Preliminary Ironbabe Results

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. The conditions at the lake were terribly sucky. When you hear people screaming for help it's not a good sign. LOL! Here is the early results not official yet. I will catch up with you guys this evening. Gonna chillax!

200 yard spanking swim 7:39

T1 1:49

8 mile bike 29:00 (16.5 mph)

T2 1:18

2 mile run 22:14 (11:07)

Total time 1:02

Last Long One

I put in 8 miles today, and that is that last long run before the 1/2. It felt great to have it done, especially since I dreaded it most of the morning. My right leg has been bugging, so I hope the running taper will get it back to feeling great. It was a HOT sun splitting 83 degrees. I stopped off at Luke's Locker on my way home, and they agreed that it is time to replace the shoes. They only have 250 miles on them, but I am guessing being a heavy runner I have blown through the support. I assume it's a watermelon running on toothpicks theory.

Wednesday's Workout:

DOR supposed to swim but had a busy day

Thursday's Workout:

Run 8 Miles 1:42:38 (12:49)

Al with the Komen run. Em & P.O.M. with their 1/2's. Mendy go rock that Clemson Tri. Best of luck to all the fellow cave peeps doing the 10K.




I hope all you hot momma's have a wonderful Mother's Day! Here is a clip of Lil Buster singing to me at Wednesday's Mother's Day luncheon. I think he looked at me for a split second. LOL! I will be back on Sunday or Monday with the tri report.

Cave People Unite 10K Report

I got it done, early due to the tri this weekend, and my last long run closely looming before Cleveland it was the ideal day. I only had five miles on the schedule, but I can always go the extra mile & the .2 for Nanc!!
I chose Yolanda. I think Marcy came up with her name, but it's so suiting that I could'nt picture calling her anything else. The whole time I was running with her she kept blabbing how much she was looking forward to running with Marcy since they pace equally. Ugh what a show off!

It was foggy 72 degrees, and 85% humidity.

A fallen tree in the path. Nobody told me there would be hurdles at this race.

At times I felt like I was running through a rain forest.

A new 10K PR 1:15:57.

Yaa, I finished!

The signature model angry pout pose.

The shins are sore from the high mileage last week, and already 11.2 this week. For a 3x a week runner that calls for RICE and a swim tomorrow. Don't laugh at my pink flowered cotton lingerie. It's my sexy knee length SAHM one. HAHAHA! Notice how Yolanda and I have S.A.S. (skinny ankle syndrome).

There is still plenty of time if you want to hit this race. The race director is supah sweet! Just go to Nancy's blog, pick a pacer. Then post a comment on her blog or e-mail her, and post a report on your blog. Nancy then posts a race report on her blog, and you can check out other bloggers reports. OK I think I hit my limit on saying Nancy today. HAHAHA!

10 K Run 1:15:57 (12:15)

Mile 1 (12:44)

Mile 2 (12:31)

Mile 3 (12:34)

Mile 4 (12:10)

Mile 5 (12:19)

Mile 6 (11:44)

Mile 0.2 (9:45)

Productive Weekend

I had a blast volunteering at the CB&I Tri. Coach Bill is a super sweet cool guy. He made sure I met a few people, and we went on a hunt so I could meet Coach Liz, but we missed her. Below are a few pics he took, which I told him he better let a chick know when it's coming so I can suck in, turn to a 45 degree angle, chin down, eyes up, and smile. That just made me think of that song, "Supermodel" work..work it girl, and make love to the camera. LOL! Anyhoo, I did get to cheer on Biker Mom. I gave her a high five, and told her "to run that run". I do find a lack of words when cheering on people. I refuse to say the, almost there. It is just not something I would want to hear unless I could see the finish line. I am pretty sure it was all in the way I said run that run that rocked since she went from a shuffle to a full on run. I even gave myself a pat on the back for avoiding a hot Papa John's slice that was offered to me. There was a bit of tragedy at the event. I saw ambulances drive through transition pretty fast which let me know whatever was going on at the water was serious. I later read in the news that a 51 year old triathlete passed away. My thoughts and prayers have been with his family since that morning.


After, the tri I met my sister at Twin Lakes for an open water swim. I got in 660 yards, and feel prepared for the 200 yard swim at this weekend's Ironbabe. I know I need to really give swimming all I have. After, the 1/2 marathon I will focus more attention to my swimming. Especially since I find myself picking events I will do based solely on the swim distance.

