Last night...again!

I went to the gym...harder than I thought, but I'm back in it!

20 minutes on the bike and 5 miles...after a .5 mile walk/run warm up! It's gotta get easier, right?

Starting Today!

Woo Hoo! Starting back on my training today...tonight, it's a bike ride at the Gym!

Need to...

start training...next TRI on Saturday, September 19th! Only 38 days away!!!

Track time...

I got out again this morning and did a 2 mile, run and walk. I ran the "straight aways" and walked the curves. 2 miles in 26 minutes. I'm getting there. I WILL run the entire time on my next TRI!

Days away from the wedding....

The Hill...that's all!

I did my 24 minute loop with the BIG hill and weights....it's all I had in me this morning. A few too many "Vodka" margaritas last night!!!

Off work...but still to the gym!

Rich headed off to work...and me to the gym!

I sweated...and "left it all at the gym"!!! WOO HOO! Now, I feel great!

First, I did the bike for 35 minutes and 9.5 miles...then the treadmill for 25 minutes and 2.0 miles...walking 16 minutes and running 9 minutes.

I'm back at it!!!

Ditto Hump Day...

I did the hill again today with weights...one time and a speed walk around the neighborhood. It feels so great to get out and start my day ...fresh air, birds chirping...it's AWESOME!

Here's to a great weekend!

Hump Day...

I didn't want to...but I did it.

I faced the hill at 6am today with my old lady weights and went to town and then "worked" it all over the neighborhood....only one up and down, but one all around.

Then....

after work I hit up the gym and did the elliptical for 34 minutes and 3 miles. Woo hoo! Good Day!

Back at it...

I did it...went to the gym (after an almost 3 week hiatus)....

9 miles on the bike in 25 minutes
1.5 miles on the treadmill in 22 minutes

It was good to get back in the swing of things...love it!

I'm convincing...

so, I must be pretty darn convincing that doing "TRI's" are fun, because one of my friends is going to do the Cottage Lake TRI with me in September. Can't wait to see how we do. GO TEAM!!!

Round 2...

I've signed up for a "Mini" Tri in September...with all the wedding craziness and honeymoon, etc....my training will be a little hectic....so I decided to do a Mini-Tri....plus, tailgating season will have already begun.

haha! So here it is. I'm doing the Cottage Lake Mini Tri on Saturday, September 19th. Woo hoo!

400 yard swim
9 mile bike
1.5 mile run

I start my first round of training tonight!!!

I did it!

Now...I just need to DO IT BETTER!!!

I'm happy that I finished...but now I know that I can do better! My goal was under 2 hours and I did that...next time...drop 15 minutes and do it under 1 hour and 35 minutes!!!

Here I go!Now, I just need to find what race to do now!!!

Another day, another hill...

Didn't make it to the ride last night...belly not doing well....but I did do the hill today...2 times!

48 hours from now...I will be participating in my 1st TRI!

WOO HOO!

Mini Tri

I did it...

I went alone....

Saw "Danielle" who I had met 2 weeks ago and decided to do it!

With wetsuit on, I completed 1/4 mile swim and moved on to my 5.5 mile bike and 1.5 mile run (WALK).

It was great...I'm still nervous for Saturday, but know that I can do it.

It's all about completing it! Tonight it's off for a Luna Bike ride!

The hills have walkers...

or at least a few...at 5:30am. I did it...I got up, I walked, I conquered. I did the BIG HILL 2 times this morning, 9 minutes a piece, for a total of 24 minutes of walking today.

Off to the "Mini" Tri after work....I'm excited!

11 miles on Sammamish Trail...

11 miles on the open road (or trail)....in 45 minutes...that was my Sunday evening ride!

Tomorrow is an early morning ride....and relax tomorrow night!

1 week...

So with 1 week left...the adrenaline has "kind of" kicked in. I'm powering through the pain...have my week schedule in my mind and am setting myself up to FINISH the race!

Today, I headed to the gym and did my indoor-TRI....I finished in 1 hour and 41 minutes, which is faster than before, but my swimming was where I struggled. My shoulder and swimming are NOT, I repeat, ARE NOT a good match.

Off to bike/run tomorrow...
Monday off...
Mini-Tri on Tuesday...
20 mile Bike on Wednesday...
Thursday and Friday...some brisk walks around the neighborhood to keep my blood pumping.

GOOD TIMES!

Down - Not Out!

