Sunday, August 10, 2008

3rd place in my 2nd Triathlon!!!




Today was triathlon #2 at Sleepy Hollow State Park in St. Johns. While I was looking forward to this event, I was also dreading it. My wonderful family was there in support and even got up at 5 AM to make the journey to St. John's ( they were not too happy for me at 5 AM). We woke up to a very chilly morning. The last reading I saw was 52 degrees.. burr!!!! Luckily the water was alot warmer than the air and felt great.

Started out the swim and did awesome. I was the second fastest women's time out of the water at 9:27. Although the official stats show me 1st, according to my people, there was a very large, broad shouldered woman a bit ahead of me. Anyway, I was very happy with the swim and I will take the 1st on paper:) The kids were there for a quick high 5 when I got out.

Transition was quick and easy, no complaints.

The bike went well. It was a rolling hill course with some flat roads. We had to go out and turn around and come back. The good thing was I could see who was in front of me and there were not many. I was 5th in the bike leg--- at least all those spin classes are helping, but I need to work on my bike split.

Transition again was quick and easy. I think I am getting a hang of it.

Then there is the run. While I still hate running, it is getting easier. The transition from biking to running on my body continues to be painful. It's like you don't even feel your legs until the first mile has come and gone. On top of that you have to try to regulate your breathing from biking to running and that is also challenging. This course was gravel and uneven grass/dirt for the first 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile. Kinda like a cross country course. All I could think of was, "please don't sprain your ankle. Please don't sprain your ankle." Then it was on to flat road and turning back for more of the same. I was 6th in the run split.
With the finish line up ahead I was greated by Don and the girls. The girls even took the time to make me a wonderful bouquet of "weeds" to give me at the finish line.

Afterwards, we talked to friends and fellow triathletes and discussed our results. As the results were not posted, only the swim times, it was time to leave with the thought that we could check the official results on the net later. Knowing I hadn't placed in the top 3 in my age group, there was no reason to stick around. Well, to my surprise, I just checked the official results and I placed 3rd in my women's division. YEA!!!!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

3rd place in the Aquathlon...

















in my division that is. 39th overall. Hoping there was a 4th, 5th and 6th place in my division:)

Went to Howell and competed in the Independence Aquathlon. I had a great time today. There was about 100 people in this small event. I don't think many people know about it yet so I think it will soon grow. It is a 1.24 mile run (2K), 1000 meter swim and another 1.24 mile run. Completed it all in about 37 minutes.. I think. The swim was great, the run was hard. There were lots of small hill and uneven surfaces, but I conquered it all. Don and the kids came out to cheer me on. I look forward to participating again next year.


Up next, Lansing Legislature Triathlon... August 10th..

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Aquathalon

Wow, it's been a few weeks since I checked in. Time flies!!

Was supposed to do the 5K run at the zoo last weekend ,but dh did not get back in town in time. I did sign the girls up for the mini 1/2 mile sprint run and did that with them. They were so excited and even got a medal. Their 1st of many hopefully. It was nice to see them get in the active spirit.

Training is still going well. On June 9th I began a Cycling Bootcamp class at the Y. This is in addition to my regular class on Monday nights. With this boot camp class it is 1 1/2 hours of intense cycling mixed in with it is weights, cardio and core. It's pretty fun, but tough. Been working alot on the running. Ran 3 times this past week and each time ran 3.1. Even got up at 6 AM and ran one morning before work. My husband almost passed out in shock. I mapped out a route near the house that works great www.mapmyrun.com , part flat, part hills. I have also been swimming with a friend who has a house on Lake Geneva. Thanks Kathy!! It is a great lake and one time across is about 400 meters. Unfortunately I got "swimmers itch" from the lake last week and have been unable to get back in for a few days.

Next mini goal is set for July 6th, Howell Aquathalon. It's their 6th year of the event. It is a 1.2K run, 1000 meter open water swim, 1.2 K run. It sounded fun and has alot of swimming which is my strength. Still working towards the next Triathalon on August 10th.

Michelle

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Up next, August 10, 2008

Lansing Legislator Triathlon at Sleepy Hollow State Park, I am officially signed up. I am looking forward to this next challenge. It has a 500 meter swim, 20 K bike and 5 K run so it is a little longer than the one I just did. Should be fun!!!

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Photos from the big day




It was a little chilly in the morning. The water was warmer than the air.



Checking out the competition.



Ready, set, GO!!!!





That was a quick swim





Back from the bike.





Running toward that finish line.







Happy to be finished. What a great accomplishment!!










My brother John and I after the race. Nia and Elyse stand close by and happy to see their mom complete the race.






