Resolutions

Do you realize that when you look RESOLUTIONS up in the dictionary not one definition mentions anything about the New Year?  I looked up the word in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary and also on Dictionary.com and not one mention of the New Year.  According to Dictionary.com the word Resolution means,

"a resolve or determination"
--To make a firm resolution to do something

Making resolutions have been going on for centuries.  They actual have religious origins, when individuals would make promises to their gods.  In 2007 a study was actually done on resolutions and the individuals who make them.  The researchers followed 3000 men and women after they made their New Year's promises and discovered that 88% of the people failed to keep their resolutions.  They did however discover that if you made your resolutions public you were more likely to be successful.

Well over the years I have made my resolutions public and have not always succeeded.  I could think of resolutions or goals that I made over the years that still to this day are not done.  For example for several years in a row I made a resolution to organize my pictures.  I have a bin filled with photos that I have never did anything with.  So I set out and bought photo albums and frames but guess what ... the pictures are still in the bins.  So after several years I finally made a resolution not to put the photos on my list again.  And this is only one example.

So what should I do in order to stick to my resolutions or goals?  Do I make my resolutions/goals public?  Do I just keep doing what I started last year?  Should I only set a few so not to be disappointed?  Maybe I shouldn't set any, that way I don't fail?  However I don't think I could do that because the New Year is a chance at a new beginning!  So what are my New Year Resolutions (Goals)...

1. I would like to have a new job in 2013!
2. I want a better finish time (I will keep my actual goal to myself) at the Syracuse 70.3 Half Ironman ... and I will work hard to make that happen.
3. To continue to lose the weight and inches that I started to lose in 2012
4. This next one will be tough but by making it public I hope it gets easier...To give up those food items that I don't know how to eat just a serving size ...this would include CHIPS, SNACK FOOD ETC.

That's it for now ... not too many but I think they are doable!  They are challenging but if successful will make such a difference in my life!!

I would like to wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!  I hope 2013 is the best for all of you!!

Tri Mo Tri

Merry Christmas!

There was a crispness in the air, the snow was falling gently from the sky, it was quiet except for the sound of  my shoes hitting the pavement but you could feel the excitement in the homes that were passing me by ... this was my Christmas Morning Run.  I had gone to midnight mass the night before so I could purposely go on my favorite run of the year.  For the last 10+ years I have headed out on the streets of Springfield, Massachusetts before breakfast was served and gifts were open for an early morning run.  There is something about that particular run that says Merry Christmas to me!  It is quiet but at the same time joyous as we celebrate the birth of Christ ... it feels like Peace on Earth!!

I had told my coach about my traditional Christmas morning run so he made sure to add it to my schedule.  Due to the fact that I am out of town for the holidays my training schedule this week consists of running and strength training.  It is also a recovery week before all hell breaks loose!  In less than 6 months I face the Syracuse 70.3 Half Ironman Course again and this year I have goals ... big goals ... or I should say one goal TO BEAT LAST YEAR'S TIME!!  So starting next week I am sure I will be on the bike trainer, swimming and running a lot!!  However, before I do that I would like to say...

Joy to the World ... Merry Christmas to all!!

Taunting Me...

On a rainy cold night, as the Christmas tree glows from the white lights on its branches and Sunday night football is on TV, there is this object across the room that stares me down.  It taunts me, almost laughing at me.  It whispers you can't do this ... I will beat you!!  Oh bike trainer you are not my friend!  And all I have to say to you is ... "Watch Me"!!

Kicking the scale to the curb ...

Recently I have read a number of articles about people who decided one day to lose weight, changed their eating habits and then started walking and lost 100+ pounds in six months!  I read through these articles and at the end of the article my usual reaction is "Really??".  This comment is often said in a sarcastic and frustrating tone!  I have done all those things and I have done a lot more than just walk!  Yet the number on the scale doesn't move and I have certainly not lost 100 pounds in six months!!  Yet I wake up each morning and I keep moving, I keep trying and I keep hoping it will all click.

Several weeks ago the nutritionist I am working with suggested I take my measurements and use that as an indication of my progress.  So seven weeks ago I pulled out the old measuring tape and took the measurements of five different areas of my bodies.  I stored the numbers away and until yesterday I hadn't looked at them.  My coach often asks me if my clothes are getting any looser and I tell him "well they aren't getting any tighter"!  On Thursday evening after a spin class, he suggested I take my measurements again.  So on Friday afternoon the tape measure came out again and I took the measurements of the five areas I had done before and according to my calculations ... I am down a total of 3 inches!!  I was happy to see a change and know that the time and effort I am putting into this is paying off!

No matter who you are, if you are working hard at something you want to see positive results   You want to know that the work you are doing is making a difference.  Yeah I think I am going to kick that scale to the curb for a little while and keep making positive changes in order to see positive results!!

