Scantic Valley YMCA Sprint Triathlon Race Report

Woke up and ate the regular race day breakfast. I had packed up my race bag the night before, and in the morning we hooked the bike up to the car & headed out, we had a 7am start!

The race was super small (62 people), so I guess that explains the lack of fanfare. There was no pre-race music, and when I picked up my bib & t-shirt, I was surprised to find we didn't get a number to put on the bike, and there was no timing chip! I met up with Debbie, who came to cheer me on since she was feeling sick and couldn't race. We headed over to transition to set up my gear.

10 minutes or so before the race start, I wiggled into my wetsuit & headed to the beach. 

The swim 

The swim was a 300 yard loop in Spec pond. I positioned myself in the middle inside, and after the megaphone countdown, we were off! I started off struggling, this was my first open water swim since the Danskin Triathlon last September. I was having a tough time sighting and keeping good form. My breathing was tough, heart rate rising, arms getting tired.  Just as I would get into a decent groove, I would catch someones foot, or someone would catch mine. I was getting anxious, and had to breast stroke a few times. Finally, I was coming to the beach, thank god! DONE! I ran over to transition to get ready for...

The bike

The bike was listed as a 12 mile course, but actually clocked in at around 13. We headed out across the main round and into Wilbraham. At the first hill, a guy came up on my tail and said "Tough on the quads huh?" I said "Ya sure", and took off from him, never to see him again. This race, I was going a pretty good clip. I got passed by a couple people, but I also passed a bunch myself! I wish I was coordinated to take pictures and ride, because we rode through one of the major areas of tornado destruction. Houses leveled or missing roofs, trees gone. There were a few rolling hills, nothing major. I really enjoyed the ride.

The Run

Next up was the run, which was a loop course. Every time you passed transition you collected a wristband, and you needed 4 wristbands to finish the race. It started with a small hill out of transition, then the rest of the loop was flat or downhill. My legs felt great, my breathing was steady, and I felt ready for the run. Glancing at my Garmin, it looked like I was making good time, but I hadn't stopped the watch during transition. My splits were awesome, even better than my typical tempo runs.

A little after getting my second wristband, I noticed a girl wearing only her bathing suit, coming in on the bike. She had large tattoos covering her back, so it was impossible to mix her up with anyone (remember this for later). I held steady in the run, I passed a few people, got passed by no one. After collecting my 4th wristband, I think to myself, "OMG I can finish this whole triathlon without taking a walk break at all!!" I tried to pick it up a little. At the last minute heading toward the finish line, I hear someone on my tail, but I wasn't about to get passed at the finish line, so I kicked it up a notch and sprinted to the end. Who was behind me? The girl in the swimsuit, which is interesting, because even if she was a fast runner to catch up, she would have had to lap me once to finish right behind me. She most certainly did not. WHAT A CHEATER!!

I was soooo glad that I didn't let her finish before me!

No timing chip, meant no split times so heres overall

1:33:01

40/62 overall

7/17 F 0-39

Overall, it was a fun race! The course was simple with no killer hills which I liked, and the small amount of people made it feel a little less threatening. Bad stuff? No music, poorly organized post race food/water, no timing chips!

After packing up, we headed home to shower before Kevin took me out for a yummy breakfast at Friendly's, YUM!

Next Tri is hopefully Danskin in July!

Bootcamp and weigh in...

Bootcamp yesterday morning was a fabulous workout. 

We started with a basic assessment of how many pushups, squat jumps, burpees, jumping jacks, mountain climbers we could do of each in a minute. Then we did circuits with the TRX, jump rope & running. There was a good size group (about 11 of us), and the next group had 20! I'm glad fewer people like waking up early for a 5am workout.

The Burpee: I'm certainly feeling it today!

It was also weigh in day yesterday. I had done really well this past week at eating healthy, working out, but was feeling bloated & puffy. I think from Monday's dinner of Sloppy Joe's. I was praying I wouldn't have a gain, because I worked really hard this week! I knew it would probably come off when I'm better hydrated and have the sodium flushed out, but sometimes a gain really screws with my head. Luckily it was a bust, no gain, no loss. I turned it into motivation to stay on track and drink 3 gallons of water.

