Not much happens through the Holidays. No races...it is a 'rest' time for all of us.
Then added to that time off, I fractured my foot in January when I was out running...no running for me for weeks, months! It wasn't looking good for being in shape for my first Half Ironman for this season, Ironman 70.3 California in Oceanside on April 4, 2009.
As it got closer to the Oceanside date, I felt I would go anyway and use it as a practice race and not do the run. Well....Race report coming soon.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
November 16th: Pasadena (Rose Bowl) half marathon – 13.1 miles
This year it wasn't so nippy.
When I got to the 10k mark I got there at 54 minutes, that is by far my best time ever. I did this run in 205, which is not too bad. I thought I would do better but I did 2 minutes faster than last year and finished second in my age group.
The thing with marathons is they take a such toll on us. Our coach says, “Do not run marathons, even as training.” The longest runs he sends us on is 20 miles, it is just too tough on the body. We run half marathons as part of our training.
When I got to the 10k mark I got there at 54 minutes, that is by far my best time ever. I did this run in 205, which is not too bad. I thought I would do better but I did 2 minutes faster than last year and finished second in my age group.
The thing with marathons is they take a such toll on us. Our coach says, “Do not run marathons, even as training.” The longest runs he sends us on is 20 miles, it is just too tough on the body. We run half marathons as part of our training.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
I often get asked, “How did you start?”
Well...
I was 44 and I decided I needed to do something. I had kind of done some running when I was younger, on and off. I was talking with someone in the gym who stated she had not missed a day of exercise in 2 years. I said, “You have got to be kidding me. 2 years? Whoa, that's pretty heavy.”
So I started running, 11 years later I missed one day of exercise because I had flown in from Florida and I just forgot. I was so pissed.
I was in St. Croix with my husband when we saw our first half Ironman. I was 53 at that time and thought, “Oh this shouldn't be hard...what's the big deal about a mile swim and a 56 mile bike ride and a 13 mile run. I could do that.” Yeah right.
I am not an athlete. You know I ran and did some gym work. But at 53 I just decided I could do a half ironman. It didn't seem like that big a deal. I mean it didn't seem like it was something I couldn't do. I couldn't swim when I started. I never biked over maybe 20 miles, that was like a huge, huge bike ride. But I didn't think 56 miles was that big a deal. And since I ran I didn't think 13 miles was that big of deal either.
The running was the hardest of all of it to actually get my volume up. Which was interesting since running was the one I could do. You just make the decision and you to do it.
And I like inspiring people. I like getting people going.
I was 44 and I decided I needed to do something. I had kind of done some running when I was younger, on and off. I was talking with someone in the gym who stated she had not missed a day of exercise in 2 years. I said, “You have got to be kidding me. 2 years? Whoa, that's pretty heavy.”
So I started running, 11 years later I missed one day of exercise because I had flown in from Florida and I just forgot. I was so pissed.
I was in St. Croix with my husband when we saw our first half Ironman. I was 53 at that time and thought, “Oh this shouldn't be hard...what's the big deal about a mile swim and a 56 mile bike ride and a 13 mile run. I could do that.” Yeah right.
I am not an athlete. You know I ran and did some gym work. But at 53 I just decided I could do a half ironman. It didn't seem like that big a deal. I mean it didn't seem like it was something I couldn't do. I couldn't swim when I started. I never biked over maybe 20 miles, that was like a huge, huge bike ride. But I didn't think 56 miles was that big a deal. And since I ran I didn't think 13 miles was that big of deal either.
The running was the hardest of all of it to actually get my volume up. Which was interesting since running was the one I could do. You just make the decision and you to do it.
And I like inspiring people. I like getting people going.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
School Yard Ride - Pasadena Tri-club
We were emailed the following information:
We hope you are gearing up for the “School Yard Ride” this Saturday November 22nd at 7:30 am. Bring your bike, running shoes, goggles, $10 cash and your wits too…
Plan on a 25 mile ride including some hills. This is very much a ride, and not necessarily an easy one, but you must bring running shoes and goggles because there just might be a surprise or 2 or 3. Plan on having a very “fun” workout. Coffee and snacks will be provided post ride.
We arrived at the schoolyard at 7:30am. There are going to be three teams of eight and I was one of the team leaders, Haroon and Benny were the other two.
As team leaders we were given 60 seconds to shoot as many baskets as possible. The one with the most baskets got to choose first. “I don't shoot hoops!”, oh, but I am a team captain. Out of the 3, not me, shot one basket, so he got to picked first. We are not basketball players!
The rules were that we had to do the race as a team. All eight team members had to be there to get the clue as to where we were supposed to go next. Didn't I mention, there were also clues and activities we had to do in addition to the racing.
So with the teams all picked we had to take a test to determine which group would head out first. It was a multiple choice quiz of about 10 to 15 questions. I am glad I picked the right team members so they could answer all the questions! My team won that round and got a 2 minute head start!
The clue was a picture of a smoothie place, off we went! We were to buy 1 smoothie, drink it down and hand the cup back to the girl to get our next clue.
