The Tri Suit Test Run - Winning!

I finally got the chance to take my new Tri suit for a test run. As mentioned before I purchased the Pearl Izumi Elite In-R-Cool Tri Suit for my first Tri (which is only 24 days away) with the thinking I would probably send it back since the thought of wearing a one-piece is not on my list of stylish "cool" things to do.

So needless to say I waited a couple of days before I got up the nerve to try it on. I was a little worried about how it was going to fit because at 5'8 I find it hard sometimes to find shirts that will cover my tummy area since my torso is rather long. And lets be honest who wants to run a race with the uncomfortable camel toe /lady wedgie wedgie I hate to be so blunt about it but seriously I would imagine this should be taken into consideration esp since its a one-piece. So with this in mind I put on the suit.

I could not get over how small I looked in this suit.

Let me be the first to point out I know NOTHING about how the suit should feel or what to look for in a good suit. I just know I like anything that that is comfortable and does a good job of keeping me cool and drys fast. The first thing I noticed was how well the suit fit. I mean it was perfect. It is like putting on a new layer of skin. Its so light I kept looking down to make sure I had something on.

I got on my bike and did a nice 18 miles with no pain. The padding is hardly noticeable by looking at the suit but does the job on the bike! The legs did not pull up at all while on the ride but I have found all my Perl Izumi shorts stay in place.

I then took of for what was going to be a 6 mile run but it was cut in 1/2 because my running partner (my lab Blue) was attacked and bitten by a dog. I continued to look down to make sure I had something on. This suit is so light and form fitting you can't even tell your covered. Needless to say I did not have any issues with the suit rubbing or giving me a wedgie! Since the run part was done in temps near 85 I took the shoulder straps down for the last mile and just ran with the sports bra that is provided with the suit. Even with the straps down I did not feel them flapping in the wind like you would expect from a good pair of overalls.

Add silly face here...

The suit is very good at drying fast and keeping you cool. Therefore I give this suit an A+ and I will be keeping it for my race - not that I could have sent it back after my sweat session. Money well spent!

Swagger

I’m a runner and have been for as long as I can remember. The only gear I have ever needed was a good pair of high top running shoes!

 

Okay, I was little and did not know any better. I am currently running in a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS10. 

See Proof no more High-top running shoes for me. These Brooks are the first pair of running shoes I have ever owned that were not Nike. I like them but I am ready to go back to the Nike Free Running Shoes. Yes, I am a minimalist runner I will admit I have a pair or Vibram KSO 5-fingers that I will do short runs in when I feel that my form needs some work. Admitting this makes me feel like I just jumped on the barefoot running bandwagon that is going around the running world but will eventually fade out... Sigh. Anyway, moving along. I have learned along my journey into the world of a triathlete more gear is required. Therefore, I have been trying to figure out what all I need before race day. This is where I need the help of you triathletes! I am sure I'm missing something I just don't know what that something is... Here is what I have thus far.

Books: Not a requirement but I love to read and I also like to know everything I can about what I'm getting myself into. The Triathletes Training Bible and Your First Triathlon both by Joe Friel. I just got these two in the mail yesterday so I have not even looked at them yet. I used Training Plans for Multisport Athletes by Gale Bernhardt to help tweak my training schedule. And Born to Run is what I read when I am forced to ride my bike on the trainer ( yes the book about the barefoot running people/tribe). 

Swim: I have a pair of Speedo Vanquisher 2.0 swim goggles and a speedo swim cap.

Bike: I have a very basic Gavin, what they call a Tri bike, but really its just a road bike with aero bars. I bought this bike as a trial bike. I want to make sure this is something I truly wish to get into before I spend the money on a nice "true" Tri bike. So far I have not had any issues with the bike. Thankfully!

Of course I have two water bottles, helmet, gloves, glasses, and I have a spare tire and flat tire fixer tool (Complements of my wonderful husband!) Not that I know how to fix or replace a bike tire. Mathew is supposed to be giving me a class on that before the race. Oh, I also have a Fuel bag on the bike to carry my Gu Chomps.

Run: My non-high-top running shoes =). I was told by a lady at a local 5K last weekend I would need to get a race number belt. I was a little worried about this because I don't like to wear anything, other than my IPod, on me when I run. But I understand where it would save time in the transition area. Less time trying to pin my number on my shirt. So I went to Amazon and got a FuelBelt Gel ready number holder. I need to run with it a few times before the race to make sure it does not end up like my "quagmire" water bottle run. She also suggested I invest in some quick laces for my shoes so I got some of those as well. I need to save as much time as possible -so I don't come in last =).  I always wear my Garmin Forerunner 305 so I will have that along with my RoadId. Side note: I strongly believe everyone should have some form of road Id, this is coming from my work experience responding to calls for a vehicle vs pedestrian/cyclist. Ugh, the thoughts and images just make me cringe. Please people some form of ID helps us expedite medical attention and contact your family. Okay off the soapbox. Other than my running hat and Oakley's I normally wear that is about it. 

