New Pants and The Fast Lane

Triathlon training is going well, minus a bit of a setback on Wednesday (missed work and training due to one or many of the following possible reasons: flu, food poisoning, overtraining, allergic reaction to Tuesday's 'Bonus Mile.')

A few observations:

My jeans are too big. Now, you would think that I would be dancing around in delight at this development. You'd only be partially right. Yes, I'm happy that I am physically looking better, but at the same time I am annoyed at trying to find time and finances to buy new pants. No, I cannot just keep wearing my baggy pants around. I work at a fashion retailer. No ill-fitting pants allowed.

So what's a girl to do? I took my friend Danielle at lunchtime on Tuesday and headed over to Nordstrom. I generally hate shopping for jeans more than I do swimsuits because jeans have always been tricky for me. God gave me more-than-my-fair-share of hips and a pretty small waist—dimensions that usually cause a giant canyon between the waistband and my back. This canyon usually morphs itself into a peek-a-boo show with my underwear anytime I sit down. No thank you. So, in the past, I have just taken jeans that fit well everywhere else to the tailor to be taken in at the waist.

Since my last denim purchase, Cookie Johnson, basketball player Magic Johnson's wife, has developed a denim line for more 'curvy' women called CJ by Cookie Johnson. (Brilliant, I know.) Apparently, Oprah loves the brand. And since Nordstrom carries the line, I thought I'd give it a try.

Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful! The jeans fit like a glove (no gaping!) and I felt like a million bucks. I bought a pair of bootcut jeans in store and ordered a pair of skinny jeans online. Yep, skinny jeans for non-skinny people like me! They will look so cute tucked into my 'sporty calf' boots.

Switching gears.

Swimming is awesome. I actually really enjoy swimming laps. I didn't grow up swimming competitively so maybe I haven't had enough time to get sick of staring at the line at the bottom of the pool. Here are a few reasons why swimming is so great right now:

1. For a few hours a week, it feels like middle of summer, not the middle of winter.

2. Weight matters so much less in the water. Bye, bye watts per kilogram.

3. Along the same lines, I can move so much faster than the girl in her pink bikini.

4. I felt instantly better from my Wednesday 'setback' after being in the pool.

5. I can feel myself getting exponentially better.

6. Sometimes, I get to swim in the fast lane.

Yep! Me, in the fast lane. I've never been in the fast lane. I'm pretty slow at everything I do, except maybe eat. I read slow, I get dressed slow, I even drive slow. But, a few times a week now, I get to be considered fast, even if it is relative to the other crazies that are at the pool at 5:50 am.

And now, for the Table Temptation of the Day! This entry comes from Friday and my work team's production meeting. Now, Susie on my team is one of those rare people who can pretty much eat whatever they want. I'd probably hate her for this, but she is just too nice to ever begrudge her anything. One of her favorite indulgences are Swedish Fish and she brought her latest stash to our meeting. I've been known to pack away a few of these colorful treats in the past so I was a bit nervous to sit down in their presence for an entire hour. Kind of like a staring contest.

Me vs. Swedish Fish

It was a tough battle. I watched those little fish get gobbled up by my colleagues and bore witness to the joy it brought them. I stayed strong though and walked away from the table undefeated. Then, I took a picture. I think they look a little bit like crayons on film. Adults do not eat crayons.

Hungry, Hungry Hippo

My resolutions need to be edited. Okay, just one. I know what you are thinking. 'She's fallen off the wagon already?!!' Well, yes, but not entirely.

Let me explain. I resolved to 'eat less' in 2010. I need to change that statement to 'eat better.'

Since I started Ironman training, I cannot feed myself fast enough. It feels like I woke a sleeping hippo in my tummy who now wants to eat everything in sight.

When I walked into the office last Monday, my manager, who I hadn't seen in a week, said I look different. He also asked me how I was feeling, and my reply?
"Like a super hero, actually, who could kick any one's ass at any time!"

At the beginning of the week, I felt great, just hungry all the time. My body felt tingly and I told Kevin that is how I know that somewhere inside of me, an Ironman is being made.