I had a minor set back last week...when I experience a "BAD" fall at work on Thursday. I messed my shoulder up pretty bad and bruised my leg from buns to ankle.

The pain was so bad that I couldn't lift my arm to 50% until today...I tried to hit the gym and had "minor" success.

I swam 1/4 mile and walk/ran 1.5 miles. That's it...it's all I could do. My TRI is only 1.5 weeks away...and I'm struggling.

I know that I will finish...I'm just bummed with all the work I've put in.

20 freakin' miles!

Yes, you read that right!

I RODE 20 MILES ON MY BIKE TONIGHT!!!

Marymoor Park to Bothell and back....it was GREAT!

All of this on a 90 degree day...and after doing 3 miles on the Treadmill at the gym!

Pretty awesome day!

Only 17 days until my 1st TRIATHLON!!!

I be Swimmin'

I didn't want to...but I went anyway!

A little over a half-mile in 25 minutes...not good, but it was just to keep my muscles moving today...my head was not in it!!!

Kick off the week right...

I got the week started right today...I headed to the gym directly after work and did a quick 2 mile warm up on the bike, then did 2.5 miles on the treadmill. It was a great warm-up for my 45 minute OPEN WATER SWIM.

WOW!

I've swam my entire life...but for some reason, swimming in a lake with a wetsuit on is just weird.

It's awkward.
It's heavy.
It's buoyant.
Plus, it makes your arms heavier...compresses your chest...and basically makes it really hard to swim. Very happy that I got in the water this early...now I have more time to practice.

Back to the pool tomorrow...

Open Water Swim!

For the first time....(since I began training)...I'm going for an open water swim with Rich tonight! I have my wetsuit packed and ready to go!!!

Quick Sunday Stroll!

I have a busy day ahead of me...but I managed to get up and go for a 2.5 mile POWER walk in about 30 minutes....I was treking...swings arms and all!

Another day...another practice TRI!

Headed to the gym at 7am today to do another practice TRI....I'm only 3 weeks away and still struggling with some things. The worst part about today was that I forgot my bike shorts...so I was going 3 miles on the bike, 1 mile on the treadmill, repeat....it was awful. My buns are killing me today.

With all the discomfort...I finished in 1 hour and 47 minutes. Good Times!!

Commitment!

Seriously, I thought I knew what commitment was...I bought a house last summer with my fiance, I'm getting married in a little over a month, I've worked full time for many years, I've studied for the CPA exam...but it was not until I started training for my first TRIATHLON when I really figured out what commitment was/is!

It's nuts! There are not enough hours in the day, or days in the weeks, or weeks in the year to get me ready for my TRI and it's only 23 days away!

I did it!

14 miles on the open road...it took 1 hour and I feel great! I definitely didn't max out...but I did get a better feel for my bike and riding with other people! Plus, I met a nice girl named Danielle. I had a major crash...but survived with no wounds! Thank God!!!

The Open Road...

Today, I made it out on the open road and took my bike for a 6.3 mile ride to my parents house. It's quite hilly and I hit some difficulty, but made it in 40 minutes. I'm still trying to get my endurance back after being sick and know that this week I am going to have to push myself the hardest yet. I'm down to 4 weeks and right now...I know I can complete the TRI...but I also know that I can do better!

Tomorrow after work I'm going to do my first Luna Chix Tri work-out and go for a 14-mile bike ride and 2-mile run. I'm crossing my fingers....

Recovery Run!

After completing the TRI yesterday, my body was a little achy today...but I decided that I must push through and do some form of training! In the heat of the day (NOT SMART)...I decided to run! I completed 2 miles in 28 minutes (with some walking and jogging). It's not the best...but it's something!

The Whole Tri!

With 4 weeks left (and a couple bad weeks of training)...I got up determined to do my entire TRI again today! I beat my last time of 1 hour and 53 minutes and completed it in 1 hour and 46 minutes!

I'm going to keep on TRI-ing this weekend and see where I get!

Monday - only 40 days left!

With only 40 days left...I hit the gym for a "power" ride! I biked 8.5 miles in 30 minutes and burned 230 Calories!

Tomorrow, I'm going to ride with the Luna Chix...and see how I do on the open road!

Biking and Learning...

So it might seem obvious to some...but I went to a new YMCA last night and learned something new on the bike....the harder the resistance at the same RPM equals higher MPHs.

Interesting...

