Fitting In

Source: snotm.com via Julie on Pinterest

To me, fitting in is an important part of life.

When I first started running, I felt like I didn't fit in, but after more training and racing, I finally feel like I belong in the running community. With triathlon, I still feel like I'm finding my place.

You may not guess, but I have a hard time fitting in with new groups of people. I tried joining up with the local triathlon club, the Cyclonauts, but I felt way out of my league. I tried riding with the bike shop's girls riding group, which was better, but I didn't feel 100% at. When I first started working out at Bia Fitness, I felt like I didn't belong either.

When everyone in a group already knows each other, I feel like the odd man out. I feel unwanted, or like I just don't fit in. I know that its not true, but I just have such a big fear of not being liked, that I freak out a little in my head.

I've been working out at Bia Fitness for about 9 months now. When I first started, I vaguely knew a few people from my gym. I still felt uncomfortable. I didn't chat with anyone before or after class like some of the others did. I didn't have a partner ready to go when I needed one. But over these past 9 months, I'm starting to feel like I fit in. I talk with people about races, or running. People ask me how my training or racing is going. I've had people to partner with. Then the biggest turning point for me, was this morning when one of the girls asked me if I wanted to join her and a few people to run on tuesday mornings.

I know to some of you, it may not seem like a big deal.

Being asked to join the running group just made me feel like I belonged.

I warned her I was slow, and she said, "Oh no big deal, we just go out to have fun."

I guess I learned a couple things.

#1 You may need to stick around through the initial awkwardness until you feel like you fit in.

#2 If you still don't feel like you belong, then maybe its not the right place.

I honestly don't think I gave the Cyclonauts or Competitive Edge group a fair chance last year. This year, I definitely plan on trying a little harder to make some new friends and fit in. It may be a little uncomfortable at first, but my hope is that it will lead me to being a better runner & triathlete.

Do you have a tough time fitting in or do you love new groups and people?

My first 70.3 revealed!

I am excited to announce.....

My first 70.3 will be...

September 9, 2012

The pumpkinhead in South Berwick, Maine!

I know, this one wasn't even on my list!

But the more I thought about an ocean swim, the more nervous I got.

Then I talked with a friend from PT school who races with the cycling/triathlon club in my area (I rode with them once, remember my post HERE). After talking with her about the course (lake swim, mostly flat bike/run), the post race party (Turkey Dinner, Shipyard Pumpkin beer), and the swag (participant T, finisher T & finisher medal), I was sold. Especially on the beer.

So now that I have my focus race, it's time to start planning the summer out with races. I'm planning a few sprints and one Olympic to get me closer to that 70.3 goal. My first orders of business are getting my butt to the pool and starting a base plan for training.

Words of wisdom welcome!

Oh... and the LARABAR winner is...

Jenn @ Jenn's Adventures!

email me at sgrigely at hotmail dot com to claim your prize.

Consistency is key

To make any progress toward a goal, consistency is the most important thing. Performing healthy behaviors on a daily basis, will help you reach you reach your weight loss and fitness goals. Skimp, a little here, skimp a little there, and you're sidelining your goal. Sometimes things come up, but striving to avoid temptations to skip a workout, or eat an entire carton of ice cream will help us get where we want to be.

This week, I have been more than consistent. The start of bootcamp has been so motivating, I have not only gotten in 99% of my scheduled workouts, but I added in a couple too.  My leg muscles have never been more sore, and I feel like I am really starting to see changes. The scale is moving in the right direction, and I really want to stay focused through the holiday weekend.

How do you stay consistent?

Wednesday morning I had a great speedwork run, then that night I went on a group ride with the bike shop club. Remember that Cyclonauts ride I went on (post HERE)? The one I almost died on? This one was much better! An all women's ride with the Competitive Edge ladies, with manageable hills and a mostly easy pace. It was a beautiful ride with a lot of great scenery, and despite my incredibly sore legs, I had a fabulous time.  Thursday morning was another round of bootcamp. We used the huge battle ropes biggest loser style, ran laps, and did squats and side squats with elastic bands around our ankles. I glutes were literally screaming at me & ready to fall off, it was wicked intense. I am LOVING this bootcamp thing! Needless to say, I did miss my run this morning because my legs were so sore I couldn't lift my toes with walking.

Tonight I have a girls night planned, and tomorrow a beach day! I'm ready for some sunshine, relaxation, magazine catching up and a tan!

Rockin workouts

Remember my anxiety over going to the group ride on monday night?

I sucked it up, and went.

The people were very nice, and helpful. However, I would not recommend increasing your max mileage from 9 miles this training cycle to 25 miles overnight. Especially over killer hills, with a bunch of people who know what they're doing. I was the last one up the hills, and ran out of water with 6 miles to go. I was struggling beyond belief. There were points when if I knew where I was, I would have called Kevin for a ride, or gone a shorter route without them. I had no idea where we were in the farm lands of Somers, CT, so I sucked it up and tried not to get left behind. They were awesome about waiting for me and helping push me along. Almost 2 hours later, we were back, and I was exhausted. My Garmin lost satiliette part way through, so I only clocked 21. I was dying of thirst, and collapsed on the couch while Kevin made dinner.

wished I was riding this!

Was it hard? Unbelievably. This is what I need to get better though. If I want to be a better cyclist, I will go. No matter how much it sucks. Because eventually it will get easier.

This morning I managed to even get up for my speedwork run. 5 x 1K of awesomeness @ 6.1mph. I felt fast and strong. My legs felt good, even after the crazy ride the day before. I killed it, and had a good stretch afterwards.

My nutrition has been better, and my scale should be arriving soon, so I feel like I'm on the right track! Wish me luck for a pool workout tomorrow!

First or last?

My Tri top!

2 different feelings today on racing. This weekend's race I am pumped about, so excited to get out there. To top it off, the triathlon top I bought last year fits a little better and I think I'm going to wear it Sunday! I guess I got all worked up over a red top for nothing. While boosting my confidence looking at last years race results, I went to check out last year's results for the tri I was planning on in June. I am pretty sure I may come in last place! How depressing! They have a super sprint category as well, but I/m kinda bummed out now. I certainly don't want to finish a race in last place!

This morning I headed over to my alma matter to help with student practical exams, before they all head out on their PT affiliations. I had been creeping on the local triathlon club's website, and saw that one of the PT professors leads the Monday night ride. I have been super anxious about joining the club, because I hate meeting new people (anxiety about being liked), and I have no idea how to ride with a group. She assured me that it wasn't a tough ride, and that they could probably teach me a lot. So I think I'm gonna go for it!

I also have a patient who is a cyclist. So in exchange for my fabulous treatment skills, he is giving me cycling advice. Today we were talking about cadence. I recently got a cadence sensor to go with my garmin, so he told me after my ride last night, to check what my cadence was and we'd talk. I was at an average of 70ish, which I had no idea was good or bad. I was always under the assumption that you wanted to have a good amount of resistance as you pedal because it would take you further. He explained to me that actually increasing my cadence at a lower resistance will keep my legs from tiring and help me go faster. Add it to the list of things I don't know, since I taught myself! I'm always looking to learn...

What's the best cycling advice you have for me?

(or running or swimming)

This morning I slept through the alarm & missed my workout, and again today I am feeling drained by afternoon. What is my deal lately. Off to lounge and do a little stretching!!