So I missed a couple of weeks practices due to a sinus infection but I was up ready and willing on Saturday to go to bike practice. Having only learnt how to ride a bike a few weeks ago, this is easily the most challenging part of the triathlon for me.
Practice this week was at Marymoor Park, and I had plans later in the day to go to a friends for a pre-thanksgiving dinner right near there. So I arranged to stay at hers the night before and save time in the morning; in return for being available to help cook after. A fantastic plan it was, all I had to do was get up and ride over to the park and meet everyone at 8am in Park lot K. 7:50am I set off, and first came across Lot G, rode around for another 5 mins and found B, and then D and then at 8:25 eventually heard a GO TEAM and found the group and Lot K. Not exactly a great start to the morning, although I had rode for 30 minutes so that was good. I signed in with Cathy and we set off back through the park and up onto East Lake Sammishway Parkway - where I had just come from!! I wont' lie I was a little tired already but soon learnt that this was probably because I had the bike seat too low and that I was biking in far too high a gear. A couple of adjustments later and I was much more comfortable and beginning to settle into a good cadence. All in all, things were going well. I was terrified of biking alongside the road but Cathy was a great support and I powered on through. That is until my feet slipped off the pedals, I lost control and completely crashed into a guard rail! Now many things pass through your mind when you know you are about to fall, apparently I had the presence of mind to not fall into the oncoming traffic and to also grab hold of the guard rail so as not to tumble down the embankment on the other side and into the lake. Granted I don't think I would've gone over the rail now, but it was definitely a thought that went through my head. I'm very happy Cathy was there and she made sure I was ok after the fall. There were no major injuries. I winded myself and have some bruised ribs and legs and a new appreciation for toe cages. But after resting a few minutes, I got back up and biked back with Cathy (with my feet in the cages I might add) -I wasn't about to let the bike or the fall get the better of me.
So my first biking practice was definitely exciting, and I certainly hope the rest are much more mundane but I think I made some good progress and I planning to head out again this weekend - although I might stick to trails for a little while!
Track on Monday paled in comparison - YAY!! No more new bruises! Although my hamstrings are not happy with me, but that is to be expected for the first while. It was a fun practice though, with a little bit of competition as we tried out some relay drills. Nothing quite like watching a group of people doing butt kicks, knee raises and sidewinders! :) Although I won't be running on race day - a torn disc makes this very painful - I enjoy the track practices and am hoping to get my time down a little between now and March but we shall see. Thankfully the triathlon is not timed so I could take all day but I'm hoping to finish in 5 hours.
Only swim practice left for this week, I haven't been swimming in a long time and the back injury will make this interesting. It's a concern and I don't really know how to breathe properly, or have good form... hmmm yes ready for March?? hopefully!
On that note, remember be safe, be happy and DONATE!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Went to my first bike practice on Saturday (my first, team's second) and found out where I will be improving the most. We road an "out and back" down West Lake Sammammish rd from Marymoor. Basically our instructions were to go out for about 30 minutes and come back, and to ride at a medium pace while focusing on technique. I noticed a few things through the ride, 1) for the first time riding in 7 or so years, 1 hour on a bike didn't feel too bad yet it didn't feel too good :) 2) riding with toe-clips is pretty cool once you find where you need to put your foot on the pedal to get them to clip in 3) hybrid bicycles, while versatile are not the best long distance bikes (so it's time for me to figure out a road bike and buy it already) 4) I need to get some bike shorts, because 1 hour in the saddle starts to hurt. All in all, it was a good time with some good exercise... but there is no way I would've been able to run 6 miles after just 16 miles of biking. My legs felt like jello and I had no balance after the ride. GO TEAM or better yet HELE HUI!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Holoholo lolo, indeed!
