It is hard to believe that it is the middle of August. Time really does fly when you are having fun. I have enjoyed my summer with my two boys, but usually by this time of the summer boredom sets in. We have exhausted all the activities that summer brings, and it is time to go back to school and time to get organized.
I love to go through my kids rooms at this time of the year and get everything from closets to desks cleaned out and ready for the new school year. I like to get organized myself, and I like to think about fitness goals for this time of year as well. I know many of you reading may have kids and the thought of getting your household organized, let alone getting organized for fitness can be an overwhelming concept.
While any sort of fitness is never easy, I wanted to share some tips of how to get back into your exercise groove, even if you have no idea where you'll find the time.
Tip number one for exercise is to get up a little earlier each morning and go for your run, walk, or whatever it is you like to do, and get it out of the way. It really energizes me if I can get up and exercise before other tasks start. For career folks an early morning workout can wake you up and boost your activity level for the rest of the day.
Sometimes the early morning thing just doesn't work, but no matter what your situation, exercise can still happen. After work is harder because you naturally feel more tired, you have food in your stomach, and exercise can be thought of as one more grind. But it really doesn't have to be. Hit the gym or the park directly after work. You'll boost your momentum for the rest of the day,and feel like eating less dinner after an evening workout. If I can't workout in the morning then I use my kids sports practices to fit in my exercise. They are old enough to be dropped at the soccer field or the lacrosse field. I fit in a bike or a run during that hour or two hour time slot.
But what if your kids are too little to,"drop and go?" No worries, you can walk or run around the soccer field or lacrosse field. If they swim, hop into an empty lane and do some laps. When basketball is in session I run or walk around the outside of the school and sprint in to take peeks while my son practices. I have seen so many moms and dads sitting during their kids practices and it is time wasted.
Time is always an excuse, but all you need is about thirty minutes a day to get fit. What if you don't have a block of thirty minutes? Another trick is to break up that thirty minutes into three groups of ten minute increments. Everyone has ten minutes. How often do you go on Facebook, check your email or text for ten minutes? Run around the block, take a walk, walk down and back up some stairs, do some sit-ups, or push-ups, run some sprints... get the picture? Count how many sit-ups or push-ups you can do in ten minutes, and I bet you'll surprise yourself.
Make a schedule. When all else fails I make a schedule. Life is so busy with work, family, and triathlon that if I don't make a schedule for most things it just doesn't happen. I even schedule plans with friends and family or I just don't see anyone.
You don't need to be a triathlete or an athlete to meet your fitness goals. Find activities that you love and get busy. Use the fall season to get organized in your life and your fitness, even if you aren't going back to school. The weather is cooler and it is a great time to start so by the holidays you are looking great for all the festivities.
Happy Training and Happy Tri-ing,
Kelly
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Friday, July 20, 2012
"Triangle" Becomes Circle:My Ten Year Love Affair with Triathlon
Anniversary is defined as a day that commemorates or celebrates a past event that occurred on the same day of the year as the initial event. For example, the first event is the initial occurrence or, if planned, the inaugural of the event. One year later would be the first anniversary of that event. The word was first used for Catholic feasts to commemorate saints.
Last weekend I participated in Triangle Triathlon in New Hill, NC. What made is so special was that the first triathlon I ever did was ten years prior at the Triangle Triathlon at Lake Crabtree in Raleigh. The event venue had changed since I participated and completed ten years ago, but it was still a very well run event as I had remembered back in 2002.
My ten year anniversary of competing in triathlon was a special day for me. Most people relate to anniversaries through celebrating their wedding date, birth date or even death date. But for me triathlon has been such an integral part of my life that I felt like"anniversary" was a good word to describe my journey.
Triathlon has been much like my own marriage in that I am committed, I show up regularly for training weather I want to or not, and sometimes I have a love/hate relationship with triathlon. Like a marriage, I've had my ups and downs with triathlon, have had joys and sorrows with triathlon, and have grown comfortable with triathlon after training and racing for so long. Triathlon has been there for me when I was up, down, sick, rich, poor, and lonely- much like my own husband has been there too. Triathlon came through when I had relatives die, when I moved across country to a state I had no ties with, when I had to start my real life over. Triathlon, like my seventeen year marriage to Mark, has given me more than I could ever give to it.
In 2002 I announced at a girls night out that I had signed up for the Triangle Triathlon. My friends at the time knew my competitive spirit, and that I had been a competitive swimmer and runner. They also knew that I would probably do well as I was fairly athletic. What the girls did not know was that signing up for that triathlon was a defining moment for me that went far beyond an athletic competition.
I had quit my job a few years prior to stay at home and raise my son Bryce. Three and half years later my son Nick was born. I was doing the "mom" thing, which was great, but a part of me felt as though I had been placed on a shelf. Without the career part of me, I felt a little lost as a person. I was now defined by my children and by other moms as, Bryce's mom or Nick's mom. Don't misunderstand, being a mom is the greatest thing that ever happened to me, still I felt that I was losing some of my own identity. Signing up for the triathlon, and later completing it and doing well, was another way for me to define myself, other than a mom or a wife or even a career person.
