Welcome to the YWCA pool...where 72 lengths = 1 mile. 36 = 1/2-mile - which means 18 laps is approximately what I will be swimming across Lake Andrea in July. I remember last year when I was training and I thought the swim was 1/4-mile and I looked at the website about 2 weeks before that and it said 1/2-mile and I freaked out. Thing is - I love to swim. It really is just a relaxing sport for me. It doesn't hurt (well - the breaststroke doesn't hurt - I fell like I could do that for days), it's quiet and relaxing - I just really enjoy it. But - when people sign up for a triathlon...they either hate the thought of swimming or they welcome it. Swimming in a pool alone is WAY different than swimming across a lake with hundreds of women! When I'm waiting on the shore for the hundreds of women to start swimming in front of me, I have to just relax, because there is a lot of panic and commotion going on around me. And it's cold! It restricts your lung capacity really fast and it's a totally different feeling than being in the 88 degree YWCA pool! But - it's still swimming - so I have to concentrate on that...I love to swim...3 feet of water or 50 feet - I still float! No freaking out!

Last year - I "saved" someone. She was panicking...I saw her moving her arms and legs and not going anywhere! It was pretty scary - but one reason to do the Danskin or Trek triathlon is the use of "swim angels". There are volunteers that float in the water with 2 or 3 noodles and give you one if you're afraid and they will even swim along side you and talk you through it. Then they get out of the water with you - you probably exchange hugs and they get on a golf cart, they get shuttled to the entry point, hop in the water again and do it all over. Back to the girl...I just made sure she got to the swim angel...and turns out that once she had the noodle - she had a really strong swim...she ended up passing me! You're Welcome! :)

So - if any of you that are reading my posts are wavering - and mostly because of the swim - I highly encourage you to sign up for the Trek Women's Triathlon or the Danskin - because they have the swim angels...it's a good way to "test the waters". Once you know you can make it across the lake - you'll be back next year! ;)

So - week two of training is coming to a close. I had to take 2 days off - one swim day and one walk/run day...HOWEVER - I used my day of rest yesterday to fill in with the walk/run. I'm having problems with my Nike+ iPod program - it's supposed to record the steps I take AND the mileage and pace and calories. Well - for the second time in the row - pressing "the menu key to end the work out" has erased it. The only information saved was 6 steps and 1 calorie burned. NOT TRUE!!! I was out for 35 minutes and walked/ran and it was about 2.75 miles. People - I RAN!!! I added up the segments (0.4 miles, 0.5 miles, and 0.4 miles)...trainers always say to start by running little bits and someday you can put the together...I might be able to do that soon! I can't wait.

I have to work on the strength training portion of training. I haven't done it yet - but I know it's important...I need to build some strength in my legs (for running) and my arms (for biking) because I'm feeling some aches and pains. I want to complete this triathlon...so I'm going to have to do it!

I just read my sister Kris' entry on her blog for the week...it was an update on her myositis condition. I'm trying to get into strength training for a triathlon...she HAS the strength to get through doctor's appts that don't have great news. I hope to pull some of the courage and strength from what she is going through and put it into what I am doing...after all...I Am TRAINING...Because I Can!

I'm off to mulch at mom and dad's now! But I'm going to leave you with this little tidbit...

A definition of courage - no matter if it is swimming across a lake or fighting a battle with an illness...

FEEL THE FEAR...AND DO IT ANYWAY!!!

"I thought of that while riding my bike"

Did you know that Albert Einstein came up with the theory of relativity while on his bike?

Think of where bike rides could take me! I better start thinking when I'm riding!

It's been a few days...I know...but I haven't given up on training - just running short on time...I'm back to update the blog. I have also learned that you can only upload 5 photos per entry...So there is another post that will happen soon!

So, Sunday morning Steve and I decided to do the same route we did last week - only the opposite direction (based on the hill we hit last week). We both decided that it was actually more difficult this week because once you go down the hill, there is a gradual incline the entire rest of the way...It was rough - but fun! I've named Steve "Safety Steve" - with all the love in the world behind the name...he rode behind me on the "country road" and listened for cars approaching behind us and yelled "CAR" - so that I would know to pull over onto the shoulder when the car was passing. It really was a lot of help. Thanks Steve! Today - we biked some extra mileage - 10 miles today! Only 2 miles less than what the triathlon distance is. It took 50 minutes (including stops to take pictures). :) That makes me happy - I have lots of room for improvement - but I'm hanging in there with the times.