It's an odd feeling to go into Whole Foods and wonder if I have enough calories to eat.

In my business meetings on Thursday and Friday, I wolfed down PBJ sandwiches and granola bars like you wouldn't believe. I think it shocked a few of the other attendees at how quickly food could disappear. This would also be a good time to introduce the Table Temptation of the Day!

Thursday and Friday was definitely the hardest matchup yet.

Me vs. Jason Ray's brownie bites

Jason works for the other company in my meetings. He has a BBQ catering business on the side and makes some of the best barbeque I've ever tasted. As part of that, he also makes these brownie bites and brought 3 different flavors to the meeting–mocha, raspberry, and my weakness, peanut butter.

He even picked one out of the box and put it next to my seat in the conference room. Torture. Now, you may think that I ate it due to my current insatiable nature, but I didn't. That's right. I can probably count on one hand how many times I've turned down a peanut butter and chocolate combo and this was one of them.

Also, as a side note, I should mention how incredibly hard it is to keep up my blogging resolution. Now that I'm working out all the time, logging in my training information, eating non-stop, and trying to keep my marriage on course, blogging has fallen considerably on the priority list. But, this is still way more frequent that 2009, so I'm still technically on track.

Speaking of track, I went to Roosevelt High School today for Cycle U's Running 101 clinic. It was super cold outside, but the session was really helpful. I learned some great new stretches and strength training exercises.

Tracy Orcutt, local elite triathlete, taught the clinic with Coach Tom and gave they gave us targeted, individual advice after watching our running stride. I don't think it will make me an amazing runner, but it was nice to walk away with things I can work on.

Ironman Training—Week 1 Completed!

14 hours of working out. 14 hours of swimming, pilates, biking and running. 14 hours of a snotty nose, labored breathing, and sweating ... a lot. Needless to say, I'm tired.

This weekend definitely revolved around training. Saturday, I took my TT bike to Cycle U for a multisport InCycle class to be followed by a 30-minute brick run. I'm so thankful that it didn't start until 11:45 am. I really needed to sleep in to catch up on my rest. The class definitely had me reaquaint myself with my aero position. I felt like the workout was good, but not too out of control. Then, we went for a run which I did at my own pace. Jocelyn, a member of the Cycle U tri team, ran with me and it was nice to get my mind off my run and even nicer to get to know someone a bit better.

Saturday night, I attended the Cycle U tri team meeting in West Seattle.

The guest speaker was Rhae Shaw, talking about her very successful 2009 season. When it comes to triathlon, I really look up to her. She is really level-headed about her course of progress over the years but definitely strives for excellence. She brought her 2nd place wooden bowl trophy from the race in Kona this year. It was great to hear her talk about finally achieving her goal ... set 6 years ago. (And I thought my Ironman goal of 2.5 years was long ....) Oh, and I got to hold the bowl and eat 'champion chips' out of it. (Get it? Super cheesy. You can't blame me; Rhae said it first.) It might not be as prestigious, but my Ironman finisher's medal will be my version of the bowl, for now.

Today, I got out of bed fairly early for a Sunday and went out for a hill-repeat run around 9 am. I picked a hill not too far from our house and slowly jogged around the block as my rest interval. Now, I don't really expect people to be in their yards in January, especially in the incredibly rainy weather we have had. However, for some reason, there was a guy in his yard. I wonder what he was thinking as I passed by his house every 3 minutes or so at the closest thing I have to a sprint. When I was done, I headed home because I had some baking to do!

Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I don't really cook. But, I had a women's team ride and meeting to go to and had promised them all chicken puffs, which is on the very short list of things I can make without supervision. But of course, somehow the cans of chicken got left in the car! Kevin had to come home to bring me the chicken. So much for self-sufficiency! I'm so lucky to have such a patient husband!