Had an easy day at work (what?), then came home to make a yummy dinner of grilled shrimp, asparagus, and quinoa. My energy level was so great (and I was so motivated to have a loss next week), so I decided to work on some hills after dinner. So at 8pm, I drove over to Forest Park and did what I think a hill repeat is. I've heard people talk about hill repeats, and I figured it just must mean repeating a hill over & over. So I would run up the hill, then walk back down. I did it for 20 min before heading home. Is that how it works?

I have a pitcher with lemon water in the fridge, a new workout schedule made to accommodate bootcamps, and was super pumped to see a 2 pound loss on the scale this morning. I guess I successfully flushed all the bad stuff out!

Now I need to keep things consistent!
How do you keep your motivation consistent?

What I'm excited about...

I'm off to bed in a few since I have an early morning at 5am of bootcamp. I'll have to be up super early, but I am so excited to start it! I'll try to keep it short and sweet.

There's a few other things I'm excited about too...

1. The Josh Billings Runaground race. One of my friends told me about it. Its a race done typically in teams (which will be us), but you can do it by yourself. The race is a 27 mile bike, 5 mile kayak & 10K run. I'll be doing the bike portion. SUPER excited!

2. There are some GREAT fundraising raffles going on right now, and I wish I had time to mention them all (I will try to another day), but definitely check out Baby Weight My Fat Ass HERE to win an awesome Trigger Point Therapy set to help benefit Autism!

3. This weekend is 4th of July which means a 3-day weekend for me, fireworks, parties & fun! Hopefully a day at the beach if its nice out. Oh ya, and a 10 mile run.

4. The winner of my Kushyfoot giveaway is Kari @ Running Ricig! email me Kari with your address, and I'll send them you're way. P.S. She has an amazing Banana bread recipe that was a HUGE hit with my coworkers!

Happy Monday!

Sweat Your Thorns Off 5k!

I registered for the Sweat Your Thorns Off 5K, even though its not super sweaty right now here in Massachusetts.

I had a busy day on saturday working, and wanted to get a short ride in to test out my newly fixed bike before Sunday's race, so I decided to call the run portion of my triathlon as my SYTO race.

I first set-up in transition

Then after my swim & bike (race recap for the triathlon will be later), I headed out for my run!

It was a loop course, where each lap you collect a wristband, and you needed 4 bands to finish. The race started with a small incline and the first wristband. After the first incline, the rest of the loop was flat & downhill. AWESOME. I was doing some speedy miles for just coming off 13 miles on the bike.

1 lap left!

 My last lap, I picked up speed and picked off a few people. My legs felt great, my breathing was steady, and I finished strong. On a long course!

If you recall, faster than my tempo run from thursday. Sweet!

I also didn't stop my Garmin from bike to run and my transition time was calculated in to my splits.

Overall:

3.48 miles in 36:07

HUGE thanks to Adam @ The Boring Runner for putting on a fun virtual race!

I promise I'll do the full Triathlon report once I get my official time!

Running on Empty Review & Giveaway!

A little while ago, I was given the opportunity to review and giveaway a copy of Marshall Ulrich's book Running on Empty: An Ultramarathoner's Story of Love, Loss, and a Record-Setting Run Across America. I'm a slow reader when I'm busy, but this was a great book, that I spent a little time every night reading until it was done.

Marshall is an ultramarathoner, adventure runner & mountaineer, who at the age of 57 sets out to run across America. The book details his history, and the time leading up to the enormous journey, as well as  an incredibly detailed account of the transcontinental run merged with life experiences and lessons throughout. 

My favorite part of this book was the fact that it wasn't just a recap of "how the run went down." It was laced with motivational stories, quotes, thoughts, and experiences. In one of my favorite passages is where he is looking for clean socks, and his wife (who is stressed & tired as well), snaps at him & he breaks into tears. He then details his feeling of self-doubt...

