Tri Becca: My journey to the first Triathlon!

The journey continues....

2011-03-27T15:27:00.002-04:00

http://tribecca-triathlonjourney.blogspot.com/

I am a Triathlete!

2010-06-21T06:37:00.000-04:00

Saturday: Pre Race Prep

After getting everything that Dawn and I need to race (her bike, wet suit rental, race belts, extra nutrition and hydration, flip flops, etc.) We parked the truck at the Old Convention Center for a short bike ride over to the Expo to pick up Dubois, Trudy and Francy for an exciting/dangerous ride through the city to the Transition area. The plan was to rack our bikes and go out for a practice swim. As we looked for our bike rack, Lloyd magically appeared to help us out and explain where to set up transition and where to run in/out. We grabbed our gear and headed over to the Potomac. I was so anxious and just wanted to get in that I probably rushed everyone. And then, my surprisingly emotional response to all of this began. I sat on the dock with my feet in the water and I STARTED BAWLING!! I don't know where the tears came from, but they were flowing. All I could say (through those childlike breathless gaps of talking while crying) is "I don't know why I'm upset". My immediate thought was " I want Mei Mei (my swim coach)", but Mei Mei wasn't there. My next thought was, "I need a hug from Lloyd" (who was never that far away), but I knew that he would not be gentle with me and tell me how I am ready for this, I can swim and that I trained hard so jump in. I quickly realized that I had all that I needed right there with me: Trudy in the water talking softly to me telling me to take my time getting in, Dawn at my side rubbing my back and Francy right there saying how this can be a bit overwhelming, so what I am feeling is normal. I jumped in. I quickly grabbed hold to the wall and clung to it for dear life, but I jumped in. I decided to bob my head in and out of the water. I reminded myself that I swam in the Chesapeake Bay without a wetsuit and at the Wilson pool in 13 feet of water without a wetsuit, so swimming here with kayakers and Lloyd was on the deck watching my every move, so I should be just fine. I know how to swim! The goal was to swim to the first buoy and turn back. Mei Mei and Lloyd both instructed me to not swim that far the day before the race and to not let those anxious folks swimming the whole course sway me into doing otherwise. I swam out 100 meters to the first buoy, around and back. It seemed like it took longer to get back, as I could not see the exit. But nevertheless, I got back. Everyone was on the deck waiting for me, although Francy and Dawn never left my side during the swim. Lloyd greeted me with a big hug. I was dizzy from the floating deck, but otherwise, I felt okay.The big question was "wetsuit or no wetsuit" due to the extremely hot temperatures. I had spoken to Mei Mei that morning about it after texting her a frantic "WHAT DO I DO??" message. She quickly called me and heard the anxiety in my voice and calmly talked me down. But at the practice swim it was still a question. There was talk of making all of the wetsuit wearing folks go at the end of the race and not with your age group. None of my friends were wearing wetsuits and Lloyd was telling me to not wear it, but the decision was made. I would go into the water again with a wetsuit and see if I overheat or not. I went out to swim again and had so many thoughts in my head and got water in my goggles that I could not get out without filling them back up with water again and I could not see and I started waving my hand frantically for help from a kayaker and boy was I freaking out!! Sarah Thorpe came to my rescue. I grabbed hold of her kayak for dear life and started talking fast about my problem. She saw how I was trying to empty them and told me how to do it. She had me turn on my back to practice emptying my goggles twice and told me how proud of me she is and then, I was on my way. Dawn was on the deck videoing my swim back and me telling her of my experience. After that, I knew that I needed my wetsuit.We were off to dinner with Tania (my mentor) and took it to the house for transition prep and to wind down for the day. I was really wishing for a nice glass of Malbec to help me to relax, but getting dehydrated from alcohol the night before a race, was a terrible idea. The night was long... I could not get race thoughts out of my head and was up every 30 minutes until midnight. I kept having to pee and going in there to speak with Dawn or to put another something that I might need into my bag.

Race Day

Getting ready

The 3 alarms were set for 3am, however my niece accidentally awakened me at 2:47am. I was surprised that I had fallen asleep and just went ahead and got up a few minutes early. My first order of business was to eat breakfast and take my vitamin before getting cleaned up and dressed. Before long Tania was at my house on her bike at 4am and it was time to roll. Windows down, sunroof open, "Run this Town" by Jay Z/Rhianna/Kanye was blaring, I took off and started to scream "WHOOOOOOOOO!" as I sped away to complete my first race. Tania routed me to the corner of the transition area and she took off in my truck to get a prime parking space for us after the race. I'm glad that I stopped at the porta potty before they got nasty. Dawn and I set up transition, which was pretty easy after Tania's help the night before. We then headed off to get body marked and our timing chips. I was purposely avoiding anyone out there with less than positive energy and that idle chit chat mess that would make me more nervous. Tania found us in the crowd and hung with me until I was about to hop into the water (She ROCKS). Lloyd found me and came to wish me good luck. My girls found me (Lisa, Robin, Gladys and Pier). I will refer to them as my Stalker Fans from here on out. When they came I was so surprised and happy and then the tears started to roll again. I am not the emotional chic who is always crying, so I don't know where this was coming from! They quickly left to post up in a prime position after showing us their map and telling of their walk/run/metro ride plan to be at every point of the race. Lisa organized the whole thing and they all had their cameras and was properly prepared. When the National Anthem played, I cried again. Trudy found me to wish me good luck and for some reason, I teared up again. One of the co-leaders of our NTP training program, Cassey was right behind me in the swimsuit wave. I saw Lloyd and he high fived me and my Stalker Fans were cheering quiet loudly right before it was time to jump in.

The swim

I jumped in with the wetsuit wave and got a little anxious waiting for the horn to go off. I accidentally touched this guys back and I wished that I could really hold onto his back. I really wanted to hold onto someone! I found myself in the middle of the pack and desperately wanted to get to the far side and back of the pack, but I didn't want to expend that much energy. The horn went off and I started to swim. Slow and easy. I even found myself passing a person or two. I kept my thoughts positive and knew that all that matters is that I made it out of the water. We had until 9am to make it out and it was only 6:30 or so, so I knew that I had plenty of time. I freestyled the entire way except once when I did a little breaststroke to see which way I was supposed to go. The buoys seemed to come up pretty fast and before long I knew it was time to get out when I saw the huge SWIM OUT HERE signs. I smiled big every time I came up for air to look where I was going. I almost swam off course once too. I ran up those stairs, whipped my pink swim cap off of my head, started twirling it around with the other hand in the air, I started jumping up and down and the Stalker Fans were cheering loudly and Lloyd was screaming and ringing his cow bell and I DID IT!!!! I predicted that I would complete the swim in 24 minutes but I knew it could be up to 30 minutes. I did it in 25:23. Tania was right there to greet me and I gave her a big 'ol wet hug and I was waving at people that I didn't know and running... but I quickly pooped out and thought, dang I still have 2 more legs to this race...

T1

My transition from the swim to the bike was very long. It was never my plan to run in and out quickly. I knew that if I put on my bike shoes with grass on my feet that it would bug me to the point of pulling over on my bike to get it right later. I had an extra water bottle and towel to clean my feet, I got in some food and drink, I reapplied deodorant and applied sunscreen and some ointment to my face which has gotten really bad in the last few weeks from swimming in the lake, the pool and being in the sun. I got my bike gear on and I was out of transition in 8:37.

Bike

Tania was right there at the gate cheering me on as I rode out! At the corner of 15th and the Mall I saw Tish and Jolie ringing her cute little pink cow bell (which helped me to finish the run... more on that later). I was feeling really good about getting out of the water that I probably took it way too easy on the bike. I was waving and saying good morning and thank you for being here to all of the volunteers and spectators and people that were out for their usual Sunday morning exercise. I hit a few pot holes and my front wheel started to make noise. My plan was to keep going unless that front wheel came off. I saw my Stalker Fans and almost wanted to stop and hang out with them. I slowed down but they encouraged me to keep going. I took it nice and easy and was passed by a few people with the racing wheels, which I was cool with. I was cruising along until this dude passed me on a mountain bike. Really. I got passed my a dude on a mountain bike?? I started to speed up then but I never saw that dude again. That told me that I needed to put that carbon Orbea road bike to the test. I passed a few people and before I knew it, I was done. I was so confused when I saw the dismount signs. I was thinking, "oh, is that IT??" Tania was there again cheering me on telling me how I smoked the bike. I did it in 53:51. Dawn was waiting for me in transition.

T2

I took my sweet time in transition again. Dawn and I chatted about her bike ride, which she thought was surprisingly easy. We took a few pictures and slowly got it together. Lloyd greeted us and ran out with us after being in transition for 9:40.

Run

Tania was there cheering us on while she rode her bike. I stopped amongst the trees and released my bladder again. This was the second time that I used the elements as my own personal toilet as those lines to the porta potties were long and they were nasty by now. I did not feel like running. Dawn dragged me to get it going. We did walk a bit and when we arrived at the first water station. I felt like a looser when I realized how close it was. Our plan was to run a mile at a time and take a quick break at the water stops. The sun was beaming and my legs were so tired. We saw my Stalker Fans and Jolie and Tish again. When we passed the Tri Unify table the were jamming "It's Time for the Percolator!". We kept pushing through. We passed by the finish line and saw Tania again. She was on the other side of the barricades and running with us telling us how she had chill bumps for us. I got so many DC TRI shouts. I saw Will, one of our NPT co-leaders taking my picture. And this is when it got tough. As we approached the Capital and had to do a hair pin turn and then run up Capital Hill (which I walked the entire way), I realized that I was spent of all of my energy and this is what makes the sport of Triathlon so hard. I must have looked hot, because at the water spot this girl just poured ice water on me. I didn't even care about my cell phone in my pocket getting wet. I got 2 more cups of water and dumped them on my head. We ran back down Capital Hill and then had another hair pin turn. I knew that the finish line was close, but we couldn't see it. This is when I bonked out. The only thing that kept me going was seeing Tish and Jolie again. The sound of that bell and those screams kept me going. I wanted to cry. I started to hyperventilate. Dawn was asking if I was okay and saying how she thought that the run was further than 4.2 miles. I was so hot and tired. I heard her talking but really couldn't hear her , except something about how she was going to make a video on her iPhone of us crossing the finish line. I wanted my mama. I wanted to cry. But then I looked up and saw the finish line. I sprinted ahead. I head the screams. I saw Yolanda and heard her saying "Rebecca, girl you did it!" I tried to straighten my clothes and race number. And standing right there in the middle of the finish line chute was Lloyd. He greeted me with the longest hug and then a kiss. Tania was right behind him. My Stalker Fans (Lisa, Robin, Gladys and Pier) were there. Jolie, Tish and Sophia were there. It was time for a photo after getting water and a cold towel. I DID IT! I ran the last leg of my race in 55:57. For an official total race time of 2:33:26 (although the time there said 2:18:25). I predicted that I could do the whole thing in 2 1/2 hours, but I didn't take into effect how long I would be in the Transition area. Not a bad time. My goal was to finish and I did just that.

I DID IT. I AM A TRIATHELETE! Here is a video of my race thanks to Lisa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cl2kDF6y98&feature=player_embedded

Race Info

2010-06-14T23:08:00.001-04:00

If you plan to come out to see me race in the Inaugural DC Triathlon on June 20th, please let me know so I can listen out for your screams! The race starts bright and early on this Sunday, June 20th.

My wave gets into the water to swim at 6am. Coffee, breakfast and porta potties will be available. There is information on the links below of where to park and be to view the race.

It would be nice to have someone there to snap a personal photo of me when I get out of the water, since that is such a major accomplishment for me. If it's too early for you, then no worries, there will be professional photographers on site and I can pay the premium price for a photo of myself. I predict that it will take me about 30 minutes to complete the swim. My bib # is 877 and I will be wearing a pink swim cap with the rest of the competitors in my age group.

The best place to park is: Pennsylvania and 13th street near the Ronald Regan Building. This is a 10- 15 minute walk to the finish line on 3rd and Pennsylvania Ave and the best to see the bikers and runners pass by or at Pennsylvania and 2nd near the US Capitol Building.

Another great place to see the bikers and runners is at 15th and the National Mall or near the Transition area located on Ohio Drive.

There will be a Finish Line Festival at Pennsylvania and 3rd. We can get food and drinks here and Dad's can get massages for Father's Day. I predict that I will be crossing the finish line at about 8:30am.

Info on where to park and watch me race can be found here via video or here in print.

It's countdown time!!

