Wildflower, Post-Wildflower

Ah.....the familiar 2-week funk! It has been just over 2 weeks since Wildflower, and they have not been my favorite 2 weeks. After any big race, I experience a period of "down" time where I usually eat bad food, lay around, and avoid workouts at all cost. It is similar to studying for a big test or writing a long paper - the last thing you want to do after all that prep (and accomplishing the task itself) is pick right back up again. This is probably not the best philosophy, but it's how these things go down with me. The post-race funk this time is much more complicated, since I didn't finish my race...

Wildflower: May 1

I remember this race experience in fragments, so bear with me...

Fragment #1 - Camping + triathlon = complicated

Fragment #2 - I LOVE my teammates. What a great time hanging out, enjoying the great outdoors, and reflecting on the past 6 months of hard work.

Fragment #3 - The swim was my favorite part - fun, challenging, exciting - and I felt strong. T1 was uncomplicated, and actually faster than I thought, given the hill from the swim finish to my bike.

Fragment #4 - Beach Hill was KILLER in the first mile, but I stayed on my bike and did not stop. All I could think about was throwing up. Or hyperventilating.

Fragment #5 - My lower back started hurting after Beach - REALLY hurting. Sharp pain. Distracting pain.

Fragment #6 - Stopping for sunscreen & Extra Strength Tylenol at an aid station early on in the ride. Realizing at this point that I might not finish.

Fragment #7 - Pushing through in the heat and wind to get to Nasty Grade. I made it halfway up before stopping (mile 43). Not worth the pain. At least in that moment it was not worth the pain.

Fragment #8 - I cried for the first time in a race - definitely not finishing and waiting for a ride. Thank God Sara D. came along. We both won't make the cutoff at this point anyway.

Fragment #9 - Seeing the coaches and other DNFers back in transition. NOT a good feeling, but we are definitely not alone.

Fragment #10 - Waiting at the finish line with the team. Waiting for EVERY last Ironteamer to finish. These people are amazing, and I miss them already!

So...I need to decide what to do next! I want to sign up for another half as soon as possible, and July 31st is an option. We shall see. Meanwhile, I need to try and harness that once unquenchable excitement for training, and get out there NOW!

Happy New Year!

I can't believe it's 2010! I know this is going to be a great year in the world of training, racing, and beyond.

One of my resolutions is to maintain my blog a bit more consistently, so in the meantime, here are some "mini updates" from my TNT website. More to come soon!

1/3/10: Happy New Year friends! It's been a great couple of weeks - getting deeper into training and working in some early morning sessions. I am beginning to experience some aches and pains, but I know this comes with the territory as the schedule gets more intense. I am not quite used to the days that include two sessions, but I'll get there.

We had a hilly team ride through Pacific Palisades yesterday, which definitely tested my nerves. I feel much more comfortable on the bike, but going downhill on Sunset Blvd with cars flying by has a way of challenging that comfort :)

12/20: It was a beautiful morning yesterday for a good team ride at the Rose Bowl. I'm feeling much more comfortable with the bike (especially the dreaded clips). Swimming and biking are a blast, but I need to get some running in!

12/17: Training is definitely getting more intense, and I am quickly realizing I need to make some sacrifices if I am going to be successful. This morning I was up at 4:30 am and off for a bike ride. Last night I swam for about an hour at the LMU pool. Today = sore legs! Looking forward to a rest day tomorrow. Thankfully, I am still feeling excited and optimistic about this adventure :)

12/05: First fundraising event was very successful! Thanks to all the Murrieta community members who supported LLS at the garage sale today. A special thanks to my parents for their help/use of the driveway!

12/02: First bike practice took place last Saturday. It was great to be on the road. I see how people easily become addicted to this sport! Last night we took the swimming up a notch at the group practice. I need to concentrate on drills and form this week in my individual practice time. A long road to go!

11/21: I bought my first road bike yesterday! It's a Trek 1.5 2009. I can't wait to get on it more and learn the ropes. One of the best things about triathlon training is learning two new sports. The swimming continues to go well, but I have a long way to go! Thanks for all the support, friends.

11/10: First swim practice in Culver City. It was great to train with the group for the first time, and I really enjoyed being in the pool. I can tell this is going to be tough, but COMPLETELY worth it!

I've Lost My Mind!

Greetings, readers. It's been a while, but a lot has gone on during my hiatus. Long story short...I am in the early stages of training for the Wildflower 1/2 Ironman on May 1, 2010! I was inspired by some former running buddies from the marathon team, and my new tri-friend (and former high school classmate) Scott. Thanks to Scott, I have a box full of new gear and goodies. I'm quickly realizing this sport requires A LOT of goodies.

