After I handed out candies to the tiddlers this evening (and some were so cute) I decided to go for my first practice swim. Finally got my schedule down between two pools in my area so that is why it has taken so long since I started my swimming lessons.
Anyway, off I went to the pool to practice my TI swimming technique and was feeling pretty good about it all. Got into the pool and it all left my head, I had no idea what I had learnt over these last 7 weeks and left 1/2 hour after getting into the pool.
Think some private lessons might be in order otherwise come race day I'll drown.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Sometimes it's tough to stay positive....
It has been a rough couple days for this "iron woman in the making" and I am trying to stay positive in my soul so that my focus does not stray from my training.
Those of you who know me know one of the reasons why I am feeling sad, you are in the same boat as me...so a prayer would be appreciated, the other reason I'll share later if necessary.
Swim class is this evening, 2nd last one before I move onto the intermediate class.
Those of you who know me know one of the reasons why I am feeling sad, you are in the same boat as me...so a prayer would be appreciated, the other reason I'll share later if necessary.
Swim class is this evening, 2nd last one before I move onto the intermediate class.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Vitalize
Had my lactate acid threshold tested today, as well as my weight, measurements and body fat measured at Vitalize (http://www.vitalize/) my new heart rate is 150 (but we are monitoring it). The whole thing was very interesting and no not painful, except for the fact that my body fat is quite high and I need to lose weight, my goal for weight lose is about 18 pounds (I'll be super skinney) so have to cut out some of my wine and def. no sweets!
My coach Grant is great, every interesting man (you can read his bio on the website) and I like the relaxed way the training is done, ETZ.
Off to bed soon, doing a 26K run tomrrow so need my sleep.
My coach Grant is great, every interesting man (you can read his bio on the website) and I like the relaxed way the training is done, ETZ.
Off to bed soon, doing a 26K run tomrrow so need my sleep.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Then Event Has Been Chosen
I have finally done it, I have registered for my 1st Half Iron and it will be the Sylvan Lake Half Iron http://www.outbackevents.ca/Sylvan%20Lake%20Tri/Course%20Information.htm.
I am still pinching myself that this is actually going to happen and that on July 22, 2012 I'll be able to scatch this off my bucket list.
Is it too early to start thinking about a Full Ironman?
I am still pinching myself that this is actually going to happen and that on July 22, 2012 I'll be able to scatch this off my bucket list.
Is it too early to start thinking about a Full Ironman?
Thursday, October 20, 2011
First Week of Ironman Training
Week 1 done, it wasn't that bad but of course I had to pick my first week of training to catch a cold! Training comes with ups and downs.
So you ask, what part do I enjoy the most?
The running is easier than what I was doing in the RR - I am running to HR so going a little slow but I have tons more energy when I am done. I don't run distance I run to time and have to, HAVE TO, warm up and cool down before each run and this counts as part of the time. LOVE IT
Biking, well I like the biking. Did my first class Saturday morning @ 8 a.m. about 80 minutes then this week did 45 minutes in my basement with Ipod blaring (my hubbie laughs cause I sing out loud and apparently I am not that good, I thought I sounded great).
Swimming - quite like the new type of swimming I am doing TI, nice and relaxed.
My coaches are great and very helpful.
The only bad thing, am not spending as much time with my Goofies during the week as I would like my IFM training is taking over my weekends nights, but I knew this would happen and I don't get to sleep in as much as I use to, ok I won't get to for about 8 months.
However, still have decided on my race yet but I am betting it is going to be Sylvan Lake (if only they would get their registration open I am dying to sign up).
So you ask, what part do I enjoy the most?
The running is easier than what I was doing in the RR - I am running to HR so going a little slow but I have tons more energy when I am done. I don't run distance I run to time and have to, HAVE TO, warm up and cool down before each run and this counts as part of the time. LOVE IT
Biking, well I like the biking. Did my first class Saturday morning @ 8 a.m. about 80 minutes then this week did 45 minutes in my basement with Ipod blaring (my hubbie laughs cause I sing out loud and apparently I am not that good, I thought I sounded great).
