Thursday, October 2, 2008
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Veni, Vidi, Permissum Sicco a Vix Rideo Risi Risum, Vici
We Came, We Saw, We Let Out a Nervous Chuckle, We Conquered!
Yes, I am finally posting about the triathlon! It took us 8 weeks to train for it, 4 days to have nightmares about it, 30 minutes to stare at the ocean and wonder what the heck did we sign up for and then convince ourselves that we owned it, and 1 1/2 hours to prove ourselves RIGHT....about it all!
Way to go fellow Smokin' Hot Momma Triathletes and the lone Big Poppa Britt!
Yes, that would be Britt the Big Poppa and his little Hot Momma wife Emily C.
Veni We Came
We totally tore into Mexico Beach Florida with spirits running high, gas running low, and kids just running. We drove in with beautiful clear skies, even clearer water and nothing but a peaceful restful Friday to get us set for our race on Saturday.
This is us and our "practice run" on Friday. Do you see that water? Beautiful.
Emily C., Ariel, Kendall, and Bonnie (me) all sporting our goggles.
Vidi We Saw
Then came the wind. The wind started Friday evening and as Aaron and I slept with our doors open up to the balcony that looked directly out to the ocean I heard that wind blow all night long pushing in those waves. I think I got about 4-5 hours of sleep that night and sent up about 40-50 pleading prayers. Something to the affect of "really? does it have to be this way? isn't fearing sharks and jellyfish enough to exhaust us? must there be waves?" Then as the night continued to pass and the wind continued to blow it sounded a little bit more like "I'm begging here. I can't fight waves and then bike and then run. That is not exactly what I had in mind. Please calm the seas. It was done for Peter and he just wanted to walk on water. I'm in 3 events." Okay. So maybe it didn't have that exact tone. But, it was about only 4 hours of sleep so maybe it was pretty close to that tone.
Nevertheless, the winds did calm a bit. Definitely not the peaceful and serene Friday morning we enjoyed but better than the waves I heard during the night. Prayers answered.
Permissum Sicco a Vix......(okay that is really long) We Let Out a Nervous Chuckle (and so is that)
We arrived at the race area at around 6:15 am on Saturday morning. The first task was to get our transition station all set up and ready for our speedy switchovers from swimming to biking, then biking to running. Well I got mine all set up.
It included the following:
Anyway, so we are marked. Then we all had a bathroom brake. Ummm, talk about nerves. I won't really go into the fact that I think the plumbing at this little park was getting over used, and I about had a panic attack when the toilet wouldn't flush for me. yyyyyyyyeeeeeeaaaahhhhh??????? um we'll skip over that part.
Now. On to the swim (and you thought we would never get there).
The swim was .45 miles, and it was set up in a triangle shape in the ocean. Here is where the nervous little chuckle comes in to play. As we all walked down the beach and saw the buoys out there I think for a moment we were all speechless. It wasn't quite as far looking as we all imagined it would be, but also seemed very much in deep creature territory. Kendall the eternal optimist (oh thank heavens she was there) just kept saying "oh we can TOTALLY do this" and my sister Emily and I just kept saying "do we have to do this?". (or maybe it was just me and I want someone to have thought it also)
We got to watch the Olympic swimmers start before us (they did twice the distance than we did in the race) and this was a very good thing. Nobody screamed. Nobody yelled shark or jelly or bobbed up and down and horrifying manner. Everybody just swam. It was good. We then knew we could swim too.
Vici We Conquered
THE SWIM - the first event
So we swam. When doing an ocean swim for the first time, I realized it was very much mind over matter. There were 4 main obstacles that had to be overcome physically as well as mentally. They include:
There was a dolphin (I was informed of later) that was jumping around the second buoy. Sooooooooo glad I did not see that. I would have had that panic attack.
But, we all made it out. Britt, then Kendall, then Emily G., then Ariel, then me, and then Emily C. we keep this same order throughout the entire race and all (the girls) came within 3 minutes of each other at the finish. It was great!
The bike is what killed us. Nor physically but on timing. After reviewing the result times, I now know (officially) that we are slow on the bike. We had a 15 mile bike that included a bridge/hill that you went over twice. Both times on the way down I stuck both arms straight out and yelled "Wooooooohooooooo" the whole way down. True story. It was awesome! I was also the only person doing it, but it was awesome!! It took us about 53 minutes to do this and most others in our same result range about 46. So yeah, we're kinda slow on the bike. 9 less minutes on the Seat of Fire....I gotta figure out how to do that....does it include clip-on shoes...?