The training season started 2 weeks ago, and so far I've logged a couple of swim workouts (including first group swim). Due to lingering illness, I will miss the group run tomorrow morning, but I plan to get back on track this Sunday if all goes well. I decided to train with TNT again, since I had such a positive experience with the summer marathon team raising funds and logging miles!

I'm really excited to get more involved in swimming and cycling. I was getting so burned out on running toward the end of the summer/post-marathon, and it's nice to look forward to a workout schedule again. I know I am a nicer, less stressed, more productive, and overall better person when I'm active and working toward a physical goal.

I will be updating much more frequently and no doubt logging every last detail about new purchases, training milestones, and overall triathlon adventures.

The current "To Do" list:

1) Purchase new running shoes
2) Purchase bike
3) Start logging some miles
4) Get my nutrition plan together

**If you are looking to donate to a worthy cause, check out my fundraising page!** http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/wildtri10/jenshaw1

Ouch...

I woke up early this morning, excited to tackle a hilly 8-miler in PV with the TNT crew. I could tell it was going to be very warm, and we didn't get started until about 7:45am. It was definitely hot, and the run was more difficult than I thought it would be...especially when I bit the dust (literally) around mile 2.

My running partner and I decided to veer off the road and take a trail that leads along one of the many seaside bluffs in the area. This particular trail was less smooth than most, and it didn't take much to send me flying when I tripped over a rock (that seemed to be much bigger, mid-fall). I slid for a few feet across the gravel, and it took me a few seconds to realize I wasn't completely broken. The first thing I noticed were the stinging cuts on my arm and knees. To top it all off, I was also covered in a nice layer of dust and mud. We were off and jogging again after I managed to clean up a bit and gather myself.

About 2 more miles along our route I started feeling pain in my right knee. My left knee actually looks worse, but something is definitely amiss with the other. I feels like a cross between IT pain and bad bruising. I remember thinking to myself that I should stop and walk the rest of the way, but of course I did not.

After multiple rounds of icing, and lots of lounging on the couch, I feel a bit better...but new aches and pains are cropping up. I'm sure the moment of truth will be in the morning, when I get out of bed and try to venture downstairs.

Even though I had grand plans of cross-training tomorrow, I might lay low (or attempt an upper-body workout at the gym). Despite the fall, and subsequent walking breaks, our splits weren't half bad (especially considering the heat and hills):

Split 1- 11:50

Split 2- 12:56

Split 3- 11:28

Split 4- 12:42

Split 5- 11:51

Split 6- 14:45

Split 7- 13:10

Split 8- 10:29

Total time: 1:39:15

17.6 and Counting...

This past Saturday morning, I made it through 17.6 HOT miles during my run with the Team in Training group. It was a beautiful morning, but the temps rose fairly quickly and I drank close to 50oz of fluids during the process. As much as I hate to get up early on Saturdays to make our 7am start time, I'd gladly get there at 6am if it meant avoiding the heat! Overall, I made it through much quicker than I originally anticipated...feeling pretty good in the end.

The first 8 miles were strong (minus the fact that I tripped at an intersection and cut my hand/bruised my knee). It was more embarrassing than anything, since the intersection was packed with cars, bikers, and other runners. I suppose it could have been worse. Needless to say, I will never hesitate at a yellow light again!

Miles 14-16 were the most difficult. At times it felt like if I stopped, I would just lock up and fall over. This forced me to run (or hobble) the entire time, except for 2 aid station breaks. My shoes also felt like they no longer contained padding after a while. It seemed like I could feel every little pebble as I ran along. I'm thinking about buying another pair, just to rotate. On the positive side, I think my new knee support wraps helped minimize the knee pain I typically feel (though not eliminating it altogether). Thankfully, right around 16 miles I caught a sudden second wind and was able to finish stronger than previous, shorter runs.

The first thing I did after finishing (besides stretch) was limp over to the market across the parking lot and buy some nice cold chocolate milk. The first thing I did when I got home was sit in a bath of freezing water (which was completely worth it).

Reflections

This last week has been a challenge, in many ways. Not even a month ago, my Uncle was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer, and was sent home to live with my parents on hospice care. My parents were amazing throughout his time with them, and were both present when he passed away Friday morning. This was much more sudden than we originally anticipated, as he was initially told he had three months to live. I am just so thankful he was not in pain, and died in a peaceful, loving home. So many people are not this fortunate.

