Where do you get your protein part two...

In addition to my training and learning for the tri comes another key element... the nutrition side of things.  So I've decided to share some of the nutritional aspects as well... Maybe it will inspire you to have an animal-free meal or two!

If you didn't already know it, I eat a vegan diet.  And now comes my disclaimer... I actually DO eat bee products such as honey and bee pollen... they are highly nutritious and healing. I'm not making excuses... I'm merely putting it out there that for me it isn't necessarily about 'perfection'... rather trying to do what makes the most sense for me.

I also have a passion for wool... I try to make my choices compassionately.  I find it difficult at times to choose because sometimes a vegan choice is at odds with an environmentally sound choice... ahh but I digress...

So the nutrition thing.... I have people ask me all the time 'isn't it hard to....' and the answer, quite simply is no.  No, it isn't.  I have a friend whose blog you should visit:  It's Easy Being Vegan!  She has great insight on being vegan and willing shares with the world.

It is like anything else you learn, however, and that is there's a learning curve.  You shop in a new way, prepare your food in a new way, think in a new way.  You are bound to feel a little lost, overwhelmed and just plain stupid at times.  It doesn't last... and like anything else that you stick with, it will become a 'habit'... second nature.  When I go to the grocery store it doesn't take me hours (unless Robert accompanies me, but that's just cuz he loves spending time there...) I basically buy the same things week in, week out, just like you do.  I'm just doing most of my shopping in the produce section...  ; )

Tomorrow I'm embarking on a journey to make my own version of a Clif Bar.  I'll keep you posted on how the experiment goes... and, if it goes well, as I have every intention of making happen, I'll be sharing the recipes and how-tos right here!

The Gods created certain kinds of beings to replenish our bodies; they are the trees and the plants and the seeds -Plato

I am so excited... I was able to get my bike up here (in Marinette WI where I'm working on a project) and I've been riding back and forth to work... it's going to be a great way to get around as well as get a little extra in daily.  It's been an exciting week as I kick into gear with my training... Monday I did a strength training when I got to town and then rode my bike to the hotel from the office. 

Tuesday I rode to the pool.  I wore my goggles upside down and a swimmer next to me noticed and mentioned it to me... lol... he said 'I don't want to make you feel stupid but....' well I just laughed and said, hey I appreciate the help... I'm new to all of this.  Although it's confirmed: I do NOT know how to swim.  I'm trying to get signed up for a private lesson or two with the local acquatic director... hopefully our schedules will mesh!  Oh... and the ride to the pool... c-c-c-old.  I only had fingerless gloves with me so stopped at the local bike shop and bought a pair of full finger gloves.  Mmmm... toasty.

Saturday is the Chi Running workshop that I signed up for.... it's all falling into place. 

Today I will do the things that other people won't, so tomorrow I can do the things that other people can't - Unknown

Stream of Consciousness Book Review: Slow Fat Triathlete

Warning: the following may appear somewhat incoherent as I've written this in a stream of consciousness sort of way.

The book Slow Fat Triathlete was written by Jayne Williams.  Hmmm... that's not much of a flashy start.... but maybe that's because as much as I really wanted to LOVE the book, I merely thought it 'ok'.  If we were going to do a point value thing, in fact, yes... let's do a point value thing because I have a STACK of books I'm going to read through and review (more on that later). 

So point value system... first an appropos symbol... ahh, of course... a bike! Hmmm... next, the actual scale.  I dislike scales that are odd numbered, allowing for someone to fall smack dab in the middle.  The middle ground... the safe place.  Have an opinion, damn it!  You can be close to the middle but somewhere in there is an opinion and it falls either to the dislike or like side of things... think it through and go for it! So my scale will be a scale of 6.  1 is 'DO NOT BOTHER... both tires flat, terrible ride' and 6 is 'LOVE LOVE LOVE it... don't just borrow this book from the library, BUY it so you can make scribbles and refer back to it again and again...  this is the bike of your dreams!  You can make up your own descriptions for numbers 2,3,4 and 5.

So... given that I am forcing myself to have an opinion, I'm going with 3 out of 6 bikes for this one.  Don't purchase it... (you can borrow it from me, I purchased it ; P )

So my rundown:  First.... well.... the title.  I almost DIDN'T buy it because I hate self-deprecating, trying to be cute titles (although I'm probably guilty of that myself with some of my blog titles... in fact the overall title for THIS blog (Tri-Umphantly)... lol... groan, but I digress...  so the title alone isn't enough to warrant the 3 out of 6 bikes, but one other thing about the title does bug me.  And I get that it's my own issue... but it's the word fat. 