2010-06-14T16:22:00.001-04:00

In 5 days and 16 hours I will start my race to become a Triathlete. It has been a very long 20 weeks of training. The memories of the time passed includes frustration of learning to swim, the falls on my bike while getting used to my clipless pedals, figuring out what type of nutrition my belly likes and learning all of the Triathlon lingo. I can now say that I am confident that I will finish. I am actually excited about the swim and want to see how fast I can ride my bike while racing. I ran the run route on yesterday. It took us about an hour to run the 4.2 miles in the blazing heat which caused us to walk quite a bit. I think that I can do it in about 45 minutes on race day. I am so excited that my buddy Dawn is coming in town to race with me. I can not wait to post the article that I wrote months ago on being a Triathlete. Something tells me that the sense of accomplishment that I will feel when I cross the finish line will be nothing like I envisioned. Only better.

Envision

2010-06-06T21:38:00.001-04:00

I'm starting to envision myself crossing the finish line. After my lake swim lesson today, I feel more confident about the swim leg of my race. I still can't say that I am 100% confident, but I trust that I will feel this way soon. Although I have swam more than the distance of my race in the pool, I won't have that sense of complete confidence until I swim the distance or more in open water. Swimming in a constrictive wet suit with currents changes the game. It's not the same as swimming in a pool at all. Today I swam 100 meters and it was hard as heck. I took a break, re-grouped and then swam 400 meters non-stop. I stopped for tips and instruction and swam my last 300 meters before getting out. So, in total I swam 800 meters which is the race distance, but I did not do it continuously.

I now know that after the first 100-200 meters I get into my groove and it gets easier. I was thinking about my form and all of the instruction that I have received and how I need to keep my heart rate low. I felt like I could have kept going. I want to swim the complete distance of the race at least twice in open water before race day with my instructor. I think that once I do that, I will be confident for race day and I can envision myself ripping off my wetsuit and hopping on my bike and ultimately crossing the finish line to get my metal.

Triathlon Bound!

2010-06-05T19:13:00.000-04:00

Today I completed a training Triathlon with Tri Unify. I started out with the DC Tri Club, but they had to cancel the swim portion of the race and changed it into a Duathlon of Run 3 miles + Bike 16.5 miles + Run 3 miles. I wasn't interested in doing that and got 2 others to agree to go to the Tri Unify event with me at Sandy Point. This was a better event anyway, because the swim was in the Chesapeake Bay instead of the pool like planned with the DC Tri Club event. I did not have my wetsuit with me, as I wasn't prepared to swim in the bay when I left the house, but I went anyway. The water felt good, but it was much harder to swim without a wetsuit!

In total today we swam ~800 meters in the Bay (the distance of my race on June 20th) + biked 15 miles (my goal race is 16.5 miles and without the hills that we biked today) + ran for 30 minutes (I was pooped and hot, so I walked most of the way). It was a good thing that we had a guy back at the tent grilling, because we were STARVED when we got back.

I felt REALLY good about myself after doing this training Triathlon. I am even more confident that I will be getting a metal at the finish line of the DC Triathlon in 14 days!!!!!

Getting ready ready....

2010-06-04T01:05:00.002-04:00

I have been reading this book entitled "Slow Fat Triathlete- Live Your Athletic Dreams in the Body You Have Now". The author is absolutely hilarious! She started her mission to become a Triathlete when she could barely walk around the block and weighed over 230 pounds. I think that the common misconception about the sport of Triathlon is that you have to be in tip top shape and already be the elite athlete. This is the furthest thing from the truth. What one must realize that, like most things in life, it's completely mental. The mind is more powerful than almost anything else in our body. Becoming a Triathlete is all about the desire, commitment and the belief that you can.

I am in the process of preparing myself mentally for my race in 16 days. I know that I have put in the necessary time to train. At times I trained too much and probably put more time into swimming than anyone else that is training for a Triathlon. But that extra time has me in the pool swimming like someone who learned when they were a kid. I have spent some time on my bike, but not as much as I would have liked to. You know, I realized that the bike that I recently purchased was the first bike that I have ever had in my life. As a kid, I used to ride my brother's bike and the memories of that are constantly falling, hurting my girl parts and skinning up my knees. I did know how to ride, but I was probably on the ground more than on the bike. I have to say that I did manage to stay vertical for the most part during training. I did have a goofy fall on Sunday and hurt my knee, which I am hoping gets better really... really... soon!

Triathlon is an endurance sport. It's all about going a long... time in 3 sports. It's not necessary to do all 3 really fast, but to keep going. All of my friends think that I am a fast runner, but that is the furthest thing from the truth. I actually need to work hard in all 3 sports, but running is my strongest since I have done it more in the last year. When I started this mission to become a Triathlete, I didn't do it to loose weight, although I thought that it would be a byproduct of training. It's disappointing that I haven't lost weight. I am however, more stronger and have increased my endurance. If running was a bigger part of the 20 week training program, then the weight would have melted off. I am confident that once this race is behind me, I will be able to run more and since I can swim laps now, I will be able to work on the weight loss. I won't label myself as a Slow Fat Triathlete, but I am close to that description. I guess what's more important is that I have the endurance to become a Triathlete on June 20th. That's the plan. I have written it down and I'm making it happen!

Today was a great day

2010-05-29T21:39:00.000-04:00

I think that the best thing that I could have done for myself is to take a few days to rest last week. I'm thinking that is what lead to such a successful training day today... well that and some motivating words from my niece.

I went out to Rock Creek Park with Yolanda for a run this morning. In total we ran about 4 miles with minimal breaks. I felt really good. At no point did I want to stop except for a much needed stretch of my calves. Then after several hours of hanging out with me niece and her telling me, "You can do it Teedy, don't doubt yourself", I was ready for my open water swim lesson in Lake Reston. In total today, I swam 600 meters (my race is 750 meters). I took a break after every 100 meters. The goal is to swim for 200 meters continuously next week. I feel like I can do it right now, but since I have the time I will be sure to get in some non-stop laps at the pool to be even more prepared.

All in all, today was a very good training day! I guess that I am really building endurance. Now, when I get tired or don't think that I can make it, I think that my niece's voice will play in my head and I will think "You can do it Teedy, don't doubt yourself"!! I love that kid and I love me... especially after such a great day of training!! 3 weeks to go!!

Burned out?

2010-05-29T00:18:00.000-04:00

I started this trek towards becoming a Triathlete in late January. Most of the time has passed with me learning to swim, get used to staying vertical on my bike and very little time running. I guess it's because I have been at this for so long that I am starting to feel a little burned out. I have found myself just not feeling like training. I never used to not feel like training. Something that probably has me a little disinterested is the fact that although I am doing so much more than I ever could, the shyt is still hard. I know that it's hard even for those that have done this before and the fact that I am extraordinary for even setting out to accomplish a goal like this, but the shyt is still hard. If anything, I need to be picking it up and getting stronger and increasing my endurance even more in these last few weeks. I am very grateful that my call for help to my friends was very well received. I know that no one wants to see me quit while I am so close.

Quitting has not come to mind, but the fact that I am getting burned out is a little concerning. I took a needed break this week on Tuesday to prepare for the arrival of my niece and then again today (Friday). This morning I simply did not feel like getting up for an early bike ride. I wrote to Tania to cancel the ride and went back to sleep for 2 hours! I felt so well rested when I awakened. I think that my body needed a rest! I have a pretty jam packed training weekend and I will take up every one's offer to train with me next week. I will run with Yolanda tomorrow morning and swim in Lake Reston with Mei Mei in the afternoon.On Sunday I will be taking a long bike ride with Tania and friends. Monday the plan is to swim at the Wilson pool (if it's open) and then run with Tania. I plan to run a whole lot more after this June 20th race. I am a little disturbed (well very disturbed, actually) that I still don't like the way my body looks after all of this training! I know that running will help to fix it along with Pilates and some other things. I think that me not seeing physical results is leading to my disinterest with training too.

Next Saturday is a training Triathlon at Hains Point with my training group. The swim is in a pool and it's 400 meters, the bike ride is 17.5 miles and the run is 3 miles. My goal is to increase my comfortability with swimming laps this week and by next Saturday, I will be able to swim the distance with ease!

29 days to go!

2010-05-22T08:30:00.000-04:00

The Triathlon that I have been training for is only 29 days away! For those who would like to come out to see me accomplish my goal of crossing the finish line, the finish line will be on Pennsylvania avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets on June 20th. I think that I should be done by 8:30. I can sure use some cheerleaders! I'm still trying to figure out how/where my friends can be to cheer me on during the swim and the bike. I have a little time to figure this out, but for now, here is the link with more info.

The training is going well. I swam 1150 meters on Wednesday without stopping to take a break until after 700 meters. BOY have I come a long... way! I have a few more lake swimming lessons, will increase my comfort level with swimming long distances in the pool and will continue to get more comfy on my bike. I also promise myself that I will run more. The running is what has been lacking and I suck at it because I simply have not been running.

Thanks to all who have supported me throughout this journey! I have 29 more days of this and then it's the big day!! I can't wait!

Training with an experienced Triathlete

2010-05-17T20:54:00.001-04:00

Today I trained with my friend Trudy, who is an experienced Triathlete. She is doing the race on June 20th also, but the one that is twice the length of mine (Olympic distance). We have committed to training HARD for the next 4 weeks and taking it light in the week prior to the race. Now, I knew that this chic was experienced and expected the workout to be hard, but dang.... training with her kicked my butt today!

We met up at the Wilson pool because they have 50 meters lanes. The benefit of training there is that you have to swim for a longer time before stopping to turn around. I was a little nervous as the lanes looked so.... long and the depth is like 13 feet or something. I worked on some drills and focused on some things that I received feedback on. I swam 800 meters (with many breaks) in total. We left the pool and headed to her gym, Results, for a ride on the stationary bike. Trudy shared with me how she trains on the stationary bike and how it corresponds to riding her road bike. I set my bike up similar to what she did and baaaby, it was HARD! In total, I rode 1 hour = 15 miles on the stationary bike, with the resistance set at 8 and I maintained a speed of 15 miles per hour. Trudy increases the resistance to 11 and rides 20 miles per hour = hard core! I have never sweat so much in the gym before! After we were done, she insisted that we get on the treadmill for at least a mile. I lasted 1/2 mile at a 2.5% incline.

Whew... I was so tired and hungry! I ate a turkey burger and salad faster than I have ever eaten in life after we were done! So, now I know how an experienced Triathlete trains. I now know that I need to push myself harder for the next 4 weeks. I'm committed. The train of thought is, if you train hard, then the race won't be so foreign to your body on race day. Embrace the pain is my new mantra!

Swimming in the Chesapeake Bay

2010-05-15T16:16:00.000-04:00

The first group swim in the Chesapeake Bay is behind me. The water was cold, but I was prepared for that. There were currents, but I was prepared for that too. What I wasn't prepared for was how HARD it was going to be to swim. I found that I got tired easily and it was tough going, but I didn't freak out or get into any trouble. It was so hard that I got mad that I didn't have more endurance. But I am committed. It will get easier and I will be able to go for a longer time before I get tired. I am committed to swimming 20 laps at least 2 times a week to build endurance. 20 continuous laps which equates to 1000 meters (my race is only 750 meters). I will get stronger. I will!

We dried off and got on our bikes for an hour and a half ride. We went through Annapolis which has some hills, so it was tough. I still don't have the gear shifting thing down, but I went for an hour and a half and covered nearly 20 miles!

The one thing that I have to remember is that it is tough for everyone and what's important is that I finish. Today, I finished and that's all that matters.

Next up: Swim Clinic again on tomorrow in the Chesapeake Bay. I'm hoping to find someone to run with me when I make it back to DC.

I can do this!!

2010-05-15T06:30:00.000-04:00

Okay. Today is the day that I swim in open water with a group of people. We are swimming in the Chesapeake Bay. I'm looking forward to seeing what it feels like to be in the water with a lot of other people. I sort of feel confident about this, as I have been out in the lake a few times, but I hear that swimming in the lake is different than swimming in the Bay and swimming alone versus with a whole lot of other people is different. I'm trying to quiet my nervous jitters by reminding myself that I now know how to swim and I have been in open water before. Sure, I freaked out that one time, but I continued to swim and I have been back out there since that experience. I CAN DO THIS!

I will have 3 experiences of swimming in open water with a group before race day on June 20th. Each time will be clinics for beginner swimmers in open water. I have a few more times for private lessons before race day too. I trust that I will be fully prepared by then and possibly, much before then.

The mantra in my head this morning: I CAN DO THIS!! I CAN DO THIS!!!

Randoms of a soon to be Triathlete

2010-05-11T23:53:00.000-04:00

I feel really good about myself today.

