Run/Ice Skating!

12/22/12

Well, the Myans were wrong, the world didn't end!!!! =) That means my butt has to get up and run out in the freezing cold! It was 11 degrees this morning and there was still plenty of ice and snow everywhere. Bob drove up to Champaign so we could run out at the Lake of the Woods in Mahomet. It was his first time out there, and I think he really enjoyed it. I wasn't kidding when I said there are a lot of hills!

The run began on the 3 mile bike trail, we had to skate the first 0.1 because it was PURE ice downhill, that was scary! I wanted to make sure I didn't fall or hurt myself, so I was very careful. The rest of the bike trail was off and on ice, it was more like a trail run, because I was totally focused on the ground and where my feet were in proximity of ice. After we made it through the bike trail, we ran a couple miles through the Mahomet neighborhood. We didn't really know where we were going so there were a few dead ends we just did a circle in, haha!

Bob and I got back on the bike trail at 5 miles and did the same thing back with avoiding ice and busting our butts! We finished the run with 2 miles down to the high school and through some random neighborhood. Bob was nice enough to let me try out some of these hand warmers that you put inside your gloves. They were AMAZING!!!! My hands don't really get too cold, but it was nice to be able to grip on something that was warm. =) I also carried a small water bottle to help keep me hydrated on the long run along with a few electrolyte capsules. I believe that really is helping me get through some of my long workouts, because I just sweat so much!

Well, after everything was said and done, we finished a 10.10 mile run in 1:27 minutes. I was soaked in frozen sweat, but it honestly wasn't that bad! I wore plenty of clothes and the hand warmers and water bottle saved me! I would definitely consider doing it again, just NEVER by myself. I am motivated, but I don't know that I am THAT motivated. Bob was proud of me, I was even up and awake before he called me at 7am! =) Thanks again for meeting me for a kick butt run!!!!! Now its time to relax and get a good nights rest. I am pretty sore all over from being tensing up from the cold. GOOD NIGHT!

PINK </3 COLD

Ryan and I working out!

12/17/12

Today I was feeling like a major fatty after all the delicious snacks and food from the ugly Christmas sweater party at my house on Saturday! I am so happy everyone could come and had a BLAST!!!!!!! So tonight I actually was able to convince Ryan to come workout with me at Planet Fitness! =) I told him he could even watch a movie on his new phone that he loves while he biked or did the elliptical machine. We agreed on 45 minutes of working out. I finished 7 miles on the bike and 3 miles on the dreadmill. I really appreciate him supporting me and coming to the gym, even though I know its not his favorite thing in the world! Hopefully, he had so much fun he will want to do it again soon. Working out with other people is a lot more enjoyable, especially with the one you love! <3

PINK <3 RYAN RAUCH

PS: I was accepted for the Income Development Coordinator at the American Cancer Society!!!!!!!!!!! I have been so blessed this year!!!!!!!!!  What a great way to end 2012!!!! =)

Having NO fear!

12/13/12

Tonight was a big night for me with swimming... Marvin was putting my body to the test! He showed up a little late and I told myself, I'm starting this so I can get it over with! We began the swim with a 500 warm up, Yay I made it! Then we did 2 x 250, 1 x 150 kick, 2 x 250, 1 x 150 pull, and then a 200 cool down! I completed a full 2,000!!!!!!!!! I honestly felt really great for the first time ever while swimming. I did each workout without stopping! I told Marvin, I could actually feel my body moving with the water and not struggling to fight against it. Once again, I am so thankful for Marvin's help and all the time we are able to spend together swimming. For the first time, I am feeling confident about swimming 2.4 miles!!!!!!!! =D

PINK <3 CONFIDENCE

Fiber + Running = No Bueno

12/11/12

Well, tonight was definitely the "shitty-est" (if that is a word) run EVER!!!!!!! I met with Bob this evening to get a 6 mile run in, and I even brought my new handy water belt to test out. I asked if the belt made me look stupid. Well, I guess if you have to ask, you already know the answer, HAHA! We agreed upon running out on the bike trail since it was getting really dark. As we started running, I knew I was going to have to make my usual "pit stop" at the port-a-potty... I was about 20 feet away, and unfortunate circumstances happen and I was unable to make it to the potty! Disgusting, embarassing, and humiliating. Facts are facts! I had WAYYYYY too much fiber today. Cereal, fiber/protein water, a fiber bar, and apple... BAD DECISIONS! Oh well, Bob had a great laugh, I have a hilarious story, and I ended the night having Villa Pizza with Alisha's parents and grandpa! Yumm!!! What a memorable 3 mile run!  =)

