Time to break out the 6 Iron! (six consecutive hours logged today)

Let's see... where do I begin?
First of all, I can say that I'm gradually beginning to find out what I'm really made of.  Which is a truly rewarding and fulfilling feeling.  Today wasn't easy ~ but there were parts of it that were entertaining, fun, and truly memorable.  I decided in the beginning of the morning that I'd dedicate each hour to those fighting cancer as we speak, as well as those working (long and hard hours) to find a cure.  This really helped me keep my perspective, knowing it would be a long and grueling day ahead (especially when we were told it would initially be a 5-hour training day, let alone taking into account the extra 'bonus' hour) :)

Our lineup for today was a run (2-mile marker) / core / swim / bike-run-bike brick.  A schedule like today's often makes people ask me, "Are you ready?  5-6 hours of continuous exercise?  How are you going to do that?"  (as they remind me, that this workout totals more than my best marathon time).  And all I can really tell them is -- "Yeah, I'm ready, and I'm gonna do the whole thing."

Maybe you could call it blind faith, but that's what I've come to develop with my relationship with Team in Training in the last year ~ along with the coaching methods and training program it offers.  I know full well that these workouts are tough, draining, and [when you really put it into perspective] nearly impossible, considering what seemingly limited and minimal experience I currently have.  Don't get me wrong -- I still groan during those core workouts, when I'm aching and shaking, and all Coach Doug can say is, "alright, let's take it up another notch".  Whenever Coach Sedonia calls out continuous pyramid swim sets, building up on distances and strengths I hadn't really understood until recently ~ I get scared and a little apprehensive.  But there's just something about the energy of the team, and the coaches & the cause -- that gets me to believe I can do it, and to keep on going.

I improved my 2-mile time by 2:54, which puts me in a new pace group!



The core exercises really helped me push my limits (I'm pretty sore after using some 'new' muscles to complete the workout).  But as I've said in the past, it hurts so good!





Our swim was another rewarding one ~ I'm finding myself continually persistent and set on improving and defining my best stroke.



And the spin/run/spin brick got me to push out all my remaining adrenaline.  By the end of the day, I even found myself asking, "Ok what's next?"





This past week leading up to the 6-er also taught me a bit about prioritizing too.  With trying to tackle three sports while simultaneously fundraising and preparing for the holidays ~ I've found that some things just have to give.  So I wisely chose a few hours off my training this week to dedicate to my fundraising instead.  While initially a tough one, it was a decision I'm glad I made.  Because if you try and stretch yourself too thin between going to every swim, spin and run all while planning a fundraising event or carrying out a big plan to raise some dough, you'll just find yourself burnt out.  And iron doesn't burn.

***
Week #6 Workout Summary:

Swim: 3 hours and 0 minutes 
Bike: 2 hours and 0 minutes
Run: 2 hours and 0 minutes
Core/Strength: 1 hour and 0 minutes
Total Workout: 8 hours and 0 minutes

Eggplants, Honorees & a Little Bit o' Rain

What a week it's been! The first few days started out with a little soreness in the 'gluteal' area. After the bike mishaps of last Sunday, I was pretty achey ~ especially getting in and out of bed. It dawned on me by about Tuesday to check a mirror and scope out the situation... only to find a handful of bruises, not limited to one rather large honkin' mark on my right glute. Now, while it's just big enough to miss my swimsuit line and everyone at the pool this past week had the good 'fortune' to see it, it's just too gruesome a mark for me to actually post. But take my word for it: it's large, in charge, and probably the size of a small eggplant. And just as purple/black in color. Just a battle would I'll probably be sportin' for another week or two. (Right now, I've got a cumulative total of about seven.)

For this week, our coaches designated it as a Swim Focus Week. So I had spent lots of time in a total of three different pools. During the weeknights after work, we met with Coach Mike, who watched our forms closely. I've got a few things I'm trying to focus on simultaneously: more hip rotation (switch drills); adding power in my arms when I catch (sculling / catch-up drills); and breathing to both sides (triple switch drills). All of these adjustments will make for a more fluid and efficient stroke for me. So far, so good though. Little by little (and especially after that 800yd marker), I'm getting more confident about my swimming.

Yesterday, we were scheduled for a 35-mile bike ride. But since the rain came down relentlessly this weekend, we ended up swapping it for a spin day on our bike trainers. I hadn't done too many of the Team Spins yet, so I was in for a treat. We posted up outside of Walnut Creek Sports Basement at about 9 a.m. and hopped on our bikes. It ended up being a harem of Ironladies, led by Coaches Dave and Mike. Which made for a pretty entertaining training day...