I recently committed to doing some core exercises to make this unfavorable part of my body go away.

Today I did 20 minutes of Pilates and 20 minutes of Turbo Jam Abs on my lunch hour, because this unfavorable area has GOT to disappear before it's bikini time!

I was committed today.

I swam in Lake Reston although it was drizzling and less than 60 degrees outside.

I am still psyched that I swam 20 laps on Sunday.

I want/need to make that a habit.

My friend Dawn signed up to complete my Triathlon with me!

I went for a jog after dark today. I only ran 1 mile, but it was well lit in the area and I overcame the fear of running alone after dark.

I am feeling REALLY good about my level of commitment to becoming a Triathlete.

My friend Monnie gave me a gift on Sunday and told me that she is proud of me, even if I didn't do the race that day.

My friends completely F'ing ROCK!

I am still awake and need to be at the gym in 6 hours for swim and spin.

I am in love with myself for setting out to do something that once seemed impossible.

I now know that nothing is impossible if I set my mind to it.

I can't wait until I can say that I am a Triathlete!

The journey continues

2010-05-09T23:26:00.001-04:00

The journey is definitely more important than the destination. I learned this lesson this week. When I realized that I was not ready to do the Kinetic Sprint Triathlon today that I was going to use as a test race, I decided to not quit, not feel defeated or feel slow or irrational for thinking that I can do this. I decided to continue on my journey and do all that I can to be prepared on June 20th. It was imperative to me that I make this weekend a very good training weekend.

On Saturday I went for a bike ride. 20 miles round trip. My race is 18 miles on the bike, so I now know that I can complete the bike leg of the race. I got dropped by the group because I wasn't as fast as them. I got lost because I lost sight of the group and had no idea which way to go. When I ended up on Wisconsin Avenue and I started in Rock Creek Park, I knew I had gone too far, turned around and met up with the group right near where we started. None of that mattered. What mattered to me is that when I got back home, my bike said said that I rode for 20 miles (even if I was so pooped that I walked my bike home for the last block). Then, I went to Rock Creek Park with Yolanda and we walked/ran 3 miles, which is the distance of my race.My legs were so... tired from the bike ride that I could not run the entire distance, but I know that I can run 3 miles and if push came to shove, I could walk the 3 miles to the finish line.

Today I went to the gym with Tania, my mentor, and we warmed up by swimming 4 or 5 laps and then I told her that my goal was to swim 20 laps with no breaks. It's pretty difficult to not stop at the end of the lane to turn around and I did take 2-3 quick breaks and had to relax on my back twice, but I DID IT!! I SWAM 20 LAPS!!! My race is 750 meters which is equivalent to 16 laps, so I now know that I can swim the distance of my race plus a little further.

This weekend was a good training weekend on my continued journey to become a Triathlete. I know that after this weekend, which started with me feeling like a failure for not bring ready for my race today, ended up being a great training weekend in which I biked and swam more than the distance of my race. I now know that I can do the distances. Now, I just need to get ready for swimming in open water and get used to running 3 miles after biking 18 miles and swimming 750 meters. It's all about building endurance and I can do it. I WILL do it. I will be a Triathlete on June 20th. I hope to have some cheerleaders to help along the way.

There comes a time...

2010-05-04T22:31:00.001-04:00

I'm sure that it is pretty normal at some point during training for a Triathlon that you begin to question your level of insanity. Today I did that. I also realized that sometimes there comes a time to re-evaluate the circumstances and re-strategize. I did that today too. I went for my second swim lesson in Lake Reston today in advance of this Sunday's Kinetic Sprint Triathlon. The plan was to use it as a test race prior to my big race on June 20th. I was feeling pretty confident until today.

The wind was blowing and there were currents and fish and a whole family of ducks and my goggles were all fogged up and I couldn't see my instructor in the kayak and pollen was on top of the water and... all of a sudden, it was like, I forgot what I was supposed to be doing. I started thinking about what to do with my arms and my legs and tried to backstroke and found my self screaming, "I NEED A BREAK". My instructor was right there with the kayak. I grabbed a hold of the kayak like it was going to save my life. I started to tell her how I'm not ready... and I can't do it... and I need more time....

She was really patient and made me realize that I am doing more than most people ever would. She reminded me that I am doing more than I could do 5 months ago. She reminded me that I am extraordinary for just signing up to do a Triathlon. She brought me to shore and asked me to tell her 3 things that I did well. We talked about some things and together realized that, yes perhaps I do need more time. I calmed down and then she went out into the lake a bit in the kayak and had me to swim to her. I rested and then swam back to shore. We did this about 4 times and each time she went further and further out and gave me some tips. By the last time, I felt like she was way to close to shore and I could have swam further.

The new plan is to swim in the lake weekly and at least 2-3 times between that, work on building my endurance. I will work on swimming 16 laps in the pool comfortably (which is the distance of my race) but work my way up to swimming 20 laps comfortably, as it is always better to know that you can go a little further than you have to.

So, there comes a time when you have to realize that you need a little more time. I will not be doing the Kinetic Sprint Triathlon on this Sunday. By no means am I quitting. I'm just taking the time that's needed. I have 6 weeks until my goal race on June 20th and by all means I will be ready!!

The F word

2010-05-01T23:05:00.000-04:00

I love the F word. Now, I'm sure that some of you are thinking that I mean Fcuk or Fabulous or maybe even Fart. I'm talking about Friends. My friends are absolutely phenomenal (boy, how I wish that word started with an F). Often times, you find out who your friends are during trying times. Recently I had the opportunity for my true friends to step up when my health was compromised. When I started on my journey to become a Triathlete, I did not think of this as the opportunity for friends to step up again. I only started this blog because I wanted to record the experience. I didn't expect anyone to follow the blog, or cheer me along or even join me in my journey to become more physically fit. My friends have repeatedly stepped up and gave advice, tough love, shared in my chuckles about embarrassing moments and have even helped me to train. I love my F words. They rock and I am forever endeared by their level of friendship to me. Thank you to all of my F words!! I love yall!

The wetsuit and lake experience

2010-05-01T19:57:00.000-04:00

Triathlon wetsuits are designed for speed and warmth during an open water swim.

Take note that there is no zipper in the front on the picture above. Or on ANY wetsuit. These things are extremely hard to put on. It's like putting on an extra think pair of pantyhose that's too tight (don't ask me how I know that feeling). The lady gave me a few tips on how to get it on easier and she handed me mine with them almost turned inside out and instructed me to call her so that she can zip me up... I stepped in like she instructed and worked.... it up. When I was finally ready to flip the top up to work my arms into it, I noticed that the zipper was in the front. I worked my arms in and then I thought.... "hhmm... now why should I call her to zip this up? I am more than capable of doing so." Thinking nothing of the zipper being in the FRONT of my wetsuit, I stuck my head out and called the girl for her help. This guy caught sight of me and told her out loud that I put the thing on backwards, which was obviously pretty hilarious to everyone in the very packed store. After fighting with that thing to get it on backwards, I was not happy about fighting to get it off and then on again the correct way, but I did.

The instructor that took me out to swim in the Lake was the best! She hugged me when we met up and just immediately made me feel more at ease. We sat and talked for awhile before I got into to the freezing azz Lake Reston (we think it was about 60 degrees). She was really good with helping me to get acclimated to swimming in a lake. I think the best thing that she could have instructed me to do was turn over on my back. This was for me to learn that the wetsuit helps me to float and that I can not sink. She told me to take a breath with every stroke and look where I am going often. We worked on a few things and then I got out. She said that we will do more on Tuesday and believes that I will do fine on May 9th and beyond.

This experience taught me the importance of remaining calm, that the wetsuit is really my friend and that I can do this! I'm sure that I will be even more sure of my ability between now and race day. The one thing that she wants me to do is work on building my endurance in the pool. So, back to swimming laps again with no breaks or flipping to my back when I get tired.

Who would have thought that I would be swimming in a lake not long after learning how to swim for the first time?? I ROCK!!

Taking it to the lake

2010-04-30T22:25:00.000-04:00

So tomorrow is my first swim lesson in a lake. Lake Reston to be exact. The instructor that's taking me out is the cream of the crop when it comes to these types of swim lessons. She assured me that after tomorrow and Tuesday, I will be ready to complete the swim leg of my Triathlon.

I was a little nervous today about my lesson, because I have not been in the pool for over 2 weeks. As soon as my flight landed this evening, I headed straight to the gym to swim. Confusion quickly set in as I tried to figure out why my darn heart was beating so fast that I had to take many more breaks. Usually it's my breathing that I have to try to slow down, but tonight it was my heart and my breathing. I took some time to think through it and calm myself down with some positive thoughts and practicing my backstroke. I think that I am just anxious about getting into the lake tomorrow. I decided to get out of the pool after 30 minutes.

I will rely on my training tomorrow. I have taken enough lessons, I know exactly what to do and I know some recovery strokes. I know that I float very well and if I get in trouble, I can always lay on my back and calm down.

This is a big fcuking deal to me, but I know that I will do just fine... at least I hope I do.

Riding with Tri Unify

2010-04-25T09:37:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I rode with Tri Unify. The plan was to cycle for about 10 miles or so and then run. We got together in Greenbelt Park which has a few hills and we went for it. Now, this was only the second time that I rode hills and I have not really figured out all of the gear shifting stuff. I learned that riding on the flat Hains Point route has spoiled me in a terrible way. We started riding together and Adrienne spent some time explaining what I should do on hills. Trudy hung back with me for awhile while I tried to get it together. However, before long, I was all alone with folks zipping by me. I really needed the time to figure it out and power through it. Trudy was awesome with her motivational tips. I felt beat. Defeated. Slow. Confused as to why it was so hard for me. But I went 10 miles.

When it was time to run, my legs were jelly. Trudy tried to push me and I was so... relieved that it started to drizzle. I turned around with the excuse of not wanting to get my freshly relaxed hair wet. I hated to do so, because I am not the chic to deter a work out for hair issues. But baaabay, my legs needed the excuse on yesterday!

Riding with Tri Unify was great and created a whole 'nother level of competitive edge within me! I now know what I need to do and it has jump started me to train HARDER. I have been a little 'laxed lately, especially this week. No 'laxed no more! It's ON.....! I'm going to be a Triathlete yall!!!

OCD or just wanting to be prepared??

2010-04-21T00:12:00.000-04:00

"As you get closer to your goal race(s), try to spend more time on the road and as little time as possible training indoors"

I read this online on active.com tonight. It was in an article on traveling while training for a Triathlon. It jogged my memory of a comment by a good friend tonight when I expressed my concerns with traveling for work next week while preparing for a race. Her comment: "Well, we know that you are OCD...". My response was that I didn't want to drown (we were talking about me not being able to swim in preparation for a relaxer that is needed prior to my trip and not swimming while on my trip due to just getting a relaxer and the thought of what I was going to do with my hair. See, black women and hair maintenance can be a major issue with all of this swimming and working out). As the only minority woman in my company, I feel that I can't change my professional look to an urban one and therefore the dilemma...

So, am I OCD or just desiring to be prepared?? I think it's the latter. Triathletes who are swimmers already train hard. I am starting at a disadvantage as a new swimmer and cyclist and trying to get back into running. I want to be able to not only compete, but finish. I don't think it's OCD if I just want to be considered average. I just want to finish...

2 weeks off from swimming (1 week to prepare for a relaxer and 1 week while at a meeting) is making me nervous. The day after I get back, I have a swimming lesson in a freaking LAKE.

It's not OCD if you are not prepared. It's just called getting prepared.... *hard stare*****

Random thoughts of a soon to be Triathlete

2010-04-18T21:38:00.002-04:00

Running is so hard, but I never want to quit. I get mad and feel like a wimp when I have to stop and catch my breath

I scream when I am on my bike and my legs start to hurt and I can't go faster or keep up

I like screaming when I am on my bike riding by the water

I am completely pumped about becoming a Triathlete!

I am confident that I will be prepared to complete the swim, bike and run!

I am specifically excited that I will have 2 swim lessons in a lake before my first Triathlon (May 9th), which I am using for a "test run" before the big date JUNE 20th!

I am so proud of myself for learning to swim!

I want to be able to swim laps continuously and not be so tired...

I ran the 6K Race for Water today and it kicked my butt!

I wasn't nothing more than to be able to ride and run hills, to run continuously and swim continuously

I think that some of my friends don't understand my level of commitment to this

While I do want to meet for drinks, dinner, happy hour and to date, I would much prefer to go for a swim

My hair has taken a back seat to swimming. I hope that it is not damaged when I go to get it relaxed at the end of the week.

