Month Four of Ironman Boulder Training: Getting back on track....DON'T FEED THE FEARS!!!

I'm pretty sure some of this doesn't make sense. Sorry, I'm just happy to get it down on paper! 


Swim   82,090 yds      35:45 hr/min

Bike     706   Miles      62:45 hr/min

Run     197   Miles       40:30 hr/min

Overall Training Time:  139.00 hr/min.



Week One-

I  did my first swim of 3200 yds on Monday.  I haven't done that more then once in my past training for Ironman's, and here I am getting them done in multiple weeks and feeling strong.  I am still recovering from Whiskey Row, the body is tired. So I took off Tuesday and rested, by accident, another "nickel's nap" that ended up with me sleeping my entire evening away and not getting in my bike ride.  On Wed, I got out of work late, and debating, decided that my bike was more important then my swim, so I went home and rode my bike workout I missed on Tuesday.  I also had an ortho appt in the am, and was feeling a bit crappy.  Thursday was a day off, and our first Softball game for Mountain Valley, in which we won. I had Friday off from work due to working Saturday, and got in my long run in the AM and got to run with my good friend Nicole and her new baby boy. Got my honorary nephew fix and a good workout by pushing his stroller for about four miles. Saturday I worked, and then got in my hour run.  I also got my workout for Sat. done on Thursday night, because after work, I drove down to Phx with Nicole and we went to a place called My Art Party , where you painted a picture and got to BYOB. It was four months in the works, I bought it as a present for both of us for our birthdays, and we were not able to find a painting we liked until this day. So we had a lot of fun, got a chance to hang out for the first time in a long time, and discovered a new beer called Wild Blue. SUPER YUMMMY!!!  We hung out  and had some amazing pizza at the Hob Nob, and drove back to Prescott that night. It was a much needed break, as I was feeling pretty down and just needing some friend time. However, when I woke the next day, I was pretty darn tired, and a bit headachy, My motivation went into the toilet, I was just so darn tired, I ended up sleeping the entire day away. 

Week Two--

Training week started better and was pretty standard with no surprises. I got in my swim on Monday. Tuesday I got in my bike session on the trainer.   Wed was my longer training day of the week. I swam at the Y and then ran on the treadmill. I was hoping to run on Tuesday, but the wind lately had continued to be horrific and I didn't want to chance it with my breathing. So I sucked it up and ran on the treadmill.  Thursday was my day off of training, and I actually got some errands done, and walked the dogs, and softball (2-0).    Friday I got my ride in on the trainer and then got ready for Saturday. I woke early and headed down to Bartlett Lake for the day to volunteer for Day on The Lake. A full day of adapted water sports for individuals who have had injuries, like a TBI, a SCI or the like. I worked water intake where I got to help individuals test out to be able to go water ski or jet ski. Basically, they had to go in the water, hold their breath for 10 seconds floating in the water and then turn themselves over. This was so that if they fell of the jet ski or the water ski, they could right themselves until help arrived. It was a lot of fun. When we were mostly done, I headed out and did an open water swim. What's pretty awesome about this is that it's the first time I ever did an open water swim with out a wetsuit!!!! Granted it was only for about 20 minutes, but that was pretty darn huge for me. I tend to want the wetsuit as a "security blanket" so I would float. Nope, I didn't need it, and I felt strong!! Talk about a pretty awesome Boost in my confidence!!!! and I really needed that!!!  After we were mostly done with the day, I headed out and got in about an hour of my run. I was trying to get in 1:35. But I ended up training for a "heat" workout, as it was about 90 degrees, and I was running up hill for half the workout, so it was a bit hot. I always have a rule, that when I'm half way though my water, I turn around so I have enough to get back. Well, because it was so hot, I went through it quicker, and I was a bit fatigued anyway from being in the sun all day. So better safe than sorry. Once back at the Escape, I changed and then headed home.   Sunday, I woke early and walked the dogs. it was sunny, it was calm, it was nice. But somewhere between putting the dogs away and getting out the door for the ride, the wind picked up. Like PICKED UP!!!  But, there were no excuses, I would not allow myself to miss another day of training on the bike like last weekend. So off I went with the focus on my Power Meter training. I got out the first 10 miles pretty good, then headed down one of the side roads called Coyote Springs,  well I felt pretty good, but was prepared, cause when I turned around. BAMM...side and head winds..up to 20 mph. Needless to say....I was going really slow with my recommended PM training. I just focused on keeping it dialed in. But I began to get nervous, and wondering....am I going to make the time in Boulder, if it's windy?  I was going so slow, will I make the cut off. The wind kept pushing me, to the point I had to ride more on the road. As I was nearing the end, I was getting so frustrated I just yelled out " F-ing WIND!!!!  Sadly, I did this right as I was passing a church, and people were getting out.  Oops!!! I can only hope that the wind carried it away from them.  Off I went into Prescott and up the hill to Williamson Valley Road. The wind was what I call a "swirly" wind as it was now giving me a headwind going up the hill...slowly. GRRRRR  I definitely was not getting any good mileage today. That was for sure. Once home, I got in my 30 minute run and then I ran to the store, got my two bags of ice, home for an Ice bath. I was so tired, that I literally almost fell asleep in the bath! Good Mental training day, but man, I am now starting to doubt myself on the bike in the wind. I've also been really struggling with training on the bike cause I am riding alone all the time.  and it's so hard to get motivated.  I did notice on the ride that I kept hitting my left knee in my left elbow, and I was sliding forward on the bike. So I sent out an email to my bike fitter to see what could be done. 

Week Three-

Recovery Week. Blessed Recovery Week and getting ready for Boulder 70.3 I had Monday off from training. It was nice to come home and relax, although I ended up staying later at work which was no fun. Tuesday I had a ortho appt, getting close to hopefully have braces off before Boulder 70.3. Otherwise for sure by Ironman in Aug. The adjustment HURT!!!  Just when I thought that I had experienced the worst pain from adjustments, my ortho doc proves me wrong. I was back to liquid meals for the next few days.  IBP was on board and distraction for my bike ride. I was able to get a hold of my bike fitter, and I ended up having Wed off...so I headed down to Phx to get my bike adjusted again, and just do some shopping for things I needed. A nice break as I was going a bit stir crazy. The plan was to wake up early and go swim at the Y to get in my workout. Once again, I just couldn't get myself out of bed, but finally I did and so I did something productive, I was at least able to get the dogs out for a walk.  When I got home from Phoenix, I was  going to head over and get in my swim, but I ended up falling asleep. So, I decided that since it was recovery week, my body was telling me what it needed.  Thursday was a busy day at work, and I also had a dental cleaning. Note to self...never plan a ortho appt and dental cleaning within two days of each other. That was super painful :(.   Played softball that night , and we are now 3-0. But it was close. Friday I ended up heading over to Y and got in my long swim since I missed it on Wed. and opted out of the short recovery run.  Saturday I had to work, but once home, I got in my 1:35 hr/min run. I love that I can run a 10:00 mile now and be in Zone 1-2 for training.  And running 9:30 min/mile feels doable and almost comfortable.  Excited to see that is getting better, and I can breath normal again.   

On Sunday I was able to hook up with the Prescott Bike Club and a group from Phoenix from Multi Sport One,  who came up to ride Skull Valley Loop. Now this is a 54 ish mile loop up and over the mountains, down into Skull Valley, Kirkland, Wilhoit, and back up the switch backs into Prescott.   This has been a ride that I have wanted to do for awhile cause it's great hill training, but its not a ride that I will do alone as it's too isolated and I don't have anyone to ride with anymore, so I was very grateful for the opportunity and for the SAG vehicles who I saw the most on the entire ride. 