The other positive things that happened this week are the time I spent in the pool; the hours I spent in the saddle of the bike and the miles I ran!  On Tuesday I went to Yoga and although I am still not flexible I was proud of myself  how I pushed my body to try things it has never done before!!  I had workouts this week that although I got through them when I was done, "I was done" ... I pushed myself to be better! Why do all this?  Why push myself?  Why worry about the changes in my body? ... because I want to be better!!

Are we there yet??

Another Day

So I am sure you are waiting on pins and needles wondering if I completed my "To Do" list yesterday and actually got a workout into my day. Well .... yes I completed my "To Do" list and I got my work out in too.  At the end of the day I felt like I accomplished something and didn't leave anything hanging.  Again today is a new day and I have my "to do" list made up and I have already started.  I can't let things go because it turns into stress and I become overwhelmed.  Which isn't a good thing because I then get nothing done.  So I have decided to keep my "To Do" lists smaller so they are doable.  If I have a big project that needs to get done then I don't add more to my schedule.

I am easily distracted so I have to keep focus.  When I get too stressed or overwhelmed I turn to food (emotional eating) and then it becomes a viscous circle!!

You are probably wondering what does all of this have to do with my training?  It has everything to do with my training.  If I get stressed and overwhelmed and I start to let things go ... it is my training that gets forgotten first.  If I start emotionally eating then the weight doesn't come off it goes back on and it affects my training.  It's kind of like this ... I get down or depressed so I eat ... I eat because I am down or depressed ... I don't workout ... I feel awful about myself and it all starts again.  I have been there before and I don't want to go back.

This is why I need to feel organized and cross things off of lists and keep myself focused.

Here's to getting it done!!

Are we there yet?

Today is a new day!!

Have you ever felt totally disorganized?  How about having a self diagnoses of Adult ADD?  That is how I have felt lately.  I haven't been sleeping well the last couple of nights.  I look at my "TO DO" lists and nothing is crossed off and I am very easily distracted.  And after several days of this I missed my workout yesterday!    I know what you are thinking, "you are stressing over one workout".  Yes I am stressing over that one work because Tuesday and Wednesday's workouts were not great either.  I did them but they were half a$$ workouts.  I need to refocus and get my $h-- together.

I don't think I have come out and said it on this blog yet but I lost my job the end of August so I have been sending out resumes and interviewing the last couple of months.  I think if I have too much time on my hands I don't get as much done and I get distracted very easily.  For example since starting this blog I have gotten up four times to go and do something else.  HELP!

Today I have only put four things on my "To Do" list in the hopes that I will get it all done and not be disappointed at the end of the day.  Of course one of the things on the list is to write my Blog and then next is  my workout!  Besides finding a job I need to make my workouts my number one priority and get them done before anything else.  If I don't I am going to regret come June when I am struggling again during the triathlons.  Also not working out puts me in a bad state too.

So much is tied into how I feel about myself and how I feel physically and emotionally.  I am sure this is true for so many others.  For me I need sleep (at least 7-8 hours), I need to eat right ... not eating right even affects my sleep.  I need to be stress free and physically active.  If all these things are in play then I am usually a well balanced individual.  I am happier and a more productive.  I am just not feeling it today.  It is time to put it all together again before it really gets out of hand.

TODAY IS A NEW DAY!!

Are we there yet??

Latest Update

At the start of the Thanksgiving Morning 5K

I can't believe it has been a week since my last post.  I hope that everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday!  You can never go wrong with Thanksgiving, Food ... Family ... Football!!  And one of the bests things about this Thanksgiving is the fact that the PATRIOTS walked all over the JETS!!!

Well even though we celebrated a National Holiday, that doesn't give us permission to give up on our training!  There is still work to be done.  Monday the 19th started my core training along with some strength training and my body instantly could tell that I had not done that for a while.  I have to admit I am not a big fan of strength training.  I know it is necessary but I get distracted and bored when I am doing it.  It is funny I can go and run for hour or more but if strength training takes longer than 30 minutes I am done.  Well this program took longer than 30 minutes and I was trying to figure out ways to cut it shorter.  I haven't figured it out yet but I will get back to you on that one.

Tuesday I had to set up my trainer in the middle of my living room for a long bike ride.  God I hate the trainer!  It is worse than running on the treadmill.  I was trying to find something good to watch on TV while I rode but nothing was interesting enough to take my mind off of what I was doing.  Riding by yourself on a trainer is a very lonely task.  I haven't been on my trainer since last spring and my gluteus maximus could tell.  A friend of mine posted on facebook tonight a quote from Andy Potts about being "One" with your bike.  I am not quite there yet ... maybe in a few weeks but not right now!  Later that day I went back to Yoga.  Still not very flexible but it went a lot better than it did the first week.  I do enjoy doing yoga, I just find it very hard.  But what doesn't kill me will just make me stronger.