On Sunday my sister and I met for a bike ride. We decided on a 3.5 mile loop. It was a nice loop with only 2 traffic lights. The cyclists can take the right lane, and most people that drive the area stay on the left lane since they are accustomed to the bike traffic. My sister is still a sack of nerves on the bike, and wanted to just do one loop. I convinced her to ride a little more that the bike would become more second nature to her the more she rode. I am glad she stayed, and towards the end of the ride she seemed a little better, that or she was just happy to get outta there. I figure I can always have a riding partner if I don't scare her away from the bike, and what better partner than your sister. After, she left I did a quick loop since I wanted to start the run before it got too hot.

Next, I met Shane for a 5 mile run. It was 11 AM by than so it was hot and the sun was beating down. I talked his ear off for the first mile. He kept ripping off his headphones, and giving me the I wish she would shut the eff up look. He is not keen on the idea of running and talking. So, I piked down and we ran in silence with our iPods, but it was nice to know he was there. I tend to work a little harder when I run with him. I try to show him that I am tougher than him. He let's me believe I am, and that makes me a happy wife. LOL!

Weigh in had me down 3 lbs. this morning so 2 more to take off vacation weight

Saturday's Workout:

Swim

Open Water 660 yards

Sunday's Workout:

Cycle

7.8 Miles 45:38 10.26/mph

3.5 Miles 12:15 17.14/mph

Total = 11.3 miles

Run 5 Miles 59:51 (11:58)

Mile 1 (13:14) -- running the mouth

Mile 2 (12:00)

Mile 3 (11:54)

Mile 4 (11:32)

Mile 5 (11:11)

Swim Start

I still got the butterflies watching the start

Directing( you would not believe the amount of people who almost go the wrong way) & cheering out the runnersAnother Bill who just became an Ironman with his wife in AZ. I met her as well. She is a TNT coach. They had some of the best Ironman reports I have ever read. INSPIRING!

Miserable

Long run of 12 miles today on the schedule. It was awful! I can't even begin to describe, but I will bore you with my misery.

1. My legs felt heavy, which they are. They were just heavier than usual.


2. Once the legs started feeling better my stomach started acting weird.


3. It was hotter than hell at 87 degrees and 58% humidity.


4. I was sweating more than a whore in church.


5. I can't carry enough water with me on these longer runs.


6. In turn I started dehydrating getting a pain in my upper back. Always my sign of poor hydration.


7. I walked a lot! If I added it up probably about 2 miles worth of walking.


8. I did have a good mile somewhere. The iPod had me in some techno trance. My body was running but I was somewhere else.


9. My somewhere elses are always crazy. This time I was at Ghost Bar in Vegas go-go dancing on a stage. WTF? I told you I think some crazy things while running. I was looking HAWT in my thoughts though..HAHAHA! Hence the need to continue running.


10. I am pretty sure I crawled over some hill by Research. Those that live here, and swear there are no hills in The Woodlands, getoutta here.


11. Three hours later my 12 miles were done.

12 Mile Run(I guess) 2:58:17 (14:51)

I would not quit! I was pretty disappointed and even disgusted with myself through out and after the run. I am not looking for sympathy just sharing how truly miserable I felt. I tend to be pretty optimistic, and you can probably count on one hand the times I have bitched about runs on the blog. Than again I have not been running or blogging too long.

I picked up Lil' Buster from the sitters for lunch. We went to Subway, not the yummiest but definitely WeWa friendly. Here is a snippet of our conversation.

Me: Lil Buster you have a prize in this bag.

LB: What is it Mom?

Me: Something about Naked Brothers Band. What is that?

LB: It is a show on Nick. If a girl that is 7 watches it they will fall in love.

Me: Why? Are they cool guys or something?

LB: Girls think they are hot, Mom. I will be hot when I am 7 then girls will want to be with me.

OMG! He is 5 and it is starting already. I laughed so hard on the inside, and just like that miserable run forgotten.

Tomorrow, I have an early wake up call to volunteer at the CB&I Tri in The Woodlands. I am excited since I get to meet Coach Bill, and his some of his runners. I will be on the run close to transition so I can see all the action up close. I will definitely be hoping to do this one next year, but this year I will cheer on the triathletes. The hotties will get a "whohoo, looking strong"! Then in the afternoon I have a open water swim on tap with a bike ride on Sunday. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Two Run Day

Still trying to catch up with you guys. I am about to head out to run with the PIM group. We have a 3 mile Indian line, which are fun except I know we will have a couple fast pacers in my group. I did 5 this morning, and ready for 3 more. I will make it my mission to catch up with the rest of the blogs tonight.