I wish that I had a different hair type and not have to deal with my hair so much!

I want to pick it up and perform better RIGHT NOW!

I know that patience is key and rest is so necessary

I like sleeping for hours after a good swim

I now see the importance of getting massages!

I AM GOING TO BE A FCUKING TRIATHLETE!!

That really makes me smile on the inside....

Learning some new things

2010-04-14T23:30:00.001-04:00

Today ended this swim class that I was taking at a DC Public pool. It was really good for me in that it taught me some basics that I need to know. I can Freestyle swim, but I needed some "oh darn, I'm tired of swimming in this nasty lake/river and I have too much to live for to drown" stokes. We were taught to backstroke (which I don't feel is a recovery stroke AT ALL), breast stroke (which takes a whole lot of coordination), how to tread water, introduced to deeper water (10 feet) and today we learned to dive! While it was cool to dive (minus my goggles coming off twice and becoming very... familiar with my right eyeball, which hurts like hell and probably will look nasty by morning), it won't help me for my race. It was really about increasing our comfort in deep water and testing out our ability to tread water. I am so confident in my freestyle that I was like, "hell, if I get in trouble, I will just freestyle or blow bubbles till I get to the top". I found that I treaded water with ease once I had to.

I have been practicing the drills that I have been learning in my Total Immersion swim lessons. I am ready to pick it up with that instructor, but he is very careful to make sure that I have the basics down pat. He swears that I will be ready to do my "test race" and not tire easily because he will have me swimming more efficiently.

I am MOST excited about this open water swim coach availability to take me out into a lake on May 1st and 4th in advance of my "test race" on May 9th. She swears that I will be ready!!

Also, I FINALLY met my DC Tri Club New Triathlon Program mentor Tania. We have been emailing over the last few weeks and she is just as cool in person as her personality is over email! She has committed to tackling some hills with me starting next week, because apparently, my "test race" is quite hilly.

Things are really starting to come together for this race. I will go running again tomorrow and try to go 3 miles without stopping. I will also commit to swimming laps again soon to build my endurance. I'm getting excited again!!

Respect the hills!

2010-04-13T00:16:00.000-04:00

There are certain things in this Triathlon sport that will gain your respect and one of those things are HILLS. Running hills are tough as heck, but try cycling up them jokers and you are in for a nasty word that is an antonym for a treat.

I went for a bike ride on Sunday with Shani and Neisha in Virginia. Shani had found a loop that would take us from Shirlington, around the airport and back to Shirlington. She mentioned that it wasn't a completely flat course and I wasn't fazed. I just figured that I could handle it, as I usually do. I guess it really didn't help that we had a little bit of confusion as to whether or not we were crossing at this intersection and some people went and my friend started to go and I started to go and then she stopped and the girl behind me ran into me and I lost my balance and CRASHED. I got up and made it across the street with bent handle bars and a newly squeaky bike. We fixed it best we could and kept moving. Although my bike computer wasn't registering and gears were not shifting right. So, when we hit the first hill with malfunctioning gears.... it was TOUGH. The hills on that ride which turned out to be 18 miles round trip gained my respect.

I reached out to my mentor today and we have committed to getting together once weekly to ride hills and work on gearing properly to get up and down hills. I think I may need to do some squats and stuff to strengthen my legs too. Those hills are no joke. I plan to run in Rock Creek Park weekly again this year and master a few of those hills and the one by Cardoza this year. Last year, the one by Cardoza kicked my butt repeatedly. This year, I want that hill to respect ME! Okay, off to bed now. I'm getting delirious....

Being a Tortoise

2010-04-09T19:53:00.000-04:00

Being a tortoise isn't easy. But through consistency, determination and commitment, I keep getting up and out on the street to run, bike and to the pool to swim. Some days are tougher than others. Some days I have to question my level of sanity. However, the results are the same. I say out loud: I'M COMMITTED! And that is all that it takes to get me going.

I have a plan that I think I will stick with. I have to prepare for 2 5K's that are coming up in 2 and 3 weeks. I have to build my endurance to the point of not stopping while running. I may not do the Kinetic Sprint Triathlon on May 9th that I was going to use as my "test race", unless this instructor can get me out into Lake Reston prior to experience what it is like to swim in open water. I'm cool with skipping that race, if I need to. I will have plenty of opportunities to swim in a lake/river before the big race on June 20th.

The swimming is coming along nicely. I have great technique, I'm working on learning more and building endurance. I have full confidence that I will be able to complete the swim leg of my race.Cycling is not a challenge for me. I still just need to get an idea of how fast I should be going while training. I know that a cadence of at least 90-95 is good for race day, but am I supposed to be training at that cadence?? That's fast and super hard to do, but I have time to build up to it and get comfy there if I learn that I should be going that fast now.

I have to remind myself that the tortoise gets to the finish line. She gets there and gets there slllooowwwlllly, but she gets there. And that's all that matters. Finishing. Finishing is my goal.

The Tortoise and the Hare is a fable attributed to Aesop. The story concerns a hare who ridicules a slow-moving tortoise. In response, the tortoise challenges his swift mocker to a race. The hare soon leaves the tortoise far behind and, confident of winning, he decides to take a nap midway through the course. When he awakes, however, he finds that his competitor, crawling slowly but steadily, has already won the race.

Building endurance

2010-04-01T00:05:00.000-04:00

For the person who likes to make a plan and make it happen, building endurance can be a bit of a slower pace than desired. I know that I signed up for a 20 week training program and that the key was to be consistent and work out 6 days/week, but I feel like I could be doing so much more! I have learned that would be counterproductive, so I have slacked off and tried to stick with the training plan. However, now instead of feeling lazy, I feel kind of bored. I guess it's just the thought of training for an event with 3 sports. In my mind, I need to be training hard and all the time. The truth is, when building endurance, you build it slowly... When I think about it, it does make a whole lot of sense. Last week I was freaking out about not running more and all that, but then I realized that I can't be pounding my body around like that every other day for 20 weeks and then be ready to compete. I have swallowed the chill pill and am sticking to the program. I will just try to make the best out of the trainings that I do have and maybe only extend them for another 15-30 minutes, if I can.

So far this week:

Monday: PLAN: Bike 1 hr ACTUAL: Bike 1 hr + 30 min swim class

Tuesday: PLAN:Swim 30 ACTUAL: 60 min swim lesson

Wednesday: PLAN: Bike 45 min ACTUAL: run 45 min (3mi) + 30 min swim class

Feeling kinda lazy

2010-03-28T17:00:00.001-04:00

I have been asked questions by friends that have suggested that perhaps I am over training. I gave it some thought and decided to stick to the training plan, although I know I am not athletically adept as my new Triathlete counterparts. I took my rest day on Friday as planned, ran 3.1 miles on Saturday and nothing so far today. After reading that a lot of my New Triathlete Program club members did the Duathlon on Hains Point today which was:

Duathlon - March 28th

Run 3.0 miles - Bike 15.8 miles - Run 3.0 miles = Duathlon

When I first read of the event, I thought, "geez, I am not ready to do THAT". But now after reading that some other beginner Triathletes did it, I'm thinking "I better get on my shyt!!". I want to be able to do that. And since I don't have the level of fitness to do it now, then I have to step it up to get there.

So, to all of you who think that I am over doing it: I hear you. Trust me, I don't want to hurt myself either. I do take rest days and sometimes 2 rest days per week. But I have to step up my game in order to hang with these folks. They are not going to leave me in the dirt . They may beat me out of the water for the swim, but I need to be able to kick azz in the rest of the race. Especially on the bike.

I'm laying low today, as I don't feel 100%. But tomorrow? GAME ON!!

Running right on track

2010-03-26T00:36:00.001-04:00

So, just when I thought that I was behind with my running in training for my Triathlon, one of the other new Triathletes in training asked the following in our forum:

I was just looking over the newly posted training April training plan and I have a quick question about the running workouts. I noticed that for the most part we're still only doing 1 run a week (longer but still infrequent), and I'm getting nervous about the ever shorten amount of time between now and the race.

Running is my weakest sport by far and I have worked my way up to doing 15:30 min/miles in Z1-2 and I'm still only going about 2 miles at a time. I am making improvements, for sure, but I wonder if I'm starting so far behind the normal curve of running ability that I won't make enough improvements to run the race in June.

Does the training plan assume a certain base level of running ability? And if so, should I be doing something additional to help my running rather than just the increasingly longer one day a week scheduled runs?

One of the Co-leaders of our New Triathlete Training Program's reply:

First off, we're only 8 weeks into the 20 week program, so you still have plenty of time. Don't start freaking out just yet. :)

Secondly, the plan does not really assume a certain running ability to begin with. The one run a week is building up your base slowly. The cycling is also going to help cross-train you to also develop your running base.

For week 11 of the sprint training plan or week 10 of the Olympic training plan, you will begin to have 2 runs per week. These will slowly begin to ramp up in time and zone as the training plan progresses. So you will definitely begin getting more runs in soon.

I believe this is done because running has the most impact on your body and can do the most damage (unless you fall on your bike or something), so the plan is designed to help build up an athletic and cardio base (swimming, cycling and minimal running) before you really begin to ramp up the running and put a lot more physical stress on your body.

However, if you really feel running is your weakest sport, the training plan is adaptable and you can trade one of the cycling days for an additional running day. But remember to obey the 10% rule for running distances and keep the zone training for the added run equivalent to the other run that occurs in that training week.

Hopefully that helps. :)

How much is too much?

2010-03-25T22:04:00.002-04:00

I have read that one of the toughest things to do while training for a Triathlon is balancing out training for all 3 sports. At our very first training meeting they told us that it is important to:

#1. be consistent and train 6 days per week

#2. take a day to fully rest

#3. don't let it take over your life (which is easy to do)

I have definitely done all of the above and some weeks I have taken 2 days to rest.

What I have not been doing is sticking closely to the training schedule, because I feel that I actually need to do more just to able to get to where I should be at this point. For example, if I did not commit to getting into the pool for 3-5 days per week for 6 weeks, I would not be able to swim 10 laps in the pool and keep up with other beginner's in my Tri club. So, while some may think that I have been over training, I had to do what I had to do just to be able to be able to train. And now that I can swim, I still tire easily, so I can't slack off. I need to be able to swim without getting so tired and cover the distance (and maybe even a little bit more than the distance) of the race.

So, the question lies: How much is too much? I know that I probably should not be doing anything physical besides training for the Triathlon and I have decided to give up the extra stuff that I was doing to increase my endurance and get into better shape. I really don't want to risk hurting myself by over training and if I will do anything extra, then perhaps, I will spend more time on the bike as the training club leaders suggest. They really don't suggest adding more running days on, due to the extra pounding on your body. I do have some races coming up and I know that I have to get my lungs conditioned. I have only been running like 1 day a week and I need to increase that to 2-3.

Let's see how I have done so far this week:

Monday Plan: Rest Actual: 30 min swim class (this was almost like a rest day--she talked a LOT)

Tuesday Plan: Bike 45 Actual: Spin 45 + Swim 30

Wednesday: Plan: Swim 30 Actual: Bike 45 + 30 min swim class

Thursday: Plan: Bike 45 Actual: Ran 30

Friday: Plan: Swim 30 Actual: Rest

LAPS!!

2010-03-23T23:03:00.000-04:00

I went to the gym today with the plan to take a 45 minute spin class and a 30 minute swim. The swim was not supposed to be a part of my training plan today, but if I'm already at the gym, why not just hop in the pool?

Well, as I was getting dressed to swim, I thought that it would be nice to swim the distance of the race, which I think is equivalent to 16 laps. Or at least swim what Travel Diva swims (10 laps). I still have to figure out the whole laps thing. Like, is one lap considered getting from one end to the other or is a round trip consider a lap?? Any readers of this, please help me out if you know. So, as I jumped in, I thought, "what the hell, I will shoot to swim 20 laps (10 round trips) and see what I can do in 30 minutes. The primary goal was to never stop while swimming down the lane. Guess what happened yall? Come on.... GUESS!!

I DID IT!!! I FCUKING SWAM 20 LAPS TODAY!! 20 LAPS!!! Now, I did take long breaks when I reached the end and probably hung onto that wall like it was going to save my life, but I made it. And I made it TWENTY times in 30 minutes. Excuse me, but for a chick who could not swim just a few weeks ago, I think that warrants me tooting my own horn. TOOT... TOOT!...! Bowchickawowow.......

Solid as a...

2010-03-22T17:56:00.001-04:00

There is one thing that I am not, and that is easily broken. I would like to consider myself solid as a rock, but solid as a St. Joe brick seems more fitting. I am human, so I do get down and a little wimpy at times, but do not be mistaken, ya girl is SOLID.