Wednesday was a bike/swim day and then I was in my car heading to Massachusetts for Thanksgiving!  However there is no rest for the weary there is a Turkey Trot to run on Thanksgiving morning.  The 5k event was taking place in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts and all the proceeds of the event were going to the Open Pantry, a very worthy cause.  A few weeks ago I was home in Massachusetts for the half marathon and I shared it with my family and a few friends that I planned to run this 5K.  Well my dad signed up, my friend Catie signed up and my brother signed up with my nephew who is 7.  It was my nephew's first 5K and he did fabulous.  I really enjoyed the course as well.  I ran the course in 37:34 which was my fastest 5K since June of 2011!  I didn't PR the event but I had a fabulous race.  I felt great on the course and I felt strong when I was finishing.  I was really happy with the results!  The best part is the fact that I didn't have to feel guilty about eating stuffing (my favorite) during dinner!

Of course no matter how good you try to be on holidays you always end up feeling stuffed, like a turkey,  after dinner!  I couldn't wait to get up and run on Friday morning.  The schedule called for four miles and four miles I did through the neighborhood I grew up in.  Oh the memories!  It was a beautiful day out ... warm and sunny and I am so glad I took advantage of it because winter was heading our way!!  Saturday I drove back to New York and I was supposed to swim that day but I have to admit I skipped it.  By the time I got back to town, unpacked the car and set up some Christmas decorations I was too tired to head out to the pool.  Don't worry I was honest with my coach and I just skipped this day!

Sunday has arrived ... the final day of the training week and I am asked to run 4-6 miles today.  Before I headed out for my run I decided to jump on the scale ... I wanted to see the damage from the weekend.  I stepped on the scale on Wednesday morning after I woke up because I wanted to see how I was doing.  I hadn't been on the scale in a couple of weeks and I was curious.  I had stayed the same no big major move. I had stayed off the scale because I didn't want the number to dictate my success and I was getting frustrated with how slow it was moving.  So this morning, Sunday, I jumped on the scale again to see the damage and much to my surprise I was down TWO (2) POUNDS!!!  I actually checked the scale three times and all three times the number showed the same thing I was down!!  I was so excited.  I think it put and extra skip in my step as I headed out for my run.  I ended up running 5+ miles at Onondaga Lake Park  (not always the best choice on a cold, snowy and windy day) .  I finished the training week strong and 2 pounds down!  Oh what will the next seven days have in store for me?

Are we there yet?

Just Another Sunday Morning ...

The alarm went off at 6:00 AM (doesn't every one's alarm on Sunday morning?) and I could already tell there was a chill in the air.  I hit the snooze button ... five more minutes please.  My cat Sally looked at me like I was crazy but she also knew if I got out of bed soon then she would soon get food in her bowl.  So like all good fury friends she was encouraging me to get out of bed.  I had told a friend that I would meet her at 7:15 AM for a run at Onondaga Lake Park.  She was scheduled to run for 50 minutes and I was scheduled to run for 4-6 miles or 90 minutes.  She actually runs faster than me but I figured if I at lease meet someone this early in the morning I will get my workout done!  Even though you know you have to train, you know you should train and you are excited about doing future events often times I struggle with the voices of good and evil in my head and on days like today would rather stay under the covers!!

The alarm goes off again and this time the reason I jump out of bed, mother nature is calling!  I begin to get dressed in my winter running layers and head downstairs to make breakfast.  I realize everyone has a routine when it comes to eating before races and/or long runs but I often wonder if anyone eats what I eat?  I have pretty much been eating the same breakfast for the last seven years; 1 egg, 1 slice of low fat cheese and 1 veggie sausage patty all on a multi-grain English muffin.  I know many of you are asking how does she stomach all of that.  Believe me I am the queen of sensitive stomachs but for some reason this works for me.  It sticks to my ribs, it doesn't upset my stomach and I am not hungry during or often times after a long run.

After breakfast I headed out to my car and discovered I had to scrape my car windows ... frost!  Finally I am off Onondaga Lake Park.  I meet my friend and start our run.  Like most early morning runs I am not excited about starting but soon I start to loosen up and sweat and things seem to be moving with ease.  About 25 minutes into my run my friend turn around to head back.  I told her I had to keep going because if I turn around I won't keep going.  Slowly the miles start to go by me.  Forty-Two minutes into my run I hit the 3 mile mark and know that I can turn around and head back.  I think to myself, "I am actually feeling pretty good today" and then it dawns on me that a week ago I was getting ready to run the half marathon in Massachusetts.  Over the next few miles back to my car I kept thinking about how much I hurt during that race and now today I felt great.  Granted this course was very flat but still I was feeling great!  What a difference a week can make.

I get back to my car and happen to finish the 6 mile run in 1:24 so I continue to walk until I get closer to 1:30 or 90 minutes.  And then I treat myself to a chocolate milk!  Oh the little things that get you excited after a long run!  All in a day of training!  Tomorrow I can look forward to a day of rest on the training calendar and then it is back at it on Tuesday!