During the first week of coached practices I felt like I was living the tribe’s name-- “run around and go crazy”! It was fun to get started, though, and know I have all the “firsts” of everything behind me now. I thought I did well to find all the practice locations. The drive from Camano Island is long and a little snarly in the evening hours. (Plan: Stock up on books on disc!) The gear list is long. (I’m always up for a shopping challenge, though) Figuring out the watch & heart rate monitor will take some time. Lots of buttons, lots of data & a lot to remember. So, here’s what I’ve learned so far:
Running—1st practice—At this point I think I can “fast walk” faster than I can run at “moderate pace”. My family has always complained about my fast pace in the mall. Knees were sore after the 3 miles on the track. I don’t have that problem doing 3 miles on the elliptical in the gym. My brain was having a hard time absorbing all the info about “sub-maximum tests to predict maximum heart rate and pacing assessments”. Didn’t have a watch to record my times, either. Sigh…
Running—2nd week—Remembered the watch this time but forgot the heart rate monitor. I also lost count of my laps. New shoes I bought after the 1st practice were great, though, and I had no knee pain. Still need to get decent numbers so I have my target heart rate.
Swimming—1st practice—Oh, my. This is going to be my biggest challenge. I love the water, but I never learned to breathe correctly in those YMCA lessons as a kid. I’ve always admired people who look so relaxed doing laps. I could swim fast across the pool, but probably because I just never breathed. I overheard someone in the locker room say that next time she wouldn’t go rock climbing before swim practice. Not to worry…I won’t either.
Swimming—2nd week—decided that it would be more beneficial for me at this point to work with a swim coach in some private lessons at the club in my own area. I thought my first session was quite productive, plus I only had to drive 15 minutes each way instead of 1 & 1/2 hrs each way. Practiced relaxing my shoulders and worked on my breathing during strokes. I have my work cut out for me, but I’m going to succeed!
Biking—1st week—went ok, except my new gloves were too tight, thus my fingers were cold. Practiced drills for part of the time, then rode for about 30 minutes. Something was rubbing on my back tire. I got my first mishap out of the way. Forgot to take my foot out of the toe clip when I tried to get off the bike in the parking lot. Makes the bike fall over on you when you do that! One hip bruise and scraped knee later, I probably won’t forget that part of the dismount again!
Best part of the training so far has been the encouragement from teammates, coaches, and mentors. This in no way compares to the magnitude of the challenges facing cancer patients, but the process is similar to theirs at diagnosis: fear of the unknown, lack of information/gathering information, getting a plan in place, adjusting the plan as needed, getting the right equipment (doctors, drug regimens…), staying positive, surrounding yourself with good people, and letting those good people help you. This is for all the patients with blood cancers. Hele Hui! Go Team!!
Running—1st practice—At this point I think I can “fast walk” faster than I can run at “moderate pace”. My family has always complained about my fast pace in the mall. Knees were sore after the 3 miles on the track. I don’t have that problem doing 3 miles on the elliptical in the gym. My brain was having a hard time absorbing all the info about “sub-maximum tests to predict maximum heart rate and pacing assessments”. Didn’t have a watch to record my times, either. Sigh…
Running—2nd week—Remembered the watch this time but forgot the heart rate monitor. I also lost count of my laps. New shoes I bought after the 1st practice were great, though, and I had no knee pain. Still need to get decent numbers so I have my target heart rate.
Swimming—1st practice—Oh, my. This is going to be my biggest challenge. I love the water, but I never learned to breathe correctly in those YMCA lessons as a kid. I’ve always admired people who look so relaxed doing laps. I could swim fast across the pool, but probably because I just never breathed. I overheard someone in the locker room say that next time she wouldn’t go rock climbing before swim practice. Not to worry…I won’t either.
Swimming—2nd week—decided that it would be more beneficial for me at this point to work with a swim coach in some private lessons at the club in my own area. I thought my first session was quite productive, plus I only had to drive 15 minutes each way instead of 1 & 1/2 hrs each way. Practiced relaxing my shoulders and worked on my breathing during strokes. I have my work cut out for me, but I’m going to succeed!
