I am so proud of da girl .Tracey and I met online whilst doing a totally unrelated to sport program called the 30 Day Challenge which is a great no cost highly informative internet marketing course.
When she is not looking after her family she is occupied with her canine connections and their health running a great site at http://www.exercisemydog.com/
With the Olympics out of the way, us mere mortals can look at resuming an existence away from the idiot box.
Many thanks to Tracey for sending me this report as it is a theme that I like to promote here.
You do not have to be a super star ( not saying Tracey isn’t to get out and get involved there are many people with all types of reasons why they can do it, hey just be sensible get good advice and step up to the start line
I was more active when I was younger, but with marriage, kids, job, etc., I hadn’t made activity a priority in years. But I wanted to be more physically fit, not just to lose weight (I had gotten to 200 lb) but to be able to keep up with school-age children and just feel good. Doing a triathlon had always been one of the things on my “list”. It was time to get going.
Big Girls Tri
I started training last June. And I was slow. Let me rephrase: S-L-O-W: a slow swimmer, a slow runner, a slow bicyclist. OK time to evaluate–let me make my goal to just finish the whole triathlon–at any speed. I decided to concentrate on 2 things: good technique and more endurance. It took a while but I got into a good rhythm of training 5 to 6 days a week (swim 2x, run 3x, bike 1x, strength 2x). I read books, participated on websites, and solicited coaching from high school coaches and YMCA instructors.
By the time summer rolled around, I could really see improvement in my speed and stamina. Not great jumps, but definite improvement. So I register for a tri that occurs the day before my 40th birthday in August and am determined to be ready.
Race Day
First challenge: getting the family up to leave at 4:30am to drive 2 hours to the race site. Strategy: have the kids go to bed in their clothes, pack a picnic breakfast. Strategy is successful.
We get to the race site and I check in. I had to register in the “Athena” category–women over 165 lb. Yea, thanks–please call attention to weightiness. Whatever. This just lets me know, there are more than a few of us big girls who are starting out and we all start somewhere.
I set up my transition spot and concentrate on not getting nervous. Strategy: do not compare self with the more muscled bodies, the fancier bikes, the expensive wet suits. Strategy is dubious. I catch myself thinking about scouring eBay tonight for a better bike.
Finally after pacing and chatting with family, my wave, all Sprint females, starts. Amazingly I am not nervous at all.
Strategy:
do at least 1 open water swim. I did 4 and I totally know what to expect and how to deal with it. And I start in the back, so I don’t get kicked. The swim it’s still a bit of work for me. By the time I get to the 1st buoy I’m thinking, boy this took a long time, please don’t let me get embarrassed by getting towed to shore. Strategy: keep stroking and stop sighting so often, go 10 strokes. Before I know it I’m close to the beach.
Out of the water and into transition. Strategy–take my time in the trans area and have a gel bar (as advised by one of my coaches). I didn’t like that strategy–I’m already slow. I got the bike down and started going.
The bike ride was killer–there were several, like a million, rolling hills. Was this someone’s idea of funny? Note to self: train on hills, duh. At the top of each hill, I have slowed to a crawl. But I’m determined not to get off, ever. And someone is always cheering me on–as they pass me. I chomp an energy bar and keep going pedaling.
The Slow and The Furious
By the time I get back to transition and dismount, I feel my thigh muscles twitching and think “I absolutely, positively do NOT want to run”. Strategy: think about how many people I told I was going to do this and how I am going to feel if I have to say I didn’t finish. I change into running shoes (taking way too long), swig some water and run out the chute.
OK ‘run’ might be an exaggeration. Shuffle was more like it. It takes me nearly a mile before I can feel my muscles transition from pedaling hills to running, but then I actually feel a mini-surge of power and can actually pick up my feet. Note to self: my first serious triathlon investment, high-quality sport bra, is so worth it for the robust woman.
Just as with bike ride, several people–who are on the return leg of the run–cheer me on as they pass. And so do several people who are passing me in my direction. Do I let the 60 year old running past me dishearten me? Yes! But I keep running and think maybe if I keep this up, maybe I too can run at a brisk pace by the time I hit 60. To be completely forthright, I did take 2 walking breaks which I kept to 60 seconds. Not good for my time, but wonders for my energy and mental state.
Of course, as you start nearing the finish line, there is no stopping. Too many people can see you, but who are cheering you on, even for the back-of-the-packers like me. Finally I cross, thrilled that I actually did this thing! Thrilled that I can finally stop now! Not thrilled, but grateful that my super supportive husband makes me continue to walk and does not let me sit down. This was quite an accomplishment–but I think I have it out of my system now, thank you very much.
I write this the morning after and I don’t feel too bad at all. I spent the remainder of yesterday alternately eating and napping. My shoulders are a little stiff, but I feel good. It was a good experience and I fulfilled my goal. I rock!
