This has been a pretty good week. I am slowly getting back to feeling normal. I think the slow part is partially attributed to still feeling a little sick. This is slowly getting better. Also, not super good at sticking to the plan. Weather was really a deterrent over the weekend.
I swam with Masters on Thursday and realized that is the 2nd time I have been in the water since September 7th. First, where did almost 20 days go? Second, I felt terrible. Please tell me that is going to go away. Swam again on Sunday and it felt like it was coming back. Had a pretty good swim actually. Only about 2300 or so, but the workout was conducive to getting a feel for the water again, and near the end I was feeling much better about my swim.
The weather was yuck all weekend. On Saturday I opted to NOT get my bike all muddy and spend the day freezing. Instead I got Lawrence to go out on a hike. We hiked up Garnet Mt. It was really windy in town but up Gallatin Canyon it was not and we were in the clouds the whole time. It was really nice. Froze coming down. My hands are still sore. Sunday it was again cold out and really windy. I opted to swim in the morning and then meant to ride by bike but stuff kept getting in the way. Ended up shoveling gravel in place of the ride. Not sure how long I would have stayed out there though. Brrrr.
PT- That is still coming around. Slowly working my way back in. I recognize it's importance, just haven't been able to succeed in the execution. Want to focus a lot more on the strength stuff now that racing is done. Before, I would kind of taper off before races so I wouldn't be sore. Core, glutes, hamstrings, and calves. That's the goal. It is Monday and my plan is to go on the run and then end at the gym and do all my PT.
Sidenote- Lawrence bought a little camper to pull behind is 4-runner.. We are going to be driving all over Canada next year to race! Maybe even Wildflower. I am very excited to this new accommodation and I think he is too.
It's funny how things work. I have been so distracted from work all summer because of training, travel and race planning. Now, this coming Friday, my boss wants to have an intensive "idear" session. He wants a new big paper/grant. I don't feel very ready to contribute, but I have the week to do some thinking and reading (along with a little more time). Kind of excited to think about the science and be part of the thought process to move us forward as a lab. It also makes me remember how I really like having a job.
Not a lot in this blog. Not a lot going on this week. Just trying to get back in the groove of life which is including work. So, maybe not thinking about triathlon as much.
Congrats to Sue. Kick ass 2nd place finish to Haley Chura!! Also, Andy Drobeck seemed to have a good good race!
9/22/2014
pre and post Bobcat training and everything in between...
So, race planning, especially after being in another country a week and a half before, is all consuming. I started to get sick on Monday and was definitely sick on Tuesday which didn't help any. I called in sick a lot to work so I could sleep to keep my cold at bay and hopefully recover before Sunday. This also helped because I could do Bobcat stuff from home, not work, and then not feel so bad about being at work but not actually working. So, after all that, I have not done one ounce of swimming, biking, or running (except a couple of commutes) since last Sunday. I feel like I raced though. I think it is from all the cone lugging, gate moving, box moving etc. It is Monday, and I think I might take one more day off before planning on anything. I am very tired today and still a little sick.
With that said, I have to say wow, September has been quite a month. One pretty damn good month. I think the most intense triathlon month for me ever. I hope to remember September 2014. (hah, I am even a poet)
Sidenote- This is in reference to my Worlds race update and comments on my travel partners. I heard someone say that one of them thrives on negative energy. I believe that is true. I think that was part of the problem. I do not thrive on negative energy. I definitely thrive on positive energy.
BTW- do you remember our conversation about how I don't see people swimming and you told me many people swim in the am. Well, I see Mike Lavery swimming all the time. I bet at least 1-3x a week. He is always in the pool at lunch or the 3:30-6:30 slot. He told me that yesterday. Funny.
Sidenote and question #2- Remember you told me you might be planning a training camp. What is up with that?
