July 3, 2008

Suit Up!

Swimming is often the biggest challenge for those who want to become triathletes. For me this is not the case. I actually come from a swimming background. The biggest challenge in the swim I have had is the open water part. I grew up in Colorado - not a plethora of open water there to swim in. It has taken me two years to start to feel more at ease with water where I can't see the bottom. This winter I decided to tackle the next traithlon swim challenge - the wetsuit.

I have been freaked of the wetsuit concept simply because I know how to swim. I figured that being a good swimmer and then encasing myself in a suit of rubber would impede the movement and ability I already had. But, the warmth factor has been a draw. Not only do wetsuits help increase your buoyancy - helpful for those who aren't strong swimmers - it insulates you and keeps you warm. Nice.

I got a Promtion wetsuit (a nice economical choice for the amateur, I think) for Christmas and it has been hanging in the closet waiting for a test swim. So, late last week I enlisted Jeff and the camera to help me give it a test. Here's what I found:

1) Getting it on was a bit tricky and will take some practice but, at least before a race there is time to pull it on slowly and carefully. [And, because others are also wearing wetsuits you won't look as stupid as you feel you look]

2) It IS very insulating - I was swimming in fairly shallow waters that were around 80+ degrees - I was a bit sweaty feeling.

3) I think the feel might be easier for men who wear swim trunks to get used to. I never swim with anything around my legs (well, except for the compression like tri-shorts). While the upper body was more comfortable than I expected, the legs felt a bit like I was wearing a pair of pants while swimming.

4) Wetsuits are not meant to be a barrier to the water. Water still passes through them. Water passing through the legs while I was swimming made me feel like I was wetting my pants [tried and tried but I could come up with no better/nicer description for that one.]

5) Taking it off was not as tricky as it's made out to be. I was able to "jog" up and out of the water and pull the zipper down and strip the suit down to my waist - this was probably made slightly easier by the fact that I got a sleeveless style suit. I had to sit to pull off the legs but I didn't get stuck!

All in all it wasn't a bad test swim. I am waiting to see what the water temp will be in the Schuykill river next week for the Philly Women's Tri to decide if I want to use it for the race.

-Jen

PS. There are some notes with some of the pictures below. . . .

PPS. Don't let anyone take a picture of you from behind in a wetsuit - not a good look . . .

June 26, 2008

The Evil Plan

Each year we come down to the beach at Fripp Island, SC. Two years ago we invited our close friends Ryan and Lynne with their two girls who are of similar age to our boys. But then, they had to beg off when Lynne gave birth to their third girl (yikes #1) two months early (yikes #2) - some excuse!

Life and craziness got in the way last year but this year we all made it down together for some quality relaxation and playtime for our kids at the beach. Originally, Jeff and I thought it would be a great way to have our friends be able to get away for some R&R and have our kids enjoy great beach memories together.

BUT, what developed in the past year was my evil plan. . . .(insert evil laugh here). All I could dream of on the 13 hour car-ride down was that Ryan and Lynne were two nice warm responsible adult bodies. Two adult bodies that could sit in the beach house no matter the time of day and be the "responsible parties" for our boys (you know, while getting some R&R). In the past year, because of my riding, I have been able to interest Jeff in riding. He bought a bike. I have a bike. Trouble is we never are riding together. Try as I might, I have yet to be able to convince any teenager in their right mind to come to our house at say 7 AM on a Saturday. So, Jeff and I have been passing bikes in the night, if you will.

But, with two other adults captive in the same house with us there is nothing stopping us from riding together this week. . . . (perhaps another evil laugh here. . . .)

Finally riding together,

-Jen

June 23, 2008

Student Teaching

My sister teaches second grade. I remember when she was in college and had to student teach. That's where all that you have learned in books and lectures meets with your ability to actually get the point across to living breathing small people.

I got my student teaching opportunity for bike-speak a couple of days ago. My kids are getting big enough no that biking is no longer just the up-and back on the sidewalk. They want to go somewhere, signal turns and be "big boys" who bike like mom. So, we hauled out the bikes and I offered a lesson on gears and gear shifting. Luckily, at the time, one was interested and the other gave a pass for just straight-up riding, which gave me one on one teaching time.

I have learned a lot about bikes in the past two years but this put me to the test. If I could successfully get across the key points and teach gear shifting to a seven and eight year old (without them giving me the exasperated "I just don't get it!" look) then I would know I was doing something right.

I have to say, we started out with just calling everything, "See this circle here? and how the chain goes on it?" down to the kids saying later on in the day, "Yeah, over here on the derailleur. . . ." We did a lesson on shifting the back and then a lesson on shifting the front chain rings." Each time I taught them how it worked I sent them down the street with the assignment to just try it out and then report back on their observations.

They caught on quickly and, I think because their kids, were able to not get totally caught up in the concept of gear ratios etc. . .and purely went on feel, deciding what gears worked best for them and where. More bike shop owners need to get back to student teaching and teach us all like second graders - the language is simplified and we can just go on the feel of the bike and the wind on our face rather than all the technical mumbo-jumbo that often makes a beginner (or even me) intimidated.

The best part is that I know the adage "See it, do it, teach it" will apply here and my kids will be showing other kids about gear shifting and bike parts in no time. I know know that I have passes my student-teaching experience and will be able to use the right language and the right steps in teaching others the same thing. What a wholly satisfying afternoon of biking - and I never even left my driveway. . . .

-Jen

PS. I also gave them a "Ride" guide of their very own and told them lesson #2 was tire changing. . .

June 17, 2008

Tri Camp

On Saturday, Team Survivor held a triathlon camp where I was in charge of leading the beginner's bike group. The day before I had spent considerable time planning a bike route with MapMyRide.com and then spent the evening dragging Brendan (bribed by ice cream) in the car scouting the route to make sure it was beginner appropriate - especially since I wasn't sure of the types of bikes and level of experience of the group I would have.

Due to the availability of the pool at the site for camp, the bike portion of the day ended up being around 2 PM. It was a steamy, humid 95 degrees by then - my bike computer clocked in at a temp of 109, so we shortened the route. I had 8 beginners in my group on a variety of bikes. I have to say, I have a lot more respect for ride leaders now. I wanted to make sure that everyone was doing well, had their questions answered, came away feeling more confident in their biking skills, and most importantly that I returned with 8 riders.

I think all goals were accomplished. We returned with 8 riders, made some seat height adjustments, successfully talked through gear shifting for a few, did some clipless pedal practice, talked rules of road riding, bike training for the NY Metro Area Danskin race in September, made some brake adjustments and although sweaty, everyone returned in one piece.

Toward the end of the ride the intermediate/advanced group, led by Coach Tom, merged with our ride. Tom took off at a sprint on one stretch and I found my body and bike poised to do the same - it was a huge mental victory to know that while I remain a medical mystery my body and mind still have racing instincts.

After the bike portion, Tom and I talked through transitioning with the group. I made a smart-aleck remark at one point, after which I got myself in trouble when Tom challenged me to a "transition race" to see who could transition faster. (Phew - got myself out of that one!)

It was a great day and I was glad to help. I'm hoping that everyone came away feeling more confident about their bike skills and more prepared to tackle their first triathlon. To me, being able to get groups of women together and say, "Yes, you can do this" is the power of Women Who Ride. . . .

-Jen

May 30, 2008

My Personal Ad

When I train there is peace. Call it a runner's high, an endorphin high, or whatever you want, but somewhere in the mix of blood flowing, endorphins working, or the rhythm of legs moving, I find a certain zen. Sometimes it's at mile 2 of a run. Last week it didn't happen until mile 16 of a ride. Whatever the perfect storm of endorphins and sweat, it allows me to think clearly. I suddenly find myself solving problems (how do you get two kids in three places when you are just one person?), to creating the perfect training strategies, to blog writing, to discovering things about myself as a person or as a mom.

These ideas and thoughts always seem to come with such clarity and eloquent wording but I have no way of capturing them. I sometimes feel that it would be nice to stop, flip open my head and let all the thoughts come tumbling out onto paper or in a box so that they will be preserved until I get home, where I can put them in action. My family has seen me more than once come in from a ride or run, breathless, and dripping sweat only to run to the computer and open the first blank thing I can get my uncoordinated hands to click so that I can type random thoughts to save for later. When I look at these notes later, often the bubble has burst. The essence of the idea is lost or the eloquent wording that made it all come together was not captured in time - (I kind of feel it's like thinking you've nailed your answering machine message and then you listen to it and want to run screaming at the sound of your own voice).

