KathyG's group- Full (Page 4)

Not TMI to me at all, I appreciate the support Shannon!  It's nice to know other folks struggle a bit with it as well (not nice that we have to struggle in the first place, but you know what I mean! ) I'm already on BC - I use NuvaRing - so unfortunatley there's no solution for me there.

 I think what I need to do is pay more attention to the calendar, and increase my veggie and protein intake appropriately BEFORE it happens to prevent the fatigue.  I also need to start taking vitamins, I'm pretty sure I don't get what I need all the time and certainly not during my cycle.  I need to make a Target run today, so I'm adding vitamins and calcium chews to my list! 

Geez.  I know the things I need to do to feel good, why is it such a struggle to just DO them already?  Why is it so hard to reign in my "Inner Toddler" sometimes!?

How do we do what we know we should do and stay on track? What an excellant question and if we could come up with the answer well...we'd be fortunate and probably rich.

For me training has come a long ways...when I first started I would sometimes run 1-2 a week and often blew off workouts. I found without a concrete plan/schedule it was easier not to do my wokouts and have them out of balance. Working with my coach, it got better but the first year with him, I would often skip the workouts I didn't like (ie run intervals) which probably would have helped me the most. I always had an excuse why I couldn't get them in and then I realized it was always that workout each week I missed. Now I call my run interval workouts "my favorite" workout in an effort to change my mind/attitude about them...seems silly but works.

Now 4 years later, I rarely miss a workout and get upset when I do. I know how working out makes me feel and I love the feeling it gives me while working out and afterwards a sort of peace I get.  When I'm grumpy my family asks me, what is on your training plan or what workout are you going to do as they know when I come back or am finished my mood will be better.

Keep plugging along...as busy Mom's with smaller kids flexibility is key and understanding that sometimes you can't do it all. When my kids were younger, no way could I do what I do now.

What is the saying do something for 28 days and it becomes a habit...I think it is true with eating well & being creative to get training in as well. The first week or so may be the hardest and then in time it gets easier and part of your life choices. I find if I mess up with my eating I'm repeating over and over those hardest 7 days. Why make it harder on myself?

How is everyone doing?

Shannon..hope you heal and get back to feeling good!!

Couple of you have been awful quiet...we'd love to hear about what you are up to!

Two new bikes in our group in the last week..how cool is that?  Pictures? Specs?

I'll post mine when I get home tonight. 

How is everyone doing at the mini-January weight loss goal? I'm down to new low on Sunday am..very excited and hope to drop 1 more pound by end of the month. 

In Ken Mierke’s book Evolution Running, he shares that a 1% reduction in bodyweight equals about 1% improvement in running speed. That is huge!

I’ve lost 89 pounds over last 3.5 years. I didn’t run when I started this…from 2005 to 2006 my run speed in tris dropped 2 m/m and I lost about 8% of my body weight, my skill/endurance improved as well. Under the 1% estimate I would have improved about one minute/mile from weight loss, rest came from hard work. I look forward to getting to ideal body weight for a number of reasons including being a faster runner and climbing hills faster. In a way losing weight is easier to gain speed than working hard at improved technique or endurance…but doing all three is the best way.

Check out Becky's race report for her first 5 mile race in some tough conditions, hills lots of them and snow!!

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=64459&posts=2#M662765

She did amazing!

Here's a link to the pictures from the race ... you can get an idea of the weather .. YIKES.  I almost look like I'm having fun ... what's up with that!

http://www.eventpictures.com/app/event/searchPicture;jsessionid=2430de006fa9176e1280?eventInstanceId=8683&searchType=2&curPage=1&searchWordCaption=1302

Great Photos!!

You were having fun and look like such a runner....you go girl!

Can't wait to see how wicked (MA term) fast you are in normal weather.

Becky, you rock! I'm really impressed (and guilty, because when you were out running a race 5 miles in the snow, I was whining about going running here in NJ - lame!) and inspired.  So I got my butt up and out running this morning, thanks to you!

Thanks for the mental shove!  I knew I came to the right group

~Christine

Thanks for all the positive thoughts sent my way on race day ... I'm so thankful I didn't fall flat on my tush!  I learned that it takes more leg strength and core muscles to keep your balance and stay vertical on a snowy path ... I think it's 34 consecutive days now that we've had this white stuff on the ground ... I don't remember what it's like to run on a dry trail ...

Hi Kathy!  I was wondering if I can join in your group. I read your history and find it VERY inspiring. I really need someone look up to and to push me in the right direction. 

