10 minute walk. What's the saying about best laid plans??
My mom was in an accident a couple weeks ago and had to drop her van at the body shop and pick up the rental. I ended up watching my niece from 9:15-1:00 pm. After that, ran final donations for Bike MS to the MS Society before the 5pm deadline today. Then following that I came home, sat with hubby for about 30 minutes finding out about his day. I then headed to the arena for my CPR and AED class tonight.
After spending the night up and down, kneeling and doing CPR compressions, my knee is a tad swollen and painful. I had to move the 10 minute walk in the attempt to prevent additional swelling. Fortunately, I have the ability to move the walk schedule around to fit better.
So, tomorrow has already fluxed as well. I was asked to substitute at Mae-Lei's former preschool tomorrow, so, Mae-Lei will ride the bus tomorrow and after the bus leaves, I will do my walk, shower and then head to work. After work, to the gym for the stationary bike and a little lifting. Double it up and make up the walk. FLEXIBLE!!! Something I learned from my mission trips the last couple of years.
My mom was in an accident a couple weeks ago and had to drop her van at the body shop and pick up the rental. I ended up watching my niece from 9:15-1:00 pm. After that, ran final donations for Bike MS to the MS Society before the 5pm deadline today. Then following that I came home, sat with hubby for about 30 minutes finding out about his day. I then headed to the arena for my CPR and AED class tonight.
After spending the night up and down, kneeling and doing CPR compressions, my knee is a tad swollen and painful. I had to move the 10 minute walk in the attempt to prevent additional swelling. Fortunately, I have the ability to move the walk schedule around to fit better.
So, tomorrow has already fluxed as well. I was asked to substitute at Mae-Lei's former preschool tomorrow, so, Mae-Lei will ride the bus tomorrow and after the bus leaves, I will do my walk, shower and then head to work. After work, to the gym for the stationary bike and a little lifting. Double it up and make up the walk. FLEXIBLE!!! Something I learned from my mission trips the last couple of years.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sunday - Rest day
Well, after a rest day that didn't feel much like a rest day, the run training officially begins. I am using the Conservative Couch to 5k plan from beginnertriathlete.com
This conservative plan is a 7 month plan and actually times out really well for my first triathlon in 2011. Essentially, you start out walking and the first week works out to 40 minutes. The plan for this week, is the following
Monday - 10 minute walk (for my neighborhood, probably closer to 13-15 with the route and no squirt with me.
Tuesday - No walking planned, but I am planning to lift at the gym.
Wednesday - 10 minute walk (again, closer to 13-15 minutes.)
Thursday - No walking planned but a 60 minute rehab ride after taking my daughter to school.
Friday - 10 minute walk (actually 10 this time)
Saturday - 15-30 mile bike ride in the am and 10 minute walk in the evening with the family.
Sunday - Rest day.
My husband is going on the walk-to-run journey with me and as it usually happens, he'll pass me about 4 weeks in. That's okay though because I am still rehabbing the left knee from surgery in March and the right knee is only 3 weeks out currently.
My new favorite thing is google calendars. I have posted my training plan for the triathlons on there and have been able to merge my training calendar with the family calendar and work calendar. It is free on google and you can make it public or private and if you are training with a group, you can share the training plan.
I have merged two plans from beginner triathlete into the plan and have tweaked them to fit my schedule and my goals. Rather than going for distance at this point, I am going for time. All of my plans are in minutes vs. miles. It is easier to fit into my schedule and see when I need to take a day off either for health or schedule conflicts.
My sister and my friend are part of my training group. The hope for me is that with three of us, all using the same calendar, we can start tracking our progress and encourage each other. I am at somewhat of an advantage because I have done triathlons previously, but at a disadvantage with the rehab and recovery. I normally couldn't run because of my knees but I am hopeful that with the problem fixed in both knees, once I am fully healed, I can actually run again. I used to enjoy running in school and then as my knees got worse, I grew to HATE it. I have walked the run portion of every single tri I have done.
Now here is where it gets interesting. I am not one to just waiti for New Year's to set my goals. So, without further ado, here they are. Order is not necessarily priority. I am just putting them out there so you can see them and I can see them.