Today's Workout:

AM Run 5 Miles (12:43)

PM Run 3 Miles (11:33)

Fat Girl:5 Running:0

On the plane en route to Puerto Rico

Dinner in Puerto Rico. Lil' Buster thought it would be funny for it to be upside down

The view from our room in Puerto Rico

Lil' Buster doing a coin toss to see who he would sleep with. Grandparents won, whoohooo!

With my parents at "The View" in St. Lucia. Ironic since there were 4 ladies that ran the place..LOL

It's sad when I pass out before my parents

Hell's Gate in Antigua

My nervous smile since I am crawling in and over Hell's Gate

My sharp dressed guys

Formal night portraits

We got back from vacation on Saturday. I spent two days doing what seemed to be mountains of laundry. It was a lovely vacation with the family. I only did one spin class, and a little hiking but it was more leisurely. There was however, a lot of eating with plenty of fruity drinks. I had a 5 pound gain for the week. It was a reminder how quickly I can revert to my old ways. The positive side is that it's done. I am now in damage control mode riding the Weight Watchers wagon.

Yesterday, I went for my first run in over 10 days. I was supposed to do 5 miles, which turned into a miserable 3 miles with lots of walking. I blame my lack of exercise last week, and that I was still getting over the stomach flu I got the last day of the cruise. Who the hell gets a stomach virus, and still gets a 5 pound gain for the week?!? That would be me. Today I went to a spin class bricked with a 1 mile run, and a way cut short 2000 yard swim which turned into a 350 yard swim. I still love to quit that swimming! I had a tough time with today's workout as well. I flipped off for a week so I can expect it to be super challenging for the next few days. I have the Ironbabe super sprint in less than two weeks. I hope that I can pull myself together by than.

I have been busy catching up with things. I look forward to catching up with you guys tonight after dinner. I have like 150 posts in Google Reader :-O I also went to the tri club meeting in my area last night. I gotta blog about that this week.

Monday's Workout :

3 miles some running, lots of walking,

some standing there while a raccoon looked me over

Tuesday's Workout:

1 hr spin

1 mile run (11:39)

swim

4x50 :10

1x150

Kokomo

Aruba, Jamaica ooo I wanna take you Bermuda, Bahama come on pretty mama Key Largo, Montego baby why don't we go Jamaica Bodies in the sand Tropical drink melting in your hand Well be falling in love To the rhythm of a steel drum band Down in Kokomo..

I will not be going to those places. It will be more like flying to Puerto Rico tomorrow morning than Saturday evening boarding The Crown Princess to Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, Tortola, St. Thomas/St. John. I will be getting my runs in, maybe a few spin classes while on board for fun. I promised no hardcore (like I'm hardcore..LOL!) tri training to the family. I tried to pack my tri training book, and got a cross eyed look from the hubby. I opted for light hearted chick lit instead. So, I will be reading, drinking, dancing, lounging, gambling, snorkeling (not swimming unless chased by a huge fish), and soaking up the sun with beautiful beaches. I may not get on the Internet since they charge a small fortune per minute, and I will be busy see above...HAHAHA! I will have my BlackBerry when on land so if you catch the UFC fight Saturday, e-mail me (contact seection on the left) who won the St. Pierre/Serra fight, please. I will be missing it, and doubt I will hear about it on the islands. Catch up with you guys when I return.

Bon voyage!!

You may want to set your DVR for the Paris Marathon & Boston Marathon airing on Versus.

Running Knitter, good luck with the Tillman run, and have fun!

Lisa, best of luck with the tri. I know you will rock it!

Have a Happy Birthday, Jess!

Double Down

That is what I always think of when I say 11. Speaking of which, I am behind on one of my famous movie reviews. Well, they are famous to me..hahaha!

"21"

3 out of 4 stars. Mostly because I love blackjack. If you are not in to cards and casinos much than it might be a pass for you. If you have those vices like myself well than stop watching World Poker Tour on ESPN2, and get to a movie theater.


I did my long run today, which was a couple days earlier than scheduled. I hesitated thinking it would be too much on the body, but went for it trying to ignore the pace on LT and enjoy it?!


I left from Northshore Park, and saw a bunch of moms with strollers doing what sounded like a boot camp. That instructor was tough. I was waiting to see if she would have them do over head presses with the strollers. Here is 1/4 of the group trying to catch up to their sprinting instructor. I wanted to catch a pic of them in action, but thought the drill sergeant would spot me and make drop and give her 20.