PINK </3 FIBER

12/12/12

What a cool date?? All 12s. We won't be seeing anything like that again in our lifetime. Well, after last nights unfortunate circumstance, I woke up with clean clothes thanks to Alisha's mom, Lynn. I met Bob at the Y for spinning class, which was pretty intense! There were some major hills in that workout! After the spinning class, I felt really crummy about cutting the run short with Bob so I made myself go run out in the cold for 4 miles. =)  I felt great and this week I ran 17 miles! Whoop whoop!

PINK <3 REDEMPTION

Super Swimmer!

12/10/12

Today is my only day off this week, YAY to Mondays!! Originally, Marvin and I planned on swimming at 8 am, but since he had to study for finals we pushed it to 3:30 this afternoon. We began the swim with a 350 warm up, split up into 50m. After the warm up, we discussed starting next week getting a base line for my 1000m time and working from that. I decided, okay, now is the time! I really need to quit being a baby and push it with this swimming! I thought swimming 5 - 200m would be a great way to start pushing myself. The first 3 I was over exerting and expending too much effort trying to swim fast and get it over with! LOL. Marvin explained that was not the best way to do it, unless I was an Olympic Speed swimmer. He said, "You need to swim like Alicia". That made sense to me! 

The last two 200m I decided to slow down my pace significantly and be able to complete the 200m without stopping after 50m for a couple breaths. I was able to complete the last two without feeling exhausted and gasping for air when I was finished. I felt strong and accomplished! After a few minutes of rest and chatting we decided to finish off the 75 minute workout with a 250 cool down. I did what I did during the last two and I was able to complete the cool down without stopping! I touched each wall and turned right around! I was so happy and proud! We completed 1600m tonight! My longest swim so far!

I have come such a long way with my swimming. I cannot thank Marvin enough for all of the countless hours he has spent with me in the chlorine. =) I look forward to being able to swim 2.4 miles effortlessly! He is great a great teacher and pushes me to the limit. Thanks Marvy! I am exhausted, it has been a long day off. Night night all!!

PINK <3 HARD WORK

Running in the rain!

12/9/12

I woke up around 7 am this morning to meet Michael at Meadowbrook Park for a 10 mile run. When I woke up it was chilly and rainy. Michael didn't know I'm not really a big fan of mornings, cold, and rain, but I sucked it up! =) I was in a panic for about 20 minutes because I thought I had lost my new gps watch. I was tearing apart my house hunting for it, praying I didn't wash it in my bag. Finally, I decided I would check in my car when I got to the park. Luckily it was in my trunk from my run with Bob on Tuesday.

 Before the run, I downed a whole wheat bagel with honey and a coffee goo, YUCK! I was full of energy though, which was great. Michael and I began the run with a 2 mile loop around the park. When we got back to where the car was, I took two of the electrolyte capsules and a few big gulps of water to stay hydrated for the rest of the run. I told Michael, now that I have started taking those about 30 minutes into my workouts, I am able workout without crashing. The run today and the run with Bob on Tuesday wasn't cake but I would say it was pie. =) I used up the rest of them today, so I am going to purchase a bigger container this week at Body n Sole. Plus I need to look around for a gift for our Santa party on Saturday! I look forward to seeing everyone and hope that everyone has an awesome time! That reminds me... Lots of cleaning this week to prepare! BOO! Oh well, it will be worth it.