"Dealing with this self-doubt wasn't foreign to me. I've had there thoughts before: entering active military service, going into college, seeing my children being born, other races in other places. Am I man enough to rise to the occasion? Will I fail? How could I have ever thought I would do this? It would be so much easier to just lie back and not take the steep and challenging high road....

We can be our own worst enemies when it comes to those doubts and negative self-talk. Being around people with positive attitudes helps, but ultimately it comes from within... You remind yourself that it's easy to quit but hard to live with it afterward."

Reminds me a little of my post from last week (HERE)

The book is inspirational & motivating from front to back and is a must read in my opinion. The entire book will make you think of pushing yourself, experiencing new things, and appreciating the little things in life.

So who wants to win a copy??

How to Enter

leave a separate comment for each

1. Be or become a follower of my blog

2. Add me to your blogroll

3. Like Running to Health on facebook HERE

4. Blog, tweet, or facebook this contest (1 for each)

I'll pick a winner on July 4th!

Good luck!

Finding local races...

I hate finding out about local races too late.

Last week on our long run, we ran past a race. Suddenly people with bibs on were running opposite us on the sidewalk. Bummer, I always love a race when I can find one!

This weekend's triathlon has apparently been going on at the Wilbraham YMCA since 2006. Seriously? I only found out about it because my triathlon buddy belongs there. 

Today, I got an email from Runners World with a list of local races in the next couple months. Guess what I found out?

On August 28, Springfield has a half marathon!

Whaaaatt???

How does a half marathon occur in my backyard, and I have no clue about it? I will be away sipping mojitos on a tropical island on that day, and will most likely NOT be running at all. It just boggles my mind at the lack of promotion. Now, I know I don't belong to a 'running group', but I would at least think it would be advertised around town, at the local gyms, etc.

It made me think,

How do you find/pick your races?

I've found some great ones by reading all of your blogs! I would have never discovered the RnR series (which is my favorite so far), and love to hear the pros & cons of each from your experiences. I also usually look online googling the location and month I'm looking for.

I'm still searching for New England half marathons in October/November within a drivable distance. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

Three Things Thursday!

1. I got in an awesome run today. I skipped my run in the morning, but after a great day at work (so unusual to say), and getting home a little early, I decided to give it a whirl before dinner. I was scheduled for a 5 mile tempo run, so I mapped out a loop that was almost 5, and headed out for a nice rainy run. Normally, I hate running in less than ideal running conditions, but for some reason I couldn't wait to get out in the rain to run. My planned mid-tempo pace is 10:45 on my training schedule, and I kept it pretty close...

I started a little fast, then settled in. I remembered that this route was the one I did for my first post surgery outdoor run, and thought of how far I've come since then.

2. I did it! I joined the Half Fanatics!

I am now Fanatic #1184 at a Neptune (1 moon) level. I am hoping to upgrade to Saturn (3 moon) status in the fall with 4 half marathons in 4 states in 51 days.

3. With my vacation now booked, I have continued to stay focused on my eating and exercising. I had an intense bootcamp session last night with a heavy focus on TRX, which I loove. My 2x/week bootcamp starts on tuesday morning, which means I need to adapt my training schedule since tues/thurs are typically running days. Krystal also gave us some great nutritional advice (separate post about it later), which I think is a great focus to help me with my weightloss. Overall I am feeling so much healthier and starting to notice little changes in how my clothes fit, hooray!

Don't forget to enter my Kushy Foot giveaway HERE, it ends 6/25!

Soooo Happy its friday tomorrow, even if I am working saturday. 

Next triathlon is Sunday at the Wilbraham YMCA!

Try Try Again

today's quote:

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.
Thomas A. Edison

This means a lot to me in many aspects of my life right now. How many times has giving up given you what you wanted? Without picking ourselves up when we are unsuccessful, or failing to push ourselves to the max, we will never reach our goals.

For me I can think of a few things this applies to...

My weightloss. If I don't try to eat healthy, track my points, and exercise regularly after a slip up, then I would never loose any weight. For me, this has been a struggle. Sometimes I lose sight of the long term goal of losing weight & being healthy that I forget how important it is to try again. I've been working hard to change this mentality with my weightloss, and I'm hoping that this try again I'll be sucessful.