These are the things I learned from this ride:

Things I learned on my  Skull Valley Loop Ride today:

1.   When you’re the only one with a road bike, and everyone else is on a Tri Bike. You get dropped….quickly…at the beginning.  However, I got to know the SAG vehicles very well, and they were so nice to wait for me and offer support to a complete stranger.

2.    I  somehow was able to control my bike riding downhill at about 28 ish mph, as I hit “something medal” in the road, and not crash, even when you hit it hard enough to put a gash in your wheel frame and put a hole  in your tube all the way through on both sides! Yikes!!!   (Maybe it is an excuse to get new wheels?????)  Since writing this post, I have now discovered that my wheel is "wobbling" on the frame. :(  Which explains why number 5 might have sucked worse today than usual.

3.       From this, I learned that you can patch the hole in your Gatorskin tire with a gel packet. And still manage to finish the entire ride.

4.       Elevation change on the ride (per multiple resources) ranged from either 3850 feet of elevation change to another source that says it’s closer to 2900 feet.   Start elevation was at 5363 feet, Max elevation 6133 feet.  Regardless…..it’s a crap load of hill climbing!!

5.       The 5-9-ish miles of “false flat” into Wilhoit, AZ continue to suck and be the most frustrating part of the ride for me (think you have your brake dragging on your wheel ALL THE TIME).  I was more comfortable riding up the steeper switchbacks over the mountain and back into Prescott, mainly because I had breaks with downhill sections between the steep climbs.

6.       The last time I rode this ride, it took me about 4:30 hr/min or longer. I was done in 3: 56 hr/min (give or take the five minutes it took me to get through the ¼ mile stretch of Downtown Square with all the traffic and stop lights).

7.       I made several new friends and found out some of them are doing Boulder 70.3 Half Ironman in three weeks.  Now I’ll have some new friends to hang with in Boulder. J 

8.       I’m so happy with my compression recovery tights right now, that I’m now wishing I bought a top too. My legs actually feel good. After the ice bath of course J

9.       Ride successfully completed!!!!

Once I got home, I got in my ice bath and then put on my full length recovery compression hose.   I have to say that wearing them after my run on Saturday and my ride on Sunday. My legs are not sore. They feel pretty darn good. This makes me happy. And even though I did one of my longest rides with the most elevation, I didn't feel as tired as I have when I did this ride in the past. So I know I'm getting better on the bike. But I have to admit, when I got dropped so quickly it once again has made me really nervous that I am not as ready as I should be for Boulder. and it's starting to freak me out. 

Week Four-- Monday started with switching up my bike for swim since the pool was closed for Memorial Day.  I got in my bike ride on the trainer. Tuesday- I went to the Y and got in my swim for 2350 yds, I had planned to do my Monday workout, but I ended up getting out of work a bit early, so I went for my Wed workout.   My swim was good for the most part. I got in some good 100s under 2:00 min for all 6 of them.  I then jumped on the treadmill for the 10 x 400 M, the last time I did a "track workout" like this was in high school I think. What made me really happy, was that I ran these all at a 9:32 pace, and felt GOOD!!!  I only had a 1:20 min/sec recovery, but I still felt pretty good at the end of the workout.  Then after I was done, I headed over to a Tri buddy, who graciously loaned me his very expensive Carbon wheels to use for Boulder 70.3 and 140.6 if I want to.  I can't deny that I was very tempted to take his tri bike too, but decided since I have my bike really dialed into my body and position, I should just stick with that. So Wed, after work I headed over to High Gear, and got my bike setup with a full tune up with changing cables, true my front wheel from the "skull Valley" incident.  New Brake pad setup so I can switch from regular tires, to carbon wheels. 

 They are tubular...so I'm a bit hesitant to use them, but if I get in a few  practice rides before the big day, I just might go for it.  The only bummer, is that they won't get my brake pads in for the carbon wheels until next week, so no practice for this weeks 4  hr ride :(, and because they are backed up, I wont' get my bike until Saturday, so my Friday ride may be out.  Off to the Y and I got in my 3200 yds. My body was tired. I was tired. Work has been extremely busy and all of us therapists have been picking up pretty heavy loads, so mentally I have been fatigued. I ended up getting my workout in, but I did every other 100 with a pull buoy.  I just didnt' have any "getup and go" in me. I notice I'm back to a not so happy diet either, and my fatigue levels have proved it. So I stopped off at New Frontier/ now Whole Foods, and picked up stuff for my Sweet Potato Coconut Soup, then at Trader Joes, some Filet Minion.   Asleep pretty quick tonight. Thursday I woke up late ( again, happened all week), got in to work only a few minutes late thankfully. I ended up getting out late too, so I was just feeling pretty down, pretty exhausted, pretty low from my poor training week. 

All week, I've been feeling mentally drained, depressed, exhausted from training. And feeling just not good. So much so, that I was becoming homesick, and actually was getting teary eyed and crying in Sam's Club of all places. So when I got home, I found a "package" in the mail.  It was from my FC  Coach, Jillian.  We had briefly chatted about how I was just feeling frustrated, and down with my training, mainly my bike training, and how I feel like I'm not getting where I would like to be, and how I am struggling training by myself. And here in this package, was a photo of my FC AZ Teammates!!! Each one of them had sent me some encouraging words for training.  How even though I'm alone, I'm not alone. It came at a really good time. I ended up crying for a good half hour. Then I cried some more later, when I was writing them all a thank you privately.   

And I am so happy that Jillian knew exactly what I needed for a "pick me up".    I'm so lucky that I found Team FC and they took me in to train with them.   It was a really good release, and something that I needed. Knowing about all the other changes in my life that will be occurring this year, I was getting a bit overwhelmed I think.  The fear of the unknown, it can suck you in so quick and escalate.  I have a quote on my wall from Tough Mudder. It says..." DON"T FEED THE FEARS" I've been paying a lot of attention to that lately, cause I have been feeding those fears. Especially with my bike training.   So the picture and words of encouragement came at the right time. I have it hanging on my wall so I see it every day. I now have a small one, I plan to attach to the back of my training plan to look at when I have doubts creeping in. Thursday night was also Work Softball. it was a late game, 9 pm, but it ended up being a fun one, and we were clicking pretty well as a team. And we won, now 4-0!! GO MVRRH!!!!!

Friday I woke , so so happy it was Friday.  Work again was busy, I got out late again.  and since I had no bike, I decided to let it be a rest day. It was much needed. I had planned to do some chores and get the house cleaned up. But instead- got another 12 hour "nap".   Saturday I planned to wake early, get the dogs walked before it got hot and get in  my workouts. It didn't happen, I slept through my alarms and ended up waking up around 8 AM, it was already 80 degrees out. So no dog walk :(.  I got a late start, ate breakfast and got on my run around 11: 15 am. Which ended up being 8.5 miles in 86 degree weather, and 24 ish mph winds.  Whew!! That was a workout, But I was happily surprised that I was holding my 9:32 pace with no hip or knee pain.   I finished with a break down by the lake with some  beautiful views of Granite Dells.  Back at the Escape, I headed to the Y for my easy 2800 yds swim. Which felt really good after the hot run. The only frustrating part with that was that kiddos decided that the lap lanes was a good place to hit there ball, which after the third time I almost swam into them, the lifeguard thankfully stepped in, and kinda gave them a lecture to say out of my lane. And yes, there was no one else in the pool so they could of moved over, where I was stuck in the lane.  