I think this process is why non-athletes often don't understand what happens to the rest of us when we can't train - it's like trying to think through mud. I've often thought that perhaps a great cancer breakthrough would come if I could just get a team of oncologists to train for a triathlon.

So here's the ultimate problem - how do I get these thoughts and ideas at the time they happen? It's a little tricky to ride or run (don't even get me started on swim) with a pen and paper. The illegibility of the writing, not to mention danger of writing and riding simultaneously, make that solution a no-go.

So, I am putting out a personal ad:

WANTED - Inventor needed . .Triathlete in need of solution. Tons of great ideas, blog posts and solutions for life in general are being lost while swimming, biking and running. Need thought capture that is clear, won't weigh me down, chafe, or get in the way of training progress. Mass marketability for other triathletes a plus. Those applicants with brain surgical solutions need not apply.

Swim. Bike. Run. Repeat. . . and think good thoughts. . .

-Jen

May 29, 2008

The Great Belly Divide

I've decided that the best way to ignore/supplement an early season lackadaisical training plan is to focus on what truly matters - what I'm going to wear when I race. Because seriously, if I can't race as fast as I want to, I should at least try and look good for those inevitably bad looking race course photos (do I really sweat that much? Why is it that I look like I'm running as if I'm going to fall down? Does my face look as if I just ate a lemon?).

When I first started my triathlon "career", if you can call it that, I had know idea what one wore to race. A friend introduced me to the concept of trisuits. (Coach Tom pointed out that there is no changing in the transition area - at least not any that results in naked-ness). I decided that the best thing for me was a two piece outfit, actually three if you count the sports bra I wear underneath. (I am seriously jealous of those of you who seem to wear the same size top as bottom - it just doesn't work for me.)

So, in looking at gear this year, I've decided that what separates me, and most of the amateur women triathletes I know, (other than well speed, fame, and fortune - okay, maybe not fortune, this is triathlon after all) is something I would call The Great Belly Divide. In looking, the classic division between the pros and the rest of us seems to rest somewhere in the expanse of coverage or not of the belly. Obviously, I generalize but you get the idea. . .maybe it's just the willingness or ability to bare large expanses of abdomen.

As much as I would say I am ever trained I have a certain respect and love for the compression of biking/tri shorts for that odd hip/butt jiggle. My body fat would be classified in the "normal but loves brownies" range and I am certainly endowed enough on top to laugh hysterically at the concept of the "built in shelf bra" that comes in most racing gear. I want to be light, and not overly water-logged when coming out of the swim but seriously, I also want abdomen coverage. Some of the pro's racing wear is well, let's just say, of less fabric than most of my daily undergarments.

Amateur racing tops should have descriptions that read: "Made of highly technical wicking materials to quickly dry after the swim and absorb and wick sweat. Other features include: No shelf bra, lifts, separates and eliminates jiggle while on the run, slimming colors that won't look see-through when wet, stretch mark coverage length, and just the right amount of compression to hold in that "never gonna go away" belly bulge. Available in a wide range of sizes." Free shipping and returns wouldn't hurt either. . .

Any triathlon clothing manufacturers hiring? I think I'm on to something. . .

Swim.Bike.Run.Repeat

-Jen

PS. I wore a Sugoi top my first year (I deemed that I looked like a rectangle, Jeff rolled his eyes) but wore Zoot last year (seemed more waist slimming. . . ) The colors/styles seem better this year for all the manufacturers. Anyone have suggestions or things they've tried?

May 28, 2008

Lost at T3

Carla and I met through Team Survivor and did our first triathlon together. We live about 30 minutes apart and during that first summer of training we would meet at the local "Park and Ride" parking lot and carpool to other training locations. We would pull in adjacent parking spaces and Carla would unload bags into my car while I racked her bike on the back. We would pull out of the parking lot and support each others paranoia - "Do we have the helmets?" "Let me check - yes" "What about bike shoes? Running shoes? Goggles?" "Check, check, check." This would go on but you get the idea. We could implicitly understand how important this was to each of us and how nice it was to have someone else soothe our fears without explicitly calling them out for what they were. By the end of the summer we had renamed our ritual "T3" after the T1 (swim to bike transition) and T2 (bike to run transition) that occur in actual races.

Since then I like to say that Carla and I train together. We only see each other about once a month or so given our schedules but it does feel like we are training partners. Carla helps me with my running (she's fast) and I give her pointers on swimming (my forte). When we bike together we have a great rhythm for drafting off of each other. In March, just as we were planning our races for the summer, Carla was in a very serious car accident. She has a fracture in her spine at her neck and a fracture in her pelvis. Right now she is in a neck collar and on crutches. She still has 3 weeks until she will be rid of the neck collar. It will still be another 2-3 months before she can bear weight on her leg. Her racing season this year was over before it started. (Although, she was trying her darnedest to salvage her racing season when she asked the trauma doctors, while in a neck collar and immobilized on a backboard, how long until she could run and bike.)

From what I read, triathlon can be a lonely sport - all the hours of solitary training. I haven't ever felt lonely because I've had such a great group of women racing with me. From the beginning, triathlon, in a way, has seemed a team sport. Women are like that - in it together even when they're not. We each want the best for the other woman's race - even if sometimes that means being passed by a friend. That friend will then wait and cheer you into the finish.

But Carla, I'm feeling lost at T3 this year. Some other poor unsuspecting soul will have to put up with my paranoid checking of my transition area. You might just have to be by the phone come 4 AM on race mornings to make sure I have everything I need - because let's face it, friends don't let friends freak out all alone. In the meantime Carla, heal quickly. I'll do my best to make you proud. . .

-Jen

May 13, 2008

My Subconscious One-Click

I love to shop online. Amazon.com is my favorite partner in crime. Even the kids know that for almost any question the answer involves the words Google or Amazon used as a verb. I mean, come on, where else can you comparison shop five different products while in your pajamas and waste not a drop of almost $4 gas. And besides, it's not as if there is a triathlete's gear shop dropped on every corner.

Amazon.com and I have such a close knit relationship our family has something called Amazon Prime. Together with my in-laws, we pay a small fee each year and Amazon will Two-Day ship anything to us for free, no matter the size or cost of the order. For $3.99 you can even guarantee yourself an overnight delivery.

Well, apparently, Amazon and my subconscious have been back-checking my blogs and know that improving my mental skills in training and racing are goals for the year. An Amazon package of "hey I didn't order anything, did you?" origins showed up at the door. Inside was the book, "The Triathlete's Guide to Mental Training." Hmmmm. Apparently, my subconscious had felt this a worthy enough goal that it had one-clicked the book with overnight speed right to my door. It was as if that box was yelling, "Surprise, we're on to you and your mental excuse making/fear of failure/fear of a fall/fear of a flat/fear of pain/fears you can't even identify racing mindset!!"

Okay, okay box. . . I'll step away from the mouse and screen and get reading. . . .

-Jen

PS. Could any one write a quick Post-It for my subconscious listing: time, sleep, and oh yeah, new sports bras for immediate delivery?

May 8, 2008

Counting Down and Stepping Up

There are 25 days of the school year left. Yikes! As I look at the calendar and the flurry of end of year activities - field trips, science fair, cubby clean-out, report cards, I also realize that it is time to step it up. As an amateur triathlete but full-time mom, my training schedule often runs against the grain of most triathletes. I have much more flexibility to train without interrupting family time when the boys are at school. So, I have a month to really step up my workouts and get my tri training into gear before summer fun creates a training calendar that works around the beach, baseball games, the pool, amusement parks and hanging out in pajamas.

I did my first two workout day of the season yesterday. This was after I spent four evenings littering the floor with crumpled paper trying to detail out a weekly plan that fits in three run sessions, three bike sessions, two swim workouts and two strength training workouts. Let's just say the pad of paper, markers and I are still at it.

In the morning, I ran 4 miles starting as I waved to the boys while the school bus pulled away. Decent pace, gave my legs time to work out some of the residual stiffness from the half-marathon. I came home and took care of a bunch of things around the house and by early afternoon headed out for 20 miles on the bike. Returned home from that for stretching, a few more household tasks, quick shower and then got the boys off the bus.

