Monster!!!

Any of you reading this that are close to me know my eating habits.  No, I may not look like much, but I can put a fire fighter to shame at a buffet.  Yes, I can say this because I used to be a fire fighter in Burtonsville, MD.  About every 5 years after I turned 20 people would tell me it’ll catch up with me, but not yet and trust me, I’ve been testing it.  Purely scientific reasons of course!  Another one of my habits is coffee!  I blame triathlon and Starbucks for this one, but I want to pass on a tidbit.  Seemingly insignificant to some, but I am all about the food and coffee so here it is:

Monster X-presso at the Dollar Tree!  2 for 50 cents!  I almost had to change my pants after I saw it!  Actually, I was distracted by the X-presso label I had never seen – like a deer in the headlights.  Steve caught the 2 for $1!!!  Thank you Monster!!!  I love you!!! 

Too much of a good thing?

Do you take vitamins?  How many?  How often?  Did you know that some vitamins can cause serious problems if you have too much?  Personally, I am of the mindset (=stubborn) that if I need vitamins then I will eat whatever I need to get them.  I love to eat!  That’s why I need to exercise so much.  But I really do not like taking vitamins.  The gummies are good because I feel like I’m eating candy.  My husband, Steve, on the other hand loves to take vitamins.  But how much is too much?

Hey!  Is that alcohol in the food pyramid!!!  "Moderation"  is subjective isn't it?

Too much vitamin C and other antioxidants can have the opposite effect.  Feeling nauseous, or have stomach cramps not otherwise indicated by some other condition?  You may be taking too much!  Too much of the antioxidant glutathione was linked to heart disease. 

Too much selenium = hair loss.  Now you don’t want to completely cut this out if you hair is thinning because it may be due to something completely different.  For instance, when I stressed out from school, work, triathlon, and everything else my hair started turning grey and falling out faster than normal. 

Too much vitamin A can cause blurred vision and dizziness.  Too much zinc can be fatal. 

All this may seem very scary if you are taking vitamins now, but keep in mind that it is EXTREMELY UNLIKELY that you will get too many vitamins from eating too many vegetables. 

One vitamin that is commonly deficient is the big D!  So eat some salmon, tuna, egg yolks (not always just whites you body builders), cheese, yogurt…  Speaking of body builders, they are sooooooo disciplined in their eating habits... Their discipline amazes me!!!  You go Michael and Kristy McKinney at Gold’s Gym!!! 

So how much is okay?  Check out this USDA site where you can calculate what you need specifically:

http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=2&tax_subject=256&topic_id=1342

In a hurry...

This may date me but I’ll type it anyhow - my theme song should be that Alabama song that says,

“I'm in a hurry to get things done
Oh I rush and rush until life's no fun
All I really gotta do is live and die
But I'm in a hurry and don't know why…” 

Well, it hasn’t been fun for a few months…  school got the better of me, I cut back on training to the point I referred to myself as on pseudo-retirement, the company I worked for did  not win the new contract, and I gained 10+ pounds, to name a few.  Those of you who know me are probably thinking I could use the extra weight, but not for racing.  Imagine running a marathon with 10 pound weights = not fun!  Was all this self inflicted?  Partially… but no idea it would ever get this stressful.  Thinking optimistically, I did kick-butt presenting my research at the North American Brain Injury Society meeting in NOLA, passed my preliminary exams – although painfully, won a grant through the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and rode on my husband’s new Harley for several hours without having a heart attack!  All-in-all, the past several months have been quite an experience and I am planning to update this more often.  Until next time – wish me luck!!!  I need it lately!

St Anthony’s and Gulf Coast Triathlon Recap

There’s a unique feeling I get when I am about to approach the starting line with World Champions. Nausea?  Admiration?  Pride? Breathe!  All I think of is, “I hope I can still see them when I get out of the water!”  At St Anthony’s, I didn’t see much of them, but I hope I looked cool in my new SLS3 Fobic Speedsuit at the very least.  St Anthony’s was an eye opener that I need to refocus and get serious if I want to continue racing.  With my PhD in full swing, I severely slacked off training and was stressed out from school and it showed at St Anthony’s.  My mind was not in it.  My heart was not in it.  I lost my “digging deep” as Lori (GOTribal Ambassador put it: http://ht.ly/4Rqyg).  You never know what can happen on any given day.  Even with the best-of-the-best at the starting line, we must race against ourselves and not let others’ keep us from giving it all we’ve got!  For some reason, I was sight-seeing at St Anthony’s Triathlon.  Who wouldn’t!  Sarah Haskins, Sara Groff, Matty Reed, Nina Craft, and on and on and on! 

