**The countdown will begin soon! Just 4 weeks until the race! I want to thank all of you who have donated. Its truly an honor to be doing this event & I want to make you all proud! Thank you!

3/7/09

Open Water

This morning I was excited, but also a little nervous. Our team experienced our first open water swim. Although it is warm in Texas, the water is not! Most of my teammates ordered sleeveless wetsuits, but I was planning on doing future triathlons and decided to get the long sleeve wetsuit. I was very happy I made that choice this morning! Those with sleeveless suits had very cold arms today! The water was so cold that as I entered the water & submerged myself, I could FEEL my heartrate drop. The coaches warned us this would happen and told us to keep moving and we would warm up. By the time we started swimming, I was warm except for my feet and hands. As I started swimming, I realized how different open water is. I couldn’t see my hands in front of my face and ran into some people in the beginning. I practiced my sighting and kept at a decent straight line. I really enjoyed the experience and am excited to get to my race. I’m starting to feel more and more ready for this race as I get more experience.

Next up: St. Patrick’s Day Triathlon in Keller, TX! It’s a short course with a 300m swim in a pool, 12 mile bike ride, and 5k run. It’ll be great practice for transitions and just another experience helping me get ready for my race!

3/5/09

Last spin class

Now that time change is here, we’ll have some daylight on Thursday nights and be able to ride outside for the rest of our training. I enjoyed spin class. It really helped me get used to my bike without having to concentrate on riding on the road (clipping in & out, staying out of traffic, etc). I also learned how to change gears comfortably and it definitely got me in good shape! The workouts got tougher and tougher as the months went by. I remember barely finishing the hour workout on my first night. Now I’ve mastered standing and one legged pedaling.

2/28/09

Longest run

Our brick workout today consisted of a shorter 90 min bike ride followed by 2.5 hrs of running. This is the longest I’ve ever ran before. I had weekend plans so I had to do this on my own. I’m sure it would have been a little easier with someone to run with, but I stayed consistent and determined to not stop until the end.

2/21/09

Looooooong ride

Today was my longest ride ever! The Dallas team met us and we rode as a big group. The wind was over 30 mph and I had a 3.5 hour ride ahead of me. It was very grueling and there were parts of the course that I was riding straight into the wind.

2/16/09

Make up day

Saturday was so cold we weren’t able to ride. We were supposed to do a brick workout, so I’m making up for that workout today. Jason (a mentor & teammate) and I headed out to White Rock Lake to do our 4 hour workout! What a long day!

P.S. I accomplished a big goal today. As this triathlon training has been the first time I’ve been on a bike since I was kid, I was very uncomfortable riding and I definitely wasn’t ready to take my hands off the handlebars. Well, after months of training, I finally did it! I was drinking out of my water bottle like a pro…ok not really like a pro, but I can do it now! It was a very proud moment for me

2/9-2/15/09

This week has been tough for me. I’ve had such a heavy heart thinking about Cora and her family. But I continue my training in memory of her. Every time I feel like quitting I will think of her and her fight.

2/8/09

After my swim & bike ride today, I got on the computer to do my daily checking of email, blogs, & such. I’d been following a blog from one of my sister’s friends. They had a baby girl just 5 days younger than my nephew who had cancer. They had found out about it just 3 weeks ago. I read their blog daily to see how she was doing & the progress of her chemo treatments. Today, their blog said “Cora has gone to be with Jesus today.†I was so overwhelmed with emotion and was in shock (as most people were) that she was gone. I’d never met her, but my heart was breaking for her parents and family. It’s moments like these that make what I’m doing so much more real. I want to do what I can to make a difference and hope that the little money I raise will someday save a child like Cora.

2/7/09

Today was my first 2.5 hour bike ride! I was nervous about it, and as the first hour passed I was really struggling to get through. I knew something was off, but didn’t know why. I guess everyone has those days when you push yourself & your body just won’t follow quite how you want it to. And of course after having a day like today, Anthony wants us to climb the huge hill 3 times. I’ve gone up it several times now, but never more than twice in one workout. It was an accomplishment for me & I’m glad I made it through.

2/4/09

Intervals

Our schedule now has us doing intervals every Wednesday. Anthony left it up to us to determine how to do these as it isn’t a team workout. I definitely wanted to work on intervals, because I need to work on running faster. I did some research and found that marathon runners do 800 sprints. So I found the nearest track today & did just that! It was fun, I haven’t been running on a track since college. It was difficult too, as I was struggling just to do three sets. I’ve gotta start somewhere though and next week I’ll just try to do more.

1/31/09

Double Brick!!

Our workout today consisted of riding for 2 hours & running immediately after for an hour. However, because it’s a double brick, we split it in half: one hour ride, 30 min run, then back on the bike to do it all again. Wow!