Jayne's introduction is called: Don't be afraid of the f-word... lol.  I laughed.  As I said, I know it's my issue, but for me, there's a couple things:  1- I don't think there is a lot to be gained from announcing to the world that I'm fat.... I know it, they know it... 2- I have a deep belief in putting things out to the universe and making them happen... so I'd rather put out there that I'm fit, firm and fabulous (also F words) than that I'm Fat.  But I get that it was a way of catching her audience's attention.  And maybe that's where my challenge really comes in....

Because Jayne's audience, is in fact, not really me.  There was never a minute that I didn't think I could do this because I was out of shape or too fat.  In fact, actually, the exact opposite.  I truly believe that I can do anything that I want to.  And I'm already motivated to do it.  So I think Jayne's purpose in calling to people who might not have the confidence to start is a little lost on me. 

Still, I had a few other issues with the book... I felt that the insights and advice she does give could have been a little more specific or meaningful.  And while I get that it's her story she's telling, she ends up waffling quite a bit.  For instance she gives advice about what to wear (or not) and begins to explain but ends with 'of course it that's not your experience, then don't pay attention to me!'  The thing is, while her book may be read by athletes at all levels, her true audience is, in fact, the couch potato... she wants you off the couch and enjoying your life.... so chances are, they aren't doing any of what she's talking about (yet) and would benefit from her wisdom (and conviction).

So my pro/con breakdown:

pro:  Easy to read, at times humorous.  Accessible.
con:  A little wishy-washy on what it is trying to be or who it is trying to speak to, too general.

Just remember this: No one ever won the olive wreath with an impressive training diary -Marty Liquori

where do vegans get their protein???

I met with a personal trainer today.  The gym where I work out (in Marinette) gives 1 free session to get you set up with a program.  I already have the cardio covered with my training plan.... it was funny when he wanted to talk to me about nutrition (I guess by looking at my body he decided I didn't know what I needed to know... lol) and I told him I have that covered, that I'm a vegan and so then of course he wanted to talk about protein.  I mentioned that gorillas, elephants, giraffes, etc are all very large with a lot of muscle and get all their protein from plant sources... just like I do... lol.  He gave up trying to talk me into protein supplements...

Of course part of the whole session is naming my goals and motivation... as well as actually having to step on the scale....  ACK! The good news is I was almost to the pound accurate of what my weight is (and I haven't stepped on a scale in a lonnnnnnnnnnnnngggggggggg time).... so I at least have a realistic viewpoint.... the bad news, though, is that I have been actively working out for weeks now and my eating plan has been incredible and yet I don't think I've dropped a pound.... I'm trying not to focus on this though, and keep the momentum going....  eye on the prize baby, eye on the prize.

I must admit, however, to a teeny bit of frustration... it's like once I've made the decision and commitment and am putting in the work I'd just like to see the results (overnight).... lol. 

The groundwork of all happiness is health. -Hunt 

Did I mention I can't swim (or run?) ???

And yet somehow I am not really concerned.  I feel like I have a good training plan in place (I'll be sharing it this week) and I continue to find out new information almost daily.  This past weekend I had lunch with a friend who is training for her 3rd or 4th tri.  She is generous enough to share her knowledge and tips for training, etc.  One of the things she highly recommended was finding like-minded people to train with... !

I called the local pool to check on pool memberships and spoke with the acquatic director... she happens to be training for her second tri and invited me to join the local tri club... and as we continued to talk about our training I mentioned that I also am not a runner.  She shared with me her ideas on a method called Chi Running.  As I continue to gather more info it intrigues me more and more.  So much so that I found a running group in the north shore and their coach is a certified Chi-Running instructor.  They are having a workshop on May 1st to teach the method and I am thinking of signing up.

So right now, I'm feeling like I'm in a very very good place....

The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start -john bingham

Run/Walk

Yesterday was a rest day... I was surprised that I didn't feel sore.  At ALL!.... this from the girl whose knees sometimes hurt so much that I can barely make it up the stairs (although my glucosamine supplement definitely helps with that) and I know that giving away weight will be a tremendous help as well, but still... I HAVEN'T released all the weight I wish to yet and I RAN 3x this week. 

Ok... so you're wondering why I'm saying 'giving away' or 'release' instead of LOSING weight... well, I am very much a believer in visualization and putting things 'out there' in order to help make them your reality (this blog is another example of me manifesting my goals....it keeps things front and center... but I digress.  I read a very interesting article about the idea behind losing weight.  And the author (if I could remember who, I'd give proper credit) hypothesized that one of the reasons so many people gain back weight they have 'lost' is because we always look for 'lost' items.... think about it: we lose our keys, we search high and low to find them, we lose our wallets, a phone number, god forbid our cell phone, the list is endless and the point is, no matter what it is, if we have LOST something, we try to get it back.  Whereas if we 'give something away' or release it or donate it we have an agreement with ourselves that we no longer want that item... we don't try and find it and bring it back home again.  So... with weight release why wouldn't it be the same thing?  I know I'm over-simplifying this but it makes sense to me so I'm going with it. ; )

So yes, no sore knees or joints, no lower back niggling at me demanding that I stop.  I do have to temper my enthusiasm because I do not want to be sidelined by injury but I feel it.... I really do.... that this is IT!