I also eavesdropped on officials from the CB&I Triathlon race measuring out the course, and discussing the transition area. I really wanted to do that tri, but the distances are pretty long for me with the 1/2 marathon in Cleveland two weeks following. Oh well, next year. Those chicks on the bikes really made me mad. On my way into the park on Lake Woodlands they were flying through the stop signs. They would not even slow down, and I had to hit the brakes hard not to hit them. I am a big believer in; If we want to share the road as cyclist than we must follow road rules. Goes to those A-holes who don't show courtesy to cyclists as well. Oh, wee I guess I got on to some soap box there, sorry.

I did stop at HEB (grocery store) on mile 5, and went grocery shopping...totally kidding. I had to use the bathroom, and pick up a G2. I got a bathroom shot for Marcy. As, I was standing outside sucking down my drink I saw the biker mom from Lil' Buster's school. I swear I wasn't stalking her this time. LOL! She, saw me said hello, and that it looked like I was in the middle of something serious.

Anhow, the run was beautiful on the eyes, and I took it easy on the legs. The picture of the house by the lake is for Nancy. I was thinking how she had a pic of a vase, and said she had vase envy. LOL! That is how I feel about this house every time I run past it. I even imagine how sweet it would be to live there, right by the trail, go rowing in the lake(I have never rowed, but looks like fun) and have a housekeeper clean it, blah blah. Anything, to make the miles pass on, right? It was a gorgeous day, and 11 is in the books with pen now.

Wednesday's Workout:

Run 11 Miles (13:21)

I stopped the timer on the bathroom/G2 Break

Mile 1 (12:50) Mile 2 (13:43)

Mile 3 (13:36) Mile 4 (14:09)

Mile 5 (13:27) Mile 6 (12:22)

Mile 7 (13:26) Mile 8 (12:52)

Mile 9 (13:35) Mile 10 (14:18)

Mile 11 (12:35)

Tuesday's Workout:

Nothing I am slacking on the XT.

I will be back hardcore on a tri schedule once I get back from vacation.

Tri Stalker Strikes Again

I hope everyone had an awesome weekend! It has been absolutely gorgeous here in the Houston area so I am loving it. I want to thank you all for your kind words from my last post. You blogging buddies are a huge support system to me. I did get a biatch slap back to reality when I went to buy a swimsuit on Saturday, oh the horror! I bought one that managed to, lift, separate, tuck, tighten, and hide as much as possible without looking grandmaish. I also, hung out with my sister, Melissa on Saturday at the local tri store all morning. She was looking for a bike, and her boss & husband own Tri On The Run. She did find a bike to meet her short limbs, a Fuji 46cm frame, my bike looks giant next to her's..LOL! She was scared to test drive it by herself so they let me take out this sweet all carbon frame bike. It just had a speed look about it. I fell in love hard and fast, but I just put aero bars on my baby so she will continue to be my girl. Also, money is the main issue, but don't tell my baby girl that. I want her to think she is my one and only 4eva. The owner Johnny gave us plenty of personal attention, and I was able to pick his tri mind for a few hours. I think I will have to save my pennies and get a proper fit on my baby girl.

My "baby girl"

On Sunday, my sister and I planned a 15 mile ride together to get her acquainted to being on a bike. Mel got a flat tire 1.5 miles out. I had a seat pack, but no clue on what to do, and her tubes are smaller than mine. I rode back to the car, and picked her up. Than we tried to do a short run together, but her asthma was giving her a really hard time. I guess it was time to call it a rest day.


In other tri stalking news, I had talked to one of the Mom's from Lil' Busters pre school not too long ago. She saw my imprint from my number on my leg, and asked which tri I did. I was in a hurry so I could not talk long. This morning when dropping off Lil Buster I saw her, and her bike racked on the back of her car. Oh yea, baby cue the Mission Impossible theme song. This afternoon, I waited around for her to pick up her son. Lil Buster, was like "Mom can we go home now?" No, not yet HAHAHA! Than I saw Kari (cool Mom I love to hang with) we talked, and I let her in on my plan. Sorry Kari, I was a little nervous about my stalk attack so I did not even ask you about your weekend or anything. Well, I saw the bike Mom coming out, and introduced myself. We talked a bit exchanged numbers and score we are gonna ride together when she gets her bike back from a tune up.

