Motivation!

 Adonis, in Greek mythology, is the god of beauty and desire

I will take swim motivation any way that I can get it these days. Yesterday I was motivated to get to the pool, but only because I really don't want to get kicked off the team for not attending at least 2 swim practices per month. I have learned that I prefer to swim when and where I want to swim and not at a specific location on a specific day at a specific time. That drives me nuts and makes me want to rebel. I don't know if I will renew my membership after this quarter because of this. But, who knows, I may change my mind once the weather gets warmer and I start to dream of swimming outdoors at Hains Point with a lane all to myself (a benefit of being on this swim team). I was talking to my Mama on the way to the pool last night and whining about the traffic and the location and time and parking and yada yada.... but my motivation when I got to the pool was worth all that I went through to get there.

As I made my way to the last (read "slowest") lane, I noticed this beauuuuuutiful man in the lane. As I eased my way into the cold water, I slowed down a bit as I watched how beautifully he swam. He stopped at the end of the lane to ask if I was getting in.  He told me to just take the plunge and I would warm up, but I tell ya, it was like music was playing when he spoke to me. Oh MY! So, I eased in, talked to the lane mates about where they were in the workout and got going. I found myself trying to get my hips and feet higher in the water as I swam past him. When we started doing sprints, I found myself swimming faster, as I didn't want him to think that I am a slacker. While my lane mates were waiting for the rest of us to finish the swim set, I found myself trying to make sure my hand entry into the water was perfect and my body rotation was just right. MAN! The motivation!! I swam faster and more efficiently than I probably ever have... or at least I thought I was. As he climbed out of the pool, I found myself just admiring the view and dreaming of our next swim together.

Delusional? Maybe. But I will take my swim motivation any way I can get it these days! I cannot WAIT until Thursday's swim practice. I know he won't be there, as I overheard him saying that he only swims on Tuesdays and Saturdays. However,  I need to work on my form a bit more on Thursday, so I can swim more beautifully when I see him again on Tuesday! The motivation man... the MOTIVATION!

...and for the icing on the cake with a cherry on top? He was wearing a Triathlon swim cap. Could the beautiful man be a Triathlete too? Oh my.... the MOTIVATION!

Finding a way

I have these little goals that keep me in check, like "Never wear double digit sized clothing again" and "Never wear a size Large again". Whenever I get back to a size 6, I am going to start "MISSION SIZE 6 for LIFE". Just little vain goals to help me to stay on track besides having to be ready for races. I noticed that my size 8's are fitting snug these days, so besides having to be ready to run a 1/2 Marathon in 6 weeks, I have my "never wear double digit sized clothing again" goal motivating me to get moving.

Last night I left the house and discovered a flat tire on my car. The car did not come with a spare tire, so I had to get it towed to the dealership. My plan today was to go for a long run, attend an inauguration training session and a short bike ride with a friend to help her get familiar with her new bike. I decided to run to the dealership  to get my car, then cycle to the training session and to the meeting spot for the ride. However, it seemed that every which way I turned, I was met with obstacles. Nevertheless, I remained committed to finding a way to  accomplish today's fitness goal of getting that long run in.

There is always something that we have to do or something that comes up and it's so easy to just push fitness aside. I am trying to stay committed to living an excuse free life when it comes to my personal health and fitness. I had a late night dealing with 2 different tow truck companies that turned into a 4 hour ordeal, had to help a friend out and didn't wind up going to bed until 2am. Sleep is not something that I sacrifice much, as I get headaches, don't look my best and feel cranky if I don't sleep enough. So, I slept in this morning. I learned that I couldn't pick up the car until 2pm, so that ruined the plans of running there before everything else I had to do. I decided to just cycle to the training and back, hitch a ride to the dealership, reschedule the ride with my friend and run this evening. I went to get ready to cycle to the training session, but remembered that my helmet and bike pump were in my car which was at the dealership. So, I switched the plan to running to the training session and back  (5.69 miles total). Sure, I could have taken the train, canceled or hitched a ride to the training session, but  I made a way to do what I had to do and accomplished my fitness goal. No excuses.

Next Saturday, I will be volunteering with my company for the National Day of Service, attending more Inauguration training and have to run 1 hour 45 minutes. The plan is to run to the volunteer event, run to the training session and take the train/walk home. So, incorporating my training into what I have to do is my way of staying committed. Finding a way is what it is all about. I'm not too busy for me. Besides, I need for these size 8's to fit comfortably again.

The lungs man, the lungs...

