Cleveland Marathon weekend is so popular that everywhere I went the past few months someone asked me “are you running the Cleveland half or the full?”. And I always tried to respond with “I’m running the 10k!”. But there were a few times I caught myself saying “no, just the 10k”.

Ummmmmm…….what, Heather? What a total douche bag comment.

No matter what distance you ran this past weekend, the 5k, 10k, half or full marathon – we were ALL runners. We ALL got our butts out of bed early on race morning, made the trek downtown, and ran our little hearts out.

We ALL crossed the same starting line and ALL lapped those who were still in bed when we got home!

COULD I have run the half marathon on Sunday? Of course! But did I WANT to? HELL NO. So I should have never felt the need to say “just the 10k”, it was my decision and one that I was completely fine with. Actually, MORE than fine with.

So when someone asks what distance you are running, or what max weight you are lifting, don’t ever sell yourself short. Be proud!

Have you ever caught yourself saying “I am, but just the…….”? Why?

My swim workouts normally range from 1700 to 2000 yards. I enjoy these workouts because there is so much going on that the time flies by (and they’re never longer than 45 minutes).

So when I read on my training schedule that today’s workout was 3200 yards I literally did a double take. I read it on Monday, again yesterday, and then today. And each day I added up the distance to make sure it was supposed to say 3200 (it definitely was).

I checked Dailymile, and my furthest swim before today was only 2100 yards!

But I figured, what the hell, may as well give it a shot.

I’ve always loved a good challenge.

So, like usual, I wrote the workout on my hand for reference:

• 300 warm up
• 4 x 75 kick
• 300 swim
• 4 x 100 (30 sec rest)
• 1 x 800 (2 minute bonus rest)
• 4 x 800 (30 sec rest)
• 6 x 50 cool down

The killer was the 1 x 800. That’s 32 consistent laps! And completely boring.

And I could definitely tell during the last two 400′s that I was losing steam. I had to work hard to finish!

I gotta say, I felt pretty badass when I finished. I was the first one in the pool and the last one out.

Go long or go home.

If you’re a swimmer, how do you remember your workouts? Do you write them on your hand like I do?

When was the last time you felt like a badass after a workout?

Sunday I went out to Marblehead, OH for a triathlon day camp.

The day started off fantastic. It was my first open water swim and I couldn’t have picked a better spot:

The water was perfect (especially for me since I’m lame and don’t have a wetsuit yet) and the waves weren’t even that bad. Great day for this first timer!

I felt OK during the swim and actually didn’t want it to end. I’m telling you, guys, I’m becoming a fish. I can’t get enough of this swimming sport!

But we couldn’t swim forever, so we headed back to the pavilion for lots of boring education stuff (ha, just kidding, Coach!) and lunch.

And then I even did something unheard of.

I changed my own bike tire!

Ahhhh……..the days before my dreaded brace face…..

I’m definitely not a tire changing expert, and I’d probably come in last in a race if I got a flat, but at least I know I can change one if the situation presents itself (but, just to be safe, let’s hope that doesn’t happen anytime soon).

The day was going so great – the weather was amazing, I swam in open water, changed my own tire, made lots of new friends, and then this happened:

My first real bike crash.

With lots of ugly road rash. And bruises.

Monday morning my whole body was so sore. I must have hit the ground pretty hard! I’m sure I wasn’t graceful so it must have been quite the sight.

My leg is healing pretty fast, but my hands are another story. They’re the worst!

So, let’s recap:

• Saturday I pooped in a parking lot
• Sunday I crashed my road bike
• Monday I became an adult brace face

I’m praying this weekend is much better. I mean, it has to be, right?

Tell me one good thing that has happened to you this week – I need some good news!

For triathletes.

Because the apparel sucks.

(don’t mind the post swim crazy hair!)

This was the best I could do after weeks of searching. The shorts are actually pretty comfortable, but this color tank isn’t my fav. I wanted something bright so I could be spotted in a crowd!

Here’s what I would offer:

• long tank tops for girls with long torsos
• silicone gripper at the bottom of the tank to keep it where it should be (no riding up allowed!)
• bright, bright colors
• subtle designs so you wouldn’t feel awkward going to the store or picking up your kid from school in it
• swim caps to match!
• different styles of the back

I actually somewhat like the back of this tank, but every tank I own is a racer back. I’m going to have this tan line for the rest of my life!

Anyways, this is what I’ll be wearing this Sunday. Look for me if you plan on being at the Munroe Falls Triathlon!

So, who’s with me? Anyone want to invest in this new company? I’ll even let you name it. Well, maybe. Ok, probably not.

Any suggestions on what I should name my company??

Thanks for all your awesome and encouraging comments on yesterday’s post! It sure makes this crazy goal of mine seem a little less crazy.