Today starts my 8th week of training for my Triathlon. 12 weeks to go! This is how much I've trained so far:

Week 1: 3hr 40 min

Week 2: 3hr 30 min

Week 3: 3hr 15min

Week 4: 6hr 30min

Week 5:6hr 30min

Week 6: 6hr

Week 7: 5hr 15min

Most of my training has been swimming. Now I must train harder on the bike and get my running up. I want to kick ass on the bike and finish the 3 miles of running like it is a walk in the park. Running is tough for me and I know that it will be hard after running and swimming, so I want to train to run farther, so the 3 miles won't be so hard.

Here's my training schedule for (this) week 8:

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Bike 45min

Wednesday: Swim 30

Thursday: Bike 45

Friday: swim30

Saturday: Run 30

Sunday: 1hour bike + 10 min run

Now, I am a bit of an overachiever and I tend to do a little more, so I will probably do all of this, but do everything for an hour instead of just 30 or 45 minutes... and my rest day will be towards the end of the week. I'm in!! I'm SOLID and ready to take on the challenge.... LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

Maybe... maybe not?

2010-03-18T00:10:00.000-04:00

I knew that I was starting at a disadvantage because of my lack of swimming abilities. However, what motivated me to even start this journey was the story of a lady who learned to swim in 12 weeks and completed her first Triathlon. I truly believe that I can do anything that I want if I put the work in. There is no doubt in my mind about that. I have been in the pool 3-5 days a week for the last 6 weeks and have made major strides, considering I started at zero. I can now make it across a 25 meter pool without stopping and with a quick break I can swim a 50. I am now learning different strokes and must learn to tread water, but I feel like I still have time. This week, I am taking a little bit of a break, but I will jump right back into it next week. I will continue to train for this Triathlon, but after someone reminded me today of how people drown doing Triathlons and I have spent the last hour reading article after article after article on drowning deaths during Triathlons, I have come to a decision. I will continue to train and work on increasing my swimming ability. I will do as many open water swim clinics as possible to gain the experience of swimming in lakes and rivers prior to the race, but I will make my decision on whether or not I will race closer to the date. Perhaps my test race on May 9th should be wiped off the calendar and I should just train for the June 20th race, which I still have 13 weeks to train for. I want to be a Triathlete, don't get me wrong. But do I want to die trying to to obtain that goal? I don't know if I want to go out like that. The puzzling thing is that so many of the drowning deaths were with seasoned swimmers and not amateurs, but still. All I said to the person was "Don't discourage me". Perhaps he succeeded? Maybe the person who gave warning today was saving me from myself. Maybe? Maybe not? The decision will be made closer to race day. For now, I will still TRI to be a Triathlete, so I am still Tri Becca. At least for now....

14 miles and a fall standing still...

2010-03-16T21:48:00.000-04:00

So, I ventured out today and went over to Neisha's to join her for a bike ride. Her place is 3.1 miles from mine. I was a nervous wreck about venturing out, but I just took my time and enjoyed the ride. I was surprised at how hilly the roads were in some spots. I completely enjoyed the beautiful day and could have been content with turning around and coming back home once I made it to my destination. This was only my 2nd time riding my new fancy bike and just like the last time, I rode with no falls, until...... I got to my destination. WHAT IS THAT ABOUT??? I was so proud that I made it to my destination, but I was unsure if I should turn right or left at her street. I started to reach for my directions in my pocket (with one foot on the ground and completely stopped, mind you) and then my cell phone started to ring and I got all crazy thinking, "I wonder if she can see me and see that I MADE IT. I know she lives close to the corner!". I got my cell phone and before I could say hello, I went crashing to the ground with my left foot still attached to that dang pedal! How can I fall standing still, AGAIN? *sigh*...

The plan was to ride out to Sligo Creek Trail. It took 2 miles to get there and then the confusion started... we had to keep stopping and waiting for traffic and figure out which was the trail was continuing and uugghh.... After 4 miles, we decided to turn back. In total, we rode 8 miles together and round trip I covered 14 miles. The ride from her house to mine was TOUGH. I didn't remember all of those hills man. The roads in DC are hard to ride a bike on. I had to stop twice and pretend to read my directions again and drink out of an empty water bottle to hide the fact that I was only stooping because I was tired. I am always encouraged by the folks walking down the street and in cars. They say the most encouraging things. This cop was trying to get me to get going again once he noticed that my water bottle was empty. He told me, "girl I should give you a citation for pretending to be drinking something out of that empty bottle. You need to keep pedaling baby, these roads can't beat you. You GOT that hill!"

Now I have to rest these legs and try to run tomorrow... The goal is to run as much of 3 miles as I can. That's the goal.... we'll see how I do.

Venturing out.....

2010-03-16T14:00:00.000-04:00

I am about to take my first bike ride through the city to a friend's house before we head out to the Sligo Creek Trail. I am SO..... NERVOUS, but I have to work up the nerve to do this one day! And today is the day. Here's my route in case yall don't hear from me later....

Total distance: 3.1 miles

Time estimate: 19 to 25 mins.

Elevation gain: 212 feet
You've selected the most direct route. Ride the City makes no attempt to steer you toward safer streets with this option. Please ride with care.

1) Ride east on Harvard St NW (about 0.1 miles)

2) Left on Warder St NW (about 0.1 miles)

3) Continue on Warder St NW (about 0.5 miles)

4) Continue on 7th St NW (about 0.1 miles)

5) Left on Randolph St NW (about 495 feet)

6) Right on 8th St NW (about 0.4 miles)

7) Right on Kansas Ave NW (about 0.1 miles)

8) Left on Sherman Cir NW (about 0.1 miles)

9) Right on Kansas Ave NW (about 0.4 miles)

10) Continue on Kansas Ave NW (about 0.2 miles)

11) Slight left on 3rd St NW (about 0.7 miles)

12) Right on Rittenhouse St NW (about 478 feet)

13) Hard left on N Dakota Ave NW (about 205 feet)

Survival strokes

2010-03-13T22:51:00.001-05:00

I had my private lesson today and we worked on the finishing touches in perfecting my freestyle stroke (which I think may be the same stroke as the front crawl. I need to figure that out). She asked if I wanted to learn any other strokes today and during my last session with her next week. I told her that I needed to know some survival/oh shit/I'm tired strokes while swimming in the lakes and rivers during my Triathlons. She asked if I knew how to tread water... I had to shamelessly admit that not only did I not know how to tread water, but I didn't even know what it would look like. I had to tell her that I know how to do absolutely nothing besides the freestyle stroke that I just learned. So, we decided that I must learn to side stroke, back stroke, tread water and breast stroke. I think that it's pretty imperative that I know some other things to do, just in case I need to while out there during my races.

Both my private lessons and lovely (insert sarcasm here) group lesson at American University ends next week. I believe that I will continue with another round of private lessons and a group. I signed up for a group at the eastern market pool for group lessons and have an idea of the private instructor that I will go with.

My body is tired from this killer 1 hour spin class today and 1 hour of swimming today. I will try to get out to run or ride my bike tomorrow, weather permitting, before heading to the lovely group swim class at AU. I hope I don't have to bite that instructor's head off this week...

Food diary

2010-03-13T10:16:00.000-05:00

I have written down every single thing that I have put into my mouth since February 1st and to be completely honest, I am not happy with myself. And lately with working out so much, I am SO.... hungry that I will eat just about anything! I used to keep a jar of peanut butter in the house and have 2 spoonfuls before a run sometimes, but one night (well, a couple of nights...) when I came home, I was so hungry that I finished off the dang peanut butter while I was cooking dinner!! *sigh* I guess I shouldn't purchase peanut butter anymore. I have to find something that will take care of the ravish hunger that I feel by the time I make it home from the gym. I tell ya, sometimes, I could just eat the whole darn refrigerator! I am more hungry during the day too! I guess my metabolism has really sped up!

The greatest challenge is being on the road all day long. I try to take my water in a 64oz jug with me and my snacks with me. Sometimes, my appointments and days are not conducive to eating lunch out of a lunchbox in my car and I get tired of doing that! I find myself waiting too long to eat sometimes because the choices of things to eat are poor and then I wind up getting a migraine. So what happens is, I wind up eating ANYTHING just so I don't get a headache. And the boredom... I get so tired of salads all the freaking time. That's usually the safe choice when I am out and about. Sometimes I am still hungry after eating them. Places soak their veggies in too much butter, so I stray away from ordering when I'm on the road. Sandwiches you ask? I do try those too.

I will do better starting tomorrow. I have got to figure this whole eating healthy on the road and right after work out thing out!

I must have sipped the syrup!

2010-03-12T22:16:00.002-05:00

Were you a Kool Aid kid? If so, what was your favorite flavor?? Mine was red. :)

I must have drank the Triathlon Kool Aid, because I just looked up and 2 hours of my life on this Friday night have slipped past me as I looked up YouTube videos on freestyle swimming and breathing techniques. I really think that I am on to something with this swimming thing. I feel that my decision to take both private and group lessons was a good one and the dedication to get to the pool 3-5 days a week has definitely helped. I am psyched about being able to do laps now and really believe that if I can just relax in the water and slowly exhale, then I will be able to go continuously and there will be no turning back!! My plan is to be swimming efficiently by the end of the month, so I have 2 more weeks to get this breathing thing down pat. The month of April will be all about working on swimming the required amount of laps to cover the distance of the race and perfecting my technique.

I took yesterday off to rest and today I decided to take another day to gear up for this action packed hard training weekend that I plan to have. I'm feeling rested and ready to go!! It's too bad that it is supposed to rain heavily tomorrow, because that cancels out my plans to run and/or ride my bike outside. I will get to the gym for a spin class and go to swim lessons on Saturday and run and swim on Sunday. What the heck, if the weather clears up, I may ride my bike on Sunday too!

Tricked by Travel Diva!

2010-03-10T20:52:00.000-05:00

Messing around with Travel Diva, I almost needed some assistance climbing my stairs when I got home tonight! She came over to my gym for a 45 minute spin class and we got in the pool to swim laps for 30 minutes. I told you guys on yesterday that Diva can be a bit hard core, and yep, she proved that to be true in spin class tonight.

I was spinning along, thinking I was doing something and she leans over and tells me to "STOP BOUNCING". This is after the instructor said that if you are bouncing that you need to increase your resistance. See, at the time, I didn't realize that that heffa was probably just trying to get me to increase my resistance so I couldn't walk later. I probably wasn't bouncing, but because she said that, I cranked the resistance way... up and kept pedaling.... I guess it's my little competitive edge or something, because, I can TAKE a little more extra resistance! What's a little extra resistance?? Uhn... huhn.... My legs felt it when I tried to walk up my stairs when I got home tonight. I had to hold on to rail really tightly and take it one step at a time. I mean, like, get one foot on a step, then both feet on that step... then work on getting to the next step.... that darn Travel Diva tricked me!!!!!!

I think I got her back when we got to the pool though. I was telling her that I have been instructed to freestyle swim with high elbows and encouraging her to swim back and forwards across the lane free styling and not flipping onto her back when she got tired. Yeah... I think she wore herself out, because she was trying to call it quits after just 25 minutes. I managed to talk her into swimming with me for just five more minutes and I caught her peaking at the clock every 30 seconds. She was talking about swimming with high elbows had her back hurting and her lungs were hurting, and yadda yadda yah.... Hehee.... I wonder what she will feel like tomorrow when she wakes up??

Hey Diva, if you are reading, let me know when you are ready for another workout. BRING ITTT!!!

Progress

2010-03-09T22:51:00.000-05:00

I probably smiled and giggled to myself at least 10 times today with thoughts of how I swam the entire length of the pool several times last night. I am ESTATIC at the progress that I have made so far in the pool. I know that I have a long way to go, but I love to celebrate small successes along the way, because that keeps me continually feeling good about the goal that I am working toward. I'm sure to some, it may be a small feat to swim a 25, but to me? It's the world; a great accomplishment. And to be completely honest, that is all that matters to me. How I feel about what I have done, no matter how minuscule it may seem to others, makes me a happier and more committed "wanna be Triathlete". So, with giggles and smiles, I just have to type again: I SWAM ACROSS THE POOL WITHOUT STOPPING MULTIPLE TIMES! The trick is to do it again on tomorrow and not get so winded while doing so.

Today I ran/walked 3 miles with Adrienne. I like going out with her, because she has a "can't stop won't stop" attitude. I discovered that I can only really run about 1 to 1.5 miles straight without having to take a break. I don't think that is too bad after starting to run not long after recovering from a bad case of double pneumonia like a had. I know that the only way to build my lung capacity up again is to work my lungs.

