Lately I've been making threatening noises about developing my 'running' technique (usually I just walk pretty fast!) since my cycling seems to be coming along ok and we all know the best I can hope for with the swimming is to flounder a bit more briskly.
So I was at my desk, actually working (really!), late last week when one of the angels reached out to invite me to a 5k on Saturday morning in Vincennes. Since that would trump weeding in the front yard (which has been dreadfully neglected due to time devoted to tri-training activities), of course I said YES!
At the crack of dawn Saturday (why oh why can't Vincennes be on our time like Evansville is?), 4 of us loaded up and headed out. Turns out it was the watermelon fest down at the riverfront - really cool shirt and they were giving away free watermelons too!
Beautiful morning with a nice size group - we saw several folks from Olney there as well as quite a few of the TRYathlon ladies - either as participants or event volunteers. There may have been a few more participants than expected, as there was no sound system for everyone to hear the starting instructions, so while we caught something about 'straight through to the finish line' none of the 4 of us realized that what was said was after you cross the last street (where everyone is standing and cheering) you need to keep going about 100 feet to the chute (ooops!). Turns out all 4 of us missed it and wandered around with our water taking in the sights before kind hearted souls took pitty on us and steered us to the actual finish line. I'm certain that made a tremendous impact on our times!
I was last in my first solo 5k with a time of 47:57, roughly 16 minutes/mile, but my splits were better for mile 3 than mile 2 and better for mile 2 than mile 1 for the simple reason that as the pack got further and further away and I was who knows where in a strange city, I figured there was no one around to see me so I jogged one block (to say I 'ran' would be way too generous!) and then briskly walked two blocks, and repeated. It wasn't half bad! And certainly beat weeding! Who knew!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
10 To Tri!
So at the crack of dawn on Sunday (August 1st) - 10 excited Olney 'triathletes' (!) appeared at Lytle Park in Mattoon, Illinois (about an hour from Olney). All 5 ladies had participated in the SIS Women's TRYathlon in Vincennes in June and we were joined by 5 guys - 1 with considerable tri and marathon experience, 1 a swimmer, 1 a runner, and the other 2 well, lets say just because!
The Lytle Park Triathlon was a USA Triathlon sanctioned event - so attracted some serious competitors - fancy tri-suits, heart monitors, their own timers built into their watches, teardrop (aerodynamic) bike helmets, no body fat - really lean machines - and then there was our group!
Body Marking:
- participant number on your right shoulder, your self-reported swim time on your right wrist (I said 15 minutes because I didn't want to be in anyone's way), and your AGE on your right leg just below and behind the knee (for EVERYONE to see!) - I'm telling you that would never fly at the TRY!
Bibs - none!
Swim - Lytle Park pool is, in a word, enormous! Ran in as far as you could (about 10 feet for me with my short little legs!), shallow dive, then just under 100 meters to the right side diving board. Go around a buoy out in the water (where I can't stand up) and diagonal to another buoy 50 meters toward the start. Go around that buoy (where I still can't stand up) and diagonal another 50 meters to buoy #3 at the left side diving board then straight out the last 100 meters to the exit point. The first swimmers had 4 minute (self reported) swim times - however, several got cross ways (no lane ropes since we were swimming an 'M' pattern more or less) and wound up swimming a lot further. With the advantage of being in the back of the pack, we divined that on the last long leg we should stick to the right side of the pool and would be able to stand up sooner.
Transition #1 - there were very few people who took flip flops/shoes to the pool deck and even fewer who had towels! There were rug strips to go on from the pool to the grassy area leading into the transition area, but apparently there were stones under the rug which caused some dismay. Our gang all had our buckets but there were only a handful of buckets belonging to others. My bucket had been used by someone before I got there as it was wet when I went to sit down!
Bike - 12+ miles pretty much out and back - well marked - pretty much flat - windy both ways (shouldn't have been surprised, but I was!). Our group, of course, called out 'good job' and 'almost there' to each other as we met - but didn't seem that any one else was. There was one busy road to cross and there was uniformed law enforcement in place to assist us, which was really appreciated. My blaze orange shirt was a hit as they could see me coming for a long way!
Transition #2 - no issues although as the sweeper I did get a few looks from the folks who were trying to nap as I wheeled in!
Run (or in my case, Walk) - water stop at mile #1 - passed several Churches which were letting out or getting started and I was pretty disheveled looking by that point - although folks were supportive! One of the young guns in our group had finished and went back out on the run course to encourage some of the others, which was appreciated.
Finish - a loop through the park and under a balloon arch - I was the last one in and had lots of support from the crowd!
Snacks - water and pizza and plenty of both.
Timing - some type of snag with the timing and all the results weren't immediately available. Folks who had registered just that morning weren't on the preprinted list sorted by age groups - we determined that 2 of the group had trophied in their age groups, so brought home some hardware!
Some marked differences between this coed event and the women's only event in Vincennes -
- there were real competitors with 30 second transition times - no drying off after swim, many were barefoot in the park (!), lots of energy gel packs taped to bike frames (and littering the bike path), some Camelbak hydration systems - some really fancy bikes (had only seen a Cervelo on TV coverage of Tour de France!)
- while our group supported each other as we met along the way - and had signs - there were no other signs and not much of a crowd - where in Vincennes entire families came out to support their Mom/Wife/Mother - of course there were nearly 3 x as many participants in Vincennes, so that may have been a factor too!
- 115 registered and 102 finished - don't know if the others did not show or perhaps dropped out along the way - the last 3 years there were fewer than 90 participant times posted on the web site - so we upped the totals by 10%!
- our group members finished 43rd, 45th, 79th, 92nd, 94th, 97th, 98th, 99th, 100th and 102nd (that would be me!)
- since I consider this an 'event' as opposed to a 'race' it was perfectly fine for me to be the last finisher - and even so I improved my bike pace, 'run' pace, and transition times!
- got to see 'bike frames' in action
- everyone got home safely (a no blood event!) and generally enjoyed the morning
Photos to follow!
The Lytle Park Triathlon was a USA Triathlon sanctioned event - so attracted some serious competitors - fancy tri-suits, heart monitors, their own timers built into their watches, teardrop (aerodynamic) bike helmets, no body fat - really lean machines - and then there was our group!
Body Marking:
- participant number on your right shoulder, your self-reported swim time on your right wrist (I said 15 minutes because I didn't want to be in anyone's way), and your AGE on your right leg just below and behind the knee (for EVERYONE to see!) - I'm telling you that would never fly at the TRY!
Bibs - none!
Swim - Lytle Park pool is, in a word, enormous! Ran in as far as you could (about 10 feet for me with my short little legs!), shallow dive, then just under 100 meters to the right side diving board. Go around a buoy out in the water (where I can't stand up) and diagonal to another buoy 50 meters toward the start. Go around that buoy (where I still can't stand up) and diagonal another 50 meters to buoy #3 at the left side diving board then straight out the last 100 meters to the exit point. The first swimmers had 4 minute (self reported) swim times - however, several got cross ways (no lane ropes since we were swimming an 'M' pattern more or less) and wound up swimming a lot further. With the advantage of being in the back of the pack, we divined that on the last long leg we should stick to the right side of the pool and would be able to stand up sooner.
Transition #1 - there were very few people who took flip flops/shoes to the pool deck and even fewer who had towels! There were rug strips to go on from the pool to the grassy area leading into the transition area, but apparently there were stones under the rug which caused some dismay. Our gang all had our buckets but there were only a handful of buckets belonging to others. My bucket had been used by someone before I got there as it was wet when I went to sit down!
Bike - 12+ miles pretty much out and back - well marked - pretty much flat - windy both ways (shouldn't have been surprised, but I was!). Our group, of course, called out 'good job' and 'almost there' to each other as we met - but didn't seem that any one else was. There was one busy road to cross and there was uniformed law enforcement in place to assist us, which was really appreciated. My blaze orange shirt was a hit as they could see me coming for a long way!
Transition #2 - no issues although as the sweeper I did get a few looks from the folks who were trying to nap as I wheeled in!
Run (or in my case, Walk) - water stop at mile #1 - passed several Churches which were letting out or getting started and I was pretty disheveled looking by that point - although folks were supportive! One of the young guns in our group had finished and went back out on the run course to encourage some of the others, which was appreciated.
Finish - a loop through the park and under a balloon arch - I was the last one in and had lots of support from the crowd!
Snacks - water and pizza and plenty of both.
Timing - some type of snag with the timing and all the results weren't immediately available. Folks who had registered just that morning weren't on the preprinted list sorted by age groups - we determined that 2 of the group had trophied in their age groups, so brought home some hardware!
Some marked differences between this coed event and the women's only event in Vincennes -
- there were real competitors with 30 second transition times - no drying off after swim, many were barefoot in the park (!), lots of energy gel packs taped to bike frames (and littering the bike path), some Camelbak hydration systems - some really fancy bikes (had only seen a Cervelo on TV coverage of Tour de France!)
- while our group supported each other as we met along the way - and had signs - there were no other signs and not much of a crowd - where in Vincennes entire families came out to support their Mom/Wife/Mother - of course there were nearly 3 x as many participants in Vincennes, so that may have been a factor too!
- 115 registered and 102 finished - don't know if the others did not show or perhaps dropped out along the way - the last 3 years there were fewer than 90 participant times posted on the web site - so we upped the totals by 10%!
- our group members finished 43rd, 45th, 79th, 92nd, 94th, 97th, 98th, 99th, 100th and 102nd (that would be me!)
- since I consider this an 'event' as opposed to a 'race' it was perfectly fine for me to be the last finisher - and even so I improved my bike pace, 'run' pace, and transition times!
- got to see 'bike frames' in action
- everyone got home safely (a no blood event!) and generally enjoyed the morning
Photos to follow!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Here We Go Again!
Several of the local ladies have kept in touch - kind of at loose ends now that we aren't in TRY training and headed to Vincennes 3 times a week! We've all pledged to keep up our exercise - having worked so hard it seems silly to let it all slide (! - no pun intended - ok - maybe it was!).
One of the group had tumbled onto another triathlon in about 6 weeks in Mattoon ... so Jim and I took a road trip Saturday up to Mattoon – the August 1st event is very doable for us!
It is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event – I am told it will attract the elite triathletes, the beginner triathletes, and every one in between! Registration is online only via the Mattoon Multisport site (www.mattoonmultisport.com).
We entered Mattoon from the south on 45 – turn left at the stop light at Marshall (you’ll see the Auto Zone on the left and it’s the next cross street). It’s quite a ways up – just before 45 takes the sharp right turn. There are 2 lanes of traffic each way plus a center turning lane on 45 all the way up from the 57 interchange on.
From Marshall you’ll go down quite a ways (10-12 blocks or so) and then turn right onto 32nd – 32nd street is under construction at this time – I don’t know enough about paving to know if it will be fixed by the time of the event or not – looks like it is scraped all the way to base so it’s gritty and uneven at best.
Lytle Park is on the left after the railroad tracks and 32nd is the east border of the park. We turned into the park at the second entrance and parking is on the right (gravel lot) and pool on the left up a bit. Pool entry was $4 so we just took photos from outside the fence. I didn’t mind the chain link fence at all, but the barbed wire section on the top was a little ominous. I had to hold the camera well above my head to clear the chain link sections yet tilt it to stay under the barbed wire – I’m surprised the pool folks didn’t challenge us; we must not have looked too threatening. Also surprised I didn’t manage to drop the camera!
Per Justin, the chatty pool manager I spoke with by phone, we will be able to ‘run’ in almost half of the first 100 meters, then do a shallow dive, swim the ‘M’ course, and part way back on the last 100 meter leg we’ll have our feet under us and run out. Also per Justin, it’s more of a 200 meter swim and he has an outstanding lifeguard staff that will keep a close eye on us! Justin wasn’t around on Saturday, but pool staff told us the transition area is in the grass just outside the pool house – if that is correct we’ve got a photo of it t
The bike route goes out the lane we drove in on (or there is an exit just a bit north at the other end of the gravel parking lot). Left onto 32nd, up a block to the north end of the park, left onto Western, down a block to 33rd (on the right), then straight out of town. 33rd is all marked up as if it is doing to be resurfaced as well, but was fairly intact as of Saturday.
After a few blocks on 33rd there is a 2 way stop at DeWitt with a gas station on the corner. 4 lanes of traffic going east and west (we are going north) that does not stop – surely there will be law enforcement to cross us… After that it’s a straight shot out with just one 4 way stop intersection out in the middle of some corn fields. Good concrete road – you can see forever – it reminded me of Ste. Marie if you go north from Seven Hills Road. Some slight inclines but nothing that could be called a hill. Might could be called a grind though …
The spot on the map marked as the turn around point was a small gravel lot with some silos – nothing else around that could be the turnaround area either – just a whole lot of not much out there! I think we saw 2 cars on our way out and back (we drove it as it was high noon and the car told us it was 95 degrees).
You get back into the park the way you left it. Take the ‘road’ in the park around the back of the pool and out onto 32nd again – this time from the southernmost entrance to the park. There are about 10 speed bumps along this access road. Back left/up 32nd like we did on the bikes to the corner of Western again. This time turn right (east) onto Western and go down to 21st, circle an empty block, back onto Western headed west and back to the park. This road has sidewalks on both sides, houses set way back on the lots, some shade. The street itself is a lot like East (although flat) – plenty of room for 2 lanes of traffic and cars to park on both sides. No clue as to whether we ‘run’ in the street or on the sidewalk.
This is a coed event. There is nothing jumping out at me in the material that indicates there are separate flights for men/women. Teams are allowed and may also be coed. My registration was $60.80 and includes a one day USA Triathlon (USAT) membership. As near as I can tell all it takes to be a USAT member is a credit card! I have already registered online and it never asked me for a swim time – but Tony Garrett from Mattoon Multisport and Justin the pool manager each said participants would enter according to swim time.
I’m in – I figure if I’m going to continue ‘training’ I might as well have something to train for! At least we won’t have a time change to deal with! Not overly wild about running with the alpha males, but then I’ll be in the back with the omega females anyway!
I've got photos of the pool/park and the swim/ride/run routes - and registration details - let me know if you want them!
One of the group had tumbled onto another triathlon in about 6 weeks in Mattoon ... so Jim and I took a road trip Saturday up to Mattoon – the August 1st event is very doable for us!
It is a USA Triathlon sanctioned event – I am told it will attract the elite triathletes, the beginner triathletes, and every one in between! Registration is online only via the Mattoon Multisport site (www.mattoonmultisport.com).
We entered Mattoon from the south on 45 – turn left at the stop light at Marshall (you’ll see the Auto Zone on the left and it’s the next cross street). It’s quite a ways up – just before 45 takes the sharp right turn. There are 2 lanes of traffic each way plus a center turning lane on 45 all the way up from the 57 interchange on.
From Marshall you’ll go down quite a ways (10-12 blocks or so) and then turn right onto 32nd – 32nd street is under construction at this time – I don’t know enough about paving to know if it will be fixed by the time of the event or not – looks like it is scraped all the way to base so it’s gritty and uneven at best.
Lytle Park is on the left after the railroad tracks and 32nd is the east border of the park. We turned into the park at the second entrance and parking is on the right (gravel lot) and pool on the left up a bit. Pool entry was $4 so we just took photos from outside the fence. I didn’t mind the chain link fence at all, but the barbed wire section on the top was a little ominous. I had to hold the camera well above my head to clear the chain link sections yet tilt it to stay under the barbed wire – I’m surprised the pool folks didn’t challenge us; we must not have looked too threatening. Also surprised I didn’t manage to drop the camera!
Per Justin, the chatty pool manager I spoke with by phone, we will be able to ‘run’ in almost half of the first 100 meters, then do a shallow dive, swim the ‘M’ course, and part way back on the last 100 meter leg we’ll have our feet under us and run out. Also per Justin, it’s more of a 200 meter swim and he has an outstanding lifeguard staff that will keep a close eye on us! Justin wasn’t around on Saturday, but pool staff told us the transition area is in the grass just outside the pool house – if that is correct we’ve got a photo of it t
The bike route goes out the lane we drove in on (or there is an exit just a bit north at the other end of the gravel parking lot). Left onto 32nd, up a block to the north end of the park, left onto Western, down a block to 33rd (on the right), then straight out of town. 33rd is all marked up as if it is doing to be resurfaced as well, but was fairly intact as of Saturday.