Thanks again Michael for the great run this morning. I definitely would not have been able to force myself out of bed when it was still dark and rainy outside if it wasn't for you saying "running, rain or shine"! =)

PINK <3 RUNNING FRIENDS

Precious Moments In Life

12/4/2012

On Tuesday afternoon I drove down to Mattoon to meet up with Bob for a quick evening run. He was feeling pretty sore still from the half marathon in Mephis, TN for St. Jude. I can only imagine how inspiring and exciting that run was for everyone! =) I was feeling really great during the run, because I have not been focusing on running that much this month. We ran 6 miles in 50 minutes at an average pace of 8.2 minutes per mile. I am so happy for the nice weather - I definitely worked up a sweat! 

Before I left town, I stopped by Body n Sole to purchase some more energy gels and I also picked up some electrolyte replacement pills. During intense workouts I sweat so much I know I am loosing water and electrolytes too fast. I end up becoming very dizzy and faint, which is not a good feeling. I am hoping that I will be able to take these during my long/intense workouts to help enhance my performance. =) 

I spent the evening at my mom's house. We had a delicious "last supper" at the Stadium before her big Gastric Bypass surgery in the morning. It was wonderful spending some quality time with just her and I. We snuggled in her king size bed with the little doggies and a cat that really liked me. We ate milk duds, watched MIB3, and laughed really hard at some of the photos we took during out photo shoot. I am so happy she is finally able to have this surgery and I look forward to she and I being able to complete our first 5k together! <3 you Maw!!!!!!

12/5/2012

Today was an AMAZING day!!!!!! I am truly so blessed and thankful for everything that has happened today! First of all, my mother had her gastric bypass surgery this morning and after 5 1/2 hours of a long surgery she is finally in recovery! SUCCESS! My brother, sister, and I ended up not going because my mom really wanted to find out the gender of my sister's baby. Jessie had her appointment today at 3pm, and I was so honored to be a part of this experience. It was something I can definitely say I have never been a part of. The sonogram was so detailed: we were able to see the nose, lips, eyes, arms, hands, feet, legs, spine, rib cage, umbilical chord, and we even saw the little one open its mouth and yawn! She even started drinking the amniotic fluid for nutrients, it looked like it was chewing gum! SO PRECIOUS! =) During the appointment we found the answer to what we have been anxiously waiting, the gender.... IT'S A GIRL!!!!!!!!!! =D =D Finally, I received another email confirming a face to face interview with the American Cancer Society tomorrow! I have been waiting so patiently and I honestly feel like this is my time. I am a hard worker and I deserve a job to prove myself and begin a career!

On a workout note, I woke up this morning at 5 am to attend Bob's spinning class! Whew, I hate waking up early, I was definitely out of it! The class was great, I was pushing myself really hard and I am definitely feeling it now. After spinning, we decided to complete an intense ab workout. It is so funny watching Bob struggle with something, because usually he is the one kicking my ass! =D Girl power! I am very thankful for meeting him and his family, they are wonderful people! 

PINK <3 PRAYERS ANSWERED

Indoor Cycling

12/3/12

WHEW!!!! Indoor cycling sure is fun, but it is also hard work! Nick, Tara, and I completed a 50 minute indoor biking video that was pretty tough. It was the same one as the first video we did a few weeks ago. I told Tara, "I remember sweating a lot during this video". She found out I was right! Haha.

I haven't completed any races in a few weeks, so I am going to research to see if there are any coming up that I might be able to squeeze in last minute. I am honestly going through some racing withdrawls. =)

Also, Nick was kind enough to let me borrow a pair of his handle bars for his bike, so I am hoping to get those on and try them out this week. I think my mom might be buying me some for Christmas, so that will definitely help my back out during those long bike rides! Thanks, Mom, Love you!

PINK <3 BIKING

Set goals & see results!

11/26/12

Tonight's workout was pretty intense, especially since I was still a little sore from cycling indoor last night at Nick's house. I met Marvin at One North for a 3 mile run before our swim. Each mile the first .50 I increased the incline and then the second .50 I decreased the incline and increased the speed, ex: mile 0.0 - 0.5: 6.8 mph 1.0 incline then 0.6 - 1.0 7 mph and 0 incline. I increased each mile by 0.2 mph.

