I'm Tri'ing

Week of 12/17/2012 - 12/23/2012 Swimming - 4 Biking - 2 Running - 3 Strength training - 3 Weight loss for week - 2 lbs Total weight loss - 27.5 lbs The week before the holidays was a great workout week.  Sadly this week has not started off the same, which be reflected in all my workout and weight loss numbers next week when I post.  Oh well, it happens, I'll get back on track now that Christmas is over. Still making great progress in the pool, actually did 1000 yd session in the pool to end the week.  This is the longest freestyle I have ever done.  Biking has turned into my weakness but that is largely because I just haven't gotten any time on the bike so that will be an improvement area for 2013. Still haven't had a lot of time to focus on getting my training schedule updated but hopefully will get that done over the next week. Happy Holidays to all!

Week of 12/3/2012 - 12/9/2012 Swimming - 4 Biking - 3 Running - 3 Strength Training - 1 Weight loss for week - 2 lbs Total weight loss - 25.5 lbs Week of 12/10/2012 - 12/16/2012 Swimming - 2 Biking - 3 Running - 3 Strength Training - 2 Weight loss for week - 0 Total weight loss - 25.5 lbs Yes time is of the essence, as my workouts get longer I'm finding it harder to get everything done that I need to do.  So I'm still working on updating my training schedule to try to get the most out of each workout.  This means reducing the variety of things I do daily which will allow for additional time for individual activities.  You don't realize that when you are in the pool for at least 1/2 hour that is cardio. I have hooked up my road bike to my trainer to get some seat time.  Riding a stationary bike vs your road bike is night and day.  Since your position is different on a road bike than stationary bike it puts a bit more pressure on my back so I'...

Week of 11/19/2012 - 11/25/2012 Swimming - 4 Biking - 2 Running - 4 Strength Training / Core - 2 Weight loss for Week - 1 lb Total Weight loss - 22 lbs Week of 11/26/2012 - 12/2/2012 Swimming - 5 Biking - 4 Running - 3 Strength Training / Core - 4 Weight loss for Week - 1.5 lbs Total Weight loss - 23.5 lbs Sorry, again a bit behind on updating but time is just flying by!  Last week I completed the ChiRunning 8 Week to 5K!  My running is still very slow but I ran the entire way with no walking.  Next on the list is the 10 Week to 10K which should be completed around the time of a local 10K race.   The swimming is coming along amazing, can you believe I'm saying that?!?  The one thing I use to hate, the one thing that was making me consider not doing any more triathlons.  My fear of the swim always made me so stressed before a race and I would just focus on getting through the swim.  But I've been swimming 500-600 yds per session...

Week of 11/5/2012 - 11/11/2012 Jogging - 3 Biking - 3 Strength Training / Core - 4 Swimming  - 3 Weight loss for Week - 1.5 lbs Total weight loss - 20 lbs Week of 11/12/2012 - 11/18/2012 Jogging - 3 Biking - 2 Strength Training / Core - 3 Swimming  - 6 Weight loss for Week - 1 lb Total weight loss - 21 lbs A bit behind so I've included my stats for the past 2 weeks.  Rob is finally home!!  One of my big fears with him coming home was my schedule changing but so far all is going well.  I did have a change in work schedule, instead of working 930-630 I'm now working 830-530.  This has required some adjustment because I had a bit more flexibility with when I got to the gym but now I need to ensure I'm getting up on time.  I also don't have as much time to do as much so I need to adjust what I do on a daily basis but no worries it's all working out. I'm planning on increasing my freestyle by 100 yds each week.  I still find it so ...

Week of 10/29/2012 - 11/4/2012 Jogging - 3 Biking - 2 Strength Training / Core - 4 Swimming - 2 Weight loss for week - 3 lbs Total weight loss - 18.5 I feel like I'm saying this every time I do a post but yet another good week.  The jogging is progressing well.  I'm seeing some improvement in my speed and I think I'm ready to tackle the hills in our neighborhood again.  So maybe in the next couple of weeks I'll try to get an outdoor run in on the weekend. Thus far my swimming has really been a leisurely pace and no effort to try to do any freestyle.  So that is going to be a new focus - to do a a certain amount of freestyle every time I swim and gradually increase that and decrease the side stroke and breast stroke and eventually just do freestyle. November 5th is my 4 month anniversary since my back surgery and while I do get frustrated about the numbness in my foot I have evaluated where I was and where I am now.  I have noticed that I'm...