After a few blocks on 33rd there is a 2 way stop at DeWitt with a gas station on the corner. 4 lanes of traffic going east and west (we are going north) that does not stop – surely there will be law enforcement to cross us… After that it’s a straight shot out with just one 4 way stop intersection out in the middle of some corn fields. Good concrete road – you can see forever – it reminded me of Ste. Marie if you go north from Seven Hills Road. Some slight inclines but nothing that could be called a hill. Might could be called a grind though …
The spot on the map marked as the turn around point was a small gravel lot with some silos – nothing else around that could be the turnaround area either – just a whole lot of not much out there! I think we saw 2 cars on our way out and back (we drove it as it was high noon and the car told us it was 95 degrees).
You get back into the park the way you left it. Take the ‘road’ in the park around the back of the pool and out onto 32nd again – this time from the southernmost entrance to the park. There are about 10 speed bumps along this access road. Back left/up 32nd like we did on the bikes to the corner of Western again. This time turn right (east) onto Western and go down to 21st, circle an empty block, back onto Western headed west and back to the park. This road has sidewalks on both sides, houses set way back on the lots, some shade. The street itself is a lot like East (although flat) – plenty of room for 2 lanes of traffic and cars to park on both sides. No clue as to whether we ‘run’ in the street or on the sidewalk.
This is a coed event. There is nothing jumping out at me in the material that indicates there are separate flights for men/women. Teams are allowed and may also be coed. My registration was $60.80 and includes a one day USA Triathlon (USAT) membership. As near as I can tell all it takes to be a USAT member is a credit card! I have already registered online and it never asked me for a swim time – but Tony Garrett from Mattoon Multisport and Justin the pool manager each said participants would enter according to swim time.
I’m in – I figure if I’m going to continue ‘training’ I might as well have something to train for! At least we won’t have a time change to deal with! Not overly wild about running with the alpha males, but then I’ll be in the back with the omega females anyway!
I've got photos of the pool/park and the swim/ride/run routes - and registration details - let me know if you want them!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
What We've Learned ... or ... The Blooper Reel!
the slowest rider in the group probably shouldn't be the one holding the keys to the car holding all the water!
urping on your car window/door (rather than over your passengers and car's carpet) will result in stuff dripping inside the door frame and short out the window motor!
sports bra with zipper on the front will really hurt when laying face down on the exercise balls!
'naked' fruit drink that tastes really good going down will come up in your throat while biking really fast/hard on a really hot day!
a women's only event brings out the best in all of us, toward all of us, for all of us
if you change in your office before headed to TRY training, the only time you lock yourself out of the office - requiring Maintenance and/or Security staff to let you in so you can get your stuff and leave - will be when you decided to go to the bathroom AFTER applying spandex and only when you mystically have a Medium size t-shirt (to cover up the spandex) instead of a Large!
probably best to use all your fingers to wave back to the bike riders who are so cheerfully breezing back in just when you are first headed out on the bike ride!
somehow a discussion on body piercing and tattoos led to a series of deep thoughts about how we could 'clip in' to our bike seats like some of us 'clip in' to our pedals - and whether that would cause us to pedal faster or not ...
this exercise thing gets to be a habit - and it's highly contagious!
take your allergy or asthma medicine before starting training as you can count on someone being out in their yard mowing
when we are asked to swim half the length of the pool, somersault, and continue the rest of the length it's good to have a spotter to make sure we don't get disoriented and swim the wrong way after the somersault!
laugh quietly during core training when the instructor says 'downward facing dog' as she controls our destiny until the end of the session - although overall the TRY training instructors are a special kind of saint
most of us are only truly 'racing' against our own selves / our minds
at the start of the event the timing buzzer was really annoying but nothing was sweeter than the last buzz as we crossed the finish line!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Pictures from the Big Event!
Five Olney Angels - geared up and ready to go!
So here we are in our transition area full of adrenaline and no outlet yet!
Bits and pieces are coming back to me about the day:
- how supportive the zillion event volunteers in the bright orange shirts were of the participants
- helpers at the end of every swim lane to be sure we turned in the right direction
- helpers to make sure we didn't get lost in the pool house (it could happen!)
- helpers to get us over the timing pad on our way in and out of the bike route
- helpers (uniformed law enforcement) to get us through the left turn onto Washington
- helpers on bikes riding the bike route with saddle bags - I believe they were available to help had anyone thrown a chain, had a blow out, etc. - I didn't observe anyone down on the side of the road but nice to know I wouldn't have been stranded
- very little traffic on the road - at least while I was out - I guess most residents find other routes
- helpers at every intersection on the bike route - and many folks along the side to encourage all participants - not just 'their' athlete
- folks in the neighborhood where we ran who called encouragement from their porches - and those who had their sprinklers on so we could cool off if we wanted
- a few youngish boys who were more than happy to spray us with their hoses if we wanted!
- water at 2 spots along the run route - no cups rolling around on the ground either - trash cans were about 50' past the water table and we used them!
- helpers on the way back knew how far we were from the finish line - 3/4ths a mile, 1/2 a mile, etc.
- uniformed law enforcement to cross us at Washington (2 spots) and St. Clair (2 spots)
- how well marked and supervised our every step was - any point in the day where we could have possibly veered off course there was at least one volunteer (often more) to make sure we went the right way
- so grateful that I didn't have to bend over or crouch down to remove my timing chip - volunteers did this for us!
- every participant received a medal as soon as their chip was off - ribbon is pink!
- a ton of food available - and we were steered through a chute to it so that we couldn't possibly miss it - pizza, ice cream, milk shakes, sub sandwiches cut into bite size pieces, grapes, bananas, apples, oranges cut into quarters, and bags to carry it all in - and water, water everywhere!
- all hands to the finish line to greet the volunteer 'Last to TRY' - how cool was that!
- trophies for 1-2-3 finishers in each age group, top 3 teams, and for 1-2-3 finishers overall - 3 of the Illinois group of 20 trophied in their age group!
- nice group of supporters from Olney to cheer us on - very much appreciated!
- I could have sworn I saw 2 leprechans doing an Irish jig along the transition route! Thanks Hannah and Josh!
The strength of an event organized by and for women - just can't be beat!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
WOW!
Have successfully completed my FIRST triathlon! What a hoot!
After loading up 2 of everything I could possibly need for the event (no spare bike, however) and wandering through the house numerous times trying to remember what I forgot, we were about 20 miles from home on Saturday night when I realized I did not have the butterfly balloon! I had picked it up and it was in the basement, but not part of my usual routine and totally missed it. Bless his heart, we just turned around and came home for it, making us arrive a little later to Gregg Park than anticipated.
I already had 2 American Cancer Society tattoos on my shoulders and 2 Celtic themed tattoos on my ankles - and remembered not to use any body oil so that the Sharpie would write well. I was participant #294 (numbering started at 100 or 101 so that all 3 digit numbers were used). Most of the angels were there - one had already arrived and left - so after we were marked and picked up our goody bags we decided to head out to carb up! Montana Mike's was the destination and my salad, sweet potato, and salmon were simply scrumptious!
We opted to stay the night at Kimmel Park and other than the thunder and lightening as we were settling in for sleep nothing unusual there. Up at 5:30 Vincennes time (4:30 Olney time) and hot foot it over to Gregg Park to snag 'good' transition spots. The rest of the angels arrived in bits and pieces and we eventually got our treasures just the way we wanted them and headed out for our timing chips. While we were there we had our photos taken with Tiffany and gave our thanks, again, for all the work she and the YMCA staff put into attempting to get us ready for the day!
After more aimless milling about, all participants were lined up for a photo on the pool deck. No one wanted to be in the front row and hold the sign but I jumped at the chance - let's see - sit down - sign in front of me so only my flip flops are poking out the bottom and my face poking out the top - I'll be easy to find in the photo!
All the 'high number' ladies were at the pool edge to cheer on the first swimmers, and we got more chatty as our turn got closer. For me, a nonswimmer, the pool was going to be the hardest part. I did actually swim the first 50 meters, then followed my 'plan' to be on my back the second 50 - I didn't run into any other swimmers, but probably swam 100 meters to get to the other end as I was apparently zig-zagging my way from one lane rope to the other. For lane 3 and most of the rest of the way alternated some front crawl with side stroke and the occasional stretch on my back when no one else was around. Still - got out in a little more than 17 minutes and wasn't too wobbly.
Our 'sham-wow-aqua-towel' worked great and I had my cap, goggles, and top of swim suit peeled down and pretty much dried off by the time I got to my bike. Didn't take too long once I got to the bucket and off on the ride we went. Of course, the good swimmers had been long gone and they were headed out on their runs as I was headed out on my ride, but you'll have that.
Ride uneventful other than the big wind in our faces on the way back - many law enforcement and volunteers along the way to keep us safe and cheer us on. Dropped the bike and kept on moving for the run (read that walk) - folks at every intersection, miles marked, water in two places - and 3 of the grandchildren at the finish line along with quite a crowd from our little town!
Full results are on line at the Knox County Community Foundation website (www.knoxcountyfoundation.org) - click on the TRYathlon button on the left to get to that section. All our ladies from across the river finished safely and 3 were in the top 3 finishers in their age groups!
For myself - just finishing was a tremendous cap to this wonderful journey - believe I came in 201st with a 17 minute swim, 47 minute bike and 51 minute 'run' - total time of 2 hours and a few seconds! Can't wait to do it again and can't wait to have our own White Squirrel Mini Triathlon in Olney in September 2011!
After loading up 2 of everything I could possibly need for the event (no spare bike, however) and wandering through the house numerous times trying to remember what I forgot, we were about 20 miles from home on Saturday night when I realized I did not have the butterfly balloon! I had picked it up and it was in the basement, but not part of my usual routine and totally missed it. Bless his heart, we just turned around and came home for it, making us arrive a little later to Gregg Park than anticipated.
I already had 2 American Cancer Society tattoos on my shoulders and 2 Celtic themed tattoos on my ankles - and remembered not to use any body oil so that the Sharpie would write well. I was participant #294 (numbering started at 100 or 101 so that all 3 digit numbers were used). Most of the angels were there - one had already arrived and left - so after we were marked and picked up our goody bags we decided to head out to carb up! Montana Mike's was the destination and my salad, sweet potato, and salmon were simply scrumptious!
We opted to stay the night at Kimmel Park and other than the thunder and lightening as we were settling in for sleep nothing unusual there. Up at 5:30 Vincennes time (4:30 Olney time) and hot foot it over to Gregg Park to snag 'good' transition spots. The rest of the angels arrived in bits and pieces and we eventually got our treasures just the way we wanted them and headed out for our timing chips. While we were there we had our photos taken with Tiffany and gave our thanks, again, for all the work she and the YMCA staff put into attempting to get us ready for the day!
After more aimless milling about, all participants were lined up for a photo on the pool deck. No one wanted to be in the front row and hold the sign but I jumped at the chance - let's see - sit down - sign in front of me so only my flip flops are poking out the bottom and my face poking out the top - I'll be easy to find in the photo!
All the 'high number' ladies were at the pool edge to cheer on the first swimmers, and we got more chatty as our turn got closer. For me, a nonswimmer, the pool was going to be the hardest part. I did actually swim the first 50 meters, then followed my 'plan' to be on my back the second 50 - I didn't run into any other swimmers, but probably swam 100 meters to get to the other end as I was apparently zig-zagging my way from one lane rope to the other. For lane 3 and most of the rest of the way alternated some front crawl with side stroke and the occasional stretch on my back when no one else was around. Still - got out in a little more than 17 minutes and wasn't too wobbly.
Our 'sham-wow-aqua-towel' worked great and I had my cap, goggles, and top of swim suit peeled down and pretty much dried off by the time I got to my bike. Didn't take too long once I got to the bucket and off on the ride we went. Of course, the good swimmers had been long gone and they were headed out on their runs as I was headed out on my ride, but you'll have that.
Ride uneventful other than the big wind in our faces on the way back - many law enforcement and volunteers along the way to keep us safe and cheer us on. Dropped the bike and kept on moving for the run (read that walk) - folks at every intersection, miles marked, water in two places - and 3 of the grandchildren at the finish line along with quite a crowd from our little town!
Full results are on line at the Knox County Community Foundation website (www.knoxcountyfoundation.org) - click on the TRYathlon button on the left to get to that section. All our ladies from across the river finished safely and 3 were in the top 3 finishers in their age groups!
For myself - just finishing was a tremendous cap to this wonderful journey - believe I came in 201st with a 17 minute swim, 47 minute bike and 51 minute 'run' - total time of 2 hours and a few seconds! Can't wait to do it again and can't wait to have our own White Squirrel Mini Triathlon in Olney in September 2011!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Got the Butterflies - Well, At Least One!
Well, of all the times for the Internet to be broken - could not connect from home last 2 days via laptop but came to the public library Saturday morning and it works like a charm! Go figure - like I need something else to stress over!
Here's what's been happening:
Friday I checked the Knox County Community Foundation website (as I do once a week or so) and found 4 pages of 'rules' for the event - go figure! After consideration, and discussion with some of the ladies who have done this before, we are thinking this document may not strictly apply.
For example, it says swimmers line up in the water in the lane closest to the wall - and that is shown on the site map too. However, later in the 'rules' it says we'll line up in entry number in the paved area and enter the water after crossing the timing pad. That matches what we've been told by event staff.
Elsewhere it says your participant number = your location in line to enter the water for the swim. I'll buy that and am getting psyched to have a 300+ number! However, it also says that our transition space is assigned based on our participant number - that doesn't jive with what we've been told ... I guess we'll find out!
Today (Saturday) is a day of 'rest' and since it was raining (or threatening to rain), humid (or raining), and hot (because of course all the rain would NOT cool things off except perhaps to drop the temperature from 91 to 90!) Thursday and Friday were also days of rest!
Many folks dropped by the office on Friday to wish us luck - some may even be making the trip over to see it with their own eyes! Others want to be sure I'll be at work on Monday so they can hear all about it! We are having the best time getting ready I don't know what I'll do after we're done!
My youngest daughter (the artsy fartsy one - and that's a good thing) has decorated a bucket for me - 5 green glitter shamrocks with the names of each of the granddaughters and the slogan of: Meemaw's Lucky Charms! Too cute! She tried to paint the bucket green but it only 'stuck' around the top (or bottom when I'm sitting on it)! She also has had t-shirts made for the girls and they plan to come over - let's see, get 4 girls ages 7-5-2-4 months up, dressed, fed and on the road by 7 a.m. Illinois time to get to the event (time difference really impacts!) by 9:00 a.m. - I think I'd rather do the TRY than that!
The shamrock helium balloon I had talked about months ago apparently is no where to be found now - so am going with an oversize pink and purple butterfly helium balloon with an 8' string and a weight to help find my place in the transition area instead! I'm not so much worried about drowning in the pool anymore as I am concerned about squandering precious time in the transition area because I can't find my stuff! Minutes matter!
Three of the angels went over to the YMCA in Vincennes this morning for the breakfast for the TRY training group - I stayed here in town to help out at the Hospice 'Memory Miles' and saw a little bit about how a 5 k walk/run can be organized - still in the learning mode to have our own event in September 2011! They said it was really nice and also to disregard the part in the rules about the transition spaces being assigned based on participant number.
This time tomorrow I'll have successfully completed my FIRST triathlon - can't wait!
Good luck to all other TRY ladies - see you tomorrow - look for the butterfly!
Here's what's been happening:
Friday I checked the Knox County Community Foundation website (as I do once a week or so) and found 4 pages of 'rules' for the event - go figure! After consideration, and discussion with some of the ladies who have done this before, we are thinking this document may not strictly apply.
For example, it says swimmers line up in the water in the lane closest to the wall - and that is shown on the site map too. However, later in the 'rules' it says we'll line up in entry number in the paved area and enter the water after crossing the timing pad. That matches what we've been told by event staff.
Elsewhere it says your participant number = your location in line to enter the water for the swim. I'll buy that and am getting psyched to have a 300+ number! However, it also says that our transition space is assigned based on our participant number - that doesn't jive with what we've been told ... I guess we'll find out!
Today (Saturday) is a day of 'rest' and since it was raining (or threatening to rain), humid (or raining), and hot (because of course all the rain would NOT cool things off except perhaps to drop the temperature from 91 to 90!) Thursday and Friday were also days of rest!