I wonder where I will be in 3 mos time..... on race day.... I keep visualizing that everyday... how strong I will be .... how energized and alert I will feel.... how excited to be achieving a great goal and reclaiming my health and fitness.

This morning I took Bax to the lake and we did our training run together.  I warmed up with a brisk walk for 10 minutes, then I did the walk/run 1min:1min for the next 10 (so 5 sets) and then cooled with a 5 minute walk.  It feels like it isn't long enough (total time) but I'm doing my best to stick with the plan (I must admit to a bit of tweaking however, because it really only called for 20 minutes today and that just was not going to be enough and the warm up was supposed to be 5 minute walk, 4 min stretch for a total of 9 minutes.... lol.  I'm working between the two plans and am going to put it all together this weekend... I'll publish it next week to show you my plan and goals.

Next week is scary.  I will sign up at the local pool in Marinette and start the swim part of my training.  I'm also going to buy a beach token so I can take advantage of living near Lake Michigan and get some open water training time in.  Did I mention that I really don't know how to swim?

Don't worry about upgrading your equipment. Upgrade your body.  anonymous

Today is a rest day.

I'm finding my 'training legs'.... I think everyone probably goes through their own sets of challenges when it comes to figuring out the right mix for their training.

The cycling is, of course, going to be my strongest area (even though I haven't ridden consistently for a couple years....).  I'm finding it true that 'it's just like riding a bike' meaning that although I'm starting off slow, I'm able to and wanting to go further than the my training plan(s) suggest. 

This week I rode 7.5, 7.5 and 13 miles.  One of the rides was on a day that I also ran (not quite a brick, though.)

Yesterday's ride was the longer one... and here is what I learned: 

• ALWAYS ride with a cycling short or brief... I rode without the day before because it was a 'short' ride and my bum was a hurtin'....
• ALWAYS take a bar or some sort of nutrition with you cuz you never know when you're going to feel like you need to refuel... if you don't eat it, no harm no foul & it sucks to bonk when you've got to still pedal back home
• Don't go farther than you feel comfortable doing... don't get caught up in showing off for a friend or lover.... let the ego go... you don't have to prove anything... you are in TRAINING!

I think for me part of the key will be in focusing not only on the tri, which is of course what started it all, but also getting a handle on what my goals are.  On June 27th I'll be taking part in a charity ride up in Marinette WI (where I'm working) and they have multiple courses from which to choose.  There is the 10 mi, 25, 50 and also a 75 mile course.  My goal is to at least do the 50 and perhaps the 75 and to work towards that end I thought I'd incorporate an added layer to my training. 

Right now my plan is to take my bike up to work so that I can ride back and forth from hotel to office (2-3 miles each way.... a nice little ride) and perhaps get an evening ride in on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.  Then, I will ride on the weekends when I'm back home, one shorter day (10 - 15 miles) and one longer day 20 + miles.  I'll add mileage to the long ride weekly....

I'm conscious of a few things:

1. It's easy to focus on the strength area (and FUN!)
2. It's very challenging competing in what essentially is 3 different events all on the same day back to back
3. I don't want to overtrain (I'm seriously not sure what/how about this so I need to do more research in this area)
4. I want to be sure and stick to the plan for the swim and run

The only one who can tell you 'you can't ' is you. And you don't have to listen. - Nike


  

Training Plan.............. TaDA!

I've been doing copious amounts of searching for training plans... some were tooooooooooo detailed.... some were not detailed enough.... some were build your own (if I knew how to do that, why would I be searching for a plan???) and some were just not designed for a newbie in mind, even though they said 'for the beginner' in the title.

Eventually I happened upon a couple that feel about right.... they are the right amount of time (12 weeks), the right price (free), and easy to understand and follow.  One is a plan that talks about training in terms of minutes... the other is a plan that talks in terms of distance.... so of course, like any good cook, I'm going to combine them into something unique and deliciously my own.

I've been exercising regularly for some time now... I think the biggest 'silly' question I have at this point is: Am I supposed to only do the training on my plan or am I supposed to do this in addition to any other exercising I do?  I ask because there isn't really any actual strength training in the plan.... it is all about the swim/bike/run, which of course, makes sense.... but..... I think I want to make sure I'm doing some strength training, too.....

I'm meeting up with a friend this weekend who has completed a tri and is currently training for another.  I will pose my question to her and see what she thinks.... so far the books and articles I've been devouring don't actually come out and state it clearly... probably because people tend to make their own adjustments anyway....

What does my plan look like?  Right now I'm still looking at the two plans on two separate documents... hopefully this week or by week's end I'll have created an integration of the two that feels right.