My goal was to not finish last – what kind of goal is that?!?  BAD!  As I exited the water knowing how far behind I was and how long the swim to bike transition was, I didn’t feel like I wanted to continue.  I knew that was a bad reason for pulling out so I hopped on my bike and took off.  The first group of men rounded the corner like a peloton!  I wondered, what did I sign myself up for?  Although I managed a negative split on my run, the day felt like I missed a huge opportunity.  I need to sit down and really re-assess my training and racing both mentally and physically if I want to continue.  I DO want to continue. 

Heading into Gulf Coast Triathlon in a short time, I had made a plan to start attending the local high school swim training and to let my husband, Steve, beat me up on the bike.  I knew I wouldn’t be at my peak by Gulf Coast, but maybe I’d make some progress by Columbia Triathlon in Maryland later in the month.  After the first high school swim training, I thought I broke a rib.  I forgot how much abs we use to do the butterfly stroke.  My legs were wasted from trying to hold onto my husband’s wheel during a 42 mile ride.  I went into Gulf Coast Triathlon a little sore, but bearable especially for a relay.  Approaching the race start was very different then I was used to.  As a pro, I usually go off first and without a wetsuit.  This time I would be going off an hour after the first wave.  I barely warmed up and tried to not feel too nervous.  I got kicked in the face and could feel my wetsuit rubbing my neck raw.  I felt like I was giving it a good effort but that I still had a little more if the swim was shorter.  As I struggled to exit the water and run up the beach, I didn’t even unzip my wetsuit.  I wanted to get to our biker as soon as possible!  My lungs were screaming!  Why don’t I do this for my own races?  Why just for relays?  I handed off our timing chip to our biker and tried to ask how long my swim was, but no one really knew.  I thought it was about 32 minutes, but wasn’t sure and didn’t see the actual times until the next day.  26:31!!!  A new PR!  Heading into Columbia Triathlon will be a learning experience as it’s been a while since I had to fly with my bike, but my goal is to push it to my limits and then work on changing those limits. 

White Sands Rabbit Chase

At every race there is a rabbit that everyone chases.  Sometimes the rabbit changes, other times one rabbit dominates from start to finish.  Today at White Sands Triathlon, there were a few rabbits.  When I found out the swim was cancelled for rough waters, I couldn’t decide if I was happy (because the swimming is my least favorite) or if I was sad because I knew there were a few really good runners about to pull the line…  Many of the participants from the Freedom Sports Clinic (I put on the transition segment – flying mounts & dismounts wweeeeeee!!!) were at the race getting ready, so I stopped and chatted some to ease pre-race tension.  As the start approached I tried to separate myself from the transition area because I get so nervous, I start making my other friends nervous too...Chloe!  HA!  I was ready – but was I going to execute or make excuses to hold back yet again.  Marshal started us off all at once.  The first 1.5 miles went by fast, but not fast enough for me.  In the first ¼ mile I tripped and Hadley asked if I was okay.  Hadley is a FAST runner in the area I knew I needed to try to keep with on the run.  My legs felt heavy and slowly, the rabbits pulled away.   My left calf started tightening as it has been – then starting to go numb.  It was only 1.5 miles – why so quick?  I kept telling myself it would go away when I got on the bike – I just need to get this leg over with as soon as possible.  My mouth got completely dry – this has never happened!  I like to refer to this as “constipated mouth.”  Unfortunately, I fell back to 4^th female in the first 1.5 mile.  I could see the top 3 rabbits rounding the corners as we re-entered transition. 