Sunday I woke a bit earlier (finally) and got the dogs out for their walk, which at 7 :30 still was too hot by the end. Then off I went on my 4 hour bike ride with a 35 min brick. The winds once again were relentless. 10-20 mph head winds on the way out. I managed to get in 4 of my 6 intervals , but by then I was swearing  up a storm on the ride, I just couldn't get it to even out. And by 2;20 I bonked and had to take a 20 min break at the softball field, refueling and refilling my water I ran out of. I had decided then and their to just turn back home and finish anything left on the trainer. But then I thought about the picture and words from my AZ IM Team, and when I got to the road, I went up hill instead.   So I managed to finish my ride, and get in my 35 minute brick run, which felt pretty good for 86 degrees. I usually have a hard time training in hot weather, but I think the OSMO is really making it easier.    Finished with a ice bath and now my awesome recovery compression tights which have been a Godsend.  Did I mention my sexy bike tan lines are back???  

Finished the day with talking to Coach Jillian and planning out the next month of my training and talking plans for Boulder 70.3 in 13 days!!!   I have been feeling really good with my swims and my runs.  My biking is the area that I'm feeling stressed about. And Jillian is amazing with working with  me to help me gain more confidence in my biking skills. I really think I just need to get out on the Boulder Course, do the 70.3, gain my confidence back, and then ride/drive the full so I can see where I'm at.    Thoughts for this week?  DON"T FEED THE FEARS.  BE Patient with your training, TRUST Your

Training.  You are where you need to be. Remember it's about having fun and finishing strong.

What is Important Is to 

Believe in Something So 

Strongly That You're

 Never Discouraged.

  

Month Three Boulder Ironman Training…Forty was supposed to start asagood decade, not a challenge. Just Breathe....really just breathe!!

Swim:   62,379   yds          27:35 Hours

Bike:     499.4 Miles           43:05  Hours

Run:      147   Miles            30:37  Hours

Overall Training  Time:        101:15 Hours

One of my friends jokingly told me to watch out, when I hit 40, it all starts going downhill. Well, That’s exactly what this last month has felt like.  My coach though, told me that its crap, and that I automatically get to subtract 10 years for being an Ironman. I’m so I've decided I'm going with that! But, I’m realizing that my recovery had to change. I have to dedicate more time to my recovery, in addition to the training. I am also realizing possibly that the inhalers that I’ve been put on, are causing some side effects, including more fatigue.  On a good note, my blood work came back excellent, and the allergy panel?  Zero things I’m allergic to. But this then leads to the question of what is causing all these issues with me?  Food? The need for a more detailed Allergy Test?  I’m thinking it’s time to go back on my strict Paleo diet to see if it’s something I’m eating. The inhalers seem to be still helping, so I’m trying to use them only for exercise, as my Doctor recommendation.

My first week of April brought on a full week of training completed. Finally, that made me happy, even if I was feeling crappy.   I got in my swim on Monday, my bike on Tuesday. On Wednesday, I had to do a swim and then a hill workout with repeats. The plan was to go run some of the Whiskey Row course but, I was running out of daylight, so I ended up doing this on the treadmill at the Y, which I was happy when I finished, but I was even happier to put on my Compression Hose, and wishing I had full length ones.  I was super happy for my day off, which when I came home. I laid down at 5 Pm and woke at 5:55 AM.  Wow!!  I skipped everything, dead to the world. Thank goodness I had managed to put out dog food, and left the doggie door open! I’m beginning to feel really tired, like I can’t get enough sleep again. I’ve had no appetite either, so I know I’m not getting enough nutrition again.  Friday, I got in my bike workout, and Saturday a nice easy swim and then rest for the day for Tough Mudder on Sunday.

Sunday - Tough Mudder AZ 2014

What FUN!!! I headed down with friends for Tough Mudder Sunday morning. When we go there, we had about 45 min to get checked in and drop off our stuff. Then we headed over to the start and got ready. We had to scale a wall before we could get to the start line.  I felt a little “tweak” in my left groin, but I was able to stretch it out.  While I was standing there, and the rest of the team showed up, I was suddenly aware I was the ONLY girl. There other two had bailed. Sweet, me and 6 guys who could easily run 7 min miles. I gave them the go ahead to not wait for me if they wanted to go ahead. Which, being great gentleman, none of them did. And they gave them self a challenge, to carry a 30 lb log (named Clarice) through the entire course. I had pre warned them that I couldn’t do anything that might jeopardize my Ironman training, so I let them have all the glory of carrying the “wood” through the course. I did take it thru a few obstacles.

 But it really was all the boys who took on that challenge and deserve that credit.  It was 12 miles, many walls ( like 7-8) that we climbed over, tackled some Funky Monkey Bars,  jumped in several pits of mud, ran up a wall of “Everest”, and then ran through some Electric Shock.  The only one that I didn’t fully get across was the one called On the Tip, where it was all upper body and you had to move horizontally across using only your finger tips, I made it half way, then I hit the water! But it was hot, and It actually felt good. The one that ended up giving me trouble without realizing it til later was running up the “Everest Wall”, which I did just fine, but when I went to swing my right leg up over the ledge with help from some teammates, I somehow pulled my left groin?  I’m not quite sure how I did it, but I slowly ran/jogged the last mile to the finish, and crawled through the electric shock J because I wasn’t going to run.   Once at the finish, we were hot, tired, and enjoyed our beer, showered off, changed, and headed out to dinner before heading home. I luckily didn’t have any issues with breathing, even with the wind picking up and blowing a lot of dust.  But I definitely was so dry from all the mud my skin hurt! And was wind/dust burned. But I had a lot of fun!!!   The boys got Clarice across the finish line and it donated a large amount of cash to the Wounded Warrior Project. And although I kept up with them fine, I’m guessing they could of gone a lot faster without me. But I so glad I got to do a nice 12 mile training run with some strengthening mixed in for my workout.  Thanks Truemudd for an awesome training day !! And letting this lone girl hang with you! 

Home and iced my groin which started to feel a bit tender. 

Week Two, Monday- I was back at the Y completing my swim workout, I was glad I switched my Sat Drills workout with my hard one on Monday. Because I knew my arms would be tired and they really were. So I got in  40 min of form work. Home and to bed. Tuesday, I was on my bike doing my high cadence workout. I’m not quite sure, but I notice that after this workout, I’m really feeling the fatigue of the week, so I got on my foam roller. After 30 min, it was pretty darn painful, but I felt so much better, and I actually got my IT Band to release on the right side. Now that was painful!!!    Wednesday, I was back to feeling crappy with not getting good sleep, and also feeling more allergy laden, “puffy”, and downright fatigued. I got to the Y and got in my swim, but stopped 400 Yards short due to my shoulder sore (from all the walls I climbed over for Tough Mudder I’m sure) and then I got hit with overwhelming fatigue again, just like “I could sit down and pass out and sleep fatigue”, I got dressed to run, and motivation poor I headed out to the Whiskey Row ½ race course to do and hour run. I made it exactly five minutes, before I suddenly got some sharp shooting pains in my left groin. What’s weird is that it wasn’t bothering me the last couple days, so I didn’t even realize that I had tweaked it back on Sunday. But I knew immediately that if I kept going, I would pay for it. SO I stopped turned around and walked back to the Escape.  I also was feeling the breathing issues. Dammit, dammit , dammit!!!!  This was a very low mental moment of my week. I got home, I iced my groin. I wanted to cry, but I was too tired, I wanted to make food, but I was too tired. I think I managed to eat some tuna fish from a package, and just went to bed.  Thursday, I was again exhausted at work, so exhausted that I failed to see that I worked Friday and not Saturday, and my boss had to tell me. I was convinced, since Tuesday, that I was working Saturday and had Friday off.   I was starting to feel like I was going a bit crazy. When I got home, I again, planned to walk the dogs, and ended up sleeping till 8 pm. Got up for a couple hours to do a few chores, but back to bed by 10 pm and asleep.  Friday, I made it through work, and once home, I got in a 1 ½ nap, then on my trainer for bike workout for 1 ½ hour and now to dark out, the dogs got neglected again. I did get my recover drink in, so I actually got a second wind, and cleaned the house up.   Saturday, I woke got my yummy crock pot meal cooking, and then off to take the dogs for a much needed walk. I was feeling good in my leg, looking forward to do my run workout, only to feel by the end of the walk, the leg hurting again. Dammit, dammit, dammit.  Here we go again. So, after some icing, I decided to hold off on the run, and went for my swim. Got in the 400 M that I missed on Wednesday, and then home to ice again. And relax and read/nap. At least I can swim and bike. So I’m not missing all my workouts. But I know I’m better to rest, and that I also know that I had to take off a full month in July last year, and finished my Ironman. This is no different, I just need to focus on rest, recovery and get it checked out if necessary.