After the run, it was time for swimming, yippie! (Sarcasm). I forgot my goggles tonight, which Marvin was gracious enough to let me borrow his, sorry your eyes are all red now Marvy! We began the swim with a 250m warm up, followed by a 200m kick and 200 m pull. The plan was to break down my breast stroke, but since I forgot my goggles we swam a 250m straight without stopping. I was pretty exhausted by this point, but we finished with two 50 sprints and a 100 cool down.

I honestly feel like my swimming ability and technique has GREATLY improved! I could not do it without the people who have spent hours patiently coaching and helping me perfect my swim. I know I still have a lot of improvement to work on over the next 6 months. Because I have no races or events this month I am going to try really hard to swim at least 4 times a week the month of December. My goal is to be able to swim 1000m without stopping by New Years!

PINK <3 HARD WORK PAYS OFF!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

11/22/12

I hope everyone has a very blessed Thanksgiving with friends, family, and lots of food! =)

Last night we stayed at Ryan's parent's house where we ate a HUGE Thanksgiving meal. It was so delicious, thank you Robin & David! I woke up Thanksgiving morning to meet Bob in Mattoon for a 10 mile run to burn off all those carbs from last night. This was my first run since the half marathon, which was probably not a smart idea. My legs were so tight, we had to stop every few miles so I could stop and stretch out my muscles. I should have got a short 2 or 3 mile in a few days before, instead I was lazy!

My evening consisted of lots of food, laughs, and great company with my family at my mom's. We all stuffed our faces with my mom's home farm raised turkey and we even taught my Mema a few new 21st century dirty humor jokes. I don't think she approved, but the faces she made were priceless! Thank you Mom & John for dinner!

PINK <3 FAMILY

Santa Chase 1/2 Marathon

11/17/2012

 

 SUPRISE!!!!! I know I only told a handful of people about today, but I am running in my first half marathon today, the Santa Chase in Mattoon! A million emotions are running through my head, I am nervous, anxious, scared, and excited! I decided to wear all Pink today! My signature color! =)

With only two long runs under my belt, an 8 and 10 mile run, over the last two weeks and my foot finally recovering I was not sure how well this was going to go. My plan was to just be able to finish, even if I had to walk some of the race, to gain some experience with long running. 

Before the race, I met up with Christy, Lane, Carl, and Bob for some pre-race photos and words of encouragement. I felt mentally prepared to keep a steady pace and to be proud of myself no matter how the race finished.

The Santa Chase began with the half marathon runners starting at 12:55 at the train station in Mattoon. We ran down Broadway Avenue as all of the anxious people waiting for candy from the parade cheered us on! The run was pretty boring with running out on the bike trail out 7 miles and back. I was feeling pretty strong for the first 4 miles, my friend Katarina passed me before the first mile, I knew then I was never going to be able to pass her! ;-) I kept a pace of 8:20-8:30 for the first 7 miles, after the turn around I was feeling pretty tight and sore and slowed down considerably to about a 9 min pace. I took an energy goo at mile 6 and 10 right before water stations, which I SWEAR saved my life! At about mile 9 I ended up passing Katarina, because she was having knee/ankle issues, which I know how frustrating that is. =( 

By this time I was counting down, 4.1 miles, 3.1 miles, 2.1 miles, and FINALLY 1 more mile! I made it back inside Mattoon and on the black top of the bike trail. I could see in the far distance everyone waiting for me to cross the finish line! I pushed it, pushed it, and pushed it until I finally crossed the finish after 1 hour and 55 minutes!!!!!!! I surpassed ALL of my goals!!!!!!!! I was able to finish under 2 hours, I ran the ENTIRE 13.1 miles without stopping, and I even placed 3rd in the 20-29 female division, sorry Katy! =( I was so proud and in so much pain, I was chugging water and crying at the same time! Ryan and all of my friends came up to great me with smiles and BIG hugs! It was one of the best feelings in the world in my 23 years!  At this point, I can't imagine running that race twice, running for 4 hours, but I look forward to all the training this winter. After completing this, I now know, if I have the drive, I can push myself to do ANYTHING!

We finished the evening off with dinner and I had a margarita at Stadium Grill! Some much earned and deserved calorie intake for me!!! On the way home to Champaign, we stopped by Lindsay and Josh's house to celebrate Gavin's 4th birthday! What an amazing day! Thank you Lord for being with me today and giving us beautiful weather!!!