Biking—1st week—went ok, except my new gloves were too tight, thus my fingers were cold. Practiced drills for part of the time, then rode for about 30 minutes. Something was rubbing on my back tire. I got my first mishap out of the way. Forgot to take my foot out of the toe clip when I tried to get off the bike in the parking lot. Makes the bike fall over on you when you do that! One hip bruise and scraped knee later, I probably won’t forget that part of the dismount again!
Best part of the training so far has been the encouragement from teammates, coaches, and mentors. This in no way compares to the magnitude of the challenges facing cancer patients, but the process is similar to theirs at diagnosis: fear of the unknown, lack of information/gathering information, getting a plan in place, adjusting the plan as needed, getting the right equipment (doctors, drug regimens…), staying positive, surrounding yourself with good people, and letting those good people help you. This is for all the patients with blood cancers. Hele Hui! Go Team!!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
no complaints
being sidelined and not being able to train has been a little frustrating. its only been 2 weeks for me so i can't even imagine what it must feel like for those battling leukemia, lymphoma and other cancers and illnesses day after day. i really can't complain. i only had minor surgery and my doctor says i can resume training slowly.
so i went to monday's run training at greenlake ran three miles to complete my heartrate test. i may need to invest in a lap counter because not only did i forget to time my first mile but for the second mile, i accidentally an extra 1/4 mile. my time was longer than usual and i thought it was just because i was taking it easy. in any case, it was a great evening to run as the weather was extremely cooperative.
i also went to swim training on wednesday. it was nice to get into the water again and learn some new drills. they're not all fun or comfortable but i guess that's why they are drills and i'm really hoping to improve my swim form, so i gotta do what it takes.
speaking of doing what it takes, i need to start thinking about commuting to work via bike like Rachel. i did this over the summer about twice a week but its not as sunny or dry these days and it gets dark so early! i'm not sure how i feel about winter bike commuting so we'll see...
so i went to monday's run training at greenlake ran three miles to complete my heartrate test. i may need to invest in a lap counter because not only did i forget to time my first mile but for the second mile, i accidentally an extra 1/4 mile. my time was longer than usual and i thought it was just because i was taking it easy. in any case, it was a great evening to run as the weather was extremely cooperative.
i also went to swim training on wednesday. it was nice to get into the water again and learn some new drills. they're not all fun or comfortable but i guess that's why they are drills and i'm really hoping to improve my swim form, so i gotta do what it takes.
speaking of doing what it takes, i need to start thinking about commuting to work via bike like Rachel. i did this over the summer about twice a week but its not as sunny or dry these days and it gets dark so early! i'm not sure how i feel about winter bike commuting so we'll see...
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Biking to work
I biked to work today - in my attempt to get in two workouts of each type each week... I was reminded again of how timid a road biker I am, and also how out of biking shape I am!
The beginning of my ride starts with going down Queen Anne Ave, a super steep, long, busy road ... And I end up braking the whole way down, while worrying a car is going to turn into me any minute, or that I'll hit a hole/bump in the road (of which there are many), and go flying. Then I navigated across mercer, and finally made it to 2nd ave. I then take 2nd ave all the way through down town, till I can hop onto 90, and cross the water. Half way down 2nd ave, I realized there was a bike lane... on the left hand side of the street. I've biked here a lot, and always forget about it. There was an accident on the road today, so I got to whiz by all the stopped cars, backed up for blocks - that was pretty fun.
I then made it into the bridge, to find a delightful strong headwind pushing against me. Luckily I made it across w/o getting blown off the bridge, or into the cement barrier. I found the small hills on mercer island harder than I remembered them from last year - my poor legs. I finally made it to bellevue, and was sorta relieved to get off my bike... and Eat break fast! (because I wasn't smart enough to eat before heading out on a 15 mile bike ride).
So, hopefully by march, my bike to work will be much more enjoyable and less painful. Oh, and hopefully I'll do it more than twice a year also :).