Many folks dropped by the office on Friday to wish us luck - some may even be making the trip over to see it with their own eyes! Others want to be sure I'll be at work on Monday so they can hear all about it! We are having the best time getting ready I don't know what I'll do after we're done!
My youngest daughter (the artsy fartsy one - and that's a good thing) has decorated a bucket for me - 5 green glitter shamrocks with the names of each of the granddaughters and the slogan of: Meemaw's Lucky Charms! Too cute! She tried to paint the bucket green but it only 'stuck' around the top (or bottom when I'm sitting on it)! She also has had t-shirts made for the girls and they plan to come over - let's see, get 4 girls ages 7-5-2-4 months up, dressed, fed and on the road by 7 a.m. Illinois time to get to the event (time difference really impacts!) by 9:00 a.m. - I think I'd rather do the TRY than that!
The shamrock helium balloon I had talked about months ago apparently is no where to be found now - so am going with an oversize pink and purple butterfly helium balloon with an 8' string and a weight to help find my place in the transition area instead! I'm not so much worried about drowning in the pool anymore as I am concerned about squandering precious time in the transition area because I can't find my stuff! Minutes matter!
Three of the angels went over to the YMCA in Vincennes this morning for the breakfast for the TRY training group - I stayed here in town to help out at the Hospice 'Memory Miles' and saw a little bit about how a 5 k walk/run can be organized - still in the learning mode to have our own event in September 2011! They said it was really nice and also to disregard the part in the rules about the transition spaces being assigned based on participant number.
This time tomorrow I'll have successfully completed my FIRST triathlon - can't wait!
Good luck to all other TRY ladies - see you tomorrow - look for the butterfly!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Angel to the Rescue!
So Wednesday night was our last get together as a group BEFORE the big event Sunday morning - somehow it was a little sad!
Since the pool was otherwise occupied with a free pool party (possibly sponsored by the radio station) our group assembled at the Washington (Elementary) School, which is next to Gregg Park. Getting 40 or so cyclists out onto Washington at 5:30 p.m. Vincennes time was a little tricky, but we all eventually got out on the route. It was hot hot hot (my car told me it was 81) and very sticky. Had raised my seat an extra little smidge and seemed to be rolling along pretty well - either that made the difference or I'm actually getting into (better) shape as I didn't seem to be huffing and puffing nearly so much as before! I even 'passed' a lady - didn't want to especially, but I didn't want to be tailgating and didn't figure she wanted me to either!
Imagine my surprise to make the turnaround and discover a severe wind in my face ALL the way back. It certainly hadn't seemed as if there was a wind at my back on the way out (never does!). Even more surprised to arrive back at the school and found I was at 48 minutes (11.1 mph!) for the ride - several minutes off my 'usual' time and a minute short of my personal best (although that was a morning ride when I was 'fresh' and it was significantly cooler and no wind!). My sweetie had come with me to check out camping sites so I opted out of the run as I had gotten dizzy during the ride - I believe this was more to do with paint/sealant fumes at work that had left me with a headache and a little queasy than to do with the ride.
So I was lingering around to help load up the other angels when they got back from the run - 3 were in and we were waiting on #4, who seemed to be taking an unusually long time... Then we started hearing fire/ambulance sirens, then they sounded closer, then they sounded even closer and the 2 instructors who were minding us took off up the road to be sure the sirens weren't for one of the athletes. We were worried about angel #4, but she turned out to be the heroine of the evening!
An older gentleman (possibly with a walker) had fallen (possibly from / on his porch) and a kid on a bike tore up to the angel, said that the man had a heart attack and did she have a cell phone. She didn't have a cell phone - but Tiffany wasn't far behind and she did - so Tiffany called 911 while angel #4, who is CPR trained, hurried over to see if what assistance might be needed. Fortunately, the gentleman did not have a heart attack, but comfort was rendered until help arrived. 2 big fire trucks and an ambulance had gotten there lickety split - comforting to know that much help is on hand if needed! We didn't hang around to see how that episode turned out but took a driving tour of Vincennes University and Kimmel Park before making our way across the river.
Since the pool was otherwise occupied with a free pool party (possibly sponsored by the radio station) our group assembled at the Washington (Elementary) School, which is next to Gregg Park. Getting 40 or so cyclists out onto Washington at 5:30 p.m. Vincennes time was a little tricky, but we all eventually got out on the route. It was hot hot hot (my car told me it was 81) and very sticky. Had raised my seat an extra little smidge and seemed to be rolling along pretty well - either that made the difference or I'm actually getting into (better) shape as I didn't seem to be huffing and puffing nearly so much as before! I even 'passed' a lady - didn't want to especially, but I didn't want to be tailgating and didn't figure she wanted me to either!
Imagine my surprise to make the turnaround and discover a severe wind in my face ALL the way back. It certainly hadn't seemed as if there was a wind at my back on the way out (never does!). Even more surprised to arrive back at the school and found I was at 48 minutes (11.1 mph!) for the ride - several minutes off my 'usual' time and a minute short of my personal best (although that was a morning ride when I was 'fresh' and it was significantly cooler and no wind!). My sweetie had come with me to check out camping sites so I opted out of the run as I had gotten dizzy during the ride - I believe this was more to do with paint/sealant fumes at work that had left me with a headache and a little queasy than to do with the ride.
So I was lingering around to help load up the other angels when they got back from the run - 3 were in and we were waiting on #4, who seemed to be taking an unusually long time... Then we started hearing fire/ambulance sirens, then they sounded closer, then they sounded even closer and the 2 instructors who were minding us took off up the road to be sure the sirens weren't for one of the athletes. We were worried about angel #4, but she turned out to be the heroine of the evening!
An older gentleman (possibly with a walker) had fallen (possibly from / on his porch) and a kid on a bike tore up to the angel, said that the man had a heart attack and did she have a cell phone. She didn't have a cell phone - but Tiffany wasn't far behind and she did - so Tiffany called 911 while angel #4, who is CPR trained, hurried over to see if what assistance might be needed. Fortunately, the gentleman did not have a heart attack, but comfort was rendered until help arrived. 2 big fire trucks and an ambulance had gotten there lickety split - comforting to know that much help is on hand if needed! We didn't hang around to see how that episode turned out but took a driving tour of Vincennes University and Kimmel Park before making our way across the river.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
"Ladder" Day - NOT!
The original plan for Monday's next-to-last TRY training was to again do all 3 components (swim-bike-run) but in shorter distances so that we would be completed within our usual 90 minute period. However, this changed DRASTICALLY when it was learned that there is a pool party on Wednesday and we won't be able to swim that night. We won't even be able to converge on Gregg Park because the pool party attendees will be taking up all the spaces.
So, to compensate for not swimming on Wednesday, we did a 'ladder' - after our 'easy' 100 meter warm up we were supposed to do 200 meters, then do 300 meters, then do 400 meters - representing going 'up' the ladder. Then go back down the ladder with a 300 meter swim, followed by a 200 meter swim, and, finally, a 100 meter cool down swim. There were several murmurs (mostly from my end of the pool - where we nonswimmers congregate since we know we won't be slowing anyone down) about wanting some of whatever the instructors had been smoking to dream up a 1600 meter outing!
By the time we were released from the pool I had somehow managed 600 meters total and did the full 50 meters across without stopping on 3 separate occasions! Still no lane ropes, so no 'swimming' on my back - but have developed something of a modified side stroke and yes, resorted to walking on occasion. Only stopped at the ends of the lane (others were stopping in the middle of the lanes - but hey, gotta do what you've gotta do!) to rest. Did manage to pass other swimmers on 2 separate occasions (they may have been stopped or walking slowly) but am learning this is really doable. Tiffany shot down a request to use snorkels so I didn't even bother to ask for the paddles!
Practiced my 'transition' from pool to run - took my cap and goggles off while walking away from the pool, pulled my swimsuit down to my hips while walking, so just had to step out of the suit, pull on my dry shirt, sit down and dry off my feet, put on socks, shoes, bandana to keep sweat out of my eyes, ball cap, sunglasses, pedometer, MP3 player, and water bottle and was ready to go! I knew I would be the last one back to made sure all my treasures were packed up and ready to go so that I just had to pick up bucket and bike and get out to the truck. Will need to check my pedometer as it said I only went 2.7 miles and I did the full distance - perhaps my 'stride' setting is off. By some wonder of wonders I wasn't the last one back and the lovely angels had loaded up my bike and bucket for me.
Got the times today from the 2009 event - very interesting (and encouraging!) reading! Apparently all 3 parts can be done in under an hour (!) but the longest time from last year was just a smidge over 2 hours. 213 individual athletes and 31 teams of 2 or 3 ladies.
Can't wait!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Putting It All Together...
All 5 angels today for training session #32 - just 2 more! Today we had the opportunity to do full distance in order for all 3 parts (swim-bike-run) - just as we will be doing in the event.
After an 'easy 100 meters' in the pool for warm up we lined up according to our swim time (fastest first), practiced entering the water (jump out, knees bent, and push off the bottom), and 'snaking' our way up and back across the pool until we finished 8 lengths (400 meters). It is really something to see 50-60 actual swimmers making their way along - of course some were done and out of the pool before my turn came to get in the pool - even though we entered 5 seconds apart. I made it all the way across the length (50 meters) the first time (in the warm up) and one other time during the activity, but didn't stop moving even though part of it was 'walking'. Without the lane ropes being on my back is pretty much a wasted effort - tried it and wandered out to another part of the pool that was no where near where I wanted to be! Was the last one out (no surprise there) but got it done.
Felt pretty good all in all as I got to the bike and did the route in 50 minutes - 3 minutes longer than Friday but I stopped to look for the reflector that jumped off my pedal on Friday. Found it but it was all smashed up so will have to work on finding a new one! No snakes today but dead raccoon, rabbit, and squirrel along the route - hope someone has the task of clearing road kill from the route before we start! The only other bit of excitement was a fierce wind in our faces on the way back, which is supposed to be the 'quick' part of the route! Max speed today of 19.8 (and not downhill!) - although for some of the ladies that is their 'coasting' speed but that's ok!
By the time I got back from the bike part some of the ladies were already getting back from their runs, so I opted out of that part and brought out the 5 bikes, buckets, etc. so that when the rest of the angels got back we could head out as they would have waited a LONG time for me!
We're getting really good at tossing in the bikes and buckets - were loaded up lickety split, especially as we had decided we had earned a McDonald's stop! 2 unsweetened teas, a sweet tea, diet coke and vanilla iced coffee later we were all feeling much better as we headed back across the river!
After an 'easy 100 meters' in the pool for warm up we lined up according to our swim time (fastest first), practiced entering the water (jump out, knees bent, and push off the bottom), and 'snaking' our way up and back across the pool until we finished 8 lengths (400 meters). It is really something to see 50-60 actual swimmers making their way along - of course some were done and out of the pool before my turn came to get in the pool - even though we entered 5 seconds apart. I made it all the way across the length (50 meters) the first time (in the warm up) and one other time during the activity, but didn't stop moving even though part of it was 'walking'. Without the lane ropes being on my back is pretty much a wasted effort - tried it and wandered out to another part of the pool that was no where near where I wanted to be! Was the last one out (no surprise there) but got it done.
Felt pretty good all in all as I got to the bike and did the route in 50 minutes - 3 minutes longer than Friday but I stopped to look for the reflector that jumped off my pedal on Friday. Found it but it was all smashed up so will have to work on finding a new one! No snakes today but dead raccoon, rabbit, and squirrel along the route - hope someone has the task of clearing road kill from the route before we start! The only other bit of excitement was a fierce wind in our faces on the way back, which is supposed to be the 'quick' part of the route! Max speed today of 19.8 (and not downhill!) - although for some of the ladies that is their 'coasting' speed but that's ok!
By the time I got back from the bike part some of the ladies were already getting back from their runs, so I opted out of that part and brought out the 5 bikes, buckets, etc. so that when the rest of the angels got back we could head out as they would have waited a LONG time for me!
We're getting really good at tossing in the bikes and buckets - were loaded up lickety split, especially as we had decided we had earned a McDonald's stop! 2 unsweetened teas, a sweet tea, diet coke and vanilla iced coffee later we were all feeling much better as we headed back across the river!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Took 4 Minutes Off My Bike Time!
Took the day off today and went with 4 of the local ladies who are TRY training on their own over to Vincennes to see the swim, bike, and run routes. We drove the bike route, then biked it - it was my 3rd time on the route and it was first thing in the morning and I dropped 4 whole minutes off my bike time! Amazing what being fresh and knowing the route a little bit will do! Saw several other ladies out doing the same thing BUT also saw several snakes slithering out of the tall grass by the railroad out onto the road (to warm up perhaps?)! The first one was on the other side of the road and I'm not terrified of snakes so that was ok. The second one, though, was on my side of the road, in the road. At first I thought it was a stick, so was going around it anyway, but then it raised it's little head and flicked it's tongue at me - the nerve! Kept me moving though - hmmm, maybe that's why my time improved!
Rainbow Beach was open for lap swim by the time we all got back in - 1 lady ran while the other 4 of us 'swam'. I only did 100 meters as I will have opportunity to swim tomorrow at training. 2 of the ladies did 400 meters and 1 swims more like I do - it isn't pretty but we'll eventually get it done! We all practiced dropping into the pool with knees bent so that we can take right off (lest the next person land on us!). Water was glorious and there were just a few other lap swimmers, so no fuss, no muss! As we were wrapping up Tiffany and Sandy (our swim instructors)came to swim - good thing I don't disillusion easily - they can really go!
I did ask the instructors where they recommended parking on event day - Washington Elementary School (on Washington Street) backs up to Gregg Park, the factory on the other side of the park also has a large lot and is empty on the weekends, she mentioned some people will park on the side streets as well. In answer to my question about MP3 player/iPod during the 'run' activity - the official position is that these types of devices are not allowed during any portion of the event - so there you have it!
A quick drive over the run route (very straightforward) and a stop at Bicycle Outfitters (not only an event sponsor but also put up a great sign in support of the 'athletes'!) where our group purchases included Jelly Beans (energy food), bottle holders, and a new helmet! A healthy lunch at Pea-fection followed before we went our separate ways back to Olney.
Rainbow Beach was open for lap swim by the time we all got back in - 1 lady ran while the other 4 of us 'swam'. I only did 100 meters as I will have opportunity to swim tomorrow at training. 2 of the ladies did 400 meters and 1 swims more like I do - it isn't pretty but we'll eventually get it done! We all practiced dropping into the pool with knees bent so that we can take right off (lest the next person land on us!). Water was glorious and there were just a few other lap swimmers, so no fuss, no muss! As we were wrapping up Tiffany and Sandy (our swim instructors)came to swim - good thing I don't disillusion easily - they can really go!
I did ask the instructors where they recommended parking on event day - Washington Elementary School (on Washington Street) backs up to Gregg Park, the factory on the other side of the park also has a large lot and is empty on the weekends, she mentioned some people will park on the side streets as well. In answer to my question about MP3 player/iPod during the 'run' activity - the official position is that these types of devices are not allowed during any portion of the event - so there you have it!
A quick drive over the run route (very straightforward) and a stop at Bicycle Outfitters (not only an event sponsor but also put up a great sign in support of the 'athletes'!) where our group purchases included Jelly Beans (energy food), bottle holders, and a new helmet! A healthy lunch at Pea-fection followed before we went our separate ways back to Olney.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Rainbow Beach is ...
... an incredibly HUGE pool once you are inside the complex (vs. outside looking in)!
About 50 TRY ladies for our first swim last night - it is a long, long, long way across the pool (50 meters vs. 25 at the YMCA) and it does get slightly deeper from the 'in' end to the turnaround end. It's not quite to my shoulders at the 'in' side but over my nose on the far side. The lane ropes/buoys were not out and it's pretty hard to see the lines on the bottom of the pool when you're on your back - this is going to take some adjustment! Water felt great though!
After being released from the pool we headed out for the full bike ride - peeling off the swimsuit and tossing on the dry shirt worked well, felt good headed out and got back from 8.93 miles in 51 minutes so not too shabby (by my pace - certainly others were back more quickly). Got back to Olney and it was still 81 degrees at 7 p.m. so we'd been out in some hefty weather but it didn't seem too bad.