Race kudos- Nice work. I can't believe that Erika won and I was so out of it by Sunday afternoon I couldn't even remember meeting her or emailing her. You and Dan both did great. I know what you think about yourself but I still think you did good. And more importantly to me, thank you so much for coming out and supporting me. It really means a lot. Send me a race suggestion/critique list. I know there are lots of things to change and ways to make it better. Feedback is very important and great. A couple major last minute hiccups that still have me steaming.
Okay, now that I can be selfish and think about myself and my training again, I am very excited. :)
Racing- Bozeman weekend October 4 and 5 cyclocross. I am racing both of those. State Champ and MSU race. Got to support both. Do you think I lost all my fitness in the last week? Hope I can get something back in the next two weeks. Other races. I am not so sure about. Maybe Helena? Maybe Rolling Thunder (that one has so much pressure, I almost don't find it fun, which is what I want) The reason I am not so sure about travel is because of our house. There are definitely things going on now that require a lot more of my work than just cleaning. We need to paint and tile, which I know are not fast or easy jobs, so they will require full days and longer evenings.
Schedule- Experiment on Tuesday the 30th. Not huge but can't leave in the middle of the day. Difficult for a lunch swim.Also, busy on Wed. the 1st in the morning. Maybe even until 2 or so.
I think the MSU pool is closed the September 23 and 24. Saw that sign somewhere. Am going to Masters tonight, Tuesday the 23rd. Need to get in the water again. Can't let my swim fitness lose any more. Plus, I like Masters.
Also, these are my current thoughts and I think there is an entire blog dedicated to this but I have already been thinking about next year. At this point I want to put St. George on the calendar. LeAnne is going and that would be an awesome trip. Remember that thing we talked about last year that hasn't seemed to happen and I think you sensed how Erik feels about it at dinner the other night. I really want that to happen now. St George offers a refund if you pay an extra $40. I guess I could also defer. I guess I should probably get my husband on board before I start planning races around it though. Uggh.
With that said, I have to say wow, September has been quite a month. One pretty damn good month. I think the most intense triathlon month for me ever. I hope to remember September 2014. (hah, I am even a poet)
Sidenote- This is in reference to my Worlds race update and comments on my travel partners. I heard someone say that one of them thrives on negative energy. I believe that is true. I think that was part of the problem. I do not thrive on negative energy. I definitely thrive on positive energy.
BTW- do you remember our conversation about how I don't see people swimming and you told me many people swim in the am. Well, I see Mike Lavery swimming all the time. I bet at least 1-3x a week. He is always in the pool at lunch or the 3:30-6:30 slot. He told me that yesterday. Funny.
Sidenote and question #2- Remember you told me you might be planning a training camp. What is up with that?
Race kudos- Nice work. I can't believe that Erika won and I was so out of it by Sunday afternoon I couldn't even remember meeting her or emailing her. You and Dan both did great. I know what you think about yourself but I still think you did good. And more importantly to me, thank you so much for coming out and supporting me. It really means a lot. Send me a race suggestion/critique list. I know there are lots of things to change and ways to make it better. Feedback is very important and great. A couple major last minute hiccups that still have me steaming.
Okay, now that I can be selfish and think about myself and my training again, I am very excited. :)
Racing- Bozeman weekend October 4 and 5 cyclocross. I am racing both of those. State Champ and MSU race. Got to support both. Do you think I lost all my fitness in the last week? Hope I can get something back in the next two weeks. Other races. I am not so sure about. Maybe Helena? Maybe Rolling Thunder (that one has so much pressure, I almost don't find it fun, which is what I want) The reason I am not so sure about travel is because of our house. There are definitely things going on now that require a lot more of my work than just cleaning. We need to paint and tile, which I know are not fast or easy jobs, so they will require full days and longer evenings.
Schedule- Experiment on Tuesday the 30th. Not huge but can't leave in the middle of the day. Difficult for a lunch swim.Also, busy on Wed. the 1st in the morning. Maybe even until 2 or so.