Before, I was trying to get my RPMs the highest and not worry about the resistance...I have a whole new training plan mapped out. It involves intervals and resistance...just like I did with my running.

All in all...I did 11.4 miles on the bike in 55 minutes and burned 380 Calories! It was more of a learning day at the gym, but I still got a work out in.

Something has obviously switched in my training...I'm more dedicated and I'm having fun!

I got home last night and my wetsuit that I ordered was here. Talk about "TIGHT"....I kind of feel like Britney Spears in "Oops, I did it again"...if it was red, I would have nailed it. Anyway, I danced for Rich in the wetsuit and laughed at how the transition out of that might be my hardest.

Today is my day off....my body says THANK YOU!

New runner alert!

It wasn't a fluke...
I did it again!

Tonight, I headed to the gym, destined to see if I really could run...or if I just dreamed it all.

Nope, I did it...and faster!!!

This time I ran 27 of my 35 minutes and 10 seconds....(YES! YES! YES!) and completed my 2.8 miles and burned over 280 Calories.

I feel fantastic. My calves are a little sore...but that is what stretching is for!

And Running, Running...

So I headed to the gym after work last night...destined to "learn" how to run.

I started with a 30 minute bike warm-up and rode for 7.75 miles and burned 200 Calories...then headed over to the treadmill.

I DID IT!

I ran intervals...but in total ran for 25 of my 36.5 minutes...plus, I completed my entire 2.8 miles in 36.5 minutes. That is my personal best! I can't believe how much progress I'm making. I've never sweated like I did last night...and it felt GREAT!

Wetsuit...

I splurged tonight and bought one...I figured that I need to get out in the open water a few times before the TRI...and renting one just didn't make sense.

Wow! I'm really doing this!

I DID IT!

I completed my 1st training Triathlon! I headed to the gym at 10...entered the water at 10:12 am...and completed my .5 miles in 18 minutes. I did a quick transition and headed to the cycle room to ride my 11.2 miles. I completed this in 44 minutes and 30 seconds. After my biking, I went to the treadmill...a little exhausted, but wanting to finish what I started, I decided to just walk it. I completed my 2.8 miles in 43 minutes.

All in all...I felt great and know that I could have pushed myself harder...but I'm continuing to learn and grow and know what my body can do!

TRI attempt #1 - 1 hour, 53 minutes (from in the pool until done with run including transitions!)

Back in it!

Went for my 30 minutes power walk this morning...down and up the hill and around the neighborhood. I think that it is about 2 miles...and I did it in 26 minutes.

Hoping to get on my bike later today...if the rain holds off! Otherwise, it's off to the gym!

Rough shape...

I'm walking with a limp today...and it's not because I'm cool. I hit my foot at the pool last night and broke part of my pinkie toe nail...and then got up this morning and went for a walk...and got a huge blister on the ball of my same foot.

Rough times! I put a bandaid on and am working through the pain! Better now...than closer to the TRI!

So, that's it...I walked for 2 miles today...did the big hill and headed by home. I'm hoping to start being about to do the hit 3 or 4 times and eventually running too!

Game on!

Day 2...almost a big win!

I didn't make it up for the walk/jog this morning (due to rain)...but I did make it to the pool after work. Woo hoo! I did 3 sets of 16 in 30 minutes!

Kicked back into working out...

by PURE EMBARRASSMENT.

Picture this...my future husband's mom, i.e. my future Mother-in-Law was at lunch with us yesterday and she said that she had asked Rich how my training was going...and he said "You better ask Stacie"....otherwise known as...not well.

It's true...I fell off the wagon. I got sick of training...I don't know how to run...and I'm not sure that is going to happen by June 20th...but I decided today, I'm going to TRI my hardest and do the best I can.

NO EXCUSES!

The alarm went off at 5am today and there was no way that was happening...so I reset for 6am and went for a 2 mile jaunt around the track. It was 30 minutes...but it was the FIRST step in the right direction in a while.

I have a little over 1.5 months to go...and I'm going to give it my all! Here goes!

Riding the Bike...

It was beautiful outside when I got home from work last night...so I decided to take my "maiden" journey on the new bike!

It was great...a little awkward at first, but once I got the hang of it...it was great! So excited to get out there again.

Saturday...

Walk/Run...I woke up today and it was BEAUTIFUL outside. I did a 3 mile walk/run loop through my neighborhood...then went down to Bothell Ski and Bike and got a NEW BIKE!

Yeah, I'm almost set.

