Wow, I haven't blogged in a while! Alot has happened. I've been sick, I'm training alot at work, and I've been traveling!
So, my triathlon training has not been as consistent as it should be. The only thing I'm consistent on is swimming. I'm told this is a good thing! It's the most dangerous part of the triathlon, so the better prepared you are in the water the better.
From here on out, I've got to focus on biking and running! Our first official bike as a team is this Saturday. Cross your fingers for me!
May 29, 2007 Masters swim
There is a group of "Masters" swimmers that swim at the same time as the TNT group. They have amazingly perfect form! Our coach works with both groups.
She has workout sheets, and gave me one tonight. I was actually able to finish it! Now, I know I took longer breaks than the Masters swimmers, but it was great just to be able to finish it.
She has workout sheets, and gave me one tonight. I was actually able to finish it! Now, I know I took longer breaks than the Masters swimmers, but it was great just to be able to finish it.
May 28, 2007 Spectator
I got to watch a sprint-distance triathlon today! I was most interested to see the transition from the pool to the bike. It was great to watch those who actually knew what they were doing. I have a long way to go...
Afterwards, I met a few friends to bike ride. I ended up riding about 12 miles. After the ride I attempted to walk and my legs were absolutely nothing more than jelly! Wow, this is going to be tough to ride 36 miles AND jog/walk 6.2 miles.
Afterwards, I met a few friends to bike ride. I ended up riding about 12 miles. After the ride I attempted to walk and my legs were absolutely nothing more than jelly! Wow, this is going to be tough to ride 36 miles AND jog/walk 6.2 miles.
May 26, 2007 Running, ick
Today I met a few members of the team to run/jog/walk. With my knee issues, I decided to walk. In all, we went 2.6 miles. My new shoes are great!
After the group walk, my friend and I went to lunch. Afterwards I went to get my car washed. They said it would be about 2 hours before my car would be ready, so I decided to walk to the nearest shopping haven. I didn't realize how far it was! I ended up walking another 2 miles.
A little bit of walking, little bit of shopping, a very clean car... All in all, a great day!
After the group walk, my friend and I went to lunch. Afterwards I went to get my car washed. They said it would be about 2 hours before my car would be ready, so I decided to walk to the nearest shopping haven. I didn't realize how far it was! I ended up walking another 2 miles.
A little bit of walking, little bit of shopping, a very clean car... All in all, a great day!
May 25, 2007 New shoes!
Today I bought my first pair of real running shoes. I bought a pair of Mezunos. They were the only ones that fit my narrow feet!
Can't wait to try them out.
Can't wait to try them out.
May 23, 2007 Meet the team
Tonight was the official start to the training season! We met our teams and our mentors.
A mentor is someone who has been there, done that. They answer questions about training, help with fundraising, and are there to cheer you on! My mentor is really nice.
There are two triathlon teams, and together there are about 12 of us. It should be alot of fun! Not only are we raising money for a great cause, our physical well-being will improve, and I get to meet new people along the way.
Now more than ever, I'm worried about that monstrous $4,500 I have to raise. The wheels are turning... I've got to come up with some creative ideas!
A mentor is someone who has been there, done that. They answer questions about training, help with fundraising, and are there to cheer you on! My mentor is really nice.
There are two triathlon teams, and together there are about 12 of us. It should be alot of fun! Not only are we raising money for a great cause, our physical well-being will improve, and I get to meet new people along the way.
Now more than ever, I'm worried about that monstrous $4,500 I have to raise. The wheels are turning... I've got to come up with some creative ideas!
May 22, 2007 Ahhh, success!
Tonight was another unofficial swim. I swam at the gym once between our last meeting and the one we had tonight. I tried everything I could to keep from swimming flat!
So I got in the water tonight and swam a few lengths of the pool. The coach said "Good job". I suppose I should be a little more grown up and not get so excited about a compliment, but this came from a world-class, Iron Man winning athlete! I have to admit, it felt great.
So, I've got the form down for freestyle swimming. I need to work on my endurance/breathing and learn some new drills. One small step for me, and one small step in preparing for the triathlon!
So I got in the water tonight and swam a few lengths of the pool. The coach said "Good job". I suppose I should be a little more grown up and not get so excited about a compliment, but this came from a world-class, Iron Man winning athlete! I have to admit, it felt great.
So, I've got the form down for freestyle swimming. I need to work on my endurance/breathing and learn some new drills. One small step for me, and one small step in preparing for the triathlon!