I think the MSU pool is closed the September 23 and 24. Saw that sign somewhere. Am going to Masters tonight, Tuesday the 23rd. Need to get in the water again. Can't let my swim fitness lose any more. Plus, I like Masters.
Also, these are my current thoughts and I think there is an entire blog dedicated to this but I have already been thinking about next year. At this point I want to put St. George on the calendar. LeAnne is going and that would be an awesome trip. Remember that thing we talked about last year that hasn't seemed to happen and I think you sensed how Erik feels about it at dinner the other night. I really want that to happen now. St George offers a refund if you pay an extra $40. I guess I could also defer. I guess I should probably get my husband on board before I start planning races around it though. Uggh.
9/15/2014
Ironman 70.3 World Championship race report
First, I think this is why doing the Bobcat is even better than going to Worlds. I now understand your pep talk to me a few weeks before going when I was expressing my concerns about my travel partners. What a learning experience/life experience 2014 has been.
Race Report
Swam great. 33 minutes. Followed the plan. My swim is getting faster. I may not be the fastest but finally starting to get in the mix with the fast girls. I was very worried about this swim. Very worried I would be the last one out of the water. However, in the first couple of minutes when I saw blue caps fade away behind me I relaxed.
Bike- Hmm. Still not so sure what to think. My ass cramped. I got demoralized. I was tired from the travel and socializing. I rode very alone. My travelling companions had my all psyched out about the hills. Not the best ride ever. My training rides going into this race were sooo much better. It sucks to work so hard and then not deliver on race day.
Run- Good. I did my thing. I felt good. I felt tired. I pushed the second lap and got some pretty even splits. I ran up those steep hills and bombed down the last one passing 4 girls to the finish.
Final- I wasn't gutted. In a race where I should have left it all out there and then some, I didn't. I don't think I realized that should have been the goal until afterwards though. I would like to have the chance someday to do it again. I would have a plan for how to race. For what I want my goal to be. This year I didn't. Also, I had myself convinced that I am not cutthroat competitive. I am though, I just need to be in the right mental place. I don't think being with my travel partners put me in the right place. Honestly, I don't think I like being around girls who are faster than me and know it. I feel inferior. And if I feel inferior, of course I am going to perform that way. I really like to travel with Lawrence, Art, and LeAnn. We get each other and that is a great place to be on race day.
I really appreciate that I had the experience. An amazing opportunity. I am very grateful for that. I got to see a new part of North America and do some travelling with my mom. That never would have happened if I did not qualify at Calgary.
Hi Julie!!!! I am sooooo excited!! I’m nervous, anxious, all of it!! Really looking forward to it! I have been swimming at MSU’s pool to get use to that pool so I haven’t been to masters for about a month, but will be back at the swim center after this week.
Maybe I’ll see you on Sunday, but if not – enjoy the day and thank you for ALL your hard work in putting this together! It has been the best thing I’ve done (worked towards and will do) all summer and truly one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself!
Thank you!
Hilary
Race Report
Swam great. 33 minutes. Followed the plan. My swim is getting faster. I may not be the fastest but finally starting to get in the mix with the fast girls. I was very worried about this swim. Very worried I would be the last one out of the water. However, in the first couple of minutes when I saw blue caps fade away behind me I relaxed.
Bike- Hmm. Still not so sure what to think. My ass cramped. I got demoralized. I was tired from the travel and socializing. I rode very alone. My travelling companions had my all psyched out about the hills. Not the best ride ever. My training rides going into this race were sooo much better. It sucks to work so hard and then not deliver on race day.
Run- Good. I did my thing. I felt good. I felt tired. I pushed the second lap and got some pretty even splits. I ran up those steep hills and bombed down the last one passing 4 girls to the finish.