Here's a picture from the bottom of "the hill".

I know I wrote about the "mansions" on Lost Dauphin Road in a previous blog - thought I would show you the one that just makes my jaw drop. Steve looked it up on line and found out that the property taxes alone are $34,000/year and it's tax assessment value (or whatever it's called) is $1.74 million! That qualifies as a mansion - right? I just love the look of the house. We went up to Door County this weekend and took a road less traveled and I started to "covet" - you know - one of those 10 commandments we're not supposed to break. Honestly - it would be nice to have a house like the ones I covet - but one week - maybe two - in one of them would just be fun!

So - that's it for the biking update...I wish I had some words of wisdom...but it's late. All I know is that I hope everyone sets a goal for themselves. Whether it's something like I'm doing, or to stop and smell the flowers, or to leave that "sweet" in the freezer for one more day...when you accomplish that goal...it just makes you feel so empowered!

Night-night everyone! I'll be back tomorrow with another photo update from swimming last week! Monday is my day of rest - but might add a strength training session...maybe a wii night?

Swimming and "Running"

Here's my iPod...it's yellow and I love it! The white thing attached to the bottom of it is the receiver of the Nike+ sensor that keeps track of my work outs...tells me when I'm finished, it's a pedometer too! The back of my iPod is engraved with "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!" ---and I say - Because I Can. :)

Here's my swimsuit and goggles...I think I might need to get a swim cap...my hair is a little shorter now and it's not staying in my ponytail...and getting in my face when I do the front crawl!

Monday was my "rest" day. Monday night I packed my gym bag with everything I needed to swim and get ready for work. I've been blessed that my work schedule has changed a bit and I will be able to do some training on Tuesday mornings since I don't have to leave for work until 11:30 (I work until 7:00). Wednesdays, I am off of work - so I can train with no excuses on Wednesdays too.

Anyway - yesterday was my first time back at the YWCA in downtown Green Bay since last September (I bought a 10-dip pass and used 6 or 7 last year). So I get to the pool and including me, it made four people lap swimming. I guess when you get past 3 - it's supposed to go in a "square" around the lanes instead of back and forth laps. But, accommodating women make it work - the 4 of us shared the lanes. Then - there was this older man who decided to jump into a lane and swim on his back without the woman in that lane knowing...well...they collided and started bickering back and forth about who should be watching where they were going. UGH! It didn't stop there either...they started at each other again when the lady stopped in the corner to say hi to a friend and the guy yelled at her for being on the "wrong side" of the pool for chatting...I finally asked them if they usually swim at this time...because that was just something I don't need in my life. My Thursday swims will be early for about 2 weeks - the outdoor pools open in a couple of weeks and I will swim outdoors to get used to the weather/cold water vs. the 85 degree YWCA pool. Last year I think the water temp was 68 or something like that for the triathlon. Anyway - I was supposed to swim for 20 minutes at a relaxing pace...I did 26 minutes and 4 in the hot tub. :)

Today - was my first "power walk/run". Thank goodness for my iPod...for real. Music certainly takes my mind off of how difficult it is for me to "run". "Run" is in quotes because it's probably considered a fast walk for some, a jog for others...to me...I'm running. I walked most of the time, but at 2 different intersections - I ran. I ran about 1/2-mile without stopping and then maybe another 0.3 miles a little later on. What song is my favorite running song? Right now - it's Michael Jackson's "Ease on Down the Road" from The Wiz. I absolutely love it...the music, the lyrics, everything.

One verse says "Cause there may be times when you think you lost your mind, and the steps you're taking leave you three four steps behind. But the road you're walking might be long sometimes, you just keep on stepping and you'll be just fine". :)

Anyway - I love running to that song! That's all today...early to bed...early to rise! So far week one is going well...thanks for checking in!

Training - Day 1

Let me introduce you to my biking gear!
Well - this is me...Training Day #1 - Not too flattering - but maybe with the training - Week #6 will be a little better of a photo. :)

Here's my trip timer/odometer/speedometer/clock. I love it! This was before we started...I forgot to restart it...but going down a hill I clocked 24.63 MPH. How fun was that!

Why am I taking a picture of my shoe "clip" (strap)? Because - two years ago...I biked for about an hour, casually...at the beginning of summer and I forgot I had the straps on the pedals. When I got home, I stopped my bike and tried to get off of it, but my feet were stuck in the straps and I took a BIG digger. Blood, skin scraped, sore wrist...an ugly event for sure! I haven't forgot about the straps since then!