 I knew I had to put on a lot of distance on the 16 mile bike leg or they’d catch me in the 2^nd run.  I didn’t see 2 of the rabbits as I exited transition, but I did manage to see one leave on the bike, Hadley.  I fumbled around with my bike as I left but tried not to let it bother me like I had last week when the Velcro on my new shoes pulled completely out of the loop.  (I decided to go back to my old bike shoes after several frustrating issues with Velcro and numb toes in my newer ones.)  I couldn’t see Hadley on the bike when I started.  I still didn’t know if the other rabbits got out ahead already or if anyone else snuck by when I wasn’t looking.  I knew the best chance to catch Hadley and possibly the other 2 rabbits was to hammer it with the tail wind we had on the way out.  I immediately felt better on the bike and had a chance to hydrate.  I managed to catch Hadley by the turn around and she yelled words of encouragement – I love great sportsmanship among competitors!  As I was heading back, I didn’t see the other rabbits.  I actually saw a guy that I thought was a girl, so I started hammering harder on the bike – were the other’s ahead of me still and was this new “girl” catching me?  Finishing the bike, a few spectators yelled I was the first female.  Great!  But by how much?  The other rabbits were GREAT runners! 

I headed out of transition feeling pretty good, but could hear the water sloshing around in my stomach.  Listening to the sloshing was entertainment for the first ½ mile – those who know me know I have a strong stomach…  I’ll leave it at that.  The tailwind felt great!  I past a few guys early in the run and was then alone…  Alone with thoughts that the original rabbits might catch up but that I can’t give up.  As I approached the turnaround, my legs felt heavy again.  Knowing the entire way back would be into a heavy headwind, I was discouraged.  I kept repeating to myself that everyone has this headwind…we all are slowing our pace…I CAN hold them off…  but then my legs would tell me otherwise and the process repeated itself until I saw the La Vela sign!  It’s amazing what we can do in the last stretch to the finish.  I wonder if rabbits are like that too – when they are being chased and about to reach a safe-haven. 

My husband was waiting for me just before the finish!  It was good to be back!  What took just 1 hour and 20 minutes felt like an eternity!  While some rabbits can move up to 45 mph, they cannot hold it for long.  Luckily, I held my pace just long enough today!  Great race Freedom Sports!

Full Time Triathlete

Imagine....Its 730 on Monday night and I am just returning home to finish my day with a short brick workout.  My mind is racing…what should I have for dinner that won’t bloat me for my race on Sunday?  What time should I wake up to drive to school tomorrow considering it’s a two hour commute with an hour time change?  Will I get to train tomorrow?  Oh no, I haven’t finished my reading for laboratory prep!  Do I stay up late to finish tonight then suffer through tomorrow exhausted?  I have a few hard tasks to complete and send to my colleagues up at the Pentagon for work, plus a symposium to plan for in Dallas next month and I’m still missing some instructors!  How will I find the time?  Ahhhhh…

                It’s tough fitting it all in – triathlon, work, and school.  Just add kids and my schedule is complete!  Something or some things must give.  But if it’s something you really want, you’ll find a way to make it happen.  Having a supportive family helps too! 

First off, set clear goals and objectives to meet those goals.  When setting them, do not automatically rule something out because you think it is unattainable.  For example, I didn’t initially think earning my PhD would be possible while training for triathlon and working a full time job.  I drew out a schedule of the courses and lab time I would need to devote to the doctoral program and determined how much time was left for everything else.  I drafted a paper outlining the pros and cons of earning an advanced degree related to my job while working on a flexible schedule in hopes of obtaining support from my employer.  I planned to reduce my triathlon schedule from Fulls and Halfs to Sprints and Olympics.  Soon after, a few sponsorship opportunities arose requiring me to increase my triathlon competitions.  Now I train with less duration, but greater intensity to leave time for school which actually opens opportunities to promote my sponsors, meet others in my career field that I can collaborate with on tasks, and train with when out of town for work. 

Second, draw out a schedule on a large annual wall calendar to see how much time you have available to put into each goal.  Build a little extra time into your plan to allow for unexpected delays.  After about five drafts, I finally worked out a schedule where I could fit work, school, and triathlon in without losing too much sleep.  I asked friends to look over the schedules for ideas.  I was scared.  I still worry and wonder, “Can I do all this?”  I have become a master multi-tasker!  For example, I often study and review documents for school and work while riding my indoor bike trainer.  I also re-listen to molecular biology lectures on my long drives.  I did have to sacrifice some of my hobbies and socializing, but I know it is only temporary.  In the long run, the hard-work now will pay off. 

