Like I mentioned in my last post, I left the race feeling pretty great. I was all smiles.

But a lot went through my head the next day when the results were posted and I had time to process everything.

I started getting down on myself and I couldn’t shake it off. Coach got a long email from me telling him what was going on in my head and how disappointed I was. I’m not out to be competitive, but I always want to do my best. And I felt like I didn’t do my best. Here’s why:

1. I let others dictate how fast I was swimming. Instead of fighting to get ahead I just swam comfortably with the crowd.
2. I didn’t push myself on the bike. At all. I rode like I do any other day of the week! I still have no reason for this – ugh.

I was so mad at myself after I thought about it. And thought about it. And thought about it. But I finally told myself to just GET OVER IT already and aim high for the next one. What good is it doing me to stew over it? What’s done is done.

Just from that one race, I’ve already learned a lot:

1. Do warm up “laps” to get out the nerves and to let my heart rate adjust.
2. Line up more towards the front of the swimmers (not in the front line, of course!).
3. Relax on the bike and push. Push hard. Race the bike, don’t just ride the bike.
4. Have fun!

If anything, this race was worth it just for the learning experience. I’m so ready to tackle the next one!

Are you a redemption person, like me? Or are you able to just let things go and move on??

It all started bright and early Sunday morning.

Luckily I was smart enough to pack Saturday night (this doesn’t normally happen for races anymore!).

I so appreciated being a runner when packing, btw. All we really need to run are a pair of tennis shoes (well, and pants)!

The park was already bumpin when we got there so we quickly headed over to set up our gear in transition.

The white bike and brown towel are mine! I felt that I was prepared as well as I could be and headed over to check out the swim.

It was a weird course. I’ll try to explain it the best I can.

We started between the green buoy’s (where the stars are) and swam out to the far orange buoy, under the ropes, and back between the two lane markers, around the second orange buoy and ran out of the water where the red arrow is (obvi).

I had no idea where to line up for the swim. So I got up in the mix of everyone, but stayed towards the back. Mistake #1. I was stuck behind people slower than me and I had no idea how to get around them. So I ended up having to stand up a few times (it was shallow enough to stand) to slow myself down. I wasn’t sure of the etiquette and what I should do so I swam around everyone else instead of swimming my own race. Mistake #2. My anxiety over this was so intense. My heart rate spiked and stayed that way for the rest of the race. Mistake #3.

Total swim + run to transition = 8:40 (blah)

Holy crap – transitions are no joke. The adrenaline is flowing, hands are shaking, your whole body is wet – it isn’t easy!

T1 = 1:51

It felt good to get on my bike. A little more familiar territory than the swim. However, I was SO THIRSTY the entire ride. And I’m still a little uncomfortable riding and drinking so I slow down big time when I drink on the bike (something to work on!). The ride was 12 miles – 2 loops. But those loops were hilly. And I suck on hills. I hate hills. But I dug down deep and just rode. (Beal flew past me 2 miles into my ride and I think I laughed out loud. He’s so amazing on the bike – dude’s got serious skills.) I really enjoyed the ride and thought I had done well enough until I got my time.

12 miles = 42:53 = 16.8 miles/hour (blah) – this is the pace I ride with J on the weekends. Not race pace! Maybe I was scared to push myself knowing that I still had to run. Mistake #4

T2 = 1:22

My heart rate was still high as I headed out for the run, but running is my jam so I was really looking forward it. Plus, I knew I was almost done!! But it took a good mile before I found my stride. And, again, the run was 2 loops and hilly! My goal was to stay under a 9 minute mile and I had to work hard to do that. Harder than I’m used to. A 9 minute mile isn’t the same after swimming and biking!

3 miles = 25:16 = 8:32/mile

Total time = 1:20:04 – 11/15 in my age group

I left the race feeling pretty great. It was fun morning! Coach showed up to support his athletes (surprised me!) and it was fun knowing so many people racing. Everyone is so supportive of one another!

I took so much away and learned so much from this race. But I think I’ll leave those thoughts til tomorrow. I’m sure you’ve had enough for today.

How did you spend your Sunday morning?? What time was your alarm set for?

And so it begins.

Marathon training is back in full effect.

9 miles this past Saturday to be exact. I struggled some. And I felt like I was starting all over again. When I checked Dailymile I saw that the last time I ran this far was the Glass City Half Marathon back in April!

I met Christie at the Metroparks a little before 7, which I thought would give us plenty of time to beat the heat. And it did, but we couldn’t beat the humidity.

Pre-run photo:

Post-run photo:

Check out the change in color in our shirts. We were soaked head to toe (plus pink cheeks and flushed skin)!

You can really tell in my skirt here:

It was literally flapping like I had just jumped in a pool. #sexy

And this may be too much information, but the sweat was dripping down my forearms from my elbows, to my pinky, and just dripping off my pinky. Like a waterfall. Grossness.

The humidity seriously kills me. More than I like to admit. So this is how it went down:

• 4 miles non stop
• water break
• 2 miles
• water break
• 1 mile
• water break
• 1 mile
• water break

Ha. We were ready to be done come mile 8. So we both headed home and I conned this guy into riding his bike with me for one more mile:

(from soccer camp last week!)

So I got it done. They weren’t as fast as I would have liked, but I’ll take what I can get in the humidity. I better just suck it up already, though, because I’m pretty sure I have a long 3 months of this ahead of me.

Is it humid where you are?? The weather is so weird here, you never know what you’re going to get!

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 have this problem. Even though training JUST started for the Chicago Marathon, I can’t help but think “what’s next?”.