1. Ride a Century
2. RUN the RUN portion of a triathlon (walk/run is okay)
3. Complete three triathlons this coming year. (With a top half finish in Athena in 1 race.)
4. Continue to inspire, motivate and mentor new cyclists with my team.
5. Break through the 170 lb. barrier. (I've been stuck at 173 for almost 4 months.)
6. Run the Quay 5k time sub 40 minutes ( 36 minute goal)
7. Complete my first OWS (Open Water Swim) in a race.
8. HAVE FUN!!!
So there they are and they may change as time goes. Life is fluid, I need to be as well. God will put me where he wants me to be. I am just along for the ride.
This conservative plan is a 7 month plan and actually times out really well for my first triathlon in 2011. Essentially, you start out walking and the first week works out to 40 minutes. The plan for this week, is the following
Monday - 10 minute walk (for my neighborhood, probably closer to 13-15 with the route and no squirt with me.
Tuesday - No walking planned, but I am planning to lift at the gym.
Wednesday - 10 minute walk (again, closer to 13-15 minutes.)
Thursday - No walking planned but a 60 minute rehab ride after taking my daughter to school.
Friday - 10 minute walk (actually 10 this time)
Saturday - 15-30 mile bike ride in the am and 10 minute walk in the evening with the family.
Sunday - Rest day.
My husband is going on the walk-to-run journey with me and as it usually happens, he'll pass me about 4 weeks in. That's okay though because I am still rehabbing the left knee from surgery in March and the right knee is only 3 weeks out currently.
My new favorite thing is google calendars. I have posted my training plan for the triathlons on there and have been able to merge my training calendar with the family calendar and work calendar. It is free on google and you can make it public or private and if you are training with a group, you can share the training plan.
I have merged two plans from beginner triathlete into the plan and have tweaked them to fit my schedule and my goals. Rather than going for distance at this point, I am going for time. All of my plans are in minutes vs. miles. It is easier to fit into my schedule and see when I need to take a day off either for health or schedule conflicts.
My sister and my friend are part of my training group. The hope for me is that with three of us, all using the same calendar, we can start tracking our progress and encourage each other. I am at somewhat of an advantage because I have done triathlons previously, but at a disadvantage with the rehab and recovery. I normally couldn't run because of my knees but I am hopeful that with the problem fixed in both knees, once I am fully healed, I can actually run again. I used to enjoy running in school and then as my knees got worse, I grew to HATE it. I have walked the run portion of every single tri I have done.
Now here is where it gets interesting. I am not one to just waiti for New Year's to set my goals. So, without further ado, here they are. Order is not necessarily priority. I am just putting them out there so you can see them and I can see them.
1. Ride a Century
2. RUN the RUN portion of a triathlon (walk/run is okay)
3. Complete three triathlons this coming year. (With a top half finish in Athena in 1 race.)
4. Continue to inspire, motivate and mentor new cyclists with my team.
5. Break through the 170 lb. barrier. (I've been stuck at 173 for almost 4 months.)
6. Run the Quay 5k time sub 40 minutes ( 36 minute goal)
7. Complete my first OWS (Open Water Swim) in a race.
8. HAVE FUN!!!
So there they are and they may change as time goes. Life is fluid, I need to be as well. God will put me where he wants me to be. I am just along for the ride.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Trakkers GPS
Hello all, just a brief update.
Two years ago, I applied for a team sponsorship for The Spiritual Spinners and unfortunately, I didn't even make it past the first cut. Last year, I missed the deadline and so couldn't apply. This year... I MADE THE DEADLINE!!!!
I am hoping that I get the sponsorship and even better would be the team sponsorship. How many of my teammates would love to have a GPS they could wear and the family could track you on a ride?? Especially those long solo rides where you are just out beating yourself up.
I am really hoping for this sponsorship. I think it is a great product and while right now there main athletes are triathletes (yes I know I am a triathlete) I think distance cycling and multi-day tours would be huge. I have been at Bike MS and many times wondering where my teammates are who did the Century. Wouldn't it be nice to go out and find out that they are 23 miles from the finish which, depending on their average speed gives you at least an hour and no worries about missing them finishing??