Today's Workout:

Run 4 miles @ a faster pace

I guess my version of speed work

Mile 1 (11:58)

Mile 2 (11:41)

Mile 3 (10:39)

Mile 4 (10:00) fastest mile ever

Big Reflections

The spring cleaning bug has bitten over here as well. It started last week when I was getting dressed for Lil' Buster's field trip that required real clothes. See, every morning I get ready with no decisions to be made. I get in running clothes, and go work out. Later, I will jump in some sort of elastic yoga pant looking thing with a tee. Yea, I don't do yoga, but they serve their stretchy purpose. I tried on 12, yes 12 pairs of pants that morning, and nothing fit. It was a good thing though because they were all too big.

My entire closet

Why did I think a size 24 pink sequined number would be slimming?!

I was pleased, since I know I have lost weight but it is still hard for me to grasp. This is a conversation I have with the hubby often.

Viv: Shane, am I fat like her?
Shane: No, sweet you are smaller than her.
Viv: Are you sure?
Shane: You used to be that size, but you are smaller now.
Viv: You are crazy.
Shane: Are you doing this to piss me of.
Viv: No, I really can't tell.

I don't know if this comes with years of being so big that you lose sense of your size. I know I am not small by any means, but I still feel really huge. I know I have been losing weight, and have seen pictures where I can see a difference. It really hit me though trying on a bunch of clothes that were too big. I decided to clean out the closet of all the things that were too big on me. Which, left my closet with 2 skirts and 3 tops from the old days. I would have made do with these, but with vacation coming up next week I would need real clothes, not running clothes to wear for a week. It was time to go shopping so I went to my ol' faithful Lane Bryant store. I was a 24 and at times a 26 so I thought I would start on 20's too big, 18's too big, 16's too big, 14's a little loose, too much room to eat more than I should. Oh my God, I stood there and thought is this real? Can I finally walk in to regular people size clothing store? I have been in to these stores before with my friends and I am usually stuck looking at accessories because no matter how fat I am those earrings will always fit. Needless to say I have tons of earrings.

I went to Gap, a little shell shocked. I got that feeling I always get when I walk in to these stores. The, are they looking at me thinking, she can't fit into anything here. I was also prepping my usual answer that I am looking for a gift to justify why I would be in there. I started looking around it felt like hours before I found some bermuda shorts. I grabbed a 14 and stood there for a minute staring at them, holding them up to me, anything to not have to go to the dressing room and have to be sent back to Lane Bryant with my tail between my legs. The sales lady came up to me, "Would you like a dressing room?" Ah shit, "yes please." I tried them on they were a little loose. I sat in that dressing room, and shed my first tears in a long time. This is real my hard work, my passing on sweets, driving by fast foods like the enemy, the endless figuring of points I stick in my mouth, my endless hours working out, it was working. The sales lady knocked on the door, "were those OK, do you need a different size?" To which I get a the hugest grin, which she could probably see through the door, " yes, can I get a 12 please."

I still have a way to go. I consider myself at a half way point of my weight loss. I am happy though that I can finally open my eyes to see some accomplishments. I am looking forward to actually being in pictures this vacation.

Wednesday's Workout:

Run 5 miles (13:00) so hot and humid just pure torture, the feet

felt like cylinder blocks

Swim 250 yards made up 1/2 of my quitter workout

Thursday's Workout:

Spin Class 1hr.

Friday's Workout:

Run 10 miles (13:15)

Nothing like the TX heat from 1-3 PM

Like, I'm a Quiter

Thanks for all your expert advice. Some of you ladies have suffered the same so it was good to know it wasn't just me. I guess the higher mileage in the heat is causing this. I have been applying Neosporin, and trying to keep the area dry. Here is a Cramer tip for you all, invest in JNJ because I will be buying Vaseline by the industrial size since Body Glide quit on me. Jess, and a few others mentioned to keep the shoes dirty like a badge of honor. I am all about showing the battle scars, so dirty they will remain. I will also pike down, and invest in some cycling shorts.

Shane and I were in bed last night he was almost asleep when he said, "Can you turn down that Hills crap?" I said, "How did you know it was "The Hills?" To which, he responded, "they say like every other word, and so are you these days." Like, I have no idea what the hell he's like talking about...HAHAHA!