Ordered my Tri-Suit on Wednesday and now a bike! I'm getting closer to nailing this TRI!

Week 3...Getting Stronger!

Over the weekend, I got up on Saturday and did a 2 mile walk....

Today, I did my full 2.8 miles run-walk in 39 minutes and 270 Calories...then, I hit up the bike for 5 miles, 22 minutes and 133 more Calories.

Still plugging along!

A little more...

today...30 minutes bike...10.5 miles and 150 Calories...10 minute walk/jog! That's it folks!

Oops! Real Week 2!

Week 2 of my new training schedule actually started today! After a busy weekend at my parent's house, it was nice to hit the gym tonight! The nice weather was fantastic too!

30 minute bike - 7.45 miles - 203 Calories
20 minute walk/jog - 4 walk/ 2 jog intervals for 1.4 miles and 130 Calories....it was nice because I made it through my running and thought that I could push myself for more! I will be running 1 mile in no time!

Week 2, Day 3 and 4!

Day 3 was a bust!
Day 4 was a bike! Haha! Did a power 30 on the bike...7.3 miles and 200 calories!

Week 2, Day 2!

Swim, and I swam! Cold and all! 34 laps...under 20 minutes! I'm getting pumped!

Week 2, Day 1!

Over the hump...of my sickness! I spent the weekend SICK...and in Sun Valley!

Today, I hit the gym with renewed force and did my "walk-run" per the learning to run a 5k, week 2.

I started out on the treadmill and did 5 walk, 2 run repeat 3 times for a total of 1.7 miles, 150 calories and 25 minutes.

I then jumped up and hit the bike for 30 minutes, 6.3 miles and 172 calories.

After eating anything I wanted all weekend...I plan to be a LITTLE better this week!

Week 1, Day 3...

Down, but not out. I woke up with a start to a cold today...and as the day progressed, it only got worse. Last week...I would have said that this was a great EXCUSE not to go to the gym...but not this week...I powered through and just took it a little easy.

I did my walk/run combo like I was planning on, walk 4 minutes, run 1 minute, repeat 3 times...and completed 1.3 miles and burned 109 calories....

then, I took it easy on the bike and rode for 15 minutes, 4 miles and 100 calories...

Off to get some rest and drink lots of fluids...I'm so proud of myself, I was down to 133.2 lbs this morning. Yippee!

Splish, Splash...

I did it...20 minutes, back in the pool...and I feel great!

Week 1, Day 1!

So far, so good! I followed my Day 1, Week 1 plan...

First, I went on the bike and did 2 minute sprints, 2 minute high resistance...for 30 minutes. I completed 7.5 miles and burned over 200 calories...



Then, I did a run/walk combo - per the "learning how to run a 5k" blog. I walked 4 minutes, ran 1 minute and repeated 3 times...for a total of 20 minutes. I went appx. 1.5 miles. Woo hoo!

Seriously...

I had a freak out today that my wedding is only 4 short months away...and therefore, I knew that my Triathlon was only 3 months and 3 days away...this got me thinking.

1. I really need to step it up.
2. I need to outline my goals and stick to them (but understand if something comes up and I miss a work out that doesn't give me an out for the rest of the week...but I will need to continue to work harder to make up for the missed day).
3. Understand that I am busy with the wedding, but I am only trying to fit in appx. 7hours (at most) of work outs per week.
4. Know that I have time in the morning, after work or even evenings (if needed)!
5. STICK WITH IT! It will be worth it.

I'm getting excited...scared...nervous...competitive...and ready to do this! I have even posted my spreadsheet at work to help keep me motivated.

Do-Run-Run-Run...

New week...new focus...after many days of doing nothing and eating poorly (i.e. Taco Bell and Dick's)...I've entered this week with a new attitude.

Typically Mondays...I try the Bike/Walk combo...well, today, I decided I needed to start running or I never would.

I went on the treadmill for 30 minutes and did 3 - 3 minute (.25 mile) runs and 1 - 2 minute (.17 mile) run...with a bunch of speed walking in between. Combined I walk/ran for 2.1 miles and 265 calories....not bad for my 1st day back to the run. I'm still shooting for a 1 mile consecutive run by March 31st!

After my time on the treadmill, I headed to the A/C bike and worked my arms and legs. I did high (20+) resistance on my arms and low (2+) resistance on my legs. I rode for 20 minutes and completed 5.2 miles and burned 72 calories.