The beginning of my ride starts with going down Queen Anne Ave, a super steep, long, busy road ... And I end up braking the whole way down, while worrying a car is going to turn into me any minute, or that I'll hit a hole/bump in the road (of which there are many), and go flying. Then I navigated across mercer, and finally made it to 2nd ave. I then take 2nd ave all the way through down town, till I can hop onto 90, and cross the water. Half way down 2nd ave, I realized there was a bike lane... on the left hand side of the street. I've biked here a lot, and always forget about it. There was an accident on the road today, so I got to whiz by all the stopped cars, backed up for blocks - that was pretty fun.
I then made it into the bridge, to find a delightful strong headwind pushing against me. Luckily I made it across w/o getting blown off the bridge, or into the cement barrier. I found the small hills on mercer island harder than I remembered them from last year - my poor legs. I finally made it to bellevue, and was sorta relieved to get off my bike... and Eat break fast! (because I wasn't smart enough to eat before heading out on a 15 mile bike ride).
So, hopefully by march, my bike to work will be much more enjoyable and less painful. Oh, and hopefully I'll do it more than twice a year also :).
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Running
We had running practice again yesterday, and again, the weather was beautiful. well, I knew it was, cause at 4pm when the sun was still out, the sky was blue. By 7pm, it was pretty dark, and got even darker when the lights on the track turned off, but there was no rain, and I thought it was perfect running temperature. Cool enough that you don't get too hot, and not cold enough for my feet and hands to go numb.
We did a mile at a moderate pace - to get our times at 75% of our max heart rate. Near the end of training in February, we will do the same exercise, and hope that at that heart rate, our running speed has gone up... Then we did strides - down the straight part of the track, you speed up faster and faster, till max speed, while trying to keep up good running form. Then we get to recoup on the ends of the track.
It was a somewhat light workout, as we are still discussing form, and base building, but I think after thanksgiving they will begin getting more intense.
We did a mile at a moderate pace - to get our times at 75% of our max heart rate. Near the end of training in February, we will do the same exercise, and hope that at that heart rate, our running speed has gone up... Then we did strides - down the straight part of the track, you speed up faster and faster, till max speed, while trying to keep up good running form. Then we get to recoup on the ends of the track.
It was a somewhat light workout, as we are still discussing form, and base building, but I think after thanksgiving they will begin getting more intense.
Monday, November 17, 2008
First Bike Practice
Saturday was our first team bike practice. The team had a decent turn out, though almost half our tribe was missing. The weather was beautiful though - we woke up to a mostly blue sky, and all the leaves are still changing colors and glowing, and it was even warm through the ride. It couldn't have been nicer. A small group stayed with Cathy and worked on bike skills, like how to get your waterbottle while biking (I didn't know we should always use our left hand..), and the rest of us went out and back on the Burke Gilman trail. So it was a fairly easy practice - given that the trail is nice and flat :).
It was my first real bike ride on my new bike, and it felt good and smooth. So yay! Now I need to go out and buy a water bottle cage for it... and maybe some lights... Oh the tri shopping never ends.
According to my moms bike computer, we did about 11.5 miles.
It was my first real bike ride on my new bike, and it felt good and smooth. So yay! Now I need to go out and buy a water bottle cage for it... and maybe some lights... Oh the tri shopping never ends.
According to my moms bike computer, we did about 11.5 miles.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Post Swim Workout
Last night was our first swim practice. I was a little nervous b/c I did not know what to expect. I haven't swam competitively since I was eight years old and even then I loved socializing with my friends more than actually putting in the time at practice. I also forgot what a huge pain wearing a Speedo bathing suit was. I had my Corporate Tax class before practice and I thought I would be late to the practice so I wore my swimsuit to class. Big mistake! I don't need to go into the details but it wasn't the most fun I have ever had. Anywho, we were divided amongst the team by speed/skill level. I chose lane 4 because it seemed like a happy medium. The first few laps were awesome. I felt like it wasn't 18 years since I last did a lap. But that ended quickly, I started to get mucho tired and found it hard to keep up. However, you have got to love the power of your own mind. I just kept telling myself that it will all be over soon and soon enough, practice was over. I left with extremely sore shoulders (obviously my lifting regime hasn't been that good) but this morning I'm pretty proud of myself and of my teammates. It was great to see everyone out there, pushing themselves. I can not even imagine what it is like to swim in the ocean for almost a mile. But so far, I'm off to an OK start. At least my goggles worked!! Now off to bike practice on Saturday. I'm a biking novice (to be nice) and this will be another difficult practice for me. I'm just praying none of my tires blow b/c I have no idea what/how a patch kit works. oh well, at least we will all be suffering together!
