IMLP Training Week #12

This week was a good solid week. I was proud to get all my training in despite a nasty Sore throat and a tickle in my throat to start the week.

I started to feel better by Wednesday and my speedwork session was showing how good I was feeling! 9x1 mins in 5-6min miles was fabulous!

The pool is still kicking my ass these past few weeks but I know it is only leading up to bigger and better numbers for me. Its hard to get in that pool more than 2 days a week so I am trying to make do with those 2 days.

My Bike mileage has been pretty solid. Continuing between 80-100 miles per week. Strength on the bike is getting better. I am able to recover quicker and less muscle fatigue coming off the bike into a brick run.

My running is still a vice. I am working on still improving the running without suffering injury along the way. I have had some niggles here and there and trying to work those out has proven to be a challenge. Not sure if I need to Get pronation shoes and suck it up and buy some inserts as my left foot is starting to roll in looking at some running footage of me over the last few days.

Love when I have solid weeks.

When I had some down moments, I reflected on why I wanted to do the Ironman again and again. I do it for my self determination, I do it because I am goal setting, I do it for the pure enjoyment, the anxiety relief, when all else is going crazy in my life, I can fall back onto the bike or run and feel centered and focused to tackle any obstacle in my way. I do it for my family. For them to see quitting is not an option. To fight for something you love, to give it your all.

I will not go down without a fight. I am willing to fight if it comes to that point. The fire is within me. I am ready.

Next week is a little of a down week, then Sunday a 5K race! Can't wait to see what I can accomplish!

Totals this week

Swim: 1:35:00- 5350 yds
Bike: 6:35:15- 137 miles
Run: 4:30:00- 30.6 miles
Strength- 30 min

Total 13:10:15

Happy Training!!!

IMLP training Week #11

This week didn't go as planned. Last Sunday I had a long run and just felt like I couldn't snap out of it. My run was great, getting in 10.25 miles in in 90 minutes. But as a spun on the trainer after the workout I felt pretty much dead.

I shook it off and continued onto my Monday workout which consisted of Lifting, Swimming and of course a mini Spin session. Bike Base is huge in IM. Can you tell?! Surprisingly the Workouts went off without a hitch after much concern I wouldn't be able to match my goals for the day.

Tuesday I did have a fairly good Bike ride but My run felt off. Just couldn't get my legs to turnover the way they normally would but chugged out the 45 min that I needed to get done for the day. I thought maybe it was the strength training from the day before as it was a lot of Leg work.

By Wednesday I was feeling achy. I managed a great speed work session on the treadmill. Actually getting a 6:30 pace for the speed work!! I channeled my inner strength and drive and thought about Ironman and all the sacrifices and dedication I have been giving to training throughout the last year.
I made it through a hour session but after felt the deep ache return.

Mind you, I have been working as well, with people coming in left and right with Flu symptoms and a boat load of strep cases.

Thursday my swim was less than stellar. I was mad that I felt so winded after 500 yards. I contemplated getting out of the pool but then thought if this happened on race day, I wouldn't quit. So, I completed 45 min of swimming totalling 2500yds. Phew! I had a run planned for the night- 1:05 on the treadmill. I managed 45 before I called it quits. My whole body ached. I felt like I couldn't continue. I felt like a failure. But remembered that If I continued, I would be stressing my body even more. Some days you just have to give in to the fatigue setting in.

Friday, I woke up with a sore throat- Rest day, Traveling to PA for a Gymnastics meet in snowy weather. I was so glad for the day to recuperate and watch my daughter compete in her first Silver level meet. It was chaotic with a little 2 year old running a muck inside the gymnasium but we managed 4 hours of it! How tiring! That night as soon as we got to the hotel, I was done for the night. I took Ibuprofen and headed to bed. Fatigue kicking my ass at this point

Saturday- Super sore throat and flu like symptoms. Decided to just drive home instead of seeing some family we haven't seen in a while in PA. I kept hydrating thinking I was dehydrated, needed a break, Mentally fatigued from work, children, training. I had a big trainer ride and brick run to do- I decided against it due to me feeling like I was run over by a mac truck.

Today- THE BEST RUN- Heart rate was perfect! Wanted to run forever. Completed 11.50 miles in 1 hr and 40 min! I decided not to rush my feeling perfect at the moment.

I realized today, every month since I went off oral contraceptives, I have been feeling this way. It may be time to restart...Ain't nobody got time for a week of fatigue!!

Training numbers this week:
Swim- 1:50:00- 6,400 yds
Bike- 4:01:41- 80.8 miles
Run- 3:22:00-22.5 miles
Strength - 30 min total body

Total Time:9:43:41

Happy Training!!

IMLP Training Week #10

This week was a down week. I'm glad it was. With work inundating us with people with the flu, it wasn't going to be to long until I started presenting with symptoms. So, right on track After seeing multiple patients during the week, I started coming down with fatigue and body aches by Thursday.