Eventually, the chicken puffs were completed and Kevin drove my to Normandy Park for the women's ride. We got started late. Really late. I was there a couple minutes before noon, which was the designated ride time. We didn't leave until after 1 pm. We rode for 51 miles ... fairly flat. But, the hills we did have, I was last every time. I blame it on the hill repeats, but the real reason is that our team is really good this year. I'm actually super excited to see how we do! Overall, we had two flats, which didn't hold us up too much, but for some reason, the ride was really long. We didn't get back until after 5 and it was starting to get dark. I left the meeting a little early because I was supposed to go to a movie with Danielle.

Lastly, I didn't think that I'd be blowing off my friends due to training so early, but it definitely happened today. I had to give Danielle a raincheck on the movie. Sorry, friend! I hope this is the exception. NOT the rule.

Carls, ... the Dancer?

I'm over the rain. OVER IT. It has been raining almost constantly for a week and it looks like it will be another 3 days until it stops. This is my least favorite thing about Seattle. I am definitely vitamin-D deficient.

Anyway. I got out of bed this morning at 5 am and headed to the WAC for my swim/pilates combo. I should note that I did not wake up before the alarm and I was not excited to get going. Thankfully, the pool was less busy today and I was able to do my 1,000-yard swim TT without any distractions. Ground zero? 18:54. Not great; not bad. I'm proud of myself for keeping my form in tact and didn't try to power through it.

On to part 2—pilates. I was a couple minutes late, which always makes me nervous when I am trying something new. But, the teacher was a no-show so my tardiness was not an issue. There were about 10 of us waiting. Of course, as it approached 15 minutes after the class was supposed to start, I got frustrated. Doesn't this teacher know I have an Ironman to train for?!

Thank goodness for Bob! Bob is a WAC member who looks to be about 60 or so. Apparently, he has been coming to this class for years and felt confident enough to lead us through the practice. He did a great job! I got a great workout and I hope he gets a free month of membership dues.

Compliment for the day? After class, an older gentleman asked me if I have a background in dance. (I kind of do. I took a few years of jazz as a pre-teen, was a cheerleader in high school, took a few classes in college.) I was happy to say, yes. He said, "You can tell. You move like a dancer."

Wait a minute? Me? The most klutzy human being in the western hemisphere is being called graceful? Alright! I don't know if that guy really knows what dancers look like (I do, and I don't see one staring back in the mirror), but it made me stand a little taller, dare I even say, dancer-like, all day.

Also, I took a nap. It was heaven.

Fatigue with a Side of Rain

Today was recovery day and I really needed it! Now, you might think that means I sat on the couch snuggled up with Kevin to watch some primetime TV.

Nope.

When you are training for an Ironman, it means you run for 20 minutes at lunch and then ride your bike for an hour after dinner.

My lack of quality sleep is really catching up to me.

Today's workouts were a lot easier than yesterday. I met up with the Cycle U Multisport team for an hour track workout last night in the pouring rain. At least it was warm. The group started to warm-up and I? Well, I started to laugh. They were running at a 5K pace for me. I didn't try to keep up with them; I just moved around the track at my own speed. I knew that this would be hard for me if this was their idea of a warm-up.

Then, the actual workout began. 10 x 400s, starting at a 9-minute mile pace and then increasing from there. We got a 2-minute break between each lap. I survived the 9, 8:40, 8:20 and 8-minute paces. Then I was fried. I bailed. I was the first one to drop back to a 9-minute pace for the rest of the intervals. I was alone for a couple laps and then had 1 other person join me. But! I finished all the laps and had an overall 9-minute mile pace for over 5 miles. That is pretty good for me.

Hopefully, I can still get better.

Also, this is what one looks like after running in the pouring rain, in the dark, in January.

First Official Day of Ironman Training!

I made it! I finished my first day of Ironman training and I'm exhausted! I set the alarm last night for 5 am and of course, I couldn't sleep because I was so excited to get started! I jumped out of bed at 4:50 am and was in the pool by 6 am. I did 1,600 yards of drills in a really busy pool (I hope the crowd dissipates after January!) and then headed to my new pilates class.