The spin workout was very tough. Coach Dave's workout plan was to really simulate some continuous rolling hills. For the first hour (1 of 2), we had to gradually increase the resistance by adding a gear onto 'the big ring'. Without question, this workout really taught me a lot more about how to shift and what's comfortable for me fitness-wise. It got to be pretty difficult, trying to maintain a high cadence as we'd add gear after gear. And just when I thought we'd be at a cooldown or minute-off, some hard heavy metal song would pop up on the playlist and I knew this was not a 'cooldown track'. We'd have to add another gear. So I endured through that song. By that song's end, the gloves came off. Literally ~ my cycling gloves were just getting too warm to keep on, I peeled down my arm warmers, wiped my brow and took some swigs out of my water bottle. Then, came an even louder song. Pouring rain past the confines of our safe little overhang, there we were... the Ironchicks cranking it up yet another notch and busting through some pretty mean [simulated] hills. Really. Just when I thought I couldn't push any further, or my quads couldn't burn any harder, I upped it again and just pushed through. No one was stopping, which meant, no slowing down for me either. We did this continually for one whole hour and I didn't let up. How I did something like this again, I have no idea. [However, I will say, it sure BEAT getting out there on the road again and getting repeatedly bucked off the bike. My mind and body are still recovering from all of that.]

The second hour of spinning was comprised of several intervals. This back half was a lot more fun for me. Our playlist shifted over to an awesome little disco mix, which let's be honest, you can't spin to and NOT sing, find a rhythm and of course use your upper half to dance to. And that's just what we did. Our Core Coach, Doug, would have been proud. It was a good day to be shopping (and entertained) at Sports Basement on Saturday.

Now. As for today... another amazing day. Keeping in line with our Swim Focus Week, we culminated in a series of drills, mini-clinics, followed by a filming station so we could analyze our stroke and form with Coach Sedonia afterward. This entire swim workout was so cool. Literally!

First of all, this was not a heated pool. Something happened with the electricity and so we were out of luck in getting to dive into a steamy pool today. We headed up to the College of Marin, in Novato, whose pool unfortunately was about as cool as the rain gently sprinkling on top of it. And we all just had to dive in. So we did just that. Luckily, it didn't take me too long to warm up after swimming continuously. Which is more than I can say for some of my poor teammates. I can't tell you how many sets of teeth chatters I saw out there! Swiiimming in the rain, just swiiimming in the rain...

In my group, it was Will, Chris, Tiffany, Simon & Jane. The six of us stuck together and moved through each of the 'stations' together. We started out with a pyramid swim (gradually building up in strength level and distance, then decreasing back down). Another station consisted of teaching us how to 'sight' when swimming, so that we're prepared to anticipate and see where we're going when in open water. Another cool station showed us how to draft behind a group of swimmers, as well as swim WITH people on either side of you.



One of my bigger fears about the swim portion is just that -- when you're in open water and have people kicking you in the face, pushing, making all kinds of waves and currents that throw you off of your rhythm and stroke. So this series of mini-clinics definitely came in handy for me and so I hope to do more of them as we lead up to our first smaller distance tri in January. Yikes, I can't believe it's coming up soon.

After our 2-hour swim workout, we did some monster corework with Coach Doug. It's a little tough to do a plank series right after a long swim, but I really felt the association of all my core muscles when they're engaged with how they're used in swimming. Whether it's to increase hip rotation, keep yourself buoyant, or to really get a nice pull to increase your distance in the water.



Our morning ended with the best part: The Honoree Potluck. Not only was the variety of food fantastic, but the stories by our Team Honorees were truly moving. Today, Laura, Christophe & Frank all shared their stories of being diagnosed, going into remission, being stricken with cancer again, fighting through it, and using their experiences as positive and forceful modes to live life better and more fully. Both Christophe and Frank went on to complete Ironman races themselves after beating their illnesses. And Laura continues to astound me with her bravery, strength, and endurance. She even ran the Rome Marathon the year right before me! What's more, she also put a few minutes aside to tell me HER experiences with falling over and getting bruised up from trying to learn to ride clipless (before completing a century ride).

I am continually astounded by the people I meet through Team in Training. One of Honoree Frank's statements today really stood out to me. He was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 24. 24. And when he was diagnosed, he was told he had had it SINCE he was 21. Can you imagine, being at the prime of your early adulthood years... with no cares but graduating college, deciding which party or bar you're heading to next -- and being told there's a chance you are going to die? Frank's recollection of that moment when he received the phone call from his doctor, telling him his whole life could be all over -- just struck me, and my eyes welled up with tears. Frank said, "Don't wait until someone tells you something's wrong or you only have a few days left -- to live life fully and to your utmost enjoyment. Now is the time to do things like Ironmans or go after things you want." Tomorrow really is never promised. And so all we can really do is treasure and value who and what we have in our lives, and continue to pursue things that make us happy, and are of service to others.