Let's keep the roll running!

Sit and Spin...

all I can say is WHOA! Not quite sure who I am today....

First, I warmed up by doing a 4% incline on the treadmill for 30 minutes burning 170 calories and walking 1.75 miles...then, this is where it gets crazy...

I WENT TO SPIN CLASS! Wow...my buns and thighs are still burning.

Note to self: Next time, I will bring:

• 2 towels
• More water
• and WEAR MY BIKE SHORTS!!!

Ok, 2 days in a row...can I make it 3?!?!?!?!

Poop floats...

but most people at the YMCA don't.

DON'T ASK! I hadn't been swimming in a little bit because I was frustrated with the people who don't know how the lanes work....well, after tonight's swim, I would gladly welcome all those fru-fru's back to the pool.

Enough about that...I came, I swam, I elipt'd, I conquered!

Swim - 20 minutes, 30 lengths (I wanted to do more but couldn't deal with my company in the pool)

Elliptical - 25 minutes, 2.35 miles, 250 calories

Done and DONE!

Who's your Daddy?!?!

Ok, hopefully NOT ME...but after a week of NO progress...I got up bright and early Saturday morning and did THE POWER HOUR.

30 minutes Bike - 6.8 miles - 188 calories
30 minutes Walk - 2.0 miles - 180 calories

I feel SO much better and am ready to START my weekend!

Last night...

Well, it was a crazy Monday at work...but that is no excuse....I didn't go to the gym, but Rich and I did go for a 2 mile walk. Back to the gym tonight for a Swim/Run Combo! The TRI is fastly approaching.

My Goals for March...

1. Work out 4 days EACH week (5 and 6, if possible).
2. Run 1 mile without stopping
3. Bike 11.2 miles in less than 40 minutes

I am going to work hard this month and get ready to DO THIS!!! Hopefully, I will get my bike soon too and will be able to head out on the streets!

Down...but not out!

Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I had hit a plateau and POOF...this morning, I'm down! On my way to my goal. WOO HOO!!!

Ditto Monday!

I did it...back on the saddle. This week has been HARD for me to find time!

50 minutes on the bike for 11.5 miles and 330 calories. Off to the UW basketball game to "sweat" a little more!

Woo hoo!

Just another day in paradise....

Yes, another day! I debated and debated, to go...or not to go....that was the BIG question! Well, I ended up going and now I feel better.

I did "sprints" on the bike....10 minute warm-up, then 1 minute on (110 rpm), 1 minute off (70 rpm)...all in all, I did 11.5 miles in 48 minutes and burned 230 calories. My goal is to get my 11.2 under 40 minutes by March 15th!

Wish me luck!

Call me TURBO!

Today I went ALL OUT. I mean ALL OUT!

It felt awesome. I swam for a little under 20 minutes and did my half mile...then I "transitioned" into my biking. I toweled off, put my bike shorts on and biked for 35 minutes...and 8.25 miles (215 Calories).

I feel AWESOME! My adrenaline is going and I feel like I can actually do this!

The pool was packed...

Wow! I got to the pool last night a little after 5pm and it was PACKED! There were only 2 lanes open for lap swim, one lane had 4 people in it, the other had 1. I selected the lane with 1.....

NOT A GOOD DECISION!

I swam with a "gentleman" who took up the entire lane...not because of his size, but because he swam straight down the middle of the lane. If I went to pass him, he moved left as I moved left or right as I moved right. A few times I had to do "half-laps" just to put enough space between us.

It was so frustrating. I understand that everyone has a right to swim at their own speed, but when you are not being considerate of others....it SUCKS! I even chipped my toenail on the side because he was hogging so much of the lane.

I swam my half mile and got the heck out of there...it was 18 minutes of POWER swimming and I WAS DONE!!!

ENDURANCE!

Today...I did it!

I walked for 2.9 miles...and rode the bike for 11.2 miles. Overall, it wasn't a speed day, it was all about GETTING IT DONE! I walked a constant 4.0-4.2 mphs and burnt 230 calories....then biked a constant 93 to 100 rpms and burnt 36o calories. It was a LONG work-out...but I'm glad I did it! I am going to shoot to do endurance on Mondays and speed on Wednesdays. At least for this week!

Coal Creek Hike!

Woo hoo! We did it...Rich and I went on about a 5 mile hike today! Then we went and checked out some bikes at Performance in Redmond! I didn't make the splurge yet, but I have a better idea of what I'm looking for!