Today I did a walk/run this morning (I'm getting more and more confident in my abiblity to be able to run.... !).  I'm warming up for about 5 minutes and then I start doing intervals of 1 minute walk/1 minute run; today I did 3 sets of these then I continued to walk for another 20 minutes for a total of about 30 minutes.  Later I did a short ride (8 miles) in about 45 minutes.  Moderate pace, consistent cadence... felt good.

In tri lingo there is such a thing as a 'brick'.  A brick is when you do two of the 3 events in training so a swim/bike or bike/run or swim/run.  But I think to qualify as an actual brick the workouts have to be one right after the other, just as you would in an event.  I did my morning walk/run early and then did the bike this afternoon, so not a real brick.... still, though, got them both in and that feels good.

Some people say I have attitude- maybe I do...but I think you have to.You have to believe in yourself when no one else does- that makes you a winner right there. -Venus Williams









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I remember my first multi-sport event....

I've always been athletic.  Always.  My dad always told the story of how when he bought me my first 'big girl' bike I demanded he remove the training wheels cuz they were 'getting in my way'.....  That's pretty much my approach to everything.... Leap because I know the wings will appear.

I've played sports my whole life.  Basketball, football, softball, tennis, track, racquetball.... I've always loved playing.... competing... winning..... and in the 4th grade, my teacher Mr. D decided we would have a 4th grade olympics.... everyone competing against everyone in all kinds of events.  I was so excited about his announcement I remember running home and telling my parents that I was going to 'be in the olympics'....

We were challenged to run long distances.... short distances (I was quite the sprinter back in my day...) climb, throw, run obstacles...., it was a week long event.  At the end of the event everyone's scores were tallied.  In 3rd place was Todd..... 2nd place was Steve.... 1st place....... oh yeah, baby, you guessed it. ME.

I'll never forget how much I loved winning .... it brought my competitiveness to a whole new level.

The prize was totally gross, however.  The teacher gave me a cool box.... I thought there was going to be a medal inside or necklace or something.... but no..... oh god no..... inside was one of his freakin' wisdom teeth.  I hated it then and I hate it even more now... lol.  What a weird weird thing to give as a prize. 

My prize this time, however, is much better..... good health.... a sense of accomplishment.... and don't forget about the bragging rights....!

Winning isn't everything, but wanting to is -  Vince Lombardi

Am I Crazy???

A few days ago I signed up for my first triathlon.  I don't know how to swim (well, yeah, I can do that splash around and dog paddle thing, but you know, not swim-swim...!) and I don't run.  I do bike.  But for the past year I've really felt like I wanted to do more than exercise.... that I wanted to train for something.... and then the other day I opened a random e-mail, clicked on the link and took the first steps for the next change of my life.

And... like many a wet-behind-the-ears neophite I am NOT scared.... no... rather I'm feeling like I can do anything.  REALLY.

And I can say that all I really want to do is finish..... but honestly.... I want to do more than that... I want to change my life.

Here is what I've learned so far....

- There are many different kinds of triathlons.  I guess I always assumed that 'ironman' and triathlon were synomymous.  They aren't.  There are different distances.  I'm doing a 'sprint distance' which is a great way to start out (this race happens to have a 1/2 mi swim, 12 mile bike and 3 mile run).  I found out later there are even 'supersprint' distance triathlons!

- Everyone is a newbie at some point & no question is irrelevant or silly.... if you have a question or don't know something, ask.

- T1 and T2 are transistions... so when you go from one sport to the next; T1 is the transition between swimming and biking and T2 is the transition between biking and running.

- There are categories and to some degree you get to choose the best fit for you... (I've chosen the athena group versus my age group)  The Athena group is for women who weigh more than 150lbs.

As for the swimming thing, a friend of mine suggested reading 'Total Immersion' by Terry Laughlin and so I have.... I'm going this week to see about signing up for a local pool membership because the pool at the hotel is about an 10x10 square.... not quite big enough to really 'swim' in.... ; P 

I'm also reading Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman, MD... I'm a fat vegan.  There are a multitude of reasons, but they don't really matter.  At the end of the day here's where I'm at.  And I want to be as healthy as I can be.  His approach to wellness makes sense to me.... and, while I generally subscribe to the idea of taking in information and using what makes sense and works for you, I've reached a place in my life where I feel as though I either make some dramatic changes right now or I will never get back to the healthy and fit girl I know lives inside of me.  So I am making the commitment to follow his 6 week quick start plan without compromise and be open to the possibilities that are laid out in front of me. 

As for my training and gaining 'Tri' knowledge...there is no lack of info out there and I'm beginning to sift through it.  My goal is to have my training plan set by this weekend. I've been working out for several weeks, but now I need/want to start training.  I'll share my plan once I've decided on it.

Whether you think you can or can't, you're right! - henry ford