And I know I’m getting ahead of myself. I mean, my first real triathlon is this weekend! What can I say, we go big in this house.

I’m doing the Munroe Falls triathlon this Sunday (which is SOLD OUT!!).

400 yard swim
12 mile ride
5k run

Sounds simple enough when you think about each piece separately, but when you put them all together I’m not so sure. I’m guessing my transitions will be quite comical – I’ll be rushing to get going and end up forgetting something (wouldn’t surprise if I forget my shoes!).

I just don’t want to freak out on the swim. I don’t think that I will, but this will be my first open water swim so who knows! But my biggest worry is the ride. I’m always terrified I’ll get a flat, not be able to change it, and end up stranded out in the country (Akron is considered the country, right? ). Other than that I just plan on going with the flow. We all have to start somewhere so I’ll be happy with whatever happens.

Unfortunately my favorite spectator/cheerleader can’t make it on Sunday.

But I’ll have the support of some new friends from the Cleveland Triathlon Club, so I’m sure I’ll be in good hands!

Now, the biggest question of all: WHAT DO I WEAR?? Hehe.

Seriously, I still have to get something! Anyone have a favorite pair of tri shorts or shirt they’d recommend? I already checked and Lulu doesn’t have tri apparel yet, but they did just come out with cycling jerseys and shorts (I’m sure J is cringing as he reads this)!!!

Anyone else racing/training/just plan on being outdoors this weekend?

I came home yesterday exhausted, sore, and sunburnt.

I spent the weekend at Mohican with the Cleveland Triathlon Club and they kicked my booty. I ran through the mud in the pitch black, biked 25+ miles of mad hills, hit 40 miles an hour on my bike(!!!), learned so much more about being an athlete than I ever thought possible, and met some amazing people. It was awesome.

I had a lot of reservations going into the weekend since I normally get a little homesick when I’m away from the boys for that many days (and since I barely knew anyone!). And when I didn’t have any cell reception AT ALL I thought the weekend was going to blow. But it ended up being great!

There’s just something super fun about being around people who sweat just as much as you and who think sweating 24/7 is just as awesome as you do. We went for a 6 mile run through this crazy uphill trail Friday night (in the pitch black!) in what seemed like 100% humidity and all just hung around the kitchen table afterwards snacking and getting to know each other. Sweat and all. It didn’t weird me out at all. In fact, I absolutely loved it.

It was a weekend full of Gatorade, Nuun, protein powder, bananas, bagels, honey stingers, body glide, and spandex. Lots and lots and lots of spandex.

I learned how to corner on my bike, how to make a fast stop (which I totally had to do during our ride and geeked out over how cool it was!), how to change a tire (finally!), and basically just feeling a lot more comfortable on my bike.

Hi Monica!!

For as serious athletes as some of these people were, they were so inviting and non-judgemental. I love elite athletes who welcome newbies to the scene. I love when they want to share their love of the sport and help those of us who are just starting to fall in love with it. We all started as newbies at one time. And we all could use a helping hand no matter what level we’re at.

I’m not sure I’m 100% a triathlon convert yet, but I am nerding out over it still.

I’m still on a total high from the weekend and can’t wait to get back on my bike! Though, I spent all weekend with her and have yet to give her a name. She’s white and purple (plum?) and pretty girly.

Any thoughts/suggestions??

Did you ever go to camp when you were younger? I never got sent to camp, but my family went camping almost every other weekend in the summers. I was always so jealous because my cousins had campers, but we had to sleep in a tent. Ha.

And she’s in love:

With both of them:

Do you know how hard it is to find espadrilles that aren’t 3+ inches tall?

I’m still trying to embrace this whole “tall is good” thing. Maybe one day. Until then I’ll keep rockin the lower heels.

Too bad I won’t be able to enjoy these beauties this coming weekend. Instead I’ll be spending my days and nights in these:

And in my spin shoes.

Because I’m going to a weekend camp at Mohican with the Cleveland Triathlon Club!

Talk about getting outside my comfort zone. I’m shacking up in a cabin (for a whole weekend) with people I’ve never met, doing workouts I’ve never done, and hopefully learning things I would have never learned on my own. It should be interesting (and, if anything, provide some good stories!).

Do you rock the tall heels??

I think Marathon Monday is my new favorite holiday.

I took the day off of work so I could enjoy the Boston Marathon without interruption. Best decision ever.

The day started off with walking C to school with J and the pups.

And from there we all split up. C went to school, J walked the pups home, and I took off for a run.

5 miles later I was home just in time for the 9:30 women’s start. So I plopped my sweaty self down in front of the computer and stayed there for the next 2+ hours.

J and I had fun tracking the runners while watching the live feed. Gotta love all the technology!

