Feeling weak

10/23/12

Well, tonight I went to Marvin's (who I work with at Red Lobster) apartment complex to go for a swim. I didn't know what I was getting myself into, because he is an AWESOME swimmer! We started off with a 75m warm up, followed by a 250 with a 25 sprint and a 25 breast stroke. Even though I was dying, this drill really helped me with endurance! After that we swam a full 500 (10 laps) with alternating freestyle and breast or back stroke. I was really exhausted after this drill! This was the farthest I have ever swam with almost not stopping. Like I said, I wasn't prepared for what I was getting into, but I was so happy I found another swimming partner who will kick my ass into shape!

After the swim, I went straight to fun run with second wind. I was already pretty exhausted from swimming, so I pushed myself. The first mile went pretty well, with no pain in my foot. After the break, we started up for the 3 mile run. I started out pretty strong, but after a mile or so my foot started aching really bad. It was then I knew I had to stop. I was so disappointed in myself, upset and frustrated. I spent the last 1/2 mile walking back to my car with tears streaming down my face. I am not used to feeling this weak. I want to be able to kick ass with everyone else running in second wind. 

I immediately called Ryan and explained to him my frustrations. After icing my foot and calming myself down, we decided to meet everyone at the Village Inn for the fun run pizza party. The pizza was delicious and the company was even better! I am really worried about my race on Sunday, the 5 mile trail run in Allerton. I can only continue to pray that my foot will heal and the doctor will be give me some insight on what is wrong and how I can fix it.

PINK </3 Feeling weak

Like a BOSS

10/15/2012

Well, after a long depressing week of not training, my foot was finally feeling well enough to hit the gym! I figured if my foot started hurting really bad, if I was a on a treadmill I could jump off at any time. During the run I felt really strong (probably all those carbs I have consumed over the last week)! I didn't want to push myself too much so I figured 30 minutes was a good time, so I ran 3.5 miles at 7 mph. It wasn't a very fast paced run, but to complete it and not be in pain the entire time was amazing!!

After the run I was feeling great so I decided, what the hell, and jumped on one of their bicycles. I know everyone in the gym was probably starring at me because I was DRENCHED in sweat, as usual. There was sweat all over me, the bike, and the floor, haha! I did an intense hilly 9.5 mile bike ride (level 10) for 30 minutes. 

My entire workout tonight felt AMAZING! I am so happy to be able to jump back into training, even if I have to take it really slow for a couple weeks. Being able to do something is better than nothing. I was so down all weekend seeing all of my running friends competing in 2 races I was really looking forward to. Oh well, I have to take care of myself to be able to better myself. Tomorrow is one of the last fun runs, so assuming my foot is still feeling up to par, I plan on taking it slow and completing the 1 mile and 3 mile loop! =)

Now, to ice my foot and take it easy the rest of the evening!

Pink <3 Feeling like a boss!

Last Chance Tri

10/7/12

Today was ironically the last triathlon of the year, Last Chance Tri in Mattoon, IL at the YMCA. It was a SUPER chilly day with pretty strong winds, so I knew the race was going to be a doozey!

The swim was 275 yards, touching 11 eleven times in the pool. Suprisingly, I kicked  the swim's ass finishing 6:19, so I was EXTREMLY PROUD!!! After getting out of the pool, I was sooooo cold trying to run to my towel and gear. This race I decided to run with some different gear, due to the weather; a hooded jacket, ear muffs, and my asics running shoes not only for warmth for my feet but because my foot is still a little sore. The biking was kind of rough, because there were several parts where the wind was strong coming towards us, especially going back over the overpass. My biking averaged out to be about 16 mph and I completed the 12 miles in 44:38. Finally, during the run my legs were so sore from having to push hard against the wind and my feet were frozen until after the first mile. Needless to say, the run was really slow! I finished the 5k in 25:40, which is really slow for me, but due to the weather, my foot, and the frozen feet I was happy. My overall time was 1:19:54 which was 11 minutes faster than the similar triathlon at the beginning of the year at Lytle Park!