Swimming - quite like the new type of swimming I am doing TI, nice and relaxed.
My coaches are great and very helpful.
The only bad thing, am not spending as much time with my Goofies during the week as I would like my IFM training is taking over my weekends nights, but I knew this would happen and I don't get to sleep in as much as I use to, ok I won't get to for about 8 months.
However, still have decided on my race yet but I am betting it is going to be Sylvan Lake (if only they would get their registration open I am dying to sign up).
Monday, October 17, 2011
Which Race Should I Do?
Well, the buzz around the water cooler is there is a potential that the Calgary 70.3 may not happen next year. Of course this could suck for me, this has been my bucket list race for about two years now. Of course after I heard the rumor I thought I better get my act together and get myself signed up so some 1/2 Ironman somewhere soon.
Choices I have are: Oliver, BC, Sylvan Lake and the Great White North.
A number of people I know have signed up for GWN so I would know people, Sylvan is close so hopefully friends would come a watch and Oliver, BC the water will be warmer.
By the end of the week I will have made up my mind but if you can help me in anyway make a decision I'd sure appreciate your help.
Thanks....
Monday, October 10, 2011
Ghost Lake Looks Cold
Hubbie and I drove to Kelowna this weekend to spend time with friends as well as allow me to be a pace bunny for the Okanagan Half Marathon. My goal as the 2:45 pace bunny was to get my peeps across the finish line at 2:45 and that is exactly what I did!
I was very proud of myself, I had to maintain a 7:40 pace and keep my peeps on target each 2K in order to get us across the finish line at 2:45.
Now, on our way back from Kelowna my hubbie point out Ghost Lake to me....it look figgin cold (this is the lake that the 70.3 uses for the half ironman) burrrr. Might have to sit in and ice cold bath to get my body use to being in this cold lake.
Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving, me I'll have to do a lot of running (besides the 21.1K I did this weekend) to wear off the wine and turkey I consumed.
I was very proud of myself, I had to maintain a 7:40 pace and keep my peeps on target each 2K in order to get us across the finish line at 2:45.
Now, on our way back from Kelowna my hubbie point out Ghost Lake to me....it look figgin cold (this is the lake that the 70.3 uses for the half ironman) burrrr. Might have to sit in and ice cold bath to get my body use to being in this cold lake.
Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving, me I'll have to do a lot of running (besides the 21.1K I did this weekend) to wear off the wine and turkey I consumed.
Thursday, October 06, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
My Favourite Time Of Year...
Is fall, everything is changing, the colors are so beautiful and the temp is just right for running (although this monring it was a bit cold to start but we soon warmed up).
Great 13K run thru Woodbine and Fish Creek thanks to Cindy A., however there was 1 hill (it was just a small one). We all did well, our legs were a little tired from doing 8K yesterday but we did a great job and the conversation was brillant.
Feeling pretty good.
Great 13K run thru Woodbine and Fish Creek thanks to Cindy A., however there was 1 hill (it was just a small one). We all did well, our legs were a little tired from doing 8K yesterday but we did a great job and the conversation was brillant.
Feeling pretty good.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Feeling Better
Well, now that I have calmed down (soaked in the fact that I am going to be broke for the rest of my life - repairing my mini will cost $7,000) and went for a wonderful 8K run this morning with my fab running group, I am finally feeling better.
Doing a double run this weekend - 13K tomorrow and am really looking forward to it.
Goofy - here I come.
Doing a double run this weekend - 13K tomorrow and am really looking forward to it.
Goofy - here I come.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Is Someone Dropping Me A Hint
Car broke down, missed first night of swim class with my new coach for Ironman Training.
Feeling low, depressed and really bummed out.
Feeling low, depressed and really bummed out.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Strathmore Tri
My third tri of the year happens tomorrow in sunny Strathmore (500m swim, 20K ride and 5K run). My heat starts @ 10:10 approximately for the swim.
Wish me luck.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
70.3 Ironman - Team Wilson!
Registration for the 70.3 opens next month for August 5, 2012 Ironman here in Calgary.