Go Team!
Go Team!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Practice has begun...
Monday was our first running practice. We did esentially 3 miles. The first mile very slow, the 2nd moderate (a pace you could still keep a conversation at), and the 3rd mile at a fast past, and recorded our average heart beats and times at each. I was a bit slower than last year in my last two miles, and I probably should have pushed myself more for the 3rd, but overall it was good. And it was fun seeing so many people at practice! I think almost our entire tribe was there.
I did have a slight problem with my heart rate monitor - it apparently put it self on a setting where it beeped whenever I was not in my zone. every second. annoyingly. As I was running my first mile I was assuming that by the 2nd or 3rd mile I'd surly hit my zone.. But it never stopped beeping! Finally after practice I played w/ the settings and figured it out - apparently my "zone" is between 220-250 bpm.... Yeah right. Guess I need to actually set up my heart rate monitor :) At least it doesn't beep anymore.
I just came home from our first swim practice right now. Cathy spent about 20 minutes telling us about the stroke etc, and how we should be swimming, and what to aim for. Then we did some drills. I temporarily moved up to the 3rd lane (last year I was in the 2nd slowest), cause the first two lanes where getting comfortable in the water, and swimming less. Though I don't know if I'll stay in this lane, we'll see. But it makes me feel fast, to pretend I can move up a lane each year. All I have to do is come back three more years and I'll be one of the fastest swimmers I'm sure! :)
Oh, and I bought a bike today! yipee.
Miles since Kick Off -
Running - 9 miles
Swimming - 800 m ish...
I did have a slight problem with my heart rate monitor - it apparently put it self on a setting where it beeped whenever I was not in my zone. every second. annoyingly. As I was running my first mile I was assuming that by the 2nd or 3rd mile I'd surly hit my zone.. But it never stopped beeping! Finally after practice I played w/ the settings and figured it out - apparently my "zone" is between 220-250 bpm.... Yeah right. Guess I need to actually set up my heart rate monitor :) At least it doesn't beep anymore.
I just came home from our first swim practice right now. Cathy spent about 20 minutes telling us about the stroke etc, and how we should be swimming, and what to aim for. Then we did some drills. I temporarily moved up to the 3rd lane (last year I was in the 2nd slowest), cause the first two lanes where getting comfortable in the water, and swimming less. Though I don't know if I'll stay in this lane, we'll see. But it makes me feel fast, to pretend I can move up a lane each year. All I have to do is come back three more years and I'll be one of the fastest swimmers I'm sure! :)
Oh, and I bought a bike today! yipee.
Miles since Kick Off -
Running - 9 miles
Swimming - 800 m ish...
Perspective
So we all had our first track practice on Monday, it was a little cold but there was a great turnout and fun was had by all. YAY Training! :)
And then I got sick... It's nothing serious just a simple sinus infection but the doctor has prescribed a course of antibiotics. Now this is nothing new, I'm prone to them but its not pleasant and ultimately I just want to be in bed. So right now instead of being on my way to our first swimming practice; I'm sitting in work writing this blog while waiting for the traffic to die down before I head home to bed. It's probably the right call, swimming with a sinus infection = not smart and hopefully by resting I can be all good to go for the bike practice Saturday - go me!