I have a tendency to get bored with things pretty easily so I’m not really surprised by what’s been going on in my head lately, but it causes problems. Because I start to dream big. Like, real big. Like, Ironman big.

(source)

And Ironman’s cost money. Lots of money. You’re traveling 100′s of miles not to go on vacation, but to push yourself through 140.6 miles of blood, sweat, and (probably) tears. And after 140.6 miles I really don’t think I’ll be up for much sight seeing. So poor J would be coming on this trip to watch me stress the hell out, go to bed early every night, and talk about the race every minute of our “vacation”. Which, for people like me is pretty normal, but for him, not so much.

But the conversation has begun.

• Me: Soooo…….I started looking into Ironman’s for next year. Cool, right?
• J: Oh, yeah?
• Me: Yeah, I need to decide since registration is basically a year in advance and I need that much time to train.
• J: Oh, yeah?
• Me: Yeah, I was thinking either Arizona or Florida. They seem to be the flattest of the races and are both in the later part of the year.
• J: Huh. So what would I do when we’re there?
• Me: You? Not sure. Be the coolest husband there and cheer the loudest?
• J: Huh. Sounds fun.

(source)

I know it’s a HUGE (huger than huge!) commitment (training for an Ironman is like having a second job!), so before I can decide anything J and I have to be on the same page. Which, let’s be honest, could take awhile.

(source)

It’s so scary to think about, but so awesome at the same time.

So I’m giving myself a deadline. If 2013 isn’t my year, then 2014 is it. I WILL do this. And now I have you guys to hold me accountable.

Are you a “next big thing” person like me? Or do you stay in the moment?

I didn’t post yesterday because I was too busy enjoying the weekend and celebrating the men in my life.

My #1 man:

Oh, and my sis was home!

And my #2 man:

Not in order of importance, but in the order they entered my life. They are equally important. I can only imagine the war this would start between them if I didn’t clarify.

I also was celebrating the other important man in my life. This is what it looks like when your kid hits a triple for the first time:

Well, that and the wave we did in our seats every time he made a good play.

Good thing he loves his mom and doesn’t embarrass easily. Hehe.

Did your parents embarrass you when you were a kid?

Hey, Friends!

These past 2 weeks have been the definition of CRAZY.

In the midst of all the condo renovations, J lost a friend near and dear to him a week ago today and we spent a few unexpected days in Pittsburgh. It was incredibly sad and emotional, but it was where we needed to be for those days.

The new tenants move in tomorrow and we put the finishing touches on the condo today. I even did some renovations myself – check out what a little spray paint can do:

Except now my favorite Banana Republic sunglasses are covered in speckled spray paint. Fail.

But the 2 biggest updates have to be the new bay window.

OLD:

NEW:

And the kitchen!

OLD:

Wish I would have gotten a picture before they took out the upper cabinets!

NEW:

A lot of man hours went into that kitchen. And now I am forever in J’s and my dad’s debt. I’d offer their services to you, but I think they might kill me. They’re both over kitchen cabinets right now.

We will all be so so so so glad to hand over the keys to the new tenants tomorrow!

In addition to all the above, I’ve been trying to keep up with all my scheduled workouts.

I’ve been spinning for the pups:

Bike riding with J:

Ummmm…..hello, booty shorts. Had no idea they were so short!

And running/playing/sweating with C in our matching shirts:

It’s been a whirlwind, fo sho.

Oh, and I can’t forget, C got braces, too!

Isn’t he the cutest 10 year old ever?? He told me when we left the orthodontist, “I look good in braces, Mom.” Hehe. So modest – not sure where he got that from.

So that’s what I’ve been up to. Sadly I haven’t been able to spend any time relaxing in the sun yet. I’m looking forward to getting some sun on these white on white legs this weekend!

What have you been up to this past week?

Fitfluential recently asked their ambassadors to make a Fitness Bucket List on Pinterest. I thought to myself “I can do that! Easy peasy.”

Hmmmm….yeah, right. It took a lot of thought (and time!) to make this list, but here it is:

Goofy Challenge

(source)

Cleveland’s 24 Hour Run at Edgewater

(source)

Learn to surf:

Go on a Cruise for Runners:

(source)

Boston (if I can’t run it, I at least want to go cheer and experience the amazingness!):

(source)

No words necessary:

(source)

This may be the only way I ever get my butt to California:

(source)

And the top 2 are…….

Become an Ironman:

(source)

And run a marathon with C!

The last two are HUGE goals and obviously it will be a few years before the last one is even possible, but these are all definitely doable.

What’s one thing on your fitness bucket list??

After reading about Jess and Jolene, and their barre n9ne experiences/transformations over the past year, I was so excited when I heard we were finally getting a barre studio in the area. Barre Cleveland just opened in Beachwood last week so Jess, Kimberly, Nadine, and I made a trip to the eastside to check out all the hype.

The space was really pretty and as I looked I around I got kind of giddy thinking how I was about to get my big booty kicked.

I had such high hopes for this place. And I really enjoyed the class, I did (found myself giggling more than once when the instructor kept telling us to “poke” <—–totally immature, I know ). But I left wanting more. More shake in my legs, more burn in my core, more sweat on my brow, just more.

And maybe this is because the studio is new and trying to figure out what works best for everyone? It’s too bad that the only location in on the eastside because if there was one on the westside (and a cheaper price package – wowza!), I’d love to give it another try.

At least I got to see these girls (and meet Kimberly for the first time who is so sweet and seriously gorgeous!):

Have you ever been to a barre class (or something similar)? What did you think?