And so it begins...

It's official I have now begun my Ironman training. I'm not going to lie, I'm feeling like I bit off more then I can chew. The only thing that is keeping me from totally freaking out is the great support team I've got going. I am into my third week which is also a rest week for me and I'm feeling not too bad. If you had asked me how I was feeling last week I probably wouldn't be sounding so chipper about the whole process.

So week 1 started off pretty easy. I actually held off on the swim for this week since I seem to get sick 2 days after being in the pool. Since I still am not quite 100% healthy from this crazy nasty flu/chest cold/bronchitis/maybe it was pneumonia kind of sickness I opted on staying out of the pool for another few weeks.

So week 1:

Lots of strength training. I am doing weights 3x's a week, 45min each session. I'm working on everything: Glutes/core, legs, arms. Each days has a lovely surprise for me. 

Bike is being done 3x's a week as well. I've got 1 day that is intervals, 1 day hill repeats, 1 day of easy steady state. Now all of these workouts aren't necessarily balls to the walls. I have to stay within a specific heat rate zone depending on the workout.

My interval session was attempted on the rollers. New experience for me. A lot harder than I anticipated too. At least I don't have to hold onto the wall anymore.

I'll spare you the ugly hill repeats picture. It was very wet, I was very cranky (probably because I was also very wet) and I was tired. So we'll skip ahead to my easy steady state which ended up being a lovely mountain bike ride with one of my besties!!!

I don't get out on the mountain bike very often but I sure had some fun.

Next up is the run. My hardest sport to train for. I never really loved running up until last summer. Now I enjoy it quite a bit especially when the weather is like this:

What's not to like? Unfortunately, first week the weather wasn't so nice. To top it off we had a tough workout in the pouring rain. But we were so enthusiastic!

Nice warm up to start then right into 1 km race pace intervals. I was thrilled when I got home and loaded up my stats to find I hit every interval bang on my goal pace. It's amazing how a good tough workout that goes well can just top off your day/week/month!

I was so fast the picture is blurry ; )

There is nothing more rewarding than completing a tough workout!

So week 1 done! Both coaches were happy with my first week of training YAY!

This is where things don't go so well. The high's and low's of training for a big event. My right hip has been causing me grief on and off for a few months. I'm lucky enough that my very good friend is also my physiotherapist and takes excellent care of me. Unfortunately she is away for 5 weeks (which sucks super bad because she is also one of my main training buddies). Well, week 2 of training my hip starts bugging me a bit. I seriously have been looking like an old lady when I start my run. So my yogi husband suggested that maybe I should start incorporating some yoga into my training schedule (because I have so much free time *did you note the sarcasm?)

I really do like doing yoga but I am really terrible at it and I really don't have any spare time so I have to be choosy about my workouts. I decided maybe husband was right so I started doing it and even got the kids to join me.

Let's just say they are a little more natural at it than I am.

Needless to say, I think the yoga is actually working. After 3 sessions of yoga my hip is feeling so much better. So much better that I am back to enjoying my runs.

Week 2 running: a few nice easy runs in the cold mornings (at least it isn't raining). A nice hilly route to get me warmed up. By then end of the week I was exhausted that I had to skip my Saturday group run. Gotta get on top of that. I can't me missing those runs.

Bike got a missed session too. Started out and by 20min in I could barely hold myself up on the bike.

Still no swimming either but I was so tired I probably would have drowned.

This might be a good time to remind athletes how important it is to listen to your body. I'm guilty of not listening to how I feel and I'm guessing if you go back a ways in my blog you might even find a confession or two. Seriously though, with the health issues and injuries I have had over the last few years this couldn't be any more important. If you are in the middle of the workout and you absolutely can not give it 100% it is perfectly okay to pull the plug. In fact it would be very wise. 

Needless to say I was looking forward to my rest week. Now a lot of people have the misconception that a rest week is a week where you lay on the couch and do nothing. Even a few of my training buddies weren't quite sure what a rest week actually meant. 

For me, I'm still training but the load is a bit lighter, no weight training for the week and lots of recovery runs/rides. 

So Sunday I got out to enjoy a leisurely 2 hour ride with another fabulous friend.

The weather was amazing! 

We kept a super easy pace. Even stopped a few times. I couldn't have been any happier to be out there. Then I followed up with a 60min run.

Who gets to run in t shirts during February? This weather is crazing awesome. 

So now I am finishing up my recovery week. I had some hill repeats on my run today which wasn't quite as warm as Sundays run but equally amazing to be outside.

Now if only it stayed light out just a bit longer I wouldn't have to pack my training in so tightly. 

I've been feeling slightly overwhelmed trying to keep the balance. 