Man, I am going to have some ROUGH days this season. I'm lucky I've had just one in the past five weeks. But it is going to get difficult. Yet it is in those very times that I need to continue to look back at the stories of Frank and Laura and Christophe. Not only have each of these individuals fought through their own personal struggles (physical, mental & emotional), but each of them has benefited from the research and advances made by LLS. Every dollar that a runner, cyclist, or triathlete has raised in the past 20+ years of Team in Training's existence, makes a difference -- and it has made it possible for the Franks, Lauras and Christophes of the world to continue to live, and to live stronger, just as we all should.

***
Week #5 Workout Summary [Swim Focus Week]

Swim: 5 hours and 30 minutes
Bike: 3 hours and 0 minutes
Run: 0 hours and 0 minutes
Core/Strength: 0 hours and 30 minutes
Total Workout: 9 hours and 0 minutes

A Day of Struggles

Today's workout epitomized yours truly out of her comfort zone. I can't even really put into writing all the things I felt today. But I guess I can start by saying I had high hopes and positive thoughts this morning, despite really knowing what I'd get myself into...

I had been excited and anticipating my first bike ride for months. Ever since I bought my bike back in September. But due to a number of circumstances -- tapering and preparing for my marathon in October, getting injured and needing to stay off the bike for about two weeks, being out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday... it just so happened that my first full-on bike ride would be during Week #4 of training: Today. Excited (and a little nervous) as I was, the day had arrived. A chilly 30-something degrees outside, I put on all my layers, pumped up my tires, put little insulated shoe covers over my clip shoes and cleats to keep warm, and prepared to hop on the bike. But something just didn't feel right.

Soon after the majority of the Team had left the parking lot, ready to do their bike marker set, a gigantic wave of anxiety came over me. I want to do this, but don't feel ready, I thought. I haven't even ridden my bike using the clipless pedals properly yet. How was I supposed to head out into traffic and up and down hilly terrain with such little experience? The only experience I had was falling over numerous times with nothing but the cuts, scrapes and bruises to show for it. Now this might sound funny, but a real fear hit me and no amount of positive thinking or perspective was going to bring me out of it.

After, yet again, a couple more falls on the asphalt... my body smashing to the ground repeatedly with my left leg literally still attached to the bike, and laying directly on top of me, I just got more and more frustrated and overwhelmed. This wasn't going to be easy -- at least not for me.

Yet to my surprise, and relief, Will, Kathryn & Phil stuck around with me and ever-so-patiently had me go over some mini-drills in the parking lot. Practicing leaning to one side, starting, stopping. I'd fall again and again and just couldn't get it. Will, an avid and expert cyclist, suggested I put on my running shoes and try riding on my clipless pedals, just to get used to riding a bike normally. So I put my cool (and seemingly IMPOSSIBLE) clip shoes away, and will probably keep them off for a while until I get comfortable riding in general. And then Will, Kathryn & Phil told me to ride normally and unclipped. By this point, my real mental wall hit. Never before had I even seen myself like this. I literally froze and couldn't do it. My body just wouldn't pedal. I wasn't attached to the bike, had perfectly comfortable (and familiar) shoes on, and I couldn't ride the bike. I broke down into tears out of frustration and didn't know what came over me. Why can't I do this? What is going on with me?

It was then that Will had another bright idea. To divide and conquer. Here I am, trying to focus on and juggle too many things at once. He pulled out his fluid trainer and set me up in a stationary position right there in the parking lot. Without having to worry about balancing or getting overwhelmed by having to do (and concentrate on) so much, I could at the very least practice getting on and off the bike (simulating starting and stopping) while stationary. After doing this about 10-15 times ~ and thankfully, while Kathryn and Phil joked and talked among themselves (which helped take away some of the stage fright on my end), I composed myself again and started to get comfortable enough to take the bike off the trainer and ride already.

After a few rounds in that same parking lot (the Livery in San Ramon will forever haunt me now), I just bit the bullet and said we needed to get out there. My three helpers had already used up enough of their precious time with me, when they could have been using it for their timed ride. So off we went. Into traffic, wind, the unexpected, and all. Will was again so kind to sweep and stick with me in the back of the pack. I got especially nervous when the bike lane would narrow out and I'd either have to go further out onto the street with potential oncoming cars, or hug the curb.