So, mark your calendars cause I am registering and I need all the support that day I can get - yahoo Team Wilson.
So, mark your calendars cause I am registering and I need all the support that day I can get - yahoo Team Wilson.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless - Sherry Anderson
SATURDAY
I spent the better part of today (Saturday) at the Westin with a friend of my, Kathy, volunteering (package pickup) for the 73.3 1/2 Ironman which takes place tomorrow starting from Ghost Lake. It was great to meet all the men and women who were taking part in this race.
One lady I talked to was doing this race for the first time, over the last two years she had lost 300 pounds and is doing this race as her celebration race (she has only done two sprint tri's in the last two years). I meet a women who came in from New Mexico to do this race and several people from the NWT, a lovely lady from the states (forgot where) who grew up in Calgary and was back to do this race for the first time..her family, old high school teachers and high school friends are going to meet her at the finish line to cheer her in as she crosses that finish line.
SUNDAY - RACE DAY
I spent the better part of today (Saturday) at the Westin with a friend of my, Kathy, volunteering (package pickup) for the 73.3 1/2 Ironman which takes place tomorrow starting from Ghost Lake. It was great to meet all the men and women who were taking part in this race.
One lady I talked to was doing this race for the first time, over the last two years she had lost 300 pounds and is doing this race as her celebration race (she has only done two sprint tri's in the last two years). I meet a women who came in from New Mexico to do this race and several people from the NWT, a lovely lady from the states (forgot where) who grew up in Calgary and was back to do this race for the first time..her family, old high school teachers and high school friends are going to meet her at the finish line to cheer her in as she crosses that finish line.
SUNDAY - RACE DAY
This morning I woke at 2:45 a.m. to make my way to the Westin to volunteer for the body marking OF the athletes taking part in the 73.3 Ironman. If I was tired I can't imagine how the athletes felt having to get up so early in order to catch a 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45 or 5 a.m. bus to drive 45 minutes to Ghost Lake and wait their turn to do their swim.
It was a great morning, the athletes were very appreciative and I really did not mind getting up so early so early. My job was the volunteer in charge of the volunteers - ensuring that they understood what they needed to do (how to body mark, where etc..) and I needed to make sure that the athletes got on their correct bus and no one was left behind.
As the athletes got on the bus I asked "do you have your chip, do you have your helmet, do you have your wet suit, have you been marked" and it is a good thing these questions were asked as some did forget one of two of these items.
By 5:10 a.m. all buses were gone and I was on my way back home to go to bed, but many other volunteers were headed off to volunteer more of their time/rest of their day elsewhere in the race..and for that I am grateful. You see next year this is my goal race and I can only hope that the same fantastic volunteers who helped out with this event are there next year to help again.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Maria's First Gran Fondo
So,you ask, what does Gran Fondo mean? Gran Fondo means long distance or great endurance.
Yesterday I participated in my Gran Fondo first bike race, the distanced varied 170K, 140K, 100K and 60K and because it was my first Fondo I choose the 60K (which as it turned out was 67K).
START - Nanton just west of the intersection of Highway 2 and 18th Street, on 18th Street.
WEST- 26th Ave to highway 533. Head right on 533 and head west to 22.
SOUTH- 22 to the Maycroft turn off.
RETURN - the same route the same way.
I cannot say anything bad about this race:
- Jersey's are bright and I will take pride in wearing it.
- Lots of parking.
- Great, friendly competitors.
- Race route was hilly and hard (a true Gran Fondo).
- Lots of door prizes were given out.
- Only 400 participants.
- Food afterwards was brilliant.
They do say that any bike is permitted, trust me you need a road bike.
I hope to do many of these races in the future and would higly recommend them.
Yesterday I participated in my Gran Fondo first bike race, the distanced varied 170K, 140K, 100K and 60K and because it was my first Fondo I choose the 60K (which as it turned out was 67K).
START - Nanton just west of the intersection of Highway 2 and 18th Street, on 18th Street.
WEST- 26th Ave to highway 533. Head right on 533 and head west to 22.