Final- I wasn't gutted. In a race where I should have left it all out there and then some, I didn't. I don't think I realized that should have been the goal until afterwards though. I would like to have the chance someday to do it again. I would have a plan for how to race. For what I want my goal to be. This year I didn't. Also, I had myself convinced that I am not cutthroat competitive. I am though, I just need to be in the right mental place. I don't think being with my travel partners put me in the right place. Honestly, I don't think I like being around girls who are faster than me and know it. I feel inferior. And if I feel inferior, of course I am going to perform that way. I really like to travel with Lawrence, Art, and LeAnn. We get each other and that is a great place to be on race day.
I really appreciate that I had the experience. An amazing opportunity. I am very grateful for that. I got to see a new part of North America and do some travelling with my mom. That never would have happened if I did not qualify at Calgary.
9/01/2014
Worlds taper
Okay, so I had a breakthrough workout this week. The 40 minute swim. It usually takes me about 15 minutes to do a lap in the pond. My goal was to do 3 laps in 40 minutes. I also gave my race plan a go. Swam pretty easy to warm up on the first lap, swam intermediate to harder on the second lap, and swam faster on the third. I really focused on form and on the 3rd lap pulled back a little if I felt like my form was going to shit. I finished those three laps in 38 minutes! I think I can go out a little harder, or start to go a little harder earlier too. I felt much more comfortable on the second lap than the 1st. Was totally within myself the whole time and felt good. Feeling really good about the swim!!! Way more confident than ever before.
8/21/2014
Work, work, work to play, play, play
Talked with Lawrence about the Mont Tremblant course and went over the maps with him. Would like to ride a certain section before race day and run a little of the course. I guess it is pretty hilly. While swimming that long swim on Thursday I was struggling with my race goals. Not wanting to set up unrealistic expectations. I think understanding the course helps a little. What do you think about the hills? Do you think my run can handle that? After hills on the bike? I would like to talk about goals and expectations a little. I am still very much wanting to focus on each moment and doing the best I can at that moment.
Super relieved. I was kind of being a headcase because I wasn't sure how the start at Mont- Tremblant was going to be. They made it sound like a mass start. No, it is not! It is a wave start. I am happy about that. Think it will help actually be able to show my swim fitness. I am one of the last waves which is kind of annoying because it will probably make for a lot of passing, but that is okay and who knows this is a different ball game.
Started feeling a bit like I was getting a cold this week. My head was really heavy and felt kind of achy. Feel okay by Tuesday but Thursday, Friday and Saturday I was definitely fighting something
Schedule- Leave Thursday!!! I don't have anything out of the ordinary at work this week or next. As far as I can tell a lot of work, but nothing with significantly long hours or anything.
Thursday swim- If I really concentrated I could get those 75's done in 1:06. I did the math and that is a 1:28 100. That is a less than 15:00 minute 1000. Woohoo! When I was concentrating, I was concentrating on form not speed. I actually feel like I not not trashing through the water trying to swim a 1000 pace anymore, or on this day. Good swim. Felt strong. It made it easier when I finally established I wanted to get a 1:06. Focused on each 75, not on how many I had left.
Met really good Hoyas swimming man. He is really nice. And cute. Did I just say that.
Friday- Rain, rain go away. I totally intended to ride out to the pond party and hitch a ride home. However, it started raining right when I left work. Decided to take my bike commuting for the week as that ride and call it good. Party was hilarious. We ended up jumping in the pond in the cold weather and rain and then all of us huddling in Julie's steam shower. A bunch of Masters swimmers can't get together without getting wet.
Saturday- Rain, rain all day. It started raining on Friday night and did not stop until Sunday morning. Crazy. Did a really good PT session and rode the trainer for an hour. I think the rain may have been a blessing in disguise. I still wasn't feeling very good. Took it pretty easy and even took a little nap.
Sunday- Got some really good sleep on Saturday night and was ready to ride. Waited around until noon because it wasn't super warm out. Worked hard on those 40 minute intervals. Found as many rolling hills as I could. Ended up in Amsterdam when the last 40 minute interval ended. Had a mildly long ride home. Ride ended up more like 4:30. Got to running right off the bike. Felt pretty good. Was super tired. The kind of take a bath tired instead of a shower because I didn't want to stand up anymore.