Did have a bit of bad news about one of the other local ladies who has been training with a group from her community. Several of them had gone to Mt. Carmel (which has an indoor pool) to swim and then bike - they had done their workout and were headed into a parking lot to load up for home when a speed bump appeared from no where, resulting in a fall, a hard landing, and a collarbone injury that will involve 8 weeks in a sling/support and no TRY for this lady. Although grateful that injury was not any more serious, very disappointing after all the hard work in getting ready.
3 more trainings - how can this be when it seems like we've just started?
About 50 TRY ladies for our first swim last night - it is a long, long, long way across the pool (50 meters vs. 25 at the YMCA) and it does get slightly deeper from the 'in' end to the turnaround end. It's not quite to my shoulders at the 'in' side but over my nose on the far side. The lane ropes/buoys were not out and it's pretty hard to see the lines on the bottom of the pool when you're on your back - this is going to take some adjustment! Water felt great though!
After being released from the pool we headed out for the full bike ride - peeling off the swimsuit and tossing on the dry shirt worked well, felt good headed out and got back from 8.93 miles in 51 minutes so not too shabby (by my pace - certainly others were back more quickly). Got back to Olney and it was still 81 degrees at 7 p.m. so we'd been out in some hefty weather but it didn't seem too bad.
Did have a bit of bad news about one of the other local ladies who has been training with a group from her community. Several of them had gone to Mt. Carmel (which has an indoor pool) to swim and then bike - they had done their workout and were headed into a parking lot to load up for home when a speed bump appeared from no where, resulting in a fall, a hard landing, and a collarbone injury that will involve 8 weeks in a sling/support and no TRY for this lady. Although grateful that injury was not any more serious, very disappointing after all the hard work in getting ready.
3 more trainings - how can this be when it seems like we've just started?
Monday, May 31, 2010
Another Day, Another Workout!
Had skipped training on 05-22 due to the Richland County Walk & Roll event, which included a 15 mile ride that looked pretty neat. So headed out this morning early to see what I could do with it.
Started at home instead of at the Olney City Park, but otherwise followed the route and wound up with 10.85 miles in 67 minutes - not too bad for a first attempt and boy there were a LOT of small hills (and a few big ones). Despite that, got into the 3rd set of gears for a fair amount of the route, caught myself actually breathing normally (vs. gasping and panting), and when I got to the railroad overpass on East Street it wasn't worth the bother to detour to a less steep crossing, just humped over it without dropping down gears even.
Still amazed at how the wind can be in my face when I'm going north AND south but even more amazed that I've now racked up 115 miles on my bike since April 26th - had you asked me at the beginning of the year how long it would take me to ride 115 miles I would have quietly and soothingly given you a recommendation for our inpatient psychiatric unit while backing away slowly!
The Olney City Pool was to have opened today and was to have had an adult only lap swim from 5-6 on Monday and Wednesday nights - however I'm pretty sure the downpour at 4 p.m. put the nips to that! Will see about swimming here in town Tuesday night - otherwise we should probably be swimming for sure Wednesday at Rainbow Beach!
Started at home instead of at the Olney City Park, but otherwise followed the route and wound up with 10.85 miles in 67 minutes - not too bad for a first attempt and boy there were a LOT of small hills (and a few big ones). Despite that, got into the 3rd set of gears for a fair amount of the route, caught myself actually breathing normally (vs. gasping and panting), and when I got to the railroad overpass on East Street it wasn't worth the bother to detour to a less steep crossing, just humped over it without dropping down gears even.
Still amazed at how the wind can be in my face when I'm going north AND south but even more amazed that I've now racked up 115 miles on my bike since April 26th - had you asked me at the beginning of the year how long it would take me to ride 115 miles I would have quietly and soothingly given you a recommendation for our inpatient psychiatric unit while backing away slowly!
The Olney City Pool was to have opened today and was to have had an adult only lap swim from 5-6 on Monday and Wednesday nights - however I'm pretty sure the downpour at 4 p.m. put the nips to that! Will see about swimming here in town Tuesday night - otherwise we should probably be swimming for sure Wednesday at Rainbow Beach!
Have Met the Course!
Saturday we were up and out at the crack of dawn - this time change between home and training is a real bear - but at least we get back 'early'!
Our first official outing at Gregg Park - we were told to be ready to swim at Rainbow Beach (the outdoor pool at Gregg Park - and no, I don't know why they call it that) because they would let us in if the water was a minimum of 70 degrees. That's not as warm as it sounds, as Tiffany was quick to share with us that the indoor pool at the YMCA, which we usually complain about being cold, is at a minimum 81 degrees! So we weren't too terribly heartbroken to learn we would not be swimming!
So we were off to run then bike - and going at our own individual paces - we set up our own little 'transition' area. One of the more experienced angels had a well decorated bucket with a towel, swim cap, goggles, and perhaps a bottle of water. Might have weighed a pound - at most. My bucket, however, weighed about 10 lbs. because I had 2 of everything known to man that could possibly have been needed for 2 hours in the wilderness - swim gear, extra shirt(s), extra sunglasses, extra water and granola, extra sunscreen (2 types), batteries for the MP3 player, bandaids, banana, bandana x 2, and a bunch of other stuff that if I really need it I'd probably need to pull out of the event anyway. Will revisit the bucket situation before our next outing for sure!
As we were headed out of the park for our run I decided perhaps a potty stop would be a good idea - this didn't occur to me of course the 15-20 minutes we were standing around stretching and yip-yapping - go figure. So I was well behind the pack from the get go but was pleasantly surprised to note 2 bikes were still waiting for their riders when I made it back into the park! My moment of smugness was quickly (and appropriately!) dashed when I encountered the first of the bikers RETURNING to the park as I was getting my feet into the rat traps ... that pride goeth before the fall thing and all must have caught up with me.
First time actually pedalling on the route but once you turn right out of the park and then left at the T you can't really get lost. As suspected, the route does seem to be fairly steady incline even when you may think you're on 'flat' ground. Tiffany was waiting at the 2 mile mark of the 8+ mile ride (counting chicks) and at the turn around point I picked up a wingwoman who stayed with me all the way back. Traffic was light but some drivers were better than others about skirting us - there is no paved shoulder on the route and one can only move over so far!
Got back in 52 or 54 minutes - but right on my usual pace - not bad for a first trip on an unfamiliar route! The other angels had moved the car up closer and tossed my bucket in for me so we were able to quickly load up Traveler and get on our way - thanks ladies for schlepping the stuff! Sorry the bucket weighed a ton!
So now we've seen the 'run' and bike routes and survived both - whoooo hoooo! 4 more official practice sessions before the event since we are 'off' on the Memorial Day holiday!
Our first official outing at Gregg Park - we were told to be ready to swim at Rainbow Beach (the outdoor pool at Gregg Park - and no, I don't know why they call it that) because they would let us in if the water was a minimum of 70 degrees. That's not as warm as it sounds, as Tiffany was quick to share with us that the indoor pool at the YMCA, which we usually complain about being cold, is at a minimum 81 degrees! So we weren't too terribly heartbroken to learn we would not be swimming!
So we were off to run then bike - and going at our own individual paces - we set up our own little 'transition' area. One of the more experienced angels had a well decorated bucket with a towel, swim cap, goggles, and perhaps a bottle of water. Might have weighed a pound - at most. My bucket, however, weighed about 10 lbs. because I had 2 of everything known to man that could possibly have been needed for 2 hours in the wilderness - swim gear, extra shirt(s), extra sunglasses, extra water and granola, extra sunscreen (2 types), batteries for the MP3 player, bandaids, banana, bandana x 2, and a bunch of other stuff that if I really need it I'd probably need to pull out of the event anyway. Will revisit the bucket situation before our next outing for sure!
As we were headed out of the park for our run I decided perhaps a potty stop would be a good idea - this didn't occur to me of course the 15-20 minutes we were standing around stretching and yip-yapping - go figure. So I was well behind the pack from the get go but was pleasantly surprised to note 2 bikes were still waiting for their riders when I made it back into the park! My moment of smugness was quickly (and appropriately!) dashed when I encountered the first of the bikers RETURNING to the park as I was getting my feet into the rat traps ... that pride goeth before the fall thing and all must have caught up with me.
First time actually pedalling on the route but once you turn right out of the park and then left at the T you can't really get lost. As suspected, the route does seem to be fairly steady incline even when you may think you're on 'flat' ground. Tiffany was waiting at the 2 mile mark of the 8+ mile ride (counting chicks) and at the turn around point I picked up a wingwoman who stayed with me all the way back. Traffic was light but some drivers were better than others about skirting us - there is no paved shoulder on the route and one can only move over so far!
Got back in 52 or 54 minutes - but right on my usual pace - not bad for a first trip on an unfamiliar route! The other angels had moved the car up closer and tossed my bucket in for me so we were able to quickly load up Traveler and get on our way - thanks ladies for schlepping the stuff! Sorry the bucket weighed a ton!
So now we've seen the 'run' and bike routes and survived both - whoooo hoooo! 4 more official practice sessions before the event since we are 'off' on the Memorial Day holiday!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
All I Can Say Is - OYYY!
4 angels loaded up and ready to go for bike/run day - photo taken courtesy of one of the Mr. Angels who toodled up on his motorcycle to see us off!
Hot, humid, hot, humid and hot outdoor weather greeted us upon our arrival in Vincennes. Of course since we were biking and it was miserable out (hot and humid) there was no wind except what we could create by our own movement! 22 little chicks headed out to go to Main and back - about a 10 mile loop. Since we had such a large group there was a staff person front and back, so I had company for a change!
I'd taken the advice of my partner and two staff members to raise my seat to get more power from pedaling and this was the first real outing with the new height. Death hill did seem a little bit easier even though I hadn't really ridden in a week... and I even got to the 3rd set of gears on the way back! We were parked at the far end of the parking lot at the Y and the lot is uphill and bumpy, so I stayed on the smooth road and entered the parking lot from the far end. I don't know who put the speed bump across the entrance or when, but that was quite a surprise! The bright side to it was the ability to determine without a doubt that the 'shock absorbers' on the front wheel and seat post actually do work!
However, this morning a whole new set of muscles is announcing their unhappiness - I'm guessing these are the ones I should have been using all along! Still don't have full leg extension on the downward stroke, so perhaps raising the seat just a bit more would be the key! 17 days out to the event, so better get this figured out pdq!
One angel was so hot she was cold at the end of the ride - never a good sign - so we cooled her off, loaded up all 4 bikes, and by the time we finished all that the main 'run' group was long gone. We opted to 'walk' and not very far at that - and it seemed a large percentage of the group may have done the same. At the end of the loop I don't think we could have been any wetter than if we had been swimming.
It was a sweaty, smelly bunch of angels who loaded up for a pretty quiet ride home - and if we are too tired to cut up, we're pretty tired! Two of us were batchlorettes for the night and one arrived back too late to catch children's ball games - one luckly lady, however, was destined to anouther couple of hours of being out in the sun as her day was ending at the ball park!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Waterlogged and All Shook Up ...!
So full complement of four angels for the Monday TRY training - our group had swim/core on the schedule. We thought we were pretty lucky since it was at least a zillion degrees out, plus very humid, plus not a cloud in the sky and - for once - not much wind at all. The other group had bike/run and we were very gracious to them as they headed out.
After the 200 'warm up' we were treated to the news that we would be swimming our 'snake' routine. The 'good' was that we would swim in a line - everyone in a given lane would be headed in the same direction and swimmers who felt a need / ability to pass someone ahead of them could practice that maneuver. So, we were all lined up according to swim times, entered far right lane one at a time, made our way to the end of the lane, switched to lane two, came back, etc., etc. until you popped out at the end of the 6th lane. I was pretty much ok with this until I was PASSED in lane 5 - apparently I missed the part that this was a 15 minute continuous swim, so the faster swimmers (which would of course be everyone in the class) that started much earlier than I did had caught up to me! I also had missed the point that once I got out at the end of lane six I was expected to get back in! ooops...
So, after some major mental adjustments (ok, and some resting on the side too) I went back and forth between lanes 1 and 2 (the lanes I've always 'swum' in) so as to not gum up the entire process. I always let a group of faster swimmers in ahead of me and tried to time my laps with big gaps in the line. Where is a leg cramp when you need one?
After that adventure we did aqua-cize (not sure how this is different from water aerobics...) with styrofoam 'dumbbells'. That was ok and I was almost lulled into a sense of security with that as we were in shoulder deep water and had to keep our feet on the bottom of the pool!
Last exercise, however, was treading water in the deep end while tossing around a ball. Of course I had put my goggles up on top of my cap to do the aqua-cize and forgot to put them back down so that the ball that landed in front of me splashed water into my face, which caused me to drop my mouth open in surprise, which caused me to swallow water (again). I consider it nothing less than a miracle that I was able to throw the ball at all, but I will concede it was a pretty wimpy toss.
Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, we 'graduated' to treading water solely via flutter kick (which wasn't too bad) except then we got to put our hands in the air. The first time was for 15 seconds, which actually wasn't too bad, but then we went to longer and longer periods - I only went under once and was able to right myself without the instructors and lifeguards having to fetch me out!
We no longer bat an eye at the little boys who come through the dressing room after their swim sessions - which end at the same time our sessions do. If their moms don't want their children to be scarred for life they should blindfold them! Although, since there are no men swimming at that time, couldn't they go through the men's dressing room? Will have to check on that although I suppose there may be a stray man or two who uses that area to change before/after other exercise.
Still grateful for being 'inside' instead of bike/run, we made our way to the core session. Swimming had gone a little over so we only had 20 minutes of workout but we surely packed 40 minutes of work into it before we got out!
We did - in 20 minutes -
50 ab crunches (these while perched precariously on exercise falls - err, balls)
more ab crunches (on the ball) doing right-center-left or maybe left-right-center
25 obliques left then 25 more right
planks - front then each side then front again
superman
fire hydrant
mule kicks - both sides
a 'quick' 50 more abs to wrap it up before
stretching
I am still totally amazed that the instructors actually count while they do the moves (and they do - I watch!) and never sound winded or strained.
So it was a rather subdued group of angels that ever so slowly made our way back to the car for the ride home - still grateful we had a comparatively 'easy' day. Wednesday we get to bike/run - better buy more sunscreen for that!
After the 200 'warm up' we were treated to the news that we would be swimming our 'snake' routine. The 'good' was that we would swim in a line - everyone in a given lane would be headed in the same direction and swimmers who felt a need / ability to pass someone ahead of them could practice that maneuver. So, we were all lined up according to swim times, entered far right lane one at a time, made our way to the end of the lane, switched to lane two, came back, etc., etc. until you popped out at the end of the 6th lane. I was pretty much ok with this until I was PASSED in lane 5 - apparently I missed the part that this was a 15 minute continuous swim, so the faster swimmers (which would of course be everyone in the class) that started much earlier than I did had caught up to me! I also had missed the point that once I got out at the end of lane six I was expected to get back in! ooops...
So, after some major mental adjustments (ok, and some resting on the side too) I went back and forth between lanes 1 and 2 (the lanes I've always 'swum' in) so as to not gum up the entire process. I always let a group of faster swimmers in ahead of me and tried to time my laps with big gaps in the line. Where is a leg cramp when you need one?
After that adventure we did aqua-cize (not sure how this is different from water aerobics...) with styrofoam 'dumbbells'. That was ok and I was almost lulled into a sense of security with that as we were in shoulder deep water and had to keep our feet on the bottom of the pool!
Last exercise, however, was treading water in the deep end while tossing around a ball. Of course I had put my goggles up on top of my cap to do the aqua-cize and forgot to put them back down so that the ball that landed in front of me splashed water into my face, which caused me to drop my mouth open in surprise, which caused me to swallow water (again). I consider it nothing less than a miracle that I was able to throw the ball at all, but I will concede it was a pretty wimpy toss.
Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, we 'graduated' to treading water solely via flutter kick (which wasn't too bad) except then we got to put our hands in the air. The first time was for 15 seconds, which actually wasn't too bad, but then we went to longer and longer periods - I only went under once and was able to right myself without the instructors and lifeguards having to fetch me out!
We no longer bat an eye at the little boys who come through the dressing room after their swim sessions - which end at the same time our sessions do. If their moms don't want their children to be scarred for life they should blindfold them! Although, since there are no men swimming at that time, couldn't they go through the men's dressing room? Will have to check on that although I suppose there may be a stray man or two who uses that area to change before/after other exercise.