SOUTH- 22 to the Maycroft turn off.
RETURN - the same route the same way.
I cannot say anything bad about this race:
- Jersey's are bright and I will take pride in wearing it.
- Lots of parking.
- Great, friendly competitors.
- Race route was hilly and hard (a true Gran Fondo).
- Lots of door prizes were given out.
- Only 400 participants.
- Food afterwards was brilliant.
They do say that any bike is permitted, trust me you need a road bike.
I hope to do many of these races in the future and would higly recommend them.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Huge Butt?
I finally realized just how huge my butt was getting (I won't bore you with the details of how I came to this conclusion) but decided I had been sitting around procrastinating long enough. So today I am back in the "training" saddle.
I have one year till I do my first 1/2 ironman so figured I had to get my head, heart and body back in shape!
Watch this space for futher weekly updates.
Saturday, June 04, 2011
Did Better Than I Thought - Yes I Rock
Ok, times are in for my Vulcan Tri and to be honest I think I am a bad judge of what I can do. I thought it would take me about 2:15 - 2:30 to complete all three events today (I am basing this on my last tri where the distances where shorter but it took me 51 minutes to complete the events). So I allowed 2:15 for myself.
Here is what I actually did including transitions:
500M Swim 15:20 WOW I ROCK!
15K Bike 39:52 very happy with this time.
5K Run 31:57 seconds AMAZING ME!
Total time 1:27 minutes - yes 1 hour 27 minutes - you heard me correctly.
Yehaaaaaa me - I can hardly contain my happiness.
Vulcan Tinman
So I had to get up pretty early for this one - left the house at 5 a.m. this morning to drive to Vulcan. No traffic meant that I was a little early - got there at 6:30 a.m. (I might have been speeding slightly).
I checked in, got my bib and numbers put on my body (with ink that won't come off for another week), had my biked looked at and then waited for my swim.
500M SWIM....Originally my heat was 8:00 a.m. because I said it would take me 20+ minutes (not sure what I swam it in). I got in early in the swim about 7:45 a.m. and it was bloody cold! Did my 500M swim, took it nice and easy and only shared the lane with 2 others people.
SWIM TO BIKE TRANSITION - Not to bad this go round, as I said it was cold so I ran my ass to my bike and quickly changed into biking gear, this transition stuff is what I need to get use to cause you can eat up a lot of your time.
15K BIKE - Love the biking. This route was flat with a slight hill near the turnarond. Found it easy going out but on the way back it was windy. No problem, I was hydrating and eating on the bike and I love the bike even thou it was windy I felt like I coasted.
I even picked people to pass on my bike....loved it.
BIKE TO RUN TRANSITION - Again getting use to this bit.
Did a lot of stuff wrong when I got ready for my run. First I left my number belt at home so had to wear my bib on my shirt - now when you do a tri you wear the number on the back when biking and front running. So I had my shirt on backwards for the run so my number would be on the back (what was the point thou it was covered up by my jacket - it was cold). I had to turn my shirt around during transition so that my bib would be on the front for the run.
I packed my fuel belt for the run but in my transition when I put it on I forgot to put my water on the belt so ran 5K with a totally empty fuel belt. It was all for looks.
5K RUN - I don't know what it is but even thou I had jello legs I was maintaining race pace (6:30) during my 5K run. I took no breaks (well I had someone take my photo that took 5 secs) and felt really good during the run.
I finished at around 9:24 a.m. so that was that. I had heard that the Vulcan Tinman had great food but at 9:30 a.m. they don't have that stuff ready, all they had was orange and milk (yuck)! There was no shirt, even thou it clearly said on the race info that I should pick up my shirt after I was done - I got a bag instead (don't need another bag) but wanted a race shirt. Don't they give these out for Tri's?
As I was all by myself I packed everything up, drove to Fran's for coffee and then came home. Was home by 12:15 p.m. and that is that.
Update later on my time for everything.
I checked in, got my bib and numbers put on my body (with ink that won't come off for another week), had my biked looked at and then waited for my swim.
