Workout turns Rest Day, Wednesday = I Work Out!

Tuesday
The alarm went off at 5am. I shut it off and quickly convinced myself that it was silly for me to wake up so early to work out when I could sleep in and take the kids to the YMCA and work out at 8am. We were up at 7am, I was happy to get 2 more hours of sleep until I couldn't find my wallet. I PANICKED. I searched through my Tri bag from the night before, went through my Traverse, retraced my steps when I came home and couldn't find it. Then I realized I left it in the glove compartment of the car - the Echo- which Scott had taken to work. Needless to say, I didn't make it to the YMCA and we continued with our play plans at Everyone Can Play Park (hello new splash pad), lunch with family, an afternoon of thrifting, supper at Rosies and home early to go to bed put the kids to bed.  I'm not sure what time I feel asleep- I'm guessing after 10pm.

Wednesday
The alarm went off at 5am and I hit the snooze button. I got up, got ready, and got in the car. The drive was miserable. It's raining crazy here right now. The record for rain is something like 14" for the month of July set in 1967. We've hit 10" and going strong! I arrived at Crossfit "on time" and had a wonderful chat! I discovered through conversation, that I really don't take ownership of Crossfit. It's taken a back seat to everything else. I know it's good for me but.....  So, I'm going back to reread the emails we've gotten, see what I can realistically participate in, set my goals and then just do it. I know that I feel so much stronger fast when I do Crossfit workouts consistently - I just need to do it!

The Work Out
This is off memory- that is tired but it was something like
Tabata (20 seconds of repetitive activity 10 seconds rest) bench dips

21-15-9
push ups
star jumps
leg lifts

amrap 8 minutes

21-15-9
Jumping Jacks
air squats
dive bomber push ups


Well - The bench dips were tough. The first round I only got 7 and the weakest round was 2. OUCH. I seriously can't move my arms at the moment.

I couldn't do a normal push up so I scaled to my knees. That became difficult so I scaled to wall push ups. I HATE that I can't do a push up. I know that it's affected by my wonky right shoulder but really? It's so disheartening.

Star Jumps are what they sound like. get down low, jump up in a star shape, land with your legs ready to get down in a squat position and repeat. OUCH. not only did it hurt my brain - I'd get my hands up and then my feet weren't star-like- but that's tough on the inner thigh!

Leg Lifts are all ab work- thank GOD I've been doing some core work- these were the easiest out of the 3.

I managed to get a 100 reps... meaning I made it through completely once and then got to 7 leg lifts....

The second set were a little different. Jumping Jacks can a little easy but tiring, air squats were manageable but the dive bomber push ups were not possible. I tried 1. Then I tried a normal pushup. Then I tried a knee push up and then I moved to the wall... again... I just don't have the strength in my arms! it was so frustrating!

I came home to an awake house, blogged and now I'm off the the YMCA. I'm hoping I can make it to a spin class at 8:30am. We shall see!

Spin - Apparently this spin instructor named "Nancy" has her own posse. The only reason I got a seat was because she sent out an email saying that today was a race day. Oh, what does that mean? Why would regulars stay away? The goal is to get your heart rate up up to almost busting and hold that for 30 minutes. no joke. I can't say I stuck to that, the panic of not being able to breath caught me a few times but I was proud that I stayed pretty consistent considering I wasn't sure what I was getting into. My arms were still aching from Crossfit Push Up so I had to really work my core. Ouch.

Pilates - you know that core work I did on the bike? well, it wasn't impressed with the Pilates Class. "Shawna" the instructor, smiles, doesn't seem to sweat or struggle with anything she is teaching us- at warp speed. By the time I figured out what we were doing and how to bend into the pretzel shape, we were moving on to something else. In my sweat dripping onto the mat perspective, I have jealousy issues. Shawna just moves gracefully. She can do everything. She wears cute orange toe nail polish with toe rings. She's fit (that goes without saying), seems happy to be stretching, bending and making her core shake.