PINK <3 ACHIEVING GOALS

Frankencyclist!

11/14/12

"When nothing goes right, go left!" -- Pretty much sums up my day!

Tonight I came to Mattoon to what I thought was going to be a swimming class at the YMCA. I was so excited to show off my new swimming skills, HAHA! Bob ended up having to substitute for a spinning class, so I thought, okay, no workout for me tonight, maybe I'll go to the martini bar! I didn't have any clothes for spinning, so I wore Bob's spinning shorts, his wife, Pennie, her shoes, my sports bra and swim suit. I looked like a Frankencyclist!!!!! Hahaha! I finished 24 miles in 55 minutes, so it ended up being a great workout!!! It was awesome to meet Pennie! She seems like a kick ass girl and I am excited to get to know her. I hope she can teach me a thing or two in the pool! I've got to crash early tonight, 10 miles at 6:30 am!

PINK </3 Early mornings!

Swim Like A Whale!!

11/13/12

This evening I met up with Marvin to swim at his apartment complex. Considering my last swim experience was not the greatest, I was a little nervous. I warmed up with a 100 and then Marvin watched me swim and broke down every part of my freestyle stroke to help me swim efficiently. Basically, I was biking with my legs, my hands were not always cupped, my right arm is more exaggerated than my left stroke, I need to keep my chin down, and slice the water with my pinkie fingers facing up!

While trying to keep all of these different things straight in my head, I swam a 400 while Marvin watched me and gave me pointers on what to fix and focus on. I am so thankful he spent time to help me break down the stroke piece by piece so I could understand what I was doing wrong. After that we swam a 500, very slow, then a 250 sprint ( 25 sprint, 25 freestyle), 100 kick, 100 arm stroke, and cooled down with a 200. Today was one of my longest and hardest swims. I was really pushing myself and trying to focus on all of the different techniques Marvin pointed out. I am going to purchase a kick board soon to also help me out with drills! I feel like after what I learned today I am going to start kicking ass in the pool!

THANKS MARVIN!!!!!!!!!!!!! =D

PINK <3 MARVIN

Girls on the Run 5k - Mattoon

11/10/12

Saturday morning I woke up at 6 am on my only day off to drive from Arcola to Mattoon for a run! YIPPE! Bob and I met up at the YMCA in Mattoon and we ran a total of 8 miles, down Western, through Lane Acres, back down through Peterson Park back and around to the YMCA. The total run was 8.20 miles finished in 1:10 with an 8:36 average per mile. The run felt pretty good, my foot wasn't feeling too bad. Its funny what stories you can hear about another person's events. Not naming any names, peeing themselves during races. LOL!!!!!!

After the run, it was time for the Girls on the Run 5k! This run was so much fun!! =) There were so many young girls running with their coach, friends, and family.There were several people running their first 5k EVER! I saw my cousins running and many other people I knew. There were volunteers EVERYWHERE along the course encouraging everyone to finish strong. I ran pretty slow around a 27 minute finish time because I was already tired from the 8 miles. I stood towards the finish and cheered on all of the young girls and encouraged them to finish strong. What a great day for running! =)

PINK <3 ENCOURAGEMENT

Reality hits ya hard bro!

11/8/12

“One person's craziness is another person's reality.”
― Tim Burton

Tonight Valeria and I went to Nick's house to cycle to a training video. This was my first experience doing an indoor cycle with my bicycle. I really enjoyed the workout!!! I was a hot sweaty mess during the entire ride!!! The video consisted of a 5 minute warm up, followed by 30 seconds of sprint and 30 seconds at a steady pace for 5 minutes all the way down to 1 minute. After that, the video had us sprint for 2 minutes, rest for two minutes 5 times. This was pretty rough by the 5th time, my legs were getting really tired! The sweat continued to pour and I continued to push through the rest of the workout with a 5 minute cool down.

This is a great workout, especially during the winter while it is cold and snowy outside. YUCK! I really look forward to the next time we meet for another workout. Reality hit me hard while we were talking about Nick's experiences during his Ironman events. Its going to take so much strength, energy, and endurance on all levels mentally and physically! I hope I know what I'm getting myself into, lol. There are a lot of emotions running through my mind, but I am loving every minute of it! 