The plan was to go to the pool today after the run for 30 minutes, but I was feeling quite fatigued. After swimming for an hour on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, I thought that my body could use a little break. Plus, the plan for tomorrow is to Spin and Swim with Travel Diva and I could probably stand to rest up before having to hang with that chic (she is a little hard core)! This is supposed to be an easy week on my 20 week Triathlon NTP training schedule, but I really don't feel like I can slack off (although I do need to give my body a chance to recover). ...Off to get cleaned up and get some sleep for a long work day and a hard work out on tomorrow!

Baby steps

2010-03-08T22:17:00.000-05:00

I met up with Neisha at the Takoma Park pool today. We are both learning to swim and seem to have an issue with breathing, so we got together to help each other out. See, the thing is, we have both gotten a lot of instruction and know what we are supposed to be doing, so we were able to critique each other and try some different things to help each other. We identified our problem with getting tired and having to stop as breathing out too forcefully under water and not getting enough air in as a result of that. In addition, we are both kicking way too much (Trudy told me this last week) and we are wearing ourselves out.

I did have make a MAJOR improvement tonight by swimming the entire length of the pool. DID YOU HEAR/READ THAT?? I SWAM THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE POOL and I did it multiple times!! I wish I had counted how many times, but I was too out of breath to even think about keeping track. At one point, Neisha and her friend timed me and it took me 34 seconds to swim 25 meters. At least I was consistent, as it took the same amount of time to swim back across the 25 meter pool (after catching my breath). Although I was out of breath each time I finished swimming a 25, I did it. And it did it over and over!! I am SO proud of myself! Neisha and I along with another wanna be Triathlete committed to meeting at Takoma's pool every Monday evening and we vow to all be Triathletes this year.

Today I took baby steps. Soon I will be swimming laps. Soon and very soon.

Tuesday: Run with Adrienne and swim

Wednesday: Spin and swim with Travel Diva

Thursday: REST

Stopping

2010-03-07T21:54:00.000-05:00

This was the most beautiful weekend in DC!! I made sure that I got outside for a run near the monuments with Adrienne. It was the perfect day to run minus the exception that I did not intake enough food prior and I had just swam for 1 hour, so my body was TIRED. We still covered the distance and went 3 miles, as planned, but we had to walk more than run back to the starting point. I was simply exhausted! Adrienne has skied for 4 hours that morning, so I don't think that she minded us walking back. She was the perfect running mate and didn't make me feel like I screwed up her run or gave me a hard time about stopping our run short. At least our walk back was a power walk.

Now stopping while swimming?? That's a different story altogether. On Saturday, I got to the pool to practice for 30 minutes before my private lesson, since it had been a few days since I was in the pool. My instructor took me 10 minutes early, so I ended up with 40 minutes of instruction, which was great. She is patient and takes the time to explain why she is telling me to do things. I have some techniques to practice this week and I left feeling pretty positive. Today was the group lesson at American University. There has apparently been some sort of shake up and we didn't have our usual coach today. This coach helps to run the Masters Program and is kinda hard core. We worked on drills and at the end we did some pace swimming. The first lap was good, because it was slow at our comfortable pace. I took my time, relaxed and breathed and made it across the pool without stopping ( I was so proud!!!). However, the pressure to get back and the rest of the increased timed drills didn't go so well. When I was forced to go fast my breathing got all screwed up and I had to keep stopping to breathe and get it together.

After the last timed drill, the instructor told me, "YOU CAN'T KEEP STOPPING. One day you will be in a river and you won't be able to feel the bottom , so you won't be able to stop". Now, those that know me and know how HARD and MUCH I have been practicing, can correctly guess that the following interchange was less than positive... My response? " I don't WANT to keep stopping, but when I'm forced to go fast, I get all twisted up with my breathing and so I have to stop to get it together". Her reply: Well, you have to practice at the pool bobbing your head up and down out of the water and practice breathing". That's when I lost it... I told her, "I practice. I am at the pool FIVE DAYS a week. I just started learning to swim 1 month ago. I'm sure all of these people didn't learn how to breathe and freestyle with perfect form in 1 month. I'm working on it, but if I don't have my breathing down just yet, swimming for time is not where I am, but I do practice!!!". I was a little more than perturbed. That's why I joined a beginners group, but these folks are not beginners. I did learn that some of these folks have taken this same class before. Let's just say, that I won't be taking her class again.

"Is the bike okay?"

2010-03-07T15:50:00.000-05:00

Today the DC Tri Club NTP (New Triathlon Program) group got together for a bike ride at Hains Point. This was my first time taking my bike outside since purchasing it a week ago. As soon as I worked up the nerve to get going, it wasn't before long that I was screaming, "I'M RIDING A BIKE!!!!!!". I am sure that others within listening distance must have thought that I was 5 years old all over again, but this was a huge accomplishment. I had not been on a bike in over 20 years and this one was expensive (so I didn't want to crash and hurt the bike) and it has clipless pedals, which I had not previously used.

In total I rode for 9.6 miles and didn't fall not once.... until I got to my car. I was feeling all proud of myself for doing so well with my clipless pedals the first time and had made it back to my car with no falls. I unclipped my right foot, but for some reason, my brain told me to lean to the left, which was still clipped in and WIPE OUT..... There were 2 guys in the parking lot at the time and they both asked, "is the bike okay?!".

Energized!

2010-03-06T00:17:00.003-05:00

I am energized by this movement that I have seemed to create! I didn't even mean to influence or inspire anyone when I started. Travel Diva signed up for an indoor Triathlon at her gym today and even though she speaks as though she despises getting into the pool except to help me, she swam laps today. LAPS!! And she timed herself! I think that sounds like a girl who is inspired and competitive. What do you guys think?? And Robin also signed up for a mini Tri, Dawn has committed to doing a Tri with me this summer, Gladys and Pier are both training to run their first race this year and I think that I am the common denominator. That's pretty darn cool if you ask me.

On top of all that I had someone write to me for my opinion on a swimming product that I mentioned and someone else asked if I wanted this blog to be featured on the official new Washington,DC Triathlon facebook page. These are all big things for me. Big things that have energized me. I was frustrated with my swimming the other day, or lack thereof, and flirted with the idea of quitting. No sooner than I posted, I received a call from Dawn and the calls kept coming. Calls to give me more tips and most commonly the suggestion was to just take a break.Well, I purposefully took a break for one day and then for 2 more days, and now I am feeling like a bum about it. I am fully rested, not frustrated anymore and ready to implement all of the changes and techniques.

Saturday: 30 minute swim lesson, 30 minute swim practice and 3 mile run with Adrienne on the National mall.

Sunday: bike ride with the DC Tri Club NTP (New Triathlon Program) group and a group swim lesson at American University.

I plan to write with full details of my great time in the pool. I'm trying to speak it into existence here and stay energized. WHOOSSSAAAA......

Randoms of a wanna be Triathlete

2010-03-04T23:35:00.001-05:00

My breakthrough on yesterday came in the form of a break. I decided to attend a bike maintenance class and actually realized that I should only bike ride with men who will change my tires if I get a flat, because that junk is hard and will damage a fresh manicure...

I am SO excited about riding my new bike on Sunday! I'm just a little nervous about the clip on pedals...

I didn't swim for 2 days and will be tired as hell by the time I can even think of stepping into a gym tomorrow...

I have the BEST friends and supporters of my journey to become a Triathlete. If some of them didn't write and call me on yesterday and today, I probably would have quit...

I can't wait to go running on the National Mall with Adrienne on Saturday afternoon. Running again is such an accomplishment for me after everything that I've been through...

I wish the people who posted comments anonymously on this blog would let me know who they are. Comments really do keep me going and I want to know who's talking to me...

I can see some definition in my legs from spinning class!

I had to tighten my heart rate monitor strap. Could I possibly have lost an inch or two??

I don't have time to get my breathing down pat before my next swimming lessons. That unnerves me. So, I will HAVE to get to the gym tomorrow night, which sucks after being on the road for 6 hours and getting up at 5am!

I think that Travel Diva will be a Triathlete this year too! I saw the desire in her eyes today! I even told her that I would train with her at the pool. How funny is that??

I need a break through!

2010-03-03T15:18:00.002-05:00

I am starting to want to pull out my hair out in frustration with myself. I know what the issue is and I am trying to resolve it and I haven't yet. Everyday I realize more and more what the problems are and it seems like I am constantly trying to fix myself instead of getting to the point where I am perfecting something. I need to be at the point where I am perfecting something!! Last night, I realized that not only am I not breathing like several people have pointed out to me, but I am completely FREAKING OUT. I am now starting to breathe out under water. I tried breathing out through my nose like Travel Diva and my private swim instructor taught me and breathing out through my mouth like the group swim instructor and Trudy taught me. I was committed last night to just breathe out under water. Not swim... just breathe. I realized that I am BLOWING out all my air quickly and very hard and so when I raise my head for air, I just can't get enough, because I have maxed out the amount of air that I am blowing out. I want to swim slow and suave like some of those other chics do in the pool!

I have GOT to relax! Should I take in some yoga classes? Oh where oh where would I find the time? This Triathlon stuff has taken over my life! I am not going to quit, although I sure feel like it today. I am committed today to going to the gym and running for 30minutes on the treadmill (it's cold, windy and rainy and I cancelled my outdoor run with Adrienne) and I will spend 30 minutes in the pool trying to make it across the pool swimming in a very slow breathing, relaxed way and not stopping. That's the goal for today. I hope to reach the goal. Although, quitting seems a lot less painful than pulling my hair out and I am on the brink of doing so. Please, please, PLEASE let me have a break through today. PLEASE!!!!

Blowing bubbles

2010-03-02T01:48:00.001-05:00

Excuse my language, but why ain't nobody tell me???? My friend Trudy spent some time at the pool with me today and she helped me get over a major hurdle. She told me that she breathes out her mouth the whole time and SHE NEVER HOLDS HER BREATH WHILE SWIMMING! I thought I had to hold my breath! I know that Travel Diva and my swim instructor told me to blow bubbles out my nose, but that ain't easy for everybody, hell... So, last night when the instructor for the group lesson at American University noticed that my technique was good, but I was swimming all stiff and stuff and she noticed it was because I wasn't breathing, she told me to breathe out my mouth under the water. I thought she was trying to KILL me. I was like, REALLY??? She must have thought I was crazy. Then, Trudy confirmed tonight. Trudy swims like Travel Diva, all smooth and easy and stuff. I guess it's because them heffas be breathing the whole time and I am trying to hold my breath and breathe out my nose and I am a better mouth breather under the water.

So, now that I know that I have to constant breathe OUT under the water and raise my head out of the water to take a breath IN. I have to practice that. Trudy gave me some good techniques to practice. I have lots to practice before I join Travel Diva at her fabulous gym again on Thursday. I wanna make her proud of me when we get together. I want to be able to swim some laps together on Thursday and have all this other simple stuff down.

So, if you're reading, Travel Diva, eat your Wheaties and be ready to swim some laps on Thursday baby, because I am going to be a bubble blowing, breathing under water, swimming sista come Thursday... well, I hope to be. I need prayer yall.

Orbea owner

2010-02-28T23:23:00.001-05:00

I am the proud owner of an all carbon women specific Orbea road bike with Ultegra and 105 components! After test riding bikes for weeks and spending hours on the computer researching, when I got on this bike, I was screaming YES, THIS IS IT before I could get too far. When I returned to the store with the bike, the look on my face told everyone in the store that this was my bike! I still had to go back to another bike store and spend quite a few more hours on the computer before handing over the card today, but boy, am I happy!

Who knew that bikes did not come with pedals??? I sure didn't!! Plus you need special shoes to be able to use the special pedals. I decided to go with the road shoe with pedals that I have to clip in to, so there is a big learning curve there. I have plenty of accessories to get and learn how to change a flat tire before heading out on the road.

Running again!

2010-02-28T12:53:00.002-05:00

I was really timid about starting to run again. My pulmonologist told me in mid January that I still had one spot on my lung that could be a little bit of pneumonia or could be a spot that just had not cleared up from my bout with pneumonia. He asked that I get another x ray in another month. So, I was scared to run because in my mind there was a possibility that I still had a touch of pneumonia and I didn't want to push myself. I didn't admit this to anyone and just kept it moving. My focus was primarily on spinning and swimming and walking/jogging a little on the treadmill due to the weather and walking outside. I went back to see him on Thursday and the spot on my lung is gone. So today, I ran. Did you hear that?? TODAY I RAN!!! Well... I jogged, but we won't get all technical about it.

