The Week that Was – Boom Crash Bang

I haven’t done a weekly wrap up for a few weeks, lots of other stuff going on with the That’s Life 4 Week Body Blast and my Triathlon etc. This week I was very productive even with a clogged up nose.

Monday I was still too sick to do my normal weekly PT session.

Tuesday I managed to drag myself to a Bosu class (I have done this for the last 2 weeks) really enjoyed it, I could feel my sore abs for days after and then I also did my weights circuit, a good hour of training. I also did a stack of gardening and I don’t care what anyone says that landscaping business is hard work. Weeding, pruning and planting vegies.

Miss 3 very pleased with “HER” garden. Gardening is definitely a great workout.

Wed I didn’t do any training but did go and see an Exercise Physiologist under a Medicare Healthcare Plan, he specializes in Triathlons and running. We discussed a training plan to improve my running speed and overall fitness. He is designing me a program to suit my goals and coming for a run with me to check my running technique; I am looking forward to seeing what he has in store for me.

Thursday I did some swapsie training with 1 of my Mothers Group friends (we babysit each other’s kids for an hour so we can each do some exercise), for my session I went for my first swim in my Wetsuit at the local Ocean Pool. I had very mixed feelings about it, whilst the water was warmer, the restriction was difficult to get used to, also the added buoyancy of wearing a wetsuit made me feel a bit nauseous (I get motion sick very easily). With my head still a bit clogged up I thought that swimming would be good for me.

Friday I arranged to go for a run with lady whom I met through my Personal Trainer and is now a fan of my blog. As it turned out Hubby had a late start that morning so I got up VERRRY early and did a 6am “Stretch and Strength” class, it was Yoga type moves and I really enjoy it which surprised me as I had never done anything like that before. I went to meet my friend straight after the class for a run. The run was difficult for me because my head was soooo stuffed up, stupidly I had not taken any tissues with me, I had nothing hiding in any pockets. I managed to run most of the way, then walked when my head felt like it was going to explode and then run again. Still happy with what I did, could have been so much better with just a couple of tissues.

Saturday – no exercise.

Sunday – I planned a bike ride from home to Port Kembla to Seascape Café to meet my MIL (mother in-law) and FIL for breakfast. Hubby also drove to meet me there with Miss 3. This was my first ride with Cleats and clip-in pedals and I was a bit scared. I had been practicing a little with my pedals and shoes on my Spin Bike and thought I should just get on and go. The ride was very scenic (I live in a beautiful Bulli NSW) and I rode most of the way with the beach beside me and some awesome music in my ears. 1 minor downfall to riding by the beach is the wind and I was riding straight into it. I sucked it up and tried to pick up my pace. I estimated the ride was about 20k but it turned out to be almost 24k. On the final stretch and I mean with less than 1k to go, I had to cross over Railway lines and opted to take the pedestrian path, well I didn’t realise that the pedestrian access has a chicane that is not very bicycle friendly and I hit a really tight curve just a bit too fast and tried to reach out and grab the railing to stop myself from falling. EPIC FAIL I stacked it and fell sideways off my bike landing on my butt (plenty of padding there), my elbow and gave my head a good whack on the ground, thankfully with my helmet on. As I fell my feet unclipped from the pedals, so I quickly scooped myself up, looked around, phew nobody saw me, not a car in sight, then I freaked out OMG there was no cars in sight and nobody saw me, what if I was more seriously injured. Anyway very luckily that was not the case, so I jumped back on and cycled to my final destination. Bruised elbow, bruised ego and cracked helmet (better than a cracked head).

My fractured Helmet – I’m so lucky it was the helmet and not my head.

As if that was not enough for one day I did another stint in the garden, planting more vegies with Miss 3 helping me water them in and hosing me in the process, she gets such a buzz from my screams.

So there was my Boom Crash Bang day and relatively good week of training considering the stuffed up nose I had.

* Sidenote: I woke up a bit stiff and sore today (Monday), I can feel a trip to the Chiro coming this week

Running – Couch to 5k

So recently I had a lovely catch up with Miss 3’s Mothers Group (yes she had a birthday). It was a bit chaotic in my back yard with 6x 3 year olds, a 2x 1 year olds and 2 under 3 months. So after some cake, coffee, dip and carrots the conversation got onto the topic of fitness, Triathlon, tough mudder and running and some of the girls were asking how I did it, so I thought it appropriate to write this post I have been thinking about for a while.

Now I know there are many websites and blogs out there that have a training program for “Couch to 5k” and being fairly time poor and time limited (after Facebook and Pinterest) to troll the internet for a proper program (that you don’t have to pay for), I just had a crack at it myself.

I never thought I could actually do it.

