So today was a "fartlek" run, which is basically a way to improve your speed. You run 2, 4, 6, 8, & 10 minute intervals, each progressively faster than the last. I rarely listen to music when I run, but for some reason I grabbed my Ipod on the way out the door. Right at the hardest part of my run (the 10 minute killer) and going uphill, my Ipod graciously gave me "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon and Garfunkel. I LOVE that song and it gave me the power to push--weird how just a song can do that, huh?
Thursday, July 28, 2011
God Bless Mrs. Robinson!
Okay, so you have endulged me and you are about to read my blog--THANK YOU! I'm also raising money for the SAMFund (which helps young survivors of cancer get back on their feet). If we all donated just 10 bucks it would help so many people!! If you'd like to donate, please visit:
So today was a "fartlek" run, which is basically a way to improve your speed. You run 2, 4, 6, 8, & 10 minute intervals, each progressively faster than the last. I rarely listen to music when I run, but for some reason I grabbed my Ipod on the way out the door. Right at the hardest part of my run (the 10 minute killer) and going uphill, my Ipod graciously gave me "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon and Garfunkel. I LOVE that song and it gave me the power to push--weird how just a song can do that, huh?
So today was a "fartlek" run, which is basically a way to improve your speed. You run 2, 4, 6, 8, & 10 minute intervals, each progressively faster than the last. I rarely listen to music when I run, but for some reason I grabbed my Ipod on the way out the door. Right at the hardest part of my run (the 10 minute killer) and going uphill, my Ipod graciously gave me "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon and Garfunkel. I LOVE that song and it gave me the power to push--weird how just a song can do that, huh?
Saturday, July 23, 2011
I forgot how hard this was!
Today was a four hour bike ride. I managed just 52 miles which is too slow for Ironman! I'm going to blame it on my two weight lifting sessions this week, which KICKED my butt! When I started the ride this morning my legs felt like lead blocks and I needed a good two hours to loosen them up. The good news is that I had a 20 minute run immediately following the bike and felt great! No pain anywhere. These types of workouts are called "bricks" and they're meant to condition your legs to go from bike to run on the race. Every training day brings thoughts to mind and today I thought this: I wish pedestrians would refrain from walking in the bike lane--note the name: "BIKE" lane. I almost had two collisions with walkers today :(
Tomorrow is a 1 hour and 40 minute run....yikes!
Tomorrow is a 1 hour and 40 minute run....yikes!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Adaptation Phase (aka: the first 6 weeks) is history!
Today marks the end of week number 6! I can't believe how fast it's going by. Today I ran 6 miles and swam 3,500 yards. I feel great and my only complaint is a sore wrist--not bad for an old lady! I would encourage those of you who are reading this (and I'm talking about all two of you) to go back and read my entire blog. It goes through all my training from Ironman 2009 and it is kinda cool to see how far I've progressed. It took a LONG time for me to feel somewhat like an athlete and I'm not even all the way there yet. I'm hoping that completing Ironman #2 will make me feel like a whole athlete once and for all. My goal for Ironman, 2011 (yes, I have one): is to finish under 16 hours. Have I mentioned how important I think it is to set goals? I will talk about that topic sometime in the future--until then, please donate to the SAMFund and help a cancer survivor reach their goal! Here's the link:
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Long bike #6
I just completed long bike ride #6, although this is a recovery week. Two hours and forty-five minutes and then a 15 minute run immediately after. I must be in way better shape than last time because I feel great! Now I'm off for a massage to take care of the weary muscles.
Please don't forget to donate to the SAMFund @
Please don't forget to donate to the SAMFund @
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Would you believe...
...that I'm at it again?! One Ironman race is obviously not enough, so on November 20th at 7am I will once again jump into the chilly waters of Tempe Town Lake and begin swimming. A couple things are different this time around: 1) I'm in much better shape than I was two years ago and 2) I won't be alone. My partner, Tracy will be doing it also. She already has three under her belt, but we always seem to do them on opposite years--but not this time! I must apologize for starting my blog late this time. I'm already into week 5 of training, so I better bring you up to date...
I haven't missed any training days (always a bonus) and that includes a trip down to San Diego for the 4th of July holiday. Today was my longest run to date (7.3 miles) and it took just under 90 minutes. My longest bike ride to date was 38 miles (two weeks ago) with another one tomorrow. I feel great this time around, which is not bad for 49 years old. It seems the more I exercise, the better I feel.
Training for Ironman (and doing the damn thing) reminds me how lucky I am to be able to physically push myself and feel good while I'm doing it. There are so many people who can't--not because they don't want to, but because their bodies won't allow it. And yet, they push on. I'm talking about all the young folks who fight cancer day after day. And for those who beat it and become "survivors" they are forced to fight a new battle--an economic battle. This is where the SAMFund comes to the rescue--and people like you who donate! Please visit my website at CHANGING THE PRESENT read about the SAMFund and find out how you can donate.
Here's the link:
Check back weekly for updates to my training...and how much money we're raising for the SAMFund!
I haven't missed any training days (always a bonus) and that includes a trip down to San Diego for the 4th of July holiday. Today was my longest run to date (7.3 miles) and it took just under 90 minutes. My longest bike ride to date was 38 miles (two weeks ago) with another one tomorrow. I feel great this time around, which is not bad for 49 years old. It seems the more I exercise, the better I feel.
Training for Ironman (and doing the damn thing) reminds me how lucky I am to be able to physically push myself and feel good while I'm doing it. There are so many people who can't--not because they don't want to, but because their bodies won't allow it. And yet, they push on. I'm talking about all the young folks who fight cancer day after day. And for those who beat it and become "survivors" they are forced to fight a new battle--an economic battle. This is where the SAMFund comes to the rescue--and people like you who donate! Please visit my website at CHANGING THE PRESENT read about the SAMFund and find out how you can donate.
Here's the link:
Check back weekly for updates to my training...and how much money we're raising for the SAMFund!
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