500M SWIM....Originally my heat was 8:00 a.m. because I said it would take me 20+ minutes (not sure what I swam it in). I got in early in the swim about 7:45 a.m. and it was bloody cold! Did my 500M swim, took it nice and easy and only shared the lane with 2 others people.
SWIM TO BIKE TRANSITION - Not to bad this go round, as I said it was cold so I ran my ass to my bike and quickly changed into biking gear, this transition stuff is what I need to get use to cause you can eat up a lot of your time.
15K BIKE - Love the biking. This route was flat with a slight hill near the turnarond. Found it easy going out but on the way back it was windy. No problem, I was hydrating and eating on the bike and I love the bike even thou it was windy I felt like I coasted.
I even picked people to pass on my bike....loved it.
BIKE TO RUN TRANSITION - Again getting use to this bit.
Did a lot of stuff wrong when I got ready for my run. First I left my number belt at home so had to wear my bib on my shirt - now when you do a tri you wear the number on the back when biking and front running. So I had my shirt on backwards for the run so my number would be on the back (what was the point thou it was covered up by my jacket - it was cold). I had to turn my shirt around during transition so that my bib would be on the front for the run.
I packed my fuel belt for the run but in my transition when I put it on I forgot to put my water on the belt so ran 5K with a totally empty fuel belt. It was all for looks.
5K RUN - I don't know what it is but even thou I had jello legs I was maintaining race pace (6:30) during my 5K run. I took no breaks (well I had someone take my photo that took 5 secs) and felt really good during the run.
I finished at around 9:24 a.m. so that was that. I had heard that the Vulcan Tinman had great food but at 9:30 a.m. they don't have that stuff ready, all they had was orange and milk (yuck)! There was no shirt, even thou it clearly said on the race info that I should pick up my shirt after I was done - I got a bag instead (don't need another bag) but wanted a race shirt. Don't they give these out for Tri's?
As I was all by myself I packed everything up, drove to Fran's for coffee and then came home. Was home by 12:15 p.m. and that is that.
Update later on my time for everything.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Yah...I am not ready.
Ok, didn't I say that before?
Oh well, this week I have just rested after doing the 1/2 marathon on the weekend. My arm is killing me and I am just plain old tired and lacking motivation. I know, I know me lacking motivation - well I better pull some out of the bag soon cause I am getting up to drive to Vulcan to do my 2nd tri this weekend.
Again, not worried about but I know that once I start my actual training next year for the 1/2 iron man I will need to be way more committed than I am right now. I have asked my coach to cut back on my training schedule (distance only) for June and July, this will allow me to keep up better with the schedule. Except for Sat's when I'll be running LSD distance with a friend of mine who is training for his full marathon in August.
Off the tri topic for a minute - what do you think? If a person trians for a full then don't you think she should do the full or just the half. WHAT ARE YOU THOUGHTS?
Ok...back to the tri - I'll keep you all posted on the outcome. Keep me in your thoughts.
Oh well, this week I have just rested after doing the 1/2 marathon on the weekend. My arm is killing me and I am just plain old tired and lacking motivation. I know, I know me lacking motivation - well I better pull some out of the bag soon cause I am getting up to drive to Vulcan to do my 2nd tri this weekend.
Again, not worried about but I know that once I start my actual training next year for the 1/2 iron man I will need to be way more committed than I am right now. I have asked my coach to cut back on my training schedule (distance only) for June and July, this will allow me to keep up better with the schedule. Except for Sat's when I'll be running LSD distance with a friend of mine who is training for his full marathon in August.
Off the tri topic for a minute - what do you think? If a person trians for a full then don't you think she should do the full or just the half. WHAT ARE YOU THOUGHTS?
Ok...back to the tri - I'll keep you all posted on the outcome. Keep me in your thoughts.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
What A Great Race
Calgary 1/2 Marathon
Had a great nights sleep, was calm and positive at the start, my friends were there to support me and the energy was fantastic.
I started and finished this wonderful race with two great ladies, Jackie and Jennifer, we kept a great pace, talked, laughed and had just a blast. And, we obtained our goal time - excellent!