Week of 10/22/2012 - 10/28/2012 Jogging - 3 Biking - 2 Strength Training / Core - 3 Swimming - 3 Weight loss for week - 2.5 lbs Total weight loss - 15 lbs It was a damn good week!  My jogging continues to progress and I'm extremely pleased.  I have slowly been moving up my speed and I know that will take time since I've always been a slow runner but things are moving along well.  The swimming continues to do amazing things for my foot.  Sadly the one thing I have always hated is now helping my body heal! The weight loss this week was fantastic but I know that right now my nutrition sucks.  With Rob away for 5 weeks, my life revolves around going to the gym and work.  I have been eating very healthy but I'm not eating much.  But the other side of that is that I'm just not hungry so I'm not eating.  Either way I need to work on hitting my calories everyday. Enjoy life!

Week of 10/15/2012 - 10/21/2012 Jogging - 2 Biking - 2 Strength Training / Core - 1 Swimming - 3 Weight loss for week - 3 Total weight loss 13 I didn't realize just how much I missed going to the gym.  So happy that Rob talked me into joining Lifetime Fitness over the gym I was considering.  The swimming is making a huge difference with my foot.  I'm still experiencing the numbness however my flexibility in the foot and leg has increased and I haven't been getting the drastic soreness that I would experience off and on. Despite only working out 4 days last week, I had GREAT workouts!  I bumped up the ChiRunning and moved forward with week 3 and had no problems.  I know there is a big difference between a treadmill and running outside but I have seen marked improvement in my speeds.  I have increased the incline to make it more realistic. I'm so excited to be back on track and very happy that the weight continues to come off.  I've started ...

Week of 10/8/2012 - 10/14/2012 Walking / Jogging - 3 Biking - 2 Strength Training  -1 Swimming - 1 Weight loss for week - 0 Total weight loss - 10 lbs We joined a gym!  After much thought and discussion we decided to join Lifetime Fitness .  I was planning on joining a different gym, but while a friend was in town we went to the local Lifetime Fitness with her.  Rob really liked the facility and said he would be interested in joining.  So we decided to take the leap.  I'm really excited because it has a dedicated lap pool and a larger selection of classes that I would be interested in taking.  I have set some serious goals to achieve by the end of the year in prep for being able to do triathlons in 2013 and get back on track with my long term triathlon goals. After only 1 swim last week, my back and foot were feeling great so I really think that we made the right decision. I didn't have any weight loss this week, but I'm very proud of that...

Week of 10/1/2012 - 10/7/2012 Running / Walking - 3 Biking - 1 Strength Training - 1 Weight loss for week - 4 lbs Total weight loss - 10 lbs I have decided that I want to be safer than sorry and did repeat ChiRunning week 2 and I'm going to do the same this week.  The fear of the pain I experienced in June and a possible set back made that decision very easy.  While it wasn't a great week for me workout wise, I only worked out a total of 4 days, I did experience an unusually high weight loss week.  So I am prepared that might result in a gain or no weight loss this week. I also decided that I'm going to splurge and join a gym.  My primary reason is for access to a swimming pool.  I think the pool time will give me the opportunity to do workouts with no impact which will lend to a healthier back.  The gym I'm looking at has some pool aerobic classes and has lots of time dedicated to lap time. I'm also considering trying a yoga class.  I have...

