There was little sleep to be had last night. I kept jerking awake, heart slamming in my chest, scared to death I wouldn't be able to perform. After tossing and turning, I got up at 5:00 and started "running around the house" to quote my family. I didn't think I was being that loud, I only took a shower, got ready, and ran up and down the steps 75 times getting my ipod and a new cd together so I could transport some new songs onto it - to help me run faster. Jim caught me as I was dashing through the intersection of our hallway and bedroom and said, "Well, are you a bit anxious, dear?!?"
We all met and drew numbers on each other - literally. I was number 3 - on both arms and a calf. We each got a tongue depressor with our number on it and "S" "B" "R" on which our times would be logged. We got a bag full of goodies - wow, I was going to use that gel protein stuff in between running and biking! I had brought my super duper energy jelly beans (which I was popping profusely at 6:45 AM), but this would be a strawberry treat to spur me on!
Everyone got to choose which leg to start with, Andrea and I chose running - the majority chose swimming. There was a designated reserved treadmill area and about 6 of us running. Andrea was to my right, and a beautiful, long legged blond was to my left - running 7.2 mph. Dude, I ran 7.2 once for about 5 seconds 5 years ago. Talk about PRESSURE on the stubs!!! Andrea wasn't helping matters as far as not psyching me out, either. She accelerated to the sevens also!!!
The paper they gave me when I signed up for the competition said we would need to begin the treadmill while standing on the sides, get it to desired speed, and then jump on. I was freaking out about this just last night because I forgot to practice, and I could just see myself jumping on and flinging backwards, hitting my forehead on the running belt and being disqualified. The guy gave us time to warm up, and once we were ready, we called out and he wrote down our time.
I jogged along at 5.0 for probably a mile, moved to 5.5, and then played around, increasing and decreasing from 5.5. It was incredibly hot (again), and my legs felt like lead. I finally backed it off to 5 for a few minutes, increasing once again. I desperately needed a drink of water, but was afraid to decrease to grab my bottle. Jim and the girls showed up with a surprise - the three of them had shirts that said "Team Ruthie" in an emblem that resembled a steel plate! It was awesome! He had done it as an early birthday present for me. If only I wasn't dying with my seemingly 200 pound lead weight legs churning, knees burning, and gasping for air, I would've been more appreciative of the gesture! "I'll get out of your way and let you finish, I know how you are when you're running." He's right, I hate anyone being up in my business when I run. I finally turned it down and walked at 4.0 my last couple of minutes. Sad, I know - 28.10 - not even as fast as my fastest practice time - 26.25! But, 14 seconds faster than my first practice doing the whole triathlon - that was something.
I finished, got my tongue depressor, tried to acknowledge my family, their happy faces and their rockin' shirts - but my face was red, my body was already tired, and I wondered if I could actually finish this thing.
I was slow in transition, taking a few minutes to change into bike pants, moving like a turtle, grabbing a drink and some fitness gum. I had one of my girls hold my strawberry power gel - then forgot all about it and set off for the bike.
The swimmers were here, Wendy (who worked with me in the pool), Andrea, and many others, including the teachers who had heard about "Team Ruthie"! People I didn't even know were saying, "Oh, YOU'RE Ruthie!" I felt like a celebrity, thanks to my sweet, thoughtful and supportive husband.
Contrary to what I originally thought, the course was NOT all flat. Every mile was a level increase. We did only go to level 6, but since my lead stubs were BURNING like fire, this was no easy feat! Some guy from Fox News showed up right then with his camera, wow what a glamor moment. My face was all red from exertion, hair completely soaked. Can't wait to see that on TV tonight. Towards the end the teacher made a competition between myself and a 27 year old girl, we were neck and neck. It was kind of fun and broke the monotony. The girl beat me by just a few seconds - but she had started before me. I beat her time. Did you hear that? I'm 46 years old tomorrow, and I beat a 27 year old. Go me!!!
I went to don my glamour cap, relieved to swim. I knew this was going to be the easiest part. A girl finished up, and then, there was just me, the pool, the four judges, and my three fans. And here I was all worried about sharing a lane and mowing down someone.
I was strong. My arms, tris, lats reaching forward, a stronger swim than I've ever done. THANK YOU WENDY for showing me the claws, the roll, and the form!!!! Mind you, I did have to backstroke on the way back to catch my breath. Each lap I completed I heard the judges and Team Ruthie yelling, it was exciting, and I was relaxed and ready! Five laps. Final time - best I've ever had, even in practice: 8:29!!! If you've seen the pic of me in my swim cap at the end of the race (my 3 on my arm), I've got a grin a mile wide because they just told me my time. I was ecstatic!!!