Anyway.... wish me luck, hope and prayers. Also, I need to update... most recent weigh-in was 173 lbs... still maintaining down 20 lbs from the start of the year and hoping to break through the plateau that seems to have me stuck.
Just Keep Moving and remember... You never know until you tri
Two years ago, I applied for a team sponsorship for The Spiritual Spinners and unfortunately, I didn't even make it past the first cut. Last year, I missed the deadline and so couldn't apply. This year... I MADE THE DEADLINE!!!!
I am hoping that I get the sponsorship and even better would be the team sponsorship. How many of my teammates would love to have a GPS they could wear and the family could track you on a ride?? Especially those long solo rides where you are just out beating yourself up.
I am really hoping for this sponsorship. I think it is a great product and while right now there main athletes are triathletes (yes I know I am a triathlete) I think distance cycling and multi-day tours would be huge. I have been at Bike MS and many times wondering where my teammates are who did the Century. Wouldn't it be nice to go out and find out that they are 23 miles from the finish which, depending on their average speed gives you at least an hour and no worries about missing them finishing??
Anyway.... wish me luck, hope and prayers. Also, I need to update... most recent weigh-in was 173 lbs... still maintaining down 20 lbs from the start of the year and hoping to break through the plateau that seems to have me stuck.
Just Keep Moving and remember... You never know until you tri
Long Layoff
I honestly had to step away from all things exercise related for a while. It was hard for me to want to work out and cycle and do the things I enjoy and not be able to do them. I am still fighting some health issues (undiagnosed) at this point, but Dory is becoming my friend. I do what I can when I can and rest when I have to. Sometimes it seems like I do more resting than anything else.
New Bern... I made it and was able to complete 50 miles on saturday and I sat out sunday due to some dizziness (again... undiagnosed cause.) I had my right knee fixed on that monday. As many of you remember, my recovery from the left knee surgery was long and torturous. The right knee has been the polar opposite. I am already back on the bike, crutches were gone after 3 days and I am looking forward to training for my first triathlon next year.
I am planning on doing the White Lake Sprint with a friend. I have already laid out my running training and cycling training... the pool will be difficult as my gym does not have a pool and I am trying to figure out how to get swim training in, let alone for a 750 meter swim in open water. I am really looking forward to this and hoping that I can keep pushing through whatever is going on physically.
I also know that when the body says no, sometimes I just have to listen. I have a S L O W training plan built or should I say very conservative. The run plan is a 7 month (28 weeks) plan. I start with walking and slowly progress to walking and jogging/running. I'll see how the fixed knees do and may return to strictly walking. I would like to do well with my White Lake Tri as it will be my 5th tri and my first at a lighter weight than I have been for the last several years.
Stay with me y'all. I am on the rebound and plan to just keep moving!!!
New Bern... I made it and was able to complete 50 miles on saturday and I sat out sunday due to some dizziness (again... undiagnosed cause.) I had my right knee fixed on that monday. As many of you remember, my recovery from the left knee surgery was long and torturous. The right knee has been the polar opposite. I am already back on the bike, crutches were gone after 3 days and I am looking forward to training for my first triathlon next year.
I am planning on doing the White Lake Sprint with a friend. I have already laid out my running training and cycling training... the pool will be difficult as my gym does not have a pool and I am trying to figure out how to get swim training in, let alone for a 750 meter swim in open water. I am really looking forward to this and hoping that I can keep pushing through whatever is going on physically.
I also know that when the body says no, sometimes I just have to listen. I have a S L O W training plan built or should I say very conservative. The run plan is a 7 month (28 weeks) plan. I start with walking and slowly progress to walking and jogging/running. I'll see how the fixed knees do and may return to strictly walking. I would like to do well with my White Lake Tri as it will be my 5th tri and my first at a lighter weight than I have been for the last several years.
Stay with me y'all. I am on the rebound and plan to just keep moving!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