PINK <3 CRAZINESS

Out of steam...

11/6/12

Tuesday evening was a rough one. After I finished work, I headed to Mattoon to meet bob for a run. Since it was raining and cold outside, we decided to run on the treadmills at the YMCA. We finished a 3.5 mile run, which did not make my foot happy, stupid dreadmill. While sweat was dripping from my hair, I raced over to Pam and Chris's house to meet Lindsay and Brooke for Mitch's visitation. It was a LONG 2 1/2 hour line, but it was well worth it to say our goodbyes. I spent the evening over at Christy and Greg's house, I was definitely feeling a glass of wine and starved from our run!

11/7/12

I woke up after only 4 1/2 hours of sleep at 5 am to attend Bob's spinning class at the YMCA. I was definitely not prepared, because my Vibram shoes were the worst idea for spinning! It KILLED my foot so I only put about 75% of my total effort into the workout. I am excited for the next time I can come to the class, because I love spinning, I miss when I used to do it at Gold's Gym before they closed. After spinning, we saw Lane running on the dreadmill so we chit chat with him for a few minutes until I decided to kick Bob's butt with an ab workout! It was kind of commical because he doesn't do any other working out besides run, bike swim. We spent about 30 minutes ripping our abs! =)

This evening I went to Marvin's indoor pool with Kodi. We began the workout with a 250 warm up, which I was already exhausted from lack of sleep and my other work outs. I spent the next 30 minutes half assing a few drills. Poor Marvin and Kodi were trying to teach me out to improve my breast stroke and a few other drills. I ended up just being very frustrated and tired and decided to bail. Marvin promised to help me one on one with my strokes next swim, so hopefully I will be in a better mood!

I feel like I have been running nonstop, so tonight I am sitting on the couch and relaxing! I truly appreciate everyone helping me train and achieve my goals on my journey to becoming an ironman!

PINK </3 TIRED

Rattlesnake 5k - Urbana

11/4/12

I woke up (on time with the time change) feeling strong and confident today, so I decided to complete the Rattlesnake Mater 5k in Urbana, IL this morning. I'm not gonna lie though, I was feeling a little nervous on the drive over, because if you read up, my last experience at the fun run was not a good one. I could not even complete the second loop of the 3 mile. So I went into the race telling myself, Alicia, don't over do it, don't push it to the MAX, you don't need to PR (which is what I usually think), just finish the 5k safe and without hurting your foot! After my mental talk, I did my "warm up" by jogging to the signup under the pavilion. I thought about not wearing my wrap on my foot, but I figured better safe than sorry, so I put it on as I was registering.

The 5k began with us running the route backwards of what we normally run during the fun run. I was super excited because this was my first run with my new GPS watch, which was VERY accurate! This was my first time running this route, which was very nice, I even enjoyed running on the grass for the last half mile. I sprinted to the finish as I saw the clock and finished at 23.34. I ended up winning 1st place in the female 20-29 division, so I was very happy!! I remember my first 5k at the Illinois Marathon in 2009 when I finished with 23:36. I thought I would NEVER beat that time, because it wasn't until this June in Tolono where I FINALLY beat it. I was in complete shock with this finishing time, because I thought if I finished around 25 minutes I would be happy, considering I didn't feel like I was running that fast.

The after race party was a blast! Amber and I had hot chocolate and chocolate doughnuts to keep warm and refuel! =) It was so nice to see all of my running friends and being able to watch them finish, since I am usually the last one, LOL! Congrats to everyone who placed, finished, and PR'ed at the race today! It was great to see Stephen, Mike, Ryan, Corey, Amber, Nikki, Valeria, Sarah, Michelle, Andrea, and everyone else who I may have forgot, sorry! I have to give a special thanks to Ryan for holding my key too! =)

For breakfast we made a reservation for Bob Evans and it was DELICIOUS! I had french toast, bacon, eggs, and hash browns. Everyone seemed to enjoy their breakfast and the conversations were even better! Like Amber said, NEVER compare your pets to other people's children, haha, whoops! I am looking forward to the winter Marathon training with all of my new friends! I will be  praying for a mild winter for all of us, because I hate the cold!!!! 