Then I check my times on the Website. Yea, I am slow, with a capital S. I finished in 2 h 05 m (8 minutes transition-abysmal). I am 190th of 192 people. And 191 and 192 didn’t finish the race! On the other hand, all my individual times were faster than at least a couple of other people. OK, I know–not the point. The point was to finish and I did and am so proud and my family and friends are too. And I lost 15 pounds since last year and 1 dress size and I feel great. So I am an all-around winner.
Triathlon training
But I really think I could get my swim time down with more work on my stroke. And I can certainly shorten my transition time a lot. I wonder if there’s another tri in my area, maybe in about a month….
PS: I put my husband in charge of pictures–I had enough other stuff to think about. He picked up a camera he hadn’t really worked with. Long story short: I have NO pictures of my big day except one my daughter took with my phone. I am DISTRAUGHT. If he weren’t so VERY supportive and so very sorry, he would have been sleeping on the couch for a long time. Note to self: test the camera along with all the other equipment
I wrote about this in an earlier post http://www.watzzupsport.com/2008/07/olympic-cheati…ney-for-talentolympic-cheating-or-money-for-talent/
how are swimmers smashing so many world records?
As an update on that
Have you noticed that every Olympic swim event is also a record smasher? It seems like every swimmer (and not just Phelps) is seconds ahead of the daunting green world record line, smashing it to smithereens. So how is all this record breaking possible?
* Tech Doping – The new Speedo LZR RACER suit, which was developed by scientists from NASA, “feels like a rocket coming off the wall,” said Phelps in a team interview. “The water just runs off the suit.” The suit has “ultrasonically welded” seams that mimics a shark skin, holds in the swimmer’s abdomen in the best position, allowing him to take in 5% more oxygen, and takes an athlete 30 minutes to get into. The suits are so powerful that US Swim Coach, Mark Schubert believed every swim record could be smashed at Beijing.
* Pool Depth – The pool in Beijing, known as the “Water Cube,” is 3 meters deep, instead of the previous depth of 2 meters. This allows swimmers to dive deeper and continue their push off “dolphin kicks” for a longer period of time. Olympic medalist and commentator Rowdy Gaines says, “It’s just deep enough to where the waves dissipate (and) the turbulence dissipates down to the bottom.”
* Pool Lanes – There are ten lanes in the Water Cube, instead of the usual eight, leaving the outside lanes open. This reduces turbulence and enables swimmers to go faster. “It’s by far the fastest pool in the world,” Gaines says.
* Practice – Sponsorship for swimming has increased, which allows athletes to avoid retirement for longer, and thus practice more. Mark Spitz, the Olympic swimmer with the most gold medals before Phelps, retired at 22 after the Munich games due to his inability to make a living as an amateur athlete. Back then, the Olympics only allowed amateur athletes to compete. Phelps, on the other hand, is now 23 has an estimated annual earnings of $5 million, and will be awarded an extra $1 million dollar bonus from Speedo if he reaches or beats Spitz’s record.
* Non-Tech Doping - Gary Hall Jr., previous Olympian 50-m freestyle champion, seems to think so. “Can suit technology distract from another issue?… I’m telling you this, I train with an international group of swimmers and all of them have stories and a few of them have had offers.” Hall likens today’s “blame it on the suit” situation to that of the ‘76 East German women’s Olympic swimming team. Though, he seems to be the only one speaking out about this so perhaps he’s just bitter he didn’t qualify for Beijing.
* “Top Secret” Technology Math Tool - Professor Timothy Wei, of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., helped develop top-secret, state-of-the-art equipment and mathematical techniques that USA Swimming coaches have been using to help to make swimmers go faster. He uses water flow diagnostic technologies to see how each swimmers’ motion affects the flow of water. Learn more from (or become more confused by) this video.
So technology marches on where does the line get drawn unfortunately the big business side of sport will always have a dominance over the shape it takes. Mixed emotions about that, where as it enables athletes to earn an income it is far removed from the ethos of talent and passion being the motivator for a champion.
Olympic competition always brings both the best and the worst out of athletic pursuit, drugs and cheating are the sad side of a noble endevour to be the very best.
I would like you to comment on where does technology and the availability to all gray the line of talent and money.
Just click on the link below for the background of what I am talking about
I had a bit of a laugh when i saw this, after you have been doing something for so long you simply forget that for the first timer there is always a learning curve.
Even something as simple as putting on a wetsuit has its challenges, such as is most things we attempt for the first time ,but that is in itself the sweet taste of success.
By actually going through with a dream, goal or ambition you are at the forefront of the pack so follow Macca put on the wesuit, pump up the tyres, lace up the runners, and get up to the start line .
In south East Queensland the wetsuit temperature ruling does not see many races run with a wetsuit, but if you do own one it is always a good thing to practice getting out as well as getting in and take a few practice swims.
If I know i will be using a wet suit I find it good to get three or four swims in, as for me it seems to make my arms tired and I do not like the feeling of something tight around my neck and chest.
I have added a new feature to this blog. As you know, if you read this blog I do not go a lot into training details and articles here as there is a lot of information out there. I tend more to lean towards great achievements and Items of encouragement.