Everyone got a medal, and there were no age divisions. Wendy (1st) and Andrea(4th) were in the gold medal division. I was two or three behind Andrea in the silver division (I'm a bit fuzzy on this yet, final results will be posted next week). Final overall time: 65:16. Remember way back to the second blog when I did my own personal triathlon to see if I could do it? My time was 93:07! I had improved in all three areas.
Finishing this triathlon is a special birthday gift to myself. If I have to get older (and hey, it's better than the alternative), I may as well get BETTER, right?!? Thanks to all of you for sticking with me through this blog, cheering me on, leaving comments. We've come to the end of this blog, but stay tuned - there's another triathlon in January! I will be creating another blog - possibly a general workout blog. I'm open for suggestions - leave comments!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
10 (pretty solid) reasons why I should back out
Ok it's time to panic. Reality has set in. I don't think I'm ready for this.
1. I meant to practice jumping on the treadmill while it's already in motion - I forgot.
2. I didn't run at all and haven't since Thursday a week ago.
3. I didn't get to bike at all.
4. I only swam once - for 15 minutes.
5. I forgot to get a new swim cap.
6. I can't find anything to wear.
7. OK I remembered my new fitness pants, but I just realized my knee braces are gonna look super stupid underneath them (you will be able to see every buldge).
8. I have to be there by 6:45 (AM). I have been known to unconsciously turn off my alarm clock.
9. I should probably lose 10 more pounds first.
10. I don't think I can do this.
11. (Bonus reason) My swimsuit is really worn out now and not very professional looking.
If I do decide to do it, I've already laid out my new fitness pants so they're right side out. Even if I perform poorly, at least my pants will be rockin'.
That is "if" I do it.
1. I meant to practice jumping on the treadmill while it's already in motion - I forgot.
2. I didn't run at all and haven't since Thursday a week ago.
3. I didn't get to bike at all.
4. I only swam once - for 15 minutes.
5. I forgot to get a new swim cap.
6. I can't find anything to wear.
7. OK I remembered my new fitness pants, but I just realized my knee braces are gonna look super stupid underneath them (you will be able to see every buldge).
8. I have to be there by 6:45 (AM). I have been known to unconsciously turn off my alarm clock.
9. I should probably lose 10 more pounds first.
10. I don't think I can do this.
11. (Bonus reason) My swimsuit is really worn out now and not very professional looking.
If I do decide to do it, I've already laid out my new fitness pants so they're right side out. Even if I perform poorly, at least my pants will be rockin'.
That is "if" I do it.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
2 days 'till Triathlon!
Since I last wrote (last Thursday), I swam on Friday - 16 laps.
After that, I was done. My body was in a constant state of TIRED!!! It was time for a rest. Which was a good thing, because that was my plan all along - give it my all, go hard on strength training and cardio, eat right, and back off the week of the Tri.
I have had five full days of rest, today is the first day I've done any exercise. I was finally ready, but only swam for 15 minutes. I timed my first five laps and that was somewhere around 9 minutes. That is improvement (I think my last time was over 10). Now, if I can only do that in the competition, I will be happy. It's me against myself, really. I've just got to stay calm and swim steady.
My original plan for this week was to run 15 and bike 15 also. Due to major time constraints and parental health issues, I did neither. I do plan to bike outside tomorrow for 15 minutes at some point, that's no big deal. The running, however, I will save for the triathlon. My knees are not well, still, and the plantar fasciitus is still acting up. I do hope to do some major stretching or yoga tomorrow as well, that will help.
Jim caught me smiling to myself today and asked what I was thinking about. "I'm excited about the triathlon!" was my reply. I really am, I can't wait to do it! It's so great to have goals to work toward when you're trying to be fit and healthy. It helps relieve the monotony to change it up and make it fun. To challenge oneself - to realize a potential never before imagined - gives a new lease on life, and as one ages, one needs that more and more!
After that, I was done. My body was in a constant state of TIRED!!! It was time for a rest. Which was a good thing, because that was my plan all along - give it my all, go hard on strength training and cardio, eat right, and back off the week of the Tri.
I have had five full days of rest, today is the first day I've done any exercise. I was finally ready, but only swam for 15 minutes. I timed my first five laps and that was somewhere around 9 minutes. That is improvement (I think my last time was over 10). Now, if I can only do that in the competition, I will be happy. It's me against myself, really. I've just got to stay calm and swim steady.
My original plan for this week was to run 15 and bike 15 also. Due to major time constraints and parental health issues, I did neither. I do plan to bike outside tomorrow for 15 minutes at some point, that's no big deal. The running, however, I will save for the triathlon. My knees are not well, still, and the plantar fasciitus is still acting up. I do hope to do some major stretching or yoga tomorrow as well, that will help.