Finally, test out your schedule before you commit.  Gradually building into a tough schedule helps it feel less cumbersome.  Do not procrastinate.  With such a busy schedule, your to do list will pile up quick!  Revisit your goals when you feel discouraged and set smaller objectives to feel accomplishment early and frequent.  The accomplishments can reinvigorate your motivation.  Know that your schedule will test your limits, and know that you can do it if you work hard.  I like to set automated reminders in my calendar and auto-bill pay so all I have to do is check my charges.  Set out clothes for the week ahead to help give you a few extra minutes sleep during the week since everything is already together.  Every little bit helps!

Life is like a long distance triathlon.  Most of us question what we are capable of until we try.  If we never try because we are scared, we will never get anywhere.  We rely on our friends and family for support.  We eat lunch on the go so we can train during our lunch break.  We work while we train.  We multi-task, often sweating on our work.  We could live out of our vehicles based on all the food and clothes we carry around.  We accomplish more in one week then than most of the population does in a month… and we keep asking for more!  We are role models when we think no one is watching, so make sure to stay positive. 

FREE Triathlon Clinic

On Saturday, April 2nd, Freedom Sports will host a free triathlon clinic for any athletic level. The days events include: guest speakers, giveaways, contests and a K-Swiss shoe demo run. Be sure to bring all your gear so you can participate in all the events! There will be several individual clinics throughout the day covering a variety of topics to help improve your triathlon training and racing experience.

Schedule:
10 am: Intro
10:30 am: K-Swiss demo run (during the demo run, Marshal will be available for tri tips and nutrition)
11:30 am: Swim Clinic with Coach Sarah Mrazek
12:00 pm: Transition Time Trial with Pro Triathlete Helen (Libby) Phipps
12:45 pm: Bike Clinic/flat tire contest Steve Bauer
1:30 pm: USAT "Common mis-haps to avoid" with USAT Official Carol Taylor
2:00 pm: Wrap Up

Rain-backup is scheduled for La Quinita - let's hope we can play outside!

Newbie

Wow, have I been behind the times!  I still have a VCR and the older style tv...  I guess I've been a little busy with full time school, work, and triathlon. I'm actually on my bike right now.  Should be studying.  It's been a crazy few years.  I started the PhD program in Biomedical Sciences at Florida State University in 2009 and am getting ready for preliminary exams this summer.  I'm researching traumatic brain injury.  My fiance deployed during my most diffifcult semester, but still helped me study from Iraq and Afghanistan!  Definitely a keeper!  We got married 2 months ago - very small, low stress ceremony.  We stopped in New Orleans for a mini honeymoon and New Years!  What a blast!  Hard to come back to reality.  I got a triathlon coach 1 semester after I started the PhD program because I practically stopped training.  It was too much to try and coach myself on top of everything else.  I chose Kerry Sullivan out of St Pete, FL area.  I had no idea how much fitness I lost in a matter of months.  Kerry managed to keep me in just enough shape to win 4 triathlons, set a PR for my olympic distance (2:04) and requalify for my pro license.  Kerry had his work cut out for him though as I was VERY discouraged with all the other obligations I was juggling.  I missed a lot of workouts to study for classes.  I tried to sleep, but would lay in bed exhausted but wide awake.  I was starting all over again!  I spent an hour on the phone with Kerry one day to help work through my mental block.  At the time, I have to admit I was very doubtful if I'd continue in triathlon.  I was burnt out - tired of being so busy my life hurries by and I miss it.  After the conversation, I couldn't stop thinking about me being in my own way and how I need to find the positive again.  It wasn't immediate, but gradually I started getting a better attitude.  I started running more and faster.  I skipped stretching though so my calves and feet hurt so bad I had to stop running for a bit.  I managed to pull out a win at an olympic distance, but it cost me.  Having skipped a bunch of my runs, I wasn't ready for the heat...2 ivs later and I felt human again.  I knew I had to focus on staying healthy next season and doing what my coach tells me!  So far, I'm getting back to where I once was - running with purpose.  Still biking while studying (or blogging), but getting closer to my goals everyday!  Soon I'll be Dr. Phipps - pro triathlete!