Monday- Nice easy swim. Good long run. Ran up South Cottonwood to the 4th bridge. Got rained on and ran for about 1.5 miles in the dark. Was totally freaking myself out about bears and mt lions. Felt like a crazy woman out in the woods. 2:10 was total time. Sometimes those trails have a way of grabbing hold of me and won't let me leave.
Tuesday- A bunch of spinning around town and a PT session. Got some leg and plantar massage and a good working out of my shoulder. Really excited where the shoulder is going. Hope it helps my swimming in the long run. Took a little time to get to the house and get some cleaning done also ran a bunch of errands that I really needed to do. (Saying this before it is done. Kind of worried I may have a flat on my townie)
Wed.....
8/15/2014
working.....
I have a new favorite song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7ChoM2Rh60
I think this would be a great spinning class song!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7ChoM2Rh60
I think this would be a great spinning class song!
Funny story- My friend LeAnn who is awesome BTW sent me an email telling me how Polson was. She said " you know how they have pro and AG categories at most races. At Polson they should have "people who train with Matt" and AG categories. "
Schedule- There is a little get together for a friend who is moving away. It is at 4pm at a friends who has this super awesome pond. I would like to go, but if it interferes with training I don't have to.
Work- Boss gets back on Wednesday. I don't expect much in the next week.
Weekend- Staying in town. Want to buckle down and get some good training in.
PT- I really think my shoulder, even with the smaller amount of PT I have been doing is feeling better. I think I am able to keep a higher elbow in the swim and on the bike yesterday I noticed not getting quite so stiff. All that from a couple of exercises and a stretch.
General stuff- TYR is sending me a new wetsuit! Mine was defective from the get go. So glad they were able to step up!
Ali told me about this pretty sweet deal with Hammer. Is that why you wear the Hammer kit? I really hate my Mule kit. Got new shorts for this year and some stupid person on the team put in these awful gray panels on the front. At least the Hammer kits look much better. Might buy one.
Thursday swim- Here is a perfect example of my OCD. I counted 42x2 tubes during the day in rows of 12. That is 3 rows which equals 36+ 6 twice. Then I went to swim at did 3 groupings of 1200. Wow, way too much the same.
Anyway, that was kind of hard. My legs and arms were screaming. I definitely got a little slower on the kick as I got to #6.
Anyway, that was kind of hard. My legs and arms were screaming. I definitely got a little slower on the kick as I got to #6.
Saturday- Actually got up fairly early and drove to a trailhead. South Cottonwood is a pretty gentle uphill. It was so amazing. Found a new trail which was a little steeper and even had to wade across a creek, what an adventure. Ran for a total of about 95 minutes. Felt so good. I miss running for having the time to work life out. I am having some problems with The Bobcat and having it affiliated with the Tri Club. Finally was able to see the forest through the trees and have a new plan of action for how to proceed next year. Feel so relieved to be unweighted from that burden.
Sunday-
Swim- Okay. My right shoulder was sore for the 1st 12- 15 minutes. Picked up the pace after that and it felt better. Worked on sighting while going harder.
Ride- That was the loooongest 75 miles I have ever ridden. Even had the thought that my odometer isn't working right. Never give Julie bike mechanical work. I changed my cassette from one wheel to another and a- bent a tooth and b- forgot to tighten the cassette on the new wheel. I made it out to Kelly Canyon before I knew something wasn't right. Thanks boy at Owenhouse for tightening my cassette so I didn't have to go all the way across town. Then spent the rest of the ride not using that one chainring. Went and did a bunch of big hills. Kelly Canyon, Jackson Creek, the pass, and back. By then I was at mile 50, had no water, and feeling tired. It was hot and windy which was hard. Finished the last 25 on a flatter loop. Stopped to refill water and drink a coke and stopped at beginning to fix cassette otherwise just kept riding. Man that was tough. A big mental battle. One thought was, worlds, and then Ali. Hahaha.