So far, 40 has kind of sucked….GRRRRRRR  

Week Three-I'm Eight Weeks out to IRONMAN Boulder 70.3. Now this freaked me out a bit, and when I went and counted up the weeks, it was actually eight. I joked with my coach, she was freaking me out, as I counted it several times and it's nine weeks.  She however responded with a program that figures out the weeks, and indeed from that calendar it is 8 weeks. Whew...I'm freaking a bit. Especially with all these dam breathing issues, It's really getting me down and depressed. I'm sinking slowing in that pit of depression with not being able to do what I want to do. I can see how chronically ill people feel.  I find myself isolating from others, and just coming home and being alone. My chipper, smiling self...is becoming deflated...slowly...slowly deflated.  I. Just. Want. This. Shit. To. End.  I want to breath normal again.   

Monday I was off to the Y with a 3000 yd swim, my longest to date, and I actually did pretty decent. I'm not sure if it was by accident or if my coach is pretty darn smart. My training is increasing in intensity, and she has one of my hardest and fastest sets right at the beginning of the swim workout, and then "lightens up" the intensity, which then becomes easy for me to do, then I move back into higher intensity, hence, my 3000 yd workout felt good!  I'm liking them!  Tonight was the Blood Moon. I got home, took a nap and got back up to watch it around midnight. Soooooo Pretty.  But I paid heavily for it I think. Because, near as I can figure, I was outside for about 45 minutes, in the cold, fresh air.  Which wrecked havoc on my allergies/asthma. I went to bed seemingly fine. But I woke on Tuesday with nasty coughing to the point of throwing up several times, then just utter exhaustion. I had to call into work, I slept...ALL day, the times I awoke, I was just so tired I couldn't even lift my arms with out effort. So, I new that it was time to get on the phone to the doctor, time to get something else, cause what I'm on isn't working.  Wednesday I had to skip my workout also,  and Thursday was my day off. Friday I headed to the doctors at noon, (thank goodness she could get me in on Good Friday), I explained all my symptoms, expressed possible concerns with adrenal fatigue?  and continued issues with fatigue, breathing, allergies. constant draining. And begged for an allergy shot. Which I got right in the A$$.  and decided that the inhalers weren’t enough, she put me on Singular.  So  inhalers are now for just when I need them. Singular at night.  I did actually feel better as the afternoon went on.  I was able to do my Tuesday workout indoors on the trainer on Friday.  Because I didn't go to the Grand Canyon like planned on Saturday I did my Wednesday training session with  my swim and run. I swam at the Y, and then did the run a bit differently and ran on the Whiskey Row 1/2 Marathon course. I didn't worry about trying for speed, etc. I just ran, since I haven't ran since Tough Mudder with a stubborn Adductor muscle pull (thanks to my friend, Cathy, who has been graciously giving up her lunch time to ultrasound, massage and ice my leg for me). I just ran part of the course to see if it was even appropriate to complete this distance let alone with all the hills. :(   So off i went, I got the middle section of the course completed (7 Miles) in 1:26 hr/min. and I felt tired, really really tired. I forgot I was running up to above 6,000 feet elevation.  and I could feel it with every step I went up.  I'm so glad this is a "training run" and has nothing to do with trying to be fast. but I'm worried, I'm worried if I'm taking on too much with this dam breathing crap.  hmmmmmm   Sunday I got on my bike and did my 3:00 ride.  Nothing to exciting, except I've been afraid to get outside and on the road lately, especially if I get an attack. And after some debate with it being Easter Sunday, I decided it wasn't a smart idea to get on the road with all the people driving, who probably only drive this time every year, and shouldn't be driving. So needless to say, it was a long ride on the trainer. Longgggggggg Ride on the trainer.  As much as this week sucked, I only missed one workout. So I have to embrace just one workout at a time, and do what I can right now with the Faith that it will get better and I will be okay.   Two things I'm noticing about this weekend so far, one the allergy shot seems to be working with the meds...I am feeling better and breathing a bit better also.  Two, after Tuesday, I'm so utterly frustrated and pissed, I went back on my Paleo Diet/Meal Plan.  It's been almost two weeks, and I'm feeling better, I'm tired, but that's to be expected to not have as many of the "processed carbs" my body is used to, so it's been pretty tired with the hard efforts. But I've been enjoying Filet Minion and I've become obsessed with grilled brussel sprouts and my Sweet Potato Coconut Soup for my evening meals.

And I am feeling better. I realized that I'm not going to be able to stick with just this for training. I saw my Coach Joby, with his training bars that are more gluten free with white flour. So I'm planning to make those for training and try them out with my Osmo. But other than training, I'm sticking pretty much Paleo for the rest of my food. I'm also discovering I'm in love with Blackberries.  Lots and lots of Blackberries. :)  

