THE SUCK ZONE

No this is not "TWISTER" !

Today at spin class, I had one goal which was to stay in zone 2 with my heart rate. This is extremely hard for me to do. I start listening to the music, competing with my neighbor, or just get caught up with the instructors enthusiasm. For my winter training, I want base build and stay in zone 2.

The 15 minutes went well. A friend was in front of me who has just done IMAZ and she was working really hard. Next the music began to rock out. Then the instructor walked around the room to pump us up. Before I knew it, I was in the suck zone. I was sucked right into zone 3 and 4. I pulled myself back several times. It is a challenge to stay in zone 2!

Waddling out of the suck zone................

What a story....

Check out Iron Snoopy and her story of IMAZ. I don't want to give it away.

I haven't set the world on fire with my training this week. I was reading a training book today and realized what my problem and frustration is. It is hard to explain though. I have been skipping workouts because I feel if I can only to a short one why bother. Not making any sense ---but I understand I need to drop my expectation of myself and accept where I am at.

Waddling into the weekend.............

THE JOURNEY BEGINS.....

December 1 is when the journey began. I got up early with an anxious feeling in my stomach. Today was the day that I intended to sign up for an Iron-Distance Race. The registration opened at 7am (my time). I was logged in to the event website by 6:15am. At 6:24 am, I checked the site and saw that registration had opened. I immediately grabbed my phone and called Tri-Sharkie. She was up also. I grabbed my credit card and within minutes I was signed up.

I called Tri-Sharkie back and she was also signed up for her first Iron. Her words to me were-"What did we just do?". We both were silent with a nervousness about the training ahead.

This month, I have several goals and groundwork to lay before official Iron training begins.

1. Start taking off several some weight to get to a loss of 15-20 lbs.
2. Weekly begin averaging 5-6 hours of training
3. Improve nutrition starting with drinking alot more water daily.
4. Keep training in heart rate zone 2

Tonight, I was at the gym and the dreadmill and realized how much work was ahead of me. I felt like I weighed one ton. My heart rate went up into zone 3 quickly and several time I had to walk to drop it down. I was glad when my 30 min. were completed.

Here we go---I am on my way!

Waddling to the start at the Beach.............

IT'S OFFICIAL ---2009

My Year For the Iron Distance!

I am so scared, excited, and ready to go for 2009! Here is the schedule:

4/19 Race That's Good For Like 5K

5/02 Indy 500 Mini-Marathon

6/23 Subaru Women's Sprint Triathlon

7/18 Evergreen Lake International Triathlon

9/05 Great Illini Half-Iron Distance Triathlon

9/19 U.S. Air Force Half-Marathon

11/07 Beach2Battleship Iron-Distance Triathlon

Waddling to plan training (woohoo!)........................

This weekend was unforgettable. After Hooch's accident and with Hubby's pain, I knew it would be easier to bring my dad to us from Ohio rather than to go there. So I drove to Ohio on Tuesday and return home on Wednesday with Dad.

Having dad here with us took off alot of pressure. I felt better that everyone did not need to travel. The other concern was leaving my MIL here alone over Thanksgiving. This would be the second anniversary of my FIL's passing.

Thanksgiving Day started off with my alarm going off at 430am to put the bird in the oven. That was quickly accomplished. Next was Master's swim. I actually was excited to go work out. Coach had a great workout planned that was even fun. After our warm up there were Thanksgiving drills to do. First was the corkscrew drill ( 4 x 50). Second was the gravy boat drill (4 x 50). Next cam the turkey leg ( 4 x 50 ). Lastly it was the turkey leg ( 4 x 50). All were lots of fun and hard work.

After I came back home, it was time to do all the final prep for dinner. Bino was a huge help in the kitchen although he snacked down just as much as he cooked. It was the text book Turkey day meal. At noon, all the food was done right on time. It was Hubby, Hooch, Bino, Dad, MIL, Hooch's boyfriend and I. Our first Thanksgiving not in Ohio. The day was spent enjoying our time together and passed too quickly.

The day on Friday flew by also. Shopping, eating, and just being together filled the day. As I am sitting here ready to close my eyes, I was sad that I would be taking Dad back to Ohio tomorrow. I would love for him to stay longer but even though he is 86, he is still so involved in things that he feels like he needs to get back. I am glad he is so busy and involved.

I know that although the time went quickly, it was filled with memories that will last forever.

Waddling to get some shut-eye................

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I am so thankful this year for my family, my friends, and my health. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and cherishes every minute with those close to you.

Waddling to eat ALOT of food..............

WAITING

For the past 10 days, I have been able to use one excuse or another not to go to the gym. I know my personal life has been hectic. I also know that work has been very intense. If I really wanted too , I could have made time to get to the gym but I have been extremely tired and unmotivated.

I am motivated by goal setting and planning. On December 1, I will know if I will have the opportunity to give an Iron distance race a shot in 2009. I hate to get my hopes up until I actually know that I am in the race. Does this sound like one more excuse??

I have the 2009 season set in my mind and have spent time laying out some of the training but in 6 days I will know for sure.

Waddling and waiting...................