Here's my bike - It's a Specialized Crossroads Bike. That means that it's not really a racing/road bike and not really a mountain bike. The tires are a little thinner than the mountain bike tires and don't have big, grippy treads on them. I got a new seat for it to "a comfort seat" - full of gel and a little more supportive than the average bike seat. Attached to the bottom of the seat is a little bag...it holds my key and/or the garage door opener. Could hold a phone, in case something happens, or a tire repair kit (which I wouldn't have the first idea how to use), or some $ in case ice cream is calling me. :) Sunglasses and Helmet...a must! Today - I should have had a water bottle along with me...I won't forget again!

So - anyway...that's my gear...so far!

Like I said in my title - it's Training Day #1 today and I am already disobeying my training coach (in the book) and going off the plan. Sunday (as it states in the book) is a day to rest...oops...well, I took out my bike this morning instead of resting. Steve came along with me and we turned right on Lost Dauphin Road instead of left. I knew Little Rapids Road connected with Lawrence Drive...just wasn't sure when we would run into it. Just so happens it's about 1/2-mile past a very large hill! Well...it wasn't THAT big...but I wasn't really expecting to have to bike up a hill today. It was a beautiful morning, the homes (wait...mansions) along the river are AMAZING and we put on almost 7.5 miles. I am just supposed be be looking at time biking...should have done 45 minutes and I don't think it was that long...probably close to that though.

Off to hang out with some friends today and feel great that I did my training in the morning and won't have to worry when I would have to fit it in later. Tomorrow is supposed to be swim day - but since it's a holiday, I won't have a location to swim at. Will switch and swim Tuesday morning before work. I LOVE to swim!

Enjoy your Sunday!

I think I'll go for a walk outside...

...the summer sun's calling my name (I hear ya now). I just can't stay inside all day...

Where are those lines from? Huh? Anyone? :)

I sure tried staying inside all day, but my 3:30 lunch after my 6 AM coffee took it's toll on me. I felt SO SICK! I couldn't nap either...so at 7:00, I got my pink shoes on and grabbed my iPod and went for a walk. I even picked up the pace at two points along the walk (I picked a starting point and and ending point and I made it to both ending points!)

I just wanted to share a few of the "little things" - Some of which I wish I would have brought my "small" camera to capture...

1. Mid-20's age "girl", not really in shape, wearing work boots and a pleated skirt, "little top" with her belly hanging out...mowing the lawn.

2. The smell of the freshly cut grass and the last of the lilacs blooming.

3. The smell of people grilling out!

4. Neighbors gathering outside - just chatting....

and the best one of all...

5. I care with the license plate that said: ROO
I kid you not! It just made me smile and say - I'm really out here for a reason!

(For those of you that don't know...Roo is the name my sister Kris gave me when I was younger...my dad usually calls me that...but she raised it up again when my niece and nephew were born and I'm Auntie Roo to them...and Roo to others.) So seeing that plate...really cool. Worth dragging a camera around next time...just in case it's at the same house again.

Links to Triathlon Websites...

Here are some links...just in case any of you feel up to the challenge. Or maybe some of you are already at that athletic stage in your life...

Remember - these are sprint distance...which means they are 1/4 or 1/2-mile swims in "open water", 12 to 15-mile bike ride (some flat, some hilly), and a 5K (3.1 mile run/walk). All very do-able distances.

Here is the link to the Trek Women's Series - they have triathlons all over the country and women of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities are welcome. It's a rather new series...Sally Edwards, the motivational speaker behind this triathlon, used to be involved with the Danskin. She is actually the LAST PERSON to cross the finish line - so no one ever has to worry about being last. How cool is that? This one is July 11, 2010 and the one I am doing.

http://www.trekwomenstriathlonseries.com/wisconsin.html

Then - there's the Danskin Triathlon Series...this is the one I've done in 3 years past. I like this one too...last year, it was at the END OF SEPTEMBER...BRRRR. It was a beautiful day for a swim, bike and run though.

http://www.danskintriathlon.net/wisconsin.html

This one is in Two Rivers/Manitowoc on August 28, 2010 - rather inexpensive compared to others I've participated in. (Let me know if you're interested...I might be putting together a group effort on this one.) It's still up in the air - but I'm tempted.