My Training. Sometimes I skip a workout. Sometimes I skip too many workouts, which is not a good set-up to get ready for a race. But instead of quitting a race, or stopping training all together, I work at getting back on track.

My relationship. We've had so many bumps in the road over the last couple years, but we keep working to make things better. We are both strong believers in not quitting just because things get tough. And even though we have come very close to quitting several times, we try again to make it the best it can be because we love each other and know that one of these times we will be successful.

When have you picked yourself up to try again?

Were you successful?

Back on track!

Good News!

Even with 2 dinners out (Hibachi & Sushi), I managed to stay healthy and on track for the majority of the week and weigh in this week down 2.6 pounds!

On Sunday, my running partner Shelley took a HUGE digger around mile 12, which luckily was right around the corner from her mom's house. She was bleeding like crazy from a big scrape on her arm (she wouldn't let me take a pic haha). Thankfully I was able to call her mom to come get us so we could get her cleaned up, then get a ride back to our car. We only missed 2 miles, so no big deal. Shelley screamed like a girl being murdered as her mom cleaned her up, but thankfully she's feeling a lot better now.


Did I tell you Shelley is thinking of becoming a nurse too (even after the fall lol). Licensed Practical Nurse is a helpful resource for people who also have a passion for
leading a healthy lifestyle and want to help others in their pursuit of
being healthy, as well. People who take bad falls while running sometimes
need nurses, too.

Right now I have a loaf of Kari @ Running Ricig 's banana bread in the oven. Can't wait to taste it, YUM!

Check out the recipe HERE.  

The bike went into the shop today for a tune-up. I've been having problems clicking the gears fully into place for a while now. Found out today that my chain is really stretched out, and the teeth are worn down. It looks like a new chain is in order. Can't wait to get it back, just in time for saturday's triathlon!

Back to last night's Bachelorette!

Kushyfoot Review & Giveaway!

A little while ago, I was given the opportunity to get to know 

from their website:

Kushyfoot is the first hosiery brand to incorporate the ancient healing art of Reflexology in trouser and knee highs, foot covers, toe covers, athletic socks, tights and men's socks to massage with every step.

The massage action works by providing extra comfort through its 3 dimensional padded and wavy design and it provides a cushion between bare feet and the hard soles of a shoe. The Kushyfoot sole helps relieve tension and discomfort in achy feet, thereby helping to relieve stress and fatigue throughout the entire body. These therapeutic socks protect your feet and leave you feeling refreshed all day

I was given 4 items to take a look at, starting with the Ruffle Low Cut Sock & the Tonal Diamond Motif Quarter Sock for women.

low cut ruffle sock

Diamond Motif Quater Sock

Both socks have extremely cushy bottoms! I couldn't believe the extra cushion when I put them on. The only downside for me? I found them to be really warm. I wouldn't want to wear them for running or working out (I like a thin sock), but they are PERFECT for my job. I spend long days on my feet running around after patients, and the extra padding on the sock bottom made it extra comfortable. They are also a fabulous value, at only $7.99 for a 3 pack!

Next up was the Yoga Sock

These reminded me of the hospital slipper socks, but with individual toe sleeves. Instead of going sock-less in yoga class, you can wear something to keep feet warmer, avoid catching germs, and avoid skidding with the non skid bottoms. The individual toe sleeves improve foot & toe contact with the floor for certain yoga poses. I'm not a yoga girl (although I'd like to be again), so I decided to save these to give away to one of you!

The last item was the Flats-to-Go!

small package & shiny black. perfect for a night out!

How many night have you gone out in your heels, only to regret it later? Especially if you have a long run scheduled the next day. How handy would it be to have flats perfectly packaged to wear in your purse? Plus, they are amazingly affordable at only $8.99 for instant comfort. They feature an elastic back for a better fit, and a non-skid wavy sole that cushions and massages the foot when walking. 