I was elated after completing Triangle Triathlon in 2002. I bragged to friends and family that,"I'm a triathlete." I wasn't an Iron man or anything(that would come later) but that I could now add another category to describe myself that would make me feel proud. Triathlon saved my self esteem during those years and beyond.
Triathlon to me in 2012 is so much more than racing and training. Ten years later, I am able to share my passion with others through teaching children at the YMCA, and teaching adults swimming and swimming technique at Lifetime Fitness in Cary. I am able to share how to train and participate in triathlon to those who want to learn. Nothing could make me happier. It is not about me at all, but about those I can help strive to meet their goals. Teaching and coaching helps me stick with it now. I am getting older and the PR's and the worrying about what place I'll make are slowly phasing out. What I love most is being out there and talking to other triathletes that have been at it for years. The stories and the heart behind triathlon make it great.
I met a wonderful woman at Triangle Triathlon this year. We were waiting in the, oh so long line, for the porta potty prior to the start, and I struck up a conversation with the woman in front of me. She told me how she had been doing the Triangle Tri since the very first one at Kildaire Farms in Cary. I shared my own story of how I had done my first triathlon at Lake Crabtree and how nasty the water was. She continued to share her story of how she and her husband had been triathloning since 1978 when the sport was not as popular as it is now. Her children had also become triathletes and now were grown with their own children. I shared how my own children had grown up watching all of my events, and that today they were home sleeping in. I remember bringing the jog strollers and plenty of snacks to keep my kids occupied while I raced, and my poor husband hanging around trying to keep a toddler and a six year old busy. We said our goodbyes as we got our turn at the porta potty and I noticed her age on the back of her leg-64 years young! How impressive to see all ages competing. I was instantly energized.
The day ended with me placing third for my age group. I was really proud as the field was larger than some of the other races I had done this year. The best I had ever done for the Triangle Triathlon was about 5th or 6th in my age group, so on my "anniversary" it felt really special.
My Tri-Life had come full cirlcle last weekend. The "Triangle" became the circle for me as I crossed the finish line and had my own husband cut the timing chip off of my leg. He was now able to volunteer at one of my events, rather than chase our two boys, who are now a rising sophomore and a rising sixth grader. Time sure has flown in my tri life. I wouldn't change a thing. Triathlon to me now is like a strong marriage or favorite sweater; I am comfortably settled in for more years of tri-ing.
Tri-On Friends,
Kelly
Last weekend I participated in Triangle Triathlon in New Hill, NC. What made is so special was that the first triathlon I ever did was ten years prior at the Triangle Triathlon at Lake Crabtree in Raleigh. The event venue had changed since I participated and completed ten years ago, but it was still a very well run event as I had remembered back in 2002.
My ten year anniversary of competing in triathlon was a special day for me. Most people relate to anniversaries through celebrating their wedding date, birth date or even death date. But for me triathlon has been such an integral part of my life that I felt like"anniversary" was a good word to describe my journey.
Triathlon has been much like my own marriage in that I am committed, I show up regularly for training weather I want to or not, and sometimes I have a love/hate relationship with triathlon. Like a marriage, I've had my ups and downs with triathlon, have had joys and sorrows with triathlon, and have grown comfortable with triathlon after training and racing for so long. Triathlon has been there for me when I was up, down, sick, rich, poor, and lonely- much like my own husband has been there too. Triathlon came through when I had relatives die, when I moved across country to a state I had no ties with, when I had to start my real life over. Triathlon, like my seventeen year marriage to Mark, has given me more than I could ever give to it.
In 2002 I announced at a girls night out that I had signed up for the Triangle Triathlon. My friends at the time knew my competitive spirit, and that I had been a competitive swimmer and runner. They also knew that I would probably do well as I was fairly athletic. What the girls did not know was that signing up for that triathlon was a defining moment for me that went far beyond an athletic competition.
I had quit my job a few years prior to stay at home and raise my son Bryce. Three and half years later my son Nick was born. I was doing the "mom" thing, which was great, but a part of me felt as though I had been placed on a shelf. Without the career part of me, I felt a little lost as a person. I was now defined by my children and by other moms as, Bryce's mom or Nick's mom. Don't misunderstand, being a mom is the greatest thing that ever happened to me, still I felt that I was losing some of my own identity. Signing up for the triathlon, and later completing it and doing well, was another way for me to define myself, other than a mom or a wife or even a career person.
I was elated after completing Triangle Triathlon in 2002. I bragged to friends and family that,"I'm a triathlete." I wasn't an Iron man or anything(that would come later) but that I could now add another category to describe myself that would make me feel proud. Triathlon saved my self esteem during those years and beyond.
Triathlon to me in 2012 is so much more than racing and training. Ten years later, I am able to share my passion with others through teaching children at the YMCA, and teaching adults swimming and swimming technique at Lifetime Fitness in Cary. I am able to share how to train and participate in triathlon to those who want to learn. Nothing could make me happier. It is not about me at all, but about those I can help strive to meet their goals. Teaching and coaching helps me stick with it now. I am getting older and the PR's and the worrying about what place I'll make are slowly phasing out. What I love most is being out there and talking to other triathletes that have been at it for years. The stories and the heart behind triathlon make it great.