So, I have decided to pick up with my love affair of all things Triathlon again. I have had a very nice hiatus and need to get back on schedule. This intermittent training over the last 3 months has caused me to have some visually physical "adverse effects"! I was diagnosed with Bronchitis (AGAIN) about 2 weeks ago and didn't feel well for about 2 weeks before that, so I haven't been a total slacker without an excuse. I got in 20 miles on the trainer on Saturday and ran 5.5 miles on Sunday. Monday was weights and today I went for a run again.... if I can call it that. I guess my lungs are not back to 100%. The plan was to bang out 5 miles, but my lungs were NOT having it.  I felt like someone was giving me a bear hug the entire time. I kept trying to cough to clear my lungs and get more air, took deep breaths, changed my breathing pattern every way I knew how, but nothing was helping. My friend is training for a 1/2 marathon that is in 19 days and needed a 5 mile run today. I am sure that after moving as slow as molasses and me stopping periodically to hack up a lung, she was just done. She suggested that we just stop. I felt bad and wanted to suffer through another 1.3 miles, but we called it quits at 3.7 miles and I could not have been happier. I drove straight to the pharmacy to pick up my inhaler prescription.  I needed the prescription filled STAT! Man, there is nothing like not being able to breathe! I felt bad that my friend didn't get her miles in and I am sure that we were running much slower than her normal pace, but I hope she understands. I feel better already after taking that inhaler tonight. While there is a steroid in it and I try to avoid taking more steroids (I take steroids for a skin/scalp condition and a nasal steroid), I will be taking this sucker daily!

I am running the Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon in New Orleans in 6 weeks.  I am really stoked about training over the next 6 weeks and getting back to swimming, cycling and weights. The only Triathlon on the schedule so far is the Philly Olympic Distance in June. I am going to try really hard to stick to using my kettle bells regularly over the next 6 weeks. Try...


I hope your year is off to a great start!!

Tri Becca

Fins!

I have not been the best at staying committed  to my off-season triathlon plan, but I am working to change that. The Masters swim team that I belong to requires us to attend at least 2 swim sessions per month. I was so burned out from this triathlon season, that it's been a challenge to make it to the pool that frequently. I am actually honored to be a part of this team and would hate to get kicked off, so I have been trying to be better about making it to practice. Also, the USAT Club Challenge is ongoing and Tri Unify has a team of 13, so I am trying to do my part and get in some swim miles to put up on the board this month.

On Saturdays, the team practices in the 50 meter lanes. We are reduced to only 4 lanes and this makes it more of a challenge for the slower swimmers. This past Saturday, I showed up and noticed that there were a few people that were waaaaayyyy faster than me in the "slow lane". I realized that it was probably because the other lanes were just too crowded, but I got nervous. My paranoia for being "the slow girl that swims like the water is molasses and slows everyone down" started to creep in immediately. Everyone in the club has always been very nice and welcoming. I realize that my discomfort with my speed and ability has caused me to shy away from most of the faster swimmers. Sometimes I even get in a lane all by myself while swimming at another pool with this team. I know that when it comes to this swim team, what I think about myself probably has caused me to come across as anti social or unfriendly, but the truth is that I really am  just intimidated and not comfortable with my speed.

The swim coach on Saturday is usually in the slower lanes, so I was happy that she was coaching... until I found out that we were working on pacing. UGH! I got in the lane last, behind the old guy that told me that I was too slow when I first started. But the first person in the lane repeatedly caught up with me and swam past me. I noticed that I was swimming every other lap, as I had to wait until all of the faster swimmers went on to another lap, while I was just trying to  finish my first one. I got discouraged really quickly and contemplated leaving the pool after only 10 minutes of swimming. My thought was that I was just too slow to swim with the team on Saturdays when we have fewer lanes and that I would just come back on Tuesday. I was cool with that. I know that I am slow and these things happen... well that is what I told myself to feel better with my decision to quit swimming on Saturday.

When I went to climb out of the lane, I remembered that I had brought my fins! I remembered Lisa saying that her fins made her faster. So, I thought that I would give the fins a tri for just one more lap and see if I could keep up with the swimmers in my lane. This was my last ditch effort before calling it quits.Not only was I able to keep up, but before long, 3 people were in the lane BEHIND ME (including the old guy!). I was pumped! I was okay with the fact that I need a swim crutch  fins in order to keep up. I was ecstatic that I was not getting lapped in the pool any more! I felt like I was finally a part of the team!! This lady asked why I was using fins and I told her that I was about to quit, until I realized that the fins helped me to go faster so I could keep up. I don't think she really understood how close I was to quitting and my delight to finally be able to keep up, as she proceeded to tell me that, "fins give you a false sense of confidence..." yadda yadda... She was probably right, but I needed to know that I could keep up. I needed something to help me to not be a quitter. I needed my fins on Saturday!

Even though I have completed 10 Triathlons, to include two Ironman 70.3 events, I still have doubts about my ability. There is always room for improvement. I am sharing this story for anyone that may be easily discouraged or for someone that may be quitting before they even tri. I just want folks to know that even those that have completed triathlons in the past have insecurities and moments when they want to quit. I guess the message is to never quit before you tri and sometimes you may need a "crutch" until you can keep up all on your own.