I was wasted with exhaustion and ravenous with hunger. My body reminded me that I have some time and some work to put in before it is once again used to me asking for that much. I needed a nap and a loaf of bread as a snack. Instead, we got ready and left for the boys baseball game. My reward for stepping it up yesterday was waking up this morning to a sudden and massive onset of a head and chest cold. Tomorrow we try, try again (with some DayQuil and tissues in my jersey pockets). . .

-Jen

May 7, 2008

Easily Manipulated

As I hugged my kids goodnight this past Saturday night I asked them to wish me luck in the NJ Half Marathon the next day. I also proposed that maybe sometime they could come watch me run. I was then told that, "watching people run is boring." I held my tongue and did not respond that "watching kids at baseball practice is boring."

With a bedtime of 8 PM I actually got a fairly decent nights sleep and was ready to go at 3:30 AM on Sunday morning - yes you read that right - I'm trying to save on my athletic budget this year so no hotel close to the race the night before. I was on the road by 4:10 with coffee in hand. It was wet and foggy.

Got parked and then discovered that my watch, which I had purposely charged the night before, was completely dead. I guess I screwed up the charging part. I guess this would be a race with no heart rate data or mile splits. We lined up with some 10,000 others at the start, including the official mascot, Larry the Lighthouse. (Seriously, this is a guy who wears a full cardboard lighthouse costume over his head and consistently beats me at all local races.) The gun when off and we. . . stood still. . . .for about 5 minutes - that's how far back from the start we were.

My friend Amy and I ran the first 6 miles together and then we slowly separated. Amy had a watch on and figured we were somewhere between 5 and 6 minutes off of the actual gun time for the race. With no watch myself it became increasingly amusing to try and do clock calculations in my head as I passed mile marker clocks. At around mile 11, a woman passed me and said "you're almost done, now you need to pick it up." Surprisingly, I did. Next I caught up with the marathon 5:00 hour pacer - a man in a full tuxedo (with tails). I heard him talking to those around him about the gun time so I asked him how far off he was. He said he was about a 1:30 off the gun time. I said "OK" with the meaning of "hey, thanks for the information." He took my "OK" as a "hey, I really should pick it up and run that time so that I can beat the 2:30 gun time." He suddenly ran around to the left of me and said "Come on. . ." and started pacing me in a pace that would prove lung bursting at best. I kept up for awhile and then started to fade. He kept going. He then turned, running backwards and started yelling at me - in an encouraging way. At this point we were running along the boardwalk, where the race finishes, and I was trying to fight the visual confusion that happens when you are more than two hours into a race and suddenly faced with a long stretch horizontal boards that are moving under your feet. I finally saw the finish, whereby tuxedo-man started screaming "you only have 30 seconds left." I gave it all I had and crossed the line at the guntime of 2:29:57. My actual chip time for the race was 2:24:22 - a nice 11:01/mile with a controlled and easy conversational pace for all but that last mile and a half.

I was so proud of this race for so many reasons. I actually felt good about and now know that I can complete a decent 13.1 miles. I was able to run through water stops and actually drink water without getting it up my nose or all over the front of myself. I learned how to properly fuel myself during a race. I learned that I can actually negative split a long distance. And, I learned that if I am SO easily manipulated when facing exhaustion. What made me actually listen to, and follow the instructions of, those runners/pacers I didn't even know? I have no idea but it certainly demonstrated that I need to train more with others because clearly other people have the ability to push me more than I can sometimes push myself. Any long distance traing partners out there. . . ?

-Jen

May 2, 2008

Where's the Sweat?

No pain, no gain. We all know the phrase and I have always sub-consciously bought into the theory. When I first started learning to train I was all about the sweat of a good workout. Part of that good sweat may have come from the fact that I started training in the late winter and knew nothing about "wicking" materials or the "don't wear cotton socks" rule. I followed up my growing pile of stinky workout clothes with the muscle soreness that made laundering them it's own painful workout. Let's just say that I've always equated my athletic progress with a good deal of self-same pain. If you can't feel (and subsequently complain about) the workout, did it have any purpose?

So, when Coach Tom presented me with a tri training plan for this year, I was a bit skeptical. His plan had a good 10 weeks of base training - a period of time when you are simply working on your endurance and fitness base. Okay, so what does that mean? It means taking away my speed (let's remember this is speed as I define it). Base training is all about low aerobic heart rate. Tom was asking me to abandon all that I hold dear in measuring my progress - pace. Every time I can come in from a ride or run and chart myself as having gone farther faster, I celebrate. Base training is asking me to put faith in a much bigger and longer process that I can't necessarily see happening.

And so I have taken the leap. I have become faithful only to the beep of my heart rate on my watch - at first having to close one eye so that I wouldn't see how painfully slow and plodding my progress seemed to be. I have slowly become accustomed to not covering as much ground. The irony is that I actually have time to look around and notice much more around me at these slower speeds (not that I was ever traveling at a scenery-blurring pace to begin with, but I think you can appreciate the sentiment). The one thing though that still bothers me when I return home each workout is the ever lingering question, "Where's the sweat?" Now I know come July and August I will probably rue the day I ever typed these words into the blog-o-sphere but seriously, can I really trust that a "workout" has been done when I have no sweaty aftermath to show for it?

Because he's the coach and I'm the, gulp, athlete, I'm gonna wing it and trust Tom on this one. So, if you see me out training, I'll be the one who is barely moving and still looking fresh and dry. . .

Swim. Bike. Run. Repeat. . .

-Jen

April 28, 2008

Together We're Better

Long ago, before I ever had cancer, before I ever heard of Team Survivor, before I ever knew of the existence of the Danskin Women's triathlon, I had the inkling in my head and heart to try and complete a triathlon. The idea seemed big and I didn't know any triathletes or how to connect with anyone who could teach me the ropes, or would train with me. And so that idea remained just that, an idea nestled in the far recesses of my mind.

Fast forward to the time in which I joined Team Survivor and then became a Trek Woman Who Rides. I am now a triathlete and avid swimmer, cyclist and runner who loves to share my passion with, and encourage, other women to give it a try. What bridged the gap between that notion in my mind and who I am today - other women. If I hadn't had other women to train with, sweat with, ride with, laugh with and celebrate crossing that first finish line with, I think I would still be the girl with an idea only.

So, I am extremely excited that Trek Women's Specific Design (WSD) is now rolling out the Trek Women Who Ride Club. When you join the club by clicking here, you will be connecting yourself with a community of women cyclists of all ages and abilities. Women ride for many reasons, social, emotional, physical, competitive. But, whatever your reasons, whatever your age or experience, this community is for you. When you join you get all kinds of Trek goodies, including the snappy technical shirt you see pictured here. In addition to cool gear, you will receive a monthly newsletter, training tips, product giveaways, and VIP access to Trek sponsored WSD events.

The one thing I know about women is that together we're better. My training rides and runs always seem easier when I'm with other women. We laugh, we joke, we sweat, and we learn together. (Plus, other women always get what you're talking about when you reference the doo-hickie-ma-jig on your bike. . . )

So, whether you're new to cycling, interested in a triathlon, just want to learn to "go by bike" there are women here who are like-minded. Let's get on the road together. . .

-Jen

PS. No boys allowed. . .

April 25, 2008

Graduation

Graduation season is upon us. I am no exception. Next week I will officially graduate my ankle from physical therapy. So, in a twisted way that only I and my close training-nut friends can understand, I am giving myself a present - it's a half-marathon.

Next weekend, on limited run training - only about 8 weeks back - I will run the Long Branch (NJ) Half Marathon as part of the NJ Marathon weekend. It's funny how life comes full circle. This was the first big race I ever did - two years ago - as a new runner, having only started running at the end of January 2005. Because of the marathon, there were a ton of spectators and I was completely overcome with emotion at the start of the race and ran with blurred, teary vision for at least a mile. Those swelling emotions later gave way to pain as my legs cramped and fatigued and nausea as I ate too much GU (just following package instructions - hadn't even tried it before that race). I was so afraid in that race that if I stopped whatever motion that equated in my mind to a run, I would never start again. But, I completed that race, even when the winds blowing in from the ocean during the last couple of miles slowed me to a virtual jog in place. I think I might be proudest of that medal.