We were off again! To the top of Lake Ave. We found bubble gum and chalk. We had to chew up some stringy bubble gum, blow a bubble and then write our name in chalk on the pavement. Our next clue!
The front of the Rose Bowl. We get to the Rose Bowl and we are told we have to change a tire. Doesn't sound like much but you have to deflate the tire first and then change it.
Our next clue is the library in South Pasadena. Luckily someone recognized the picture. We had to ride around the block then eat a lemon Meringue Pie. Go to the coffee shop and each drink a shot of espresso.
Next clue is to take the blue line to take the Sierra Madre exit. We pile onto the train with our bikes. At the exit we had to take our bikes to the top on the parking structure. One bike has to get down without being walked or ridden. Waiting for us at the top: a kiddie bike, a scooter, and skate board. So one volunteer carries his bike down with all of us guarding the bike so it doesn't fall.
Nest stop is to Ralph's to buy 12 bagels and cream cheese. We didn't have to eat them. But how to carry them. One bright idea was to make it like a back pack and put his arms through the holes. We are running neck and neck with team Benny.
Next clue, a place called Hyper Coffee. There we found our running shoes lined up waiting for us. So we hopped off the bike, threw our sneakers on and ran a mile.
Still running neck and neck we are wanting to win. We had to come through the finish line holding hands.
Team Lynda came through the ribbon first!
We hope you are gearing up for the “School Yard Ride” this Saturday November 22nd at 7:30 am. Bring your bike, running shoes, goggles, $10 cash and your wits too…
Plan on a 25 mile ride including some hills. This is very much a ride, and not necessarily an easy one, but you must bring running shoes and goggles because there just might be a surprise or 2 or 3. Plan on having a very “fun” workout. Coffee and snacks will be provided post ride.
We arrived at the schoolyard at 7:30am. There are going to be three teams of eight and I was one of the team leaders, Haroon and Benny were the other two.
As team leaders we were given 60 seconds to shoot as many baskets as possible. The one with the most baskets got to choose first. “I don't shoot hoops!”, oh, but I am a team captain. Out of the 3, not me, shot one basket, so he got to picked first. We are not basketball players!
The rules were that we had to do the race as a team. All eight team members had to be there to get the clue as to where we were supposed to go next. Didn't I mention, there were also clues and activities we had to do in addition to the racing.
So with the teams all picked we had to take a test to determine which group would head out first. It was a multiple choice quiz of about 10 to 15 questions. I am glad I picked the right team members so they could answer all the questions! My team won that round and got a 2 minute head start!
The clue was a picture of a smoothie place, off we went! We were to buy 1 smoothie, drink it down and hand the cup back to the girl to get our next clue.
We were off again! To the top of Lake Ave. We found bubble gum and chalk. We had to chew up some stringy bubble gum, blow a bubble and then write our name in chalk on the pavement. Our next clue!
The front of the Rose Bowl. We get to the Rose Bowl and we are told we have to change a tire. Doesn't sound like much but you have to deflate the tire first and then change it.
Our next clue is the library in South Pasadena. Luckily someone recognized the picture. We had to ride around the block then eat a lemon Meringue Pie. Go to the coffee shop and each drink a shot of espresso.
Next clue is to take the blue line to take the Sierra Madre exit. We pile onto the train with our bikes. At the exit we had to take our bikes to the top on the parking structure. One bike has to get down without being walked or ridden. Waiting for us at the top: a kiddie bike, a scooter, and skate board. So one volunteer carries his bike down with all of us guarding the bike so it doesn't fall.
Nest stop is to Ralph's to buy 12 bagels and cream cheese. We didn't have to eat them. But how to carry them. One bright idea was to make it like a back pack and put his arms through the holes. We are running neck and neck with team Benny.
Next clue, a place called Hyper Coffee. There we found our running shoes lined up waiting for us. So we hopped off the bike, threw our sneakers on and ran a mile.
Still running neck and neck we are wanting to win. We had to come through the finish line holding hands.
Team Lynda came through the ribbon first!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Clearwater 70.3 World Championship Race
There were many aspects of this race that were way cool.
The expo was next to transition and there was almost anything you wanted to buy or forgot and needed to replace – short of your bike! The on site bike support was well manned.
My bike was racked next to the pros and my bike spot was at the very end of the rack– what did that mean? Easy to find – easy out.
The weather was perfect!
My wave went off after the pros. So, I was in the water at 6:55.
It was a relatively calm ocean swim.
I came of the water and looked at my watch, looked at it again and looked at it again - did I just beat my swim of last year by 10 minutes??? That’s right!
Got a long way to go in getting into a good time range, however... things are looking UP for me in then swim department!
Out of the water, nice run up the beach to transition – through the spray, wetsuit yanked off and into the tent. Took Barry’s suggestion and lost the gloves (saved time) – I ran with my shoes in hand to the bike – another time saver (not ready for shoes already on bike yet)
Would have had a better swim to bike transition if I had not had to stop pay a visit to the port-O-p--y on the run to the bike.