This weekend!

This weekend Rich and I plan on going a LONG "Valentine's Day Hike"...plus, I plan to hit up the gym a few times to make up for my "unofficial" day off yesterday and my "official" day off today!

Wish me luck! I'll be running 3 miles before I know it!

Ouch! Hump Day!

I went for a ride last night...6.6 miles in 30 minutes and then headed over for a run. I started up on the treadmill and nearly collapsed. Besides not eating all day, my shins started aching. IT WAS NOT GOOD. I decided to walk it off and give myself a little break for the rest of the night.

Here's to that being the only pain during training!

Fat Tuesday!

I came home from work on Tuesday with a major headache and couldn't face going for a swim....I laid down for a bit and when I got up FELT SO MUCH BETTER!

Rich and I ended up going for a walk down and up our BIG hill 2 times...it was only about a 1.5 mile walk...but we got out there!

Weekends blow...

So I was a complete loser all weekend and DID NOT work out at all...I did read a little of my new Tri book...so I guess, I exercised my mind!

Tonight I headed back to the gym after work for my Monday - Run/Bike combo. I started on the treadmill and did 13/17 (walk/run) in 30 minutes for 190 calories and 2.1 miles...

Then I hit the "all" bike and worked my arms and legs for another 30 minutes...8 miles and 120 calories...

It was a MONDAY in all senses of the word and am just glad to have my workout done and some time to lounge!

4 for 4!

Woo hoo! Day 4 of this week...and I've successfully completed 4 workouts! Yippee!

I learned that the pool I swim at is a 25 yard pool...so it is appx. 36 lengths for a 1/2 mile. My goal is to get up to a full mile by month end and then shoot for more as time goes on.

For today, I swam a total of 40 lengths...with only 1 break (about 1 minute) between lap 20 and 21. I'm feeling so much more confident about my swimming and can't wait until I feel this good about my running!

Tomorrow is my day off...then back to the workouts on Saturday!

Two-Four-2009

Ok, so today was a LITTLE ROUGH. I mean, I packed my work-out bag, I packed my lunch, I even packed coffee this morning for Rich and I...what I didn't pack was my sports bra. Yikes! I never really understood the fuss until I tried to run in my "work" bra...and it was NOT PRETTY! I apologize to anyone at the Northshore YMCA from 5-615 tonight...I was the girl adjusting my bra constantly.

Well, even with a rough start, I managed to run/walk on the treadmill for 13/17 minutes for a total of 30 minutes, 185 calories and 2.1 miles. I can feel myself getting stronger, but am on day 3 this week and can feel it in my legs. After my time on the treadmill, I headed over to the bike and did 20 minutes, 150 calories and 4.5 miles.

I will double check my gym bag next time...but tomorrow it's back to swimming.

I also managed to pick up a few TRI books at lunch today to get me pumped and more prepared!

2/3/09

Today, still sore from my Lance Armstrong ride yesterday, went for a little swim. I mixed it up with breaststroke and freestyle and swam 40 laps in about 30 minutes. It had been a couple weeks since I was in the pool (that whole swimming with a cold thing = no good)...so it felt great.

Monday = Awesome!

Today I hit the gym after work to "blow off some steam" and biked for 30 minutes and 10.75 miles and 200 calories. I was truckin'. I then went to hit the treadmill for a walk/run and couldn't get my legs going. I walked for 15 minutes to cool down and burned 75 calories.

Back to swimming tomorrow!!! Thanks to Rich for putting up with me during this training...he even had dinner waiting for me tonight. Gosh, I'm spoiled!

Work it...own it!

Today, I worked it...and I owned it! Not so much like Julie Roberts in Pretty Woman...but I made it happen. It helped that I was jamming out to the Husky Basketball game! It's half-time and WHAT A GAME!

I did my walk/run again today, but up'd my game to 2 minute run (5.1 mph) intervals and 2 minute walk (3.6 mph) intervals. I ran for a combined 14 minutes and walked for 26 minutes, for a total of 2.5 miles and 240 calories.

I then headed over to the a/c bike and worked out my arms and legs. I completed 30 minutes, 6.5 miles and 110 calories.

I feel great and am off to cheer my DAWGS on!

Gone for the weekend...but I'll be doing some outdoor activities. Hoping to hit the pool at 5am tomorrow...but it all depends on this darn cold that WILL NOT go away!

2's day...