1/22/09

Different workout

Usually on Thursdays we have spin class, however a sports store was having a running clinic, so our coach changed up the workout. We participated in a clinic with the Newton shoe company. They allowed us to wear their shoes while we ran & they spoke to us about the development of the shoe & how to run in them. They also had a contest for everyone to guess one of their member’s marathon times & that person would win a free pair of their shoes. Guess who won??!! Me! I know own a free pair of $180 Newton shoes. I’m breaking them in during my shorter runs, as they are so different you’re not supposed to run a long distance with them, however, as I get used to them they are supposed to help my form. Its hard to explain how these shoes work, but you can always check out their website if you want to know more: http://www.newtonrunning.com/newton-products/the-shoes

1/17/09

First Brick!

Today was our first brick workout. A brick is when you transition from the bike to the run just like in a race. My schedule was a two hour bike ride, followed by an hour run. I knew I was in for a very long morning. I decided to follow the nutritionist’s advice & get up early & make myself a big breakfast. So, I set my alarm for 5:30am and made myself eggs, oatmeal & fruit. I went back to sleep for awhile before the big workout. The bike ride went really well, but as soon as I started running I could tell why they call it a brick. It felt like I ran into a brick wall!!

1/13/09

This was my first time back to group training in a long time. Its really only been 10 days but feels like forever.

First we started with an information meeting about the Lonestar Triathlon & all the paperwork we need to turn in by the end of the week.

Then we started swimming. I got a terrible headache halfway through but toughed it out until the end. As soon as I got out of the pool, I felt even worse. A little nausea, feeling very faint, and still the splitting headache. Ugh, I hope it gets better!

1/9/09

Just got back from California & I did not train like I wanted to. I just hope it doesnt have a negative affect on the progress Ive been making.

1/5/09

I got my running it today before our flight to California. Im hoping to have time to workout while were there, but Im worried its just not going to happen.

1/3/09

Today was the second time I got one-on-one time with my coach. No one else, except Scott (a mentor) showed up. So we all went for a ride together. My training schedule said 120 min bike ride, so I began the longest ride of my life!

Luckily, I didnt have as much trouble with the pedals. I was still having a hard time clipping out, so I decided Id clip out well before any stops, just to be sure I didnt fall again. Clipping in came a little easier and if I didnt get it the first time Id just pedal past the intersection and then clip in.

I was in for a treat when my coach said hed take me up some hills today! We went up the first one & it was pretty hard. Then he said that was nothing, wait until we get to the big one! I felt like he was trying to kill me!! When we got close to the big hill, I saw it and my jaw just dropped. Here we go! It was really tough & I felt like stopping once in the middle of the hill but Anthony was right beside me, cheering me on. I actually passed someone on the way up! When we got to the top, I felt great! It was just another milestone on my journey to becoming a triathlete.

Thank you Scott & Anthony for a great ride today!

12/25/08

Merry Christmas!!

Steve and I traveled to Idaho for Christmas & I was able to get in a little workout while I was there.

12/20/08

First time on the road&yikes!

Today was the very first time I rode my new bike on the road. I was so anxious & nervous. I hadnt practiced clipping in and out of the pedals & Id heard so many stories from others about their first experiences. It certainly didnt make me feel better!

So were off! The first few stop signs & lights I had some trouble. I thought the hardest part would be clipping out, but I was having difficulty clipping back in. The reason why this is so stressful is bcz youre crossing an intersection with traffic all around you all while youre trying to get your foot connected to the pedal before the light turns red!! So I got the hang of it & kept up with the group.

We got pretty close to the turn around point without a problem. But of course I had to clip out so hard at the light that my pedal broke! Luckily we had a SAG vehicle behind us. This is a person from the team that drives their car behind the group in case there is a problem. They pulled up behind me & my coach & put their hazard lights on while my coach fixed the pedal. He said it was too loose for the way I was unclipping (apparently I wasnt clipping out correctly). So he tightened it&.big mistake. We were probably mile from the finish and sure enough experienced my first fall. I couldnt un-clip and we were coming to a stop light. All I could do was put on my brakes & fall over. It was seriously the slowest fall EVER! And right onto the curb I went. My hip was bruised for several days. All in all it was a fun day & a good experience.

12/11/08

Todays spin class was the first time I was able to keep up with the rest of the group. I felt so proud while I shifted my gears along with everyone else and kept my RPMs the same as well. Great workout!

12/6/08

Saturday morning practices are usually the group practices where most people show up & we all run together. This day was very unusual, as I was the only one there. So my coach & I just went out for a run together. This was the first time (but not last) that I got one-on-one time with Anthony. While we ran, he helped me with my form, breathing, and pace. I had finally hit that moment in a run when you know you could go forever at that pace. Its taken me years to find that. Ive always just gone out and ran hard. It was a great experience! Thanks Anthony!