1 winner will receive a pair of yoga socks in tan

How to Win!

please leave a separate comment for each

1. Be or become a follower of my blog

2. Visit Kushyfoot & tell me what product you like

3. Add me to your blogroll

4. Like Running to Health on facebook HERE

5. Blog, facebook, or tweet this giveaway ( 1 for each)

You have until 6/25, good luck!

Three Things Thursday!

1. I'm putting together a new order from Amazon. I just got a couple new of my favorite bras (Fiona Bra By Moving Comfort), and now I'm putting together a new shopping list. So far....

Nuun Active Hydration Tri-berry

and

Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews, Pomegranate Passion Fruit,

What are your favorite running/triathlon staples?

2. I signed up for my next race! A week from sunday, I will be doing my next sprint triathlon at the Wilbraham YMCA. Last night, my friend Debbie and I wanted to get in an open water swim. I got my wetsuit ready, and after some research decided to head to the pond in Ludlow, since Spec pond in Wilbraham was listed as closed until next weekend. After driving over, we were stopped by locked gates! Closed here as well, how will we get a practice swim in before race day?

3.  I have been debating over joining the Half Fanatics. Right now, I would qualify as a Neptune (1 moon) for my RnR New Orleans and Disney Princess halfs. I have also been thinking, "how can I qualify for more moons?" Here is my plan.....

I am already planning on the Hartford Half in October

I am pretty sure there is a Half in Monson, MA in November (although who knows after the tornados)

To earn 3 moon Saturn status, I would have to complete 4 half marathons in 4 different states in 51 days. I would have MA & CT, so I would like to find halfs in either RI, VT, NH, ME, NY in October or November. Could be a fun challenge!

Are you a Half Fanatics member?

Do you have a October or November race suggestion?

In bad news.... my brother is thinking of dropping out of his first full marathon since he's suffered a few injuries and his training has not been up to par. I am nervous for him, since I know it will make Goofy that much harder for him in January.

Hoping to get a run in tomorrow!

Motivation is coming!

My head is in the game.

Today was weigh in day, and I knew it wouldn't be pretty since I had an indulgent weekend with dinners out, cocktails, and a lack of exercise last week. I was pleasantly surprised to come away with only a .2 gain, and be ready to start my new week with a positive outlook. Stepping on my home scale this morning, I was wicked pumped to see a 2% loss in body fat from a couple weeks ago, SCORE!

California culinary schools may be an option for those of you who are craving warmth and sunshine and learning about cooking and nutritious eating. When healthy food tastes great, it is easy to find the motivation to want to eat healthfully. Anyone looking for a career change?

My favorite trainer! Bia Owner Krystal

Keeping motivation high is difficult for me. I think many of us have a few good days, or weeks, then start to fall apart. I am trying different things to help keep me positive about losing weight, working out, and being healthier. Since I've enjoyed the outdoor bootcamp class so much with Bia Fitness, I was thinking I should keep with another class. I've found that I looove the TRX, and was wanting to start their 5am TRX class. However, there is a bootcamp challenge starting at the end of june with Bia Fitness, and TRX is on hold until fall, so I've decided to join the bootcamp class. Paying the money will force me to show up, and I know it blasts a TON of calories. As long as I can keep solid with my nutrition I should be on the right track for a good weightloss. Krystal was my original trainer, and has been with me since my first half marathon, so I'm really excited to be working out with her again!

What is the extra motivation needed for?

VACATION

of course!

I would LOVE to look at vacation pictures and think "look at that sexy chick!", or maybe even pull off a more daring swimsuit for the beach.

Plus, a fitter body will be easier to drag across a finish line, or through 26.2 miles in January. And, on the fly chance that my wedding actually takes place at some point, it would be awesome to be already in shape for it, and not have to stress over it.

So heres to a solid week of eating healthy, exercising consistently, and managing the many curveballs life throws my way!

Long run thoughts.....

Today on our long run, we struggled a little through the hills and miles, but ran the whole thing and felt awesome (and exhausted) by the end. We spent the first 6 miles or so catching up on our relationship troubles (running is so good for that), the middle miles about work, restaurants, and vacations, and the last mile on how far we've come.