I went for an early swim today since I like had a hair appointment this morning. I left this morning like at 5:30 to the gym with my swimsuit on and swim cap, a la' Java! My hair guy cut tons of damaged hair off. Like, the pool really eff's up your hair even with a swim cap. He also got out all my grays, and highlights for my summer hair. So, it will be like all cute for vacation. We leave for vacation in 10 days. WHOHOO! I will tell you guys where we are going next week. Oh yea, my point about the swim. Anyways, I was supposed to do like 2000 yards, and I quit after 700 yards. It wasn't even a long swim it was broken down into a few 100's, quite a bit 200's, and some 50's. I don't know why I am such a quitter at swimming. When I run if I have to do 5 or whatever, I just keep going even if I have to crawl till the Garmin reads 5. I do the same on the bike. I will not even think if dismounting that saddle till the scheduled mileage is done. I know swimming is my worst, yet I insist on just stepping outta the pool, and saying screw it! How do I plan on being a better swimmer when I quit?! I have a running day tomorrow, but since I was a slacker today I will go back to the pool tomorrow evening and play catch up. Like, I will be no swimming quitter, but I will try to cut out the like in my vocab.

My Hair, The first pic is my angry model pose..HAHAH! Since are not some of the best photo shoots done in the kitchen?!

The second one is just me all cheesy smile.

Today's Workout:

Swim

3x100:20

7x200:25 quit after my 2nd 200 :-(

6x50:10

Advice

I need help, it will be a little T.M.I. , but I won't post pics because than this blog will change to a different kind of blog. I did pull Shane into the pantry after dinner and flashed him. At, first his face was like oh yea, getting some than he said, "gross, Viv!"

1. I have serious chafing under my boobs. It started on my long run on Saturday. After, today's workout there are puss blisters (I wanted to make it plural but the spelling was tripping me out) under there. Needless to say it hurts. I have no idea what to put on there??
2. I also have some chafing on my OK even more T.M.I. on my butt cheeks?! I am guessing from the bike since I wore running shorts. What do I put there? Is it time to invest in some cycling shorts?
3. My running shoes are super dirty. Can they be washed? If so how? I just never thought of throwing $100 pair of shoes in the wash. Do I use gentle cycle?

Thanks for any advice you can throw my way :-) Today was my official weigh in day, and the 5lbs. was officially gone! I guess when you follow WeWa it works. I know the weight loss will slow down, but I am committed to keep losing.

Today's Workout:

BRICK

(rolling hills, well as hilly as it gets in the far west side of The Woodlands)

Bike 14.72 Miles 1:03 (14mph)

Run 4 Miles 51:40 (12:55)

Fairytale Nine

Today was the longest run to date on the schedule, 9 miles. I headed to The Woodlands, where I do most of my runs. I never will know why we moved from there, oh yea cause we couldn't afford it. Maybe in the future. I am not too far from there anyway so I still go visit the trails, and do my rides out there. It is just a friendly sports area. People will still stop at pedestrian crossings, and let you by with a smile, birds chirping, squirrels jumping outta bushes to say hi, beautifully shaded never ending miles of sidewalk trails, running peeps giving the runners sup nod. So, yea it is basically my fairytale running setting.

I took Lil' Buster for his 5 year check up this week. I knew his pediatrician was a runner since I have seen her at local running events. I found out she was also a triathlete when I was looking for my bib number on the Lone Star Triathlon log, and saw her name. She was registered for the 1/2 Iron and did it in a little over 6 hours. So, being the runner/swimmer/cycling stalker I have become. I dressed Lil' Buster in his tee that said My Mommy is a Lone Star Traithlete hoping she would bring it up. She did, and we talked triathlon while some sick kids were waiting to see their Dr. :-O Come to find out she is the secretary of the local tri club, and encouraged me to come to the meeting at the end of the month. She told me there are several beginner athletes and a few sponsored athletes, and they have several workouts to help us improve. Yea! See, being a stalker has payoffs..HAHAHA!

I have been back on Weight Watchers hardcore this week. I jumped on the scale and a 5lb loss thus far, but official weigh in day is Monday. So, I won't make it official till than. After, seeing some of the pictures that the photographer took on the course of the tri I thought oh man have I got to get serious with the eating side of my fitness. I want to be a hawt triathlete MILF after all, HAHAHA!

Recovery Week

Monday's Workout:

5 Mile Run (12:42)

Tuesday's Workout:

Cycling 20 minutes

Wednesday's Workout:

4 Miles (12:18)

Thursday's Workout:

1 hr. spin class

500 yard swim

Friday's Workout:

500 yard swim

Saturday's Workout:

9 Miles (12:42) -- deja vu' consistently slow

Lone Star Sprint Triathlon 2008 Report

** Warning **

Try to ignore my patch of grey's Oh and that I look like sausage in super tight casing

Thanks so much for all the congratulations! Rita thanks for my cute tri socks! Anna for my rockin' card! All the emails & texts I got! I felt so loved!!