THE RUN- the third event
Yes, I am finally posting about the triathlon! It took us 8 weeks to train for it, 4 days to have nightmares about it, 30 minutes to stare at the ocean and wonder what the heck did we sign up for and then convince ourselves that we owned it, and 1 1/2 hours to prove ourselves RIGHT....about it all!
Way to go fellow Smokin' Hot Momma Triathletes and the lone Big Poppa Britt!
Yes, that would be Britt the Big Poppa and his little Hot Momma wife Emily C.
Veni We Came
We totally tore into Mexico Beach Florida with spirits running high, gas running low, and kids just running. We drove in with beautiful clear skies, even clearer water and nothing but a peaceful restful Friday to get us set for our race on Saturday.
This is us and our "practice run" on Friday. Do you see that water? Beautiful.
Emily C., Ariel, Kendall, and Bonnie (me) all sporting our goggles.
Vidi We Saw
Then came the wind. The wind started Friday evening and as Aaron and I slept with our doors open up to the balcony that looked directly out to the ocean I heard that wind blow all night long pushing in those waves. I think I got about 4-5 hours of sleep that night and sent up about 40-50 pleading prayers. Something to the affect of "really? does it have to be this way? isn't fearing sharks and jellyfish enough to exhaust us? must there be waves?" Then as the night continued to pass and the wind continued to blow it sounded a little bit more like "I'm begging here. I can't fight waves and then bike and then run. That is not exactly what I had in mind. Please calm the seas. It was done for Peter and he just wanted to walk on water. I'm in 3 events." Okay. So maybe it didn't have that exact tone. But, it was about only 4 hours of sleep so maybe it was pretty close to that tone.
Nevertheless, the winds did calm a bit. Definitely not the peaceful and serene Friday morning we enjoyed but better than the waves I heard during the night. Prayers answered.
Permissum Sicco a Vix......(okay that is really long) We Let Out a Nervous Chuckle (and so is that)
We arrived at the race area at around 6:15 am on Saturday morning. The first task was to get our transition station all set up and ready for our speedy switchovers from swimming to biking, then biking to running. Well I got mine all set up.
It included the following:
- bright colorful towel (in order to spot easily - worked well),
- regular towel (to dry off with - worked well),
- baby powder (to dry feet off and get off sand - didn't use),
- tennis shoes untied (in order to slip on easy - that worked),
- socks and biking skirt out to pull on quickly after the swim (in order to not have my big hiney hanging off the bike for all to see - that worked minus the quickly part - spandex and wet legs - not a good combination),
- sunglasses for the morning sun (that worked),
- 2 bottles of water to splash face and body off (in order to wash of some salt water - didn't even waste time with it),
- sports bottle full of Gatorade (in order to pump body full of sugar - took about 2 sips),
- and hair brush (in order to not look disgusting for photos - didn't us but spent about as much time contemplating it as I would have if I just went ahead and did it).
I should have taken a picture for you, but then I would have had to have a camera also and now that would have been too much stuff.
Okay. So now I'm set up.
Then we went on to get marked. You get both arms and both thighs marked (in permanent marker) with your race number. You also get your left calf marked with your age (did I mention permanent marker?). Yeah, well about that. I am not 30 - yet. I don't turn 30 for 2 more weeks, and I find it totally UNFAIR that I have to advertise that age on my 29-year-old calf for all to see. As a side note, I will admit that I did quite enjoy having every one's ages on their legs. It totally helped me pass during the bike section. Something like "umm, she is totally 63, there is no way you are not passing a 63-year-old" or maybe something like "you can totally take that 37-year-old man. He's practically over the hill." But, then in the run when two 12 and 13-year-old boys beat me- well that kinda stunk.Anyway, so we are marked. Then we all had a bathroom brake. Ummm, talk about nerves. I won't really go into the fact that I think the plumbing at this little park was getting over used, and I about had a panic attack when the toilet wouldn't flush for me. yyyyyyyyeeeeeeaaaahhhhh??????? um we'll skip over that part.
Now. On to the swim (and you thought we would never get there).
The swim was .45 miles, and it was set up in a triangle shape in the ocean. Here is where the nervous little chuckle comes in to play. As we all walked down the beach and saw the buoys out there I think for a moment we were all speechless. It wasn't quite as far looking as we all imagined it would be, but also seemed very much in deep creature territory. Kendall the eternal optimist (oh thank heavens she was there) just kept saying "oh we can TOTALLY do this" and my sister Emily and I just kept saying "do we have to do this?". (or maybe it was just me and I want someone to have thought it also)
We got to watch the Olympic swimmers start before us (they did twice the distance than we did in the race) and this was a very good thing. Nobody screamed. Nobody yelled shark or jelly or bobbed up and down and horrifying manner. Everybody just swam. It was good. We then knew we could swim too.