Still grateful for being 'inside' instead of bike/run, we made our way to the core session. Swimming had gone a little over so we only had 20 minutes of workout but we surely packed 40 minutes of work into it before we got out!
We did - in 20 minutes -
50 ab crunches (these while perched precariously on exercise falls - err, balls)
more ab crunches (on the ball) doing right-center-left or maybe left-right-center
25 obliques left then 25 more right
planks - front then each side then front again
superman
fire hydrant
mule kicks - both sides
a 'quick' 50 more abs to wrap it up before
stretching
I am still totally amazed that the instructors actually count while they do the moves (and they do - I watch!) and never sound winded or strained.
So it was a rather subdued group of angels that ever so slowly made our way back to the car for the ride home - still grateful we had a comparatively 'easy' day. Wednesday we get to bike/run - better buy more sunscreen for that!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Missed Training - But a Good Excuse!
Had to take a pass on TRY training on Saturday due to previous commitment to the Richland County Walk and Roll event - a 12 hour activity raising money on behalf of the American Cancer Society.
Wound up with 1,130 luminaria by 6:00 p.m. Saturday night - 9 colors of bags used and while they made a lovely display, they were also a bit sobering to realize that each bag represents someone's loved one and a family impacted by cancer.
Since we were knee deep in individuals wishing to purchase luminaria from 9 - 6, I had to take a pass on the 'roll' activities - but 2 of the angels participated in the afternoon activities along with several other local ladies who are preparing for the TRY. Two endurance rides were offered: 15 miles and 40 miles with about 35-37 participants. Two 'tykes on bikes' activities for the younger children and a 6 mile family ride were also featured. Very hot for the afternoon rides especially after several days of heavy rain.
By the end of the event, $94,xxx had been raised with one corporate team still to report - hopeful we'll pass $100,000 again this year.
Monday we'll all be back to TRY training with swimming again on the agenda!
Wound up with 1,130 luminaria by 6:00 p.m. Saturday night - 9 colors of bags used and while they made a lovely display, they were also a bit sobering to realize that each bag represents someone's loved one and a family impacted by cancer.
Since we were knee deep in individuals wishing to purchase luminaria from 9 - 6, I had to take a pass on the 'roll' activities - but 2 of the angels participated in the afternoon activities along with several other local ladies who are preparing for the TRY. Two endurance rides were offered: 15 miles and 40 miles with about 35-37 participants. Two 'tykes on bikes' activities for the younger children and a 6 mile family ride were also featured. Very hot for the afternoon rides especially after several days of heavy rain.
By the end of the event, $94,xxx had been raised with one corporate team still to report - hopeful we'll pass $100,000 again this year.
Monday we'll all be back to TRY training with swimming again on the agenda!
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Circuit Training and Biking!
Wednesday saw our article published in the Olney Daily Mail (will see if we can link it up!) - unfortunately it's now too late to register for the event or for volunteers to register to help at the event - but organizers are looking for cheerleaders so we'll try to encourage folks to come over for the big day - less than a month away!
We started out with a brisk session of circuit training - leg lifts, bicep curls, seated rowing, planks, superman (torso extension), obliques, some type of squat with the ball on the wall behind your back while holding weights, inner and outer thigh squeezes, overhead drops - probably 20 different activities followed by a nice stretch/cooldown session.
One angel got new tires for her bike and can really fly now! Another was a little under the weather on Monday so skipped biking to get timed for the swim. Angel 3 was the second one in on the 9-10 mile bike ride! I passed someone on the bike ride (a first) but then I never saw her come in after the ride so perhaps she was just someone riding home (no wonder she gave me such a funny look when I spoke to her!).
Tried to ramp up for death hill by using 3rd gear - wasn't as effective as I had hoped although I did go to 3 later in the ride and really could feel a difference. One of the instructors rode by me on the way up death hill and tried to carry on a conversation - I was panting like a dog and down to the low 2's (still, faster than walking!) and there was no way in the world I could pedal/balance and manage to compose a coherent response to her questions! Fortunately, she tracked me down after the ride. Apparently I am still pointing my toes on the pedals (less efficient) and not able to fully extend my leg on the downstroke - so we'll try raising my seat a smidge and see if that helps! 7 miles (including death hill and the Kohl's hills) in 42 minutes so still keeping the 6 minute mile pace!
We started out with a brisk session of circuit training - leg lifts, bicep curls, seated rowing, planks, superman (torso extension), obliques, some type of squat with the ball on the wall behind your back while holding weights, inner and outer thigh squeezes, overhead drops - probably 20 different activities followed by a nice stretch/cooldown session.
One angel got new tires for her bike and can really fly now! Another was a little under the weather on Monday so skipped biking to get timed for the swim. Angel 3 was the second one in on the 9-10 mile bike ride! I passed someone on the bike ride (a first) but then I never saw her come in after the ride so perhaps she was just someone riding home (no wonder she gave me such a funny look when I spoke to her!).
Tried to ramp up for death hill by using 3rd gear - wasn't as effective as I had hoped although I did go to 3 later in the ride and really could feel a difference. One of the instructors rode by me on the way up death hill and tried to carry on a conversation - I was panting like a dog and down to the low 2's (still, faster than walking!) and there was no way in the world I could pedal/balance and manage to compose a coherent response to her questions! Fortunately, she tracked me down after the ride. Apparently I am still pointing my toes on the pedals (less efficient) and not able to fully extend my leg on the downstroke - so we'll try raising my seat a smidge and see if that helps! 7 miles (including death hill and the Kohl's hills) in 42 minutes so still keeping the 6 minute mile pace!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Lost a Minute Somewhere (Somehow!)
All 4 angels for the Monday trek for run / pool! Cloudy but no wind and only a few drops of rain as we started the 'run'!
A quick 200 'warm up' in the pool, followed by a second timing for us in the 400 - somehow I dropped a full minute from my swim time - now at 13:49. Still think I was short a lap but also still think I was short a lap the first time - go figure! Apparently if you keep moving your overall time improves!
After that experience we did more relays - one set of all freestyle, one set of alternating swimmers with backstroke/front crawl, one set of freestyle but somersaulting at the transition between 'shallow' and 'deep' ends, and then one cool down of 25 yards. I believe that adds up to nearly a mile of swimming if you don't get turned around in the somersault and go back the way you came!
Tuesday night the TRY registrants who are not in the training classes at the Vincennes YMCA have been invited to be timed for the swim - wish them all success.
We're under a month to the event and from the locker room talk are pretty much all looking forward to when we begin having our sessions out at Gregg Park and being in the actual pool, bike and run routes for the event!
A quick 200 'warm up' in the pool, followed by a second timing for us in the 400 - somehow I dropped a full minute from my swim time - now at 13:49. Still think I was short a lap but also still think I was short a lap the first time - go figure! Apparently if you keep moving your overall time improves!
After that experience we did more relays - one set of all freestyle, one set of alternating swimmers with backstroke/front crawl, one set of freestyle but somersaulting at the transition between 'shallow' and 'deep' ends, and then one cool down of 25 yards. I believe that adds up to nearly a mile of swimming if you don't get turned around in the somersault and go back the way you came!
Tuesday night the TRY registrants who are not in the training classes at the Vincennes YMCA have been invited to be timed for the swim - wish them all success.
We're under a month to the event and from the locker room talk are pretty much all looking forward to when we begin having our sessions out at Gregg Park and being in the actual pool, bike and run routes for the event!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Prescription for Naps?
Up and out before the birds this morning - just 3 of us on the shuttle today as 1 angel had to work and another angel was staying after for MORE bike riding (I like my bike, but let's not overdo it!)!
Schedule was altered for larger groups today and we did pool - bike - run -- hmmmm, that looks like our TRY sequence! Although 'swimming is my favorite part' it's still my weakest part - today we used some paddles that attached to our hands so we could see the difference proper entry and pushing of water would make! It was really cool and gave me something to think about other than remembering to kick, breathe, stroke, breathe, kick, watch out for swimmer coming the other way, breathe, and so forth. Regrettably we will not be allowed to use them in the event. At the end of the session we broke into 3 teams for relay. Since there were 19 of us I helpfully volunteered to sit out so that the teams would be even, but can't get anything past Tiffany!
Stayed on the bike up death hill and up the two hills on the way to Kohl's. Somehow there were two ladies behind me (that's a first) and I made sure to encourage them as they were coming in as I know how much I value the positive comments from ladies on their way back to the barn when I haven't made the half way mark yet.
One angel forgot her MP3 player but ran all the way singing tunes in her head. I had my MP3 player but apparently managed to leave it on in the bag (again!) and it was not responsive, so I hummed to myself for my portion.
Learned where the bike store was in Vincennes and drove past Gregg Park (where the TRY will be staged from) which was ramping up for the Knox County Relay for Life today and overnight. Although it had been cloudy and windy for bike and run, didn't run into any rain until back on the Illinois side of the river - and temp has really dropped.
Was compelled to take a 2 hour nap and will go on the prowl for pasta in a little bit. Did gain .2 lbs for the week but since we had food treats every day at work for Hospital Week (popcorn / nachos / ice cream / cookout / pizza) and it would have been practically insubordinate to not participate I really had no choice!
Schedule was altered for larger groups today and we did pool - bike - run -- hmmmm, that looks like our TRY sequence! Although 'swimming is my favorite part' it's still my weakest part - today we used some paddles that attached to our hands so we could see the difference proper entry and pushing of water would make! It was really cool and gave me something to think about other than remembering to kick, breathe, stroke, breathe, kick, watch out for swimmer coming the other way, breathe, and so forth. Regrettably we will not be allowed to use them in the event. At the end of the session we broke into 3 teams for relay. Since there were 19 of us I helpfully volunteered to sit out so that the teams would be even, but can't get anything past Tiffany!
Stayed on the bike up death hill and up the two hills on the way to Kohl's. Somehow there were two ladies behind me (that's a first) and I made sure to encourage them as they were coming in as I know how much I value the positive comments from ladies on their way back to the barn when I haven't made the half way mark yet.
One angel forgot her MP3 player but ran all the way singing tunes in her head. I had my MP3 player but apparently managed to leave it on in the bag (again!) and it was not responsive, so I hummed to myself for my portion.
Learned where the bike store was in Vincennes and drove past Gregg Park (where the TRY will be staged from) which was ramping up for the Knox County Relay for Life today and overnight. Although it had been cloudy and windy for bike and run, didn't run into any rain until back on the Illinois side of the river - and temp has really dropped.
Was compelled to take a 2 hour nap and will go on the prowl for pasta in a little bit. Did gain .2 lbs for the week but since we had food treats every day at work for Hospital Week (popcorn / nachos / ice cream / cookout / pizza) and it would have been practically insubordinate to not participate I really had no choice!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Who's Doing the TRY and Why? DeeAnna Haynes
Posted with permission of Vincennes Sun Commercial
Published: VINCENNES SUN COMMERCIAL
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
DeeAnna Haynes, a physical therapist assistant at Angel River Health & Rehabilitation in Evansville, finds one of the toughest parts about the TRYathlon is the time required to dedicate to training. She’s thankful her family and friends are so supportive of her commitment to training and desire to remain physically fit.
Haynes enjoys competing in local 5K runs, and several in her “work family” are also involved in exercise. One co-worker, who participates in triathlons and mini-marathons, inspired Haynes to very successfully run her first half-marathon last fall.
This is Haynes’ second time to participate in the SIS TRY, and she’s hopeful her daughter, Haley Ivers, will join her this year. After following the first two years’ events through the media, Haynes thought the TRYathlon might be something she’d like to do. Her first step was joining the YMCA training courses consisting of approximately 100 participants.
It was at that first training session, as she looked around and found women of all backgrounds, sizes, and ages, when she thought to herself, “Yeah, I can do this.” She formed some really good friendships from the experience and has fun running with those same ladies today. Haynes states, “I am doing the SIS TRY again this year, because I had such a good time last year.”
One of Haynes’ most memorable TRY moments was her approach to the finish line. With her family cheering her on, she felt overwhelmed with a variety of emotions, mostly pride, as she crossed the line. She not only finished; she did very well.
Even though Haynes opted to train on her own and with friends this year, she believes she owes her motivation and physical fitness today to last year’s TRY training classes. Her advice to each of you, “If you think you can’t, you can. Just TRY it!”
The TRY is for women 16-years-old and up and will consist of a 1⁄4-mile swim in the Rainbow Beach pool, a 9-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Women may register to do the entire TRY or as part of a team. Registration forms can be printed from www.knoxcountyfoundation.org at the TRYathlon sidebar or can be picked up at the Knox County Public Library, the Vincennes YMCA or the Knox County Community Foundation office on the third floor of Old National Bank at Third and Busseron Streets. For additional information, contact Kathy Rinsch at 886-0093 or kathy@knoxcountyfoundation.org.
Published: VINCENNES SUN COMMERCIAL
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
DeeAnna Haynes, a physical therapist assistant at Angel River Health & Rehabilitation in Evansville, finds one of the toughest parts about the TRYathlon is the time required to dedicate to training. She’s thankful her family and friends are so supportive of her commitment to training and desire to remain physically fit.
Haynes enjoys competing in local 5K runs, and several in her “work family” are also involved in exercise. One co-worker, who participates in triathlons and mini-marathons, inspired Haynes to very successfully run her first half-marathon last fall.
This is Haynes’ second time to participate in the SIS TRY, and she’s hopeful her daughter, Haley Ivers, will join her this year. After following the first two years’ events through the media, Haynes thought the TRYathlon might be something she’d like to do. Her first step was joining the YMCA training courses consisting of approximately 100 participants.
It was at that first training session, as she looked around and found women of all backgrounds, sizes, and ages, when she thought to herself, “Yeah, I can do this.” She formed some really good friendships from the experience and has fun running with those same ladies today. Haynes states, “I am doing the SIS TRY again this year, because I had such a good time last year.”
One of Haynes’ most memorable TRY moments was her approach to the finish line. With her family cheering her on, she felt overwhelmed with a variety of emotions, mostly pride, as she crossed the line. She not only finished; she did very well.
Even though Haynes opted to train on her own and with friends this year, she believes she owes her motivation and physical fitness today to last year’s TRY training classes. Her advice to each of you, “If you think you can’t, you can. Just TRY it!”
The TRY is for women 16-years-old and up and will consist of a 1⁄4-mile swim in the Rainbow Beach pool, a 9-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Women may register to do the entire TRY or as part of a team. Registration forms can be printed from www.knoxcountyfoundation.org at the TRYathlon sidebar or can be picked up at the Knox County Public Library, the Vincennes YMCA or the Knox County Community Foundation office on the third floor of Old National Bank at Third and Busseron Streets. For additional information, contact Kathy Rinsch at 886-0093 or kathy@knoxcountyfoundation.org.
Who's Doing the TRY and Why? Laura Mikiska
Posted with permission of Vincennes Sun Commercial
Published: VINCENNES SUN COMMERCIAL
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
Laura Mikiska has been involved with the SIS Women’s TRYathlon from the very beginning. She started as a volunteer and has evolved to a competitor.
After directing and cheering the bicyclists as they passed by the first two years, Mikiska realized that there were ladies of all ages participating, and with some encouragement from her sister-in-law, Teresa Siewers, the two decided to get out there and do it.
Mikiska is looking forward to her second TRY and hopes to improve her overall time. She is a firm believer in the YMCA training classes and feels fitter and healthier as a result. Mikiska’s favorite events are biking and swimming. She especially enjoys rising to the challenges presented by the Y swimming instructors, Tiffany Petts and Sandy Bohmeier. Mikiska finds running difficult, but the part she dreads most is Saturday class at 7:30 a.m. “I’m just not a morning person!” she exclaims. Mikiska also likes mixing up her exercise routine a bit with Zumba classes.
Mikiska has worked as an administrative assistant with M.G. Grundman & Sons for the past 27 years, and she appreciates the support she receives from her co-workers and family. Cheering her on at the TRY will be her husband, sons and granddaughter. Her daughter-in-law, Megan Mikiska, a TRY training class instructor, will be participating in the TRY as well.
When Mikiska had doubts about the TRY, she looked to the accomplishments of her children for inspiration. Her sons, Eric Mikiska and Chris Mikiska, along with Megan, each made it through Army National Guard boot camp, and Eric also competed in the Chicago Marathon. Mikiska found herself thinking, “If they can get through boot camp, surely if I train hard, I can do the TRY!”