I've been needed at my kids school to help volunteer, I've had a few extra work days I've needed to go in for and I'm still trying to get out to see friends. Life is definitely busy and I know it's going to get a lot busier. I'm just glad I got though my first 3 weeks of base training without any major melt downs.

If this weather continues I have a feeling training won't be difficult to get in.

Sometimes things just don't work out.

Well some days the universe has a weird way of telling you things...

Today was one of those days.

On Vancouver Island we have a great winter race series. From January to April there are 8 running races from Sidney to Comox. Every single race has their special something and I love participating. Last year due to pneumonia I missed out so I was very excited to plan my race season with VIRA in mind.

So the first race was Jan 11 down in Saanich (greater part of Victoria) and my run coach thought it would be a great race for me to do... then I got sick. So no race for me. Fast forward to this weekend where the second race is happening right in my back yard. The Cobble Hill 10km. This was the race I was most excited about. It's my area, I know the race route, and I know I was capable of a PR. Well after being off from training for 4 weeks I figured I still could pull off a good race, then this week I woke up with nerve pain shooting down my leg. So I had to skip one of my runs and go see "my guy" to get things sorted out. Got out for my other runs and things felt better. So I thought yes, I can race this. Well, as I'm getting ready for the race I get a text from my coach asking how things are feeling. I tell her I'm feeling pretty much back on track and what pace should I run this race. She tells me not to run it. Too much has gone on that she didn't think it was wise. So I'm bummed. I decided what the heck, I've already paid for the race. I'll go run it and just run it as an easy training pace. Not easy to do in a race because it means practicing an immense sense of self control. I have done it before so what the heck. So I'm all ready to head over to the race, get into my truck and...

IT WILL NOT START. It won't do anything. No battery, no nothing. 

I have to tell you I am a huge believer in that things happen for a reason. My coach did not want me racing, she did say if I really wanted to I could but she did not recommend it. The fact that my truck all of a sudden decided today was the day it decided not to start I find absolutely crazy. 

So I have taken today as a great opportunity to remind me to trust. Trust in my coach. Trust in my training. Trust in myself that everything will work out. Life will lead me in the right direction and I just have to trust.

I am hopeful that this is the last of my hiccups for training as I officially start Ironman training a week today. The plan is in place and I will be on my rigid schedule. Things are going to work out just fine, as long as I just trust.

Sunshine and health = Happy days

ah, a big sigh of relief to see that beautiful sunshine out there. I am 3 weeks from when I first got sick and I am finally on the mend. Boy does it ever feel good to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. I can't believe what a downer being sick is and then to be in a deep fog during that time didn't help. I am so thrilled to get back to life!

This week I was allowed to slowly get back to training. I had to maintain a very, very, very easy pace.  This meant I was almost walking. I was more then okay with that. I was just happy to get out of the house and get my blood flowing. 

So my first day out was only 20 minutes. Since it was a very short run I asked my oldest if she would wanted to join me (she's 7). I never thought a kid could be so excited to run with their mom. Normally I take the kids with me but they ride their bikes. She was excited to run with me and I was too.

It was a pretty foggy morning so we played it safe with safety and I made her wear my high vis vest.

It almost fits her!!!

She did awesome. She ran 3km's and kept a nice easy pace with me. She wanted a little head start on the way back.

This was my super proud mom moment. During our run we ran into a lady who was out for a walk and she couldn't commend my little girl enough. She complimented on how well she ran and what an inspiration she was. I couldn't be more proud. I sure hope she wants to continue our nice little runs. It was definitely a great way to bond.

After our mother/daughter bonding run it got me excited to get back to training. So I got a few more slow easy runs in this week and todays run with the sun shinning and our super warm day I just couldn't be happier. To top it off I got mail...

Finally my ugly tri Christmas sweater arrived. A little late for Christmas but now I am ready for next year. 

This shirt is so fun. It's a little on the big side. I tried it on over top of my running clothes.

Regardless, it will be perfect for the next holiday season. I'm not sure if they still sell them but I got this shirt through Teespring. A few of my Soas racing buddies got them as well so you might see a few of these "ugly tri Christmas sweaters around.

I also bought myself a little get well gift...

Soas just added running tights to their already fabulous collection of running gear. I would like 1 of everything but I had to refrain myself and just buy 1 pair for now. I bought the far right pair "Sunset Cliffs".  I can't wait to try them. You can find a pair for yourself HERE.

So there you have it. A great week ending with a super sunny great day. Here's to a fun filled and relaxing weekend.

Happy New Years

A few days late but Happy New Year friends! I am so excited to embrace 2015. As most of my followers know 2014 brought me a lot of hiccups. It was a very challenging year for me in all aspects of my life... family, friends, work, triathlon. You name it we probably went through it. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger right? So when I say bring on 2015 I truly mean it. 