After completing the race, I ended up winning 1st in the female 20-24 age division! It is always an accomplishment to complete the event, but even more so when my friends and family are there to watch and support me! I was so blessed and  thankful Ryan, my mom and stepfather, my mema, my stepsister and niece Maddy, Tim & Renee Spitz, and Pam Bartlett! It means so much to me that everyone comes out, watches, waits...waits...waits... takes pictures, and CHEERS me on! =) It encourages me and drives me to push harder during the race! I also met a cool man named Bob Zollman, who has completed the Louisville triathlon twice. I believe God has lined him up in my life to help me with questions, concerned, and training skills over the next year. It will be nice to keep in touch with someone who knows what I am getting myself into!

Pink <3 Triathlon

Wild Wild Wilderness!

9/30/12

Well, today was definitely one of the most interesting competitive runs I have ever completed. Not only was it the longest competitive race but it was my first trail run! The two are completely different types of running when you compare trail running and road running. It is basically looking at the ground the entire run, watching every step, and careful placement of your feet. One wrong step can send you rolling down a hill!

Overall, the run was one of the most difficult and challenging runs I have ever completed! I just keep thinking, only 5 more miles, only 4 more miles, 3 more, 2 more, less than 1 more... Until finally I crossed that finish line!!! 

My goal was to complete the 7.4 mile trail run within 1 hour and 15 minutes. I ended up completing the race 5 minutes quicker at 1:10, which I was just happy to finish! =) I ended up winning 1st place in the Amazon woman division (140 lbs+) which I was SOOOOO PUMPED!!!!!!!!! I was in complete shock and so happy!!!!! Everyone from Second Wind who attended the race ended up winning some hardware, which was so great! All of us road runners came and kicked that trail's ass!

Pink <3 Trail Running

Feeling Blessed

9/28/12

Wednesday was our last workout for speed work, which was kind of sad. =( Kodi came along with me which made it really fun, especially since we both won something in the drawing. During the speed run my foot was really bothering me, to the point I had to completely quit running. It was so frustrating and got me down so bad I went to the free injury sports clinic at Carle on Thursday. The trainer assessed my foot by push and pulling different toes, bones, and parts of my foot. It basically boils down to a bone bruise and stress on my tendons in my toes. I have spent the last two evenings making sure to be very deligent about rest, ice, and wrapping it up during the evening to take down the swelling. Randy from Body n Sole was nice enough to give me a couple inserts for my work shoes, which has helped TREMENDOUSLY!

Today at work I have noticed a complete difference with my foot. I didn't have to limp or walk on the outside of my foot at all. There was little to no pain, so I hope and pray that  what I am doing is working and it will only continue to heal, because I cannot afford to have a foot injury during training!

This morning I got a nice quick 9 mile bike ride in. I bought this awesome little pouch that velcrows right around the shaft of the bike. It easily holds my cell phone, some energy gummies, and this pretty pink bottle of mace I bought. I really think the mace was a great idea, because even though I am strong, I am not strong enough to take down a large person or several people. The pouch is where I can easily access the mace and my cell phone in an emergency. 

Finally, today, my two new swim caps that I bought came in! One is hot pink and yellow which is silicone the other is a nike red cap. I have never tried silicone so I am excited to test out the new caps! I also purchased a belt that holds my number and gels during races! It looks pretty legit, plus it is pink, so I am pumped!

More good news!!!! I had several donations in the last few days.. I want to make a big thanks to Lindsay & Josh Gordon, my Aunt Bernie, and Kevin and Art from Carle with Biomed!!! None of this would be possible for me without the gracious people who have supported me and I cannot thank each and everyone enough!!!!!! God has truly blessed me and is answering my prayers with help from everyone and recovery of my foot!

 Pink <3 God

So Clique...

9/25/2012

Tonight I went to the fun run with Second Wind, and although it is so clique, it was so much fun! Nikki and I ran together for both the 1 mile and 3 mile. The 3 mile run had a special event where the individuals who finish closest to their predicted time, without wearing watches, won free Second Wind Running gear! Nikki and I predicted our 3 mile for 24:15 and we finished at 24:18, three seconds longer than predicted, WE KICKED ASS! =) We both picked out long sleeve shirts, and we were very excited!

Nikki is such an inspiration to me for running! She kicks some major ass every race and pushes herself to the limit every practice! I really appreciate that she makes me feel part of a team at Second Wind and invites me to hang out with everyone after a run. Thanks so much Nikki, it may seem small, but really means a lot to me! Without Second Wind and Kodi I depend on mainly myself to be motivated to train and workout. So any extra encouragement and inspiration is greatly appreciated! I am so glad I found out about the club this summer and am able to be involved as much as possible!