So around January 2012 my trainer started me running during our weekly session completely out of the blue, as his main focus up until now was Indoor Rowing.

Initially I could not run a full lap around his block which was about 300m (I found out later), I could make about 200-250m non-stop. So over the course of the hour I was with him, I would do some rowing and then head out for a lap around the block and then repeat this 3 or 4 times. It is hard to remember the exact amount of time but it was probably about 2-3 weeks of doing this before I could complete a full lap around the block. I was also trying to do a bit of run/walking myself pushing Miss 3 in the jogger pram maybe 1 other time a week.

At the time of doing my laps I never knew how far it was, to me I guessed it was about 1k, when one day I calculated it to be approx. 400m (actually 300m) I was devastated, I thought I was going further. This was getting too hard.

Alas, I pressed on, we began to deviate from running the block and ventured to the local bike track. To get from my trainers house to the track was 700m, this at the time, felt like enough for me because I always kept thinking the further away I get the further I have to get back. Negativity was constantly creeping in.

Then we began using the run “to the” bike track as a warm up, have a stretch and a run along the path, so each week I would try to run further than the week before, 1st time clump of trees, next the bridge, next time 2 telegraph poles past the bridge and so on. I was also doing this other times myself without my trainer.

One thing I figured out early on was I had to WANT to be a runner and despite what people may say they probably want to as well. I used to say “oh I have no desire to run”, because it always seemed too unachievable. I had to keep getting out and testing my mind more than my body. Some days I felt better than others and some days my mind made me stop before my body wanted to.

So to give you an idea of timeframe I started running around late Jan 2012 and by beginning of March (about 6 weeks after I started) I was running 2k non-stop, then about 2 weeks later I was running over 3k non-stop, and by mid April I had cracked 4k. By the beginning of May I had cracked the elusive 5k and did it a second time a few days later to make sure it wasn’t a fluke. So basically those first 2k seemed to take forever but the progress after that I seemed to be able to go further distances a lot quicker, do don’t despair in those early days when you may feel that you are getting nowhere, just try to go a bit further than the last time and then keep up run walk and each time try to reduce the distance of the walk and increase the run intervals. So achieving MY first 5k took just over 3 months.

After successfully conquering the 5k a couple of times, I would go out wanting to do it again and not be able to, there were days when it just didn’t happen. I tried not to let it get me down and would just think “well I didn’t make 5k this time but hey I did 4k and look how far I have come”. Also a lot of my initial running was on really flat ground and when I added hills I would get disappointed with my distance.

Over these months something that I hadn’t felt before had clicked in my head and I had found some determination. I went on a few holidays: a week with the girls to Bali, booze, food, laughs, shopping and just a general good time, but I still managed to go out and run a couple of times; a scrapbooking weekend, where normally I would sit on my rear end for 2 nights and 2 days and only get up to eat and sleep, I managed to take an hour out of my day to go for a run; a family trip to Dubbo Zoo I got up before the crack of dawn and in the bitter cold and managed a 3k run (it was sooo hard to warm up, my body wouldn’t go any further). Now it seems first thing I pack is my runners.

I very rarely run with anyone else, I run with my music, I have a great playlist on my Ipod and Smartphone and certain songs really get me going, I think that I will share an entire post about my Workout Music soon. I also love Runkeeper app and website to keep track of distance, time and speed, although I don’t know if it is completely accurate it is a good guide.

Another thing I need to say is I am not fast at all, actually there was a time (in the early days) when an elderly lady power walking overtook me wearing sandles, plenty of people walking their dogs have overtaken me especially up hills, but I just keep LMFAO in my head 

Try Tried TRIATHLON

I did it I did it, I completed my first Triathlon, here is my story.

The 2 nights leading up to my Triathlon I had great difficulty sleeping. If I woke up in the middle of the night, either of my own accord or by Miss “Almost 3”, I would have great trouble getting back to sleep. I had so much doubt in my mind. Would I be able to do it? What if something went wrong? Will my ankle hold up? Will I look fat in Lycra? Well I know the answer to that last 1 is “yes” but I had to ask the question.

The picture I was reluctant to publish, but this is me wearing Lycra. The suit was really good for the event, just not good for hiding the lumps and bumps.

To de-stress a little I arranged for Miss “Almost 3” to go to my Brother’s on Friday night for a sleep over with her 3 cousins, whilst hubby and I got a hotel room right where the triathlon was being held, walking distance. We had a very rare relaxing grown-up meal and I was alcohol free and in bed early.I got organised early and headed off to the marshalling area, as I was walking over I saw the start of the kids (under 10yrs) Fun Run 1k event, I was so inspired by the kids, 1 little girl was either exhausted or scared running towards the crowd and the Event Marshalls got her moving and helped her and it brought a tear to my eye and a giant cheer from the crowd.