Vici We Conquered
THE SWIM - the first event
So we swam. When doing an ocean swim for the first time, I realized it was very much mind over matter. There were 4 main obstacles that had to be overcome physically as well as mentally. They include:
- waves and currents
- fellow swimmers
- salt water
- fear of the unknown and unseen
There was a dolphin (I was informed of later) that was jumping around the second buoy. Sooooooooo glad I did not see that. I would have had that panic attack.
But, we all made it out. Britt, then Kendall, then Emily G., then Ariel, then me, and then Emily C. we keep this same order throughout the entire race and all (the girls) came within 3 minutes of each other at the finish. It was great!
THE BIKE- the second event
The bike is what killed us. Nor physically but on timing. After reviewing the result times, I now know (officially) that we are slow on the bike. We had a 15 mile bike that included a bridge/hill that you went over twice. Both times on the way down I stuck both arms straight out and yelled "Wooooooohooooooo" the whole way down. True story. It was awesome! I was also the only person doing it, but it was awesome!! It took us about 53 minutes to do this and most others in our same result range about 46. So yeah, we're kinda slow on the bike. 9 less minutes on the Seat of Fire....I gotta figure out how to do that....does it include clip-on shoes...?
THE RUN- the third event
The run was the part that we all felt most solid on. However, running after biking is like trying to run through quick sand (I suppose anyway). Your legs have to totally switch gears and figure out how to move your body again. It is mind over matter once again. Three miles at this point is not a big deal to run. However, three miles when you're totally out of breath is a whole other (or 'nuther' as I like to say) ball game.
So George got me through the run. Well, we got each other through the run. George, is about 60, can't remember what his calf said exactly, and I was about 2 steps behind him for about the first 10 minutes of the run. I would speed up (so to speak) to pass him and then he would speed up to not let me. So I finally said "You're just not gonna let me pass you are you?" and he answered "No.". That was the beginning of a friendship. George from Tallahassee and I ran the rest of the race together and chatted about how it was going for each of us. It was great. I love to run with friends. This was his first triathlon also. At 60-something, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! Way to go George!! So in the running pictures on the slide show you will see me and George bringing it in together! Thanks for a good run George!
THE RESULTS ARE IN!
Like I said before we all came within 3 or so minutes of each other. That was great. Kendall, Emily Graves, and Emily Chapman placed 1st, 2nd, and 4th (respectively) in their young-in age group category. Ariel and I placed 7th and 8th in our old folgie group category. (Those cut-throat old people!)
We all had a great time from start to finish and we are now officially TRIATHLETES!
Unbelievable.
Enjoy the show and thanks for reading my novel.
always the cheerleader,
bonnie
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The results are in...
We have returned from our beach blast! While I'll allow Bonnie the final report on the Trek to the Tri, it is suffice to say that we all did FABULOUSLY, absolutely smashing our goals.
In the mean time, here are some pictures to whet your whistle....
In the mean time, here are some pictures to whet your whistle....
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Some fun photos....
Here are some pictures that have been taken along the way. Enjoy.
(sorry Emily C. but I didn't seem to have any of your crew...?...)
Grayson geared up for his half-mile swim.
Umm you know I only included this because of my arms....yes those are mine and not a body double's - HAH! Oh, and Jackson is cute too!
Kendall and Ariel getting geared up for our first ride.
Me after my first Bike-Run combo. Not a happy camper!
Cold Ariel?
Yes, I cannot be trusted with a camera and posting rights. Sorry Ariel and Emily - just too good to pass up. (Nice bubbles Em.)
OUR MASCOTS! (and the real troopers)
Sweet Sienna. Funny Grayson. Jackson and Abby - do we really have to do this again?
Before the hill - Smiling. After the hill - "Whew!"
All this training is making me tired!!
That's all for now.
The Last Leg of the Journey
The last week of training is finally here. We have laughed (Kendall and her sports bra - swim suit package), yelled ("I HATE RUNNING! AAAAGGGGHHHH!"), and cried (okay so a bug flew in my eye while I was biking - they were real tears!) and had countless Farmer Blows (don't know what it is then you can ask me later), and we are finally at the last leg of the adventure. What an adventure. From Bessie to Seat of Fire, from "do I really have to put my head in the water?" to silver bullet status, from "now how do I change the gear?" to changing flats, from running a 5K to running 25+ miles a week, from Chariots of Fire to bike chariots with two kids screaming while the cyclist is singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and slowly.....ever so slowly.....and yet even more slowly ......biking up the hill. From just ordinary lovers of the trail to totally Smokin', totally Hot, and totally crazy to be doing this Iron Women!!