I met a wonderful woman at Triangle Triathlon this year. We were waiting in the, oh so long line, for the porta potty prior to the start, and I struck up a conversation with the woman in front of me. She told me how she had been doing the Triangle Tri since the very first one at Kildaire Farms in Cary. I shared my own story of how I had done my first triathlon at Lake Crabtree and how nasty the water was. She continued to share her story of how she and her husband had been triathloning since 1978 when the sport was not as popular as it is now. Her children had also become triathletes and now were grown with their own children. I shared how my own children had grown up watching all of my events, and that today they were home sleeping in. I remember bringing the jog strollers and plenty of snacks to keep my kids occupied while I raced, and my poor husband hanging around trying to keep a toddler and a six year old busy. We said our goodbyes as we got our turn at the porta potty and I noticed her age on the back of her leg-64 years young! How impressive to see all ages competing. I was instantly energized.
The day ended with me placing third for my age group. I was really proud as the field was larger than some of the other races I had done this year. The best I had ever done for the Triangle Triathlon was about 5th or 6th in my age group, so on my "anniversary" it felt really special.
My Tri-Life had come full cirlcle last weekend. The "Triangle" became the circle for me as I crossed the finish line and had my own husband cut the timing chip off of my leg. He was now able to volunteer at one of my events, rather than chase our two boys, who are now a rising sophomore and a rising sixth grader. Time sure has flown in my tri life. I wouldn't change a thing. Triathlon to me now is like a strong marriage or favorite sweater; I am comfortably settled in for more years of tri-ing.
Tri-On Friends,
Kelly
Friday, June 29, 2012
Run a Marathon Under Water
If you've been reading you'll know that there is a product out there that I love. It is called an underwater treadmill and I have had the privelege of using it. Mostly these treadmills, by a company called HydroWorx, are found in physical therapy offices and rehab clinics. College and professional sports teams also use the pools and treadmills to train and rehab their athletes. The beauty of the underwater treadmill is that you are not getting the impact that regular treadmill running or outdoor running gives. You are weightless and it really feels like you can run forever on these. I used the product when I was living in PA and I was able to run for an hour or more without any soreness the next day. There is also an attachment that comes with the treadmills that allows you to blast water on sore areas at a rapid rate which helps to prevent soreness or rehab soreness you may already have. I used the hose on a sore knee and the next day that same knee felt better. The hose also rids any build up of lactic acid to the area that it is applied.
How does an underwater treadmill relate to a marathon? HydroWorx is sponoring the first underwater marathon this September 9, 2012. The marathon takes place in Hershey Pennsylvania at the Troegs Brewery to benefit the Eagle Fund. There is a 5k,10k, half or full marathon available. Anyone can run on this treadmill. The treadmills can now be found at a local YMCA in Randolph NJ and the testimonials from the members are outstanding. They've had poeple who could not run anymore, up and running on the treadmills. You get the benefit of running without all the pounding to your joints-it really is amazing.
There is no reason not to run this marathon. Gather up your running buddies and head to PA for a really fun experience. Even if you are a non-runner this event is especially for you.Hershey is a great town that offers plenty of fun things to do after the marathon as well. There is Hershey Park with lots of fun rides and a water park, check out Chocolate World for all of you chocolate lovers, and the Giants Center offers sporting events and concerts. You could make a whole weekend of it and don't forget to enjoy some good beer after the marathon at Troegs.
Spread the word to your running and triathlete community. Mark my words, these treadmills are coming soon to a healthclub near you. You heard it here first on my blog.
See the link below for more info on the HydroWorx Underwater Marathon.
Tri- On Friends,
Kelly
http://www.underwatermarathon.com/event-details
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12nSfVyeFlI
How does an underwater treadmill relate to a marathon? HydroWorx is sponoring the first underwater marathon this September 9, 2012. The marathon takes place in Hershey Pennsylvania at the Troegs Brewery to benefit the Eagle Fund. There is a 5k,10k, half or full marathon available. Anyone can run on this treadmill. The treadmills can now be found at a local YMCA in Randolph NJ and the testimonials from the members are outstanding. They've had poeple who could not run anymore, up and running on the treadmills. You get the benefit of running without all the pounding to your joints-it really is amazing.
There is no reason not to run this marathon. Gather up your running buddies and head to PA for a really fun experience. Even if you are a non-runner this event is especially for you.Hershey is a great town that offers plenty of fun things to do after the marathon as well. There is Hershey Park with lots of fun rides and a water park, check out Chocolate World for all of you chocolate lovers, and the Giants Center offers sporting events and concerts. You could make a whole weekend of it and don't forget to enjoy some good beer after the marathon at Troegs.
Spread the word to your running and triathlete community. Mark my words, these treadmills are coming soon to a healthclub near you. You heard it here first on my blog.
See the link below for more info on the HydroWorx Underwater Marathon.
Tri- On Friends,
Kelly
http://www.underwatermarathon.com/event-details
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12nSfVyeFlI
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Food and Drink for Tri
My niece and nephew-in-law were in town over Memorial weekend and attended one of my sprint tri's with me. It was great fun to share my passion with some of my relatives other than my immediate family. They asked me what I eat before a competition. There are many nutritional supplements out there and it can be confusing and expensive as far as which products to use. This blog is about what I like to eat and drink the morning of a triathlon and during a race.