The new addition is a widget in the side bar that gives feeds from other sources for this element of training and popular stories so you can drop by and get all sorts of info.
I like the podcast No 62 from www.tri_talk.com a great way of getting information on the run just download and listen on the run
Aussie Luke Bell edges countryman Joe Gambles by one second at the finish line to win the Lake Stevens Ironman triathlon.
LAKE STEVENS — On a day of nearly perfect racing conditions, Australians Luke Bell and Joe Gambles waged a determined battle over 70.3 miles, with Bell pulling ahead in the final few steps Sunday to win the Lake Stevens Ironman triathlon.
Bell and Gambles were virtually stride for stride as they neared the finish line in downtown Lake Stevens before Bell eased ahead to cross the finish line one second ahead of Gambles.
The 29-year-old Bell, who is from Melbourne, Australia (and has homes in San Diego and Boulder, Colo.), was clocked in four hours, 15 seconds. He received the first-place prize of $5,000.
Gambles, also from Melbourne, was timed in 4:00:16. His runner-up paycheck was $3,000.
Chris Legh, also from Melbourne, was third in the men’s race at 4:01:43. He earned $2,000.
The women’s winner was Mary Beth Ellis of Boulder, Colo. ($5,000), with a time of 4:33:42. Second place was Linsey, Corbin of Missoula, Mont. ($3,000), at 4:38:22; and third was Fiona Docherty of New Zealand ($2,000) at 4:40:59.
These results are always something that keeps us all with our eyes on the big race results and the professionals as they make their money keeping us entertained with their dedication to the sport.At times we enviously look on as the genetics of an individual that give them the opportunity to lead a life of the elite.
But for us mere mortals like Rachel Ross who is the 2 time defending 30-34 Women’s age group champion at the Ironman World Championships in Kona. In addition to being an outstanding triathlete she is also a mother of three kids under the age of 8!
Training consists of a max of 20 hours once or twice training for Ironman Arizona this spring. It’s broken down into 4 swims (about 12k total), 3 rides (just under 200 mi/week) and 3-4 runs (30 - 40 mi/wk). With 20 hr/week environmental scientist job and three kids she is part of the majority of the participants of this sport who embody the passion and tenacity to get more out of life.
What ever drives you to step up to the start line, use it as a communication for all around you to see.
Where there is a will to commit to something, excuses are not an option and your determination to set and achieve a goal, is from the changing of a mindset that can liberate you from old habits and set a course that has the possibility to inspire those around you.
We are a lesson to every other person we come into contact with, we get such a short time here inspire, grow, and share, and the world will be a greater place for all involved
Regular stretching should be part of any exercise program.
TEN Top tips and good Reasons for Stretching
Its not something that is allways considered as an important part of an overall fitness regime but where is you not NOT stretch to the point of make the muscles to elastic before a race.
I know for myself it is important to put a session aside per week to dedicate to stretching
1 Flexibility
To improve your daily performance. having Flexible muscles allows greater performance and load levels
2 Improve the range of motion of your joints.
The range of motion keeps help keep you mobile and less prone to injury from falls increases the biomechanical efficiency of a body which can translate to better speed and power
3 For greater circulation.
• By increasing blood flow to your muscles. Improved circulation can speed recovery after muscle injuries.
4 Promote better posture.
• By stretching it helps keep your muscles from getting tight, allowing you to maintain proper posture and minimize aches and pains.
5 To combat stress.
• Stretching relaxes the tense muscles that often accompany stress.
6 To help prevent injury
Preparing your muscles and joints for activity can protect you from injury, especially if your muscles or joints are tight.
7 Warm up first.
Stretching muscles when they’re cold increases your risk of injury, including pulled muscles. Warm up by walking while gently pumping your arms, or slowly go the the range of movement you be using in your given sport Better yet, stretch after you exercise - when your muscles are warm and more receptive to stretching.
8 Relax and breathe freely
Don’t hold your breath while you’re stretching
9 Hold each stretch
A good rule of thumb at least 30 seconds,up to 60 seconds for a really tight muscle or problem area.
It takes time to lengthen tissues safely. That can seem like a long time, so keep an eye on the clock or your watch. Then repeat the stretch on the other side. For most muscle groups, a single stretch is often enough if you hold it long enough, I like to do sets of 3
10 Don’t bounce.•
Expect to feel tension while you’re stretching. Bouncing as you stretch can cause small tears in the muscle. If it hurts, you’ve gone too far. Back off to the point where you don’t feel any pain, then hold the stretch.
The pedestrian (lemming) stepped off the curb into the road without looking and gets knocked down by a passing cyclist:"You were lucky" said the cyclist "What are you on about! That really hurt!" said the pedestrian "Usually I drive a bus!" the cyclist replied
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to get out and get involved there are many people with all types of reasons why they can do it, hey just be sensible get good advice and step up to the start line
This product is more than just running compresion tights