PINK <3 RACING

Slowly Recovering

11/1/12

Today I broke in my November calendar with a 4.12 mile run with an 8.32 pace and an overall time of 35:08! (I'm not sure if my "bathroom pit stop" was in those numbers or not, LOL! Bob and I ran in Mattoon from his shop down the bike trail and back. During the run I was feeling pretty strong with our first mile timing around 8.06. The rest of the run Bob and I had good conversations about previous events with running and triathlons. It is so awesome I have someone to help me train for such a major event! Bob gave me a book I plan on reading this weekend about a man's journey to the Louisville, Ironman. I am definitely interested in reading another person's perspective of this event! He has also given me a little insight on his "eating habits" and I am embarassed to even say all the crap I eat, haha! I don't eat terrible, but about 75% of the time I eat like a 10 year old adult! Anyways, ike I have said, I am either going to die trying or crawling across the finish line. Either way, I am going to become an Ironman!!!!!!!!! =D

PINK <3 TRAINING PARTNERS

Just Keep Swimming

10/30/12

Today was a successful day at the pool! Once again I have to thank Marvin for kicking my butt into shape! This swim was definitely a lot easier than the first time. We began the swim with a 100 slow warm up, followed by a 250 which I timed at 6 min 45 sec. I was very happy with that time, considering I wasn't pushing myself for time. 

Next, we did a few drills where you flutter kick on your back for a 100 and the same on your stomach for another 100. I was feeling pretty awesome until we decided to do the "frog kick" where I basically kept drowning myself. LOL! Marvin did his best to help me, I was supposed to complete a 100, but I lucky to finish the 50. We finished the workout with a 500, my second time completing this distance I timed at 13:45. I felt really strong during this distance, which last time I had to stop in between for about a minute to catch my breath. I also did less breaststroke/backstroke and more freestyle through this 500. 

Overall, we swam about 1100M in 50 minutes. I am looking forward to my next swim with Marvin! He is talking about swimming for two hours, so God help me please! 

Also, I have made up my mind on two upcoming races. I am going to compete Sunday at the Rattlesnake 5k and in November the Santa Chase half marathon. I am going to try to keep my running to a minimum in order to keep my foot safe, but I am not going to completely stop. I REFUSE! So even if I have to jog or walk the half marathon, I think it would be a good training to have at least one long distance under my belt before the Illinois Marathon 2013.

PINK <3 STAYING STRONG

Ironman Training!!

10/29/12

WOAH!!!! Woke up pretty sore from Allerton yesterday, those hills will bite ya in the butt! 

Today was my scheduled doctor appointment with Dr. Sandercauk (sp?) about my right foot injury. Basically, everything I expected happened. They took an x-ray of my foot and he "determined" my foot has swelling from a bone burise, and recommended I take tylenol and the next 3 weeks off from "closed circuit exercising", meaning NO RUNNING! He said that biking, swimming, and elliptical work outs would be okay or anything with low impact. As I figured, I wasted my time and money to hear what I already knew.

After my doctor's appointment, Bob Zollman and I decided to go out for a 22.5 WINDY bike ride. We biked the full last chance tri route and then about another 8.5 miles out on the bike trail in Mattoon. I am very blessed to have met someone who has so much experience and knowledge to help further me in my training. Two VERY important things I learned today, was how to put air in my tire (all by myself) and how to use the small loop (the left gear) on the bike chain for hilly/windy biking. Until today, I never used it and pretty much thought it didn't do anything. I found out that it helps A LOT, because those 30 mph winds today were nothing to sneeze about! Also, thank you for letting me borrow your gloves! =)

I have spent the whole day on the move since I have woke up. I had a wonderful lunch of free Villa Pizza with my mom and Mema at the nursing home. I even got to spend a few hours chit chatting and catching up with my old friend Christy Furgeson. It was so nice to see her, I miss her a lot! Ryan baked some cookies and I am exhausted, so I am having dessert and passing out early!

PINK <3 FRIENDS & FAMILY