My friend Adrienne committed to running the GW Classic with me on April 25th and to start training with me at least once per week for the next 8 weeks. Isn't it funny how I am recruiting all of my friends to train with me?? I wonder if they realize what I'm doing?? I drove out to her house and showed up bright and early at 8am even though flurries were falling. I pretended that I didn't see the flurries when she first brought them up, in fear that she would say, "oh hellz no, I ain't running in the snow!". She was a trooper about it and put on her skiing gear and we headed out. We tried to go to this cool park in Rockville but the paths were snow covered, so we ran in her neighborhood. We covered 2 miles. Mostly running. We did walk a bit, but I feel like we ran more than we walked. The goal is to eventually cover the distance without walking. The total distance that we will cover without stopping one day is 3 miles. THANKS ADRIENNE FOR RUNNING WITH ME!! YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!

Breathing!

2010-02-25T22:24:00.001-05:00

The Travel Diva and I hit up her fabulous gym today for a run on the treadmill and a splash in the pool. She offered to help out a wanna be Triathlete that can't swim and of course I took her up on her offer! She has the patience of Jesus! We started out by trying to get me to relax in the water and not tense up like somebody that's about to get tasered. Once again I freaked out while on my back, but I committed to practicing the backstroke between now and our next meet up. We moved it over to the lap pool and tried to get me to perfect turning and breathing while I freestyled. She said that my technique was good and we started to work on me not stopping so quickly. I kept stopping and panting and I didn't know why, until we were about to get out of the pool. I realized that when I come up for air, instead of taking a big deep breath in, I was breathing out when I lifted my head out of the water. Therefore, I was not taking any air IN and getting tired and having to stop. So now that we have identified what the problem is, I will be more mindful to take in a big gulp of air when I take my head out of the water. Sounds like common sense, huh? Well, it wasn't for me.... Before long, I will be swimming the entire length of the pool. And next? I will be swimming laps baby! Yes, ME swimming laps! You... betcha!!!! Thanks Travel Diva!! You are EVERYTHING!!!!

Pain in the butt

2010-02-24T21:47:00.001-05:00

I got back to spinning class after a week off. I liked the instructor and when she started the music, I had to fight back my smile! I actually missed spinning! I even got to class 15 minutes early so that I could get in a full 60 minutes of spinning. I was feeling good until.... we had to stand. Standing made me realize that my butt went numb even though I had on bike shorts. Maybe I have too much " junk in my trunk" or something, because, my butt was hurting... I stuck in out and was glad that she had us standing a lot to give my butt a break. Sore butt and all, I can truly say that I missed spinning!! I burned over 800 calories in 1 hour! I may go back in the morning....

Getting back on the horse

2010-02-23T20:57:00.000-05:00

I took a few days off from swimming while I traveled. The plan was to get back on the horse on Monday. I had several awesome friends write to me with words of encouragement and I truly appreciate them for doing so. I even had 2 fabulous friends offer to spend some time with me at the pool! I will surely take them up on the offer.

I showed up to the pool at American University a little early on yesterday to give my self plenty of time to visualize myself swimming and doing all of the techniques that I have been taught. I saw one of the swim coaches who told me the strokes they worked on during Sunday's class in my absence. My total time in the pool was 45 minutes and while I can't say that I left being a pro, I can say that I am much better than I was when I showed up. I didn't swallow too much water last night and still don't feel totally comfy on my back, by I am better. I will go back tomorrow and will leave being able to say that I am even better than yesterday.

The plan was to swim Monday- Thursday, but I didn't make it today. Today was the perfect example of why I should get to bed at night, get plenty of rest and get most of my training done in the mornings. I did not work out today at all. Getting up and getting to the gym at opening time on tomorrow may be the best plan of action for tomorrow. We'll see how that works out...

I just don't get it

2010-02-17T22:16:00.001-05:00

I just don't get it. Kids can do it, the mentally challenged can do it, hell there are even some 70+ year olds at the dang pool doing it, but I JUST DON"T GET IT!! This is so frustrating to me. I figured that I would sign up for some private lessons, join a swim group, do what I am told, practice and whala.... I would catch on and be swimming in no time. NOT. I see what they are doing. I understand what they are telling me to do. However, when it's my time to try it, I freak out because I'm on my back or I can't breathe or I just don't do things in the proper order and wind up with lungs full of water. *sigh* The other night I felt like I had a small pool in my belly with the amount of water I swallowed.

I just don't get it. And it's frustrating. And it's making me re-think this whole personal challenge that I have set for myself. But I can't quit just yet. I will go to practice in the morning, take a few days off while traveling and will re-commit to it. I will practice daily and go to AU to get some help. If I am not comfortable by my next group meet, then I may have to re-think this thing for real. I want to get it. I truly do. I WANT TO GET IT!!!!!!!!!

?

2010-02-16T16:44:00.000-05:00

Last night I went to the pool at American Universiy to practice swimming. I went there instead of my gym, because there were swim coaches there that could give me some tips. I really don't know why I am not comfortable on my back in the water. Perhaps it's a control issue? Maybe it's because I can't see where I'm going?? I'm not sure what it is. The coach that was there, Dennis, gave me some tips to help me to relax more and let the water support me. It looks so easy and I really want to do it so badly, however I didn't leave as comfortable as I would have liked to be. I will go back again tonight to practice and hope to leave being comfortable on my back and able to do some of the fancy stuff that the rest of the group learned to do on Sunday. I hope to perfect what they learned on tomorrow and practice what my private coach taught me too.

I am going out of town on Thursday and not returning until Sunday, so I probably won't get any swimming in while away. I have to be honest and say that this is really making me wonder about my ability to be able to complete the race if it's tough for me to get the basics. Most people are trying to perfect their swim and I am in the infantile stages. I have 12 weeks until the first race and 18 weeks until the next one. I am hoping to get comfortable in the water, and learn to swim soon so I can master my freestyle stroke and be able to complete my races.

Off to buy some new running shoes and another bathing suit. The goal is to run for 30 minutes and then head to swim practice. Wish me luck....

You don't have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great. -Lee J. Colan

On my back

2010-02-14T21:46:00.000-05:00

Today I started the American University's Masters Swim program for Triathletes and joined the beginners group. The other members of the group are NOT what I would consider beginners. I feel that some of them should have been in the intermediate group. I learned from my last swim instructor that I am not comfortable on my back while swimming or trying to float. Guess where we stated out today? You betcha... on our backs! She first asked us to swim the length of the 25m pool and back so she could see what she was working with. I did make it down and back with a few breaks. However, when it was time to get on our backs, baaaby, I PANICKED. The instructor worked with me through it and gave me instructions while the class moved on to turning and doing all sorts of other fancy stuff. The entie 90 minute class, I worked on swimming on my back and not sinking...

I spoke with the folks who run the program. They encouraged me to come to the daily swim practices and promised to help get me up to speed. Appartently, some of the people in our beginner's class are doing the beginner's for a secon time. Unfortunately, I won't be there next weekend, but they said that if I come to practice they would get me up to speed. This is really not a good time for me to take a weekend trip, as I will miss a gear clinic with my club too. But, I have committed and spend my hard earned cash on this plane ticket, so I'm going. I can really see how this sport can consume all of your time. I really want to be good and to get there I need to practice. I hope that Dawn and I can get in some runs and maybe even a spin class while hanging out this weekend.

Learning to breathe

2010-02-13T19:46:00.001-05:00

Today I got back in the water after a week's break due to this chemical dermititis situation that I had. When I think about it, I wonder if it was really the chlorine that did my skin in or if it was that product that I left on my face a little longer than usual after swimming the last time. My face was tight and itchy, so I thought leaving this stuff on would help and that's when the problem started. Anywhoo.. my face has peeled and looks much better (even smoother than before), so I headed back to swimming lessons today.

I really didn't perfect what my swim instructor taught me the last time and needed some more help with technique. I really have it now and she taught me some new techniques today. I am learning to breathe while swimming. I read that there is a cadence while swimming too and you should breathe like every 2 or 3 strokes, but I just didn't understand how. Well today, she taught me the techniques I practiced them. Once I get this down, I will be able to swim for longer periods of time and I can't wait.

American University has a 6 week Masters Swimming program for beginners that I will be starting tomorrow. I'm thinking that swiming with this group, my private instructor and praticing several times a week will get me to average swimmers status. Then there will be 6 weeks left after the Masters Swimming program and these private lessons for another run with a private instructor to fine tune my skills before my first Triathlon on May 9th.

Bike buying clinic

2010-02-13T14:57:00.000-05:00

With the excepton of this one day mast May, I had not been on a bike since I was a little girl. It's true that you never forget how to ride, but I was a little wobbly at first.

I went to Conte's for a bike buying clinic this morning with my Tri DC NTP group. It was quite the learning experience. At first I just thought that I would just borrow my friend Pier's bike to train and compete in my Triathlons, but then I thought it would be cool to own my own bike. I had started to research bikes lately, and baaaby there is more than I ever thought there would be to buying a bike. And they are so... expensive. The bike that I think I want (today) is over $2K. I took it and another bike for a test ride and I thought this one particular bike fitted me perfectly. It was a woman specific carbon bike with 105 componets by Specialized and it was super light weight.

I have enough information to now go into a couple of other stores and look around online. I hope to be the owner of a fancy new bike in the next few weeks. I think the one that I liked today was a bit costly, so I will try to modify my taste and be more economical about this whole thing.

I think Tri Unify is having a bike clinic soon. If not, I will go over to Arrow bikes and talk to those folks and see what they have. One of my customers told me to look at the Trek brand too. Decisions... decisions...

I'm off to a swim lesson now. Toodles....

Heart Rate Monitor

2010-02-12T00:16:00.001-05:00

I am in love with my Heart Rate Monitor (HRM)! I think I am turning into a techy/geeky chic because I can't wait to get this other one that measures distance too! I put on my HRM today before I headed out for another day of trekking through the snow. I went to my friend Jolie's house and walked her mommy to the store and back and then I walked to the gym. By the time I got to the gym, I noticed that I had burned almost 900 calories already, so I was syked!!That gym is always packed! Man, folks in Columbia Heights believe in getting their work out in! I'm usually opposed to standing in lines, but no one was in front of me, so I waited for a treadmill. The goal was to run 30 minutes. I ended up walking/running it, as I was getting shin splints and had to take little breaks (and breathing breaks too, if I'm totally honest). It took me 30 minutes to cover 2 miles, but I did it. When I got off, I realized that I still had a little more in me, so I decided to do 30 more minutes of cardio. There was a longer line for treadmills, so I jumped on an elliptical machine.

I walked home, dug my car out for 1 1/2 hours and when I got inside, my HRM showed that I had burned 3,285 calories for the day!! See, with my HRM giving me that much feedback, it encourages me to be more active. I will try to continue to walk to the gym. If I can do it when there is snow on the ground and I can't drive, then I can do it at any other time. My HRM has encouraged me to live a more healthy lifestyle. Yes, it's confirmed, I love my HRM. He's my new boo. What shall I name him? How about Timex?

Blame it on the Blizzard of 2010

2010-02-10T21:54:00.001-05:00

I had been doing pretty good with keeping up with my workouts, despite the weather until today. What we had this past weekend was called a blizzard, but I still managed to get out and walk 6 blocks to the gym in it. Today? There was NO walking in that madness. We had 43mph winds and after my experience of snow blowing into my eyes last night, I wasn't about to try to walk anywhere today. Residents were highly encouraged to stay indoors, as the visibility was poor and to get anywhere, it is almost a must to walk in the streets, which would be extremely dangerous with motorists on the road. So, long story short, due to the blizzard today, I did not get to the gym to run today. I planned to play with my Nintendo Wii Fit Plus, but the desire to sleep, catch up with friends by phone and watch Lifetime has taken precedence. So, since I am now tied up into another Lifetime movie and simply don't feel like doing anything other than relax, I will not do anything to train today. Therefore, my reason/excuse for not training today is due to the blizzard of 2010. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Tomorrow's plan: see yesterday's post

My new favorite thing

2010-02-09T21:21:00.000-05:00

I have determined that spinning is for me. It's my new favorite thing! I was told by Gladys that it would be good to help build by endurance for cycling outdoors and Lloyd mentioned that he took spinning classes a lot when he first started doing Triathlons. I went to the gym today with the plan to bike for 30 minutes and jog for 30 minutes. Maybe it was because the federal government was off today, but the gym was PACKED. Like, every machine was taken, except this fancy stationary bike. I got on and immediately fell in love with this machine. I was able to pick my courses (I rode along a cliff by the ocean) and how long I wanted to ride for (mileage wise). It ROCKED. I wound up staying on it for 1 hour and 5 minutes. The best thing was that I knew all about cadence. I tried to stick to 90 rpms, but that was tough! I now have a feeling for how fast I need to go on the bike to be competitive. Now, I just need to learn about how to select proper gears and tie it all together. I won't be learning about gears again tonight, as my Merlot is starting to kick in again....