Mikiska’s best advice to anyone interested in the TRY, “Get involved in the training classes. The sisterhood shared is great, and someone will always be there to encourage you when you think you can’t go any longer. I have made so many friends.” Mikiska went on to say, “No matter what your time is once you cross the finish line, the feeling of accomplishment is unbelievable. You just did a TRYathlon!”
Registration is under way for the fourth SIS Women’s TRYathlon on June 13 at Gregg Park. The registration deadline will be May 15.
The TRY is for women 16-years-old and up and will consist of a 1⁄4-mile swim in the Rainbow Beach pool, a 9-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Women may register to do the entire TRY or as part of a team. Registration forms can be printed from www.knoxcountyfoundation.org at the TRYathlon sidebar or can be picked up at the Knox County Public Library, the Vincennes YMCA or the Knox County Community Foundation office on the third floor of Old National Bank at Third and Busseron Streets. For additional information, contact Kathy Rinsch at 886-0093 or kathy@knoxcountyfoundation.org.
Published: VINCENNES SUN COMMERCIAL
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
Laura Mikiska has been involved with the SIS Women’s TRYathlon from the very beginning. She started as a volunteer and has evolved to a competitor.
After directing and cheering the bicyclists as they passed by the first two years, Mikiska realized that there were ladies of all ages participating, and with some encouragement from her sister-in-law, Teresa Siewers, the two decided to get out there and do it.
Mikiska is looking forward to her second TRY and hopes to improve her overall time. She is a firm believer in the YMCA training classes and feels fitter and healthier as a result. Mikiska’s favorite events are biking and swimming. She especially enjoys rising to the challenges presented by the Y swimming instructors, Tiffany Petts and Sandy Bohmeier. Mikiska finds running difficult, but the part she dreads most is Saturday class at 7:30 a.m. “I’m just not a morning person!” she exclaims. Mikiska also likes mixing up her exercise routine a bit with Zumba classes.
Mikiska has worked as an administrative assistant with M.G. Grundman & Sons for the past 27 years, and she appreciates the support she receives from her co-workers and family. Cheering her on at the TRY will be her husband, sons and granddaughter. Her daughter-in-law, Megan Mikiska, a TRY training class instructor, will be participating in the TRY as well.
When Mikiska had doubts about the TRY, she looked to the accomplishments of her children for inspiration. Her sons, Eric Mikiska and Chris Mikiska, along with Megan, each made it through Army National Guard boot camp, and Eric also competed in the Chicago Marathon. Mikiska found herself thinking, “If they can get through boot camp, surely if I train hard, I can do the TRY!”
Mikiska’s best advice to anyone interested in the TRY, “Get involved in the training classes. The sisterhood shared is great, and someone will always be there to encourage you when you think you can’t go any longer. I have made so many friends.” Mikiska went on to say, “No matter what your time is once you cross the finish line, the feeling of accomplishment is unbelievable. You just did a TRYathlon!”
Registration is under way for the fourth SIS Women’s TRYathlon on June 13 at Gregg Park. The registration deadline will be May 15.
The TRY is for women 16-years-old and up and will consist of a 1⁄4-mile swim in the Rainbow Beach pool, a 9-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Women may register to do the entire TRY or as part of a team. Registration forms can be printed from www.knoxcountyfoundation.org at the TRYathlon sidebar or can be picked up at the Knox County Public Library, the Vincennes YMCA or the Knox County Community Foundation office on the third floor of Old National Bank at Third and Busseron Streets. For additional information, contact Kathy Rinsch at 886-0093 or kathy@knoxcountyfoundation.org.
Who's Doing the TRY and Why? Sheree Russell
Posted with permission of Vincennes Sun Commercial
Published: VINCENNES SUN COMMERCIAL
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
Sheree Russell is a veteran athlete in the SIS Women’s TRYathlon, having competed each year since the first TRY hit Vincennes in 2007. Having already successfully finished two mini-marathons at that time, Russell wondered if she could also complete a triathlon. Her husband, Rick Russell, never doubted it though ��” he signed her up.
Russell’s desire to stay fit and maintain her slim figure keeps her motivated. In 2004, she underwent one of many weight loss surgeries, and she knew that she must commit to an hour per day of exercise in order to keep from regaining the weight she’d lost. As a result, she teamed up with her husband, and they’ve walked for exercise nearly every day since.
Training for Russell consists of five miles every day starting at 5:30 a.m., rain or shine. Those early morning sessions in the rain are what she dreads most. She also frequently walks with her husband over his lunch hour or after work and often exercises as much as three hours per day. If the weather is too bad, she heads indoors to lift weights or swim at the YMCA. On a pretty day, she loves to hop on her bike and ride from Vincennes to Bruceville and back.
Russell enjoys participating in mini-marathons and triathlons in surrounding communities, and her involvement has inspired her daughter, Jessica Russell, to join her. Russell is proud of her daughter’s accomplishments, as she too has lost a considerable amount of weight through healthy eating and exercise. Russell’s favorite part of training is spending time with her husband and daughter.
Russell appreciates the support of her whole family which additionally includes her son, Ian Russell; daughter, Amy Russell; and four grandchildren with a fifth grandchild to arrive in May. Her four-year-old granddaughter, Braylynn, is already dreaming about competing in marathons and triathlons. Russell hopes the example she sets for family fitness will continue on for future generations.
Celebrating her 30th year of employment with the Knox County Department of Child Services this spring, Russell has managed to successfully juggle a career, family and healthy lifestyle. “I want people to understand that it is NEVER too late to get fit,” Russell said. “I am seldom sick and have lots of energy. Better eating and exercise habits have helped improve most aspects of my life. If I can do it, so can you!”
The TRY is for women 16-years-old and up and will consist of a 1⁄4-mile swim in the Rainbow Beach pool, a 9-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Women may register to do the entire TRY or as part of a team. Registration forms can be printed from www.knoxcountyfoundation.org at the TRYathlon sidebar or can be picked up at the Knox County Public Library, the Vincennes YMCA or the Knox County Community Foundation office on the third floor of Old National Bank at Third and Busseron Streets. For additional information, contact Kathy Rinsch at 886-0093 or kathy@knoxcountyfoundation.org.
Published: VINCENNES SUN COMMERCIAL
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
Sheree Russell is a veteran athlete in the SIS Women’s TRYathlon, having competed each year since the first TRY hit Vincennes in 2007. Having already successfully finished two mini-marathons at that time, Russell wondered if she could also complete a triathlon. Her husband, Rick Russell, never doubted it though ��” he signed her up.
Russell’s desire to stay fit and maintain her slim figure keeps her motivated. In 2004, she underwent one of many weight loss surgeries, and she knew that she must commit to an hour per day of exercise in order to keep from regaining the weight she’d lost. As a result, she teamed up with her husband, and they’ve walked for exercise nearly every day since.
Training for Russell consists of five miles every day starting at 5:30 a.m., rain or shine. Those early morning sessions in the rain are what she dreads most. She also frequently walks with her husband over his lunch hour or after work and often exercises as much as three hours per day. If the weather is too bad, she heads indoors to lift weights or swim at the YMCA. On a pretty day, she loves to hop on her bike and ride from Vincennes to Bruceville and back.
Russell enjoys participating in mini-marathons and triathlons in surrounding communities, and her involvement has inspired her daughter, Jessica Russell, to join her. Russell is proud of her daughter’s accomplishments, as she too has lost a considerable amount of weight through healthy eating and exercise. Russell’s favorite part of training is spending time with her husband and daughter.
Russell appreciates the support of her whole family which additionally includes her son, Ian Russell; daughter, Amy Russell; and four grandchildren with a fifth grandchild to arrive in May. Her four-year-old granddaughter, Braylynn, is already dreaming about competing in marathons and triathlons. Russell hopes the example she sets for family fitness will continue on for future generations.
Celebrating her 30th year of employment with the Knox County Department of Child Services this spring, Russell has managed to successfully juggle a career, family and healthy lifestyle. “I want people to understand that it is NEVER too late to get fit,” Russell said. “I am seldom sick and have lots of energy. Better eating and exercise habits have helped improve most aspects of my life. If I can do it, so can you!”
The TRY is for women 16-years-old and up and will consist of a 1⁄4-mile swim in the Rainbow Beach pool, a 9-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Women may register to do the entire TRY or as part of a team. Registration forms can be printed from www.knoxcountyfoundation.org at the TRYathlon sidebar or can be picked up at the Knox County Public Library, the Vincennes YMCA or the Knox County Community Foundation office on the third floor of Old National Bank at Third and Busseron Streets. For additional information, contact Kathy Rinsch at 886-0093 or kathy@knoxcountyfoundation.org.
Who’s Doing the TRY and Why? Millissa Duffey
Posted with permission of Vincennes Sun Commercial
Published: VINCENNES SUN COMMERCIAL
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
Millissa Duffey is looking forward to completing her first SIS Women’s TRYathlon thanks to the encouragement of her sorority sister, Laura Mikiska. Duffey and Mikiska had a “photo finish” at the Miles for McKenna race where they finished hand-in-hand and were awarded blankets, very fitting after a cold, rainy 5K run.
Just like braving the elements of that race, Duffey seems to meet each challenge head on. Duffey began training at the YMCA in September and is now active in the 12-week TRY training course. Last February, she successfully completed the indoor triathlon at the Y. Duffey states,
“I’ve found that there are many ladies my age or older who are preparing for and have completed the TRY. Those women inspired me to participate,” Duffey said.
What’s Duffey’s favorite part of TRY training? She likes knowing that she is becoming a much healthier person. Diagnosed with diabetes 37 years ago, she is most motivated by the results she is seeing and commented, “Overall I am feeling much better, and even though I find the training is a bit difficult, I am learning and improving. I decided to do the TRY because I wanted to do something good for myself. It keeps me exercising, and I am having a lot of fun with the friends I’ve met.”
Committing to the time required to train is Duffey’s greatest challenge. In addition to working at Clark Middle School, she tries to do some form of exercise six days per week. Through the support of her husband, Charlie Duffey; son, Chas Duffey; daughter, Millissa Kurcinka; son-in-law, Carl Kurcinka; and granddaughter, Reagan Kurcinka, Duffey is determined to attain her goals.
Duffey hopes to influence others to participate in the TRY next year. She expressed, “Thanks to everyone who has given me a pat on the back and encouraged me to keep doing my best. I look forward to seeing everyone when I cross the finish line for the first time!”
The TRY is for women 16-years-old and up and will consist of a 1⁄4-mile swim in the Rainbow Beach pool, a 9-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Women may register to do the entire TRY or as part of a team. Registration forms can be printed from www.knoxcountyfoundation.org at the TRYathlon sidebar or can be picked up at the Knox County Public Library, the Vincennes YMCA or the Knox County Community Foundation office on the third floor of Old National Bank at Third and Busseron Streets. For additional information, contact Kathy Rinsch at 886-0093 or kathy@knoxcountyfoundation.org.
Published: VINCENNES SUN COMMERCIAL
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
Millissa Duffey is looking forward to completing her first SIS Women’s TRYathlon thanks to the encouragement of her sorority sister, Laura Mikiska. Duffey and Mikiska had a “photo finish” at the Miles for McKenna race where they finished hand-in-hand and were awarded blankets, very fitting after a cold, rainy 5K run.
Just like braving the elements of that race, Duffey seems to meet each challenge head on. Duffey began training at the YMCA in September and is now active in the 12-week TRY training course. Last February, she successfully completed the indoor triathlon at the Y. Duffey states,
“I’ve found that there are many ladies my age or older who are preparing for and have completed the TRY. Those women inspired me to participate,” Duffey said.
What’s Duffey’s favorite part of TRY training? She likes knowing that she is becoming a much healthier person. Diagnosed with diabetes 37 years ago, she is most motivated by the results she is seeing and commented, “Overall I am feeling much better, and even though I find the training is a bit difficult, I am learning and improving. I decided to do the TRY because I wanted to do something good for myself. It keeps me exercising, and I am having a lot of fun with the friends I’ve met.”
Committing to the time required to train is Duffey’s greatest challenge. In addition to working at Clark Middle School, she tries to do some form of exercise six days per week. Through the support of her husband, Charlie Duffey; son, Chas Duffey; daughter, Millissa Kurcinka; son-in-law, Carl Kurcinka; and granddaughter, Reagan Kurcinka, Duffey is determined to attain her goals.
Duffey hopes to influence others to participate in the TRY next year. She expressed, “Thanks to everyone who has given me a pat on the back and encouraged me to keep doing my best. I look forward to seeing everyone when I cross the finish line for the first time!”
The TRY is for women 16-years-old and up and will consist of a 1⁄4-mile swim in the Rainbow Beach pool, a 9-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Women may register to do the entire TRY or as part of a team. Registration forms can be printed from www.knoxcountyfoundation.org at the TRYathlon sidebar or can be picked up at the Knox County Public Library, the Vincennes YMCA or the Knox County Community Foundation office on the third floor of Old National Bank at Third and Busseron Streets. For additional information, contact Kathy Rinsch at 886-0093 or kathy@knoxcountyfoundation.org.
Who's Doing the TRY and Why: Andrea Huey
Posted with permission of Vincennes Sun Commercial
Published: VINCENNES SUN COMMERCIAL
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
Andrea Huey started training for the SIS Women’s TRYathlon at the beginning of the year. She says, “I wanted to start the year off right by getting into shape.” She thought the TRYathlon would be a good way to do it and would be a good experience.
Huey got the idea to do the TRY when Andrea Turner told her how much she enjoyed the TRY last year and encouraged Huey to do it this year.
But she thinks it was the challenge of the TRY that inspired her to actually want to do it. She says, “This is my first time to do anything like this and the training has already given me a sense of accomplishment.”
She admits that she never really had to exercise before, but decided it was time to get fit and healthy and she wanted to be strong. In fact, she hopes to get into the best shape she’s ever been in. She believes taking the TRY classes at the Y are helping to keep her motivated and moving her closer and closer to her goal ��” to complete the TRY.
Huey says she has really enjoyed the classes. She also does some training at home on her own like running on the treadmill, bike riding and core exercises. The Y classes have taught her new exercises that have expanded her home training.
The most difficult part of her TRY training has been the swimming. Even though she had taken swimming lessons as a child, she realized her technique needed some improvement since training for the TRY requires more than just swimming a lap in the backyard pool. But, she notes, “I love the training. Yes, at times it is very difficult, but I know it will be worth it in the end. The sense of fulfillment I get when I have completed a workout makes me feel like a new person.”
Huey has good support from her mom, Barbara Huey, who has been pushing her to exercise and to get into better shape. Her boyfriend Scott Holscher backs her too.
“This is my first TRY and I’m doing it individually,” Huey says. “I hope that it will be the first of many. I want to feel better about myself and to improve my overall health.” Huey thinks the SIS Women’s TRYathlon on June 13 will help her reach this goal.
The TRY is for women 16-years-old and up and will consist of a 1⁄4-mile swim in the Rainbow Beach pool, a 9-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Women may register to do the entire TRY or as part of a team. Registration forms can be printed from www.knoxcountyfoundation.org at the TRYathlon sidebar or can be picked up at the Knox County Public Library, the Vincennes YMCA or the Knox County Community Foundation office on the third floor of Old National Bank at Third and Busseron Streets. For additional information, contact Kathy Rinsch at 886-0093 or kathy@knoxcountyfoundation.org.
Published: VINCENNES SUN COMMERCIAL
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
Andrea Huey started training for the SIS Women’s TRYathlon at the beginning of the year. She says, “I wanted to start the year off right by getting into shape.” She thought the TRYathlon would be a good way to do it and would be a good experience.
Huey got the idea to do the TRY when Andrea Turner told her how much she enjoyed the TRY last year and encouraged Huey to do it this year.
But she thinks it was the challenge of the TRY that inspired her to actually want to do it. She says, “This is my first time to do anything like this and the training has already given me a sense of accomplishment.”
She admits that she never really had to exercise before, but decided it was time to get fit and healthy and she wanted to be strong. In fact, she hopes to get into the best shape she’s ever been in. She believes taking the TRY classes at the Y are helping to keep her motivated and moving her closer and closer to her goal ��” to complete the TRY.
Huey says she has really enjoyed the classes. She also does some training at home on her own like running on the treadmill, bike riding and core exercises. The Y classes have taught her new exercises that have expanded her home training.