It has been an all consuming, all butt-kicking, and all amazing trek!
TO THE TRI LADIES!!
TO THE TRI!
It has been an all consuming, all butt-kicking, and all amazing trek!
TO THE TRI LADIES!!
TO THE TRI!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
A not so fun week
So this week has not been a good training week for me. First, Abby got sick with a stomach virus early Wednesday morning. So I missed Wednesday's workout with everyone (I was able to run 4.5 miles on the treadmill while she napped though). She was feeling a little better on Thursday so I was able to fit in my swim and bike then. Friday rolls around and instead of doing the 30 swim/30 bike/30 run, I was sick with the stomach flu. The good news is 24 hours later, I was able to run over 7 miles pushing the jogger stroller! This last week will be better, I can feel it!
~Emily G
~Emily G
Final Frenzy
One week from today, this whole Tri adventure will be over! The training starts to taper off from here on until next Saturday when we get to battle sharks and waves, gear shifting and hills, blisters and chaffing. Everyone is going to do great and I just wanted to send my congrats to the whole group for so diligently completing the training! Well done gang! Can't wait to get some pictures of your smokin' hot tri outfits and super-toned legs...
Monday, September 15, 2008
The most unluckiest person alive
I know, I know my grammar is terrible, but that's exactly how I feel. It all started EARLY Saturday morning as I faithfully met Ariel at her pool to complete our "triple play" for the day. All went well with the swim, no swallowed frogs or murderer attacks. But, as we ran up the hill it all started to go horribly wrong. I (of course) forgot my keys and sprinted back down the hill. Once at the pool I couldn't open the gate. It's only a little fence, so me in all my 27 years of wisdom decided to jump it. As the ball of my left foot hit the ground it was over. I did something horribly wrong to it. I hobbled through the rest of our workout and spent the rest of the day on the couch, miserable.
While on the couch I debated wether or not to go to urgent care. What were they going to do? Tell me my foot was hurt? Thanks, but I think I figured that one out on my own. Also, I know full well I should the RICE routine, it's just hard to follow in my current situation. Let me explain:
REST: Have you met my two little guys?
ICE: I'm allergic to the cold. Seriously, I break out in hives if I get too cold. Which would you pick? Swollen, deformed foot or itchy, swollen foot?
Compression: Did I mention I got an ant bite on the arch of my foot at Matts' soccer game. This may not seem like a big deal but, I'm also allergic to our lovely Georgian ants. Reed was fascinated to watch my ankle swell up until I had no ankle.
Elevation: No, real problem here, but give me a minute I'm sure something will come up.
But, that's not all, as the day went on I came down with Gray's wicked cold. No wonder the child's been ornery. This left me debating the virtues of anti-inflammatories for my foot or cold medicine for my cold.
When it rains it pours.
While on the couch I debated wether or not to go to urgent care. What were they going to do? Tell me my foot was hurt? Thanks, but I think I figured that one out on my own. Also, I know full well I should the RICE routine, it's just hard to follow in my current situation. Let me explain:
REST: Have you met my two little guys?
ICE: I'm allergic to the cold. Seriously, I break out in hives if I get too cold. Which would you pick? Swollen, deformed foot or itchy, swollen foot?
Compression: Did I mention I got an ant bite on the arch of my foot at Matts' soccer game. This may not seem like a big deal but, I'm also allergic to our lovely Georgian ants. Reed was fascinated to watch my ankle swell up until I had no ankle.
Elevation: No, real problem here, but give me a minute I'm sure something will come up.
But, that's not all, as the day went on I came down with Gray's wicked cold. No wonder the child's been ornery. This left me debating the virtues of anti-inflammatories for my foot or cold medicine for my cold.
When it rains it pours.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Great Debate
I can't decide which is worse, towing two kids in a bike chariot or pushing two kids in a double stroller...
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Woman Vs. Nature
While out of town for the weekend I found it pretty difficult to squeeze in all the workouts I was supposed to. So, out of guilt, I decided to hop on my brother-in-law's-grandpa's-relic-bike (no, seriously) and blast out a ride between storm fronts during a rainy Labor Day.
