Saturday, March 22, 2008

SWIMMER'S HIGH



I have heard of runner's high but has anyone heard of swimmer's high? I think I felt it this morning. Because tomorrow is Easter, I will miss swim so I headed to the pool today. My goal was to get a distance session in by myself. No coach, white board or other swimmers. Unfortunately I got up late and the lap pull was full and I had to wait for my one lane but it was worth it.

I was in no hurry to complete my workout the most important part was to get it done.

warm-up : 150
1 x 500 followed by 50 kick
1 x 500 followed by 50 kick
1 x 500 followed by 50 kick
1 x 300
TOTAL =2100
Time 1:06

I know now 2 things:
  1. I could do the distance
  2. I could complete it under 1:25

Waddling with a big smile......................

Friday, March 21, 2008

MAKING THE TEAM 2008

On May 17th in Galena, I will be completing the first step toward doing an Ironman. Since the 1980s, every year I have watched Ironman Kona on TV. Each time I have experience the same emotions and tears. I always felt sometime that I would be one of those athletes to hear those words, "You are an Ironman".

I volunteered at the finish line last August at Ironman Louisville. The range of emotions was overwhelming as I helped each finisher across the line. I knew that somehow I needed to complete an Ironman. There were alot of obstacles ahead of me but I knew I could overcome them.

My number one movtivation is my patients and their familes. I am a radiation therapist in a Cancer Care Center. My patients come Monday through Friday for an average of 6-9 weeks getting their radiation treatments. Their courage, strength, and perserverence are an example for all. To support cancer research, I have raised over $2,000 in my races.

Another one of the people that truly inspire me is Sister Madonna Buder. She has competed in 37 marathons, 300 triathlons and 31 Ironman Triathlons, all after the age of 50. She found a way to join the training to her spirituality. Buder's faith motivates her to complete Ironman. "I see the finish line as symbolic for the Pearly Gates. You want to get there, and you want to know you have given all you have to give when you arrive," she said.

According to Buder, participating in a triathlon has parallels to life. During training she has time to be in nature and "enjoy the captivating scenery that Mother Nature has to offer." In a race setting, when you are flying down a course as fast as you can go, you are susceptible to all the dangers life has to offer, she said.Like life,races do not always end well. '' I believe that also.

When I was 48, I returned to running. I have completed the Chicago marathon twice and the Flying Pig Marathon. Also I have finished 8 half-marathons. I then turned to duathlons and completed 7. At the end of the 2007 season, I was first in th USAT Midwest Region Duathlon Series 50-54 age group.

In October 2007, I commited to do Steelhead 70.3. I did not know how to swim. I began taking lessons and lost 27 pounds. Last week, I swam a solid 1600m in Master's swim.

I have alot to offer the Team in the way of motivation, commitment and belief. I also hope to show others that no matter what your age or ability is when you can achieve whatever you set your mind to with commitment and the proper training.

Thanks for reading! If you think I should be the next fully-sponsored member of Team Evotri, please write down the URL of this web site and have it ready for voting when you click the EVOTE button below. Thank you!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

LETTING GO


Tomorrow morning will be new experience for me as a mom. Hooch, my 17 y.o. daughter, will be getting on a plane for Orlando with her cheerleader friends for 5 days. They are heading for the Nationals. It will be her first big trip without me. Also her first time flying without family. I know she will be 18 this summer but it is like watching her go to school on the first day. One step farther to growing up.

On the training front, today was swim. I had one of those workouts where it felt like I had to concentrate really hard to swim. Unlike running and biking, swimming feels awkward to me. It's not like I can just jump in and go. Coach mapped out the upcoming training. I was excited to hear there will be another session of masters that will take us to the beginning of June. I was not excite to hear the words time trials for next week.

To help relax, I rode on the trainer for awhile tonight.

Waddling to help Hooch pack................

Sunday, March 16, 2008

WEEKEND RECAP

Saturday was not as spring-like as the past few days. I was determined to run outside though. I headed toward the prairie where I love to run. I felt great to be outside. The parking lot was almost full by the time that I got there at 8am. I ran the 5.7 mile loop. I did not take any walk breaks and have a 11:45 ave. pace. It felt great.

Sunday began alittle shaky. I got up late. My car was blocked in so I took Hooch's. Unfortunately when I got to the gym, I realized that my swim stuff was in my car. I almost just bagged it but I live close to the gym. So I ran home got my stuff and had a great swim. We did a ladder workout. I noticed that I was a little sore in my arms. After swim, I changed and went to spin class. The music was great today which means I work harder.

Waddling into a new week......................

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