The most difficult part of her TRY training has been the swimming. Even though she had taken swimming lessons as a child, she realized her technique needed some improvement since training for the TRY requires more than just swimming a lap in the backyard pool. But, she notes, “I love the training. Yes, at times it is very difficult, but I know it will be worth it in the end. The sense of fulfillment I get when I have completed a workout makes me feel like a new person.”
Huey has good support from her mom, Barbara Huey, who has been pushing her to exercise and to get into better shape. Her boyfriend Scott Holscher backs her too.
“This is my first TRY and I’m doing it individually,” Huey says. “I hope that it will be the first of many. I want to feel better about myself and to improve my overall health.” Huey thinks the SIS Women’s TRYathlon on June 13 will help her reach this goal.
The TRY is for women 16-years-old and up and will consist of a 1⁄4-mile swim in the Rainbow Beach pool, a 9-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Women may register to do the entire TRY or as part of a team. Registration forms can be printed from www.knoxcountyfoundation.org at the TRYathlon sidebar or can be picked up at the Knox County Public Library, the Vincennes YMCA or the Knox County Community Foundation office on the third floor of Old National Bank at Third and Busseron Streets. For additional information, contact Kathy Rinsch at 886-0093 or kathy@knoxcountyfoundation.org.
Who's Doing the TRY and Why: Dorothy Fish
Posted with permission of the Vincennes Sun Commercial
Published: VINCENNES SUN COMMERCIAL
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
Dorothy Fish got inspired to do the SIS Women’s TRYathlon from her friend Laura Mikiska. They were having lunch together last August and Laura was talking about TRY training at the YMCA starting up again in September. Mikiska had done the TRY the previous year and was ready to keep in training for the coming one. Fish says, “I thought to myself, I would really like to do this ��” get back into shape and know I completed something that would make a difference in my health and life.”
Twenty years ago, she remembers that she walked about two miles a day four to five times a week. However, with job responsibilities and other life-changing events, she quit walking and gained weight. She seemed to be out of breath all the time doing even small things. Getting back into shape is important to her as she has a family history of heart disease. She also has other health issues ��” high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
The first thing Fish said was “I can’t swim” but Mikiska told her that they will teach you how to swim at the Y. “I thought that was great,” she says. She has been training since September. Learning to swim has been a challenge for her, but she has been meeting it. She laughs, “I sure won’t be the fastest Fish in the pool, though.”
After the lunch with Mikiska, she came home and told her daughter, Ashley Fish, what she was going to do and asked her if she would like to do the TRY too. Her daughter thought about it and said yes. Fish thought this would be a great way that she and her daughter could spend some time together. They both are doing the TRY individually.
Fish claims that the TRY training has boosted her energy. She says, “I feel better and I have lost some weight.” She adds, “I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and I have been back on my diet since June.”
She is appreciative of her family and co-workers at the Medical Center of Vincennes who are very supportive of her efforts. If she misses a training class they are on her to keep with it. “I will admit,” she says, “There are times I think to myself ‘what am I doing?’ but then I remember how good I feel after training class is over.” In addition, her husband walks their dog “Kiser” and she rides her bike with them.
Fish has some advice to all those out there who aren’t doing the TRY. “If you haven’t done the TRY, you should give it a chance. Whether individually or part of a three person team, you will be amazed as to how good you feel both physically and emotionally.”
The TRY is for women 16-years-old and up and will consist of a 1⁄4-mile swim in the Rainbow Beach pool, a 9-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Women may register to do the entire TRY or as part of a team. Registration forms can be printed from www.knoxcountyfoundation.org at the TRYathlon sidebar or can be picked up at the Knox County Public Library, the Vincennes YMCA or the Knox County Community Foundation office on the third floor of Old National Bank at Third and Busseron Streets. For additional information, contact Kathy Rinsch at 886-0093 or kathy@knoxcountyfoundation.org.
Published: VINCENNES SUN COMMERCIAL
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
Dorothy Fish got inspired to do the SIS Women’s TRYathlon from her friend Laura Mikiska. They were having lunch together last August and Laura was talking about TRY training at the YMCA starting up again in September. Mikiska had done the TRY the previous year and was ready to keep in training for the coming one. Fish says, “I thought to myself, I would really like to do this ��” get back into shape and know I completed something that would make a difference in my health and life.”
Twenty years ago, she remembers that she walked about two miles a day four to five times a week. However, with job responsibilities and other life-changing events, she quit walking and gained weight. She seemed to be out of breath all the time doing even small things. Getting back into shape is important to her as she has a family history of heart disease. She also has other health issues ��” high blood pressure and sleep apnea.
The first thing Fish said was “I can’t swim” but Mikiska told her that they will teach you how to swim at the Y. “I thought that was great,” she says. She has been training since September. Learning to swim has been a challenge for her, but she has been meeting it. She laughs, “I sure won’t be the fastest Fish in the pool, though.”
After the lunch with Mikiska, she came home and told her daughter, Ashley Fish, what she was going to do and asked her if she would like to do the TRY too. Her daughter thought about it and said yes. Fish thought this would be a great way that she and her daughter could spend some time together. They both are doing the TRY individually.
Fish claims that the TRY training has boosted her energy. She says, “I feel better and I have lost some weight.” She adds, “I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and I have been back on my diet since June.”
She is appreciative of her family and co-workers at the Medical Center of Vincennes who are very supportive of her efforts. If she misses a training class they are on her to keep with it. “I will admit,” she says, “There are times I think to myself ‘what am I doing?’ but then I remember how good I feel after training class is over.” In addition, her husband walks their dog “Kiser” and she rides her bike with them.
Fish has some advice to all those out there who aren’t doing the TRY. “If you haven’t done the TRY, you should give it a chance. Whether individually or part of a three person team, you will be amazed as to how good you feel both physically and emotionally.”
The TRY is for women 16-years-old and up and will consist of a 1⁄4-mile swim in the Rainbow Beach pool, a 9-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run. Women may register to do the entire TRY or as part of a team. Registration forms can be printed from www.knoxcountyfoundation.org at the TRYathlon sidebar or can be picked up at the Knox County Public Library, the Vincennes YMCA or the Knox County Community Foundation office on the third floor of Old National Bank at Third and Busseron Streets. For additional information, contact Kathy Rinsch at 886-0093 or kathy@knoxcountyfoundation.org.
Who's Doing the TRY and Why: Mary Ann Newman
Shared with permission from the VINCENNES SUN COMMERCIAL
Published:
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
Mary Ann Newman says that she is an unlikely candidate for doing an athletic event. So even she is a little surprised that she did the SIS Women’s TRYathlon last year and just signed up to do it again this year, both times as part of a team.
She only decided to do the TRY last year after she found out that she could participate on a team. Kim Keyes, at the YMCA, found a swimmer for her, and then she rode her bike and ran-walked the other two segments.
Her son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Holly Newman, have helped her to enjoy walking at the Y and encouraged her efforts in biking.
She works at Good Samaritan Hospital and many of her coworkers also do the TRY. Newman appreciates that they keep her motivated. She continues to train on her bike. Her son is a very serious rider. “He has so much patience with me. I never rode a bike with gears in my life. Now I’m riding one.” She will do the bike portion of the TRY with her team, which she joined only after being assured that they were not trying to win.
Even though her husband, Francis, does not ride or participate in any sport, she finds him very supportive. She says he was there for her first TRY last year and then bought her first bike.
Family support seems to a strong characteristic in the Newman family. Last year, her daughter-in-law loaned her a bike so she could learn to ride and took her to buy that first bike this year. Newman says, “I had no idea what was involved or what I was doing, but Holly guided me through it with a little phone consultation from Eric.” She also says it has taken a lot of encouraging to get her started and to keep her going.
Newman says, “I feel much better about myself when I exercise and eat healthy.”
Since last year’s TRY, she has taken swimming lessons from Tiffany Petts, the Y’s aquatics director. She adds in amazement, “I can’t believe I am finally doing this. I was never an athlete and will never be one, but I do this for me and really enjoy it.”
Newman prefers to train by herself or with a few friends or family. She enjoys lap swimming with Sarah Griggs and Griggs’ sister, Mary Hazleman. She thinks they have really made a difference to help keep her going. At first, Newman I thought, “I will never swim a lap,” but now admits that she is finally able to do a few laps.
Her goal was to do the entire TRY by herself this year, but she doesn’t feel she’s a strong enough swimmer yet. She plans to continue her swim training and says “Hopefully, next year,” she will be ready to include swimming in her TRY experience.
Newman’s real inspiration, besides her family and the friends she’s met at the Y, is the mother of her daughter-in-law. Terri Angermeier passed away two years ago after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Angermeier really encouraged exercise and eating healthy. She walked every day that she could during the battle she fought. She walked in Evansville at Race for the Cure. Newman’s daughter, Cheri Seiler, and her baby also walked at Race for the Cure along with other family members.
She’s happy to find a couple of ladies that want to work as a team. Jen Holscher at the YMCA hooked Newman up with her mom, Sandra Holscher, who will do the swim segment and Cindy Helton who will do the run/walk segment. Newman will bike. Newman is excited to do the TRY again this year. She says, “I can’t wait!”
Published:
Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:59 PM EDT
Mary Ann Newman says that she is an unlikely candidate for doing an athletic event. So even she is a little surprised that she did the SIS Women’s TRYathlon last year and just signed up to do it again this year, both times as part of a team.
She only decided to do the TRY last year after she found out that she could participate on a team. Kim Keyes, at the YMCA, found a swimmer for her, and then she rode her bike and ran-walked the other two segments.
Her son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Holly Newman, have helped her to enjoy walking at the Y and encouraged her efforts in biking.
She works at Good Samaritan Hospital and many of her coworkers also do the TRY. Newman appreciates that they keep her motivated. She continues to train on her bike. Her son is a very serious rider. “He has so much patience with me. I never rode a bike with gears in my life. Now I’m riding one.” She will do the bike portion of the TRY with her team, which she joined only after being assured that they were not trying to win.
Even though her husband, Francis, does not ride or participate in any sport, she finds him very supportive. She says he was there for her first TRY last year and then bought her first bike.
Family support seems to a strong characteristic in the Newman family. Last year, her daughter-in-law loaned her a bike so she could learn to ride and took her to buy that first bike this year. Newman says, “I had no idea what was involved or what I was doing, but Holly guided me through it with a little phone consultation from Eric.” She also says it has taken a lot of encouraging to get her started and to keep her going.
Newman says, “I feel much better about myself when I exercise and eat healthy.”
Since last year’s TRY, she has taken swimming lessons from Tiffany Petts, the Y’s aquatics director. She adds in amazement, “I can’t believe I am finally doing this. I was never an athlete and will never be one, but I do this for me and really enjoy it.”
Newman prefers to train by herself or with a few friends or family. She enjoys lap swimming with Sarah Griggs and Griggs’ sister, Mary Hazleman. She thinks they have really made a difference to help keep her going. At first, Newman I thought, “I will never swim a lap,” but now admits that she is finally able to do a few laps.
Her goal was to do the entire TRY by herself this year, but she doesn’t feel she’s a strong enough swimmer yet. She plans to continue her swim training and says “Hopefully, next year,” she will be ready to include swimming in her TRY experience.
Newman’s real inspiration, besides her family and the friends she’s met at the Y, is the mother of her daughter-in-law. Terri Angermeier passed away two years ago after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Angermeier really encouraged exercise and eating healthy. She walked every day that she could during the battle she fought. She walked in Evansville at Race for the Cure. Newman’s daughter, Cheri Seiler, and her baby also walked at Race for the Cure along with other family members.
She’s happy to find a couple of ladies that want to work as a team. Jen Holscher at the YMCA hooked Newman up with her mom, Sandra Holscher, who will do the swim segment and Cindy Helton who will do the run/walk segment. Newman will bike. Newman is excited to do the TRY again this year. She says, “I can’t wait!”
Core to the Max
Tuesday was my 'off' day for the week as I helped serve at the Richland County Walk and Roll Survivor Dinner - over 135 guests makes for a lot of dishes to wash! I don't think the washing and drying burned many calories though and I don't see where limber fingers are going to be especially helpful for the TRYathlon!
Wednesday we were again short an angel (different one that Monday) but had run and core on tap so easily fit into the vehicle of the day!
80+ degrees and 80+ % humidity - 'ran' up College as far as we could go (in my case to 10th street) and back. I have now officially retired / thrown out my 'old' sneakers - had not wanted to get caught out in rain in my good shoes so wore the old ones, and now have a blister as I had forgotten about the worn spot on the left shoe... I consoled myself with the knowledge that at least it wouldn't hurt during core session.
And true enough, my blister didn't hurt but pretty much all other parts of my body that I haven't heard from were talking to me after core! Started off with 'a quick 30 ab crunches' - I'm pretty sure we never did 30 (in a row!) before, and especially not as the 'warm up' act! We also did push ups (a first again), planks (full on rather than from the side - this allowed us to gracefully move into the downward facing dog position!), the fire hydrant exercise (haven't done that in a while), reverse abs, superman, and I forget what all else. I believe we were all working harder at that than any of us did at the 'run' (for sure more than I did!). However, the fallen angel from Monday, who had been stiff as we headed to class, pronounced herself cured by the end of core session!
Hopefully we'll have the full complement of 5 angels for Saturday - when we'll bike, run and pool!
Wednesday we were again short an angel (different one that Monday) but had run and core on tap so easily fit into the vehicle of the day!
80+ degrees and 80+ % humidity - 'ran' up College as far as we could go (in my case to 10th street) and back. I have now officially retired / thrown out my 'old' sneakers - had not wanted to get caught out in rain in my good shoes so wore the old ones, and now have a blister as I had forgotten about the worn spot on the left shoe... I consoled myself with the knowledge that at least it wouldn't hurt during core session.
And true enough, my blister didn't hurt but pretty much all other parts of my body that I haven't heard from were talking to me after core! Started off with 'a quick 30 ab crunches' - I'm pretty sure we never did 30 (in a row!) before, and especially not as the 'warm up' act! We also did push ups (a first again), planks (full on rather than from the side - this allowed us to gracefully move into the downward facing dog position!), the fire hydrant exercise (haven't done that in a while), reverse abs, superman, and I forget what all else. I believe we were all working harder at that than any of us did at the 'run' (for sure more than I did!). However, the fallen angel from Monday, who had been stiff as we headed to class, pronounced herself cured by the end of core session!
Hopefully we'll have the full complement of 5 angels for Saturday - when we'll bike, run and pool!
Angel Down - Then Up Again!
We were short an angel on Monday (family emergency) and naturally it was the one who was to carry the 4 bikes! All I can say is my next minivan will have the stow-n-go seats as I got an early workout wrestling the middle seats in my vehicle so that we could get 3 bikes, 3 bags, and 3 babes into it!
Pool then bike under cloudy skies with a sprinkle every now and then. Got some great help from one of the swimming instructors who advised me to slow down my strokes, which doesn't sound right at first, except that slowing down allows me more time to catch a breath, which means I'm not gasping so much (involves stopping swimming), and the end result is a more efficient process! Go figure! Maybe I'll graduate out of advanced beginner yet (probably not - but maybe!).
Since the skies were so threatening we did not go the death hill-orchard-endless hills-Kohl's route and instead 'circled' the YMCA with a 'short' 2 mile loop. Two of the angels made 3 loops, but after I finished the second I knew there wasn't time for me to do a third, plus I had the car keys...
One angel had a close encounter with not only a semi but also with several fair sized tree branches - no, the semi didn't push her off the road, but as it passed her she dropped back so as to not be in the driver's blind spot. The semi was soooo tall it broke off some tree branches overhanging the road and dropped them right in front of her - resulting in some quick dodging and weaving on her part!
Another angel had a close encounter with a stone, the curb, and someone's lawn! Not that we're competitive, but one angel passed the other (baiting may have been the word used) so the second angel sped up to get back in front and caught a stone on a corner and went down - hard - possibly flipped over and for sure skinned up her elbow/knee and had a handlebar imprint on her cheek for a while. No serious injuries, 2 other TRY classmates saw it happen and offered assistance, but we're a pretty hardy bunch, so after the fallen angel dug her pedals out of the grass, she was up and at em again. Some wet wipes helped out on the way home to clean up the worst of it!