Are we there yet?

"challenging but pretty"

Well today I am writing my blog instead of getting some other things done on the "To Do List".  Actually blogging is on the list just further down but I just moved it up the list.  My other "to do list" items include running and sending out some resumes.  Those will both get done today, but I decided to change the order. 

This past Sunday I ran in my seventh half marathon and I have to admit it was the hardest one yet.  I have often remarked that the Mountain Goat, a local 10 mile run through Syracuse, was harder than any half marathon I have ever completed.  Well that changed after I completed Sunday's half marathon.  I participated in the Monson Memorial Classic which is a fund raiser for two nonprofit organizations.  If you looked at the course map and then checked out the elevation of the course it is higher than that of the Mountain Goat so I shouldn't have been that surprised when I started running on Sunday.  However, I was not prepared for the course I ran on Sunday.  It started up hill as soon as you crossed the start line and didn't stop until Mile 8.  After Mile 8 it did go down hill but was very steep and hurt just as much.  The course continued to guide you up and over some rolling hills until the last mile when you coasted into the downtown area of Monson.

A few days before the event I contacted the race director because I had a couple of questions about the event that I could not find answers to on the website.  After the race director gave me his answers he then went on to say this ... "The course is challenging but pretty, and it looks like great weather! See you tomorrow, and I think you will really love this race!"  Well he wasn't the lying it was challenging!  It was also a very pretty course and I did love the race.  I saw some cows, some pigs and some free range chickens!  I met some nice people along the way, my family was able to join me at this event and I learned a thing or two about myself.

This race humbled me ... I finished the course but realized even though I did 13.1 miles six weeks earlier and continued to train I wasn't ready for this particular course.  I have to train for not only the distance but also the course.  I am not a strong enough runner to just enter a race because I can complete the distance.  I have to be confident in my ability and not take anything for granted.  I have three more months before my next half marathon no time to waste let the training continue. 

Back to my "to do list" list now ... I can cross this off the list today. 

Are we there yet??

Yoga

Downward Dog ... Pigeon...child's pose ... does this sound relaxing?  It is supposed to be...relaxing.  Yoga incorporates physical, mental and spiritual disciplines.  Yoga has been practiced for more than 5000 years and is more than just a trend according to WebMD.  Some forms of Yoga are purely relaxation, working on your breathing and meditation while other forms of yoga are physical and working on different moves.

Now many people think that Yoga is easy and won'' hurt you.  However, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons there are many injuries due to Yoga such as neck, shoulders, spine, legs and knees ... should I be scared?  According to WebMD you should not just jump into Yoga but take classes and learn how to do things properly.  With some of the moves people can feel out of shape, too old or inflexible but I read, "you are never to old to improve your flexibility"  Is there hope for me?

The reason I am talking about Yoga is because I took a class last night.  I belong to the CNY Triathlon club and they offer classes during the winter to keep their members training during the off season.  Last night was the first class of the season, and although not my first class, it certainly felt like!!  I am not flexible and I have to say I am sore today (which I didn't expect).  YOGA IS HARD!!  I am told if I keep at it, it will get easier.  I know there are many benefits to Yoga so I just have to stick with it!!

After I posted a statement on Facebook about Yoga a few of my friends suggested "Hot Yoga" or also known as "Bikram Yoga"!  Hot Yoga is usually done in a room with the temperature set at 105 degrees with 40% humidity.  The heat is supposed to help with deeper stretches and injury prevention while reducing stress.  I find this interesting ... does anyone ever complain about the heat?  I am a winter girl but I may try it!

I am not going to give up, I will keep trying and soon will be a warrior in warrior pose and will be able to hold the tree pose for long than a half second!!

Namaste

Training Updates

So Since my last post I have had a swim workout, ran in the rain and had a bike fitness test.  The evening of Halloween I decided instead of eating Halloween candy I was going to head to the gym and get in a swim workout.  Best decision I ever made because NO ONE WAS THERE!!!  It was a ghost town at the gym and I had the swim lane all to myself!!  Thursday was a cold rainy day  and the more I put off the my run the more it rain, so I said to myself "either get out there and do it or you are going to miss it"!  I got out there and I am glad I did!!  Friday I had a bike test at the CNY Triathlon "winter training facility" to see where my base fitness level is and to see where I can push myself.  I have this fear of hitting the wall, so even on an 8 minute test I am afraid to push myself too hard.  You have to complete the test twice and I can tell you that I pushed myself a lot harder on the second test than I did on the first.  I had to push fear out the window!!

Tomorrow I have my last long run before the Half Marathon I signed up for in Massachusetts.  So I am running in 3rd Annual Wounded Warrior Run in Camillus, NY.  It is a race I did last year and it is for a great cause!  Last year they had a 5K and a 10K but this year they are offering an 8K ... huh?  According to my calculations it is just under 5 miles!  It's supposed to be cold so ... let's just hope it is a good run!