And here comes recovery week....ahhhhh really? Blessed Recovery Week. I actually sort of have two weeks of Recovery as I have 5 weeks in this training chunk ( see nine weeks to Boulder 70.3!)  So I had Monday off, after work I was home, relaxing, walked the dogs, and made my soup and meals for the week. and to bed early, another attempt at helping with the fatigue battle.   Tuesday I was surprised at work with a "catch Up" day. So I had the last two hours of my day to do with what I wished, no treatments with patients. I could leave early, I could work on projects, I could do what I wished.  I took half to work on what I could with student stuff, and then left early.  Since I was early, I opted to do my Wed workout today, So I headed over to the Y for my swim, and ran for 45 min in the treadmill.  It was a bit rough, again making sure I got in all my nutrients I needed.   Wednesday was on the trainer when I got home and while not to taxing, it kicked my butt with breathing. How fast can an allergy shot wear off?  I didn't think to ask that question to my doctor. Some online research, makes me think I'm going to have to call her back up and maybe get another one soon.  Wednesday at work also found me with having to flex day off of work for Thursday. So  after I got home, and was doing my trainer workout, I realized that I could get a massage.  So got a hold of my Massage therapist and luckily she had a cancellation and I was able to get in on Thursday at noon.  Blissful Heaven!!! I was so stiff and sore the past few weeks, I even was using the foam roller and not getting out all the kinks.  That was a worthwhile investment. Even with the extra time she spent on me, all the knots weren't 100% worked out, but I felt a ton better then when I went in. I think I really would of needed another 2 sessions to get all the knots out.  I'll just have to wait until my next one next month.   My Ortho appt was another matter. My doc repositioned about half my brackets, and then I hurried to eat dinner before the pain really kicked in.  I'm hopefully on track to get my braces off in June. FOREVER!!!  Well, one can only hope. But since I'll be starting to travel, I won't really be able to do much. So fingers crossed, appointments move up to every two weeks and the final tweaks begin. Fingers Crossed.  Friday-  I had a switch this day.  I had hope happen today.  A change in the weather with a cold front coming in, somehow, blew out all the crap in the air that I've been allergic too.  And Holy Shit, I did my 1:10 hr hill work out in 20ish mph winds, and I was breathing NORMALLY!!!!   Like NORMALLY!!!  Now I did notice some minor issues, but it was more in my epiglottis area, and when I focused on relaxing it, it relaxed. I'm not sure what's going on, but man was I HAPPY!!! I felt almost normal!!!  I felt HOPEFUL!!!  My depression lifted a little bit today, and my spirit was Boosted!!!!  Hoping it wasn't a fluke, I went into Saturdays workout still a bit hesitant. And again I had a great 3000 yd workout. And my run was only hindered by the fact that I hadn't ran the distance in a while cause of my breathing. I felt good with my lungs today also!!!!  Now I did run indoors on the trainer, only because the weather change brought 28 degree weather with rain, snow, sun, and gust of wind up to 40-50 mph (which I witnessed through the window, from the safety of the treadmill at the Y) So I decided to make sure I was in a more controlled environment and not have any opportunity to get sick or injured. I’ve had enough.  And I managed to get in my workout, all of it!  :)  I was mainly fatigued because I haven't gone that fast for that long. But oh, it felt so good.  So I have some hope that once the allergy season finishes, I'll be able to go back to breathing normal.  It's only Temporary, which my doctor told me, but with the way I've been feeling for so long, I had a hard time believing that it was only temporary.  And now, I can feel Hope, I feel lifted. I know it may sound corny to say that, but I do, I'm starting to feel like myself again. My normal self.  Deep Sigh of Relief.  Just Breathe... Ahhhhhh  Just Breathe. :)  And Sundays training session rolled around, and I may have spoke to soon. Went out for my bike ride, and while I wasn't horrible, I started back up on all my coughing again, and through out the rest of the night. My transition run was okay, and I had to slow my pace down, so I'll still take that as a good sign. I may just need to get another allergy shot. I'll have to talk to the doc and see what the plan can be.  If  I can keep my breathing under control, then I think that my 1/2 Marathon Race next weekend will still be doable. It will be a "training" race, so I won't expect any awesome times.  I'll see as we get closer.  

Addendum:  Adding on Week "Five" of my training plan this week. Or what I like to call my "second recovey week". Which was much needed.  Monday I got in 3000 yd swim. I'm excited to say it's getting easier to swim that distance, which means I'll be in the best swim shape Ive ever been in all my years of training.  Tuesday I did my trainer workout and Wed I got in my long ride on my bike. Let me tell  you, doing a 3 hour trainer ride as its getting dark is some true mental training!, that ride was brutal, and very hard to stay focused when I just wanted to stop.  Thrusday was a nice rest day, in which I got in a great "nap" again.  Friday I picked up my packet for my 1/2 Marathon and got in my easy swim of 2400 yds. 

Saturday- Whiskey Row 1/2 Marathon. I woke feeling a bit nervous, but then I would focus and tell myself it's just a training run. Not a race. But of course I always want to do my best, challenge my self. I got up, breakfast, got ready and headed  over to Prescott. Once there, I got the rest of my stuff together and headed over to the race site with 1/2 hour to spare. I opted to not wear my compression tights, because it was warm. Thank goodness cause it was already warm.  I jumped in line at the bathroom and then headed over to the startline with ten minutes to spare. I got my Garmin and music ready to go. Then it was time, the guns went off and we were on our way!  I ran across the timing mat and started my 13.1 mile run.   I started out at a slower pace, I focused on just relaxing and staying within my comfort zone, don't push, don't push. First mile 10:30 pace, good, I proceeded to do this for every mile, just relax, focus on form. Stay within your limits don't push. I was pretty surprised that I was in the 10 to 11 min pace for the first four miles, then when I got to mile five and the elevation was hitting 5800 up to 6200, I started having to walk more. But I was pleasantly surprised that I could handle most of the hills, except for the really steep ones. I was able to keep a decent pace.  And it wasn't as "hilly" as I was expecting. I drove the course a few weeks ago, and basically freaked out. But as I was running it, there were breaks in the hills, where I was running a bit down hill or flat, so it wasn't so daunting. I was having fun.  I got to the turn around at 1:16 hr/min. And was impressed! I expected to reach the turn around in about 1:20 to 1:25 with the hills. But then I turned and headed down, I did my best to relax my run, do a fast cadence, but short stride, and my quads responded quite well with not much pounding. By the time I hit about five miles out, that's when the wheels started to fall off a bit. It was getting hot, like I was HOT!!!  Like I wish I was wearing a tank top.  I found myself dumping water on my head, front and back. I was also noticing that no one else was doing this! and I found my self searching for age of runners on their calf so I could find someone in my age group and stay with them.  So the downhills were fine, but I was getting hot to the point, that when I hit mile four, I was getting a bit dizzy. I also was getting a nasty stitch/spasm in my right side, so that was making me stop about two times to breath it out.  When I hit mile three I was on the up hill, I ran around the corner and ran into one of my co workers running the 10 K.  I hollered out " how did you do?" obviously not realizng that she was still running her race. She was also pushing a stroller. Badass in my opinion since the 10 K is also a pretty brutal course, and she was doing it for the first time. As I ran the last few miles, I ended up channeling American Woman, by Lenny Kravtiz , cause I could just listen to the beat and run to it. I had 25 min to get in 2 miles to make the 2:30 time. I wanted it, but I was hurting. So I just put the song on repeat and went for it. I was blessed with a group of guys at a car wash hosing anyone down that wanted it as we ran by. Which was nice and refreshing. I did have this one annoying chick  that kept seeming to run up to where I was, then cut me off, then stop and walk, then I'd pass her, then shed do it again. It was really annoying me, but I had no energy to blow away from her. Then I had another one, that no matter what I did, she kept cutting me off, and blocking me, like she was doing it on purpose, which I can't say if she was or not, but it' was annoying none the less. I finally made the last turn and headed down the last stretch of road, and after dodging a couple strollers  ran across the finish line in 2:29:17.  Made it!! and about 10 min faster then I was hoping for. I was very happy to be done. I got my sweet medal that was finally a nice one. I ran into some co workers who I chatted with a bit, as we were talking though, I began to have trouble breathing. So I had to walk over to a different spot, and cough/ almost throw up and just focus on breathing normally.  Which I finally did and rejoined the group just in time to see our other co worker fly by and roll in Second overall for the Womens Marathon. First was her training buddy.  It was a great race, we all had fun. The heat was the kicker though. Hung out for a bit with the group. I chatted with a guy who gave me the nicest compliment telling me he was watching me run and I got him at mile 9 1/2 and that I just had a really good steady pace and he couldn't keep up with me. That was nice, since that was when I felt like the wheels were falling off and I was suffering. Good to know I don't look like I feel at least :). After Jessica got her award, I  headed home to relax, nap and put on compression socks.  Tomorrow is a blessed recovery day...mmmmmmmmmmm.   I'm 6 weeks out from Boulder 70.3.  

If You're Trying To Achieve, There Will Be Roadblocks. I've Had Them; Everybody Has Had Them . But Obstacles Don't Have to Stop You. If You Run Into A Wall, Don't Turn Around And Give Up. Figure Out How To Climb It, Go Through It, Or Work Around It.  --Michael Jordan. 

Allergy Induced Asthma....welcome to Month Two

Can't Fix Sick.... Got to Rest and Recover if your Gonna get Better.

My mantra for the month of March...literally.  I've been sick this entire month.  I have not got in one solid week of training. I've had to take off probably two days each week. Totally sucks. But Rest and Recover, better to be sick now, let the body heal, then make it worse.  So I posted my first week of this month already, the busted week, the first long weekend I took off in a long time, and I spend is sick, sleeping in bed, resting.  