Week of 9/24/2012 - 9/30/2012 Running/Walking - 4 sessions Biking - 2 sessions Strength Training - 2 sessions Weight loss for week - 2.5 lbs Total weight loss - 6 lbs I completed the 2nd week of the ChiRunning  program, which was harder than the first week.  I also increased the amount of weight I'm lifting.  The past couple of days I've been a bit sore and of course that makes me wonder if I'm pushing too much????  I have been trying to read as many forums as possible about returning to working out and particularly running after back surgery.  There is so much mixed information and I just don't want to risk re-injury.  The good news is I'm not experiencing pain, only sore, which is a sign that you are pushing your muscles, which can be good, I just need to make sure I'm not pushing too much.  Rob keeps telling me to listen to my body and I just want to make sure I understand what it's trying to tell me. I'm considering redoing the 2nd week o...

Week of 9/17/2012 - 9/23/2012 Running - 3 sessions Biking - 3 sessions Strength Training - 2 sessions I completed the first week of the ChiRunning  8 week 5K program.  Since I still have the numbness in my foot and very tight calf muscles my pace is still slow but I was able to complete all the planned run sessions. This week will be more of a test as the program increases time running/jogging and decreases time walking. Rob and I went for a short bike ride at a local park that had paved and unpaved trails.  Sadly it might be a better place for running than biking.  There were a lot of people so it made it difficult and the unpaved trails were actually very rocky and more bumpy than I an anticipated.  My back is still a bit sensitive to jarring movements but the paved section was a bit better just lots of people.  I'll keep looking for a better place to ride so I can reduce the amount of time on the indoor bike and I have to take advantage of the l...

Week of 9/10/2012 - 9/16/2012 Running - 3 sessions Biking - 2 sessions Strength Training - 2 sessions Not a bad week for me.  I worked out 5 of 7 days and I did the workouts that I had scheduled.  You know the running isn't running it's jogging :>)  The strength training right now is just upper body and some core work, nothing lower body at this stage and very light weights.  Don't want to do anything to aggravate my back. This week I'll be starting the ChiRunning 8 week to 5K training plan.  This week should not be too bad since my jogging has been similar to what is planned.  I've been trying to find a 5K race to do at the end of my 8 week plan but haven't found anything yet.  I'll keep looking but if I don't find anything maybe I'll just put something together on my own or try for something later in the month.  I'm sure there will be runs around Thanksgiving as there are usually Turkey trots in most cities. The biking, a...

Week of 9/3/2012 - 9/9/2012 Exercise Walking - 5.95 miles Exercise Jogging - 1 session - 5 - 1 minute intervals General Walking -  33.66 miles Stationary Bike -  1 session - 3 minutes Weight loss - ?? Yippee.....I jogged last week.  It was only 5 - 1 minute intervals, but that is better than nothing.  Originally when I thought I would start running, I thought I would need to do shorter intervals.  But when I started jogging, I thought I could do a bit longer but didn't want to overdo it.  I was a bit sore afterwards but it didn't prevent me from doing anything.  I'm sure people thought I was crazy when they saw me because I was so happy and shocked at the same time. Otherwise last week was still a tough week because we had visitors from Thursday - Monday so that threw off our plans a bit.  Not an excuse just a fact. I found the box that had the scale in it so I weighed myself yesterday and there was a weight gain but not as high as I t...

Week of 8/27/2012 - 9/2/20212 Exercise Walking - 0 General Walking - 27.95 miles Stationary Bike - 0 Weight loss - ?? I was a bit shocked that when I was finally able to look at my miles that I actually had 27.95 miles.  That is not a great week but considering that since Tuesday, August 28th we have been staying in a hotel and were driving from Maryland to Texas from August 29th - September 1st, I'm pretty happy with that. As I wrote in the last update, I knew it would be tough to get some exercise in last week and it was.  I decided that this was an adventure and a great opportunity to spend time with the hubby and I was going to enjoy our trip and worry about diet and exercise when we got to Texas and got settled in. The only bad thing that happened on our trip is that my fitbit , may be on its last leg.  I dropped the fitbit early last week and cracked the case and when I say cracked I can see the inside of the device.  Then towards the...