Tomorrow's plan: run 30 minutes (maybe spinning again too!)

Cycling Cadence

2010-02-08T21:41:00.001-05:00

Last week I wondered how fast I should be going on the bike. Well, today in spinning class, the instructor keep saying "increase your cadence" and I had no idea what he meant. I recalled that Travel Diva mentioned that running with a cadence helped her get back into the sport, but on a bike? I was completely lost. I just kept pedaling away and committed to looking it up when I got home.

Apparently, cadence is how fast you are pedaling and is measured in rpms (revolutions per minute). When racing, a good cadence to keep is 90 rpms. What gear your bike is in factors into this somehow. My Merlot is kicking in, so that's all I learned today.

In my very short spinning experience (minus the fact that I don't have padded shorts yet to avoid a sore butt), spinning is the TRUTH. It's a good workout, you burn lots of calories and it seems to be just what I need to do to build my base. See, with the exception of that day in May when I sprained my ankle, I haven't been on a bike in like, 20 years! So, before I go out and purchase a bike (I am attending 2 bike clinics this week to learn more about purchasing a bike, weather permitting) and get outside, at least I will know how hard I should push myself by taking these spinning classes. Thanks to Gladys, Adrienne and Fergie, I worked up the nerve to start spinning classes, and boy am I sure glad I did! It's all... coming together (with a long way to go). More tomorrow....

Snow workout?

2010-02-07T12:25:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if I am wimping out or not, but I burned 724 today walking to 2 different ATMs (the first one wasn't working) to get cash to pay the guy who dug my car out. Walking in snow that is knee deep and in some places thigh deep is a workout! Yeah... yeah... I know it's not a 30 minute run and a 30 min swim (or kicks like I planned to do, since I have this Chemical Dermatitis thing going on). Isn't burning 724 calories workout enough for one day? Plus, I plan to walk to and from the metro (14 blocks roundtrip) later when I go to watch the Superbowl. I think that is enough. Perhaps I will double up on tomorrow and do a spin class and then run?

WHO DAT?!?

Forehead like braille: Chlorine rash (Chemical dermatitis)

2010-02-07T10:10:00.001-05:00

After swimming on Thursday, my face was unusually tight and itchy. I can home and washed it with my usual stuff and since then, my forehead has turned into a braille like texture that's red, rash-like and hurts. It awakened me at 5:30 this morning! I did a little research and apparently, when you are submerged in water for a period of time, water removes the thin layer of surface oil of the skin that normally locks in moisture. Without that protective layer, fluid in the skin and surrounding cells evaporate rapidly, drying the skin. Lack of moisture also causes tiny fissures to develop, causing the skin to become irritated and itchy. And if you have sensitive skin like I do, this is a nightmare! Along with the moisture loss how about the chlorine? Chlorine is an irritant if you have sensitive skin.

Some call it the the swimming pool rash or Chlorine rash. This can occur the skin is exposed to excessive amounts of chlorine, which is a skin irritant. Chlorine is a necessary component in swimming pools in order to kill bacteria that can lead to skin and health problems. If the strength of the chlorine in the water is too strong or if repetitive exposure to chlorinated water occurs, a chlorine rash or chlorine itch may develop. This is a form of chemical dermatitis.

So, the best treatment or remedy is to stay away from chlorinated water for a while to let the skin recover from the chlorine exposure. But how am I going to do this when I am trying to learn to swim and get ready for my race?? I found that certain lotions can be applied to the skin prior to swimming to block the effects of chlorine on the skin. This is a useful procedure for those who need to be in swimming pools such as competitive swimmers.

I ordered a brand called DermaSwim Pro from Amazon.com this morning. I am also going to try a line of products by Dermalogica for my regular cleansing and moisture routine for awhile.

Rest day

2010-02-06T10:59:00.000-05:00

There were 2 things that they stressed to us in the informational and those were 1. Consistency is important (the training plan calls for 6 days of training per week) and 2. Rest is even more important. I see what they mean. After that 6:30am spin class and 5 prior days of trying to get my endurance up with jogging again, learning to swim and conquering my 1st spin class, baby I was wiped out. The plan was to work from home on yesterday, but I ended up taking 2 naps before the end of the work day. I am glad that today is considered a rest day, because I can sure use it.

Sunday's plan: Swim 30 minutes + run 30 minutes

Spinning away

2010-02-05T07:51:00.000-05:00

I headed back into my second spin class today determined to not leave feeling so beat up. This instructor was very helpful in setting up my bike (the right way) and even gave me some good tips. Throughout the class she kept an eye on me and motioned me to not bike with my legs gaped open and told me to relax my shoulders. Her music even rocked! I did suffer a tad bit with achy shoulders and butt, but I have a strategy to overcome those aches.

I want to know why all my friends who have taken spinning class never told me about getting padded shorts!?! That seat was killing my butt. I have to see about getting some of those in advance of the next class.

The class was 45 minutes and I burned 662 calories! I think I can get used to starting my day this way. Maybe the new goal will be to spin on M-W-F until I get my bike and then bike out doors on those days.

Garmin, Polar or Timex? How do I choose???

2010-02-04T21:32:00.002-05:00

I really would like a watch that has a heart rate monitor, records calories burned as well record distance on the bike, run and swim. I found one that I can get by Garmin that does all 3, yet the reviews are terrible for the swim capabilities. So, do I buy the one that I can use for the bike and the run and get another one for the swim?? Decisions... Decisions.... and these these are so expensive! Tonight is research night on the Polar brand and maybe I'll look up the Timex one on tomorrow. I am going to go broke messing around with all of these gadgets and lessons. But I am LOVING every minute of it! This is such a huge deal for me. I'm so excited that I got started!!

Treadmill snafu

2010-02-03T19:09:00.000-05:00

Today's plan was to run for 30 minutes. I wasn't about to risk going outside and slipping in the snow, so I brought it to the gym. After 12 1/2 minutes, I wanted to go home to my couch! I much rather run outside. My shins started hurting and I just felt like if I was going to doing all that running, I should be going somewhere! I think the only thing that kept me going was this chic that was 3 times my size that was running about 3 times faster than me on the treadmill next to me. I started to try to hang with her and go as fast as she was, but almost slid off the back of the darn thing...

I hung in there, walked a bit, stretched a bit and managed to stay on for 35 minutes total including a warm up/cool down, but it was tough. Day 3 down and 136 days to go until the big race on June 20th.

Changing my stripes

2010-02-02T22:00:00.000-05:00

I went to the pool today at my gym all proud and ready to practice my new swim techniques that I just learned on Sunday and was quickly intimidated by the other inhabitants of the pools swimming like they were natural born amphibians! (Did you know that dolphins are not amphibians? They are actually cetaceans, which are a kind of ocean dwelling mammal.)

I am determined to not only learn to swim, but to swim like the dolphins! I hope this swim instructor can help to change my stripes sooner than later, but I know that will only come with lots of practice. Maybe I will try going to practice in the mornings when the Michael Phelps wannabes are still asleep??

Spin baby spin!

2010-02-01T09:45:00.000-05:00

Well... this isn't exactly what I looked like when class was over, but inside I was like gobeccagobeccagobeccaGO! I don't think my instructor set up my bike properly so my shoulders hurt...and my butt, wrists and ankles too. But I was happy that I overcame the intimidation of the dreaded spin class! I discovered that my handlebars need to be higher so my shoulders and wrists don't hurt, my feet should not be pointed so my ankles don't hurt and I should really stand when they stand and pedal so my butt won't hurt so bad. All in all? Not so bad! I may even go back on Friday!

Long line, Brick & Lesson

2010-01-31T19:46:00.003-05:00

Today's workout went off as planned. I got to the gym at 1:30 and there was a line out of the door. It reminded me of my clubbin' days!! I did 20 minutes on the stationary bike and immediately jogged on the treadmill for 10 minutes with a 1.0 incline. That's what they call a Brick workout in the Triathlon world (bike and then run). My pace was pretty slow on the treadmill, but I didn't stop. I really have no idea how fast I should be pedaling on that bike... I gotta figure that out.

My swim lesson went pretty cool. This instructor is pretty far our in Arlington, so I was thinking about only doing one lesson with her, but she is GOOD. She started where my last instructor started and since I had that base down tight, we continued on. She showed me a cool trick to be able to swim for a longer time without having to hold my breath! I have to practice that. I like how she gets IN the water with you. My last instructor just told you what to do from the sidelines, but this chic is all up in the water with me, so it's cool. Pretty soon, I will be swimming like this chic!

Nervous

2010-01-31T09:40:00.001-05:00

I am excited/nervous about today's swim lesson! I hope I like the instructor. I'm sure that I won't like her as much as the last instructor that gave me my first 2 lessons, but I understand that his schedule can't accommodate me anymore for free lessons (what a pity).

I don't know if I am extra type A, extra nervous or what, but it appears that everyone is a bit too relaxed about how much time I have to get ready for this first Triathlon. It's May 9th and I feel like time is SHORT. The Tri Unify beginners program doesn't even start until February 15th. The assumptions are that you can run for 15 minutes, bike for 30 minutes and swim for 50 yards nonstop. They told me to not worry if I don't have the swimming down. I can do all of that (except the swimming) but it's HARD. So, I will get a jump start by starting the Tri DC plan today but amping it up due to my early race.

Today's workout plan: 20 minute bike, 10 minute treadmill and swim lesson.

What are the chances?

2010-01-30T23:13:00.001-05:00

What are the chances of me REALLY completing this thing?? I mean, can I REALLY complete a TRIATHLON?! Me?? I can barely run, I am new to swimming and I don't even own a bike yet. I really don't know where this mental strength comes from, but I really believe that I can. I believe that I can with every fiber of my being. I believe I can just because I want to and if I want anything bad enough and it's in my power to do, then I will. It's simple. I will train hard and pray hard for no injuries or illnesses. I will do my part to stay healthy and follow the advice of the pros. I can do it and I will.

So to that little voice in the back of my head that keeps asking, "what are the chances?", I tell it that I have just as strong of a chance as the next man and woman. Never mind the fact that I have a few things to work on. I know that many let some disadvantages hold them back, but not the kid! The chances are good as hell! I will be a Triathlete in 2010 and beyond!

Team Tri Becca

Filtering through the Triathlon lingo

2010-01-30T22:33:00.003-05:00

Okay, there is a lot to get up to speed on in this world of "All Things Triathlon"

First things first: A Triathlon consists of 3 legs of exercise: Swim, Bike and Run. They are always in that order. Now the things that do change are the distances.

The shortest distance Triathlon is the Sprint, then the Olympic, Half Ironman and finally the Ironman. The distances vary among each type, but not so much. Here's the general breakdown:

Sprint distance Triathlon:
.5 mile swim, 15 mile bike, 3.1 mile run

Olympic distance Triathlon:
.9 mile swim, 24 mile ride, 6.2 mile run

Half Ironman:
1.2 mile swim, 56 mile ride, 13.1 mile run

Ironman:
2.4 mile swim, 112 mile ride, and a marathon: 26.2 run

Orientation and Informational

2010-01-30T22:00:00.003-05:00

Today I attended the Orientation for the DC Tri NTP program. I was extremely excited to be among the selected for this program! I have to admit that I did get a little overwhelmed when they started talking about bikes and pedals... They might as well have been up there saying YADAYADAYADA... because that is what it sounded like to me. I have full confidence that I will get up to speed in due time, so no worries.

I left the Orientation, grabbed some lunch and coffee and headed to the Tri Unify informational. It was a more intimate group and I had a completely different experience than I did when I went to the DC Tri informational last week. I got a few looks that made me second guess myself a bit. The looks and second guessing came after revealing that I don't know how to swim or own a bike. I had to "buck" myself up a little to get through this mentally, but all will be well. I'm convinced!!

The DC Tri NTP training program starts on Monday with the goal race being June 20th. I haven't yet decided if I will do the Sprint or the Olympic distance on that date yet. I have decided that I will do my very best to follow the Olympic distance training schedule, because it would be nice to be over trained for the Sprint distance. The Tri Unify training program starts on February 15th with the goal race being May 9th. I will start tomorrow to train for both! Wish me luck....