Week Two started with my swim, went kinda easy, but for the most part felt strong. Next up my run Tuesday. took Kahlua with me and he kept me paced the entire 1:20 mins. I think I actually ran a bit faster then planned. Felt okay for the most part, not to tired maybe cause I had almost a week off due to being sick.  Coughing a lot after the run, and a bit during, but the body felt strong.  Wed was my swim and bike. My first two disciplines for this Ironman training. I got in my swim at the Y, and then home and on my bike, my first ride on my bike with POWER!  Now I'm not really sure what all the numbers meant but I got them all written down to learn about them and what I need to do.  all my swims for the 100, 200, and 300 M were pretty consistent, that was nice to see, I wasn't fatiguing at the end. I ate better today with clean eating.  Thursday was rest day, and I came home, walked the dogs, and immediately fell asleep for the rest of the night. Seems to be my classic ritual for my "off" days. I'm to tired to do much else. trying to read my power meter book, but just not happening.  Friday, I felt crappy again, so much so, I slept again,  Rest and Recover, starting to hurt more in lungs, moving into chest with congestion a bit now. GRRRRR  Saturday I had to do hill repeats, but I again  had trouble breathing, the 27 mph winds were not helping, finding myself sleeping more, hard to get out of bed in the morning. Same with Sunday, ended up sleeping in till 9 ish, then got on my trainer for my long bike ride, not the best cause I know I need to be outside, but my body just didn't want to get that far out and bonk. So I focused steady on the trainer.   Off to class for Kahlua, then home and sleep early. I think I need to focus on my sleep more, maybe that's another issue. 

My Third week started out a bit better then I thought, was still feeling crappy, but I had fit tests schedule for my coach to prep for my next two months of training. So, still feeling a bit crappy, I headed over to the Y for my swim test. Hoping to not embarrass myself. A 200 M and a 800 M all out after warm up.  Well, I got in my 200 Yds at 3:42 min/sec. Only 4 sec faster, darn. I Know I'm still sick, but I was hoping I'd do a bit better. Like I said, physically I felt good, my lungs just were killer.  So determined i set out on my 800 M to not get a worse time, cause I seem to slow as the distance increases. Well, my distance did slow a bit, but I had a better time!!!! by 44 seconds!! 16:02 min/sec. I will definitely take that!!!  Used my Osmo PreLoad prior to the swim as planned, and I think it helped. Back to coughing when I was done though.  Tuesday I just had and easy 1:20 run, i was tired sore, I walked the dogs. and for some reason I felt like I was having a panic attack starting (which I now know what it was) and again feeling frustrated and overall crappy.  Home in bed early, calming music...just trying to breathe.  Wed I headed for the pool, only to realize for the first time in well ever, I forgot my plan!!!  I knew my distance, and some of my warmup and main set, but I didn't know intensity. Which was ok in the end, I just focused on what I could control and worked out the distance.    Thursday, blessed rest. I was done, sleep.   Friday I decided on doing my bike fit when I got home. I felt rested, I felt good so I went for it. I got in my time and well, I was a bit discouraged with my time/power, thinking that i would of been a bit faster. But I know I went all out because I was dizzy at the end of the time trial, almost felt like passing out, and vomit.  My HR was in the 170s for the last t10 min. So I know I gave it my all that night with everything I had. I just didn't have anymore.  Power was 148 for avg:  cadence 91: HR was 162.5.   Then the coughing started again. I spent the night coughing, breathing began to hurt. I woke up Saturday so uncomfortable with my breathing/lungs that I spent the day in bed, yep the entire day sleeping, trying to breath. Like every breath hurt. I began to think...this feels like my pneumonia from when I had it. Or intercostal muscles strained, but "different". I couldn't take a full breath without pain. My body felt fine, I felt like I could go do my 1:20 min run no problem, but my lungs hated me. I caught up on my Fast and Furious movies. I slept.   Sunday again, Feeling crappy to the point still, that even on the trainer I was not feeling up to getting on. So Sleep again, Training for Kahlua, but sleep after. GRRR this is getting frustrating. My patience was wearing thin. I felt like I could of went for it, but I know I would pay for it. So I let it go, rested and since I had Monday off, I decided to go for my time trial runs of 4 mile repeats.

Which probably would of been okay, I got up late on Monday, later than planned anyway. Headed over to the Iron King Trail, and headed out on my 2 mile jog/warm up. Then..I began, I took off at a nice steady pace, it actually felt easy for the first 1/2 mile, then it got bad. I finished in 8:37. But I could tell the wheels were falling off. I had to take longer to recover, three minutes ,cause i just couldn't catch my breath.  So when I headed back on #2, I was feeling worse, I held it and finished at 8:27 min/sec. Wow!! I was happy, but I was done. My body hated me. I took my break, got ready to start the 3rd, then stopped, started again, stopped, Then started again and just went by feel.  9:00....grrrrrr   The  the 4th  9:11  Grrr  I was done, breathing was taking an effort, so I walked most of the two miles back, but I finished about 8.25 miles total. Then I immediately called my doc, while through coughing fits, and a voice almost gone, I would see her on Wed. I was starting to have some chest pain as well. 

Tuesday was a blessed day off, I didn't do anything. I talked with my coach about my training plan that arrived in my inbox and we covered any concerns for the next few weeks. The intensity is definitely picking up, as well as the volume.   I keep forgetting that, Ironman Boulder is Aug, Not November. I"m racing in four months!!!  I need to get going on intensity. I'm worried about my lungs and how much trouble they are giving me.  But I hope the doc can help tomorrow.  The training plan while picking up, is doable, it's still less time then my first Ironman, just more intensive, which is what I need.  I really need to focus on good food, which I have been, I'm counting on that to help.  Except tonight when I went to walk the dogs, I had trouble breathing again, Then when I attempted to fall asleep, i couldn't, I laid there working on trying to breath. I was up till at least 2 am before I was able to get minimal sleep.  

I woke Wed feeling horrible, I was very tired at work, I had trouble focusing. So when I headed to the doctors, I was praying for something to be figured out. By this time, I was convinced that ti was one of several things.  Allergies/exercise induced asthma, as this was reminiscent of last year at this time. Pneumonia, cause it was hard to breath and i needed antibiotics.  So I headed into the doc's, described all my symptoms, the challenges I had been having.And after I failed the breathing test to see how much air I could forceable blow into a spirometer.  It was determined that I may indeed have allergy induced asthma from all the insane winds and allergies blowing around. So she put me on an inhaler for a couple weeks to see if it helped, and an emergency inhaler for when I exercised. 

Say Hellow to my new friends....

 Also, full blood work and an allergy blood work up to see exactly what's going on. I could tell I felt better by the time I left, cause I only coughed 3 times versus every few minutes since getting there. I headed over to the Y for my first test.  One of the draw backs of the inhaler, was that the emergency one, makes  you tacky cardiac . So my resting heart rate of 120 wasn't the best way for me to get in my hard swim workout. So, I had talked with my coach prior to just do what I could. which is what I did, getting in my longest swim  for this training plan. And while I didn't work as hard physically, my lungs sure did.   The good news, is I had my best sleep for this month. That was nice.  Thursday was rest day, so I didn't have a chance to test out my inhaler for the workout. Friday, I did. I got in my time on the bike, but did my EMR inhaler prior to my ride, still had some minor issues, but I only took one puff. need to do two next time.  Saturday I had to work, but once home, i had to get in a one hour ride, which i again just took one puff thinking i could do it, but i had some troubles on the run, and then was tired when I got home. So I took a shower, ate, and slept the rest of the night. I woke up around 11 long enough to roll over and shut off the light, forgetting my inhaler. Which I payed for, cause when I woke up on Sun, I felt crappy again, no energy, sorta weak.  I slept tell 11 am, got breakfast, then slept til Kahlua's class. Then home, felt better since taking the inhaler.  Went and had dinner with the family of Sunny, who i ran in honor of for my IM AZ 13, and visited with her dtr and husband. We had a really good time.  I'm still feeling pretty tired, and I'm ready for bed. But I'm hoping this next week starts getting back on track better, now that I'm getting better with eating, hopefully get results of blood work back, and back on track with recovery from training. 