Jim caught me smiling to myself today and asked what I was thinking about. "I'm excited about the triathlon!" was my reply. I really am, I can't wait to do it! It's so great to have goals to work toward when you're trying to be fit and healthy. It helps relieve the monotony to change it up and make it fun. To challenge oneself - to realize a potential never before imagined - gives a new lease on life, and as one ages, one needs that more and more!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Up at 5:30 AM to run on my treadmill. 3 miles, and every single mile was a struggle. That is the last time I will run hard until the triathlon. My body is tired and I can tell I am very close to overtraining. I know the rest next week will do me good. Two more workout days and then I'll take it easy next week until the tri.
My intentions were to do a full P90 chest and back workout but after I cranked out 20 pushups and 16 pull ups I knew I wasn't going there. Running on fumes is not the way to do it. I settled for ab ripper X and got halfway through it! I felt like a weenie!
I have taken it pretty hard and long these past three weeks. I haven't worked out this hard in probably three years. And even then, it wasn't at this intensity level. Running, biking, swimming, as well as P90X, that is the whole entire package and MORE!!!
So tomorrow I will swim again and do my drills. Saturday is spin class, legs, and possibly a little swim.
Sunday is rest. One day early next week I hope to run 15, swim 15, and bike 15. I may lift one day, but I will not go heavy.
Hopefully I will be rested and ready by Saturday, November 20 - the last day I will be 45 - for my very first triathlon!!! (Let's hope it's not the last!)
My intentions were to do a full P90 chest and back workout but after I cranked out 20 pushups and 16 pull ups I knew I wasn't going there. Running on fumes is not the way to do it. I settled for ab ripper X and got halfway through it! I felt like a weenie!
I have taken it pretty hard and long these past three weeks. I haven't worked out this hard in probably three years. And even then, it wasn't at this intensity level. Running, biking, swimming, as well as P90X, that is the whole entire package and MORE!!!
So tomorrow I will swim again and do my drills. Saturday is spin class, legs, and possibly a little swim.
Sunday is rest. One day early next week I hope to run 15, swim 15, and bike 15. I may lift one day, but I will not go heavy.
Hopefully I will be rested and ready by Saturday, November 20 - the last day I will be 45 - for my very first triathlon!!! (Let's hope it's not the last!)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Bike day
We finally experienced some warm weather and Andrea and I took full advantage of it! It had been so long that I almost forgot how to ride a moving bike. When I first hopped on, I tipped over and had to hop off! I hoped this wasn't a foretaste of things to come!
Today was my first time in the "Pits", which are worse than Vomit Hill. We're talking roller coaster hills here. Which is not too bad because if you get up enough speed on the way down, you don't have to work too awfully hard on the way back up.
There are a few rough spots though. Andrea and I worked hard at not clutching our handlebars tightly. We were doing a terrible job, weaving all over the road, back and forth in front of each other!
I cannot stand up and pedal to save my life. Andrea takes it nice and slow, but if we're working on a hard hill I've got to pedal fast and just get it overwith! I did a horrible job on my controlled breathing too. My expert bike friend Luke told me tonight that I need to keep my shoulders back and my chest open so my lungs can expand. I'll try that next time.
It was great cardio and my legs were toast by the end. We did a lot of riding today, I'd say roughly 12 miles, maybe more. Wonderful ride, so much better than sitting on a spin bike staring at a painted picture of a snowy mountain and listening to some person yell out orders!
Today was my first time in the "Pits", which are worse than Vomit Hill. We're talking roller coaster hills here. Which is not too bad because if you get up enough speed on the way down, you don't have to work too awfully hard on the way back up.
There are a few rough spots though. Andrea and I worked hard at not clutching our handlebars tightly. We were doing a terrible job, weaving all over the road, back and forth in front of each other!
I cannot stand up and pedal to save my life. Andrea takes it nice and slow, but if we're working on a hard hill I've got to pedal fast and just get it overwith! I did a horrible job on my controlled breathing too. My expert bike friend Luke told me tonight that I need to keep my shoulders back and my chest open so my lungs can expand. I'll try that next time.
It was great cardio and my legs were toast by the end. We did a lot of riding today, I'd say roughly 12 miles, maybe more. Wonderful ride, so much better than sitting on a spin bike staring at a painted picture of a snowy mountain and listening to some person yell out orders!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Me and my swim cap are NOT friends
Today was swim day! I'm always excited to swim until it comes time to don the swim cap. If I could swim without it, I would. This sucker is made of rubber and it's TIGHT! I get in a fight with it every time - a wrestling match, of sorts. For a while, I would put my hair into a high pony tail so my cap wouldn't grab it on the way down and force it out the sides.
I recently cut my hair, so it now doesn't fit into the pony tail - this is where the problem lies. I grab the ornery thing, spread it wide with my hands, bend upside down, and try to mash it on while catching all hair inside. No dice. All the hair is sticking out the bottom and sides. I finally just push it all up underneath the cap a little at a time.