Then it hit me WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR.... Okay so I am a girl and once I figured out I needed to wear something that I can do all three events in I panicked. My running shorts and t-shirts are not going to cut it for this type of race. So I did what I do and I got online and starting looking for an outfit. I don't have a clue if its better to get a "tri suit" one piece or go with a two piece suit... So I did what any newbie would do I figured I would order one and see how it felt on then if I don't like it I would send it back and get the other kind. Ha! So I searched for an outfit that I liked and of course was somewhat cute, if you can call a one piece cute... I decided to get the Tri suit first and try it. Now I am not a fan, not even a little, of a one piece anything. But I figured I would at least give it a try. Here is what I got:

The Pearl Izumi Elite In-R-Cool Tri Suit. I got it in the mail yesterday and tried it on. This thing fits like a glove I LOVE it! Seriously, I never thought I would like it at all but it feels great. I don't think it will be restricting at all. So there it is I guess I will be doing my first race in my new black and green tri suit. I still may get the two piece version of this one since I like the way it looks but I guess I should make sure this is for me first ... right =)

Am I missing anything???? 

All the Cool Kids are Doing It...

I would like to take a moment and share with you a FREE, yes you heard me right, a FREE super cool customization that you can add to your blog.  Dion Lynk from Favicon Fixer is on a mission to give all us bloggers a Favicon. If you will look at the top of my page where the tabs are you will see the nice big orange/white B is no longer there and in its place is a blue silhouette runner with elements from my blog background. All you have to do is add him as a blogger buddy and send him your blog addy and your email address and he will have you a Favicon in 24 hours or less. Check him out and Thanks Dion Lynk for my cool new addition!

Official

Its Official, I registered for my first Triathlon today 11global Lake Oconee. I knew I was going to attempt do it but now that I have paid for it it seems a bit more real. I'm SUPER nervous. Did I bite off more than I can chew??? What in the world was I thinking doing an Olympic distance for my first Tri rather than a Sprint Distance??  Ugh, I have this feeling that I will come in last place after everyone has already gone home. I guess that will be okay since I just want to see if I can do it. Its not like I'm looking to break any records but I am so competitive that my little ego would be crushed. Maybe this is how everyone feels before they embark on such an event. How was your first Tri?    

Justice In Motion

I have mentioned before that I love to run in local 5ks that are for a good cause. Well tomorrow morning I will be running in the Justice in Motion 5K here in Valdosta. This race holds a close place in my heart because it’s put on by the local women’s rape crisis center - The Haven. The race is a kick off for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Therefore, I have decided to run the race not for me so no 1^st place finishes, no PR’s, no competition should be expected. I will run the race for the faces I often times find haunting my dreams. The faces of the women, children, and men I have come in contact with due to some form of verbal, physical, or sexual abuse. I have decided that I will focus on one name, face, and story for every minute I run. I will give thanks that they, the victim, had the courage to call for help. And I will give thanks that I was able to provide some form or relief if even for just a moment. So if you see a tear as I am running down the street it’s not that running is painful it’s the images and stories of evil that reside in my memory that bring with them a sadness that is unavoidable.

Training weeks 1-3

I have realized I am not the best at blogging. Finding the time to actually sit down and write about my training is hard to find. I had a run on this mornings agenda but its raining outside soooo here I am sitting at my computer looking out the window wishing the rain would stop so I could go for a run. At least I can update my blog!!

Today is the first day of my first Tri training week #4 (of 12). It makes me a bit nervous how fast theses weeks are going by. I keep reminding myself I will do fine I still have time to push harder. A fast recap of the last 3 weeks I guess is due.

Week one and two I was introduced to the art of swimming formal laps and I failed miserably. The pool just makes me feel so out of place. I know “how” to swim but I have not done formal swimming in years upon years. I have two swimming sessions planed out per training week and thus far I have left the pool feeling weak and defeated. Ugh I hate that feeling. On the bright side my blogger buddy KC sent me a copy of a blog she had done when she first began her swimming and was going through similar feelings. This helped to lift my spirits and I find myself eager to get back into the water and try the things she used to help her.

I was able to take part in the Gate River 15K during week 2. I was very happy I was allowed time off work to take part in this race. The first time I ever ran more than a 5K was in the Gate River 15K in 2010 so this was my second year in the event that sparked my desire to run for distance. In 2010 I ran the race in 1:55 and this year I got it in 1:26. So needless to say I was very excited at my progress! A new 15K PR that I can’t wait to break in 2012 =)  

 

(me and my wonderful supportive husband)

Week three was just not a good week at all. I missed both swimming sessions due to work related issues. I did however get to do more running, cycling, and even a brick day.  I did another bike ride during this week with my Hubby. It was one put on in Dublin, Ga for St.Pats day. A 25 mile ride, though the county. Let me tell you it was ROUGH! Nothing but up and down hills, large nasty hills. I know I needed the extra hill work but it felt like the longest 25 miles ever! It was just one of those weeks where everything was hit or miss.