After riding alongside the cars for a good 15-20 minutes (which seemed like an eternity, as you can imagine), it was time to start our timed ride. Already a little winded, I went for it. The others rode off into the distance and I did my best to climb up those hills. We were on less of a busy street ~ which actually means the one or two cars that DO pass you are going 50 mph and jut out of nowhere. My timed piece was "only" about 4 miles or so, but I was just getting tired. Especially because I didn't have the advantage of being clipped in. It just didn't make for efficient riding. But I suppose it was the price I'd have to pay for wanting to avoid falling off the bike while climbing those hills for our timed marker. About 3 miles in, I was hurting. My neck was feeling strained, I most definitely didn't use enough BUTT'R, but most of all, my spirit and will to move forward was diminishing faster than you can imagine. As I neared the end of my marker distance, I was so relieved to just STOP.

After that, my body just didn't want to move anymore. I felt like a toddler, whiney and unwilling to do any more. This whole morning was most relatable to being on a roller coaster or ridiculously scary amusement park ride: I just wanted to get the h*ll off. It wasn't fun and I wanted it to be over. NOW.

This was probably one of the most disconcerting things out of the whole day, because I want to learn to love riding. I've heard, it's the easiest, and most fun sport of the three. But today just wasn't my day. And no matter how much positive thinking and self-talk I had done, nothing could change my mind. I was only so fortunate to have my three teammates by my side, who couldn't have been more amazing, supportive, patient & understanding with me.

So then... (yes, the ride continues) we had to head back. This time, we were descending ~ don't ask me how fast we were going because I'll probably say faster than a speeding bullet. As I saw Phil and Kathryn fly down the hill (and enjoying it), all I could picture was me flying over my handlebars and plummeting quickly to my death into a herd of cows somewhere (we were riding through a series of farms). I was just willing to cycle as hard and fast as I needed to ~ JUST to get back to my car. Just to get back to safe and familiar territory where I could get off my bike and PUT IT AWAY.

After almost getting side-swiped by two cars on the busy main road, we finally made it back. In one piece, I successfully finished the ride, and completed my 4-mile marker in about thirty minutes. And probably a total of almost 20 miles for the day. My teammates did awesome, and I couldn't be more proud of and happy for them. Yet I'm still left honestly a little shakey, and still in need to slay this dragon...

***
Week #4 Workout Summary [Recovery Week]

Swim: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Bike: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Run: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Core/Strength: 0 hours and 20 minutes
Total Workout: 6 hours and 45 minutes

Finding my groove in the pool

This morning we headed back out to Pleasant Hill for a run (a series of 800-meter pieces in teams of three), followed by a 1.5 hour swim. In between, we had another Iron University class on Nutrition & Proper Fueling, led by Coach Dave's lovely wife, Norma Stark.

The run went really well. I got to spend some time running with and getting to know Melissa, and of course catch up some more with my pal, Sandy. The run was actually a lot of fun ~ I even changed the way I run (this week's overarching theme, no? changing it up.) after Coach Mike noticed that upping my cadence would make for a more efficient form. By increasing the frequency of my footstrike, there was a noticeable difference in my natural "lean" and I felt myself propelling forward even more. Man, the progress I'm seeing on the swimming and running fronts is phenomenal! And in such a short amount of time, too.

w/Sandy:



w/Cori:



The swim was excellent too. There were some tough drills in there, and an extra-tough ladder (gradual increase in the number of laps with a shorter rest interval in between / then a gradual decrease in the number of laps with a longer rest interval in between). I implemented the things I learned most recently into my stroke, which made for a huge improvement and me feeling more confident and fluid underwater.



Per Coach Mike, my group and I swam almost 1 full mile today! All in all, another fun, challenging & excellent day with IronTeam.

Holy [insert expletive here]! How did I do that?!

I just got home from the pool and needed to write this down.

So all day at work today, I had been shaking in my boots (literally, I just bought a stylin' new pair ~ which I probably should not have worn after the spin and run workouts this week. leg cramps like crazy) -- over today's swim marker. Tonight we were scheduled to do a timed 800 yard swim. No stopping, no drinking water. Just straight swimming. Not only have I never done this before, but timed?

Coach Mike was generous enough to meet Phil, Tiffany & I in San Ramon tonight to watch our technique and give us that IronSupport we know and love. But I just couldn't shake the nerves. Both Phil and Tiffany are far more experienced swimmers than I, so I had to divert all instincts to compare my pace or speed with theirs (much less power) and just focus. But what if I got tired? What if I HAD to stop right in the middle of the marker? I was plagued with doubt but just told myself it had to be done.

