I'm Tri'ing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTPpXpoF54s&feature=related Matt Hoover from the Biggest Loser missed the IRONMAN Kona finish in 2009 by 3 minutes but he still finished.  Does it matter that he didn't complete the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and 26.2 mile run before the 17 hour cutoff or does it matter that he completed the race?  You decide..... IRONMAN Kona 2011 is coming, October 8th, can't wait to cheer on the girls that inspire me Mirinda Carfrae and Chrissie Wellington (hope her recovery is going well).

Wow, I wonder where time goes.  I have been MIA, most recently, past 4 weeks, I've been dealing with some back issues which has resulted in a "no tri" season for me this year.  I've had back injuries for years and usually know it's because my weight, lack of stretching and strength training.  I've been experiencing soreness in my back for about 2 months and it came to a head when I was practicing for the Luray tri.  While biking up the last 2 climbs the back pains just became intolerable and resulted in some spasms that I couldn't get to go away so I had too walk up the last climb.  I went to the Chiro and as expected my back is in pretty bad shape.  Another contributor to my back issues is my HORRIBLE posture!!  So I'm back to Chiro and PT 3 times a week.  After consulting with the Dr we decided it would be better for me not to race Luray or Iron Girl and just focus on my back issues.  So I start my 3rd week and have been given the ok to sta...

Another day off work and another successful day of training Swim - 1000 yds - no freestyle but workout was about 30 minutes Bike - 30 miles on road bike. The bike was slow but mainly because I needed to practice getting in and out of my new shoes and pedals, aren't they pretty!! Anyway, practice makes perfect and I'm far from perfect.  These speedplays are tiny and I don't have the smallest feet but I stopped every couple of miles to get out of them, get off the bike and then get back on the bike and clip back in.  By the end of the ride I was getting much better. Now I need to install my new tires that a friend gave me to try out.  Hope to do that this weekend and ride the new tires next week.  I also bought a new seat for my road bike, decided it was time to upgrade if I'm regularly riding 30+ miles. The Luray triathlon is getting very close and I need to focus on training as much as I possibly can and stop making excuses.

Yesterday was the first outdoor bike ride for me this year, I know I'm a bit behind but with surgery and vacations and the weather it just hasn't been possible until now.  The hubby and I did 20 miles on the C&O canal, it was really muddy.  A bit sore this morning but what you would expect for the 1st ride.  Planning on going back for the 2nd round tomorrow, provided the weather cooperates.

Continuing to build up my distance and time.  Today I successfully ran for 20 minutes.  That is the longest time since before my surgery.  I am very proud, it might seem likely nothing to most people but after having surgery I was worried that I wouldn't be exercising at all. Warm-up - 5 min Workout - 20 min Cool down - 5 min Total Distance - 2.5 miles PT - 2 sets / 10 reps of all exercises suggested by my Physical Therapist. Next week it would be great to increase to 30 minutes.  The Race for the Cure is coming up June 4th and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to do the 5K but after today I'm feeling more confident.

I'm coming up on 2 weeks since my surgery and feeling pretty good.  My first time running / jogging, was on Thursday (2 min jog / 1 min walk x 10) and it felt good.  Today  I decided to try a bit more: Warm up - 5 min Workout - 5 min jog / 1 min walk x 4 Cool down - 5 min Total distance 2.45 I also did my PT (physical therapy) exercises for the 1s time since before my surgery.  These are light weight and some band exercises for my left shoulder.  Since the Dr told me I wasn't allowed to lift more than 5 lbs for 2 weeks I thought I was safe to jump into this day. We will see how it feels tomorrow/Monday. I see the Dr. on Monday for my follow-up appointment and I hope to get clearance to lift heavier weights so I can resume my normal strength training.  Next week I plan to start swimming again. 

This blog is suppose to be about my journey to become a triathlete.  But recently I feel like I'm completely starting over with that journey.  Last Monday, April 25th, I had laparoscopic surgery to remove my gallbladder.  For the past couple months I had been experiencing extreme abdominal pain and through a couple of doctor appointments and an ultrasound it was determined that I had gallstones and based on the level and frequency of pain, which was not controllable by diet, that I needed to have my gallbladder removed.  I was pleased at the quick turn around by my general physician and his great recommendation for a good surgeon.  I went into the surgery extremely optimistic, unusual for me, and 5 days later I realize that my triathlon journey this year is even more of an up hill battle than what I had expected.  The surgery went well, as planned, and I had a great support system with my husband at home a few days to take care of me and family and fri...