I didn't take a rest day because My symptoms weren't that bad to warrant it. I kept trucking along to meet my goal times this week. By Saturday, my Long bike didn't seem so ominous. I got on feeling that I could bike 1:45 with a sore throat and chills. I am glad I stuck with it and finished the workout. Despite lower cadence and speed, I still finished the workout.

Today I was my perky self again and rocked a 10.25 mile long run in 1:30! I felt strong the whole way and felt I could maintain the 8:45 pace for another 1-2 hours without a problem. Progress!!

This week had its own stresses outside the triathlon world. My Mothers apartment complex caught on fire, We are looking for a new home and my daughter is preparing for her first gymnastics meet. Nothing happened to my mother, just a little smoke damage, thank you Lord. This is all On top of me working full time and taking care of the family at home. Phew! Busy, busy! I wouldn't change it for the world though!

I did have a few slip ups in nutrition this week. All I wanted to do was EAT! It was mostly healthy foods with some GF cookies thrown in there here and there but more that I usually Eat. Moving forward on that one!

I am gearing up for some good races next month. Once being the Couch Potato 5K and Lake Effect Half Marathon. My goal is to go 1:45-1:50 for the half and to break 22:00 for the 5K. We will see!!
Excited to have goals!

This weeks totals:

Swim:1:48:09- 6200yds
Bike: 4:25:00- 84.3 miles
Run; 2:55:00- 19.5miles
Strength:30 min
Cross training- Row 800m

Total: 9:43:09

Happy Training!!

IMLP Training Week #9.

I cannot believe there is only 202 days left until the Big Day. It seems long but in reality it really isn't! I am so excited to be on this Journey. We finally nailed down our Training weekend in June. We are staying at the Whiteface Lodge and it is going to be an amazing weekend!

This week was pretty tough. It was high volume on the bike but that's what we are trying to build. More mileage and endurance on the bike to set me up for a great run.

I had a few niggles here and there. Had to change my bike seat out for the 50th time. Why is it that I cannot tolerate a seat for more than a few months?!

I received my new GU packets in the mail. YUMMMMM! The Caramel Macchiato is A-Mazing! I need an intervention because now I am getting excited for my Long Bike and Runs. Not to mention the Salted Caramel flavor and now the Root beer one too. Man I am all set with nutrition this year for sure. I have tried multiple Brands but this and HUMA gels are the only ones I can tolerate with my sensitive stomach. I figured If they are going to offer GU on the Ironman course, I should get used to it.

I will not get used to Gatorade, However. That stuff is toxic to me! Bleck!

I should Also mention I got my new wetsuit!! TYR Hurricane 5! Woot! It was like Christmas all over again! It fits like a glove. I love it!

This week was crazy with my daughter being off from school and my little one having some uber meltdowns. But, We got through it like champs. I am always so appreciative of the sacrifices my man makes for our family. He is the best person in the world!

Training Week in review:

Swim: 5800 yds -1:45:00
Bike: 103 miles- 5:41:00
Run: 25.5 miles-3:49:17
Strength 30 min

Total 11:45:17

Happy Training!!

Happy New Year!

This is a time to reflect on the last year. I have to say it has been a great year!

I am not much for Resolutions. I think just striving to be better than you were yesterday should be an automatic thing on a daily basis. I go to bed at night without any regrets of the day that transpired before me. I try to treat everyone as I would like to be treated and expect the same in return.
I try to reflect on it and if there are changes that need to be made, tomorrow is a fresh start and I can move forward. I am living with no regrets, no worries. That is my motto!

With that being said, I had a lot of fun this year with great friends. I have maid some huge gains in fitness and managed quite a few PR's.  I Tried a new sport and continue to grow both personally and professionally.

My friend K and I did the Resolution Run today. It is a non timed race of about 5 miles with a Champagne stop mid way. Some nasty hills, and some good 'ol prizes and food at the end. 

We decided on wearing New Years Crowns for the race. We were stopped by the local newspaper AND Local News to do a photo and talk about the race and why we do it. 

The race is fun, it is just a way to get back into the swing of things after the Holidays. It is a time when we all gather around and discuss how the holidays went with each other and what we are looking forward to in the next year. 

Looking into 2015, I do have a few goals in mind, but I do not want to disclose at this time until they are met. They are pretty high, obtainable goals in my mind. Can't wait to crush them!

We did 5 miles pretty fast today! ~ 5 miles in 38 min, including a Champagne toast mid way!! woot! I am happy to say I crushed my goal of less than a 8 min mile multiple times this year and continue to plan on racing goals in the future. 

Hope you all have a Wonderful 2015!

Happy Training!

Me on the Left, K on my Right!