A few drills in and already a little winded, Coach Mike pointed out something to me. An epiphany, really: I breathe every fourth stroke. FOUR? This whole time I thought it was three, and that it was somehow more efficient. He told me if it worked for me and I felt I was getting enough air, then to stick with it. He also made a few other suggestions to tweak my stroke and get my arms in the water earlier than I had been. So a few more drills, and here came the 800 yd piece.

Off I went. Similar to my long runs and marathons, I tried to really pace myself and start out slow. But my adrenaline was shooting in all different directions and I had all these numbers in my head. Somewhere in between laps 5-8 (they now are a blur to me of course) it dawned on me. What if I tried breathing every two strokes? I mean, it might throw off my usual stroke and I could be all over the place. But why not try it?

And just like magic, within those 32 laps, I singlehandedly changed my stroke -- breathing more often, and really finding a rhythm I could get used to, just like with running. I was gliding more smoothly, rotating regularly, and hello? Getting the oxygen I needed, and more often! I felt significantly less tired and exponentially more efficient. Now I know I've still got major things to work on, and definitely other things to tweak in terms of my stroke. But just the progress I saw and felt during those 32 continuous laps ~ and being able to say I did it AND feel awesome after the fact... well, I'm just speechless.

800 yd swim marker in 26:20 - check! Who knew?

Chamois Butt'r, where have you been all my life?

Every so often, you encounter one of life's simple conveniences. And with all this new and crazy stuff I'm diving into, I've found there to be an array of items that make the swimming, biking and running that much more enjoyable and manageable (especially when the going gets tough).

Throughout the season, I'll spotlight a product or gadget that I trust to carry with me on the Ironman journey. Today, I'd like to give honorable mention to.... Chamois Cream, or "Butt'r", if you prefer. The beauty behind this product is that it makes for a significantly more comfortable ride on the bike (and note, I haven't even sat on my bike for very long yet, and can still appreciate its effects). Without going into too much personal detail, Chamois Butt'r shares common ingredients with skin moisturizers and reduces friction and the discomfort level while sitting on the bike saddle ~ which especially comes in handy for the longer rides.

I make special mention of this gem because as I'm just learning to get comfortable on my bike seat, it only took me an hour of spinning yesterday, after throwing a little chamois into the shorts, that it does make a difference! As I've found during my minimal cycling experience, you gotta take care down there, and what better way to do so than with a little butter for your udder? (that one's for you, Cori.)

Thanksgiving Week Bricks

Despite being out of town this week in San Diego to visit the family, I got resourceful and managed to find myself a few choices for my workouts. There's a metric lap pool at my parents' condo downtown (which I managed to swim through on one of the more windy / blustery days this week; and a great little stationary bike at their gym. Did my first "brick" workout (comprised of a bike ride, followed immediately by a run). Not too bad. I think I was just mentally prepared for it to be difficult and long, but I pushed on through and felt great. Which made the turkey meal (& all the fixins) that much more tasty. Hope everyone had a great holiday!

***

Week #3 Workout Summary

Swim: 3 hours and 0 minutes
Bike: 1 hour and 0 minutes
Run: 1 hours and 30 minutes
Core/Strength: 0 hours and 20 minutes
Total Workout: 5 hours and 50 minutes

You'd be suprised by how many fears you can conquer in a span of five hours...

Today was another one for the books. The East Bay caravan traveled to Larkspur, in Marin County, bright and early this morning. This would be the first day Lulu, my wheels to Louisville, would leave the confines of my home and get out onto some real asphalt. We started the morning with a trainer workout, getting warmed up and acquainted with the rest of the Team in a giant circle of fluid trainers. What a gorgeous day in the Bay Area!





We practiced a few great drills, like one-legged spinning (which is as tough as it sounds), and even simulated scenarios like how to spin and shift your way out of a dropped chain. Needless to say, I was quite content with being stationary and was happy to practice clipping in and out of the pedals without the fear of tipping over while trying to balance.