Now, I have never done pilates. Dance? Yes. Yoga? Yes. Pilates? No. I didn't know what to expect. I was the first one to arrive so I waited to watch the other classmates to know what I needed to get—mats, towels, weights, etc. One right after another, the other students walked in. Every single one of them was male. Every single one of them was 45+. Every single one of them had a bit of a belly. Did I miss the memo? Was there a 'old men only' disclaimer on the class description I forgot to read? Oh well. I needed to get my workout in. I wasn't about to screw up my first day of training.

And, if I thought my class couldn't get more sitcom-like, I would be wrong. The teacher walks in and she looks like she is ready for a night on the town. She is wearing wedged slides and her hair in neatly coifed. She eventually takes off her coat to reveal her workout attire and she puts her hair in a clip. But the shoes? No, the shoes stayed. Is it normal to practice Pilates in heels? I immediately thought of my dear friend, Darcy. This was definitely something she could appreciate.

I did my best to keep up and the teacher said I did a pretty good job for my first class.

Then! I got a break! I went to work.

After work, Kevin drove us home where I wolfed down a snack and got ready for my Seattle Multisports class. I got there on time this week and had a great workout. I really hope it makes me a strong cyclist, ready to race with the best of them this season! (Well, the best of the category 4 riders anyway.)

And, you'll be pleased to know that there was a Table Temptation today. Today's matchup?

Me vs. Erin's Popcorn

Verdict? This was a tough battle but I came out victorious with the help of a little Dentyne gum. Okay, the battle still isn't over; 1/4 of the bag is still on the table for tomorrow.

Tricky Try-ons

Today included an adventure to to REI to exchange the arm warmers I received for Christmas. I already have a pair of arm warmers and just ordered a new pair. What I really needed was a pair of leg warmers.

Now, a sensible person would think that arm and leg warmers would have a sizing chart on their products so it would be easy to tell if you are small, medium, large or extra-large. Apparently, sensible people don't do the packaging for cycling clothing companies. That means I had no choice than to try the leg warmers on in the middle of the cycling department next to the socks.

I did find a pair and bought some Clif products for a taste testing this week.

No More Excuses

I can no longer blame my equipment for any sub-par performances. My belated Chrismas present came in the mail no Tuesday ... tah dah!

A Zipp disc wheel! I know, I was surprised too. Apparently, according to Kevin's research, the full disc wheel is perfect for Ironman CDA when the conditions are 'ideal' (what the heck does that event mean?!!) And, since it was a present (and purchased from a Pro team via Ebay), who am I to argue?

You will see me riding with this bad boy during early-season time trials (as long as the wind stays quiet) AND! IF (that is a giant 'if') I upgrade on the track to Friday nights, you'll see it there too.

I would also like to introduce a new segment to this blog entitled, "Table Temptation of the Day."

My team at work has a meeting table in the middle of the department and people are constantly bringing in sweets and snacks and leaving them there. I know this is not unique to my workplace, so I'm sure you can identify. This segment will follow how I fare with each temptation. 

Today's Table Temptation matchup: 

me vs. Werther's Original Candies

I win. Hands down. Go me!

Classic January Mistake

Bad news. I had a ton time to think during my run this evening. Good news? I may be too tired now to write all my thoughts down.

After work, I headed to the gym to attend a TRX strength-training class. What is TRX, you ask? Well, it was originally designed for the military so that they could stay in shape pretty much anywhere. Like this guy.

It is such a hard workout that doesn't ever seem to get easier. I have been quite a few times but never on a Wednesday. I made that classic mistake of attending a new class time in early January. Of course the class was full—some regulars and some newbies— and the regulars are outright glaring at the newbies for 'stealing their class' for their New Year's Resolutions. I AM NOT A NEWBIE. QUIT GLARING AT ME!

I made it through the class (barely) and changed to run home. The ironic moment of the day happened as I'm waiting to cross the street and Mercer and Westlake. I am mouthing 'Don't hit me' to a driver who wants to make a right turn as the lyrics "Shut up and drive!" are blaring in my ears via iPod. (Thank you D!)