I am a purest by nature. I mentioned this in my last blog. So what do I eat before a triathlon? I usually eat a banana and half a bagel with a small amount of butter on it. I usually also drink a cup of coffee. I know that sounds weird, but my body is used to a certain level of caffeine and if I don't have my cup of joe than I get headaches. I used to drink a mixture of Gatorade and water. I know I'll take some heat on that from some nutritionists out there, but I have stomach issues and if I drink pure Gatorade beforehand then diarrhea will set in and you don't want that on race day! Thankfully, I have found a new product on the market that I love called G2 series Gatorade. It is less caloric, but has efficient electrolyte,sodium and carbs to prevent me from cramping and getting dehydrated, best of all I don't need to water it down. Beware of drinking too much regular Gatorade because the high sugar content can also dehydrate you.
Bananas are one of my pre-race and post-race favorites. It is a pure food that gives you the potassium needed to prevent leg cramps. Potassium also stimulates your muscles, nerve cells, and brain cells and prevents strokes. One banana gives you 13% of the daily recommended amount of potassium needed for a healthy diet so even if you aren't racing, peel away and eat one.
Water, water, water is also a pre-race, post-race, and of course during the race must. But how much do you need? The day before a race I always try my best to get 6-8 oz of h20 about eight times or eight glasses. I don't like water that much, but I know the importance of staying hydrated during an event and after. Ever have a bad post-race headache? Take it from me they hurt.
Before a triathlon I try to drink at least 8.5-16.5 oz of water prior to the start. I have taken in too much water and felt miserable on the run so be careful not to over drink. Never try out a new system on race day- that is what training is for. Everyone is a little different in how they handle how much liquid to take in before they start, but a good rule is to sip on water about one to two hours before the event start at about 250-500 ml or 8.5-16.5 oz.
The best time to drink and stay hydrated during a triathlon is on the bike. The longer the distance of the tri, the hotter it is, the windier, the more liquid you'll need to take in. Another good rule is to drink 3-4 good gulps every 30-40 minutes. You don't ever want to feel thirsty because this is a sign of dehydration. If you over drink on your bike than you will feel it swishing around on the run. I have done this plenty of times and it is no fun. It is also good to know your sweat rate. If you weigh yourself before and after a hard training session- say over an hour or more you'll be able to figure out what percentage you lost. Most people are at 1-2% during an intense session so you'll want to replace what you lost in sweat also. Sports drinks are great to keep on your bike during a tri because they provide you with carbs and will give you an energy boost when competing. I like the G2 Gatorade, but I also like water on the bike. The most you will need to drink is about 500ml per hour or around 16.5 oz.
I also love the gel chews during the bike if I am doing a longer distance tri such as an Olympic or Half Ironman. I always keep Power Bar Gel Blast Energy Chews in a pouch on the front of my bike. They contain all the ingredients that the sports drinks have, but I can tolerate them better than liquid.
During the run portion of a triathlon I try to stop at all of the aid stations and grab some water or whatever other sports drink the venue may offer. Even if it is only a small sip of something it helps keep my hydration up. Depending on the event, sometimes the aid stations have mile markers on them and knowing where you are in a race can mentally help. Last fall at Pinehurst they had mile markers at each station so I concentrated on getting to one station at a time, and at each station I knew I had advanced another mile.
Post race make sure you replace what you have lost by around 1.5 times. Sports drinks are great after a triathlon as they will absorb quickly and help your muscles recover. I tend to like a regular Gatorade after my event because my stomach has settled down from pre-race jitters and I can tolerate the extra sugar.
The best advice I can give as far as what to eat before and during a race is to practice fueling before your event. Do some brick workouts, where you bike then immediately run and practice your fueling method during this time. Never try out anything new race day because you don't know how your body is going to react. We are all individuals and what works for one person might not work for another.
Tri-On!
Kelly
Check out this website for more info on fueling for triathlon:
http://www.intelligent-triathlon-training.com/triathlon-hydration-strategy.html
I am a purest by nature. I mentioned this in my last blog. So what do I eat before a triathlon? I usually eat a banana and half a bagel with a small amount of butter on it. I usually also drink a cup of coffee. I know that sounds weird, but my body is used to a certain level of caffeine and if I don't have my cup of joe than I get headaches. I used to drink a mixture of Gatorade and water. I know I'll take some heat on that from some nutritionists out there, but I have stomach issues and if I drink pure Gatorade beforehand then diarrhea will set in and you don't want that on race day! Thankfully, I have found a new product on the market that I love called G2 series Gatorade. It is less caloric, but has efficient electrolyte,sodium and carbs to prevent me from cramping and getting dehydrated, best of all I don't need to water it down. Beware of drinking too much regular Gatorade because the high sugar content can also dehydrate you.
Bananas are one of my pre-race and post-race favorites. It is a pure food that gives you the potassium needed to prevent leg cramps. Potassium also stimulates your muscles, nerve cells, and brain cells and prevents strokes. One banana gives you 13% of the daily recommended amount of potassium needed for a healthy diet so even if you aren't racing, peel away and eat one.