Week of 8/20/2012 - 8/26/2012 Exercise Walking - 4 sessions / 15.45 General Walking - 7 days - 22.4 Stationary Bike - 2 sessions / 25 minutes Weight loss -  -1 lb Last week was a good week for me.  My walking continues to improve and I think I'm about as fast as I'm going to get with my limp.  The first biking session was a bit rough, but I thought that was just a shock in doing something different and it was because the 2nd session went much better.  I'm excited about that because while I'm not a big fan of the stationary biking it does diverse what exercises I'm able to do.  I also suspect that with the heat in Texas I might have to move some of my walking to the treadmill, which I'm even less of a fan of so I would just plan on spending more time in the stationary bike.  I would love to set up my trainer and road bike when we get to Texas but that will just depend on space.   This week and part of next week is going to pose some d...

Oops, just realized I missed last week, must be all the packing I'm doing.  So here are the quick stats for the past 2 weeks to get caught up Week of: 8/6/2012-8/12/2012 Exercise Walking - 3 sessions / 8.64 miles General Walking - 7 days / 12.61 miles Week of: 8/13/2012-8/19/2012 Exercise Walking - 4 sessions / 12.54 miles General Walking - 7 days / 22.91 miles Last week I had my 6 week follow-up appointment with the neurosurgeon and the good news was that I do not need to have additional follow-up appointments unless I start having problems.  I was also given the ok to start easing into biking and running "jogging".  I was so excited to hear that news that I thought I would start short jogging intervals into my daily walks this week.  Then I got to thinking that maybe it would be better to start out with biking instead, since that is less impact.  So today was my first stationary bike day.  I'm starting out with 10 minute sessions. ...

Traveling / being away from home always makes it tough to get your workouts in.  Week of: 7/30/2012-8/5/2012 Exercise Walking - 4 sessions / 9.5 miles General Walking - 7 days / 19.3 miles I didn't think I would get any pool time as most hotel pools are as big as a bathtub and I was correct, very small pool.  My workouts were on a treadmill, which still gives me some trouble.  My limp is getting better but it's still tough to walk on a treadmill.  No change at this point with the numbness in my leg / foot.  Disappointing, BUT, it's only been a little over 1 month since my surgery so no complaints here. The plane ride to TX (go to my other blog for info on that trip) was rough.  I thought it would be best to wear my compression sock and leave my shoe off however, I don't think that was helpful.  The ride home was better, I didn't wear the compression sock and left my shoe on. This week, I hope to get to the pool as I need additional workouts...

I have been keeping track of both my exercise walking and my general walking (i.e. errands, housekeeping, packing, shopping, etc) and I was pretty shocked. For the week of 7/23/2012-7/29/2012 Exercise Walking - 6 sessions / 19.84 miles Exercise Swimming - 1 session / 15 min General Walking - 7 days / 22.79 miles I'm disappointed I didn't get to the pool for the planned 3 sessions but life sometimes interrupts things.  So that doesn't say much for my attempt to become BFF's with the pool but it's always a work in progress. My speed during exercise walks comes and goes largely dependent on how I feel, how far I'm walking and how humid it is outside.  But has improved from the week before, I'm averaging a 17.5 minute mile.  My first goal is to get that under 17 minute mile. No planned swims for me this week, since it's a short weekend at home but hoping the hotel has a pool that I can use a couple of times. Also forgot to weigh in today, so I...

After this post, I'm going to stick to my old schedule of my training weeks going from Monday to Sunday but for this week I'll just do it from last Saturday to this Saturday and then my next week will start with Monday the 23rd.  If you aren't reading my other blog, http://pinkygiraffe.blogspot.com/ , then you might not know my good news that the Dr has cleared me to drive and start resuming normal activities next week. However, normal does not include running but I can swim.  Biking - yea, not so much that either.  The Dr preferred that I stick to walking and swimming until my next appointment (4 weeks).  OK no problem, my arch enemy "the swimming pool" will become BFF's.  So starting on Monday I have planned on swimming at least 3 times a week.  I have no idea how it will impact my back so I'm going to go for 10-15 minute sessions and see how that goes.  If all goes well then I'll build up from there.  I'll also plan on my daily walks.  U...