Well, here it is the report. I had to wait a couple days because when I finished it all seemed like a blur. It has been coming back to me in scenes, the past couple of days. It is a little (ok a lot) lengthy so grab a cup of coffee. I want to share too many details, but I also want to be able to come back and read this to learn and grow from. I say grow from because I fell in love with this sport. I thought I would do this tri, and get my fix to say I did it than continue with my running with some cycle/swim cross training. After all running has always been my first love before I could even run. I still love running, it is even my favorite part of the tri, and not just since that means the tri finish line is nearing. I will post some of the rest of the year goals later this week since I am feeling a new found motivation and determination.

I woke up Thursday morning feeling much improved from the night before, and by Friday morning I was feeling fantastic. I don’t know if it was all the adrenaline, antibiotics, and excitement or what, but I was gracious for it nonetheless.

We went to my parent’s house on Thursday evening since they are about 35 minutes from Galveston versus my 1 hour and 40 minute commute. They are out of town so there wasn’t a loud Cuban gathering, me being the loudest, LOL! Shane took off to be at my beck and call Friday. He made sure I didn’t do anything but chillax most of the day. In the afternoon our dearest friends Vince & Rita met up with us to head to Galveston get my packet, find my transition area, and attend a first timers seminar. The seminar was really helpful. I really had no idea how to even rack my bike. They gave us step by step instructions, plus went over some of the rules to follow. It was very informative. I even won a raffle at the seminar. A Zoot transition towel it is suahweet. Well, here is the truth on how I won it. They were asking who had a birthday this week, and who came from the furthest distance, blah, blah. The lady doing the seminar was Jana Landry from Ironbabe Sports that puts on the female tri here in our area. She was pointing at her shirt promoting it and thinking what other category she can come up with to distribute a prize. I said aloud, “How about if we are already registered for your super sprint in June, which I am.” My friend Rita kind of put her head down, like yep that’s my friend. Jana than gives me a thumbs up, and hooks me up! I guess I am pretty bad about the freebies, HAHAHA!

Shane, Lil’ Buster, Vince, Rita, my sister Mel, her boyfriend Greg, and I had a great pasta dinner at Carrabba’s. We had to wait over a 1 and a ½ to be seated, but it was worth the wait. It was delish! It put me in bed a lot later than I wanted to be. I got in bed at 11PM, and than did not fall asleep till 2:30AM. I kept replaying this imaginary video in my mind of me doing the tri, going over each step. In my mind it played in slow motion like clips from the Kona Ironman from the NBC special…LOL!

The support team had an early wake up at 4:30AM. It was drizzling all the way down to Galveston. I got pumped up seeing a lot of the cars with their bikes mounted. It let me know, this is it the real deal. At, that point my stomach fluttered till the bullhorn. Shane, filled up my tires, and I grabbed all my gear. We walked over so I could get my body marked. I don’t know why I was looking so forward to that, but I was. It was like I was branded as a real deal triathlete.

Than there were kisses, hugs and off to transition area I went. My rack was on the row with all the first timers. I gotta tell you a lot of those peeps did not seem like first timers. Maybe, it is just because if they didn't have their jaws clinched and a shit look on their face. I consider them experts.HAHAHA! I met my bike rack neighbor, Cami. She asked me how to rack her bike so, I helped her. We shared how nervous we were while spraying ourselves with Pam. I decorated my lil’ area just like they had taught us in the seminar, all organized like my compulsive self!

It was now 6:45AM they called all the athletes to head to the dock about a 1/3 of a mile away. There were about 13 waves before my wave could get in the hold. Shane, stayed with me for a bit, and Mel braided my hair. Shane swears I had tears of nerves at this point, but not one ever rolled out of the eye that means no tear no cry! He left me there a couple hundred yards before the dock. I saw Cami, and we talked training, and just getting pumped up. We decided we would jump off the dock the ladder wasn’t tough enough..LOL! We met another first timer Jen and they told the female first timers to get ready. The women rumbled, hooted and hollered! We jumped in to the 69 degree water with the sun shining. The water felt fine just a quick stutter breath when I came up. We swam about 15 yards to the start, and that is it we were off.