Water, water, water is also a pre-race, post-race, and of course during the race must. But how much do you need? The day before a race I always try my best to get 6-8 oz of h20 about eight times or eight glasses. I don't like water that much, but I know the importance of staying hydrated during an event and after. Ever have a bad post-race headache? Take it from me they hurt.
Before a triathlon I try to drink at least 8.5-16.5 oz of water prior to the start. I have taken in too much water and felt miserable on the run so be careful not to over drink. Never try out a new system on race day- that is what training is for. Everyone is a little different in how they handle how much liquid to take in before they start, but a good rule is to sip on water about one to two hours before the event start at about 250-500 ml or 8.5-16.5 oz.
The best time to drink and stay hydrated during a triathlon is on the bike. The longer the distance of the tri, the hotter it is, the windier, the more liquid you'll need to take in. Another good rule is to drink 3-4 good gulps every 30-40 minutes. You don't ever want to feel thirsty because this is a sign of dehydration. If you over drink on your bike than you will feel it swishing around on the run. I have done this plenty of times and it is no fun. It is also good to know your sweat rate. If you weigh yourself before and after a hard training session- say over an hour or more you'll be able to figure out what percentage you lost. Most people are at 1-2% during an intense session so you'll want to replace what you lost in sweat also. Sports drinks are great to keep on your bike during a tri because they provide you with carbs and will give you an energy boost when competing. I like the G2 Gatorade, but I also like water on the bike. The most you will need to drink is about 500ml per hour or around 16.5 oz.
I also love the gel chews during the bike if I am doing a longer distance tri such as an Olympic or Half Ironman. I always keep Power Bar Gel Blast Energy Chews in a pouch on the front of my bike. They contain all the ingredients that the sports drinks have, but I can tolerate them better than liquid.
During the run portion of a triathlon I try to stop at all of the aid stations and grab some water or whatever other sports drink the venue may offer. Even if it is only a small sip of something it helps keep my hydration up. Depending on the event, sometimes the aid stations have mile markers on them and knowing where you are in a race can mentally help. Last fall at Pinehurst they had mile markers at each station so I concentrated on getting to one station at a time, and at each station I knew I had advanced another mile.
Post race make sure you replace what you have lost by around 1.5 times. Sports drinks are great after a triathlon as they will absorb quickly and help your muscles recover. I tend to like a regular Gatorade after my event because my stomach has settled down from pre-race jitters and I can tolerate the extra sugar.
The best advice I can give as far as what to eat before and during a race is to practice fueling before your event. Do some brick workouts, where you bike then immediately run and practice your fueling method during this time. Never try out anything new race day because you don't know how your body is going to react. We are all individuals and what works for one person might not work for another.
Tri-On!
Kelly
Check out this website for more info on fueling for triathlon:
http://www.intelligent-triathlon-training.com/triathlon-hydration-strategy.html
Monday, May 14, 2012
Without Bells and Whistles
I'm a minimalist when it comes to just about everything. I don't like a lot of decorations in my home, when I dress I tend to choose one piece of jewelry to accent, when cooking I like simple tasty dishes that don't have a lot of ingredients. Triathlon is no different in that when it comes to gadgets or equipment for triathlon, I am a believer that less is more.
When I started racing triathlon, ten plus years ago, I did my first race on an old mountain bike. I didn't want to spend money on a new road bike when I wasn't sure that I would even finish my first triathlon. I learned later that I would want to continue racing, but even then I decided to buy a used road bike, which I had for several years before my husband bought me my current bike for my fortieth birthday. Again, I know people who obsess over fancy wheels and rims and accessories. I love my bike, but it's not the most expensive or cheapest. My LeMond Reno is great, but the bike alone can't make me a great cyclist. Riding and training makes me a better cyclist.
I know a guy who used to work with my husband that spent 5k on a bike. It was supposed to be a really," fast bike," and I think this guy thought that the bike would make him a better, faster athlete. Turns out that it did not give him that fast time he was looking for during a race we did together last summer. A lighter, more technical bike can help take some time off a ride because of the aerodynamics, but it can not take the place of proper training.
I tell people that are new to triathlon not to get bogged down with all the gadgets and gizmo's of the sport. You can spend a lot of money on equipment, but that equipment is not necessarily going to make you faster or better at the sport. I am living proof that you can be successful without a lot of ,"stuff." I had the same cycling shoes for ten years-I put cleats on my old mountain bike shoes. I finally broke down last summer and bought new cycling shoes and I haven't noticed that much of a difference in my race times. Effective training in the seat, on the run, and in the pool will get you results, not the gadgets.
I would advise a beginner to invest in a good pair of tri-shorts, a tri-shirt, some decent running shoes, and goggles that don't leak. Inside Out Sports in Cary and Raleigh(or any other triathlon store) can provide you with all of those items. Try a triathlon first to make sure you like it. If you don't have a road bike use a hybrid or borrow a road bike. You don't need a wetsuit for many tri's, but if you do need one many triathlon shops will rent one. Many times I've found that newcomers to the sport get overwhelmed in deciding what triathlon equipment they truly need. Don't get caught up in that trap.