Then bike leg was perfect. Perfect weather – not too hot – not too cold, perfect smooth roads and absolutely NO wind!!!!! And did I mention – it is a flat course.
Kept my watts in range and had a good ride with my best time ever on the bike!
Race was going well for me up to this point!!
Then came the run.
By mile one, I had walked one aid station. By mile 2, I was amazed at how long this run already seemed. By mile 4 nothing was improving and I just had to stop thinking about how I could be anymore miserable.
Mile 5 it got real hot – maybe if I passed out for a bit – I would get a rest, but that did not happen.
Somewhere on the bridge (that was the big hill of the race) I had a bout of walking – and really... that did not feel any better than the running – I was in the ultimate dammed if I do – dammed if I don’t – but I guess I was more dammed if I didn’t -- so started to run again.
Made it back to the turnaround and started out for the second loop. I was feeling somewhat better – probably because I only had one more loop of utter misery!
At about mile 8, I thought – CAFFINE... maybe some coke -- that was really appealing. Half cup of coke – and by mile 9 I was starting to come into the race!
Last 4 miles... much better than the previous 9 – but, not on fire, that was for sure.
Finally got close to the finish line... music blasting, you know what it is like coming into the finish line... it is like going to heaven!!! And ... depending on how much you have suffered – the streets can be line with GOLD!!!
I looked at my watch about 200 yards before the finish line and I was headed for a personal record on any 70.3 race I had done!
I could not believe it!!!!
The streets were lined with GOLD!!! A perfect end to the season!
Life is GOOOOOD!
More here
The expo was next to transition and there was almost anything you wanted to buy or forgot and needed to replace – short of your bike! The on site bike support was well manned.
My bike was racked next to the pros and my bike spot was at the very end of the rack– what did that mean? Easy to find – easy out.
The weather was perfect!
My wave went off after the pros. So, I was in the water at 6:55.
It was a relatively calm ocean swim.
I came of the water and looked at my watch, looked at it again and looked at it again - did I just beat my swim of last year by 10 minutes??? That’s right!
Got a long way to go in getting into a good time range, however... things are looking UP for me in then swim department!
Out of the water, nice run up the beach to transition – through the spray, wetsuit yanked off and into the tent. Took Barry’s suggestion and lost the gloves (saved time) – I ran with my shoes in hand to the bike – another time saver (not ready for shoes already on bike yet)
Would have had a better swim to bike transition if I had not had to stop pay a visit to the port-O-p--y on the run to the bike.
Then bike leg was perfect. Perfect weather – not too hot – not too cold, perfect smooth roads and absolutely NO wind!!!!! And did I mention – it is a flat course.
Kept my watts in range and had a good ride with my best time ever on the bike!
Race was going well for me up to this point!!
Then came the run.
By mile one, I had walked one aid station. By mile 2, I was amazed at how long this run already seemed. By mile 4 nothing was improving and I just had to stop thinking about how I could be anymore miserable.
Mile 5 it got real hot – maybe if I passed out for a bit – I would get a rest, but that did not happen.
Somewhere on the bridge (that was the big hill of the race) I had a bout of walking – and really... that did not feel any better than the running – I was in the ultimate dammed if I do – dammed if I don’t – but I guess I was more dammed if I didn’t -- so started to run again.
Made it back to the turnaround and started out for the second loop. I was feeling somewhat better – probably because I only had one more loop of utter misery!
At about mile 8, I thought – CAFFINE... maybe some coke -- that was really appealing. Half cup of coke – and by mile 9 I was starting to come into the race!
Last 4 miles... much better than the previous 9 – but, not on fire, that was for sure.
Finally got close to the finish line... music blasting, you know what it is like coming into the finish line... it is like going to heaven!!! And ... depending on how much you have suffered – the streets can be line with GOLD!!!
I looked at my watch about 200 yards before the finish line and I was headed for a personal record on any 70.3 race I had done!
I could not believe it!!!!
The streets were lined with GOLD!!! A perfect end to the season!
Life is GOOOOOD!
More here
Friday, October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween
Everyone have a fun and safe Halloween.
Get a lot of exercise chasing after those kids outside!
Get a lot of exercise chasing after those kids outside!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Preparing
I am preparing for two back to back races in December so taking a break from actual races to just train.
I will be running the Pasadena Half Marathon on Dec 13th and the Hemet Tinsil Sprint Tri on Dec 14th.
Saturday of this last weekend I did a 112 mile ride 6.33 hours total time and then a 40 minute run --- was a look into Ironman Training - it went so well - I have decided that 2010 may be my year for an Ironman!!!!
Then I had to do a little 54 mile ride on Monday to help to get the legs a bit less sore from Sat
I will be running the Pasadena Half Marathon on Dec 13th and the Hemet Tinsil Sprint Tri on Dec 14th.
Saturday of this last weekend I did a 112 mile ride 6.33 hours total time and then a 40 minute run --- was a look into Ironman Training - it went so well - I have decided that 2010 may be my year for an Ironman!!!!
Then I had to do a little 54 mile ride on Monday to help to get the legs a bit less sore from Sat
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