Another trip to the gym, after work...with all this bad weather in the morning, I just can't face the 10 minutes it takes to defrost my car at 5am...so I've become an after-work type of girl!

Tonight, I had to tackle running again and my goal was 12 minutes. I did intervals of 1 minute run (5.0mph) and 1 minute walk (3.5mph) for a total of 30 minutes, 2 miles and 175 calories.

I then headed over to the elliptical for another 30 minutes, 3.5 miles and 250 calories.

I feel great. I'm starting to get "addicted" to working out! Can't wait to check my progress in a few weeks, months, etc.!

Monday...

ho, hum, it's Monday, and a cold one at that.

I headed to the gym after work and did 20 minutes on the bike and 25 minutes on the "special" bike. The "special" bike has a full conditioning workout where you use your legs and your arms. It was fantastic.

All in all...I worked out for 45 minutes, went 10.4 miles and burned about 250 calories!

Hit the hills...

For today's workout, I hit the mountain and went tubing with a group of friends. I must have hiked the hill about 12 times...in about a 2 hour stretch. It definitely didn't fall into the Swim, Bike, Run category, but I felt the burn and even broke a sweat!

Back to the gym tomorrow!!

Brrr....

went for a FREEZING walk with Rich today. About 2 + miles to coffee and home! It's something.

I was supposed to go meet with my "trainer" at the YMCA, but it got canceled....so I made do! Tomorrow it's Tubing!!!

...again!

2 days in a row! Woo hoo!

Tonight, I did 45 minutes on the elliptical for 402 calories and 3.9 miles! Yeah!

Tomorrow, I'm taking a day off!

and then came success!

I made it to the Y after work today and got in a great work-out. Wanted to do a little more, but I got cramps in my toes...on both feet. The pain. I even had a banana before I went. Guess I'll stretch a little more next time.

This time I did the bike...with my new shorts...and boy was it a "better" ride. I might splurge for another pair...the gel kind. I added a little more resistance to my trek today and did 5 miles in 30 minutes (210 calories). Then I switched over to the elliptical for another 25 minutes and 3 miles (240 calories).

All in all...I feel great and am glad I went.

Onward and Upward!

I tried, I failed!

I was all pumped to get up and go to the gym this morning before work (since it was closed yesterday and dark by the time I got home from work)....and somebody forgot to set the alarm for the right time. Oops! Looks like I will be hitting the gym on the way home tonight!

The cleanse is working great and I'm already down a few pounds....probably has a little to do with eating better and working out too...but it's progress!

Went Running...

yeah, right! I ran for about 2 minutes until my heart was going to burst out of my chest. I wanted to make it all the way past the barn...only made it to the stop sign.

I was pretty discouraged to realize how bad at running I really am. I psyc'd myself up to try again and this time made it about 3 minutes. After my brief runs, I followed up with some good ole' fashioned, hip-shaking, grandma speed walking. I was flying...so I tried one more "test run" and made it about another 3 minutes.

Total time out 38 minutes.

Running - about 8 minutes
Speed Walking - about 30 minutes

Next time, I'm shooting to run in 5 minute intervals. I'll get there...I promise!! At least I got out there today, and now I'm not as scared to "Tri" again.

Butt hurts!!!

Maybe 50 minutes was too much!!! I had a busy day and now it hurts to sit down! Yikes! Guess that I need to get some special "Bike shorts" immediately to protect my buns and bones around there!!!

Thanks to Mike and Alex, I received some great advice on some bikes and plan on going around next weekend and trying a few out. I don't know how serious I am about this, so I'm thinking that I might buy used first. As Mike said, I can always upgrade things later!

Alright, off to soak my achy buns!

Back on the Saddle..

After few days of slacking...and recovering from "the Cleanse"...I got up bright and early today and headed to the YMCA. Just to see if I could push myself, I decided that I would try to bike 13 miles....just to see if I could.

Well, I did!

And, I did it well! I did 13.5 miles in 50 minutes. My goal was to do it in 45 minutes in 5 months...so I definitely think that I'm on my way.

Still need to look into what times "real triathletes" complete this in...but for now, I'm happy with my progress.

Next Saturday, I'm completing a "Total Body Fitness" test...to see where I am and where I need to go. Plus, help tell me how I'm going to get there!

Cleanse - Day 6!

Not good! Up until this point, I was a HUGE fan of the cleanse. I felt better. Lighter. Had more energy. Life was good. Well, I guess that was too good to be true.