Because I got injured in November, when I had been training for the Philadelphia half-marathon, I think that my completing (notice I didn't say competing) this race will wrap up this whole injury and recovery process, proving to me that I am once again back to being a runner, no matter the pace. Plus, being able to complete 13 miles of just running will mentally assure me that yes, running 6.2 miles after swimming and biking in an Olympic distance tri will be a snap (whatever tricks it takes!).

I can't wait to compare my feelings from that first start and finish line to the feelings of two years and many miles later. While the end of next week's race may have a banner that says "Finish," I think for me it will somehow finish one chapter and start the training for the next. . . .

Let's get training. . .

-Jen

PS. This was a picture from that race in 2005. Look at that running worry on my face and my crazy growing in afro-like hair!

April 22, 2008

Where Rubber Meets the Road

When I was in eighth grade, our social studies class was assigned some type of project. My project was entirely about pollution and the environment. I became insistent that we cut apart each link of the plastic that held 6-packs of soda (then "pop" because I grew up in Colorado) so that fish wouldn't get stuck in them when the plastic got in the ocean. I didn't seem to consider that Colorado was completely landlocked and I couldn't make the connection for anyone of how those plastic rings would get to the ocean. I was clearly green before it was cool to be green.

But, idealism of youth has eventually fallen prey to the conveniences of adulthood and the liberty of a car that will take me where I wish, any time of day, with no forethought. I am still green, don't get me wrong - I choose products wisely, I recycle, I conserve energy and water, but, I am guilty of ignoring my car-crutch. So, when Trek rolled out the 1 World 2 Wheels program encouraging me to "Go by Bike," it stopped me in my four wheeled tracks. What blew me away the most were these facts: 1) 60% of the pollution created by automobile emissions happens in the first few minutes of operation . . . and 2) 25% of all trips are made within a mile of the home, 40% of all trips are within two miles of the home, and 50% of the working population commutes five miles or less to work.

It hit me right where the stay at home mom rubber meets the road. My job starts at home but on any given day could lead to: the bank, the drugstore, the dry cleaner, the grocery store, the post office, Target, Starbucks, a local friends house, the doctor, the dentist. . . The knot of balled up pollution in my stomach comes from the realization that all of those errands are mostly within that 2-5 mile radius of my house. So, while now it has become cool to be green, I don't want to get lost in all the hype. I've realized where I'm mostly likely to make a change that will work for me - use my car less, use my bike more. So, I thought today would be the perfect day to start. Could I do my day-to-day without the car?

The idea started last night with the planning. I had to plan what routes I could use to get from one place to the other and how much time I needed to allow. Here's what the day was:

Stop#1: Physical Therapy - distance 4.3 miles. I left from my kids bus stop once they headed to school. Arrived only 2 minutes later than had I gone by car. I actually had to slow for a school zone. Success! Was able to get people talking. . .

Stop#2: Blue Lotus Salon - distance from PT 8.5 miles. Left PT a bit early to head for a haircut at a new salon. Hoping they understand my helmet head when I arrive. They do and I get to talk "Go by Bike."

Stop #3: Township Building to Vote - distance from salon - 6.0 miles. Left the salon with perfectly coiffed hair and then promptly put a helmet on over it (safety first!). Enjoyed a nice ride along the river and learned exactly which way the wind comes off the river - right at me. Got told I had a nice bike and that one of the polling volunteers would guard it while I voted. Excellent!

Stop #4: Home - distance from voting - 1.0 miles. Back at home! Car is still right where I left it. My car odometer remains unchanged. My bike odometer reads 19.8 miles. I feel victorious, somewhat sweaty but proud that my "regular" plan for the day turned into a decent training session, and RAVENOUS. On to lunch. . . .

Was it pretty? Was it effortless? No, but maybe that's the point. Do I have some learning to do? Definitely yes. But, just because I can't figure out how I would transport a dozen eggs and a loaf of bread home from the grocery store without them ending up looking like freshly dripping battered french toast, shouldn't mean I'm unwilling to consider the change. But, I do know that often I am guilty of that being the case. So, here's my chance to learn. Will this work all the time? - no, but, starting with a small change is better than ignoring the effort. Sometimes a little less convenience can lead to more thought, more appreciation and a little global cooling. I hope you will laugh, maybe learn and join me in my misadventures as I try to "Go By Bike." Happy Earth Day. . . -Jen

April 16, 2008

The Changing Landscape

Once I learned to drive I never paid much mind to the roads. I never gave thought road characteristics - that is until I became a biker. In a car, the road was just the thing that connected point A to point B. I realized the difference is that roads now are viewed for smoothness in paving, grade, side roads, wide shoulders and potholes. These are all things that weren't there before - well I guess they were but I certainly didn't pay them any mind. I never had much appreciation for the actual condition of the asphalt until last summer when down in SC. I got 12 miles out on a great stretch of road and then hit a stretch that hadn't been repaved recently. I vibrated my hands and butt so hard that I thought I was going to be buzzing for a week. Clearly I had never noticed or appreciated THAT difference from the car driver's seat. Roads that were once "flat" in my car now are appreciated (or not) for their ups and downs that come out of nowhere when in the biking seat.

Lately, I have been struggling to find good areas to bike. The roads around me contain about an inch of shoulder and I find I am constantly sharing the road with large quarry, mulch or landscaping trucks, not to mention school buses depending on the time of day. I find it hard to put in long training miles because it's hard for me to find areas that I can string together any non-unnerving routes. I know a few routes but the irony is that they require I drive to them to start biking. Is this my solution?

It wasn't until Jeff and I were in Seattle late last summer that I learned that biking landscapes can be different. Seattle truly loves bikers. Jeff and I were able to pedal away for miles on wide asphalt trails that were undisturbed by traffic.

I know that this is a dilemma faced by many new bikers and triathletes. When I bought my bike I was more concerned about the gears and learning clipless pedals. My mind reasoned that roads are everywhere. . . clearly the biking landscape makes a difference. Will I find more comfort in the area I ride as I become a more confident biker? What type of landscape do you ride and how does it affect your training?

-Jen

April 15, 2008

"That's What We're About. . ."

We've just started the Little League baseball season. Technically, it's not even Little League right now. The boys are in "transition league" which means that they have coach pitching which will transition into some kid pitching later in the season (oh boy, that should be interesting).

So, in our first game Cam (who, as I believe I have mentioned before is intense about his sports) hit a good hit and barreled down the line toward first. Now, as kids are still learning about position play, the first basemen for the opposing team decided to stand/block first base. Cameron, didn't slow up for an instant. He ran all the way through first base, even though part of that was on his knee and face as he tripped over the cleats of the first baseman. He was down. I sat in the far bleachers, unconcerned while the coaches checked him out. This is one of those things that sometimes has separated me from other parents. We have always taught our kids the philosophy of "get up and shake it off." We would never be unconcerned about any serious injury or gushing blood or anything but I think somewhere in us Jeff and I understand that kids bounce. The more we don't react in a "bring in the stretcher" way, our kids do too. Cameron got up, limped a bit and then took his base position, ready to run when the next kid came to bat - I know in part because, while we don't keep score officially, he does and he knew his team was down.

After the game, in the car on the way home, I told him he played well - even when he went down on first base. With professional-sports like seriousness he said to me, "Mom, they almost had to bring in a pinch runner for me." I said, "Yeah, well you got up. You were tough out there." He then replied, again very seriously, "Well, that's what we're about. Our family. Being tough." He paused and continued, "Being tough, being smart, being intelligent which means the same thing as smart (here is where I wonder if this means he thinks we are twice as smart), and being good at sports. That's what we're about." I bit my lip to stifle the slight laugh and agreed with him in a seriousness that I thought matched his explanation to me.