Started out fine...then I hit a hill...perhaps the mother of hills. Did I mention that I was riding my brother-in-law's-grandpa's-relic-bike? It had these ancient metal shifters that took vice grips to move. I crawled up the hill to the temple at the crest (a spiritual analogy, no less), wheezing and pushing—there was the end!—yes, I can see it—almost there...wait...but where did all those black clouds come from?
Just as I reached the top and met the full glory of the temple view, I was blasted by a storm. It was like I crashed into a wall. But not just a regular rain wall, a wall of hail. It stung like needles.
I turned around immediately and fled home. It was a race against the wind, literally. And just as I pulled into the driveway, the storm caught up. But too late! I beat it! Probably the only thing—man or nature—that I will beat in this whole Tri adventure.
Started out fine...then I hit a hill...perhaps the mother of hills. Did I mention that I was riding my brother-in-law's-grandpa's-relic-bike? It had these ancient metal shifters that took vice grips to move. I crawled up the hill to the temple at the crest (a spiritual analogy, no less), wheezing and pushing—there was the end!—yes, I can see it—almost there...wait...but where did all those black clouds come from?
Just as I reached the top and met the full glory of the temple view, I was blasted by a storm. It was like I crashed into a wall. But not just a regular rain wall, a wall of hail. It stung like needles.
I turned around immediately and fled home. It was a race against the wind, literally. And just as I pulled into the driveway, the storm caught up. But too late! I beat it! Probably the only thing—man or nature—that I will beat in this whole Tri adventure.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
The Bike, the Best, and the Brick
It took me all of about 2 minutes to come up with a name for the new bike I am training on now. My cousin Russell that is a serious cyclist was kind enough to let me borrow one of his road bikes for this triathlon. He, however, failed to warn me that one should take pain killers before going on a ride with this thing.
It's new name (if it had an old one) is SEAT OF FIRE!
"And it burns, burns, burns
the SEAT OF FIRE, the SEAT OF FIRE!"
Johnny Cash knows what I'm talking about.
I was singing that (joined in by Ariel and Kendall) through part of our run right after the bike ride. And how true it was. "...the flames go higher and higher, the SEAT OF FIRE, the SEAT OF FIRE!". It's a catchy tune that is probably stuck in your head now...sorry.
Here are two pictures for you. They are posted in no particular order. See if you can guess which bike seat belongs to Bessie and which belongs to SEAT OF FIRE!
Yep, 55 minutes on that bad boy. BAD BOY!
Oh sweet, innocent, cushioned-tush Bessie. You were just too heavy girl. Sorry that I had to dump you for someone that packed on less pounds. Good bye dear friend!
(I know what you're think right now. "That basket is AWESOME!" and it is. "I wish I could get a better look at that bell." sorry to disappoint.)
So I'm chartering new territory with SEAT OF FIRE! I was actually able to keep up with the others. That's a first! So there is hope in the biking category.
Here are some photos of swimming. My sister Emily and I have decided to have one "sprint" swimming day. I use that term very loosely especially after having watched the Olympics and finding out they can do the same swim it takes us around 1 minute to do in all of about 4 seconds. So sprinters we are!! The sprint days are harder and once again Emily is better at something else than me. (that is why I'm the one sporting the #1 sign) WILL IT EVER END!?! At least I'm the best cheerleader....on the side lines....cheering....and yelling....and toe touches.....that I could do years ago.....and stuff......so ......there......take.....that......hah!
Here are Emily and I racing. I just chant in my head "I'm gonna getchya, I'm gonna getchya." She always beats me. I made her let me lead the last 3 minutes of our 35 minutes swim, so that I could finally set the pace. I knew I would go slower than her, but I did go a bit faster than my normal because I knew she was behind me. When we got done I told her that was a little faster than I usually go. She says "It was?! I stopped kicking 2 or 3 times just so I wouldn't pass you." Hah! "just so I wouldn't pass you". You just go ahead and pass me next time little miss "I stopped kicking" and we'll see who will do the kicking! Just kidding Em. sort of.
I told you this triathlon saga would be full of good guys and bad guys, and I would probably be the bad guy more often than not.
Running for this week included Kendall and I running my neighborhood (among other runs). Poor Kendall and her lot always falling to be my running partner. I'm a good complainer if you can imagine that. Running with Kendall (who was a professional ice skater) is like running beside a ping-pong ball. She is so bouncy and always smiling the entire run. I am like a brick being pushed (grated) across the road. My run is flat and painful looking. Even when Kendall is tired and saying things like "Bonnie, this is all your fault you know. We could all be sleeping in right now if it wasn't for you and your adventures." She is still smiling. Or at least I think she is but I am usually two or three steps behind her so I can't be positive.