Tomorrow is the last speed run of the summer at the track with second wind, which is kind of sad. Even though I haven't gone every week, I know it has helped me with my endurance and speed! Now we get to look forward to marathon training starting in January with Second Wind! Yay! =D

Also, I have hurt my right foot pretty bad. It hurts about every step I take, especially if I haven't been on my feet for over like 10 or 15 minutes (the longer I'm off my feet the worse it hurts). I dropped a salad bowl and it landed sideways right on the bones of my 2nd and 3rd toe. I was hoping it was just going to go away, but it seems to be getting worse. I can usually just push through the pain, but once I'm done running, working out, or off work it hurts so bad. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know! I may have to go see a doctor this week. =( Pray for my foot to get better!

Pink <3 Training 

ILLINI TRI

9/23/2012

Today was triathlon number 3!!! I am a "Tri-Tri-Athelete".. Haha! I just made that up! The triathlon went really well, it was at the U of I campus (hence the blue and orange).  Today will be the longest triathlon I have completed! 300 m swim 14.5 mile bike and 3.1 run!!!

#

Place

Name

Bib

Gender

Age

Swim

100s

T1

Bike

MPH

T2

Run

Pace

Finish

1:

270

Alicia Pettyjohn

342

F

23

08:15.1

2:45

02:42.4

52:06.7

16.6

01:28.2

24:32.0

7:55

01:29:04.4

Basically what all of these number mean is that I finished 270 out of 509 individuals. I was 7th in my age division out of 29 woman age 20 - 24, my swim time was 8 min 15 sec, bike was 52 minutes at 16.6 mph, the 5k I ran in 24 min 32 sec with an OVERALL FINISH of 1:29:04!!!!!!!!!!!

It was so damn cold this morning I didn't get to do a swim warm up. I wish that they would have had everyone enter the pool based on their swim time rather than numerically. All of the fast swimmers were trampling me (the slow swimmer) and ultimately would have made everyone's swim time a lot better! I also don't like whenever they have us swim under neath the lines that is just annoying. I like Lytle Park Triathlon much better because you swim out, in, out and back and you're done, which means it is a constant swim without touching. 

The bike ride was pretty miserable. It was sooooo cold and  I didn't bring a long sleeved jacket or anything to cover my arms. The wind was ferocious and the hills were monstrous! I am just very thankful and blessed nothing happened to my bike during the 14.5 miles. There were a couple people who had chain issues, etc and I felt really bad for them. Yesterday, I bought a pair of tri shorts which was definitely one of the smartest investments I have ever made! The guy asked if I wore thicker padded shorts while I trained, I told him these were my first pair, I just roughed it before! Haha! But they were excellent for my tushy and it was awesome that I could swim, bike , and run without changing! I need to find something similar for a shirt, so please let me know if you have any suggestions!

The run was incredible! There were people almost every .10th of a mile cheering for you and encouraging you to finish strong. I had a strong goal to complete the 5k in 24 minutes and I accomplished that! It doesn't seem like it was a fast pace, 8 minute miles, but after completing the other two events, I am definitely happy with my time. It was funny because I didn't wear my ipod during the race so I could hear everyone and people were like, "I love your shoes" several times. It made me laugh. =) When I crossed the finish line I expected to be hurting and really exhausted... I wasn't!! I was completely fine and was like, well, okay, I guess that is it. I got my water, bagels, and head to find my AMAZING supporter! 

If it wasn't for Ryan being there  for every race, waking up early with me, cheering me on, taking my pictures, holding all of my belongings, running stuff back and forth to me, I don't know what I would do!!!!!!!!! I am so very fortunate and blessed to have a boyfriend who supports my events and loves every minute of it! Thank you so much Reverend Ryan David Rauch for being the  one who supports me through thick and thin no matter what! I <3 YOU!!!!!!!

One thing I really need help with is my transition times. I have such a hard time putting on my vibram five finger shoes whenever my feet are soaking wet. I think I need to try to find one of the vibram shoes that you just slip on so I don't have to separate all of my toes while I'm wet, cold, and disoriented!

Once again thank you everyone for all of your love and support! Thank you Alisha Bennett and Robin & David Rauch fo the donations this weekend! To everyone: I appreciate all the donations that helped me raise money for my Illinois Marathon in April 2013 and my Louisville Ironman in August 2013!

PINK <3 TRIATHLON