Later, after he was fed and tucked into bed, I reflected on the wisdom that this seven-almost-eight-year-old had offered me. As a parent I have often wondered if I am really bestowing upon my kids the values that I would like them to have. With Cam's birthday coming up soon, I have been stunned by how fast the first 7 years has flown by, 3 of those years containing an up close and personal view with cancer that I wish he didn't have to have. Right now I worry that more than a third of his childhood has eclipsed me while I still am often trying to "get it together" with my perception of the "right" parenting skills. But, in being who we are, in facing every battle as it comes, and as we "just keep putting one foot in front of the other, " somehow Cameron has found and spoke an eloquent mission statement for our family. Within all his words, and the actions in living them, I know he is internalizing what I hope will become everlasting values. Next time I need a gut check on my parenting I know that the easiest thing to do will be to ask my kids, "What are we all about?"

Gotta run (literally). . .

-Jen

PS. I also secretly enjoyed being broadly included in the "good at sports" definition for our family. That will get me through the next tough workout. :)

April 8, 2008

Caught in the Catch

Let me start by stating a simple fact - I love to sleep. I need my 7-8 hours a night, probably more but I'm willing to be semi-reasonable. My family knows full well when I've had a few nights of poor sleep due to schedule, or kid interruptions. They know to steer clear.

Here's another well known fact - I am a much happier and energetic mom, wife, athlete, person when I get out for my daily endorphin-fest known as my training.

So, here's the problem: I am caught in the classic catch-22. I know that I feel better when I get out for my training BUT, lately I can't seem to get myself out to actually DO the training. I don't know if it's that spring seems slow coming or what, but separating me from the coziness of my bed - either at night or in the morning is nearly an impossible task.

I have tried laying my clothes out nicely on my dresser ahead of time. I have tried packing the gym bag ahead of time. I have tried setting the alarm for earlier - hello, snooze button. I have tried the deal-making routine during my day - you know, "after I get this done, I will then go for a ride - and THEN I can have dessert (wine, whatever ). . . " I'm ducking Tom, my tri coach, because I know that I owe him my homework of filling in my training spreadsheet for the spring. (So, Tom, if you're reading this then, yes, I am ducking you) :)

So, tell me what you do, or, what you think I can do to separate myself from the pillow and get my training habit back in gear. . . .but remember, I still need my beauty - ha! let's call it sanity sleep. . .

-Jen

April 2, 2008

Legs Not Lungs

Saturday was my first true test of my running legs since shedding my cast. Our Team Survivor group participates in a local 5K race each year and this would be my first "racing" test of the season. It was COLD - seriously cold. Temps were in the 20's with winds up to 20 miles per hour. (This is a picture of my friend Jean and I right before the race started.)

My strategy going in was to try and run as fast as I could from the get go and walk if I needed to or if my foot became painful. I like doing small 5K's like this because it gives me practice at racing strategy and racing feel. Mentally, which then translates to physically, I tend to hold myself back when I run. I know when I first started doing running races, with very little running experience under my belt, I felt that if I needed to stop or walk in a race, I would then never be able to get myself going again. I now know differently, but yet I still hold myself back. (Mental note to self #1: Improve mental game.)

Anyway, the horn sounded and I ran, and then I ran into the hill I had forgotten about. After the hill, my lungs were burning and that feeling didn't let up for the rest of the race. I monitored the feeling in my foot and while there was a manageable twinge around mile 2, things held. The funny part was that I think I was having a mental battle with myself, in some small ways hoping that my foot would hurt enough to give me cause for walking, mostly to then alleviate the burn in my lungs. (Mental note to self #2: "Hey headcase - mental game, remember?!")

I finished the race in 29:02 (9:21/mile - I know, definitely room to go in the speed department) - which is my best 5K time in just a running race (tied that exact time in a 5K last summer). Ironically, I have run a slightly faster 5K but as part of the third leg in a sprint triathlon. Why I can run faster after I have already swam and biked is a mystery - I think it goes back to the mental block I have about running faster. (Mental note to self #3: "Have you not seen mental notes #1 and #2?")

After the race and then into Saturday I was able to process. . .this was the first time I think that I have run a race and felt that my lungs were my limiting factor and not my legs. All that physical therapy has definitely helped me get my legs back under me strength wise but now it's time to get back some aerobic capacity. My other reflection from Saturday's race is how different it felt compared to three years ago when this was my first running race ever. Then: scared out of my mind and unsure if I could complete 3.1 miles. Now: Slap on a race number and bang out 3.1 miles as a short distance run. Wow. What an amazing transformation. . .

-Jen

March 27, 2008

Mad at Meteorologists

I love a good plan. I love a plan put into action even more. Right now I feel dissatisfied with both those ideas and it's all the fault of the meteorologists. I'm having enough trouble convincing my mind and body that we really are at the start of tri-training again, I don't need spotty meteorology as well.

I decided to do my last run of the week (okay, there was only one other - still taking it slow on the foot) this morning before my first race (a local 5K on Saturday morning). I woke up to tons of gray clouds, not a good sign. Yesterday I decided to do nothing because, well, my body didn't want to and it was supposed to rain. Actual weather: 60 degrees and mostly sunny. Meteorologist score: 0-1

This morning, the hour-by-hour told me that it was supposed to rain all day starting at 9 AM. I hurried and dropped the kids at school figuring I could get my run in before the rain started (because as we've learned, they aren't that accurate). Various delays had me down at the canal right at the stroke of 9 AM. Five seconds later, as I pushed start on my watch, the rain began. And so I ran in the rain (not pouring, but enough). I felt oddly satisfied that I ran into four other runners who were also surprised at this meteorology accuracy.

Well, now here it is this afternoon (remember, it's supposed to rain all day, hence the morning plan). It's still gray. But, no rain. The roads are dry. Had I known this would happen, I would have skipped the run, waited out the morning showers and then gone on a ride. Don't these meteorologists know that it's complex enough to work out a tri training schedule around, kids, homework, kids sports, and well, the rest of real life? Aaaggghhhh. . . .

-Jen

PS. Saturday morning 5K race forecast: Sunny, 35 degrees (with a feel of 27 degrees). I don't know whether to dress for heat or snow.

March 26, 2008

A Long Way From The Pull-Up

One of the things I love about the Trek website is that I never know what I'm going to get each day when I log on. The homepage is constantly changing and I always am learning (and clicking) something new. So, a couple of days ago the Trek site was encouraging me to sign up for The President's Challenge, part of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Whoa nelly!!! . . . I was clicking away. Was this part of the same thing that I remembered from my youth? You know, the days of bad gym shorts and reversible gym shirts? The days of the run one mile in a certain time? The days of the pull-up? I know that it wasn't just my junior high that participated in this challenge that somehow tied overall fitness to whether or not you could do a hanging pull-up (which was next to impossible when you were a seventh grade girl). Hmmm. . .now that I think about it, probably also not that possible as a 33 year old mom.

So, I clicked and discovered that yes, this is one and the same. But, it's come a long way, baby. There are now at least 100 activities in which you can participate for the challenge. Trek is doing it's part by providing info on cycling as an activity no matter what your fitness level. You can sign-up yourself, or with a group of friends, your family, a school, and even your kids. The cool part is that you can log your activities. I say this is the cool part for a couple of reasons: 1) because I am a big fan of logs - I love being able to see where I was and how far I have come and progress I have made and 2) give my kids a challenge with a log and they will go above and beyond.

Considering that more than 12.5 million (yes, million) kids and teens are overweight and 40% of adults participate in zero leisure-time physical activity, according to the office of the Surgeon General, we are clearly on a crash course with our couches, bag of chips and remote in hand. If those statistics can't get you to drop the McDonald's (see Laura's blog for some scary stats on the big M's latest culinary masterpiece), I don't know what will.

So, let's get off the couch (I know, if you are reading this I'm probably preaching to the choir), and grab our families, or co-workers and friends and get them biking, hiking, skydiving (yes, skydiving counts) or anything else physical. I'm sure we all know someone who has a bike in their garage that needs the dust blown off it. Let's just leave those bad gym shorts and pull-ups behind. . . .

-Jen

March 25, 2008

One-Legged Spin Cycle

It's still cold here in the Philly area. So, as I begin some base training for the tri season I am still drifting between spin classes, the trainer and the rare outside ride. Yesterday I decided to head for an afternoon spin class to try out my new spin shoes. As those of you who ride with clipless pedals may know, there are a couple kinds of pedals that take different cleats (the things hooked to the bottom of your shoes that make you click and walk funny). My regular riding shoes and pedals use Look cleats (the bottom of my road shoe is pictured on the right). That is all I have ever used. Time and time again, across many a gym, I have taken my shoes to spin classes and been out of luck. My gym does have some spin bikes that have Look pedals but for some reason they are not in good shape and my foot comes unclipped after about 10 or so revolutions. Not what you really want to have happen in the middle of say, a "standing hill" in a spin class.