I have no idea how the people on The Biggest Loser eat 1200 calories and work out 6-10 hours. There is no way I would survive. I'd be the girl crying, cussing and quitting! This girl is eating Mexican left overs from last night. Chicken from my fajitas, hard shell taco, a bit of refried beans (they were not so good) and a piece of cheese quesadilla. And I'm not afraid to admit I'll go back to finish off the burritos and quesadillas later if I'm hungry. :-)

I'm thinking a nap will be in order at some point today. 

Here We Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Got up at 5am. 
The original plan was to go to Crossfit and try and squeeze in a swim to get a feel for tonight. When I woke up, it dawned on me I could go for an early swim, forgo Crossfit for today and fit in a social visit with family before the big Tri 102 practice. 

So there I was, thinking I was going to have to throw some 'bows to get a lane at the YMCA. It was peaceful. There were 3 others swimming at 5:45am (when I actually got in the pool). a couple others came and went but it was quiet. Once I got in my lane I did my drills(Thanks Lisi Bratcher!). After 35 minutes I decided to actually try to freestyle. I managed to get it going (ok... so it was 100m). Not as strong as 2 months ago, but I could do it. I'm interested to see how it all reconnects for tonight's swim. My Goal is to take it slow and easy. My Pace. I've been out of all sports for 2 months. I have to give myself permission to be tired or strong, make mistakes and relearn what was once tackled. 

I got out at 45 minutes. That was long enough for this woman! I headed home to a very awake house. I made a quick breakfast of eggs and grabbed a banana, took my new GNC fish oil (never again - GROSS!) and headed up to the computer. After sitting down for 10 minutes, I knew I was exhausted. I set the kids up, laid down and took a nap... yes.. a nap at 7:30am -9:00am... like a baby... it felt good though. And I was off (though late) to the park where the kids road their bikes and played at the playground. 

I've been tired through the day. It's been great to have family in town but fatigue in the beginning is tough. I know why I have given up goals in the past. Who likes feeling tired? Who likes feeling like it's going to hurt tomorrow? Not I. Alas, I want to live to see my great great great great grandbabies. I want to look good and feel good. I want to achieve goals set before me - until this year, I haven't had concrete goals in a long while. I want to succeed daily at making healthy and sound decisions for myself and my family. 

The Tri 102 Class was interesting. First I forgot my goggles and a kind friend let me borrow his extra pair- SO GRATEFUL! The water at the "cement pond" at Aviation Challenge was questionable but chlorinated. It had a level of rocks and silt at the bottom with bats flying above our heads for ambiance. We started off learning the basics of treading water, talking about how to stay calm while waves or people distract you from your goal. We practiced adjusting and cleaning our goggles while treading. Basics, but I imagine if your goggles get knocked around in dirty water, it's something to feel comfortable with. It was followed by learning to sight. I didn't do too bad considering, my strokes are much shorter than others though.

Then it was on to freestyle 200m triangle (3 spots to learn to sight). I didn't have the confidence to freestyle 200ms. I think I "could of" but took the easy route and breast stroke. Part, because we were learning how to sight and I'm only "ok" at it and part because I could catch my breath. I think I talked about changing my breathing from inhale/exhale through the mouth to inhale through mouth, exhale through nose. It has made a huge difference but has been pretty deliberate. Last night it came naturally. GOOD NEWS.  I was still winded though. I forgot to go my own pace. CRAP. I get excited and want to swim with the big kids and then I get tired and disappointed. That competitive nature in me WANTS to swim with the sharks. However, I'm a minnow.... at the moment..... 

We were suppose to immediately go for a run... well... trying to hydrate all day caught up with me so I had to go potty... And this is where I had problems. When I wear my tri gear, I've been wearing my swim suit underneath. Security reasons I guess. Well, trying to get out of it fast to go potty wasn't happening. Tough, when you have to go. I guess I'll have to accept that Tri kit as my uniform and forgo the swimsuit next time, not worth the hassle. 