Recently, I had a woman call me to ask about my swim class. She wanted to know what the prerequisite was for coming to class. I asked her how far she could swim without stopping and she said about 25-50 yards. I encouraged her to come to class and swim so that she could build up her endurance. She was a bit discouraged, but my advice to her was that you have to swim to get better. The Nike slogan," Just Do It,"rings true. Most of the time the more you practice something the better you will become- of course there are always exceptions and that is another blog.
The woman then went on to ask me if I thought she should train in the water with a heart rate monitor. Heart rate monitors are an important tool, and I do use one for cycling and running, but again that is a gadget that I just recently added after being an athlete all of my life. I told her to work on the being able to swim a little further first and worry about the heart monitor later. I felt she was a prime example of someone who was caught up in technology.
My friend Mark D. recently asked me what type of bike I have. He was looking for a new road bike. Mark has been racing for a while and like the rest of us tri-people he is hooked. My advice to him was not that much different than what I would tell someone new to the sport. I told him he could get a great bike for around 1k- not 3k or 5k, but that the most important thing would be to get proper bike fit. This can be done at any bike or triathlon shop. The cyclist can avoid unnecessary injuries by having the bike fit to their body.
A few years ago, I did a road ride in Cary on the fourth of July. It wasn't a race, but a ride for cancer awareness. I had my Colnago road bike that I had just bought used. There was a man riding a Schwinn bike and he maintained a higher cadence than I did- I kid you not. He was doing a fifty mile ride, while I was doing a thirty miler. His bike had no gears on it- it reminded me of a bike I had when I was a kid. The bike had regular, upright handle bars on it and looked heavier than my steel framed bike, yet he was ahead of me and maintained his speed for the ten miles that I saw him. He eventually made a turn that was different from mine because of the different distances we were riding. He was proof positive that you can be fast without the technology.
Ease into investing in gadgets and equipment for the sport of triathlon. Gadgets and equipment can be great tools to aid in your success, but don't forget that proper training/practice is the way to improve. If you don't possess all the fancy," bells and whistles," in your equipment don't let that deter you from signing up for a race.
Tri- On Friends,
Kelly
When I started racing triathlon, ten plus years ago, I did my first race on an old mountain bike. I didn't want to spend money on a new road bike when I wasn't sure that I would even finish my first triathlon. I learned later that I would want to continue racing, but even then I decided to buy a used road bike, which I had for several years before my husband bought me my current bike for my fortieth birthday. Again, I know people who obsess over fancy wheels and rims and accessories. I love my bike, but it's not the most expensive or cheapest. My LeMond Reno is great, but the bike alone can't make me a great cyclist. Riding and training makes me a better cyclist.
I know a guy who used to work with my husband that spent 5k on a bike. It was supposed to be a really," fast bike," and I think this guy thought that the bike would make him a better, faster athlete. Turns out that it did not give him that fast time he was looking for during a race we did together last summer. A lighter, more technical bike can help take some time off a ride because of the aerodynamics, but it can not take the place of proper training.
I tell people that are new to triathlon not to get bogged down with all the gadgets and gizmo's of the sport. You can spend a lot of money on equipment, but that equipment is not necessarily going to make you faster or better at the sport. I am living proof that you can be successful without a lot of ,"stuff." I had the same cycling shoes for ten years-I put cleats on my old mountain bike shoes. I finally broke down last summer and bought new cycling shoes and I haven't noticed that much of a difference in my race times. Effective training in the seat, on the run, and in the pool will get you results, not the gadgets.
I would advise a beginner to invest in a good pair of tri-shorts, a tri-shirt, some decent running shoes, and goggles that don't leak. Inside Out Sports in Cary and Raleigh(or any other triathlon store) can provide you with all of those items. Try a triathlon first to make sure you like it. If you don't have a road bike use a hybrid or borrow a road bike. You don't need a wetsuit for many tri's, but if you do need one many triathlon shops will rent one. Many times I've found that newcomers to the sport get overwhelmed in deciding what triathlon equipment they truly need. Don't get caught up in that trap.
Recently, I had a woman call me to ask about my swim class. She wanted to know what the prerequisite was for coming to class. I asked her how far she could swim without stopping and she said about 25-50 yards. I encouraged her to come to class and swim so that she could build up her endurance. She was a bit discouraged, but my advice to her was that you have to swim to get better. The Nike slogan," Just Do It,"rings true. Most of the time the more you practice something the better you will become- of course there are always exceptions and that is another blog.
The woman then went on to ask me if I thought she should train in the water with a heart rate monitor. Heart rate monitors are an important tool, and I do use one for cycling and running, but again that is a gadget that I just recently added after being an athlete all of my life. I told her to work on the being able to swim a little further first and worry about the heart monitor later. I felt she was a prime example of someone who was caught up in technology.
My friend Mark D. recently asked me what type of bike I have. He was looking for a new road bike. Mark has been racing for a while and like the rest of us tri-people he is hooked. My advice to him was not that much different than what I would tell someone new to the sport. I told him he could get a great bike for around 1k- not 3k or 5k, but that the most important thing would be to get proper bike fit. This can be done at any bike or triathlon shop. The cyclist can avoid unnecessary injuries by having the bike fit to their body.