I can't wait to swim with my fins again next Saturday!!! I won't use them on Tuesday or Thursday, but on Saturday, they will be my treat!!

Love,
Tri Becca

Tri Unify Holiday party (w/Elections)

You are cordially invited to the Tri Unify Holiday Party (w/Elections)

featuring the Baltimore Metro Wheelers Cycling Club & the OC's

Saturday, December 15th, 2012

6pm

True Blessings Estate

5135 Sheppard Lane

Ellicott City, MD 21042

443-324-1031

Come out to enjoy some good food, great drinks, awesome stories and maybe even find an off-season training buddy or two.

 

This is a pot luck event

Please bring something to share according to your last name and the list below:

Last Name

A-I : Appetizer/Platter/Side Dish

J-R: Beverages (w/one bag of ice) - it can be of the adult variety or not
S-Z: Dessert

***RSVP's are MANDATORY: contact@triunify.com***

There comes a time...

In 2010, I spent a small fortune on swimming lessons, a new carbon road bike and everything to go on/with it, cycling gear, running gear, swimming gear and race entry fees. I didn't break the bank as much in 2011, but I did register for 5 Triathlons and a few running races. In 2012, I signed up for 2 Ironman 70.3 races (at $300 each) and two running races. I have not added up how much I have spent over the last 3 years, but I am certain that it is in the thousands. Especially if I include race nutrition, nutritionists, physical therapy, acupuncture, travel expenses, etc. I am at a point where I have to really focus and buckle down in order to achieve some financial and personal goals. After making financial cuts in many other areas, I realize that I need to take more drastic measures to reach my financial goals. So, it is with great sadness that I have decided to take the 2013 Triathlon season off and not spend any money on race entry fees.

It is the most heart wrenching decision, as I feel that being a Triathlete is now woven into my soul and makes up a part of who I am now. Since I know so many Triathletes and others that swim, bike and/or run, I plan to keep my fitness up by training with others for their races. I want to take 2013 to not only work towards my financial goals, but to get more fit, lean and faster. I would love to make my Triathlon comeback by completing a full Ironman in 2014. I have thought about raising money to race or to volunteer in exchange for free race slots in 2013, so I don't have to take a break from racing. I may have to get creative in order to race without paying the entry fees, as I am positive that not racing in 2013 will be extremely difficult for me.

If anyone reading this have any ideas or suggestions of how I can continue to race without incurring the expenses,  please let me know  (rwilliams2500 at gmail dot com).

Thank you for following me on this Triathlon journey and please know that I WILL be back! I see that I am getting better with time and I will not stop here. I vow to come back faster and stronger than ever before.


Tri Becca

Getting better with time

Yesterday, I completed the Army Ten Miler. In 2010, I couldn't run this race due to an injured ankle, last year I finished in 2 hours 13 minutes and this year, I finished much, much faster. I had a bit of dejavu from 2010 on Monday after rolling my ankle while running down stairs in boot camp.  I took the rest of the week off to rest and ice it, so that I wouldn't be sidelined again for this race. It was very painful to be on the sidelines in 2010 and I enjoyed it so much last year that the thought of not being able to run it this year brought me great sadness. I had only run a few times in the 4 weeks since my Ironman 70.3 Cozumel and after hurting my ankle again, I was a extremely nervous on race morning... but I was committed to try.

We met up with several ladies that morning for Team Usual Suspects photos, decided on a post race meet up spot and we took off.

Team Usual Suspects!

Me and Tania

Lisa, Me and Tania

About to get it IN

My friend Tania got a bib at the last minute to run with me. She really helped to pace me for the first 3 miles and then she had to take off at her usual speedy pace. Pier was being her usual Spectator Extraordinaire self and showed up at mile 1 and mile 5. I was so surprised to make it to the 5 mile mark before 1 hour (it usually takes me 1:05 to run 5 miles). The bands and spectators were amazing and some of the runners were mind blowing! There was a guy running and playing a piccolo the entire time! The 14th Street bridge kicked my butt again this year, but I got across it by taking it light post by light post, alternating running and walking. There was a lady who told me that I was pacing her the entire race and I couldn't stop now. When I started to walk in mile 9, she was right there with a positive message to get me going again. I started to think about how my friends would be at the finish line when I finished. I decided to push through my exhaustion and try to achieve my stretch goal, which was to finish in under 2 hours. My goal was 2 hours flat, but with that lady pacing me in Mile 9, I knew that my stretch goal was possible. My legs hurt, I was exhausted and thirsty, but I kicked up the pace and finished strong in 1:55! I cut 10 minutes off my 10K time and finished the entire 10 mile run 18 minutes faster than last year!

Me and Pier

If I do this race again next year, I will push for 1:45 with a stretch goal of under 1:40. I may not be racing at all next year (more on that later), but if I do, I will try my best to meet these goals.

DONE!!!!!!