But it occurred to me, that here I am complaining about how sick I am - aww poor Bex can't train for the triathlon - when there are men, women and children out there with blood cancers who aren't as sure that at the end of their prescribed treatment that they will be better. Now thanks for the great work of the LLS many of them will be, but they will go for regular check ups and will always have that to deal with. I have to take one pill before bed for 7 days and them I'm good. No check ups just continue on with life as normal. Sufficed to say my perspective on being sick has changed a little today and I'm even more ready to do this triathlon, and more importantly raise the much needed funds!
It's been a strange epiphany to have at 7:30ish on a Wednesday night but I felt like I should share. I know that over the next couple of weeks and months, I am going to get totally wrapped up in the preparation for the triathlon, part of me still thinks I am crazy - crazy crazy crazy. But looking at the big picture, where the money will go to and the good that it does, I know that every trial and tribulation and injury I go through will be worth it and realistically it cannot compare to what those who have blood cancers go through every day.
On that note; remember be safe, be happy and DONATE!
And then I got sick... It's nothing serious just a simple sinus infection but the doctor has prescribed a course of antibiotics. Now this is nothing new, I'm prone to them but its not pleasant and ultimately I just want to be in bed. So right now instead of being on my way to our first swimming practice; I'm sitting in work writing this blog while waiting for the traffic to die down before I head home to bed. It's probably the right call, swimming with a sinus infection = not smart and hopefully by resting I can be all good to go for the bike practice Saturday - go me!
But it occurred to me, that here I am complaining about how sick I am - aww poor Bex can't train for the triathlon - when there are men, women and children out there with blood cancers who aren't as sure that at the end of their prescribed treatment that they will be better. Now thanks for the great work of the LLS many of them will be, but they will go for regular check ups and will always have that to deal with. I have to take one pill before bed for 7 days and them I'm good. No check ups just continue on with life as normal. Sufficed to say my perspective on being sick has changed a little today and I'm even more ready to do this triathlon, and more importantly raise the much needed funds!
It's been a strange epiphany to have at 7:30ish on a Wednesday night but I felt like I should share. I know that over the next couple of weeks and months, I am going to get totally wrapped up in the preparation for the triathlon, part of me still thinks I am crazy - crazy crazy crazy. But looking at the big picture, where the money will go to and the good that it does, I know that every trial and tribulation and injury I go through will be worth it and realistically it cannot compare to what those who have blood cancers go through every day.
On that note; remember be safe, be happy and DONATE!
Monday, November 10, 2008
from the sidelines
aloha! i'm sarah, one of the lucky members of the holoholo lolo tribe. i did my first triathlon this past summer, the Danskin Womens Triathlon, and heard about Team in Training from some of the ladies that i met on a training team. i loved the fact that i could do something i have come to enjoy for a great cause. next thing i knew, i attended an informational meeting and signed up.
i'm ready to go but unfortunately i had minor surgery this past week so i'm on the injured list for a couple weeks. coach cathy thinks i'll be fine as long as i kick my butt into gear starting in december. in the meantime, i'm still planning on attending practices just to get in the routine of dragging myself to workouts throughout the cold, dark (and usually rainy) winter and get tips from the sidelines.
its going to be an interesting journey but i'm convinced there are a lot of "lights" at the end of this tunnel - meeting new people on the team, staying in shape through the winter months, doing a triathlon in hawaii and most of all helping the fight against leukemia & lymphoma.
here we go!
i'm ready to go but unfortunately i had minor surgery this past week so i'm on the injured list for a couple weeks. coach cathy thinks i'll be fine as long as i kick my butt into gear starting in december. in the meantime, i'm still planning on attending practices just to get in the routine of dragging myself to workouts throughout the cold, dark (and usually rainy) winter and get tips from the sidelines.
its going to be an interesting journey but i'm convinced there are a lot of "lights" at the end of this tunnel - meeting new people on the team, staying in shape through the winter months, doing a triathlon in hawaii and most of all helping the fight against leukemia & lymphoma.
here we go!
Bex learns to bike!