Kendall loves the sprint to finish line. I think she looks forward to the last .5 miles and then the at the last tenth she always sprints and yells "come on Bonnie RUN!". I bust out my pathetic sprint which is really a regular run up from my slow jog that I had going before. The whole time (and I kid you not) I am screaming "AAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH" "I HATE RUNNING!" We are in the most populated part of the trail at this point, but I don't care. My muscles are screaming and so am I!
Well ping-pong ball I love ya and am glad you get this brick moving, but I will keep complaining I'm sure. (no big surprise there)
Anyway, it is another week down, and we are all getting stronger. I just need to remember to pop some Motrin before those bike rides, and I should be good to go!
Hope you enjoy the pictures. Let me know if you are doing any races or whatever else you are into. We would love to read your comments!
It's new name (if it had an old one) is SEAT OF FIRE!
"And it burns, burns, burns
the SEAT OF FIRE, the SEAT OF FIRE!"
Johnny Cash knows what I'm talking about.
I was singing that (joined in by Ariel and Kendall) through part of our run right after the bike ride. And how true it was. "...the flames go higher and higher, the SEAT OF FIRE, the SEAT OF FIRE!". It's a catchy tune that is probably stuck in your head now...sorry.
Here are two pictures for you. They are posted in no particular order. See if you can guess which bike seat belongs to Bessie and which belongs to SEAT OF FIRE!
Yep, 55 minutes on that bad boy. BAD BOY!
Oh sweet, innocent, cushioned-tush Bessie. You were just too heavy girl. Sorry that I had to dump you for someone that packed on less pounds. Good bye dear friend!
(I know what you're think right now. "That basket is AWESOME!" and it is. "I wish I could get a better look at that bell." sorry to disappoint.)
So I'm chartering new territory with SEAT OF FIRE! I was actually able to keep up with the others. That's a first! So there is hope in the biking category.
Here are some photos of swimming. My sister Emily and I have decided to have one "sprint" swimming day. I use that term very loosely especially after having watched the Olympics and finding out they can do the same swim it takes us around 1 minute to do in all of about 4 seconds. So sprinters we are!! The sprint days are harder and once again Emily is better at something else than me. (that is why I'm the one sporting the #1 sign) WILL IT EVER END!?! At least I'm the best cheerleader....on the side lines....cheering....and yelling....and toe touches.....that I could do years ago.....and stuff......so ......there......take.....that......hah!
Here are Emily and I racing. I just chant in my head "I'm gonna getchya, I'm gonna getchya." She always beats me. I made her let me lead the last 3 minutes of our 35 minutes swim, so that I could finally set the pace. I knew I would go slower than her, but I did go a bit faster than my normal because I knew she was behind me. When we got done I told her that was a little faster than I usually go. She says "It was?! I stopped kicking 2 or 3 times just so I wouldn't pass you." Hah! "just so I wouldn't pass you". You just go ahead and pass me next time little miss "I stopped kicking" and we'll see who will do the kicking! Just kidding Em. sort of.
I told you this triathlon saga would be full of good guys and bad guys, and I would probably be the bad guy more often than not.
Running for this week included Kendall and I running my neighborhood (among other runs). Poor Kendall and her lot always falling to be my running partner. I'm a good complainer if you can imagine that. Running with Kendall (who was a professional ice skater) is like running beside a ping-pong ball. She is so bouncy and always smiling the entire run. I am like a brick being pushed (grated) across the road. My run is flat and painful looking. Even when Kendall is tired and saying things like "Bonnie, this is all your fault you know. We could all be sleeping in right now if it wasn't for you and your adventures." She is still smiling. Or at least I think she is but I am usually two or three steps behind her so I can't be positive.
Kendall loves the sprint to finish line. I think she looks forward to the last .5 miles and then the at the last tenth she always sprints and yells "come on Bonnie RUN!". I bust out my pathetic sprint which is really a regular run up from my slow jog that I had going before. The whole time (and I kid you not) I am screaming "AAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH" "I HATE RUNNING!" We are in the most populated part of the trail at this point, but I don't care. My muscles are screaming and so am I!
Well ping-pong ball I love ya and am glad you get this brick moving, but I will keep complaining I'm sure. (no big surprise there)
Anyway, it is another week down, and we are all getting stronger. I just need to remember to pop some Motrin before those bike rides, and I should be good to go!