May 16, 2007 My first practice
Tonight was my first time at the pool. Not the first official TNT (Team in Training) practice, but the coach said we need to get in the pool ASAP. Like I said in my first blog, I was feeling fairly confident about my swimming. Once I started swimming and the coach watched, she informed me (nicely of course) that I'm doing it wrong!
I tend to swim "flat." Before tonight I had never even heard that term! Well, it seems that I don't use my whole body when I swim laps, just my arms. Now I know your whole body should turn as you take a stroke. While it's going to be difficult to retrain myself to swim correctly, it's great to know that the correct way is actually less work! I should be able to swim much further than I thought.
So the coach had some swim drills to help me learn how to stroke correctly. I did the drills until my right calf decided to cramp and wouldn't ease up. Coach said to make sure I'm well hydrated next time!
My first practice was not what I expected, but I'll get there. I'm determined.
I tend to swim "flat." Before tonight I had never even heard that term! Well, it seems that I don't use my whole body when I swim laps, just my arms. Now I know your whole body should turn as you take a stroke. While it's going to be difficult to retrain myself to swim correctly, it's great to know that the correct way is actually less work! I should be able to swim much further than I thought.
So the coach had some swim drills to help me learn how to stroke correctly. I did the drills until my right calf decided to cramp and wouldn't ease up. Coach said to make sure I'm well hydrated next time!
My first practice was not what I expected, but I'll get there. I'm determined.
May 9, 2007 Getting started
Triathlon! I've wanted to do one for about 6 years now, and with a very intense period coming up at work I thought this would be an ideal way to relieve stress!
I'm doing a triathlon under the careful watch of an organization called "Team in Training," better known as TNT. About three years ago, my sister trained with TNT to race-walk a marathon. She had a great experience so I thought I'd look into it. It's a fantastic cause. With the funds you raise (there is a goal amount), three fourths of the funds are given directly to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for research.
Tonight was the informational meeting. They basically show you the reason they exist, which is to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. The stories will break your heart. It really makes you feel connected to the cause. So thankfully, I went ahead and signed up before I had a chance to chicken out!
I got to meet the triathlon coach. She's the definition of a seasoned athlete. She's been doing triathlons for many many years, and has won the Iron Man competition for her age group twice. I have no idea how I got so lucky to have such an experienced coach!
For those who don't know, a triathlon consists of swimming, biking and running. There are several different types. I will be participating in an Olympic Distance triathlon in Orlando, Florida on September 23rd. This usually means: 1-mile swim, 25-mile bike and 6.2 mile run. For "safety reasons" they have changed the bike ride to 36-miles. This concerns me just a little!
My strongest sport is swimming. I'm very comfortable in the water and have swum many many laps in the pool. My weakest sport is running. I have bad knees and get very sore when I start to jog or run. Hopefully, the cross-training I'll be doing will improve the strength of my knees.
My biggest concerns are: my knees, and raising the goal amount of money. I need to raise a total of $4,500! This is going to be a monumental task. I'm just glad I have several months to get it done! This will probably mean many car washes, bake sales, letter campaigns, etc. And, by the way, if you'd like you can donate online! Please go to: http://www.active.com/donate/tntky/tntkyMJill.
So, here's to the biggest physical challenge of my life! Thanks for reading.
Tonight was the informational meeting. They basically show you the reason they exist, which is to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. The stories will break your heart. It really makes you feel connected to the cause. So thankfully, I went ahead and signed up before I had a chance to chicken out!
I got to meet the triathlon coach. She's the definition of a seasoned athlete. She's been doing triathlons for many many years, and has won the Iron Man competition for her age group twice. I have no idea how I got so lucky to have such an experienced coach!
For those who don't know, a triathlon consists of swimming, biking and running. There are several different types. I will be participating in an Olympic Distance triathlon in Orlando, Florida on September 23rd. This usually means: 1-mile swim, 25-mile bike and 6.2 mile run. For "safety reasons" they have changed the bike ride to 36-miles. This concerns me just a little!
My strongest sport is swimming. I'm very comfortable in the water and have swum many many laps in the pool. My weakest sport is running. I have bad knees and get very sore when I start to jog or run. Hopefully, the cross-training I'll be doing will improve the strength of my knees.
My biggest concerns are: my knees, and raising the goal amount of money. I need to raise a total of $4,500! This is going to be a monumental task. I'm just glad I have several months to get it done! This will probably mean many car washes, bake sales, letter campaigns, etc. And, by the way, if you'd like you can donate online! Please go to: http://www.active.com/donate/tntky/tntkyMJill.
So, here's to the biggest physical challenge of my life! Thanks for reading.
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