So far it hasn't started out great triathlon wise. December 30th I came down with the flu but decided to still go ahead with our annual New Years Party. 

I probably should have cancelled and went to bed at 8pm but I didn't and now I am suffering. I'm completely off all workouts until it clears out of my chest. Needless to say I'm a bit grumpy. 

I have been sipping on natural remedies since the Benelyn made me feel like a recovering drug addict.

Honestly, my lemon, ginger beet juice made me feel way better then those pseudoephedrines. I am trying to be positive but it is hard when you have great expectations. So on that note...

So onward and upward I say! So many other positive things. I've been off during the Christmas break which means lots of fun times with my family.

We did the fantastic Christmas skate at our local skating rink.

A little bowling with our friends. Just a little side note... Bowling is not my sport. All of the kids beat me. Seriously I suck at bowling. My friend even told me how bad I suck. She reminded me I can't be good at all sports and of all the sports to suck at bowling is a good. She's so positive ; )

We also got a little climbing in. Climbing will always have a special place in my heart, that's how my husband and I met so to take the kids is the ultimate fun thing for us to do.

We had a wonderful Christmas as usual. It was just us this year. We had no company for Christmas and it was lovely. We took our time opening presents, had a wonderful vegan Christmas dinner and even played with some of our new toys...

Speaking of new toys I got a few of my favourite things!

Playing on my new rollers!!! I also got my Adamo saddle!

So with Santa being overly kind to me this year got me excited for the 2015 race season. I don't have a lot of triathlon races this year. Because I am focussed on my main goal of completing my first full distance (Ironman distance) race I decided to only commit to 2 other races. So first up will be the Ironman Victoria 70.3

Next up I think I will do a short little Olympic close to home as well.

The Langford Triathlon will be it's first year hosting this Olympic and Sprint race. I'm very excited for a new course to try.

Then last but not least, my biggest goal of my life August 30 2015:

I'm going to be honest, I am terrified of this. It's the unknown. I've never done these distances before. I've never ran a marathon, I've never biked over 120km so those two together scares me immensely, but this is a dream I've had for a while. 

So February 1st I embark on my training. I've been doing a bit of pre-season training. I've hit the pool a few times, I try to get on the bike twice a week, and I'm hammering out some good runs. I have no idea how this journey will end but I have a good feeling that it will be one of the greatest adventures of my life. I have a great running coach who will keep the reins very tight on me, I have a cycling coach who will definitely steer me on the right direction. I can do this and I will do it as best as I can. 

I don't really do New Years resolutions but during my Ironman training each month I have a new resolve. Some of the resolves I have for myself is to be positive no matter what gets thrown my way. Start meditating daily. Be thankful for all opportunities. 

So Happy New Year to you and yours. I hope 2015 brings you joy, happiness, excitement and adventure. 

Plan B

Who says triathletes can handle a little hiccup in the training schedule?

Sigh...

My last few weeks have sucked. Honestly, December is off to a bad start training wise. After the fantastic news of making the SOAS Racing team I thought for sure it was a good omen. Well I'll be honest I wasn't feeling very motivated for December. It was a bit rainy the first week in December, my coach reminded me I haven't really started my Ironman training yet. I'm still in the post/pre season mode where things don't matter too much. So I started feeling better about myself and went on this fabulous bike ride.

I even had some great company join me.

We got out for an easy 90min ride and it was just what the doctor ordered, I felt so much better and decided I was back on track. I mean who wouldn't be motivated with a view like this:

So last week I got to my 1st swim session, got on the bike rollers to then have to be told I have to give them back. Unfortunately they were lent to me to try and just as I mastered letting go of the wall I had to return the crazy hard but super addicting rollers. Insert another big sigh. That's okay though, I still have the wind trainer and since the weather turned into a torrential downpour I can get through this, yes I can...

Wednesday comes along and it's my group run day. These are usually a moderate workout and I always enjoy them. Well, my little munchkin comes home from school sick. So this means no group run. In fact there was no run for me that day. This is where there is another sigh.

That's okay there's always tomorrow. So what happens when your kid is still sick? You just start doing whatever you can. At this point I am doing some light core work and strength training in my living room whenever she lets go of me. My poor little munchkin. So this is when I decide the week is shot and as always my kids come first. So I accept the fact that very little training will get done this week but I will definitely get my weekend workouts in because the hubby will be home and he can help out!

Can we insert one more sigh? 

So Friday night ended up the hardest for my little monkey. I thought Wednesday was bad. The poor thing was up all night with cough and fever so of course I couldn't sleep. So when my alarm went off at 7 to get up for my Saturday group run and I had actually just falling asleep 2 hours before I decided that:

a) I shouldn't be driving on only 2 hours of sleep

b) I probably shouldn't be running on only 2 hours of sleep (although I'm pretty sure all my best races are done on said minimal sleep)

c) My kid is still sick and is crying for me

d) I just want to crawl bak into bed and sleep for a month.