So, when Bex was discussing signing up to do the triathlon with us, she kept mentioning that she didn't really know how to bike, and hadn't done it as a kid. We assured her that riding a bike is one of the things you never forget, and she'd be fine. Last weekend we helped her practice, to re-assure her that she'd remember how. And found out she actually was not exaggerating - she literally didn't know how to bike! And actually hadn't really learned as a kid. Here are two shots of her learning process:
20 minutes later she was biking up and down the side walk, and that afternoon could even shift gears and turn. Go bex!
20 minutes later she was biking up and down the side walk, and that afternoon could even shift gears and turn. Go bex!
Biking eh...
Hello there avid reader, my name is Bex and I shall be the biking heroine of your story today... or in reality I shall be the one learning to bike. Yes, I have signed up to do a triathlon in March and yes, I do not know how to bike! Actually make that did not, as with the help of my wonderful assistants Rachel and Elizabeth (aka my housemates), I donned a helmet and was taught how to bike on the block on which we live 2 weeks ago - the day after signing up! Sufficed to say this is going to be an interesting couple of months :)
I've known Rachel for a long time now and have seen her go through the trials and tribulations of tri-training and thought sure why not. A back injury stopped me last year but I've signed up yet again and am very excited to get into all the training. Rachel *kindly* took some footage of my first day biking which she will be posting on here shortly. The intention is to follow my progress with biking updates - feel free to watch, laugh and don't forget to donate because this is all for a great cause!!
Until next time, be safe, be happy and DONATE!!!
I've known Rachel for a long time now and have seen her go through the trials and tribulations of tri-training and thought sure why not. A back injury stopped me last year but I've signed up yet again and am very excited to get into all the training. Rachel *kindly* took some footage of my first day biking which she will be posting on here shortly. The intention is to follow my progress with biking updates - feel free to watch, laugh and don't forget to donate because this is all for a great cause!!
Until next time, be safe, be happy and DONATE!!!
Intro
My name is Brian and this will be my first Team in Training event and triathlon. I've been running (5-6 miles a day, 5-6 days a week) for about 6 months, but I haven't swam or biked in many years. In fact, I don't even own a bike yet! This is definitely going to be a challenging but wonderful experience for me.
The main thing that got me really excited to join Team in Training is that I am able to fuse my passion for sports and exercise together with a program who's mission is to "Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families." When my wife handed me the flyer in the mail and said "You should do this," there was no stopping from that point on. Now I'm committed and it's become pretty much all that I talk about.
I have many goals for the next 4 -5 months and I will be posting some progress towards those goals in this blog. You will probably also get the occasional, "OMG, I just spent 3 hours on a bicycle and my legs feel like they're going to fall off" comment. The entire Holoholo Lolo tribe is posting here so check back often.
The main thing that got me really excited to join Team in Training is that I am able to fuse my passion for sports and exercise together with a program who's mission is to "Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families." When my wife handed me the flyer in the mail and said "You should do this," there was no stopping from that point on. Now I'm committed and it's become pretty much all that I talk about.
I have many goals for the next 4 -5 months and I will be posting some progress towards those goals in this blog. You will probably also get the occasional, "OMG, I just spent 3 hours on a bicycle and my legs feel like they're going to fall off" comment. The entire Holoholo Lolo tribe is posting here so check back often.
Aloha!
My name is Karen. The Lavaman Triathlon 2009 is my first triathlon. It's also my first attempt at any athletic competition since the days of high school track meets back in the 70's. Even then I was a sprinter, not an endurance runner. Yikes--I'd say my Team in Training coaches have their work cut out for them!!
I met my husband in college when he was my ski instructor. Over the years I've chased after our three sons who are now 23, 25 & 28. That's kind of an endurance sport. I've cheered on more sidelines than I can count at all their meets, games, matches & competitions. Now I'm counting on them to cheer on dear ol' mom!