All set up for transitions before the event.

It was a bit daunting not knowing what to expect with my first Triathlon; however once in the arena the organisers were very helpful and guided me to where I had to go. There were over 700 competitors in the Long Course event which involved 300m swim, 9k cycle and 3k run. What amazed me was that there were all shapes and sizes ages and abilities and to be honest there were some quite large ladies. Before the event I asked Hubby what he was going to yell out to cheer me on and he said “Run Fatty” which I thought was amusing, however once I saw the variety of competitors we both agreed this may not go down well.

With my Facebook friend Christine who I only met IRL a few months ago because of our like-minded goal of doing a Triathlons.

I was very pleased to run into a friend of mine who I met IRL a few months ago from a Facebook Group so we stuck together and headed to the briefing poolside. The swim was in an Olympic pool, zig zagging around buoys to complete 300m, at the start you could dive off the side of the pool, it was staggered at 2 second intervals however once in the pool everyone seemed to bunch up, the water was really choppy. Before I got in I noticed that plenty of people were doing breast stroke, back stroke and doggy paddle and some even stopped at each end to catch their breath. I don’t propose to be a great swimmer however I managed to mostly keep my head down and did freestyle the entire way, even though I was very slow, I was happy with my result when I got out.

Pounding out the swim.

I had no real plan of attack, however once I got out of the pool everyone was walking to the transition area, I decided there would be no harm in running a bit, so I got moving and ran what felt like an eternity to get on my bike. The bike leg is my favourite, I feel like it is more of a cruise, with more of a muscle burn than a lung burn. The first lap of the circuit my legs felt like concrete stumps struggling to get moving after the swim but the final 2 laps of the course I felt better. The weather was a bit drizzly so I was really really careful on the corners not to wipe-out. I really enjoyed the cycle.

Exiting the bike leg to hit the run.
Oh look I’m winning ………….. oh no I’m not, but I am still smiling.

I jogged my bike back off the road and parked it ready for my nemesis “running” leg. Because of my sprained ankle I had not run for 4 weeks until 3 days before the event so my running fitness was not as good as it should have been. I took the extra second to put on my Lorna Jane sweatband “Never Give Up”; it is funny how looking at that can truly inspire you. The first part of the run leg was horrendous, straight up a long gradual hill, legs still getting the hang of running after the cycling. I wanted to quit almost straight away, I just thought to myself, don’t keep up with everyone else and I shuffled along at my own pace. I had to tell myself I could do this, the first 1.5k just felt so long, but when I hit the turn-around I was a relieved to know it was half over and managed to find a spring in my step for the last half. I ran most of the way, only a few walk steps after the water table to have a quick drink and about 20 steps up a hill near the end, I picked up the pace again to run up the long gradual hill which was just before running back into the Athletic Centre where the finish line was, it felt like I was finishing a marathon, running down the straight of the athletics track towards the finish line, once I shuffled into the arena I had my trainers voice in my head which said, “leave nothing in the tank” I sprinted the last 150m to the finish line, even overtook some people.

Sprinting down the home straight.

I freakin’ finished, I was still in disbelief that I had done it. I was a little teary after the finish until I found hubby and gave him a big cuddle (he gives great hugs).

To be honest when I got the idea in my head earlier this year to try to do a Triathlon I had so much doubt I never really thought I would do it and I seemed to have a stack of obstacles thrown at me in the last few months, with a never-ending cough, full on sickness, 2 funerals with friends and family, hubby away for a few weeks and a badly sprained ankle, I think these things were sent to test my dedication.  Once I registered for the event I was not going to let myself down.

I am pretty pleased and surprised with myself for finishing and now I know I could probably push myself a bit harder next time.

Finished and pretty proud of myself.

 Update 9 Oct 2012 – So the results are in for the Triathlon Pink I came 681 position out of 774 competitors in the Long Course with a time of 1:09.57, pretty happy with that, I achieved my goal of not coming last, woohoo.

Portion Sizes

So I am doing a Photo a Day Challenge for October as found on Fat Mum Slim blog and to be honest I have never participated in anything like this before in fear of losing interest. But I have caved and thought I would give it a go.

  1. Yesterday was titled “where I stood”, and the picture I put up on my blog yesterday was of my runners sitting on my bike as I had just been for a swim/ride, ie I had just stood in those shoes.
  2. Today’s topic was lunch so I thought I would take a picture of my lunch (so creative).
  3. (stay tuned I might just keep doing it)

With Hubby being home sick Miss “Almost 3” and I ventured out to the Gym, post office and then I thought we would grab a bite to eat, giving hubby some quiet time, (something that never happens with us 2 girls around).