Hope you enjoy the pictures. Let me know if you are doing any races or whatever else you are into. We would love to read your comments!
the "running" brick,
bonnie
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The Best Day of the Week
Bonnie has benevolently granted access to the rest of the trainers, so prepare for the posting onslaught.
It's Thursday morning, our one true day off during the weekly training schedule...and what a glorious day it is! Wednesdays seem to waste me entirely, I'm sure it's because I'm adding on a night-time soccer game to the usual morning session. But yesterday, dragging my sizable child in the bike chariot up that steep hill at the end of our ride, I was definitely feeling DONE for the day.
Here is Bonnie taunting me as she passes my pathetic butt on the bike trail...
And here are Emily G. and Bonnie finishing up for the day!
Week three is almost done! As a side note, my thanks to Bonnie for putting this together. It's no secret that I'm a glutton for exercise punishment, and I'm loving the new challenge of trying the tri!
It's Thursday morning, our one true day off during the weekly training schedule...and what a glorious day it is! Wednesdays seem to waste me entirely, I'm sure it's because I'm adding on a night-time soccer game to the usual morning session. But yesterday, dragging my sizable child in the bike chariot up that steep hill at the end of our ride, I was definitely feeling DONE for the day.
Here is Bonnie taunting me as she passes my pathetic butt on the bike trail...
And here are Emily G. and Bonnie finishing up for the day!
Week three is almost done! As a side note, my thanks to Bonnie for putting this together. It's no secret that I'm a glutton for exercise punishment, and I'm loving the new challenge of trying the tri!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The Try for the Tri has begun
This week I officially started my mini-Triathlon training with 3 other Hot Mommas, and we're rockin' it pretty good. (And, of course, getting rocked in return!) For those that don't know, because I didn't as of 3 weeks ago, a mini-tri includes around a .5 mile swim, around a 15 mile bike ride, and then a 5K run. It is between 1.5 - 2 hours total - if you don't get stung by a jelly or crash on your bike. Man I'm excited to do this!
So we put in some running, some swimming, and some biking, and realized we have some serious work to do. But, IT IS DO-ABLE! WHICH ROCKS!!
After our first day of meeting and swimming and running and Kendall showing up with her bright yellow sports bra over her swim suit, I knew I had to document this journey. I didn't have my camera with me the first day (but I will get you and your sunshine sports bra Kendall), but I did tote it along during our other workouts. (And I know what you are all dying to ask, and the answer is yes, I did sometimes put it in my basket on my bike- which I have named Bessie.) It justs seems right. I should mention that I did crash my bike with the camera in it and messed up the camera for most of our Sat workout. And, I bent my basket some....bummer. (I wasn't even riding when I crashed the bike - so sauve.)
Here is a photo of Kendall getting pumped up and ready for her swim. She is our 'silver bullet' in the silver swim cap striking an awesome pose! Kendall's strategy is "Don't drown, don't crash, and RUN!". I think this is a good one to follow!
Here are Ariel and I are in the pool gettin gready for our swim. I am in the black swim suit and trying to flex while Ariel is just hanging out. Of course, Emily says, "Ariel your arms are ripped!" HELLO!?! I'M THE ONE FLEXING HERE!!
Not sure what kind of face that is Ariel....??? pretty funny.
We had a bike ride on Sat. where we went pretty fast for 40 minutes (ummm - we did about 60% of the distance we need to in all but about 10 minutes the time....hmmmm?) and then racked our bikes and jumped back on the trail for a 4.5 mile run. You have to understand that Kendall and Ariel (who doesn't like to admit it) are runners, and I just pretend to be. They take off and I'm am like dying to keep up with them. For the first mile we all felt like we were running on stumps because our legs were feeling so weird switching gears from biking to running. But after that it was ok, just tiring. We hit mile two and find out we are doing 7 minute miles. Umm excuse me, but I'm a 9-minute miler and proud of it. This 7 minute stuff directly after a bike ride is just nuts. Well, me being me, of course expresses all of this vocally. Not that I really had the need to tell them they were kicking my can. I was jogging right beside them, and they could hear my totally loud panting. Heck someone half a mile down the trail could hear my panting. (along with my screams/moans of despair - oh yes! I had them! and they were loud!) And do you know what my sympathetic friends Ariel and Kendall say? "Great! Only 15 more minutes!", "Anyone can suffer for 15 minutes - no problem!"
"ANYONE CAN SUFFER FOR 15 MINUTES!" ?????
"ANYONE CAN SUFFER FOR 15 MINUTES!" ?????