This cap also has the amazing ability to make me look as if I just received Botox injections. If I don't pull my eyebrows down, they just remain up, or even worse - sideways. The thing also puts a dent in my forehead. Do you think it's time I invested in a nylon type?
Anyway, about the swim.
I warmed up with 6 laps - freestyle down, back stroke up.
1 lap kicking with the board
4 freestyle laps with the hand paddles
4 freestyle laps with the buoy
1 lap on my side
1 lap w/elbows pointing up (alternating, of course - there is the need to breathe and also not sink)
3 freestyle laps to finish up what I learned - POWER in the arms, reaching deep from the lats, carrying through with a high arch, using more arm power than legs. Hey, I think I'm getting the hang of this!!!
Wow. Maybe I'm not a lost cause in the water after all. I think I finally "got it" mentally.
The one thing that bothers me is the temperature of the pool. It was COLD today - usually it's heated. That always makes me have breathing problems, it's like I panic at first or need more breath. It occured to me that someday when I grow up to do "Big girl Triathlons" I will actually be in real lake water (which is cold) - so I decided to deal with it and use it as a learning experience.
I'm worried about the swimming part of the Tri now. I get flustered when there are lots of people and moving, splashing water in the pool. Also, if I'm trying to go fast, I'm afraid I'm going to panic a bit and lose my breath. I've gotta figure out some strategy here. Any suggestions???
I will finish with one final thought about the swim cap. It didn't do it's job today. I kept feeling a long hair across my lips. I HATE that feeling - always thinking it's someone else's hair floating around on your lips - BLECK!!! I finally checked and thank goodness it was one of mine - and yet, curse you, you stupid rubber cap! Why can't you just do your job and let me swim?!? Sheesh. I'm def googling swim caps tonight.
I recently cut my hair, so it now doesn't fit into the pony tail - this is where the problem lies. I grab the ornery thing, spread it wide with my hands, bend upside down, and try to mash it on while catching all hair inside. No dice. All the hair is sticking out the bottom and sides. I finally just push it all up underneath the cap a little at a time.
This cap also has the amazing ability to make me look as if I just received Botox injections. If I don't pull my eyebrows down, they just remain up, or even worse - sideways. The thing also puts a dent in my forehead. Do you think it's time I invested in a nylon type?
Anyway, about the swim.
I warmed up with 6 laps - freestyle down, back stroke up.
1 lap kicking with the board
4 freestyle laps with the hand paddles
4 freestyle laps with the buoy
1 lap on my side
1 lap w/elbows pointing up (alternating, of course - there is the need to breathe and also not sink)
3 freestyle laps to finish up what I learned - POWER in the arms, reaching deep from the lats, carrying through with a high arch, using more arm power than legs. Hey, I think I'm getting the hang of this!!!
Wow. Maybe I'm not a lost cause in the water after all. I think I finally "got it" mentally.
The one thing that bothers me is the temperature of the pool. It was COLD today - usually it's heated. That always makes me have breathing problems, it's like I panic at first or need more breath. It occured to me that someday when I grow up to do "Big girl Triathlons" I will actually be in real lake water (which is cold) - so I decided to deal with it and use it as a learning experience.
I'm worried about the swimming part of the Tri now. I get flustered when there are lots of people and moving, splashing water in the pool. Also, if I'm trying to go fast, I'm afraid I'm going to panic a bit and lose my breath. I've gotta figure out some strategy here. Any suggestions???
I will finish with one final thought about the swim cap. It didn't do it's job today. I kept feeling a long hair across my lips. I HATE that feeling - always thinking it's someone else's hair floating around on your lips - BLECK!!! I finally checked and thank goodness it was one of mine - and yet, curse you, you stupid rubber cap! Why can't you just do your job and let me swim?!? Sheesh. I'm def googling swim caps tonight.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday workout - no frills
Talk about a whirlwind day. Work out is still the priority though, and I got 'er done!
Ran 2 miles on my TM
P90X shoulders & arms.
Challenged myself, sore already
Knees so tender and sore tonight, wish I could run w/o them bothering me. They give out on me way before the rest of me wants to quit. Hope I can do justice to the run during the tri. I plan to do my big run (3.25 miles) on Thursday. Well, it may not be big for someone with long legs and no knee issues, but it's a big deal to me now!
Tomorrow I SWIM!!!
Ran 2 miles on my TM
P90X shoulders & arms.
Challenged myself, sore already
Knees so tender and sore tonight, wish I could run w/o them bothering me. They give out on me way before the rest of me wants to quit. Hope I can do justice to the run during the tri. I plan to do my big run (3.25 miles) on Thursday. Well, it may not be big for someone with long legs and no knee issues, but it's a big deal to me now!
Tomorrow I SWIM!!!
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