As an added surprise, I won the honor of this week's Spirit Award (and IronTeam Spirit Cape), recognized for my enthusiasm and fundraising efforts. Thanks for the nomination, Teammates! To date, I have raised over $1,500 in just four weeks. And this is all thanks to YOU! I can't tell you how much your support, generosity & encouragement mean to me. So please know how far each of your dollars has gone ~ and continues to! And for your viewing amusement:



Of course, looming in the back of my mind was this anxiety about removing Lulu from the trainer in about an hour and having to try clipless riding again. As you may recall, my last bout with riding clipless ended in a set of pretty bad falls -- one in particular... which made me incredibly nervous to get back in the saddle again. Yet despite my fears (I was whining on the inside, "Do I really have to?" but forced myself to Iron-Up and just DO IT) Coach Dave assured me that I'd pick it up today. So he set up some cones in the parking lot which he wanted me to ride around, then come to a complete stop at another pair of cones -- where training captains, Tony and Nick, were standing by. If I was about to tip over, Dave said, "the guys would be there to catch me". I can't tell you how freaked out I was. There was just something so traumatizing about the last time I tried to do this that it made it physically difficult to get my feet to push the pedals to even start riding.

But Dave gave me set of really clear instructions, I followed them, and before I knew it, I was riding, fully clipped, both feet in. As I coasted around and did some turns in the parking lot, now it was time to come to a complete stop at those cones. Here was the hard part. I broke it down in my head and I reminded myself not to panic ~ but instead, visualize myself coming to a nice, smooth stop. No falls, no scrapes, no bruises. That this time, I was going to get it right. The guys were all ready to catch me, and low and behold: I stopped. A smooth, gentle stop. I clipped out at the right time, and I didn't tip over! It was a miracle! Quite possibly the most basic and elementary thing for most cyclists, but this was my moment, and I conquered my fear! Coach asked me to try it one more time, and just like the stop before it, my second one was just as smooth. I finally knew what it felt like to clip in and out and NOT fall! Another small step for an Ironbaby but a gigantic step for me!



After our two hours of spinning, we had an hour and a half swim workout. To recount, I used to have so many anxieties about swimming, especially when it came to all these drills, commands by our Coaches to swim several hundred yards without stopping, and being afraid I'd lose all oxygen in my lungs and slowly sink to the bottom. It was during probably my 30th consecutive lap that it occurred to me: Here I am, doing something I was so scared of before. How did this happen? How did I get to this point to where I could swim so far and so long continuously when it used to be something I had such huge fears about? It's the same way I felt once I got the hang of the clips on the bike.

After about a 5+ hour day with the Team, we all celebrated our successful workouts with some lunch and a couple beers at the Marin Brewing Company. A great way to wrap up the day, spend some time with everyone off the trails and out of the pool. And of course, upon arriving back home, I promptly passed out for another 2-hour nap. I don't think I moved in my bed for the entire 2 hours -- just laid in the same exact spot, motionless, out of sheer exhaustion and contentment after such an awesome day.

***
Week #2 Workout Summary

Swim: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Bike: 2 hours and 0 minutes
Run: 2 hours and 0 minutes
Core/Strength: 0 hours and 40 minutes
Total Workout: 7 hours and minutes

Beginning of the Season Benchmarks

What a day! Today we had one of those monster workouts where you walk away afterward feeling SO strong and able. I just feel awesome looking back at how hard we all worked this morning.

I had butterflies and knots in my stomach during the drive over to Pleasant Hill with Phil. It's that fear of the unknown that gets me everytime.



We pulled into the pool parking lot and met with the Team ~ must have been about 30+ degrees this morning. The Coaches had decided to split up the Team, and I was in the group that would jump in the pool first. There I was. Terrified and shaking in my swim cap over how far and how fast I would need to swim. And then, Coach Sedonia gave us our instructions: 400 yds without stopping. No breaks for water, no hanging on the walls. Just continuous swimming. Well. Despite all my fear, and despite all apprehension I had, I did it. I had to throw in a couple laps of breaststroke but I kept going, kept breathing, and swam 16 continuous laps. And not only did I make it, I felt awesome afterward! We continued on with our swim workout for another hour and a half or so (drills and such -- I got to share a lane with BK) and ended with a nice cooldown. I totally surprised myself again!



After we dried off and changed, it was time for our 2-mile run benchmark test with Coach Simon. We started with a mile warmup, followed by some plyometrics. My 2-mile time was pretty good. Like the swim marker, I'm satisfied with it. It's going to be great to see all the progress & improvement I'll make throughout the season ~ which is the purpose of the benchmark testing: to see where you are and how you can get better.





About a half an hour of running and up next, we had Core and Strength Training with Coach Doug. During this part of the day, I had reached my "hurts to so good phase", which I just learned and realized I had! This had been our fourth hour of training for the day and despite the little aches and burn from pushing our bodies, it honestly felt so good! It had to be the endorphins! Or maybe the Gu Phil lent me before the run. I may have a change of heart later, but I can safely say that I loved today's core workout. Pretty evident, wouldn't you say?