I have really been enjoying these dark, slow runs home. The city seems so peaceful in the

dark, and, along the water, it looks a little something like this. This view helps me to embrace non-Daylight-Saving Time. That, and my blinky light.

Okay that's it. My energy is drained. I have some great things in store for tomorrow!

Redemption … well, sorta.

I failed to mention that last week I attended the free women’s-only indoor TT at Cycle U. I was feeling pretty good, so I was excited to go. At Jess’ advice, I brought my actual TT bike. When I got there, there were a few familiar faces—Rhae Shaw (Cycle U,) Jenny Potter (IJM.org,) and my teammate Jess who was finishing her race (which she of course, won.)

I got all set up and noticed that the majority of the other women were on their road bikes. Oh well, I needed the practice in my aero bars. We were all (6 of us) going to race a rolling 10k course. I quickly fell to last place yet I was working super hard. It was pretty disheartening since my heart rate was skyrocketing. When it was all over, I was last and was about a minute and a half slower than the winner. Ugh. Rhae tried to console me by telling me that I get less power being in the aero tuck, but it kind of went in one ear and out the other. However, I did make this mental note, BRING ROAD BIKE NEXT TIME.

So, yesterday was my first session with my teammates at Seattle Multisport. Yesterday was also a time trial so that the coach could get a look at our current fitness. Great. Another time trial for me to miserably trudge in last place. However, I did bring my road bike so I did notice right away that I was pumping out a lot more power. This time, the course is only 5 miles and is completely flat. Yay! I am so much better when things are flat!

We get started and I just go, go, go. My chest hurts, my heart rate is through the roof, my stomach is cramping and I am sweating buckets. All the TT racers are teammates this time —Eileen, Lori and new member Tara. I take the lead from the beginning. After last week, I refused to be last. I was going to do all I could to not repeat that performance. It stayed pretty consistent—me in first, Tara in second, Eileen in third and Lori in fourth. I won! Actually, I won by about 30 seconds, which is quite a bit over a short time trial. I felt so much better about myself and it may have been just what I needed. Actually, Tim, the coach, said that I was just a handful of seconds from cracking his women’s top-10! Go me! Totally the validation I needed.

Hopefully, Tim will email the performance file soon so I can post more details. Hopefully 2010 will be a good year!

¡Felicidades Mis Amigos!

Yesterday, I was blessed to see the marriage of my good friend Jen to the love of her life, Joaquin. They are the most adorable couple! They met in grad school in California, but she is from Federal Way and he is from Madrid, Spain!

It was a beautiful Catholic ceremony, both done in English and in Spanish. I had the honor of leading prayers with Joaquin's sister-in-law. I don't have any photos because, 1. they weren't allowed really and, 2. I forgot the camera.

Never fear! Kevin and I ran home to get the camera before heading to The Canal for the reception. They served up a full-service bar and an amazing meal, followed by some spirited dancing! (For the record, I think wedding reception dancing should count towards triathlon training. For those that don't agree, I also ran 5.16 miles with the dog yesterday morning.)

Thank you so much Jen and Joaquin for inviting me to share in your special day!

Now, a Word from Our Sponsor

Hooray! So, my bike team just picked up a new sponsor, Clif, and I could not be more excited.

All of last race season, I lived off of Clif Shot Bloks, which I swear, were designed just for me. They are easy to carry, easy to digest, and easy to eat. I tried to do the whole GU shot thing when I trained for my first half-marathon, and I'm just not coordinated enough to eat them. I open them up and get sticky stuff everywhere—all over my hands, my face, and yes, even in my hair. No thank you.

So, when I discovered the Bloks, I was really excited. No more stickiness! Before I was proficient in pulling them out of my cycling pockets, I would stick them on my bike frame. During my half-Ironman run and my marathon, I stuck a few tubes of them in my sports bra for easy access.

Also, I am accustomed to eating 2 protein bars for breakfast on race days. The have been Kashi 'Go Lean' Bars, but for 2010, I'm looking forward to finding the right Clif product for me.

Thank you, Clif, for your sponsorship!!