After the potty incident, I hit the road. The course was a long the edge of the Cement Pond. I have no idea the distance,  nothing too crazy. The first loop I felt strong. I was surprised. After being rattled from swimming and then fighting my swimsuit to go potty, it felt good. The second I was tired. I started walking 1/8 of the loop to catch my breath. I was so upset with myself for being so out of shape. I could DO this 2 months ago. Loop 3 I finally got myself together. I felt great! I was reminded that I couldn't even do this much 6 months ago - I have made a little progress. I still walked a spot here and there but I felt so much better. Loop 4 I felt strong. When it can to the sprint (there was a part where we had to run a little faster each time we looped) I felt like I had a little gas to give.... After that I just shut down. Not sure the deal - I got to the end and I walked it. NO REASON.... when people started running to the finish, it dawned on me I should be sprinting to the end, not walking a cool down! I totally went back to my old habits of not pushing myself. GRRR.... After beating myself up a moment, I remembered, again, this is a new adventure and I'm making more changes than just moving - I'm breaking habits and beliefs I've had my whole life... I am literally shocking my system - my automatic pilot still says, "Take it easy! Don't push yourself too hard!". And while those are sound words in the past, in THIS situation, I want to push myself into a place I've never been. Here's too a new world!  

After a run we did stretching. OMG. Our Instructor is amazing! Apart from giving clear cut instructions I could understand when I couldn't see her, she was fighting with the volume of a group of Japanese students, coming in from their swim and a group of kids being trained to "follow the line" (one kid asked for a drink of water and the militant leader said, "no!") Between the echo of the canopy and the volume at which the other groups were speaking, she was AMAZING! We ran though lower body, upper body and full body stretches ( I hope I can remember a few of them! I felt great when I got home!). 

I didn't stay after for social time as it's our anniversary- 8 years of marriage - we made it! Not that we did anything out of the ordinary. Food (I hadn't eaten since noon - maybe that's why I got tired?), laundry (the silt from the lake was in every bit of tri gear I had), shower, and then in bed. I got home at 8:30pm and was sleeping by 10pm. No joke. I was exhausted from the day. 

Here's to another great day of training! 

Get Your Motor Runnin'

Today I got on the elliptical. Not a big deal to those who already lead a healthy life style but for me, it was an accomplishment. I've talked a little about the elliptical that sits in my living room staring at me, calling my name and I usually ignore it. I bought it after Lizzie was born. It was purchased instead of a gym membership because we didn't want to hand our baby over to complete strangers. In the past, the elliptical was more enjoyable than a treadmill and my loving husband bought it for me.  Well, I still love the elliptical over the treadmill. It feels like a harder workout. It's not so hard on my body (or at least it doesn't feel as tough). This morning was the morning to get on it. Now, if you've had any experience on an elliptical, it's a little different... ok... a lot different than a treadmill. It's a glide/circle motion. One person described it as immediately putting one foot in front of the other while maintain the same space (When you run on a treadmill you can put space between your steps). However, way you experience it, it's different. The screen shows revolutions instead of miles. Alas, many an math nerd figured out that with my type of tread mill 1008 revolutions =1 mile. Thank you nerds on the internet - doing the work so I don't have too... cause I don't think I could! Today I did 2400 revolutions... so over 2 miles in 45 minutes. That is super slow in case anyone is paying attention. I tried to rationalize that it was the "weight loss" setting - program #7 so that MUST means it's harder... whatever my excuse, I need to put more time and energy into the elliptical.

The remainder of the day was spend with family in town, a little cleaning, a little cooking, a little eating and a little down time.

Tomorrow is the start of a 103 of diligent training. This doesn't mean perfect but it does mean I will have a focus. 9/7/13 Triathlon, 9.9.13 1/2 marathon. The trick after that is learning to maintain through Halloween, Thanksgiving (US) and Christmas. Lizzie starts Kindergarten. Jack starts preschool 3 days a week. Big changes for the Corbins. I'm looking forward to this adventure.