This month has really been a challenge training wise, but now that I have found out one of the main causes has been the allergy induced asthma, and I have a way to get it under more control now. I'm seeing this next two months of training having a positive vibe.   

I have Tough Mudder next week, I also have the Whiskey Row 1/2 Marathon May 3rd. Looking forward hopefully to a long weekend camping in Zion as well. We will see.  Heres to a better next two months.

On a really cool end note, one of my coach from Team FC, Joby, Raced in an Ironman today and came in second in his age group!!!! which means, he just qualified for KONA!!! What an inspiration!!!! So happy for him!!!

The Pain you feel today, will be the STRENGTH you feel tomorrow. 

The Birthday Week/ aka. Sick Week/aka. Week of training is a bust.

Well, what started as a good week with training turned into a major bust!  I had a good time at my birthday party, but still dealing with a nasty migrane/headache. I headed out on my swim on Monday and was rather happy with my workout. I was expecting to feel crappy and excepting that, and instead had a really good workout. Then I got home, and started coughing. Headed to work on Tuesday and by the afternoon, my thoat was so sore, I could barely talk with the inservice I gave at work. Then by the time I made it home. I was so not feeling well, that I went straight to bed, thinking a nap would help. but I only ended up getting so sore in my throat, I could barely swallow without pain, my head was pounding, and I was coughing and breathing like I had asthma. I couldn't sleep flat, so i was propped up on all the pillows I had for sleeping. When I woke on Wed, I was feeling somewhat better, but within 20 min of getting ready for work, i was back in bed calling in sick for the day. I had to call off my dentist appt too. I slept pretty much the entire day. Aware of not much but my bed, and occasionally gettting up to get my Vernors. I woke on my 40th birthday feeling guilty that I had missed two days of training, but knowing how I was feeling, there was no way I was in a place where I could do anything, so I focused on what I could do to get better. I also decided I wasn't going to let it spoil my bday plans. So, I had my birthday mimosa  as planned for the day with eggs/bacon. then I was off to get my birthday massage.  Blessed Massage and with my headache, she worked with me and actually got some of my headache under control, the best I felt in the last week.  I got my birthday coffee at Starbucks,only to have them get the order wrong, and  since i couldn't taste anything anyway,  I didn't even drink it.   I was home and resting until my evening birthday dinner with a few friends at Olive Garden. Sadly by then I was in coughing mode and spent more time coughing then enjoying the meal. But I did enjoy my company and still had a good time. Home and in bed right away. Friday I woke, loaded up on cold medicine and headed down to Phx, got new running shoes and insoles, and headed over to Faster to get my power meter on!!! and a recheck of my bike fit. I was there for maybe 45 min. When he watched me on my bike, he did two minor tweaks, which made me feel even better on my bike, and then told me he'd see me again in a few weeks. He is adjusting slowly for me so that I can let my right leg adjust due to having all my knee issues with it. I'm so happy I went with him for the fitting and having my coach who are really focused on making sure I don't have any further injuries with my knee, etc.  I made a good choice in that I must say :)  

I"m so excited to get on my bike and ride, but my "cold" or what ever it is, has now moved into my chest, so hello to coughing with any exertion. I'm trying to be patient, but it's hard, cause I just want to get back to trianing. But I know if i go to soon, it will be worse for me. So patiently I wait. 

Met up with some friends for dinner and again, couldn't taste much, but had a great time chatting, laughing, losing my voice again, and dumping our entire meal on the floor (oops) and still getting a free birthday dessert. The perks of not being able to taste anything, is I don't eat to much, hence, get weight loss plan! LOL  Overall, I by far think I had one of the best birthday weeks of my life, with great friends, hanging out, etc. even with being sick, I had a good time. Once I got home, i was in bed, and slept all of Saturday. I didn't make it out of bed.  But, i didn't have to take as much meds, so i'm on the mend. Still not feeling good enough to workout.  Sunday, i actually for the first time, felt like running. but when I took the dogs out for a walk before Kahlua training class, i could tell I wasn't ready. So grrrrrrr....a whole week shot for training. I'm really frustrated, but also trying to be patient and let my body recover. The good thing is I at least still feel strong, so hopefully not much has been lost during my sick week.  and better now then later, when I'm closer to the race when I can't really afford to be sick.   My headaches are back some, but nothing near as what they were last week. Here's to a more healthy week ahead for training, and for my body.  

Month One of Ironman Boulder Training

Week One--

Well,my first week of training is in the books!! I felt so strong with all of it this week. It makes me happy and excited for the training plan and to see how it all works out for the big day.  I am patiently waiting to hear back from Faster to see when I can get my Power Meter. They said they would have an update this week but I've yet to hear from them. My swim felt good. My cardio still needs some work in the water, but over all I felt good.   My runs felt good with the hour and Kinesotaping my right leg helped ALOT. where I had zero pain.   Did my hill repeats on the water tower hill out back of the sub division. It's a great work out and made me reminisce about the good old days doing bleacher workouts at GVSU, which was by far my favorite workout. We did it every Tuesday.  I always find it funny that I'd take bleacher workouts any day over distance.  And yet here we are 20 years later..... and I do extreme distance LOL!!!

Can't complain with this scenery huh?  Cont to be at a 4:00 min Plank Yes!! And I am up to 8, yes 8 standing pull ups from the ground (with no boost to get up to the pull up bar)  Most I've ever done!!! I remember doing 7 in college, but this is plan sweet!!!

I did do Sat and Sundays workout on Saturday because I got the chance to go snowboarding with a group of friends from work! We all had such a great time. i did fall on my shoulders a bit to much, and used them a lot to get up. I was pretty happy with how quickly I was able to remember what I learned last year, and thanks to the expert instruction by a friends hubby, I was linking turns on my snowboard within an hour. I got encourage to head up to Midway with the group and was agreeable, but I will say that the "exit" off the lift did me in. Alison and I both beginner snowboards x 3 days got off at the same time, smoothly made it down the exit and then bite it at the same time! LOL I' wish there was a photo ops cause that would of been funny. We got out of the way quickly, laughing out butts off, only to hear the two guys behind us do the same thing!!  

But I knew at Midway I was done, I went down directly on my elbow on my right, and got some numbness/tingling in my elbow and shoulder felt sore. So I ended up walking the catwalk over to where the group was, and knew I was done, my body was shaking from fatigue. So bowing out from the group who wanted to go up one more time, I bailed and headed to the lodge. And considered going up the beginner slope one more time, but knew I was done when I couldn't hold up my arms without shaking.  I will say that I felt like I had Central Cord Syndrome by the next day, I could not lift my arms if my lift depended on it. And thank god for my coworkers who took the evals so I didn't have to lift any patients.  It was so fun...But It set me back with training, as I had to skip my swim and switch it to Wed.  

My only bummer was that I felt REALLY strong and healthy on Saturday, and then the snowboarding messed it up a bit. But I also realize that its probably the last time I'll get to go with these guys, as I'll be somewhere else next winter. Hopefully in CO :) working somewhere. 