Grabbed some pizza with the Team after our morning at the pool & track, hopped into a nice hot shower when I got home and promptly passed out for a 2-hour nap. What a fantastic training day.

And now, on to recover and tackle the bike...

***
Week #1 Workout Summary

Swim: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Bike: 0 hours and 30 minutes
Run: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Core/Strength: 0 hours and 40 minutes
Total Workout: 4 hours and 20 minutes

Enjoy a game of hoops & give a little back to LLS!

Hey Warriors Fans! I am selling tickets to the below Golden State Warriors games at a discounted rate (no added fees or taxes). You will save anywhere from $10-15 per ticket.

AND, if you purchase through the below link (and enter the promotional code WARRIORS), not only do you receive the discount, but $10 of every ticket I sell will go directly to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I thought this would be a fun way to get people out to watch some basketball and help out for a good cause. So take advantage while you can!

Please let me know if you are interested or have any questions. I will be selling these tickets from now until the end of the season.

===

12/3 Warriors vs. Houston Rockets

12/18 Warriors vs. Washington Wizards

1/8 Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings

1/20 Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets

2/8 Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks

2/27 Warriors vs. Detroit Pistons

3/11 Warriors vs. Portland Trailblazers

3/22 Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns

4/11 Warriors vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

- Select the game you would like to attend and click on "Find Tickets".

- Enter the following password in the special offer code box: WARRIORS

- Enter your TicketMaster account ID (or e-mail address) and password on the left (if you have never created a TicketMaster account, go to "Create an Account" on the right-hand side of the screen).

- Follow the instructions to purchase - you will be able to print the tickets right at your desk.

See you at the Oracle Arena!

Kickoff Weekend!

It's been a jampacked weekend, but extremely fulfilling. We started off the Iron Season by gearing up for TNT Kickoff at Wheeler Hall on the UC Berkeley Campus. While it was a bummer to miss Game Day, I wouldn't have missed a second of my time inside the auditorium and classroom. After the various initiation / welcoming festivities, IronTeam stayed afterward to complete a 5-hour Iron University, which consisted of various instructionals by our Coaches, getting to know our Team, followed by some calisthenics and core exercises in between. A lot of my questions were answered, yet I still have that looming feeling of being anxious / excited...

After a quick bite in downtown Berkeley, we were about ready to hit the hay by 8 p.m. (something I think I'll inevitably need to get used to this season) But I can't wait to meet and train with my new Team:

...after 8 glorious hours of sleep Saturday night, it was time for a new day. Tiffany and I had our first joint fundraising event, a Garage Sale ~ with 100% of the proceeds going directly to LLS. We had a great turnout, combined with some much needed r&r and catching up with our teammates from the marathon team, while bringing in some major bucks for the charity. The weather was beautiful for it!

Took about a 10-minute powernap after cleaning up the Sale and geared up (no pun intended) for my first attempt at going clipless [riding my bike with the clip-in pedals and cleats], with Phil's help. No easy feat, mind you. I've been warned that I WILL fall. It's just not instinctual to clip-out at the 'right time' before coming to a complete stop, especially when you're just starting out. And despite any preparation or anticipation... I can say this: The first fall, I felt pretty bad-ass; I dusted myself off and got right back on. The second fall, I did feel the burn. And by the third fall... oh, the third fall... ego, leg, and other areas were surely bruised.


Nevertheless, just like my swim a few weeks back: Sometimes you'll fall, sometimes you'll get a little winded or discouraged. But tomorrow's a new day. You get back on and you try again. Which calls to mind one of Coach Dave's renowned -isms:

"We're not training for Plastic Man."

So with that said, I cleaned up, put on my running tights, and went for my first Iron Season run with Tiffany and Phil, completing a cool 4-miler in the brisk Pleasanton air. It was so good to go running again ~ my first time in about three weeks.

And now, after some much needed icing, I'm ready for bed. So as initially stated, jampacked but highly fulfilling :)

"It's ok to have butterflies ~ just make sure they're all flying in the same direction."

I had my first pre-season Swim Clinic this morning in Larkspur. To be honest, I was really nervous about the prospect of jumping into a pool and seeing just how much more experienced the other swimmers would be. It was like the first day of Summer Camp, only I was fortunate to have a few familiar faces by my side (like Tiffany, Rocky & Head Coach Dave) to keep me from wetting my pants.

I put myself in Group 1, the batch of most inexperienced swimmers -- only to find myself getting bumped into Group 2. I could hear Coach Joe yelling above the water, "Maria, you know how to swim! Go over to the deeper end!" Before I knew it, I was doing repetitive laps: 25 yards out, 25 back. Just after a couple, I felt winded. As I stared down at the pool floor I felt a wave of discouragement. I felt this rush and panic to get to the other end of the pool and I felt like I needed to gasp for air since my heart was beating so fast. When I reached the end of the "warm-up" (yes, this was only the start of our clinic ~ we hadn't even began our swim drills), I had to do some serious self-talk.