I think I have to give full credit to my hubby for getting me to 4.62 miles today, over 1 mile longer than yesterday.  It does help when you have someone that moves at a faster pace and someone to chat with.  I was hoping for 4 miles today so I'm very happy about 4.62. Since I'm moving around a lot better than I expected then  Monday I will get back to wearing my fitbit 100% of the time, start tracking what I eat again and start tracking my weight loss. I think I can comfortable "prepare"food rather than rely on prepared food or what others have so generously brought me this past week. Yet another step in my new direction of the next chapter of my life!

The old Nicol would be embarrassed to say and would never consider writing that I walked 3.56 miles today in 68 min (less than a 20 min mile...woohoo).  But the new Nicol knows....it is what it is. Definitely loosing up my left shoe (the foot that is numb) was a huge help.  I can walk faster and my foot doesn't feel numb from the first step which is helping me walk longer. My triathlon / marathon training spreadsheet is crazy sad to look at but that is ok.  For now I can walk and that is what I will continue to do.  I'm really hoping, can't believe I'm saying this, that next week when I visit the Dr I get the ok to drive and start swimming because then I can walk and swim. Driving allows me the freedom to swim either at our community pool or go to the YMCA or go to my girlfriends house, who has offered up their pool to help me recover.  Love that about friends, they are willing to help you get back on your feet! Happy Friday the 13th, I hope everyon...

This morning I did a slow 2 mile walk around the neighborhood.  Right now I feel recovery is going to be a long time.  The walk seemed to take so long.  I'm going to start tracking time and not just distance so I know if my pace is increasing.  My legs get pretty sore, mainly my left leg and foo that has the numbness but hopefully that will start to get better. Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to do to 2.5 miles!!

The Dr. said "I want you to walk as much as possible."  So I'm taking that to heart, to recover as quickly as possible but no worries I am being cautious and listening to my body. Rob joined me on a slow 1.5 mile walk around the neighborhood this morning.  It's so hard to believe that only a few weeks ago I was running 5 miles.  I have so much sympathy for anyone trying to get back on track.  I'm not frustrated but would like to be.  I know that this will take time.  As soon as I can take the bandage off and the stitches are healed up, I'm heading to pool (his second suggestion).  Funny, when I asked about physical therapy and he said the best things for you are walking and swimming.  He said "can you swim, do you have access to swim, that is going to be great for you back, it will be no pressure and will help you a lot."  So one of worst activities is what I need to focus on. I'm hoping to be up for another walk this afternoon, bu...

The last time I checked in I was having some good runs....well so much for that.  Within the past week, I have had some back issues which is resulting in surgery tomorrow afternoon.  So with that said triathlon season is definitely not going to happen and more than likely my attempt for a 1/2 marathon is also probably not going to happen. Going forward I'm going to be using this blog to keep everyone up to date on getting back on track with my fitness.  I will attempt to do a weekly post on how that is going.  The Doctor has told me that I won't need formal physical therapy but wants me to start walking as soon as possible and swim.  Swim.....really...my nemesis.  Ok no problem doc.  I'll walk as much as I can and will swim as much as I can in order to get my fitness life back together. So the rest of 2012 will be about getting healthy, fit and at racing weight and figuring out which races I will tackle in Texas for 2013!

Yea, Yea, Yea, do I even bother to say I have been missing in action since March??  Well life has been up and down but I've been trying to stay on track, somewhat, with my working out.  Right now I've been focusing on running.  Haven't been swimming in awhile and haven't focused too much on cycling.  I'm having some major life changes, quit my job and preparing to pick up and move to Texas.  I've been experiencing lots of issues with my right foot (podiatrist told me I have hammer toes and has recommended surgery).  With all of this I'm undecided about my triathlon season.  I really want to focus on getting to my goal to lose 30 lbs and I have been questioning if I'm putting to much on my plate.  I haven't fully decided but for now I'm just trying to increase my running, doing strength training and any other cross training that I have time for right now.  When I get down to about 20 lbs to lose, I think I'll evaluate what I'm going to do....