Our instructor also had a moment when she thought she had lost a rider (frowned upon for sure) - and it was me! I had thought she had seen me come back, given the bright shirt and all, but I was inside the car (takes an inside person and an outside person to get 3 bikes in the minivan) and had not only taken my helmet off but taken out my ponytail - so didn't have the same 'look' as with the swim cap or bike helmet. Fortunately we got that situation addressed to all our satisfaction!
Pool then bike under cloudy skies with a sprinkle every now and then. Got some great help from one of the swimming instructors who advised me to slow down my strokes, which doesn't sound right at first, except that slowing down allows me more time to catch a breath, which means I'm not gasping so much (involves stopping swimming), and the end result is a more efficient process! Go figure! Maybe I'll graduate out of advanced beginner yet (probably not - but maybe!).
Since the skies were so threatening we did not go the death hill-orchard-endless hills-Kohl's route and instead 'circled' the YMCA with a 'short' 2 mile loop. Two of the angels made 3 loops, but after I finished the second I knew there wasn't time for me to do a third, plus I had the car keys...
One angel had a close encounter with not only a semi but also with several fair sized tree branches - no, the semi didn't push her off the road, but as it passed her she dropped back so as to not be in the driver's blind spot. The semi was soooo tall it broke off some tree branches overhanging the road and dropped them right in front of her - resulting in some quick dodging and weaving on her part!
Another angel had a close encounter with a stone, the curb, and someone's lawn! Not that we're competitive, but one angel passed the other (baiting may have been the word used) so the second angel sped up to get back in front and caught a stone on a corner and went down - hard - possibly flipped over and for sure skinned up her elbow/knee and had a handlebar imprint on her cheek for a while. No serious injuries, 2 other TRY classmates saw it happen and offered assistance, but we're a pretty hardy bunch, so after the fallen angel dug her pedals out of the grass, she was up and at em again. Some wet wipes helped out on the way home to clean up the worst of it!
Our instructor also had a moment when she thought she had lost a rider (frowned upon for sure) - and it was me! I had thought she had seen me come back, given the bright shirt and all, but I was inside the car (takes an inside person and an outside person to get 3 bikes in the minivan) and had not only taken my helmet off but taken out my ponytail - so didn't have the same 'look' as with the swim cap or bike helmet. Fortunately we got that situation addressed to all our satisfaction!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Still WINDY!
Couldn't stop sneezing and blowing my nose all day Saturday and slept poorly that night despite taking Mucinex-D (since the Benedryl did nothing). Opted out of Church (didn't want to be a disruption) for more attempts at sleeping (just tossed and turned) so it was with bleery eyes I found some Nyquil in the way, way back of the linen closet! Took a dose and suited up for a 9 mile bike ride - got to feeling not too bad except the wind just never let up - what's with that!
Didn't stop anywhere, didn't walk up any of the hills, even took a lesson from another angel and pedaled downhill to build up speed/momentum. This pedaling without pointing my toes forward has some merit to it! Muscles I didn't even know I had have been talking to me about it!
At the point where I leave the 'little' road (Hall for those in town) to cross the 'big' road (that would be East Street) I was watching carefully for traffic and had plotted a route around the skateboarder but couldn't see how to zig-zag around the couple with the baby carriage without someone taking a dive off the sidewalk (that would have been me), so turned left instead of right - they'll never know they were almost involved in a close encounter of the unpleasant kind! So, only 8.4 miles (a little shorter) and 53 minutes (a little off pace) but given the wind and the generally foggy mental condition I'm still counting it a success.
Washed everything - it's really cool and we've already turned off the heat for the season - so put the space heater in the bathroom and turned it into a dryer to get stuff dry enough to pack up for pool-bike brick training on Monday night!
Didn't stop anywhere, didn't walk up any of the hills, even took a lesson from another angel and pedaled downhill to build up speed/momentum. This pedaling without pointing my toes forward has some merit to it! Muscles I didn't even know I had have been talking to me about it!
At the point where I leave the 'little' road (Hall for those in town) to cross the 'big' road (that would be East Street) I was watching carefully for traffic and had plotted a route around the skateboarder but couldn't see how to zig-zag around the couple with the baby carriage without someone taking a dive off the sidewalk (that would have been me), so turned left instead of right - they'll never know they were almost involved in a close encounter of the unpleasant kind! So, only 8.4 miles (a little shorter) and 53 minutes (a little off pace) but given the wind and the generally foggy mental condition I'm still counting it a success.
Washed everything - it's really cool and we've already turned off the heat for the season - so put the space heater in the bathroom and turned it into a dryer to get stuff dry enough to pack up for pool-bike brick training on Monday night!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Whipped It Good!
Up before the birds to get loaded up to meet the other 4 angels to load everything up - bikes, bags and babes - we were wheels up by 6 am! We made such good time we were able to jump in with the 'early' class so did a rotation of weights, bike and then pool. We all appreciated being 'dry' for the bike ride as the temperature had really dropped overnight and our original schedule was pool-bike-circuit.
It was sunny but still cool out on the bike route and - surprise, surprise, WINDY in all directions. One angel found herself picking up the pace to get through the shady spots and back into the sunny spots so she could get warm! Another angel learned today that she could see a situation developing (water bottle jumping off the bike and rolling out into traffic on the highway overpass), slow down and safely unclip from her pedals, and successfully dodge traffic to retrieve the water bottle (which was unscathed). The 'clip in' pedals do give extra power as you benefit from both the down and up strokes, but they can be a little tricky to get undone if you need to stop quickly.
My big accomplishment of the day was actually riding all the way up death hill without having to get off and walk it up. Wasn't that pretty and wasn't that quick, but wasn't walkin'! And am now down a pound from starting weight 7 weeks ago (and a dress size!).
It was sunny but still cool out on the bike route and - surprise, surprise, WINDY in all directions. One angel found herself picking up the pace to get through the shady spots and back into the sunny spots so she could get warm! Another angel learned today that she could see a situation developing (water bottle jumping off the bike and rolling out into traffic on the highway overpass), slow down and safely unclip from her pedals, and successfully dodge traffic to retrieve the water bottle (which was unscathed). The 'clip in' pedals do give extra power as you benefit from both the down and up strokes, but they can be a little tricky to get undone if you need to stop quickly.
My big accomplishment of the day was actually riding all the way up death hill without having to get off and walk it up. Wasn't that pretty and wasn't that quick, but wasn't walkin'! And am now down a pound from starting weight 7 weeks ago (and a dress size!).
Friday, May 7, 2010
Finally Friday!
What a week - but some cool accomplishments ...
- Got permission from Vincennes Sun Commercial to access stories about why different ladies are doing the TRY - will work on setting that up over the weekend!
- Went to a birthday party for a gentleman celebrating his 80th birthday one night this week - 2 other TRY ladies were in attendance, we got to talking bikes, went out and got mine out of the car and rode it around some - ooops - missed singing Happy Birthday! - but we were in the zone!
- Submitted our Olney (Guardian) Angels TRY story to the Olney paper after getting permission from the other local ladies that we know of to include their names - surely that will draw some attention to this fantastic activity!
- After nearly burning up on Wednesday night biking in Vincennes, tumbled on to a really neat route here that's 9 miles, 'mostly flat' (yeah, right!), that I cranked out in 54 minutes! And I was odedoing around since it was my first time on the route so I know I can knock some time off!
- 2 more dogs while biking - they weren't really snarling / threatening me but weren't inviting me in to play either - just kept on going and all was well.
- 'Won' a digital camera at the silent auction this week to benefit the Richland Memorial Hospital Walk and Roll team - will work on that this weekend too as it is never as simple as the packaging makes it sound!
- Anxiously awaiting the next airing of 'on your health' with Dr. Zorba Paster on National Public Radio - airs locally on Sunday at 9 am on WUSI.FM (90.3) - who knows, there may be a riveting question about energy drinks, bananas, and white squirrels!
Pouring down rain so looks like no riding tonight - so washing my duds now so I can at least start out smelling fresh for the pool-bike-circuit at the crack of dawn tomorrow!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
What A Workout!
I knew I would miss TRY-training on Monday due to a Walk and Roll meeting so made extra sure to get some good bike riding in over the weekend. Tuesday night was the last in the season's community concerts (Daniel Rodriquez - fantastic) so didn't get anything in then either.
So, it was with great trepidation that I loaded up bike, water, helmet, water, snacks, water, etc., etc.
Another unseasonably warm day (80+ at 3:30 p.m. when we headed out) and much to our dismay very windy once we got to Vincennes. We've got the loading and unloading of the bikes from the truck down to an art form so got ourselves assembled (bike-check, helmet-check, sunscreen-check, neon shirt-check, water-check-check-check, sunglasses-check) and away we went. I don't see how we could have had strong wind in our faces regardless of what direction we were headed in!
Most of the group went up death hill, on the overpass across the highway, turn right at the orchard for more hills (it's the slightly inclined never ending ones that getcha!), then past Kohl's to Main Street - about 9 miles - I knew that wasn't going to happen so had alerted the instructor not to panic if I fell off the radar - plus with that shirt they can see me from a long ways away! Our instructor rode to the front of the pack and then rode to the back several times - rode to the top of the hill so she could count her chicks, then rode to the top of the next hill to count us all again! Got a great pointer on riding with my feet flat on the pedals rather than with my toes pointed down (who knew - guess I never looked at my feet!). I had 6.22 miles in 44 minutes - I think we should get a time/mileage allowance for the wind!
After we all got back to the YMCA, added water in and onto ourselves and the bikes loaded up it was in for another stimulating session of core training! I was a smidge late getting into the room (those biking knickers don't really roll up or down too easily once I've been sweating in them for 45 minutes!) but that instructor must have been alerted that we had worked hard - we worked hard there too but had a truly wonderful stretching out session at the end - soft music, lights out, soothing voice quietly working us through the stretches - I could have gone to sleep right there!
On the way home we briefly recognized that it was Cinco de Mayo but even more quickly recognized none of us had the energy for any type of celebration activity!
So, it was with great trepidation that I loaded up bike, water, helmet, water, snacks, water, etc., etc.
Another unseasonably warm day (80+ at 3:30 p.m. when we headed out) and much to our dismay very windy once we got to Vincennes. We've got the loading and unloading of the bikes from the truck down to an art form so got ourselves assembled (bike-check, helmet-check, sunscreen-check, neon shirt-check, water-check-check-check, sunglasses-check) and away we went. I don't see how we could have had strong wind in our faces regardless of what direction we were headed in!
Most of the group went up death hill, on the overpass across the highway, turn right at the orchard for more hills (it's the slightly inclined never ending ones that getcha!), then past Kohl's to Main Street - about 9 miles - I knew that wasn't going to happen so had alerted the instructor not to panic if I fell off the radar - plus with that shirt they can see me from a long ways away! Our instructor rode to the front of the pack and then rode to the back several times - rode to the top of the hill so she could count her chicks, then rode to the top of the next hill to count us all again! Got a great pointer on riding with my feet flat on the pedals rather than with my toes pointed down (who knew - guess I never looked at my feet!). I had 6.22 miles in 44 minutes - I think we should get a time/mileage allowance for the wind!
After we all got back to the YMCA, added water in and onto ourselves and the bikes loaded up it was in for another stimulating session of core training! I was a smidge late getting into the room (those biking knickers don't really roll up or down too easily once I've been sweating in them for 45 minutes!) but that instructor must have been alerted that we had worked hard - we worked hard there too but had a truly wonderful stretching out session at the end - soft music, lights out, soothing voice quietly working us through the stretches - I could have gone to sleep right there!
On the way home we briefly recognized that it was Cinco de Mayo but even more quickly recognized none of us had the energy for any type of celebration activity!
Friday, April 30, 2010
The Bucket List
... no not THAT 'bucket list' - things to do before I die - although organizing this transition bucket may well be the death of me!
Started with a beach towel - picked the brightest one in the house in the hopes that everyone else will have a different color or pattern! Thought about it some and added a 13 gallon garbage bag to put on the ground under the towel in case it is wet...
bottom layer - I've 'swum' with the biking knickers on and am trying to convince myself that they help me float!
The more experienced angels have cautioned that it is virtually impossible to wriggle into the bike shorts/knickers after swimming as the spandex doesn't slide well over wet skin. Although we've heard liberal application of PAM cooking spray will help!
add the swim suit, flip flops, swim cap and goggles -it's been suggested that we put on our goggles then our swim caps - this will in theory help keep our googles from being knocked off - sounds like it would work... I'm still grossed out by having to spit in the goggles and smear it around to avoid them fogging up - we can put a man on the moon but can't make swimming goggles that don't fog up? I don't remember seeing Michael Phelps doing this!
after the swim, find the flip flops and land legs then hustle back to the towel, shed the swim suit, sit on the bucket to put on socks and shoes, add the bright biking shirt (drivers do seem to give me a wide berth!), biking gloves and helmet. A helpful hint we got on this is not to hang the helmet from the handlebars with the straps clipped shut because your fingers will be all pruney from swimming and it would be difficult to unclip the straps... I will also have to make sure I have my sunscreen and sunglasses ...
return to the transition area after the bike ride and take off helmet (don't want to walk in that!) and gloves, get my land legs under me (again), add sweat towel and hat, reapply sunscreen, and strap on waist belt with water and MP3 player - transferring cell phone, ID, and health insurance cards from bike bag to waist bag. [bike bag will be loaded before leaving home to be sure - I already do this each time I ride!]
so this is what everything looks like - adding a long sleeve shirt and jersey for different weather conditions - oops - forgot a towel to do a quick dry-off with after exiting pool and probably need another trash bag to put all the wet stuff in after the end of the event ... would start a list of all these extra things but then I'd have to keep track of the list...
Plus another bag with a change of clothes for after the event (if necessary) including dry shoes - and I'm sure we'll learn about many more things that would be helpful! Plus a 'colorful item' to tie to my transition area (I'm thinking oversize shamrock helium balloon since I'm going with the Celtic theme!).
After all this prep work the weather is again conspiring against us - looks like heavy rain and lightening through the night and early morning - I guess we'll just call the Y before we head out to be sure the mini TRY is still a go!
Started with a beach towel - picked the brightest one in the house in the hopes that everyone else will have a different color or pattern! Thought about it some and added a 13 gallon garbage bag to put on the ground under the towel in case it is wet...
bottom layer - I've 'swum' with the biking knickers on and am trying to convince myself that they help me float!The more experienced angels have cautioned that it is virtually impossible to wriggle into the bike shorts/knickers after swimming as the spandex doesn't slide well over wet skin. Although we've heard liberal application of PAM cooking spray will help!
add the swim suit, flip flops, swim cap and goggles -it's been suggested that we put on our goggles then our swim caps - this will in theory help keep our googles from being knocked off - sounds like it would work... I'm still grossed out by having to spit in the goggles and smear it around to avoid them fogging up - we can put a man on the moon but can't make swimming goggles that don't fog up? I don't remember seeing Michael Phelps doing this!
after the swim, find the flip flops and land legs then hustle back to the towel, shed the swim suit, sit on the bucket to put on socks and shoes, add the bright biking shirt (drivers do seem to give me a wide berth!), biking gloves and helmet. A helpful hint we got on this is not to hang the helmet from the handlebars with the straps clipped shut because your fingers will be all pruney from swimming and it would be difficult to unclip the straps... I will also have to make sure I have my sunscreen and sunglasses ...
return to the transition area after the bike ride and take off helmet (don't want to walk in that!) and gloves, get my land legs under me (again), add sweat towel and hat, reapply sunscreen, and strap on waist belt with water and MP3 player - transferring cell phone, ID, and health insurance cards from bike bag to waist bag. [bike bag will be loaded before leaving home to be sure - I already do this each time I ride!]
so this is what everything looks like - adding a long sleeve shirt and jersey for different weather conditions - oops - forgot a towel to do a quick dry-off with after exiting pool and probably need another trash bag to put all the wet stuff in after the end of the event ... would start a list of all these extra things but then I'd have to keep track of the list...Plus another bag with a change of clothes for after the event (if necessary) including dry shoes - and I'm sure we'll learn about many more things that would be helpful! Plus a 'colorful item' to tie to my transition area (I'm thinking oversize shamrock helium balloon since I'm going with the Celtic theme!).
After all this prep work the weather is again conspiring against us - looks like heavy rain and lightening through the night and early morning - I guess we'll just call the Y before we head out to be sure the mini TRY is still a go!
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