A few years ago, I did a road ride in Cary on the fourth of July. It wasn't a race, but a ride for cancer awareness. I had my Colnago road bike that I had just bought used. There was a man riding a Schwinn bike and he maintained a higher cadence than I did- I kid you not. He was doing a fifty mile ride, while I was doing a thirty miler. His bike had no gears on it- it reminded me of a bike I had when I was a kid. The bike had regular, upright handle bars on it and looked heavier than my steel framed bike, yet he was ahead of me and maintained his speed for the ten miles that I saw him. He eventually made a turn that was different from mine because of the different distances we were riding. He was proof positive that you can be fast without the technology.
Ease into investing in gadgets and equipment for the sport of triathlon. Gadgets and equipment can be great tools to aid in your success, but don't forget that proper training/practice is the way to improve. If you don't possess all the fancy," bells and whistles," in your equipment don't let that deter you from signing up for a race.
Tri- On Friends,
Kelly
Friday, May 4, 2012
Racing to Revitalize
Life brings so many cycles. Sometimes you cruise along and everything seems to be great and other times you wonder why you should start your day. Sounds dramatic, but there is some truth there. This past year has brought many challenges to my family. Last January my husband left his company of ten years, we moved across country again, I lost two relatives. My brother, who I'm very close with, went through a terrible divorce. Wait a minute isn't this blog supposed to inspire, you ask? Of course it is.
Through all the challenges the one constant for me was triathlon. I could swim, bike, and run away from the,"stresses," of life. But then this past January I was faced with an injury, so my triathloning was limited to swimming until I was able to heal. Thankfully, it was a just a few short months.
One of the things I learned through this setback was that you do the very best you can with what you've got. Many times we have high expectations in our lives, only to be disappointed when things don't turn out how we want them to. I decided to accept the injury and do what I could do, but even deeper than that I realized that perhaps the,"higher," power above was telling me to slow down. Balancing family, work, and triathlon is not an easy task, and after being involved in it for ten years maybe someone was telling me to cool it.
Reflection is a funny thing, and in today's busy environment most of us can't settle down enough at the end of the day to even get a good nights sleep. I would encourage everyone to slow down and reflect upon what the truly important things are in life.
I am reminded of my step-mom, who I saw over Easter, who is suffering from a disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis. The disease is in the realm of rheumatoid arthritis. Basically, she is in chronic pain most of the time. She has tried many different medications, but nothing seems to help. One of the things I have learned from her is that you live each day as if it is your last, and you appreciate what you have.
She never complains of her disease, and I know that she physically hurts all the time. She is dignified and happy despite her challenges, and never talks about it. When asked," How are you feeling?" Her response is always,"Great." My dad is the person who explains to all of my family that she is not great, but that she doesn't want to dwell on the negative. That is inspiring and courageous.
I had my first race of the season last weekend at Beaver Dam in Wake Forest, NC. I was instantly revitalized again after racing. I had a great race, but what was even sweeter was the fact that I was out there doing it, despite the challenges and burn out I had faced months prior. I was reminded, while racing, how lucky I truly am. Through the pain of triathlon I realized the gains I had made. Sounds so crazy, but there was another guy doing the race and on the back of his cycle shirt was the phrase," Feel the pain." I could totally relate. I knew the pain I felt during my triathlon was nothing like the pain my step mom, and many others deal with every single day. What's three hours?
Another aspect that revitalized me was the fact that there were nice people participating. There were several kind people in my transition area that helped soothe my nerves before we started. We joked around, gave each other tips, and a guy across from me gave me a piece of tape to better attach my race number to my helmet. Sounds corny, but even though we were all competing against each other, we could still be kind to each other. Once the race started, I was encouraged with words from other athletes like,"You look strong, keep it up," on the run course. If you've ever raced you know how important those words can be when you feel like giving up.
I again was reminded of how lucky I was to be out there participating. It wasn't about the time or winning, but rather enjoying my ability to be there. I would recommend to anyone to sign up for a race. There are all levels and distances of triathlon. You don't have to do an Iron Distance to feel proud. That is one of the many reasons why I love triathlon.
Race- On Friends,
Kelly
Through all the challenges the one constant for me was triathlon. I could swim, bike, and run away from the,"stresses," of life. But then this past January I was faced with an injury, so my triathloning was limited to swimming until I was able to heal. Thankfully, it was a just a few short months.
One of the things I learned through this setback was that you do the very best you can with what you've got. Many times we have high expectations in our lives, only to be disappointed when things don't turn out how we want them to. I decided to accept the injury and do what I could do, but even deeper than that I realized that perhaps the,"higher," power above was telling me to slow down. Balancing family, work, and triathlon is not an easy task, and after being involved in it for ten years maybe someone was telling me to cool it.
Reflection is a funny thing, and in today's busy environment most of us can't settle down enough at the end of the day to even get a good nights sleep. I would encourage everyone to slow down and reflect upon what the truly important things are in life.