Last week was not a good workout week, nor a good weight loss week.  The famous "work interference" happened almost every day.  But I'm rolling with the punches and as usual hope to get back on track this week.  Two triathlons are scheduled for 9 and 10 weeks out and I'm still trying to figure out what the deal is with getting registered but I'm also questioning if I'm really ready for this.  I always want to say give me a couple more weeks to decide but I know if they aren't full already they may be full. Again, trying to roll with the punches, if that is the case then it wasn't meant for me to do the races, which is why I have several scheduled for the year. The life changes that I'm working on right now, outside of the fitness and weight loss, and very consuming but necessary!! Here's to a happy Monday, warm weather, vacation in the near future, a great workout week and healthy eating!! 

Last week wasn't bad for running, I was able to run outside twice.  Hopefully the weather will continue to be nice enough as I can't stand being on that treadmill.  As I have been saying for awhile I need to get my rear end to the gym and actually swim.  Hopefully next weekend the weather will continue to be nice and no rain so I can get out and ride my bike.  I also need to get my road bike to the shop, it seems to be slipping gears and since I I have limited maintenance skills it's beyond my knowledge / ability to fix.  Can't believe race season is right around the corner, I need to actually check out the upcoming race sites as I haven't registered for any of the upcoming races. Also ordered the 10 minute workout series.  Hubby loves P90X but I don't have time to do that plus the swim/bike/run workouts, so he suggested I try the 10 minute workouts, hopefully it will be here some time this week. This week I have the following scheduled: Swim -...

I knew it had been awhile but didn't realize that it had been a month.  Sorry about that, life has happened.  Lots of changes happening, well planning for those changes.  My training has been a bit lacking but I promise to get back on track and continue documenting my journey.

Week 2 of the New Year and sadly I'll have to give myself a D.  The good news is that my weight loss for the week was down 3.5 lbs.  Workout wise I only did 2 run workouts and 1 strength workout.  I was scheduled to do 4 swim workouts, 2 bike workouts, 3 run workouts and 3 strength.  Yes I'm about to make an excuse but I haven't found the solution to work interfering with the workout schedule.  I had 3 late nights at work which prevented me from working out.  I would love to be able to do morning workouts on those days but sadly my day doesn't begin later on those days.  But I ate VERY well and I'm happy for that.  No snacking in the evening!! This week I hope to get my butt back to the gym for swimming.  Since that is my weakest link I need to dedicate some time!

Week 1 of the New Year and I'll give myself a C-.  No weightloss for the week but I know that is from the evening snacking.  Workout wise I did 1 bike workout, 3 run workouts and 1 strength workout.  I was scheduled to do 3 swim workouts, 3 bike workouts, 3 run workouts and 2 strength. This week I had planned 2 Team Z workouts and missed both of them because of work but there is a Strength and Injury Prevention Clinic tonight that I plan on attending so I figure that is a good way to finish out the week. The focus for week 2 is to limit the evening snacking, complete over 50% of my workouts, especially the swim workouts, and try to make it to at least 1 of the 2 Team Z events. I've posted my tentative race schedule, it's a pretty aggressive plan, considering 2011 was a big goose egg for me.  But I truly want to get back on track with putting myself and my personal goals first this year.  This has always been a difficult task because for all of my 41 y...

Where did 2011 go????  Well no looking back, 2012 started today, yes I know I'm a day late but my weeks start on Monday's so today was my beginning :>)  Hope everyone had a safe holiday season and are excited to get in gear for 2012, I know I am. I'm still working on finalizing my race schedule for 2012.  I was originally hoping to do a 1/2 marathon or 2 this year but in being realistic at where my current fitness level is (low) and what my main goals are for the year (International distance triathlon and getting to goal weight/racing weight) I'm going to rethink some races and narrow it down.  I know that getting back to a healthy weight and a regular exercise plan will help me balance some of the other crazy out of control things in my life. As my 1st workout of 2012 I'm trying out Chi Running , I haven't been able to get in a good running rhythm so I'm stepping back a bit.  I'm starting out at ground zero and doing the Injury Free 5K plan  an...