I and my husband live in Central Jersey with our little angel, Lily (now 18 mos old!). I am training for my 2nd triathlon this year. I completed the Danskin 2006 tri last year and was hooked.  I found it very fulfilling and I was proud to finish. I had only 3 months to train, and didn't train that hard. So, I am, if you will, starting over and want to train like a real athlete should for my next tri in July (NJ State Triathlon) - I signed up for the Olympic, but have changed it to the sprint distance which is more realistic for me right now.

I have been trying to lose the "baby" fat now for over a year. I have lost about 15 lbs and would like to lose another 15lbs - to get back to my pre-baby weight.  About 5 years ago, I had lost weight, built stamina and muscle and was in the best shape of my life. I lost a total of 30 lbs and kept if off until the pregnancy. Not only was I excercising, but I changed my eating habits and made healthy choices. I know what it takes to get back to my previous physical condition, but I've lost my motivation. However, making goals for myself, like the tri, helps me to get moving. My training really has to happen in the EARLY morning, so it's very hard to get up and going. So I need the motivation there. And you are right when you say that your attitude is everything. I tend to be very hard on myself and I notice how it keeps me back.

My goals for the year:

1. Learn how to train properly 
2. NJ State Tri - Sprint
3. Bike for Hunger in September (200 mi)
4. At least 2- 5k runs this spring
5. Lose those last 15 lbs!
6. To surround myself with people who motivate me

I would like to find people in the area who workout together in a group. I find it much more motiviating..and to start working out with my friends again...they know who they are

Kathy ... You've been doing so well in everything else that chances are good you'll do better than you think in the swim TT.  Kelly (my daughter) has been struggling with her swimming too ... she has an analysis today and I suspect she will also come away grumpy if she doesn't see improvement.  I think it's the whole OCD-type A thing we have going on ... we put so much pressure on ourselves!  I'll think positive thoughts for both of you.  About the foot ... absolutely no advice from me because I don't have a clue but hope you get to go to the PT you want and it heals quickly.

Toni ... Welcome to our group.  We're all at about the same level as you ... just getting our feet wet and excited to be doing something challenging and fun ... and all trying to lose that last 10-15 lbs.  Kathy is a great mentor and you'll find the other group members very supportive.  We've added each other to our "Friends" list so we can keep track of our progress ... look at the workouts we're logging ... and send inspires.  We post on this forum too ... it's a great place for discussion topics that everyone is interested in.  Sounds like you have a fun season ahead of you!

*whistles and looks around innocently, hrm?? *

Christine ... if you're referring to my race report ... you crack me up!  My double gloved fingers were too fat to get inside my 3 layers of sleeves to see if I was breathing or not ... never mind pressing any buttons for split times ... whistles and looks innocent sums it up well!

LOL omigosh, no, I'd never pick on you for that - I'm the sheepish one, I didn't even venture out on Sunday, let alone race, in real SNOW.  I wouldn't have been moving that fast in those conditions unless someone was pulling me on a sled!!

Actually, I was whistling and looking innocent at Toni's comment, about her friends knowing who they are...

(psst, confessional... she sits two cube rows over from me in real life)

ha! you do crack me up! i had a hunch, but thought you may be talking about becky's race

This is a good group, thanks for tip mama

Toni...welcome to the group...glad you are with us!!

You have great goals set up and I totally understand how hard it is to fit training in around working and family.

I'm looking forward to watching your progress. You may want to pick a 5K 4-6 weeks out to have something to work towards. It is fun to get a baseline and watch yourself smash that time as you progress thru the season.

I'm taking the next few days off training. I've struggled on and off since mid-October with Planter Faciatis (sp?) pain on my heel that seemed better then my achillis tendon hurt running last week and I did lots for me of intense running and they both hurt and today I woke up and both my calves in back are numb. I talked to my coach, my primary care doc., a triathlete friend who is an Orthopedic Specialist and all agree rest is good and then get some PT.

The idea of not training for 4 days is hard for me but with my husband traveling lots to do with the family. I need to keep my eye ahead and it is better to take time off now than just before my spring A race.

Becky see I got out of my 1000 yd TT tonight..oh but really I'd rather have done. I got to spend 2 minutes in the hot tub then stuck both legs into cold water for 2 minutes for a total of 20 minutes very hot/cold.

Hi Kathy! Thanks for the tip! I will definitely pick a 5k to work towards for the near future. It will keep me motivated. I knew I came to the right group! Thanks Christine

I hope your calves feel better fast. I had a few problems with my achilles as well. A lot of stretching did the trick. I'll have to try hot baths too..don't have the hot tub!