Monday, September 27, 2010

I am an Irongirl!

Yesterday, I finished my first Irongirl Duathlon!  3 hours 14 minutes 19 seconds.  My biggest acheivement that occured during the race:  I ran my first 2 miles in 26 minutes.  I never thought I could do that.  Biking was much harder than I thought it was going to be.  My chain came off twice, whenever I tried to go into first gear which was on most hills :(   As a racer we had complete right of way of the route so there was no stopping for lights or stop signs.  Had not realized how those little stops were affecting my ability to bike farther!  I walked my last 2 miles.  I wanted to run but my legs would not let me.
On the bike route, I stopped to help another competitor put her chain on.  She was in near tears because she didn't know how to do it.  I know I would want someone to stop and help me.  Besides, my goal was to complete the race.  (My motto of the day was, "It's a great day to be last!") On the last hill going back to transition my legs quit.  I couldn't pedal to save my life.  I got off my bike and me knees cramped up.  It felt like I had two giants balls moving around on the inside of my leg.  Each step the ball moved and I couldn't.  After about 10 steps, my knees only cramped every other step.  Then it was every third step.  I knew then that I could walk to cramps out.  I just walked until the cramps were gone.  I got back on my bike and rode to transition.  I walked out of transition and walked up the first hill.  I knew I couldn't run yet.  At the top of the hill, I tried to run.  My legs just wouldn't let me.  I walked the last two miles.  I did attempt a few short jogs.

My family was there to support me the whole time.  Erica was so cute with her sign held high above her head.  I knew where they were and could look forward to their cheers as I went by.  I don't think I could have do it without them!  Thank you Al. Mia, Erica and Mom.

I am now taking today to rest.  Will begin my workouts again tomorrow morning.  Today, I will refect on what my next big adventure is going to be.

Monday, September 20, 2010

6 days to go!

Only 6 more days to prep for my first Duathlon!  I am very excited.  I am feeling better. I had a miserable cold last week with two sick girls at home so I could not do much training.  I was starting to get very nervous because I haven't been keeping up with my exercise program with all of my traveling.  Last Monday, I ran 2 miles in 33:15!  But then the rest of the week was a bust for exercise.

Today, I ran 1 mile in 15:59 then biked for 25 minutes with my daughter in the trailer behind me.  I couldn't figure out if I was struggling because of Erica, the run before or the horrific wind...  Or maybe all of the above.  I figure I'll do a brick tonight without Erica then do another one tomorrow morning. And maybe Wednesday morning before leaving for St. Louis for 3 days.  We come back on Friday.  I register on Saturday and the big race is Sunday!!!

I am really hoping for a great race.  Meaning that my chain does not come off and that I actually the finish the 2 mile run, 22.7 mile bike ride, and 2 mile run.  Wondering if the 2 1/2 hour time limit on the biking portion includes my transition time.  I don't think it will matter one way or the other.   I wish I could wear my head phones.  I love listening to music as I run/bike.  But the rules don't allow.

Remember, if you haven't donated,  I am still looking for donations at www.active.com/donations/choa2010/rrudeck.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Fall is here...

I am finally home from my vacationing.  I spent a week in the Bahamas with my daughter, Mia, and then finished the summer with a weekend in Chicago with my girls, Kathy and ShirleyAnn.  It was a great ending to the summer.

School starts today.  My daughters are heading to a brick and mortar today.  I hope both girls are have a great year.  I am looking forward to having time to spend with Erica, something that I never get.  Our day consists of dropping the girls off at school, going to the chiropractor, grocery shopping, home to do some school, lunch, chores, then workout at the Y, then work from 3-5, home to pick up Hannah and Mia then all 3 have gymnastics tonight!  Good thing I am so relaxed from my vacationing...

I have been very bad at working out the month of August.  But that is all done.  No more slacking.  I am now going to work out 3 days a week at minimum.  1 run, 1 bike, 1 swim.  Anything more is icing on the cake.  I want to add my step classes back into my schedule this fall.  But got to start slow.  I no longer have my girls to babysit when I work out.  And Erica tends to get whiny about going to the Y.  So I need to find a balance.  Plus, I have a feeling Erica and I are going to be very busy.