This post is not about exercise so I won’t bore you with what I did at the Gym today, but I did go. We went to a nice little Café called Jaffa* and I perused the menu for something good to eat, the only thing that seemed moderately healthy and to my liking was a grilled chicken club sandwich, although it did have a bit of mayo and bacon, it seemed like a good option compared to Jumbo Burgers, chicken parma or focaccia etc. My thought was I could deconstruct it and eat bits off it. When I re-read it I realised (although I knew but wasn’t paying attention) that a club sandwich has 3 slices of bread, which to me is ridiculous, so when I ordered, I asked for no 3rdslice and hold the lettuce (I feel it is unnecessary on a sandwich and makes it difficult to eat). It was also served with chips/fries which I thought Miss “Almost 3” would like.

Chicken Club Sandwich, hold the “Club”

When my not quite a Club Sandwich came out it was enormous, the bread was THICK white sliced bread which I loooove (imagine if there was 3 slices) and all the fillings looked delicious and moderately healthy. It came with potato wedges which I was not happy about, I am not a fan, too thick and gluggy for my liking, but suffice to say Miss “Almost 3” loved them and of course I was not going to eat them anyway.

To cut to the chase and the purpose of this post, I could only eat half of the sandwich and left the crusts, Miss “Almost 3” ate a good handful of the wedges but there was heaps left over and I asked the lady to pack up the other half of sandwich to take home for hubby.

So our 1 meal fed 3 people. Old Rachael would have eaten most of it until I felt sick and ordered extra chips/wedges for the child (because I never used to share well with others).

Are portion sizes just crazy at some places?
Would you like to ask for a half serve of something?

* Jaffa had the best skim Chai latte I have tasted in a long time.

Tri Training – nothing like cramming for a test

I am attempting “photo a day” for Oct and today’s topic is “where I stood”, my thought was – in these shoes, that is where I stood today.

Those that know me will know I can have a potty mouth if it is warranted (more often than not), so those who don’t hold on for the ride.

I arranged with a friend who is also training for a triathlon in a month (not 5 days like me, aaargh) to have a little swim/ride training this fine and sunny morning, I had recently purchased my all lycra tri-suit (the most unflattering garment on the face of the earth) and thought I better test it out before the big day, so not wanting to pay to attend a heated pool for just 300m of swimming I suggested a dip in the Ocean pool at Thirroul a lovely seaside town just 1 suburb away as they have a nicely tiled pool that they pump in the sea water every few days (I think), brilliant I thought to myself and then take off for a cycle.

The water was FUCKING FREEEEEEZING, hence why there was only 1 other crazy in the pool and a few others dangling their toes. I mean take your breath away COLD, unable to swim with face in water COLD, gasping and squealing COLD, people laughing on the sideline COLD…..

Being the greatest friend on the earth I opted not to wear a wetsuit over the top of my all flattering lycra ensemble as my friend didn’t have one and that would be unfair to her …..  who is the idiot now …… MEEEE.

FUCK ME….. I wanted out almost instantly and it took 2 laps (of the 6 that we were doing) to even contemplate swimming with my face in the water, of course it warmed up as we swam or our internal organs started to get used to it and shut down but as much as I wanted to get out every single lap we persevered an then had to swim more than half way across the pool to get out at the stairs, my freezing arms would not have lifted me out.

Upon Googling right now the data I have retrieved is the water Temp at Thirroul on this fine day ranges from 16.4 °C to 19.4 °C, given that we were there in the morning and for drama purposes I am going to say it was on the colder end of the scale and had I have thought to Google last night I am guessing that I would have paid big bucks for a heated pool.

Ok enough of the swearing, oh there might have been a bit more as we struggled to get our limbs moving and dress to get on our bikes.

Then we headed up a hilly route to get in a bit of a cycle, the aim of the day (well for me anyway) was not to do a blistering pace, but to quote NIKE, just do it, I had not practiced these 2 elements together before so I am glad I did. There was 1 “Nemesis” hill enroute that was right at the end of our ride and previously I have had to get off my bike and walk up, albeit I used to do it towing Missy around in a little trailer so it was more difficult back then but I successfully conquered it and plan to tackle it more often. So 11.5km later our training was done and I headed off to the kiosk to grab a Chai latte and bring something home for hubby.

Quick change of topic to food, something I seem to always do is buy some sort of food item with the coffee order and today was no different, I bought a raspberry and almond muffin with the intention of sharing it with hubby. Well not paying attention he proceeded to devour half of it before I mentioned to him that it was sharesies, and in act of “I don’t know what came over me” I said don’t worry you have it, and I was OK with it, no FOMO* at all. *See my previous post about FOMO.

Who is this girl and where did she come from?

* I revised this post and removed over excessive use of F-bomb