11/27/08

Turkey Trot

There was no workout scheduled for Thanksgiving day, but most of my team planned to run in the Turkey Trot. Since my family wasnt coming into town until the weekend, I decided to do it too.

It was incredible! There were approx. 40,000 people there to run/walk either 3 miles or 8 miles. There were news helicopters flying above, tons of runners everywhere you looked, it was definitely the biggest race Ive ever entered. I ran the 3 mile & did well, but knew I had a long day ahead of me so I didnt push it too hard.

Afterward, I ran home, changed, and grabbed Steve to head to the Cowboys game. I signed us up to work a concession stand in order to raise money for my fundraising. It was hard work, but kind of fun too. After 7 hours of work, we headed home to relax until my family arrived the next day.

11/22/08

I am now a proud owner of a new bike! And guess what? It fits!!! My coach spent a lot of time emailing me back & forth & sending me ebay websites of bikes that were in my price range. Finally after a week of searching, we found it (actually he found it). And I bought it! My coach even offered to put it together for me & he brought it to training this morning to give to me.

It was pretty freezing this morning during our run. We got together with the Dallas team & all ran together in Dallas. Afterward, we had a nutrition clinic that was very informative. After all this time I thought that during my race all Id be thinking about is the race & probably how much Im hurting, etc, etc. But that is not the case after listening to what the nutritionist had to say. Im actually thrilled that the majority of my race will consist of eating or drinking and when Im not doing that Ill be thinking about what to eat & drink next! How exciting!!

11/18/08

First swim class

I have just one word: exhausting! I literally swam non-stop for an hour. My coach had me swimming a pyramid workout==swimming short distance up to long distance with sprints & rests in between. It was great to get into the pool and just swim. I haven't done that in years!

11/16/08

Swim clinic

I consider myself a good swimmer & knowledgeable about the technique of competitive swimming. Well, triathlon swimming is totally different. The swim clinic I attended today was a humbling experience. I had to learn a completely different technique of swimming. I used to know how to swim for speed, now I know how to swim for distance.

11/15/08

The team was divided into two groups today: those with bikes would go on a ride & those without would run. I decided not to ride my bike considering its too big & VERY uncomfortable. My coach mentioned my bike to another teammate & she was interested. She tried the bike out & went on the ride. I ran the same 4 miles as last week & it felt so much better. When my bike returned, it had a new owner. She wrote me a check right then for the same price I paid for it! Now back to square one...looking yet again for another bike!

On another note:

Each week before we start our training, we introduce ourselves and tell a little something about ourselves. Today a couple teammates shared why they joined Team In Training. One guy told us that he didn't have a personal connection to anyone with cancer when he signed up, but two weeks ago his neighbor was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma...now he has a friend he's competing for. Another teammate & his wife have had 3 family members with cancer; one of whom they've lost.

Hearing their testimonies puts a lot of things in perspective for me. I should be thankful for my health & the health of my family. And no more worrying about getting a bike...I'll find one soon enough.

11/13/08

First team training on our bikes

We had a spin class tonight for those who have bikes. I brought my bike, even though its too big, bcz I need to train. The cycling part of the triathlon is my weakest point & I need to learn how to ride it. I got the bike set up on the trainer (what holds the bike up to do spin class) and started the workout. I could immediately tell that this bike is not going to work for me...its way too big. My coach told me there are others on the team still looking for bikes & that he'd see if anyone needs that size. I just pray that someone needs this size of bike.

11/12/08

I went to the bike store to get fitted on my new bike. They told me it was too big. One of the guys helped me by adjusting it as much as he could...still didn't fit. I'm thinking I might just have to be stuck with it.

11/9/08

I found a bike on craigslist for $500. I met the seller and inspected the bike. Looks good to me, right size, good condition...transaction complete.

11/8/08

First team training

Our first team training consisted of a long 4 mile run. I thought I could go as far as some of the others, but I was exhausted before I got to the half way mark! Luckily, I finished without stopping (which is always my goal). Afterward we all went to have breakfast & get to know one another. Then I went to get sized for a bike...now I've gotta go buy a bike. Wish me luck!

11/1/08

First day of training!

My coach is actually competing in an Ironman race today in Florida, so we didn't have a team training. The schedule said to run for 30 min, so that's what I did. When I finished, I was just glad I didn't stop, because I wanted to several times!

10/26/08

Kickoff to TNT!

Steve and I attended a meeting in which all of the Dallas area teams meet each other, meet their coaches, mentors, and most imporant our Honored Heroes. The Honored Heroes are those who have battled cancer or are still battling for their lives. They came out to tell us a little about their struggles and why they wanted to be a part of Team In Training. Some of them are even training alongside us for a marathon, triathalon, or century ride.

I got to meet my coach, Anthony, my mentor, Michelle, and several teammates who will be training & competing with me! I can't wait to get started!