 

(Yes I am giving my husband a Fist Bump because I think I'm cool =)

 

Since last week was so disappointing in the amount of training I actually got to do I plan on making sure this week goes smoother. It does not help much that it is raining outside today, I have to be out of town one day, and I have court one day. Sigh I will MAKE it happen!  

I will try try try to do better about updating everyone as the date gets closer and closer. I do have a “special” race I am doing this Saturday and I plan on doing a write up on it because it has a special meaning to me.. Stay tuned. Happy training!

A new Plan and The Azalea Century Bike Ride - 28 Miles of road.

I'm a Runner. However, I am always looking for new ways to challenge myself. SOOOOO I have been following the training plans of two fellow bloggers, KC and Heidi, and let me tell you these two women ROCK when it comes to endurance! (I hope you two don't mind me calling you out) But seriously just reading what all they do wears me out and I'm not even doing it. They are BOTH triathletes and reading their training journey has inspired me. So here we go about a month ago I sold my motorcycle aka, my baby, and bought myself a beginners tri bike in the hopes of completing my first Olympic distance Tri on May 21 2011. I decided to buy a brand new lower end bike, Gavin Tri Bike, rather than pay a ton for a used higher end bike just till I figure out if this is for me. The only form of exercise my husband actually enjoys is cycling so I was also happy that getting a bike would allow us to exercise some together. He was planning on doing the Azalea Century Bike Ride on March 5th so I figured I could also attempt my first 28 mile ride for the same event with him. I had about a month to get acquainted with riding. Most of my rides were done on a trainer in my garage due to weather and when I say most I mean all my rides other then one which Matt and I rode 21 miles the Sunday morning a week before the organized ride. I learned then that I am having some issues learning the clip in shoe to peddle thing and have a nasty blue and purple bruise on my lower left leg to prove it...not that big a deal but I could not wear my backup weapon to work for a week. Good thing is I did not need it anyway =)
Saturday March 5th started off cold and windy and did not get much better. The ride started at 8am sharp and I was freezing but once we got started I did not even notice it was cold out. It was not what I would call a flat course at all the hills just about killed me towards the end. However, I learned that riding in such extreme winds, just like running, sucks! We did the full 28 miles side by side in 1 hour and 43 mins. I don't know if this is a good time or not since cycling is new to me but I will say it was a challenge on my body and just completing it felt great! Funny thing is when we went to pick up our swagger bag, pre ride, Matt took out his race number and had this evil large grin on his face so I took mine out and realized he was #1 and I had #2. We spent a large part of the ride teasing each other on this, what I like to call unacceptable mistake, random number selection. ( I think he paid the race director to do this on purpose). Regardless of our numbers the ride was beautiful and I am glad I got to ride next to my best friend and wonderful husband!

March 7th 2011 marks the first day, of a 12 week self made schedule, of triathlon training. Before I could start my training I had to go to the YMCA and make sure my membership went through since I paid for it online through my insurance company. I packed up all my gear and drove to the Y about 8 am a bit nervous about today's swimming session. Don't get me wrong I know how to swim but I have not done any formal swimming since I was about 8 (20 years ago). I was hoping the proper form and technique would still be a resident in my brain somewhere. Anyway, there was some issue with the Y not knowing what they needed to do since the plan I had signed up for was new. So needless to say the pool closed while I was waiting on the staff to figure out what forms I needed to fill out and such. But being an officer I have learned to  Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome in most situations. So I drove back home and started cleaning up my house till 11 then drove back to the Y in order to get in the pool at 11:30. The staff had contacted my insurance company during this time and had figured out all the forms I needed to fill out for them so that is now taken care of THANKFULLY! Time for my first swim. The plan was to not drink all the pool water and drown swim 10x50 meters (20 laps) with a 10 second break between each 50 meters. I had decided on using the freestyle stroke prior to my arrival since I felt like it would be the most efficient. I swam the first 50meters (down and back) and felt like I was out of shape. My arms felt like 50 pound weights and rotating them was more difficult than I had thought. So I had my second Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome for the morning. I decided I would do the Freestyle stoke down and then do the Breaststroke back. That seemed to be a little better. I have a long way to go in terms of swimming and the plan I made has me in the pool twice a week which I may end up increasing if I feel the need. But day one is done. Here is what the rest of my week looks like in terms of training. Stay tuned I'm sure there will be plenty of lessons learned on my part. Today's lesson don't underestimate the swimming portion. Oh and any advice you want to give me is welcomed! Till next time Happy Training. 

Monday: Swim; 10x50 Meters (20 laps)Done
Tuesday: Run; 4-6 miles
Wednesday: Weights, Bike 45 mins
Thursday: Weights, BRICK Bike 30mins - Run 5K
Friday: Swim: 4x100 Meters (16 laps) short rest then 6x50 Meters (12 laps)
Saturday: Gate River 15K (9.3 miles) in Jacksonville FL !!!
Sunday: Day off