I'll be honest. When I decided to join the LLS Team in Training program, my intentions were primarily centered around getting in better shape and running a marathon to celebrate my 30th birthday. While these points are still an important part of why I'm training, my purpose has been significantly enriched by the events of the last month.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society not only supports cancer research, but provides educational resources for patients and families. I believe that the lack of educational resources (or perhaps lack of awareness around existing resources) is a significant obstacle for so many who suffer from such devastating illnesses. I am proud to raise funds for an organization that funnels resources AND creates awareness/educational opportunities.

On a related but lighter note, I decided to attend group practice Saturday morning for some fresh air and a new activity (other than planning, worrying, and mourning). We ran 10 miles, which is farther than I've ever run. EVER. The route we took in Palos Verdes was very hilly...the slow, gradual kind that made me want to beg any oncoming car for a ride back to my own. I felt fairly strong for the first 7-8 miles, but the last few were definitely challenging. Part of the problem was related to dehydration, as Coach Gail helpfully pointed out. I don't drink enough during my runs, for fear of side aches. At this point I'll risk it in exchange for the dizziness I experienced Saturday. Shot blocks are my new favorite source of nutrition during runs, and I downed 2 packs. Without the ladies in my pace group, there is no way I could finish these runs. They are so supportive and positive.

Training Schedule ~ Week of 2/8

My training schedule this week is basically the same as last week, with an increase for my Saturday run (which will likely happen here, in less than ideal temps). Next week I am going to start incorporating more strength training, in addition to the usual pilates routine.

2/8: 20 min cross-training
2/9: 60 min pilates
2/10: 2 miles
2/11: REST
2/12: 30 min or 2 miles
2/13: REST
2/14: 3 miles

Nutrition News & Track Practice

This morning I had an appointment with Christine Jackson, a nutritionist working with some of the employees at SJHS. What a great experience...I feel like I talked more (and learned more) about my health and nutrition in that 90 minutes than my last 5 physician visits combined. I strongly recommend you look into her practice if you are thinking about a change in your approach to nutrition/lifestyle. Check out her website for more details.

Tonight I reluctantly joined up with some TNT runners for a track workout at Mira Costa High School. We ran just over 2 miles, and it was definitely worthwhile. I was more exhausted than normal when I returned home from work today, and the last thing I thought I could handle was another workout (probably because today was my first caffeine-free day in a while...except for some black tea). Any of you who know my relationship to Diet Coke will realize how difficult this might prove to be...

Group Training Week 1

First, and most importantly-THANK YOU to everyone who has contributed a donation thus far toward my goal of raising $2,500 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. If you are curious, here is a breakdown of where the money goes. I was one of only four people at our first team practice that raised early funds through the website...a testament to your generosity! Please check out my fundraising page if you'd like to contribute.

There are approximately 30 people participating on our South Bay marathon team. Yesterday we met at the Aviation Track in Redondo Beach for our first (rainy) team practice at 8am. Following warm-ups, we ran a little over a mile so the coaches could get a sense of our pace. I ran the mile (cautiously) in 10:50. I was happy to finish feeling somewhat strong, and somewhere in the middle of the pack. This was the first time in a LONG time I ran outside on a track. The high school memories came flooding back...

Training Schedule ~ Week of 2/1

The following is my training schedule for the week. It's incredibly low-key compared to what I have been doing, but I plan to follow what TNT recommends, as to avoid injury...

• 2/1: 20 min cross-training/Base mileage phase
• 2/2: 60 min Pilates
• 2/3: 30 min easy run
• 2/4: REST
• 2/5: 30 min easy run/Low heart rate
• 2/6: REST
• 2/7: 1-2 mile run/Aviation Track

New Commitments

Last year at the beginning of April I decided to commit myself to getting healthier. I knew I needed to lose weight, start eating better, and reduce my stress levels. I just started a new job, was working on my dissertation, and traveling a lot in the process. I made the decision to revise my eating habits, and start going to classes at Recreate Pilates near my home. I started cooking more with fresh ingredients (something I need to get back to) and was eating out less. With the support of family and friends, I dropped 31 pounds in about 6 months. I made the choice to try and maintain that weight loss for a few months without actively trying to lose more.

It's now been 3 months, and I'm ready for a new challenge. Based on the positive experiences of friends who trained in the past, I made the commitment to join the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program. I plan to run the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon on May 31, 2009. My first group practice is Saturday, May 7th. I've been casually running for a few weeks now for a bit of a head start. It's been about 12 years since I ran competitively (mostly 5ks and track-related events). A big part of training with TNT is raising money for blood cancer research, education, and awareness.

Please visit my fundraising link at:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/rnr09/jennifershaw

If you choose to donate, I will list your name and donation amount on this site. If you represent a business, I will permanently post your logo and/or website address. Future posts will track my training and new health goals! Thanks for the support, and check back often!