 I have to tell you I met with a friend for coffee (tea for me) yesterday.  She is also training for a 70.3, her first and we just wanted to get together and talk and see how things were going.  During our discussion she had mentioned that she records her food for the day and emails it to her coach.  I have been working with a nutritionist but we never discussed turning my food into her.  So after our meeting I emailed my nutritionist and suggested this.  She thought it was a great idea.  I started right away.  The good thing about this is that you have to be honest and write everything down.  The bad part about this is you have to be honest and write everything down.  So before you take that first bite you have to think ... do I want to write this down??  I will keep you updated on how this works.  Thanks Laura for the idea!!

Are we there yet??

Commitment

According to Webster's dictionary the word commitment is defined as an agreement or pledge to do something in the future.  When I signed up for the Syracuse 70.3 Half Ironaman I made a commitment to do the training all over again and complete the event.  The difference this year compared to last year is I have made a commitment to finish stronger and faster than last year.

Have you ever thought about a commitment you have made in the past?  What would you do to stick to the commitment?  What are you willing to do to get something done?  Well I knew when I signed up again I was going to need some additional help.  So this past week I met with a coach and decided to hire him.  I know I need help with my cycling and I wasn't going to get faster on my own.  I also signed up for a gym membership so I could have access to a pool, an indoor track and also free weights.  All of these things are important to my training.

My final commitment is again to lose the weight.  It is a frustrating process and can be a very slow one.  However, I also know it is a very important one.  I made a deal or a pact with a friend of mine to lose the weight.  This individual is getting married around the same time that I am going to be competing in the 70.3.  My friend would like to lose some weight for the wedding too.  So we promised each other that we would ride each other, push each other and support each other until we hit our goal!  Doing it alone can be frustrating but having someone to bitch with and who understands what you are going through makes it a bit easier.

So what commitment am I willing to make ... what am I willing to give up to make my goal a reality?  I am willing to tell the world I can't do this on my own and I need some help.  I am willing to put in the hours ... the blood ... sweat and tears to make my goals happen!!

Happy Monday

This past weekend was very busy but I was also very blessed to spend some quality time with great friends celebrating my birthday.  And I am looking forward to this year being the best yet!!  So after a very busy weekend it was nice to spend my first Monday as a 42 year old relaxing a bit and doing something for myself.  Last week I put my workouts on the back burner due to a busy schedule, stress and limited time but today I didn't let anything stop me.  I did both a run and a swim and I feel good right now.  My run was 3 miles of running bliss.  I ran a few rolling hills in the beautiful sunshine and it was a gorgeous fall day.  There was a light breeze and as I was running the colored leaves were falling around me.  I felt fabulous!

Later in the day I got into the pool for a swim workout.  It was the first time in the pool after weeks of a hiatus.  I completed the workout but I felt slow and at times my arms felt like cement.  It was good to be back in the pool but I was hoping for a better time.  However, I always say you have good workouts and sometimes you have bad workouts.  And you can learn from both of them.  One thing I learned today in the pool was that I can't stay out of the water for that long!

I am happy I got both workouts in so I am not going to complain too much!

In regards to my food challenges.  Last week I gave up Chips/Cheetos/pretzels etc and soda.  I also challenged myself to drink more water.  I completed both, it was tough at times but I did it.  For this week I will continue with the same choices but I will add to the list.  This week I will give up bagels and alcohol and add more fruits and vegetables.  I am not a very good veggie eater!  I am hoping by making these small changes I will see big changes in the future.

OK I am off to watch the Presidential debate now ... which candidate do you think would make a great triathlete?

Are we there yet?

Need to find the time...

Did you ever have one of those weeks where you have absolutely no time for yourself?  I am having one of those weeks ... and what is the first thing to go ... the one thing that I shouldn't give up ... my workouts!  I am trying to tell myself, "don't beat yourself up its only a few days and you will be back at it"; but this is the one thing I can't afford to miss!  Of course at this moment instead of going out for a run I am writing my blog.  I have to admit I am afraid to walk away from my phone and email at this time.  I am working on an event that is taking place Saturday and there are so many last minute changes I have to be ready to get things done!  Tomorrow is another day ... I will run tomorrow ... just beware if I don't I may hurt someone!  I need the stress release!

On a positive note ... 5 days and no soda and no chips/snacks!!  I did have a craving this afternoon for a soda but I didn't give in ... so far so good!

Are we there yet??

Something funny happened today ...

Something funny happened to me today and I had to share.  Have you ever been driving in your car and found yourself behind a person who has bumper stickers on the back of their car that say 26.2, 13.1 etc.?  Well I am one of those people.  I have three such stickers on the back of my car.  I have a 26.2, 13.1 and a 70.3 stuck to the back of my bumper.  I love to see the stickers when I am approaching my car but often times I forget about them until today.