I am reminded of my step-mom, who I saw over Easter, who is suffering from a disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis. The disease is in the realm of rheumatoid arthritis. Basically, she is in chronic pain most of the time. She has tried many different medications, but nothing seems to help. One of the things I have learned from her is that you live each day as if it is your last, and you appreciate what you have.
She never complains of her disease, and I know that she physically hurts all the time. She is dignified and happy despite her challenges, and never talks about it. When asked," How are you feeling?" Her response is always,"Great." My dad is the person who explains to all of my family that she is not great, but that she doesn't want to dwell on the negative. That is inspiring and courageous.
I had my first race of the season last weekend at Beaver Dam in Wake Forest, NC. I was instantly revitalized again after racing. I had a great race, but what was even sweeter was the fact that I was out there doing it, despite the challenges and burn out I had faced months prior. I was reminded, while racing, how lucky I truly am. Through the pain of triathlon I realized the gains I had made. Sounds so crazy, but there was another guy doing the race and on the back of his cycle shirt was the phrase," Feel the pain." I could totally relate. I knew the pain I felt during my triathlon was nothing like the pain my step mom, and many others deal with every single day. What's three hours?
Another aspect that revitalized me was the fact that there were nice people participating. There were several kind people in my transition area that helped soothe my nerves before we started. We joked around, gave each other tips, and a guy across from me gave me a piece of tape to better attach my race number to my helmet. Sounds corny, but even though we were all competing against each other, we could still be kind to each other. Once the race started, I was encouraged with words from other athletes like,"You look strong, keep it up," on the run course. If you've ever raced you know how important those words can be when you feel like giving up.
I again was reminded of how lucky I was to be out there participating. It wasn't about the time or winning, but rather enjoying my ability to be there. I would recommend to anyone to sign up for a race. There are all levels and distances of triathlon. You don't have to do an Iron Distance to feel proud. That is one of the many reasons why I love triathlon.
Race- On Friends,
Kelly
Friday, April 20, 2012
Share Your Passion
Over Easter break one of my family members asked how my training was going. I replied with an answer that I did not really want to share, but honesty is the best policy. After being out for a month and a half with an injury I am feeling that my training is a bit slower than I would like. I also am suffering from a bit of burn-out with triathlon. My brother's girl friend responded with,"You can't always be into it." True, no matter how much we love something it seems to come in waves or phases. So how do we get back on track and focus on what we really love if we are tired of it?
The positive part of sharing my burn-out is that it opened a door for me to figure out how to not feel that way any longer. One of the ways to get back on track for me has been to talk about and share my passion with other people. Remembering that relationships can grow and develop, as a result of any passion, is what I needed to focus on to bring me back.
I started teaching swim lessons again a few months back, and that is something that has helped me develop that love again for that third of the sport of triathlon. Sharing my gift of being a decent swimmer has brought me so much joy and renewal to the sport. Talking with parents and seeing children brighten when they are able to master a skill has left me feeling that my purpose is a balance between competing and teaching.
The other way that I have been able to share my passion is through another class that I am teaching at Lifetime Fitness in Cary, NC. The class is a masters/triathlon swimming class for adults. Here I am really able to help people that are new to the sport understand all the mechanics of swimming and beyond. Feeling needed is very rewarding and seeing adults improve on something is even more rewarding. Through teaching, I have been inspired to continue with my own training and know that I must practice what I preach if I am going to be a good teacher. Sharing my passion is holding me accountable to my training log.
I have just about a week before my first event. I am feeling stronger and more inspired to go out and do my best. This race isn't about time, but more about the journey it has taken me to get to the starting line.
The best advice has come from our Parish Priest, Father David. He speaks often of how it is not so much about what we do as human beings, but how we do it. Sharing our gifts will take us far and give us more than we thought possible.
Tri-On!
Kelly
The positive part of sharing my burn-out is that it opened a door for me to figure out how to not feel that way any longer. One of the ways to get back on track for me has been to talk about and share my passion with other people. Remembering that relationships can grow and develop, as a result of any passion, is what I needed to focus on to bring me back.
I started teaching swim lessons again a few months back, and that is something that has helped me develop that love again for that third of the sport of triathlon. Sharing my gift of being a decent swimmer has brought me so much joy and renewal to the sport. Talking with parents and seeing children brighten when they are able to master a skill has left me feeling that my purpose is a balance between competing and teaching.
The other way that I have been able to share my passion is through another class that I am teaching at Lifetime Fitness in Cary, NC. The class is a masters/triathlon swimming class for adults. Here I am really able to help people that are new to the sport understand all the mechanics of swimming and beyond. Feeling needed is very rewarding and seeing adults improve on something is even more rewarding. Through teaching, I have been inspired to continue with my own training and know that I must practice what I preach if I am going to be a good teacher. Sharing my passion is holding me accountable to my training log.
I have just about a week before my first event. I am feeling stronger and more inspired to go out and do my best. This race isn't about time, but more about the journey it has taken me to get to the starting line.
The best advice has come from our Parish Priest, Father David. He speaks often of how it is not so much about what we do as human beings, but how we do it. Sharing our gifts will take us far and give us more than we thought possible.
Tri-On!
Kelly
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