Swim: 15:06
I started off nice, staying on the side closest to the buoys on my left. I felt calm, and relaxed. I really never got trampled on; just a few kicks here and there. I guess that is the sweet thing of a first timer’s wave. I started getting tired, and for some reason threw everything I learned out the window. WTF!? I had windmill arms with my neck up like an ostrich!! I remembered to count the buoys to keep myself orientated to where I was. I talked to myself in my head a lot. Telling myself to keep going, don’t stop just get to land. I did finally, and they had a lot of crew telling you where to stop, help you stand up, hold you for a second while you gained your balance again.

T1: 3:55
I came out of the water really disoriented. I didn't know where I was, what I was doing. I did remember to unzip the suit and pull it down to my waist. I remember seeing the family cheering me, and Shane saying, “are you OK?" I am pretty sure I looked somewhat lost. Next, I was lying on the ground having my suit stripped. It was a pretty good distance from where we came in. I tried to run to the transition area. I just could not run. My head felt floaty like. Shit, I remember that I could barely walk.

Bike: 48:58
It went well the first 6.5 miles I hit a max of 22.3mph, and just felt strong. I was passing peeps continually. I lost my voice a bit. My on your left became a bit squeaky. The last half we turned to seawall by the ocean. The wind picked up, nothing uncontrollable, but defiantly difficult to manage for this spin class chick, who gets most of her rides done indoors! I was putting forth a lot of effort with little results. I keep playing tag back and fourth with Jen. I got drafted in for the last two miles. Where was that USAT official when I needed her? The drafter said, “I am not going to pass you.” This draftee said, “Nah your just going let me do the work.” I am almost shocked how relaxed I was on the bike, even riding deep in the drops. I guess I left all my nerves out in the bay on the swim. I was happy to arrive at the transition, after hammering it out as hard as I could.

T2: 1:40
I jumped off the bike, and took off running to my rack, and took off like a bat outta hell sucking on a GU. The legs, yea I dint feel ‘em at all. They were there, but it felt like I had no control of them. I figured the harder I run the quicker the feeling would return.

Run: 38:36
After ¼ of a mile running so hard, I was spent. I did a little jog/shuffle slow and steady. I saw Jen at this point. She was walking, saying she was going to walk it in. I told her no way, shuffle with me we will get there a little faster. We talked, and shuffled our way to mile 2. At mile 2 as we got closer to the water, I got the wonderful second wind. I told Jen I was feeling good, she said hammer it out, Viv! That is her saying, and I loved it! The last mile came at 11ish, and felt great! I was there I could here the crowd, and I heard my name Vivian from Spring Texas, is coming to the finish line. I clinched my fist, and felt like a champion. My family was standing there screaming for me, and giving me lots of cowbell!!

Bib 920 Vivian CXXXX Spring TX USA 34 F 1:48:18 Overall 134 Division 54/102

After stumbling around for 10 minutes I went to the party area, and saw Jen. She had a cold beer, and told her friends that she ran only because of me. Can you believe that I got her through the run. She had her buddy get me a cold beer, and we toasted to the fact that we were now triathletes!! I did not get to see Cami. I looked up her time, and whoa Cami was a runner, honey! She averaged 6:45 min miles and place 2/102. I posted a comment on her time page, and she commented on my time page that she will see me at the next one :-) I went to the food line, but had no appetite at all. My sister forced down some oranges and a bagel with peanut butter on me. We hung out for the awards ceremony, and saw the 1st place overall finisher Michael Lovato. My, God this man was an Adonis! I may have been dead tired, but never to tired to notice hotties. LOL! , and he was a good sport gave a little interview. He came off like a stand up guy. Lovato finished the course under an hour. Lovato’s wife would place 2nd the next day at the 1/4 iron distance.

We stopped off for Chinese food, and I must have been out of it since I ate a fortune cookie with the fortune inside. I forgot to pull out the paper…eww! When we got back to my parents, I chilled on the couch for a couple hours than I had mad crazy energy. I did laundry, cleaned out the car, reorganized all my gear, read blogs, and did dishes all while Shane was passed out...LOL! I was sore everywhere, but woke up Sunday feeling great with just neck pain. Do you think it had anything to do with the terrible form on the swim, ummm duh?! We went and had my celebratory dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings, my favorite while watching the basketball game. I had a rough time sleeping last night. I think I finally crashed out at 4AM last night, and got 3 hours of sleep. I kept replaying the whole event in my mind. I have a lot of ideas on what I want to work on, and will post that later. I think I have bored you guys long enough!

Monday’s Workout:
5 Mile Run (12:42)