I pulled up to a light and this car pulled up next to me.  The gentleman in the car motioned for me to roll down my window.  As I began to roll the window down (electronically not manually) I thought to myself this guy needs direction.  He smiled and said,  "let me ask you something, the 26.2 sticker is for a run correct"?  I said "yes".  He then went on to ask me what the 13.1 sticker was for and I told him it was for a half marathon.  Then he said, "so what is the 70.3"?  I told him that would be a Half Ironman!  He smiled and then asked me, "so did you do all of those"  I laughed and said yes I did!  He responded with, "Wow that is amazing ... good for you!"

This total stranger's comments totally made my day.  So often I don't give myself enough credit for what I have accomplished or for the finish lines that I have crossed.  And this gentleman reminded me that I have done a lot in my life to be very proud of!  Thank you sir!

Updates ...

This week I tried something new, I gave back and I turned for help ... there was a lot going on in the past few days.  On Thursday evening I attended my first computrainer class at the YMCA.  A computrainer class is a spin class using your own road bike attached to a computer.  The computer can set the tension of trainer and records your watts, cadence, speed and heart rate.  While following a computerized workout the tension will be changed to give you the feeling of climbing some hills or heading down hill.  It was a great class but tough and I will say you can NOT cheat on a computrainer!  I look forward to more classes.

Saturday morning was cold and when I first woke up there was frost on the lawn and on the cars.  However, I had to ignore that because I had registered for a bike ride to raise money for breast cancer research.  It was the Trek Women Breast Cancer Awareness Ride.  October is breast cancer awareness month and knowing survivors and women who have lost their battle with breast cancer, as a woman, it only made sense to do the ride.   Even though it was cold, the sun was shining, and it ended up being a beautiful day and a wonderful event!  So happy I was able to participate in this event.

So I told you the new and I told you about how I gave back now I have to tell you about how I turned for help.  As I have explained in other posts I know part of the training of the 70.3 this year will be working on my weight.  I know losing the excess weight will make a huge difference in my training and my performance.  I struggle every day with my weight and I knew I needed some help.  I met with a dietitian on Friday.  It was good to be honest with someone, not be judged and know that they understood and at times could relate.  I am a closet eater/binger ...if I start I can't stop.  We discussed a lot and instead of trying to change everything at once we are going to try doing a few small changes first.  One step at a time will get me to the finish line.

Are we there yet?

Great day for a run...

I have to be honest with you today ... I didn't end up running on Sunday but I made up for it today.  I put the run off yesterday until the afternoon because I wanted to go to church and run some errands.  Then at the exact time I wanted to go out for the run it started to poor rain and I decided I wasn't going out.  So this morning I up and it was beautiful out.  I put on my running shoes and off I went ...it felt great.  During this past week, after the Wineglass Half, I walked and did yoga to loosen up my muscles so to finally hit the pavement running today felt great!

When I wake up in the morning my back bothers me a lot.  I have several protruding discs in my back and in the morning I am sore and stiff.  I can barely bend over to put my sneakers on never mind go out for a run.  So often times I put my runs off until later in the day then I have loosened up but then I start other projects and I don't feel like running.  The morning of races I am up 2-3 hours prior to the start of the event just so I can stretch the back and go through my other morning routines (you know what I mean).  The reason I am telling you this is because I would love to be one of those people who runs first thing in the morning.  The alarm goes off, the shoes are on and out the door they go!  I am jealous!!  I am hoping and praying with some more yoga the back will be better in the AM.    The rest of the day I am fine.  

Tomorrow I am hoping to get out on the bike.  I haven't been there for a while and I need to spend as much time as possible.  Stay tuned!

By the way I am down 2 pounds after having such a break down last week!!

Are we there yet??

Another Half Marathon in the Horizon

Just a week ago I was getting ready for the Wineglass Half Marathon but five weeks from tomorrow I have another one scheduled for November 11th.  The race I am participating in is called the Monson Classic Half Marathon in Massachusetts.  I definitely need to continue my training for this event I have a feeling it is going to be a tough one.  I check out the elevation of the course and it is over 890 feet at its highest point which is higher than any point on the Mountain Goat course in Syracuse, NY.   Looking at the course map it looks like the course starts climbing at mile 1 and continues up until mile 8.5 until it finally goes down!  Oh the fun I will have that day!

Five weeks should give me enough time to get ready or this race since I already have a base,  What I want that day is to have a strong race and a strong finish.  I don't foresee myself PRing the course but I would love to finish under 3 hours!  Tomorrow I have a long run and I am telling myself it is going to be a good one!  Must keep moving every step is making me stronger!  Stay tuned I will let you know how it goes.

Are we there yet?

Syracuse, NY is listed 6th!!

