Madiera Beach Tri

I'm very disappointed in myself for not blogging the last few months. During this time I trained for my second Triathlon. My first was Longleaf which was 1/4 mile swim, 9 mile bike and 3.1 mile run. Madiera Beach was 1/2 mile swim, 15 mile bike and 3.1 run (3.25 according to my Garmin). This go around I decided to join the Master's Swim at the Y which I feel really made a difference in the swim. It really helped my confidence; which I'm sure if you were standing at the water's edge with me on race day this past weekend you wouldn't have believed me. I knew I could go the distance but I feared the unknown. The unknown of the ocean and swimmers around me. I did get the privaledge of being in the same wave with 2 great friends who were able to give me encouraging words before heading into the water. Teresa said something that really put the race into perspective for me. She said "don't let anyone get in the way of YOUR race today". That helped me realize that it wasn't realistic to worry about all the other athletes around me, I was to focus on all the training I did up until this point that prepared me to run "my race". I have to admit that I had a few moments of slight panic during the swim when I felt someone claw me and another few brush up against me. I was able to talk myself down easily and finish the swim in a respectible amount of time.....This was my first open water and 1/2 mile swim....swim time 19:34



Scott and the girls were waiting to cheer me on as soon as I got out of the water. Scott said I looked alot stronger leaving the swim than what I did at Longleaf. I would have to agree, I felt like I could've swam further. I did well in transition....T1 1:41



The 15 miles on the bike were not difficult however my time was alot slower than I planned. I climbed 2 bridges which was also a first for me. I never even attempted a climb in training. I did however get comfortable going through my gears which was a step ahead since my first race. I left it in one gear the entire time training for my first tri and during my first tri.....bike time 48:56 (a Tri bike would improve this time for sure)



Another job well done transition 2. I opted to not wear socks which saved me time but did allow a couple blisters to spoil my fun....T2 1:20



The first half of the run was on the road which made it hot and sticky. The second half was on the sand. My pace was an impressive 8 until I hit the sand. I was thankful for the breeze once I neared the water but the Garmin only delivered bad news of my pace being a 9 for most of the rest of the run. The loose sand close to the finish line made it feel as though I was never going to make enough progress to cross but I dug deep and did finish strong...run 27:55

Total time 1:39:24

29th/73 in my AG

Post race I felt releaved. I think I'm ready for a break, more so mentally then physically. I feel the playfulness of summer nearing and I'm looking forward to finding enjoyment in my running again. All the classes I use to take at the Y that I enjoyed so much have been on the back burner. But I can't help but feel a little torn about waiting until this fall for my next race. Especially when I think about my Tri friends doing Dunedin and a few of the others coming up. I'm going to try to stick to my decision of taking the summer off of tri training but it's going to be difficult.

03.02.10 track run

With the wind gust 20-40mph it was a real challenge to get through this run. Without plans for what type of intervals I would be doing I set out with a goal of 5 miles. For majority of my run the wind was at my face and while my Garmen read 9 pace at times my legs felt like they were running 7. Although the road was flat it felt as though I was running uphill all 5 of these miles. It was a challenge mentally. I told myself that the harder the wind would blow the better the workout would be for me. After 3 miles my legs were tired. I struggled to commit myself to the last 2 miles. I'm glad I did because once it was over I was proud of myself.

Mile 1: 8:58 (wind at my face)
Mile 2: 8:38 (wind at my face)
Mile 3: 8:08 (wind at my back)
Mile 4: 9:13 (wind at my face)
Mile 5: 9:08 (face again!)

02.28.10 My Gasparilla

15K Gasparilla race was yesterday. Unfortunately my daughter was ill and I had to miss it. I always look forward to the expo which brings alot of great dri-fit shirts for this race. The race course is beautiful, running along the water.

Today was My Gasparilla. I took off when the sun was beginning to set. This is my favorite time to run. I really miss my evening runs. I enjoy not getting up early and the cool evening breeze, watching the sunset. I planned on doing 10 miles but soon thought it would be a better idea to run the 15K that I missed yesterday. I fueled with 4 chomps and carried my water bottle with me. I left my middle class neighborhood and ran towards the upper crust homes close by. Thank goodness for the music. I don't feel as alone out there with all the songs that Madison has down loaded on my ipod. With each run I feel like I get to know her better listening through each song choice. It's a mix between East coast and Twilight if that makes any sense. At least that's how they feel to me.

I ran 4 1/2 miles before stopping for water and fuel. Around 5 1/2 miles it felt like my legs left my body, comparible to a runner's high I suppose. That didn't last long unfortunately. Around mile 7 I was ready for it to be over. I think the lack of sleep, staying up with Gracie the past 2 nights took it's toll on me. Once I got back to my neighborhood I still needed a mile so I ran our loop one time around. It's such a let down to get close to home and need extra mileage. That's where good planning comes into play.

Mile 1: 9:26
Mile 2: 9:16
Mile 3: 9:26
Mile 4: 9:37
Mile 5: 9:40
Mile 6: 9:36
Mile 7: 9:34
Mile 8: 9:13
Mile 9: 9:00

Total time: 1:24:55.....A little disappointed with my pace per mile. I can usually put away those miles closer to 9, if not 8:50. There's always next week. Looking forward to the Princess 1/2 Marathon at Disney with my girls.

02.25.10 Cardio Sculpt

Sinus pressure was way too great to get in the pool tonight. Kelly offered a great work out with plenty of challenge. I was pleasantly suprised that I felt so strong throughout class. Kelly's classes use to be a greater challenge. I think the cross training between the run and swim has improved my cardio and the Body Flex classes have helped me build a little muscle.

02.24.10 yogalates

Great new class taught by Jeanine at the Y. Traditional Yoga mixed with core work. The music was also a treat; John Mayer, The Fray and some Thai thrown in there. Very relaxing and I felt loose when I left. I'm giving this class 2 thumbs up and I will return next week. These running legs need every chance they get for stretching.

02.24.10 finally, a short run outside

Total time 44:26. Total miles 5. It was drizzling rain which made the run more comfortable than usual. My only concern was should the rain get heavier my Garmen would not survive. Luckily it stayed light and enjoyable.


Mile 1: 9:11
Mile 2: 9:05
Mile 3: 8:54
Mile 4: 8:50
Mile 5: 8:25

Need to do some more speed work. Last year around this time I was making alot more progress. You only get out of it what you put into it and lately my training has been laxed.

02.22.10 Body Flex

Body Flex with Kelly. It was the usual weight lifting with a little element of cardio from set to set. The greatest pain is the shoulder and ab work out. She's always changing up the work outs to keep it fresh. Love your classes Kelly.