http://www.mtrymca.org/Fitness/Triathlon%20Entry%20Form%202010.pdf

There a ton of other ones (co-ed) that I know...Lake Mills Triathlon (Lake Mills, WI), Green Bay Triathlon (Green Bay, WI) - both are usually the beginning of summer - like next weekend. There's one at Highcliff and one in Door County. Pewaukee has one too...Oshkosh, hmmm...

http://www.witriseries.com/

I just clicked on this website and there's listings in WI for kids, sprint distance, olympic distance and ironman distance. I love the ones in the "small towns". The community comes out, a lot of the participants are there to have fun and just cross the finish line.

http://www.triathlon-calendar.com/wisconsin.html

Well...I need to get going. We'll see what I do when I get home today. It's been a long week and a nap is actually something I would like to take advantage of...since I don't officially start training until Sunday!

My new best friends...well, they're not too new. But they were the brightest shoes I could find! (asics, Gel Nimbus-11). Training should be fun in all aspects, right? I hope to find some yellow, orange or bright blue shoes as a reward for crossing the finish line! :)

This is a Road ID pouch. You velcro it onto your shoe and can put important information on it...I opted for some phone numbers (incase someone finds me keeled over during a run or something). you can also put words of inspiration on it too! Inside the pouch...you can put a key, some $, whatever...I also have my Nike+ receiver that keeps track of my time/distance/pace/etc. on my iPod. Fun accessory for the iPod!

Good old Eric Harr...wrote this book and it's been my training plan the years I've actually trained. The plan allows you to train to cross the finish line in just SIX weeks! Training only 4 hours per week! How can you go wrong, right? Anyway, he has four training categories...this time around I fall into the "slice above couch potato" level. And I'm okay with that! Sunday is my first day of training! It gives you all a few days to decide if you want to join me on this adventure (or maybe for one in August?).

The logo on my triathlon training t-shirt they sent me in the mail (which I paid dearly for). Great fabric...but HELLO...it's BLACK and I'm training in SUMMER!!!

I AM...Because I Can

This has become my own personal motto for a few years now. One I've kept to myself. However, I feel now is the time to share.

About 6 years ago, my sister Kris started doing triathlons and duathlons. She raised money for good causes and loved doing these events. One summer, she even did 5 events (sprint distance triathlons and a duathlon). She felt and looked great too! She inspired me to try one on my own...and at that time...I loved it too!

Then, in 2006 - her life changed...almost as quick as lightning. It took awhile for the doctors to figure it out, but she was diagnosed with dermamyositis in June 2006. It pretty much stopped her at accomplishing some of her fitness goals. For those of you who don't know what myositis is, please visit www.myositis.org . To follow Kris' story and be inspired...head to her blog http://krislanebarger.blogspot.com/

I decided that I was going to make it a personal goal to complete a sprint distance triathlon every summer. I missed 2007...but in 2008 and 2009 - I did the Danskin Women's triathlon in Pleasant Prairie, WI. 2008 was a blast (there were 5 of us doing the triathlon, all with our myositis awareness t-shirts on). My sister, Kris, waiting as my mom, my sister and I all crossed the finish line (my mother in law swam and my sister in law biked). 2009...I had to do it in relay form because of a knee problem. It was fun to complete it as a team (thanks BethBeth and Pai).

This year, I've asked and asked my friends and family to participate in a triathlon - but it's about 6 weeks away and no one has committed. So...this is where this blog comes in. It's going to keep me accountable. I know my family will put it in their "favorites" link...maybe some of my friends too. Instead of writing a lot - I am going to make it more of a photo journal (if the blog world allows me to). I love taking pictures and I think this is going to be a great adventure...sharing my training in photo form!

So - this is my first post...Here are some details.

What: Trek Women's Triathlon
Where: Pleasant Prairie, WI (same course as the Danskin, but different sponsor)
When: July 11, 2010

Why: BECAUSE I CAN

I think of my sister, the triathlete (she will ALWAYS be one because of that very FIRST one)...who has a new goal. To run 1-mile with her daughter. Girl - I can't run a mile...so take as much time as you need...and when I get up to one...maybe I can visit and she can run with me. Anyway - I think of Kris...there is no excuse for me to do whatever it is...so think about choosing a "fitness" goal...whether it's getting that bike out and riding a trail, or hiking a path at a state park, or running a mile. Maybe you can make it your motto too...

I Am (insert what you're doing here)...Because I Can.