Week Two--

This week started out with my "central cord syndrome" feeling with my arms. I could not lift them if my life depended on it.  They were so sore, and painful, I was worried that I might of done something, but at least I didn't dislocate my elbow (unofficially) like I did last year. I took Monday off and rested, I knew there was no way I could swim if I couldn't lift my arms. I was queen of the  Kineso tape on both shoulder, my right wrist and my right knee!  Tuesday, I choose to bike instead of run as my legs felt the best, and so I got in 12 on the trainer. I decided 5  hours on the slopes boarding made up for the one hour run.  I got in the pool on Wed, but it wasn't  pretty. I had to bring out the pull buoy more than I wanted, but I got the work out done.   Thursday, my day off...I SLEPT.  I am having trouble getting a good nights rest, thanks to some annoying nightmares that keep haunting me...alot. So it makes for longer days. I'm also as usual not eating right and that plays a huge role  in my fatigue. I'm not getting in enough nutrition.  Grrrrrr... had to hold off on Planks this week due to the shoulder.

Hill workout was good, got in a good 4 plus miles.  Swim was better on Saturday, but again had to pull in the buoy to give my shoulder a rest from the pull.  ANd Bike was good on Sunday. with a final training/graduation class for Kahlua. 

I signed him up for the Intermediate classes beginning March 2nd. Got to keep with the rhythm, and of course if I pay for it...I'll keep focused on doing it.  He still has some issues, but it's only been six weeks, he has come a long way since then. Although he still tends to pull at times on the walk, it's so much better then it was before. And he's getting stronger on the run, where soon I can start taking him on runs I think and he can go the distance, i have to build him up to it, as he is eight....I don't want to over do it with him. 

I do need to get him more exposed to other areas, take him down town Prescott with the other dogs around the block. And I really want to get Bailey on board with doing more, but it's tough training two dogs at the same time. 

Week Three--

Well, this week was my highest volume yet. I got in more time on the bike and more running then any other week. Because I still felt my shoulder being a bit tweaky, I choose to opt out of my swim from Wed that was optional. I decided it was smarter to rest it then it was to push through the pain, even with the Kinesotaping helping I just needed the break.  My swim on Mon was okay, again, had Kineso on so my shoulder was good to go.   My run on tuesday was a bit rough. I haven't' been sleeping well again, Been getting plagued by nasty nightmares that seems to come back every few months. It weird.. I haven't ever had them this bad before, and I'm not quite sure why the last year it's been in high alert. Really frustrating cause I'm not getting the quality sleep I need. Hence when I had Saturday with an easy run....I slept in. but more then that, I like slept the entire day, from the bed to the couch, I woke around 5 pm and got out to get in my 45 min run which was supposed to be an easy recovery run, but ended up being harder then planned. Then  I took the dogs for there 1.25 mile bike ride for Kahlua, then run. On the bike ride though, I wasn't as attentive to Kahlua as I normally am. Usually I can see when he is going to try and greet something or someone coming down the road, He also has a few "spots" that he always must sniff. But this time, he caught me off guard, and took a 90 degree right turn on a run, so needless to say, me the bike and the dog all ended up on the ground. I had some bloody carnage to my left elbow, but it's doing okay, and it didn't affect my Sunday bike ride. But it's still tender so I can't put full weight on it. 

See?  Isn't it pretty? At least it's right over my other scar so it just adds to the current carnage of that elbow.   I then got a walk in with them both and was done for the evening.  Sunday I got in my bike ride and felt good. My only issue of late is that by back has been really bothering me again. I know i"ve slacked off on my plank (got back to 2:00) tonight, and single leg squats. I didn't get in my strength training yet. I need to get on that, I think that will help. My right hip has been a bit tight too. again my fault for not doing my PT exercises, and I think it's time for new shoes, which will come in two weeks when I head down to Phx for my birthday to get my Power Meter put on my bike and a quick trip to Road Runner Sports to get new shoes and insoles. That should help.  I still have to kineso tape my knee. And it's doing better but still not 100% yet.  Which reminds me I need to reorder some more tape.  Recovery week is coming up! I get two days off this coming week. AND my amazing beautiful friend is throwing me a 40th birthday party for me on Saturday!  Combining it with my amazing friend Nicole who turned 30 in Feb. So we are having a joint party. I'm so blessed to have some amazing friends. Which of course also makes me feel nervous and sad about leaving this year, and whether or not I'm making the  right decision, but In my heart, I think  it's the right decision, and I want to travel.  I loved doing that with MT this past summer. It was really good for my soul to get away from everything. And use that time to reassess "life". Explore new opportunities. I'm at am amazing place to be employed at. Everything at my finger tips to help patients to heal and get better. I know that I'm at the "gold standard" for rehab hospitals. And that it won't be like that in places I go to. But I think I've gotten enough knowledge to take with me now for traveling and to help patients. 

Week Four---

Recovery Week.  Oh blessed recovery week. I was more ready for it then I thought I was.  Swam on Monday, had an muscle bound jock who thought he deserved to take my lane, even with me standing there waiting for the guy swimming in the lane to get down so I could ask to share the lane.  Only small piece of karma was that I smoked him on the laps. I then decided to get a coffee cause I had a free one about to expire, and dammed if I didn't drop the entire thing right at the door way when I got home. grrrr. I was just numb. So I scarfed down some food and went to bed. Fighting a head cold/allergies this week, so I was more tired then I realized. I slept a lot.  Tuesday I was debating on doing a workout early as I had my birthday party planned for this weekend. But got home and fell asleep again....like for the whole night. I flexed off Wed for work cause our census is really low so I slept in and then did my hill repeats for my run. Then walked the dogs, and of course...slept.  Thursday work, and home to do my bike ride for Sat. I got in almost 20 miles, but my body was tired. Feeling crappy from head cold/allergies. And to bed early. Friday off from work again for working Sat.  Up to get braces adjusted early. only to fine I may have an issue with one of my crowns...boo. Dentist next week for a check up.   Then I got home, got in my bike ride, and ran errands and got stuff done.   Sat I worked and then had this day off. Only bad thing was I started getting a headache, which turned into a migraine, I'm mostly blaming the weather since Friday it turned cloudy and rained all day Sat. Which was so nice. but the pressure killed me. I'm now realizing that the brace adjustment probably also had something to do with my headache, but not all of it.  So I got to celebrate my 40th birthday early with my good friend Nicole who turned 30 in Feb. We had a lot of fun, but I was toned down a bit with that damm headache. I think I only drank one full glass of wine the entire night. But I still had fun. I got the chance to see some great old friends, and hang with current ones. Was the perfect way to celebrate. Not to much flash, but just enough to have fun. 

Now I sit here on Sunday, still with the killer Migraine, which has prevented me from getting in my last recovery run. But I'm afraid any big movement and it will come back full force. It's currently just "lingering". I tried every remedy that has ever worked in that past, and none of it worked. I barely ate anything today, and pretty nauseous too. I did make it to dog training with Kahlua, he is moved up to Intermediate Class. He has all new dogs to meet, and is the oldest. they are all puppies, and he is the grandpa at 8. But we started learning Heel today. He picked up on it pretty quick. And sit with distractions, he was once again very food focused.  Once home I was back to being non functional and took a 3 hour nap. Neti Pot, Five Hour with IBP.  Hot pack on head.  Hand in Hot water. Nothing. So my migraine lingers...lets hope it stays there and goes away for work tomorrow. 

On to my next month of training. I have my power meter being fitted to my bike this Friday, so a Phoenix run it will be happening. And looking forward to a massage for my Bday on Thursday :) Been having a sore back and neck, so I'm ready for some pampering. :)