Most people in spin classes, who ride with clipless, use the SPD type pedal/cleat. So, because of the rehab and the weather being rather uncooperative, I finally decided to invest in a second pair of shoes which would have the SPD cleat (the bottom of the SPD cleat shoe is in the left of the picture)

As savvy as I thought I was with my clip-in, clip-out ability, I just couldn't get those SPD shoes to work. Side-note: My clip-in, clip-out ability was non-existent when initially learning to use my pedals/shoes.The first time with my shoes/pedals I fell off - with my leg still connected to my bike - before I even had ridden an inch. My older neighbor's comment, which still embarrasses me, was "Looks like it's a good thing you're wearing a helmet." So, if you are just learning clipless pedals, don't worry, it does get easier - we've all been there.

Now, yesterday,I had a couple things going against me. I arrived late and therefore was in a rush and, because I was late, the room was already dark. I threw on the shoes and jumped onto the bike. I clipped in the right foot no problem. Then, came the left. . . .it must have been a good 5 minutes that I sat there spinning with one leg and trying to figure out what my problem was with the left. Even though no one could see my embarrassment (due to the low lighting), there was only so long I felt I could pull off the nonchalant check the cleat for non-existent wear or mud. I thought of moving bikes but then I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get the right OR the left leg clipped on a new bike, furthering my SPD cleat inadequacy. After enough one-legged spinning, I finally got off the bike and took the shoes off and threw on my cross trainers so I could at least get some workout that involved both legs.

Anyone got any advice - other than arriving early - or should I just focus on my one-legged spin? Don't worry, I don't mind if you tell me it's just me. . .

-Jen

March 12, 2008

Endurance Playtime

So the boys baseball season has started - well, not officially. Little League opening day is April 5th but the teams are set and practices have begun. I took the boys to practice the yesterday, which consists of standing around playing catch and then practicing some hitting with the coach pitching. I know, you're thinking major sweat-fest, right? Okay, I'm being sarcastic (in case you hadn't picked up on that). So, here's the thing - I was shocked by how many kids brought Gatorade for practice. I'm all about hydration but when is it that playtime became an endurance event necessitating six year olds to ensure their proper electrolyte balance? I'm fond of sports drinks and gels - in their proper place. They definitely have made life easier for long distance runners, triathletes and tons of other athletes. Frankly, I didn't even learn about the use of any of those type of things until I ran a half-marathon and that was mostly because I was slow enough to have it be a true endurance event (2:30+.)

Here is where I digress into the kind of talk that perhaps marks me a pariah to other parents and definitely uncool to my own kids. . . Back in my day (see, right there - uncool), you played and played and played some more. You drank water - from drinking fountains, paper cups and shockingly, sometimes from a garden hose. Water wasn't filtered, mineralized, spring, bottled, or really anything. It was just plain old H20 and you drank it when you were thirsty. I know I sound crotchety and 80 there but it's just that I don't think kids NEED sports drinks - at least not at age 6 and 7. (Side note to all you moms out there - Believe me, I understand that kids try to make a great case about NEED ("But mom, pleeeeeeeessssse") when you are standing in line at the grocery store - been there, done that).

Let's just get back to letting kids get messy, invent rules to a made up game, bike with you for ice-cream, climb trees, beg to stay outside for "just 5 more minutes" and drink from garden hoses. It might just be a refreshing change. . .

-Jen

PS. This was Cameron when he was a baby - as you can see, I also let my kids eat dirt and rocks. They're turning out surprisingly well. . .

March 4, 2008

Taking It To the Streets

All became right with the world again yesterday when I was able to actually get outside on my bike. It was a rare early March burst of warmth that had me re-familiarizing myself with riding outside. First, there was the prep work - get bike off trainer, check tire pressure, water bottle, clothes. . . It only took me 3 tries to figure out what to wear for the weather (55 degrees and windy). I wish that someone could make a nice little chart for my closet that I could consult which would remind me what to wear in any given weather - a sort of TLC "What Not To Wear" for the biking world. (Granted, that would be a small niche-type show.)

I was able to ride 15 miles, with a gusting to 22 mph headwind/crosswind both out and back (I hate when it hits you both ways). My foot started to ache and I didn't want to push too much and be stranded - as boring as the trainer is, if my foot hurts, I'm already in my family room.

Additionally exciting is the news that my physical therapist has released my running (if you would call it that at this point) to being outside and not on their treadmill.

To be outside with my biking and running again is such an amazing feeling. I can't figure out if it's the air, the scenery (not that there is anything special about the scenery where I bike and run), or what. What I know is this - when you bike and run outside you somehow are one with the environment. I don't mean that necessarily in a zen-type way or in a crunchy-granola type-way either. It's just that there is something inherently more powerful, head clearing and body refreshing when riding or running outside. In the gym, throughout the winter, we all just look like robots in a line of treadmills surrounded by stale, sweaty air. Don't get me wrong, thank goodness for gyms and treadmills and trainers. Without them during the winter months, we might all go crazy, gain 50 pounds or both.

Whatever it is,the crisp air, the scenery, the potholes - oh wait, NOT the potholes, I am hungry for more and can't wait for that next bit of warm weather. No more treadmills for this girl!

-Jen

February 29, 2008

What's Your Bling?

A number of shocking ground breaking things have happened this week. I finally got countertops and water in my kitchen. More surprising - drumroll please - is that Jeff and I went and saw a movie - in an actual theater! (Yes, I know to those of you without small kids at home this is not cause for shock).

While Jeff and I were walking through the mall prior to the movie we passed a jewelry store and Jeff said, "You don't need any of that, right?" Let me say this, Jeff and I have been married almost ten years. There's no need for mystery and subtlety anymore. Our time is limited, our brains are fried, and we are often operating on too little sleep. We cut to the chase. I laughed - hard. Jeff said, "Well, you know, I didn't think so but it's good to just check every once in awhile."

The thought of diamonds, in any form right now, seems like a waste. I don't know if it's being married long enough to know that there is no jinx if you don't wear the wedding band every day or if it has to do with my training. It's probably a little of both. If I actually kept my wedding band on when I was training and racing I would have lost my finger long ago because of lack of circulation. Besides, upon thinking about it, I have come up with a reuqest - no diamonds for racing. I could see (mostly because these types of odd things happen to me) getting cut up by someone's errant arm in the melee that is often the swim start.

My point - yes, I'm getting to one - is that diamonds are not ALL girl's best friend. When I dream of bling I see tri racing entries, speedy components for my bike, the latest and greatest gadgets and training gear, perhaps travel to exotic biking locations. . .

I'm not by any means saying that you can't be both - a tri/biker girl and a bling girl. I don't begrudge any woman that (again, just please no diamonds cutting me while swimming). So, here's what I want to know. What's your bling? What would you choose if offered the diamonds (and no you can't have both in this example.)

I see an Ironman race entry and the associated travel costs that go with it (Jeff doesn't know that yet - this is the subtle sneaky way to find out if my own husband reads my blog. . .). I can't wait to hear what I've stirred up now. . .

-Jen

February 27, 2008

Holy Crotchus Numbingness!

The boredom of riding my trainer has not reached an all-time high (it's getting close, though). But, after riding yesterday, something that had been creeping up on me, came to light. . . "Holy Crotchus Numbingness!!!" That's my new totally scientific, technical name for how my crotch felt when I got off the trainer. Now, I don't remember this being a problem in the fall - I think I would have noticed - so I am wondering if it is somehow related to me sitting differently when on the trainer than if I were outside. What I can tell you is that something must be done. . . NOW.

During my visit to Trek last summer I got a lesson from the seat product guys (who are totally passionate about saddle fit) and learned intense scientific studies on how crotches fit on bike saddles have been done. Let's just summarize by saying this: All crotches are not alike. I also learned that there are certain saddle adjustment preferences that people have. Some like their saddle level, others perhaps like it a little nose down. . .