I am very proud of the fact that Syracuse, NY is listed 6th on a list of the "10 Best Triathlon Cities in the US"!! Active.com published an article listing Syracuse 6th along with locations such as San Diego, Boulder, Tucson and San Francisco.  If you compare Syracuse to some of the cities listed we are much smaller by size and population and geographically we are an area that often has winter 9 months of the year!  However, we overcame those facts and we are now standing TALL!!  Syracuse, NY offers great areas to train, a fabulous triathlon club and a large number of triathlons to complete!  I may be biased but I am going to shout this from the mountain tops!  I am proud to be a triathlete in Syracuse!!

Check out the article at Active.com

http://www.active.com/triathlon/Articles/10-Best-Triathlon-Cities-in-the-US.htm?cmp=306&memberid=113873782&lyrisid=27048849&email=dani.cross88%40gmail.com

Ugh ...

So who signs up for Weight Watchers and ends up gaining weight?  I do!!  Who claims that what I really want is to lose weight?  I do!! Part of this journey to the 70.3 in 2013 is to lose the weight.  I think I need to change my attitude and instead of saying I am trying to lose weight I have to say I am losing weight!! I have to come up with a new plan and stick to it.

I am an emotional eater ... often times I eat and I don't even know why.  I don't always make the best choices and I always regret it!!  I need to make a change.  I know this will be the hardest part of the 70.3 journey!  I have a lot to lose and I don't want to be sitting the night before the 70.3 wishing I had lost the weight.  I have to do it now!!

What will be my plan ... how will I get there ...

Are we there yet??

Completed the Wineglass Half Marathon

Half Marathon #6 is in the bag.  Yesterday, September 30th I completed my 6th Half Marathon at the Wineglass Marathon in Corning, New York with six of my friends Sue, Diane, Patty, Michelle, Denise and Chris.  I was also lucky enough to run into so many other friends who were also running the event.  The event was wonderful.  It is a great course and a perfect running day.  It was cool in the morning but never got too warm.  I felt great as the miles went by, my recurring foot injury did bother me a bit but I continued to put one foot in front of the other.  I hit the wall at about mile 10 and the next two miles were tough but I pushed myself through it.  By mile 12 I was ready to be done ... thank God I only had a mile to go!  I finished the half marathon in 3 hours 2 minutes and 53 seconds.  It isn't my fastest half marathon but it wasn't my slowest either.  I do know I probably would have had a faster time if I had been more dedicated to my long runs.  At times I did more cycling and swimming than I did actually running ... live and learn but either way I had a great day!

While I was in Corning I also had a wonderful opportunity to meet a fabulous woman and one of my favorite runners Joan Benoit Samuelson!!  Joan won the very first Olympic gold medal for the women's marathon in 1984!  She is still running and even qualified for the last Olympic Trials!  What do you think of this great picture?

My final thoughts for this blog are two shout outs to my friends Diane and Patty who both completed their first half marathon yesterday!  They both did it with flying colors finishing under 3 hours!!  I am so proud of you both and can't wait to run more with you!!  You are both ROCK STARS!!

Wineglass Half Marathon

In less than 4 days I am participating in the Wineglass Half Marathon.  I am excited to do this race for one reason ... I want their medal! Is that a reason to sign up for a half marathon?  This will be my sixth half marathon, and as much as I think it won't be my worse half, it certainly will not be my best half marathon!  This summer I was really focused on my triathlon training so I didn't get all of my long runs done.  I should be OK ... famous last words?  When I start on Sunday morning I am just going to move forward, if I have to walk I walk if I can run I will run and I won't worry about the time!  I will run this race for me and not worry about anyone else.

The Wineglass Marathon is in its 31st year and counting.  Last year was the first year of the half marathon and it was a huge hit.  The Wineglass Marathon course goes from Bath, NY to Corning, NY and the half marathon starts at the half way point of the Marathon.  In the past the medals that they give to the runners have been the bottom of a wine bottle with the Wineglass logo etched in the glass.  I am hoping that the medal for the half is similar!!

The other reason I am excited for this race is ... my hero Joan Benoit Samuelson will be at the event.  Joan Benoit was the first woman to win the gold medal in the Olympics for the Women's Marathon.  In 1984 the Olympic Committee finally aloud women to run the marathon in the Olympics.  And Joan, an American, won won the first medal in the LA games in 1984.  She is a class act who inspires so many.  I met her once at another race in California and I am hoping that I can meet her again!!

Well I will keep you posted ... wish me luck!!

Are we there yet?