I woke up at 3 am today with a splitting Migraine-style headache. My belly was rumbling and so was my head. I took some pills and went back to bed.

5am - woke up in more pain and decided that I must not work out today.

Reset the alarm for 6:30 and at that point decided that I couldn't even get out of bed.

Don't know if it's the toxins in my body or just the worst Migraine of my life. All I know is that I'm semi-recovered now...but still not able to stand up for long periods of time.

I'm going to try to take tomorrow easy and then get back on the wagon of Friday! NOT GOOD!

Biking!

So I was a little nervous...yet again, for my first day back on a bike. Could it be my broken butt that I had in high school to bring these nerves up again...possibly...or could it be the fear of not being able to do part of the Triathlon? Well, it's probably a little of both...so I took it easy my first time back on a bike in, well, let's just say 15 years!

The good news is I did 20 minutes plus a 5 minute cool down and completed 4.98 miles and burned 120 calories. Yeah! I definitely was not pushing myself too hard...so this is great for my 13 miles I have to complete in June!

Goal today is to find times for a Sprint Triathlon and set my goals accordingly. Rich and I were talking last night and came up with:

20 minutes for .5 mile swim
45 minutes for 13 mile bike
35 minutes for 3 mile run

Total - 1 hour and 40 minutes for completion. Don't know if this is good or bad...or if everyone will be packed up and gone home by the time I'm done. I figured...I need a goal to push for...well, besides the whole Triathlon thing.

Yep, I love lists and love goals. I'm a little anal!

Week 1 - Now I'm serious!

Set my alarm for 5am today to go swimming....and didn't even hit snooze. I do admit that I debated in my head for a few minutes "is this really going to be the week that I start"....well, after about 2 minutes of arguing with myself in my head...I figured today was as good as any day!

I jumped out of bed...grabbed my swimsuit and was out the door...less than 7 minutes later I was at the YMCA. With a minor hitch, I forgot my lock in the car...I was in the pool only a few minutes later. Of course, I rinsed off before getting in the pool and debated again "maybe I can just stay in this shower for 20 minutes and convince Rich that I swam?"...well, it's not Rich who is doing the Triathlon and if I don't start now, I WILL NEVER BE READY!

I got in the pool...and swam for 25 minutes. WOO HOO!

.25 mile breaststroke
.25 mile freestyle
.125 mile cool down breaststroke

I even swam over .25 miles without stopping. For not being in a pool in years...and being where I am physically...I am excited.

Pretty soon...I'll be doing the whole .50 mile and laughing at how hard it was in the beginning.

Cleanse, Drink Water, Repeat!

Today I started a full body cleanse and am excited to see how it goes. I thought that it would be a great way to "kick-start" my training and help me feel better at the same time.

My goal is to get rid of some excess waste and just allow my body to feel better.

Day 1 - 135.2 lbs

Let's see how "FULL" of it I really am.

About me!

I used to swim. I used to bike. I've never run.

It's been about 13 years since I swam competitively and about the same amount of time since I've been on a bike. I've tried my legs at running a few times...but always stop when I can feel my thighs and buns jiggle.

First step - today I purchased a "cleanse" from Whole Foods to get me all healthy as I start on my journey. I've been to the pool 2 times this week and swam 1/2 mile each time. Good start...but the real training starts next week. This week was just to EASE myself in.

I've realized already that:

a. this is going to be A LOT harder than I thought, and
b. I'm A LOT more out of shape than I thought!

My goal is to SUCCESSFULLY complete my Sprint Triathlon (1/2 mile swim, 13 mile bike and 3 mile run) and get healthy while doing it.

It should be fun and quite a journey. My spirits are high today and am excited to get started!

BRING IT ON!

I'm going to Tri...

Let me introduce myself, my name is Stacie and I'm from Bothell, WA. After a night of drinking in Pullman (go dawgs), I decided that in 2009 I was going to participate in a Triathlon. I woke up, thought about it again, and thought, WHY NOT?

I'm 29. About to be married and also about to be 30 years old. No quarter life crisis for me...it's all the third life crisis.

I got hooked on blogging when I started one for my fiance and I to chronicle our wedding plans, home purchase and life...and now thought that it would be fun to start one on my journey to my TRI.

Wish me luck. Here I will vent about training, report on how I'm doing, etc. Any words of wisdom or encouragement will be greatly appreciated.

The countdown is on!