It's time to call in the experts. I'm going to fire off some e-mails and tomorrow take a trip into the bike store to graphically describe my issues. Now, I know that there may be others of you out there who have saddle discomfort issues and feel that a discussion at the bike store would be too uncomfortable. But, I know the pain/discomfort I was feeling yesterday far outweighs my discomfort in drawing a crotch diagram for the bike shop guys. Clearly this has all the makings of "Hijinks ensue." Stay tuned. . .

-Jen

PS. I know, a lot of you out there are thinking I should just try some seat adjustment myself. But, that idea goes straight to the image in my head I have where I touch a bolt on my bike and all the pieces of my bike just fall off. I know, I have maintenance issues to overcome. . .

February 22, 2008

Click Here for Spring

I have an apology to issue. The winter snowstorm that brought snow, freezing icing rain, ice and then rain to the Northeast overnight - um, my bad. Just last week I was confidently boasting that nope, it wasn't going to snow this winter by us. No sledding, no snowballs, most importantly, no school snow days. As you can see, I clearly brought it on. I had it coming, which is exactly what Cameron was trying to tell me in this picture today.

So, while the kids were out romping in the snow (and trying to sled backwards) I decided to try and reverse my fortune and click Spring and Summer our way.

I was race planning and race registering. So, as of now I am registered for The Philadelphia Women's Triathlon (sprint distance) - July 7th; The NJ State Triathlon (Olympic distance) - July 27th. And on September 14th I will once again do the Danskin Women's Triathlon - NY Metro Area (sprint distance). What I am still trying to figure out is what to do with August. I am looking for suggestions. I would love to add another Olympic distance or longer to August - I am looking at a few; the Lehigh Valley Steelman (Olympic) - August 10th, the Patriots Triathlon - August 3 (half iron lite - where that distance come from I don't know).

Additionally, and soonest, I plan on doing the Girls with Gears event April 20th in Limerick, PA. It sounds like a fun event and all the distances I'm considering seem to include the description "hilly." Nothing like tackling that goal head on! They will have 5, 15, 25, 40 mile rides plus a metric century (62) and the Trek WSD Fit For Women Tour will be on hand with bikes for you to demo.

I will sprinkle in a variety of other cycling only events but I needed to get my tri schedule going so that I can then get a plan for my training. Let me know of events that you think I should consider.

So, while it was snowing outside, I was cozy in my PJ's clicking my way right into Spring and Summer training and racing. Let the fun begin. . .

-Jen

February 21, 2008

Seriously, Even My Kids Get It. .

So, while I was in Utah relaxing in my hotel room one night, the headline hit me - Team Astana (whom Trek sponsors) excluded from the Tour de France. WHAT?!!!?

First I had to acquaint myself with the fact that there is an organization that runs the Tour - Amaury Sports Organization (ASO) and that they decided that Team Astana should be excluded from the Tour based on the doping scandals of last year's Tour. WHAT?!!! (this thought will repeat).

Team Astana, other than retaining the same name, is a completely different team from the aforementioned scandal. The new Team Astana includes outstanding cyclist Levi Leipheimer (never associated with any doping scandals) and new manager Johan Bruyneel (of Lance Armstrong 7 Tour wins management). The new Team Astana has also instituted rigorous doping controls.

Given all this I am back to my original reaction of WHAT?!???! To punish a team, which has cleaned house and now spends more on anti-doping controls than any other team, seems crazy (well, beyond crazy but I'm watching my language). Seriously, in the words of my kids "It's NOT FAIR. . . ." Even my kids get that if one kid is being punished or in timeout for something it doesn't mean that the other brother gets punished simply because he shares the same name. Plus, we all know that crap about "I'm making an example of you. . ." never really worked as a kid anyway. Six and seven -year-olds know what's fair, now the ASO needs to figure it out.

Doping in cycling (and other sports) is a serious problem (don't even get me started - explaining that one to my kids is a mess) but those Teams who work hard to play by the rules and compete should have the chance to do so. So, I join with the campaign established and say "Let Levi Ride!" To learn more or sign a petition visit LetLeviRide.com.

-Jen

February 12, 2008

Now It's My Turn

I've been encouraging you all to post, e-mail and write down for yourself the goals you may have for 2008. I've led you on with the promise of hearing what I would like to have as my personal goals for 2008. There are a couple of reasons why I've been dragging my feet. First, I know that actually writing down my goals solidifies them as desires. My cancer experience and the every-3-month hold my breath scan thing has caused me to have an emotional state that's always wrapped around the "Plan B" for my goals. Somehow having desires and then the possibility that cancer could squash them has made me emotional protective of myself.

Secondly, I think that I've been afraid that somehow sharing my goals will clearly define me as "bike-girl impostor." I'm still a newbie to the triathlon/biking circuit and I have a lot to learn. But, yet here I am blogging away about my biking experience (or mostly lack thereof). I'm hoping that I can share my learning along the way this year and that maybe some of you will join me for the ride (both literally and figuratively!). Plus, I'm hoping some of you out there can help teach me a thing or two.

So, drum roll please, here's the big and the small of my 2008:

Triathlon: Take on Olympic distance triathlon and perhaps a half-iron distance (that one will have to be later in the season)

Biking: Learn to ride hills (my current hill riding strategy consists of finding routes that are devoid of hills). I want to learn to confidently make it to the top of any hill without rolling backward down it!

Ride a 20+ MPH bike split in a triathlon.

Learn how to use tri-bike shoes and transition with them on my bike (stay tuned, this one will be a laugh a minute I'm sure. . .)

Learn - REALLY learn - bike maintenance. Again, I feel that simply praying for no flat tires, chain issues etc. . . is not an effective long term bike maintenance strategy.

Join a bike club and tackle one of my bigger fears - the group ride - again afraid that somehow a group ride with experienced cyclists will reveal how NOT experienced I am.

Ride 100+ miles at a shot - whether on my own or part of a charity ride/gig I want to see what kind of distance I can do.

Running: Um, learn to do it again. . . think I might have to leave it at that for this year.

Train with purpose - I want to actually figure out what a "bike workout" or "run workout" could do for my triathlon racing. My current training regimen looks like this: Bike Workout - 1) get on bike, 2) ride, 3) go home. There must be something to all these "workouts" that training sites and magazines post - I'm aiming to figure it out.

And lastly, convince some of you out there to try a triathlon. Any one in?

-Jen

February 7, 2008

I Love the Underdog

So, were you wondering if I would actually make it the whole week without writing about that miraculous, amazing, best-Super Bowl ever, win by our team the NY Giants? What a game! What a win! I couldn't even blog on Monday because of how pumped (and tired) I was over that win. I won't go on and on about the football game, in case you're not really a football fan. Instead, I have to tell you how much I love an underdog.

The Giants were 12 point underdogs and yet pulled out the win. I LOVE rooting for an underdog. The player who gets pulled off the bench and no one knows their name - I'm rooting for them with unabashed enthusiasm - "You go bench sitter!!!" Whether it be professional sports, high school sports or the local charity bike ride - the underdog is the most important player, in my mind. Here's why. When an athlete does exactly what we expect by winning a game, a race, whatever, they've done what we expected. Ho-hum. But, how much angst do we feel, as the pressure builds, for the athlete that is unsure of completing the goal? How much pride and celebration do we feel when they attain what so many others felt impossible? Do you ever apply that thought to yourself?

I think that's what I love about being the amateur-triathlete. The first time I did a triathlon, I surprised myself mentally and physically with my own accomplishment. Now, because I know I can, the feeling of celebration isn't so strong. That's why this year I'm setting new and more challenging goals. New distances (Olympic distance, maybe more?), new challenges (like actually learning to not be afraid of hills - gasp!). We're all underdogs at something - it's not something to be ashamed of, it's actually something in which to take pride. Find your inner underdog! I'll be cheering for you. . .

-Jen

February 5, 2008

Just Enough Chain to Hang Myself

First it was the lunges. I got over those and then asked if it could be weighted lunges. My 10 minutes on the recumbent bike became "Could it be 10 minutes twice a day?" Gentle swimming became "bike 10 minutes and then swim a mile." Given just enough bike chain, I will surely hang myself. When my PT Jill okay-ed, "working on building endurance," this past Friday, I was anxious to see how it was going to go.

