Did I mention that I fractured my arm two days before Christmas? Yeah. Nice. And I told the doc that I needed a "waterproof" cast so that I could still get my swims in. And it had to be a cast that would give me no problems biking and running either. Sure, he said, like he had heard that one before.
So tonight, I took the cast for a spin in the pool. Let's just say that the "waterproofness" of the cast is in question. In fact, it got quite waterlogged and the velcro straps kept coming loose. Velcro and water don't mix. Nevertheless I was hell bent on getting back in the swim of things and proceeded with my laps, velcro straps flying in the air and all.
The "waterproof" cast is now in the dryer....
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Coach Melissa
I have a coach! Yes, I'm on Team Z and we have awesome coaches on the team....but given that I'm trying for two major goals this year --Kili and Ironman, both firsts for me-- it seemed like bringing in some extra help was in order. Yep, I need all the help I can get!
So today was my first "in person" visit with Coach Melissa (who, by the way, is an exercise physiologist and a US Tri Champ, not to mention just all around awesome). She put me on the treadmill for a VO2 Max test and a running gait analysis, then went over a few strength workout exercises I've been doing at the gym to make sure I have proper form, etc. Strength training is a huge focus for me now so I can develop more power on the bike.
It's great to have someone who is focused on my progress (because it's all about me, right? :) and on figuring out what it will take to get me to the summit and the finish line. Between Melissa and Team Z, how can I possibly fail?!
I need to get a 20 pound vest to wear for hiking; Melissa says it will help simulate hiking at high altitudes where the thin air makes the going extra tough. That should be interesting.And by the way, when am I supposed to have time for hiking? IM training is time consuming enough. Perhaps on recovery weekends....
So today was my first "in person" visit with Coach Melissa (who, by the way, is an exercise physiologist and a US Tri Champ, not to mention just all around awesome). She put me on the treadmill for a VO2 Max test and a running gait analysis, then went over a few strength workout exercises I've been doing at the gym to make sure I have proper form, etc. Strength training is a huge focus for me now so I can develop more power on the bike.
It's great to have someone who is focused on my progress (because it's all about me, right? :) and on figuring out what it will take to get me to the summit and the finish line. Between Melissa and Team Z, how can I possibly fail?!
I need to get a 20 pound vest to wear for hiking; Melissa says it will help simulate hiking at high altitudes where the thin air makes the going extra tough. That should be interesting.And by the way, when am I supposed to have time for hiking? IM training is time consuming enough. Perhaps on recovery weekends....
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Big Year Ahead
My 2011 calendar is packed with adventure, challenge, and change. Actually, that's a bit of an understatement. This is the year I will climb Kilimanjaro and take on Ironman Arizona -- two huge undertakings that will require many grueling hours of training and mental preparation. And it's also the year I hope to make a major career transition.
As I sit here on January 1st, the big question is: can I do it? Will I make it to the top of the mountain? Will I cross the finish line in AZ? One year from today I will no doubt take a look back at 2011 and have the answer.
Having never hiked above 7,000 feet I have no idea how I'll respond to the high altitude on Kilimanjaro. I know I'll be physically and mentally prepared, but altitude? That's the wild card, a big unknown. Barring any major problem with altitude sickness, I'm confident I'll make it to the top.
Ironman AZ, while only one day of suffering instead of a week's worth, will be tougher. Going the distance is one thing, making all the cutoff times and crossing the finish line in 17 hours is quite another...and it's a long shot for me. Believe me, my expectations are firmly rooted in reality.
I'm certain of this much: I'm going to give it my all. Let the training commence!!
As I sit here on January 1st, the big question is: can I do it? Will I make it to the top of the mountain? Will I cross the finish line in AZ? One year from today I will no doubt take a look back at 2011 and have the answer.
Having never hiked above 7,000 feet I have no idea how I'll respond to the high altitude on Kilimanjaro. I know I'll be physically and mentally prepared, but altitude? That's the wild card, a big unknown. Barring any major problem with altitude sickness, I'm confident I'll make it to the top.
Ironman AZ, while only one day of suffering instead of a week's worth, will be tougher. Going the distance is one thing, making all the cutoff times and crossing the finish line in 17 hours is quite another...and it's a long shot for me. Believe me, my expectations are firmly rooted in reality.
I'm certain of this much: I'm going to give it my all. Let the training commence!!
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