I am a Runner

Today on Facebook this picture was posted by "I love to run" and other than the "mom" quote at the bottom of the page I could totally relate to this post. I don't have the latest gadgets, in fact my running watch I bought for $12 at Target.  It is a watch and a stop watch and that is all that I need.  I have won a race twice in my life ... in the 7th grade I was the only person in my class who could complete the mile without stopping and when I was 15 years old I came in first in my age group at a 10K.  I still have the trophy from that race, it means that much to me.  However, every race I enter I am competing against myself and the clock.  I want to be better than I was the last time I competed.  I want to improve every time I cross the finish line.  I am a bit thick around my middle and I don't look like a triathlete or a runner but I am moving forward!!  I win every time I get off the couch.  I win every time I take a step forward.  I win every time I try harder!  I AM A RUNNER!!

No where is it written that everyone has to be the fastest ... someone has to win and someone has to come in last.  No where is it written that we have to win ... there isn't much room up on the winning podium for everyone.  Create your own podium.  Stand tall on your own podium.  We are all winners just for trying and for moving forward!!  I AM A RUNNER!!

Last Triathlon of the Season

When my alarm went off this morning I hit snooze, laid in bed and then I heard this noise out side.  I couldn't decide if it was wind or pouring rain ... either one wasn't good since today was the 4th Annual DeRuyter Sprint Triathlon.  This was my last scheduled triathlon of the season and no one wants to compete when it is raining or try to ride your bike into the wind.  I checked out weather.com and according to the site it was wind outside and it was blowing at 20+ miles per hour.  I tell you this not because this will deter me from completing the triathlon but now I have to change my outlook for the race.

This particular race is a lot of fun and very laid back.  It is a grassroots run event without sponsors or timing chips but has a very enthusiastic group of volunteers that work very hard.  Even though it is a laid back, end of the year event there are still a great number of very competitive & strong athletes.  The great part about this is that everyone on the course is very encouraging and cheers everyone on as they go by each other.

So today at 9 AM in the morning of September 22nd, the first day of fall, the water temperature was 63 degrees.  I have to say the water was cold, the wind was blowing on the bike course and it started to rain during the run ... but I am happy to say that I had fun and I completed my 5th and final triathlon of the summer.  Unofficially I also took 10 minutes off my time from last year!!

So even though the race season is over ... training is just beginning again!!

Are we there yet??

Why did I do this blog?

 “SWIM BIKE RUN … ARE WE THERE YET?” is a blog that will follow my training getting ready for triathlons, specifically the 70.3, and weight loss.   So why am I doing this?  I wrote a 13 week blog recently for a local television station regarding my training.  I really enjoyed it and I decided I wanted to continue.  I also have to thank my friend MB who encouraged me to continue.  So Why the blog name?  Training for endurance events can be a very long and tiring process.  Often times in the middle of the workout I would ask myself … “Are we there yet” or “are we done yet”?  I just found the title to be fitting for the journey I am about to take. 

I hope this blog is honest, insightful and at times funny but most importantly I hope it motivates me to want to work harder and maybe encourage others to try it too!  Here is my story…

I grew up in Massachusetts and I am the youngest of four kids.  I never married (hint still single) and moved to Central New York in 1999.  My activity level, like my weight has been up and down.  In High School I ran Cross Country but in College didn’t do anything.  I have been a skier my entire life and try to do that as much as possible, when we have snow.  In Grad School (1996 – 1998) I participated in the Pan Mass Challenge.  It is a two day bike tour through Massachusetts to raise money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.  That bike tour was a great experience, but after I graduated college my life became a bit sedentary.  I moved a few times looking for a job after Grad School and landed in Syracuse, NY in 1999.

In the fall of 2000 I decided to make some changes I joined Weight Watchers and started training for my first triathlon.  I decided to train for the Ludlow Triathlon in Ludlow, Massachusetts.  I started training in September of 2000 and nine months later I completed my first sprint triathlon.  Later that summer I completed my second triathlon in Cazenovia and after that I took a break.  The next 10 years was a roller coaster ride of some training, some injuries, some ugly moments and finally seeing the light again.  In 2005 I completed a marathon in San Francisco and in 2008 I ended up having surgery on my ankle which sidelined me for a year.  Then after the year was up my emotions were in a funk and I didn’t want to get off the couch.  My weight climbed during that time and my self esteem dropped.

In January of 2010 I finally got off the couch and started running again.  My goal was a half marathon the end of April in Rochester, NY … I just wanted to cross the finish line.  Well I crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 26 minutes and I was the last person on the course.   I was ok with being the last person on the course because I was back and I was moving forward.   Later in 2010 I completed an open water swim and I was back. 

2011 included two half marathons, several road races, another open water swim and after a 10 year hiatus I did a sprint triathlon and I was back!!!  In 2012 I completed 5 triathlons included a 70.3 Half Ironman and I still have two half marathons on my schedule.  So what is next…?

For 2013 my goal is to do the 70.3 Half Ironman again but I want to finish stronger and faster than I did in 2012 and I need to lose some weight.  I know that if I lose the weight my goal of finishing faster and stronger will be a lot easier to attain.  So now the question is … are we there yet??