Sunday was my first swim session of the new season with Coach Tom. I thought I was going for some drill and technique work. Tom decided it was a conditioning session - to demonstrate my poor condition. My foot was sore yesterday - very sore. But, last night I was determined and cleared aside enough space to get my bike on the trainer in the family room.

So, today I went to Blockbuster and rented Season One of Bones. The Hollywood writer's strike has left my Tivo pretty bare so I needed something to distract me. I was able to complete one whole episode (43 minutes) of slow but consistent riding on the trainer. We'll see how sore my foot is tomorrow. No matter -I'm determined to see episode #2 tomorrow. . . .

-Jen

PS. Yes, that is unfolded laundry in the basket behind my bike. The priority is foot rehab - there will be plenty of time for folded clothes, you know, later. . . .

January 31, 2008

Thinking Big

Wow. I was worried at first with how quiet all of you have been out there with my challenge to think (and write down) your goals for the year. I could hear the shifting of my gears (which are darn quiet). But, then some of you stepped up - BIG time. When I said to think and dream big some of you heeded the call.

Lori, who lives in Mazatlan Mexico - hey, we've gone international - wrote to tell me that she's a fellow triathlete who's thinking of trying a marathon. She wants to prove she can do it because the tiny voice in her head knows she really wants to do an Ironman (I'm with you on that one). She says, "I will have to prove to myself this year that yes I can, and survive it." Lori also told me - "You said think big - I also want to organize some races in my area for the kids. . .I now have time to be involved and hopefully lead--scary thought - but sport is such a good thing that somehow I will figure out where to start." Lori, I'm glad that you are getting youth involved. I can't wait to hear about it as the year goes on.

Another woman who wants to expand multi-sport to more women and get them biking is Lorri, a cycling coach and head of Velo Girls. This year she is expanding her coaching to include a duathlon program for women. She says, " I'm very excited about it, because I think multi-sport is much more accessible to women than bike racing is." You go girl - get those women on bikes and have them let us know about their experiences.

And finally, I bring you Susan, who would like to ride to Denver this year. No, not around Denver - ride to Denver -- from her home in Illinois! Her friend Peggy turned 50 last year and wants to do something adventurous so the two of them are putting together a 1,000 mile ride to Loveland, CO where there is a biking get together. WOW. I wanted to up my mileage this year as a goal but Susan here is putting me to shame. That's an adventure I think I'll want to keep tabs on. . .

These women have big goals, big dreams and big adventures in store for them in 2008. Your goals don't have to look like these - they just have to be for you. I hope that some of you are considering my challenge of trying a tri - I'll be here with you for the training.

Biking, at any distance, racing or not, on any type of bike can be for everyone. In the four weeks I have been going to physical therapy, the one thing I see the therapists do with everyone is put them on a bike. Now, we just need to get out on the road. . . .

I'll leave you for today with a cool anagram of the word "challenge" that a PT patient made where I am rehabbing:

Chosen Habits Are Long Lasting, Engage in New Goals Everyday!

-Jen

January 30, 2008

Gimme a break, Shakespeare!

Parting is such sweet sorrow - whatever, Shakespeare. Let me rephrase - parting just plain sucks. My friends Suzanne and Bob have just left for their move to Georgia. I'm not feeling anything remotely sweet about my sorrow.

I met Suzanne over two years ago at the first meeting of Team Survivor Tri State. Since then we have biked a bunch of miles together, survived swim drills with Coach Tom, and shivered at race start lines together. Suzanne, who we call the Kenyan because she runs so fast (but yet hates running), has challenged me to be a better biker (she has calves of steel!), a better runner and a better friend.

Suzanne's husband Bob has been invaluable in my life. The first race I ever did I came upon quite the conundrum. . . "Um, who holds this stuff for me while I race?" (Jeff is my at home with the kids race support - I haven't found many races that offer childcare). Bob has evolved into larger than life team support for our group of girls. Bob carries our stuff, directs to bathrooms, changes flat tires, offers moral support, water and food, cheers and takes pictures. Last year our friend Carla was not racing and tried to help Bob out while some of us were racing. Bob fired her, I think. Somehow Bob know where we all are on a triathlon course and magically can cheer for us all while capturing photos. (And does all of this while munching some kind of snack.)

Racing and training bind you together so quickly. To have someone stand next to you sweaty and joyful while you say "can you believe we did that?" is amazing. It's a witness to the event and a snapshot for your memory that you can relive again and again. To me, its akin to how you need a witness to a hole in one in golf (which I have never had, unless you count mini-golf) or its just not quite the same.

For many in our group, triathlon training lost its mystique when we just couched it in "girl time chatting." It's easy to not think of it as training when you were getting together with your friends - you just also happened to be riding 20 miles. Somehow those 20+ miles are so much easier when you are riding with others (maybe it's also the drafting!)

I've never had a close friend move away. I guess I have been lucky. I've come to realize how important in my life those people are who "just get me." When I was younger I thought that I would grow into someone strong enough to face everything that life threw at me. Instead, I think I grew strong enough to face my own weaknesses and know that sometimes you just need someone there to catch you when you fall. Friends do that for each other.

Suzanne and Bob, riding in Frenchtown won't be the same without you. Please find us some good bike routes and races in Georgia - you can't get rid of us that easily. . .

-Jen

January 29, 2008

Tougher Than You Think

Hey blogosphere, meet Lisa. Lisa gets the honor of being the first person to respond to my post "All About You" and let me know what she has planned for 2008.

Without knowing it, I had "met" Lisa when I spoke to a Team in Training Group at their first group practice this past summer. Lisa undertook walking the Nike Women's Marathon last October (something I would love to do!). Here she is at mile 25 of that hilly course.

Lisa told me, "Nothing could have prepared me for what it felt like to be amongst 20,000 women and a few men at the start of the marathon in San Francisco. My emotions were all over the map that day and the experience is one that I'll never forget. I learned a lot about myself that day. One thing I learned is that I'm tougher than I thought."

While the marathon made Lisa a marathoner, her experience solidified other life goals for her.

"Since the age of three, I've had a camera and used it photograph my surroundings. . . Many people have suggested that I make photography my vocation rather than just an enjoyable hobby. My response has always been that earning money from taking pictures would somehow diminish the joy I experience in being a photographer. What's really going on is that I am afraid of failure. Making photography into a business venture puts it into the public realm. With that comes expectations..."

Lisa, I think, highlights something that is huge for all of us - FEAR. I can't tell you how much fear I have faced in the past three years. The problem with fear and fear of failure is that there is no amount of experiencing the feeling that diminishes it as we enter each new experience. What is more important, and much more easily said than done, is whether we choose to push ahead whether the fear is there or not. We are all tougher than we think.

This year, Lisa has decided to take her love of the camera from hobby to business. She also plans to add hang gliding to her goals for the year. Lisa also tells me that the "whole world of cycling is a bit of a mystery to me." Hmmmm....I now feel challenged to uncover that mystery for Lisa and have her riding with all of us by year's end.

-Jen

PS. Keep those dreams and goals coming, I'm loving hearing from you.

January 25, 2008

Ow, ow, ow. . Can't Talk, Can't Walk

Fulllunges_2 On Wednesday my physical therapist decided that adding lunges would be a great idea to my two hour PT routine. Lunges? Are you kidding me? I was so worried about how that much pressure would feel on my foot that I was lulled into a false sense of security. I did them. I smiled at the end. My foot didn't hurt. I skipped (okay, just in my mind) out of PT thinking I was a star injured-tendon-in-the-foot-rehab student.

Then I woke up on yesterday morning. Ow. Ow. OW. OWWWWWW!

My hips and quads are killing me. Five weeks of non-use on those muscles. . .they're letting me hear about it. I can't even find words to describe what the pain sensors in my brain are shouting. Perhaps part of the PT plan is to make everything else in my leg hurt so much that I don't even notice if my foot hurts.

The cool part about PT though is their respect for my goals. Never once, even while I was basically crawling through their treatment area the day after my cast came off, have they dissuaded my racing goals for this coming year. Yes, it helps that it's only January but my mind is already on June. The things they are challenging me to do (or not do sometimes) are helping me stay focused on the goal. Swim. Bike. Run. Repeat without Pain.

It's a long road back from here. I've seen long roads before. . .bring it on.

Feel free to lunge along with me. . .

-Jen