Swim- Okay. My right shoulder was sore for the 1st 12- 15 minutes. Picked up the pace after that and it felt better. Worked on sighting while going harder.
Ride- That was the loooongest 75 miles I have ever ridden. Even had the thought that my odometer isn't working right. Never give Julie bike mechanical work. I changed my cassette from one wheel to another and a- bent a tooth and b- forgot to tighten the cassette on the new wheel. I made it out to Kelly Canyon before I knew something wasn't right. Thanks boy at Owenhouse for tightening my cassette so I didn't have to go all the way across town. Then spent the rest of the ride not using that one chainring. Went and did a bunch of big hills. Kelly Canyon, Jackson Creek, the pass, and back. By then I was at mile 50, had no water, and feeling tired. It was hot and windy which was hard. Finished the last 25 on a flatter loop. Stopped to refill water and drink a coke and stopped at beginning to fix cassette otherwise just kept riding. Man that was tough. A big mental battle. One thought was, worlds, and then Ali. Hahaha.
Monday-
Nice good swim. Felt tired. Worked hard on the 5x100 kick. I really do think my kick is coming around.
8/10/2014
Racing for training
Felt really good about my life organization this week. Got in some good PT sessions, showed face at the house and got that done at reasonable hours, got in some good quality work hours. This week makes me feel like I can manage. Hopefully I can keep it up.
Monday- My legs and feet are feeling pretty good (Plantar, achilles) even though I raced yesterday. No pain anywhere when just moving around.
Schedule- Saturday- Wedding in Helena at 1pm. Will go over and come home on the same day. Kind of in the middle of the day to get much done.
Work- This week Wed and Thursday are going to be pretty crazy busy. Next week has no experiments planned.
PT- Jason looked at my shoulder last week. I had an AC separation years ago and it has had its aftermath. He gave me a couple of strength exercises and a stretching exercise and said that it would definitely help me with swimming.
Weeks highlights:
Sunday- I made this a very important workout and worked very hard. The race was small but a lot of very good people and it was kind of fun to race in such a small event. I led the swim, led the bike (saw a fox), and led the run. Took the big W for the race. However, I was running scared. A newbie triathlete who was a runner at Gonzaga, up until she graduated this year, was close enough behind that I was definitely worried. Also, those were the most painful 6 miles I have run in a long time. It was slightly uphill, at 7500 feet and basically straight for the whole run. I could never quite catch my breath. Also, carried water and food since there was only one lone water jug at mile 3. Forgot how hard it is to run with a bottle.
Sunday- I made this a very important workout and worked very hard. The race was small but a lot of very good people and it was kind of fun to race in such a small event. I led the swim, led the bike (saw a fox), and led the run. Took the big W for the race. However, I was running scared. A newbie triathlete who was a runner at Gonzaga, up until she graduated this year, was close enough behind that I was definitely worried. Also, those were the most painful 6 miles I have run in a long time. It was slightly uphill, at 7500 feet and basically straight for the whole run. I could never quite catch my breath. Also, carried water and food since there was only one lone water jug at mile 3. Forgot how hard it is to run with a bottle.
I would totally recommend this race for other people wanting to have a good hard day. I would not recommend this race for a big triathlon race experience. We didn't even have numbers. Not to mention splits. The gravel road shouldn't deter people. It is pretty smooth and oiled. I even got into the aero bars for a bit.
The new girl is starting graduate school at MSU. She has a lot of potential. Think she will do The Bobcat and hopefully join the MSU Tri club. I was also glad to have the competition.
Other highlights:
Had a couple of great PT sessions of the week. Did them at the gym after running and got everything done including the srtength stuff.
Wednesday ride- Hyalite is my sufferfest hill. That workout was harder than I thought. Going for 3 minutes at a 20 k pace after a build from a 1\2 ironman pace was hard. Suffered through and got it done.
Just got in everything else. Lots of shorter runs that have generally been feeling good.
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