Well heck, since you put it that way - no problem! Finish line here I come!
They're crazy!
I was too busy picturing myself laid out spread eagle with my arms out in the cold wet grass (and hyperventilating) to totally be able to reply well to that.
The entire last 2 miles was filled with Ariel and Kendall being my cheerleaders and rooting for me to keep up and finish. Finish I did - keep up? ...almost. And there was also something else about 'Cleavage Alley' can't quite remember how that went....probably not important....
Anyway,
Our try for the Tri has begun!!
My oldest sister Jenny has decided to try her skills (or soon-to-be skills) at a 5K. She is starting the training program that I sent everyone on the Weekly Workouts document. I encourage you all, if you are able, to train for a race. Do it with someone if possible. They are a lot of fun, challenging, and totally spell out your workouts for you! You can find all sorts of races on http://www.active.com/ for all around the country. You can even find all sorts of races for your kids to do to, from tot-trots on up!
keep you posted.... :)
beginner biker,
bonnie
So we put in some running, some swimming, and some biking, and realized we have some serious work to do. But, IT IS DO-ABLE! WHICH ROCKS!!
After our first day of meeting and swimming and running and Kendall showing up with her bright yellow sports bra over her swim suit, I knew I had to document this journey. I didn't have my camera with me the first day (but I will get you and your sunshine sports bra Kendall), but I did tote it along during our other workouts. (And I know what you are all dying to ask, and the answer is yes, I did sometimes put it in my basket on my bike- which I have named Bessie.) It justs seems right. I should mention that I did crash my bike with the camera in it and messed up the camera for most of our Sat workout. And, I bent my basket some....bummer. (I wasn't even riding when I crashed the bike - so sauve.)
Here is a photo of Kendall getting pumped up and ready for her swim. She is our 'silver bullet' in the silver swim cap striking an awesome pose! Kendall's strategy is "Don't drown, don't crash, and RUN!". I think this is a good one to follow!
Here are Ariel and I are in the pool gettin gready for our swim. I am in the black swim suit and trying to flex while Ariel is just hanging out. Of course, Emily says, "Ariel your arms are ripped!" HELLO!?! I'M THE ONE FLEXING HERE!!
Not sure what kind of face that is Ariel....??? pretty funny.
We had a bike ride on Sat. where we went pretty fast for 40 minutes (ummm - we did about 60% of the distance we need to in all but about 10 minutes the time....hmmmm?) and then racked our bikes and jumped back on the trail for a 4.5 mile run. You have to understand that Kendall and Ariel (who doesn't like to admit it) are runners, and I just pretend to be. They take off and I'm am like dying to keep up with them. For the first mile we all felt like we were running on stumps because our legs were feeling so weird switching gears from biking to running. But after that it was ok, just tiring. We hit mile two and find out we are doing 7 minute miles. Umm excuse me, but I'm a 9-minute miler and proud of it. This 7 minute stuff directly after a bike ride is just nuts. Well, me being me, of course expresses all of this vocally. Not that I really had the need to tell them they were kicking my can. I was jogging right beside them, and they could hear my totally loud panting. Heck someone half a mile down the trail could hear my panting. (along with my screams/moans of despair - oh yes! I had them! and they were loud!) And do you know what my sympathetic friends Ariel and Kendall say? "Great! Only 15 more minutes!", "Anyone can suffer for 15 minutes - no problem!"
"ANYONE CAN SUFFER FOR 15 MINUTES!" ?????
"ANYONE CAN SUFFER FOR 15 MINUTES!" ?????
Well heck, since you put it that way - no problem! Finish line here I come!
They're crazy!
I was too busy picturing myself laid out spread eagle with my arms out in the cold wet grass (and hyperventilating) to totally be able to reply well to that.
The entire last 2 miles was filled with Ariel and Kendall being my cheerleaders and rooting for me to keep up and finish. Finish I did - keep up? ...almost. And there was also something else about 'Cleavage Alley' can't quite remember how that went....probably not important....
Anyway,
Our try for the Tri has begun!!
My oldest sister Jenny has decided to try her skills (or soon-to-be skills) at a 5K. She is starting the training program that I sent everyone on the Weekly Workouts document. I encourage you all, if you are able, to train for a race. Do it with someone if possible. They are a lot of fun, challenging, and totally spell out your workouts for you! You can find all sorts of races on http://www.active.com/ for all around the country. You can even find all sorts of races for your kids to do to, from tot-trots on up!
keep you posted.... :)
beginner biker,
bonnie
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