Vroom... na.nanananna

yes that's the sound of this engine getting started! *cough* *cough*

Yesterday we went swimming with the kids. While it wasn't a hard core water session, it was nice to get in the water, stretch out and then waddle like a duck for 2 hours (Lazy River). I ended up with an high pressure migraine so I took it easy for the night (hide in the dark for 30 minutes and wore sunglasses all evening.)

Today I went to spin class. It was a lot of hill work. OUCH - FEEL THE BURN.... the hour ended with 17 miles of awesome. 

TRI - 102 = I found out who my coaches are and I'm THRILLED! Seriously! They sent out an email and asked a few questions. I figured I'd post them and my answers. 

• What are your goals for the class?

I have a few goals - To Finish the Frantic Frog is the first one - no matter what ends up happening in the next 6 weeks - I want to finish feeling good about it. 


I'd love to lose some weight (i've set my goal for 8lbs in 6 weeks) and build muscle. I've been out for 2 months the first 6 weeks was all about the toe, followed by 2 that were vacation/eating/drinking focused and the last week I've been dealing with a bladder infection (SORRY IF TMI) and just haven't been feeling great until today. 


With the above mentioned, I would love to feel more comfortable with swimming. I know I won't drown but technique is still very basic. Freestyle still exhausts me and I transition to a make-shift side or front stroke. 

• Do you have any other fitness goals for the future?

yes. I have signed up for the half marathon training and my goal is to do the Huntsville 1/2 Marathon November 9th. Seeing as running is my least favorite - my goal is to find my passion, or at least appreciate the sport of running.I am also signed up for the Summer Sizzler Century Ride for 25 miles 8/3 and the Color Run in Birmingham 9/2.

• Which is your favorite and least favorite of swimming, biking, running? You can tell us why if you'd like.

My least favorite is running - but I'm going to find the love! I have not ever gotten the "high" or felt  great while running. It just feels like torture. :-) My favorite is biking. I love that it can be social or not,  be done inside on a spin bike or outside. I love that I can hit the city or the country! I find it very soothing for the soul- if that makes any sense.

• Biggest triathlon fear or concern?

Swimming is my biggest concern. like mentioned above, it's my weakest. I feel like with biking I can take it easy, running can slow to a walk but swimming requires a new skill set to persevere.


I have family flying in this evening but I hope to fit in a running session or at the very least elliptical time (I really do love the elliptical!) today.  I'm looking forward to seeing family!

Vacation

Well, I hate to admit it, but I've been on vacation this week. I attended the first Tri 102 meeting. It was fun to see a lot of familiar faces from Tri 101 Group. However, the excitement I felt did not lead to gas in my tank. Since Hubs is home on vacation, I've been hangin' out around the house. I also discovered that I have a bladder infection so I've not been feeling so hot. However, I'm eating healthier, taking antibiotic and today we swim!

AND........................... I'm Back

Good Morning!

I had a 2 month break (ok... 51 days). First it was the broken toe and then a vacation.... but I'm back and super excited about the next 4 months.

Tri 102 - Training starts tonight! http://www.fleetfeethuntsville.com/training/tri-102 I'm looking forward to it! I have 2 weeks to get my swimming back to where I was and then start building on it. That's the part I'm most nervous about but I also feel like I 've have the fastest skill increase in the parts so I'm not so worried about it. This is a BIG bike ride at 24km... I got out and put down 5.3 miles in 20 minutes and felt like I was back at it! WOOT! Very encouraging.

Half Marathon - http://www.halfmarathons.net/usa_half_marathons_alabama_huntsville_half_marathon.html I signed up to keep the momenteum going from the Tri 102 Training..... My hope is that I can get strength, endurance and health back - losing a few pounds would be awesome too... My break was full of food and drink.... and I gained enough weight that I'm NOT going to step on the scale but just work out and eat well and get myself back to where I was....

So these are my goals I'm excited about! WOOT!