See, what I've learned through all my marathon training is this invaluable lesson: You can't let yourself get overwhelmed. Things will happen, not go as planned, and sometimes it won't go right or be perfect at all. But you can't freak out. You have to just take in the moment, accept it, stop, and take a breath. You find your bearings and keep going ~ one step (or stroke) in front of the other. And that's all a part of life, too.

So I trusted myself (haha and to think all of this was happening underwater -- way to multitask, right?) and kept going with the drills. Before I knew it, I was continuously swimming my laps and all that discouragement, self-doubt and worry took a backseat. Sure, I was still tired and feeling winded after every couple of laps. But I trudged on and kept going. For the final 100 yds (after I thought we were about ready for our cooldown), Coach Dave wanted us to go ALL out and swim our strongest out and back. TWICE. Before I could even allow myself to get worked up or stressed, I took a couple deep breaths, focused, and swam my hardest and most consistent. Visualizing a fluid stroke, steady breathing, and using as much power as I could muster up in my legs and well... entire upper body :)

And after a 50 yd cooldown, it was done. I had just finished my first Swim Clinic. It was a small step for an Ironbaby, but a HUGE step for me. What started out as something that made me completely nervous, actually turned into a life-changing workout! Who'd have thought? And I'm proud to say I didn't get scared off or run the other way. I faced it and I did my best. And I know I'm going to have countless other moments like this throughout the season. I'm excited to witness all the mental, physical & emotional growth I'll be doing these next nine months.

Coach Joe said at the end of practice that no matter how many races you've done, whether it's your first or your eighth (and he's a five-time Ironman finisher), you'll always have butterflies. "And it's ok to have butterflies," he said. "Just make sure they're all flying in the same direction."

It's truly amazing what you can get your body AND mind to do.

In reflecting on my second full marathon, which I just completed last Sunday (The Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco, on October 18), it occurred to me what a HUGE undertaking it was when I first started training to run 26.2 miles. And keep in mind, I had started this journey less than a year ago.

I never used to be a runner, and the mere mention of running continuously for long periods of time terrified me. But it was my TEAM: My Honorees, Coaches, Mentors, Captains, Teammates and Cheerleaders (on Facebook :), at home and off the trails, and all of you who have so generously donated to the cause) that pushed me to keep going and eliminate all limits I put on myself. And I guess the rest is history.

What first started out as something I feared, has now become a part of my life I don't think I could do without. There's just something about the end of a race and attaining a goal you've worked so hard for ~ that is truly irreplaceable. And for me, having such a smooth race and reaching the finish line at Nike was really a gift. And I feel so fortunate to have it to look back on.

It's been such a transformative process, to discover what you're capable of in terms of changing others' lives... and even your own. So thank you for all your support. You've helped me get to two finish lines of 26.2 miles and I just can't get over it! And can you believe, this is only the beginning?

Really... how far IS 140.6 Miles?

To help put things into perspective...

(click on photos to enlarge)

Life's too short to put limits on your abilities.

If you've found yourself here, it means you're curious to know what I've gotten myself into...

I've decided to commit my mind, heart --and yes-- body, once again, to Team in Training. To helping fundraise and find a cure for blood cancers. And to testing my abilities and begin another chapter and challenge in my life to complete a new endurance event.

And this time -- I've chosen the Ironman.

That's right. I've slightly lost my mind, have signed up, and am determined to complete my first ever:

2.4-mile swim
112-mile bike &
26.2-mile run

...all in under 17 hours. On Sunday, August 29, 2010. In Louisville, Kentucky. Along the Ohio River, and through the scenic Bluegrass Region of the South.

My training has already begun, and I am asking for your moral support, encouragement, inspiration -- and most importantly, your help in making my goals a reality.

I have completed two full marathons with Team in Training in the past year, and have raised over $5,000 in my efforts to help find a cure for a type of disease which affects someone every five minutes. Please don't let it stop here. Along with a new finish line goal, I have a brand new fundraising goal this season: $8,000 to help change and better others' lives. Please give what you can. Every single dollar counts.

Keep an eye out for updates and stories ~ as you're sure to read about a lot of firsts! I'm pumped to begin this exciting, terrifying, exhilarating journey, and can't wait to share it with you!

My sincerest thanks for all your support.

GO TEAM!
Maria