By profession I'm a pharmacist and I have filled prescriptions for cancer patients for many, many years. Each person has touched my heart and at the end of the day I always wish I could do more. This is my opportunity! Tonight I'm lacing up my running shoes and starting this journey with my fellow teammates. I'm ready to train and ready to fundraise. Please click on the link to my fundraising page for more info.
Hele Hui!! Go Team!!
My name is Karen. The Lavaman Triathlon 2009 is my first triathlon. It's also my first attempt at any athletic competition since the days of high school track meets back in the 70's. Even then I was a sprinter, not an endurance runner. Yikes--I'd say my Team in Training coaches have their work cut out for them!!
I met my husband in college when he was my ski instructor. Over the years I've chased after our three sons who are now 23, 25 & 28. That's kind of an endurance sport. I've cheered on more sidelines than I can count at all their meets, games, matches & competitions. Now I'm counting on them to cheer on dear ol' mom!
By profession I'm a pharmacist and I have filled prescriptions for cancer patients for many, many years. Each person has touched my heart and at the end of the day I always wish I could do more. This is my opportunity! Tonight I'm lacing up my running shoes and starting this journey with my fellow teammates. I'm ready to train and ready to fundraise. Please click on the link to my fundraising page for more info.
Hele Hui!! Go Team!!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Hello!
Rachel here. This year will be my third year doing the Lavaman Triathlon - all with Team in Training. I've had so much fun the past two years, that this year I'm mentoring - helping other people get the most out of Team in Training, and their first triathlons.
I got into tnt two years ago when my mom dragged me along to a meeting for Lavaman, and signed up for some reason. At the time I hadn't biked in years, and didn't know how to do the crawl. I went to all the trainings, raised the funds, and in April competed my first triathlon, without even drowning! I now can't imagine my winters not being full of trainings and team in training people. Oh, and a trip to hawaii :).
This year my goal is to do more of the oyo practice - and try to get in at least two bikes and swims in a week - and thus hopefully improve my time a lot :).
I got into tnt two years ago when my mom dragged me along to a meeting for Lavaman, and signed up for some reason. At the time I hadn't biked in years, and didn't know how to do the crawl. I went to all the trainings, raised the funds, and in April competed my first triathlon, without even drowning! I now can't imagine my winters not being full of trainings and team in training people. Oh, and a trip to hawaii :).
This year my goal is to do more of the oyo practice - and try to get in at least two bikes and swims in a week - and thus hopefully improve my time a lot :).
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Hello there!
My name is Amanda and this is the first time that I will be participating in the Lavaman Triathlon in Kona, HI. This is also my first triathlon. The longest distance I have ran is a half-marathon and I thought that was an accomplishment! But I am swimming, biking and running in honor of my boyfriend and best friend, Eric, who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2006. His experience affected me in numerous ways and I want nothing more to give back to this great organization! Eric is currently in remission and I am so proud of all that he has accomplished. He recently began his first year of medical school at the University of Washington School of Medicine. I, on the other hand, just passed the WA bar exam and currently enrolled in the Tax LLM program at the University of Washington. I am originally from the East Coast but I am learning to love the Pacific Northwest. I can't wait to begin this amazing journey with my fellow teammates! I'll post later and let you know if I survive day one of practice.
xoxo,
Amanda
Here is the link to my fundraising page. Please check it out!
http://pages.teamintraining.org/wa/lavatri09/abirkenstamm
Welcome to our blog!
This is a blog for the members of the Holoholo Lolo tribe - training to compete in the Lavaman triathlon on March 29th 2009, with Team in training. We all come from different backgrounds - a few of us have done lavaman multiple times, while another just learned to bike (literally) last weekend. We will all document our experiences here, as we train, fundraise, and race over the next few months.
Please check back often, and follow along with us! Our "authors" will try and write an intro blog entry in the next week or so, and then begin blogging. Our first practice is running, this monday!
Go team!
Please check back often, and follow along with us! Our "authors" will try and write an intro blog entry in the next week or so, and then begin blogging. Our first practice is running, this monday!
Go team!
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