So I had to tell my coach I will be missing yet another workout this week. The good news is she gave me a workout to try and do on my own if I did manage to peel myself away from the sick one.

I actually did get out for a run and I'm glad I did because it was so beautiful out and the fresh air helped me cope with my training failures of the week. 

By Sunday I was feeling rather defeated in the world of triathlon training but I told my husband I absolutely had to get out for my bike and run. The girls had swim club and my littlest was starting to perk up. I was optimistic that the stars were aligned and I was going to get out for my one and only day of training.

One more sigh? The poor kid was still sick. So I got creative. She stayed home with me while big sis went off to swim club with her dad. I set up the bike on the wind trainer and had my good buddy "D" come over and even though it killed me to be inside on such a gorgeous day we hammered a workout while the sick one layed on the couch watching a movie. At least I got a workout done. Except my fur baby didn't get the memo about good behaviour while mom does her bike workout.

Yup, she had some fun with the Christmas tree and decapitated and killed one of the angel decorations. Someones going to hell and it isn't me.

I still needed to get a run done but this I would have to wait on until the fam was back from swimming. 

So once they got back I took full advantage of the amazing weather.

I actually managed to get my 70min of running in. I had to go solo since all my running buddies were heading out at our usual time but I brought some good music with me and had one of the best runs of my life. I obviously needed to run some things out.

So moral of the story is shit happens and you can't beat yourself up over it. I was able to get in a few workouts but I also missed a few. My family is very important to me and sometimes I have to give up some training time for them and that's okay. In fact it felt great to spend hours on the couch getting cuddles with my girls. 

Being a mom, and triathlete while working isn't easy. It brings many challenges into our lives but I've become very good at problem solving and when I do manage to squeeze everything in I feel like wonder woman. We all have our battles but life would be so boring if we did. 

Be strong, because you can.

These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things

It's that time of year. Us crazy triathletes write down every possible need to get us to the start line. I'm sure Santa cringes when he receives my letter of more and more gear. I'll be honest, I don't really need anything this year but a girl must dream and there is always something that catches my eye.

I love doing my fav things because I love sharing my little finds with all of you lovely racers out there, and lets be honest... I'm a total gear head.

This year Christmas came early for me. I made the Soas Racing Team and that was enough for me. I am still relishing in the fabulous news and can't wait to get me race kit. That being said there is still some awesome Soas gear that I think everyone needs!!! 

So first up:

This gorgeous new design from Soas is perfect! I love the beautiful colour combination. Rumour has it that they are working on running tights. This makes me squeal with delight. I know they will be super cute!!! Also new to Soas is the sports bra (pictured with Tri Suit). Now regardless of my affiliation with Soas I absolutely LOVE their Tri Suits. They are so comfortable, they fit true to size and gosh we all look so cute in them. 

Next up is the TYR Women's Torque Lite Swim Skin.

Sorry I stole this image off of their website and it's not a great pic. Anyways, with me doing Penticton this year I need to look at swim skin options. Last years race was not wetsuit legal and of course this is the next best option. I don't mind swimming without a wetsuit but I don't love swimming in a trisuit, I've done it and I feel a little drag and I don't need drag when I'm going to be swimming for 4 km's. Triathlete sports seems to have a decent price on them.

My next item is probably the highest on my wish list. The Adamo Time Trial Saddle has come highly recommended by a few people. Apparently it will make my 180km ride feel much more comfortable. Apparently your bike seat is not supposed to give you grief. 

My bike builder thinks these saddles are the ugliest around but hey I'm all about comfort after the 80km mark.

Another item that is definitely not needed but would be fun to have is the Stages Power Meter.

It's still unknown whether this fun gadget is as good as the regular power meters that are twice as expensive but for someone like me who has never actually used one I'm guessing Stages is probably the best way to go. Plus, you can switch it between bikes.

Another fun item that isn't necessary is these alloy bike rollers.

I had the opportunity to try some rollers out and they are so bloody hard BUT I could definitely feel my riding improve. I was out for a road ride on Sunday and while climbing a hill I could feel how much smoother my pedal stroke was. 

Okay this just got switched to a must have.

Last on my list is the Grid Mini Foam Roller. I use a roller but it's ginormous. These mini's are awesome to throw into your bag and take it with you anywhere, a great stocking stuffer I might add.

So there you have it. My wish list for 2014. I hope Santa is good to all of you and if you have any fun items for your wish list I would love to hear about it in the comments.

*The links may not be specific to the brand but is more where I found the best price for Canadians.