Once my mind was blown by the way the race finished (hello, Mr. Korir!!), I put on my swimsuit and headed up to the pool. The pool has the WORST adult swim times ever (Mon and Wed from 2 to 4??) so I had to take advantage of it since I was home.

2000 yards later I was on my way to the school to pick up C. Mondays are unicycle club days so I was excited to finally see him ride the sky cycle!!

Can you see that?? He’s riding the sky cycle. The tall one. The one they ride in the circus and in parades. And it was no problem for him. Unreal. Can you get a college scholarship for unicycle riding?? Seriously, I’m not kidding. Can you?

The day ended with a long walk with a great friend I hadn’t seen in awhile while the boys were at soccer practice.

Perfect day. I think this may just become a tradition. My kind of Marathon Monday!

Did you watch the race today??

I can’t believe it’s been a week since I completed my very first triathlon. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to recap the race, especially since I loved the experience so much!

It was an indoor triathlon sponsored by the Cleveland Triathlon Club down at Cleveland State University. Here’s the jist of the race:

• 20 minute swim
• 20 minute bike
• 20 minute run

Then the distances of all three are totaled to come up with the places. And since we did the bike portion in the spinning room, everyone received the same score for the bike.

I was most nervous about the swim. It had been over a month since I had last been swimming and I had never swam in an Olympic distance pool (50 yards instead of 25!). Talk about intimidating.

Luckily the horn blew pretty fast once I was in the water so there was no time to get any more nervous than I already was.

I definitely went out too fast and had a quick moment of panic when I thought to myself “Shit, what am I doing? There’s no way I’ll be able to maintain this pace for 20 minutes.” But once I slowed down a bit and got into a groove (and calmed my anxious ass down) things went swimmingly.

Well, except for the fact that my goggles have a tendency to fog up after about 250 yards. But I didn’t want to waste any time fixing them so I just kept swimming through the fog. I had no idea how much time was left on the clock. At one point I wondered if I was the only one still out there swimming like a big turd when everyone else was done and getting out of the pool (luckily this wasn’t the case!).

900 yards later I was getting out of the pool and heading to the locker room to change for the bike.

There may or may not have been an awkward moment in the locker room when my sports bra got stuck and I was hopping up and down trying to get ahold of it to pull down. It is NOT EASY putting tight spandex on after a swim (no matter how much I dried myself off!).

The spin portion was fine. The music wasn’t my fav, but what can you do. Nothing will ever compare to Jen’s Psycle classes!

Then the run. On the tiniest track ever (11 times around equaled a mile).

I knew it was only 20 minutes so I really pushed myself. Which I think you can tell in this picture since I look like death:

And that guy in the blue right behind me? Total rockstar. Passed me like 4 times on that stinkin track.

But in that 20 minutes I somehow maintained a 7:46 pace. J and I both looked at each other shocked when we calculated that. He may have even said “Is that right?”. Again, why I look like death in every single running picture he took.

And after all that work I ended up with this:

1st place in my age division, and 4th place overall girl. But, to be fair, the top 3 overall winners weren’t included in the age groups, so if they had been then I would have gotten 2nd place in my age group. But who cares, I’m going with 1st. That is what the certificate says, right??

This was the PERFECT first triathlon experience. I can’t wait to learn more about the sport, meet more people, and do more races!!

What would be your favorite part of a triathlon? The swim, bike, or run?? I’m kinda in love with all 3………

Yesterday I stepped outside my comfort zone and started my day at Cleveland State University’s Recreation Center. I signed up for a swim clinic held by the Cleveland Triathlon Club (which I am now officially a member of!).

I woke up Sunday morning with butterflies in my stomach, not really sure what to expect:

• Would I be the only person there who didn’t know anyone? (no)
• Would I be the only one NOT in a TYR bathing suit? (pretty much yes)
• Would I be the only triathlon newbie? (no)
• Would I be the slowest swimmer there? (no)

J was really sweet to me when I left saying “I’m proud of you for not letting your fears get in your way, babe. This is how you got to where you are today.” It kind of gave me that little kick in the ass I needed before I left the house.

AND I AM SO GLAD I WENT! Holy crap, I learned SO MUCH in the hour or so I was in the pool. There’s a lot to think about when you’re swimming, but the girl running the clinic was amazing at breaking it down. Everything that seemed so complex before we started seemed so simple once we were in the pool. The clinic was perfect for people of any swim level: from very beginners, to veteran swimmers wanting a refresher. To be honest, I ended up feeling a little silly that I spent so much time and effort being worried how I would fit in.

And what’s even better is that Tiffany (who introduced herself at the clinic – and knew me from the blog!) was sweet enough to tell me about some local training opportunities. A group training setting is just what I need to build my confidence getting into this new world of triathlons. Just when I thought I might not be able to handle it, things started falling into place. Imagine that.

What have you done lately that made you step outside your “comfort zone”?