We remembered back to the days when we couldn't run a mile. We thought about that random day last November when I asked Shelley if she wanted to try a 9 mile run with me. That one little question changed everything. It got me my weekly running partner, brought Shelley & I closer than ever, and changed me into a person more committed to their training. Previous half marathon trainings I had skipped many long runs, and ran the race under prepared. But with Shelley by my side, we only missed 2 long runs due to weather or hungoverness, and we finished RnR New Orleans better prepared than I ever dreamed we would be. We're now training for RnR Providence and are at the point where a 13 mile run is a casual training run. I won't lie, we still want to die sometimes, but a 13 mile run has gotten a lot easier over the months. I'm hoping that this will help us as we get ready to start training for our first  full Marathon in September.

Now that we're so comfortable with the distance, we need to work on our speed. I am so thankful to have my running partner Shelley!

When did a certain insurmountable distance become a regular training run for you?

Do you have a partner you're thankful for?

I spent the rest of the day relaxing, shopping, and watching food network. Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!

Long run thoughts.....

Today on our long run, we struggled a little through the hills and miles, but ran the whole thing and felt awesome (and exhausted) by the end. We spent the first 6 miles or so catching up on our relationship troubles (running is so good for that), the middle miles about work, restaurants, and vacations, and the last mile on how far we've come.

We remembered back to the days when we couldn't run a mile. We thought about that random day last November when I asked Shelley if she wanted to try a 9 mile run with me. That one little question changed everything. It got me my weekly running partner, brought Shelley & I closer than ever, and changed me into a person more committed to their training. Previous half marathon trainings I had skipped many long runs, and ran the race under prepared. But with Shelley by my side, we only missed 2 long runs due to weather or hungoverness, and we finished RnR New Orleans better prepared than I ever dreamed we would be. We're now training for RnR Providence and are at the point where a 13 mile run is a casual training run. I won't lie, we still want to die sometimes, but a 13 mile run has gotten a lot easier over the months. I'm hoping that this will help us as we get ready to start training for our first Marathon in September.

Now that we're so comfortable with the distance, we need to work on our speed. I am so thankful to have my running partner Shelley!

When did a certain insurmountable distance become a regular training run for you?

Do you have a partner you're thankful for?

I spent the rest of the day relaxing, shopping, and watching food network. Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!

Weekend fun!

This week I have slacked majorly. Besides my one badass workout at bootcamp, I have been lazy. So today, I decided to hit the gym.  I had wanted to get a ride in, but the rain wouldn't let up. I did a little on the elliptical, then killed myself lifting weights. Arms and core. I killed it on the TRX (I am loving that thing), and now my arms feel like jello. Tomorrow I have a 13 mile run planned, so I'm glad I avoided lunging, squats and any sort of leg strengthening today.

Its restaurant week in Northampton! 

That means that many of the restaurants offer a small menu of 3 courses for $21. Last night, my girlfriends and I tried Pizzeria Paradiso which was actually 2 people for $21! This left plenty of money in our pockets for their delicious Sangria!

I had a veggie chop chop salad, which besides veggies had walnuts, gorgonzola, and other deliciousness. For dinner I had a Margherita pizza (and a piece of my friend's shrimp scampi pizza), then finished it off with a chocolate mouse for dessert. After a couple pitchers of sangrias, food, and laughs, we finally left and loved our new find!

Tonight, Kevin and I are headed to Mama Iguanas!

Neither one of us has been before, but the mexican menu looked delish, and they will be opening one in Springfield soon, so we figured we should check it out.

We finally decided on our summer vacation......

we'll be heading to San Juan then taking a drive to get on...

A cruise to the southern caribbean!

The 7 night cruise hits St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Aruba, & Curacao. We're planning to stay one night in San Juan before, and possibly one night after. I am soooo excited and ready for a vacation! Plus it will be after RnR Providence, so my long runs will be able to stay on a short hiatus, until fall racing and marathon training begin. We had such a blast on our last Royal Caribbean cruise, we can't wait to go again.

Has anyone ever gone to these places? Recommendations or thoughts?

Off to map my route for tomorrow!