My first triathlon is complete


Wow!!! What a day. Arrived at the park at 6 AM. Was up tossing and turning at 5:30. Got the bikes racked, set up transition and mentally prepared. Also got my timing chip and the wonderful body markings, #49. It was neat to see all the different racers and their bikes and how they set up transition area. There are alot of heavy duty bikes out there.

After a little delay, we started the race around 8 :15 AM. There were a few pre race problems with the swim bouys and placement. Luckily they got that all figured out and we were on the way. I as able to start the race with my brother John. I quickly dusted him in the swim and was off to transition and the bike. There were alot of racers that didn't favor so well with the swim and I even saw one get pulled from the water. Ouch!!

Transition was quick and without any complications. The bike route went great, smoooth, a few hills and was fairly easy. My brother John quickly dusted me in the bike at mile 2 and I did not see him again until the run. Completed the bike and walked through transition into the run. I was surprised at how heavy I was breathing from the bike. As I got started on the run I had to stop for a few seconds to try and catch my breath. The run, my weakest of the three went fairly well. I had my nano tuned and ready to go.. Robert from the couch to 5 K program pulled me through for the 5 K, just like he said he would, check out http://www.coolrunnings.com/ for more info on the program. The run went well, took my legs a while to get used to the transition from the bike to run. Finally, the finish line was in sight. I was able to finish the race in 1:15. According to the results sheets I was 15th in my age group. I still need to check the final results for confirmation. John finished the race in 1:09. I was hoping for under 1:20 and he was hoping for under 1:10 so we both were thrilled. Our family was there for us at every turn. I was able to get alot of photos and will post those as well. Now, I am already focusing on the next big race. Was thinking about August 10th and the Lansing Legislature Triathlon up in Sleepy Hollow.

Saturday, May 31, 2008

The journey is almost complete

I am so excited I can't stand it!!!!I have definately met a ton of people doing this training. It's funny, I feel like I know everyone at the gym now.

Thanks to Tom who talked me into swimming again. If it was not for him just giving me that little shove I would not have fallen into this wonderful madness.

Thanks to the spin instructors who kick my @SS weekly. It's such a good sweat!!
T
hanks to Jerry who showed me how to run. Never knew there were so many mechanics that go into running. I could not run a lick in January 08.. now I can do a 5 K. Who new. Don't get me wrong though. I still do not like running, but can tolerate it now.

Thanks to all my WW friends who keep me motivated to reach my goals. You all show me daily that it is possible. I look forward to the continued journey and the next challenge.
Michelle

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Did the bike course today

This is the first time I have done it since they switched things up. It was definately harder than the original plan. A few more hills. Not steep hills, but big enough to get you breathing heavy. Still took about 40 minutes. With that said, I am hoping to pull in a final time of 1:20:00 or under. Anyone else have any predictions for themselves??

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

No wetsuits needed


Went to the park again today. The water was great. About 5-7 degrees warmer than it was last week. It is supposed to be nice the next few days so it will only get warmer. Swamback and forth for about 10 minutes and it felt great. Did a 5 K earlier in the day and also did it on Tuesday. Hoping to bike on Thursday with a little run and swim on Friday and then we are done until Sunday. I am looking forward to it. Had a hard time sleeping last night as I was already tossing and turning thinking about things. Not anxious, but excited to get it done and over with. Then what? What is the next goal.

Michelle

Monday, May 26, 2008

10 K Done

Went to South Haven for the weekend. What a great place that is. We had great weather. Rain last night for a while , but that was it.

Was proud of myself, I ended up running a 5 K on Sat and again on Sunday, without stopping!!! Yea. It seems to be getting easier.

Saw that they changed the bike course for the TRI. Just went I had the other course all mapped out they go and change it. I think the new course will be a little more challenging with a few extra hills here and there.

Planning on going to the dinner on Sat. Nice touch and I am glad they are doing that. I look forward to seeing all my TRI buddies there getting ready for the main event. Definately getting excited and also ready to get this one behind me so I can look forward to another one? Anyone else thinking about Coldwater TRI? 30o yard swim, 6 K bike and 5 K run. August 23rd is the date on that one.

Michelle

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Did the bike route again

This time with a road bike instead of a mountain bike. Wow, what a difference that made. It was a much lighter ride and much quicker. Dropped about 10 minutes off my time from the other day. Feel pretty good about the swim and bike and just continue to ignore the run portion of this whole thing. That will likely come back to haunt me.

We are off to South Haven for the weekend. I have my work out gear, bike, shoes and tri suit all packed. Hope to use all of them a few times this weekend.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

It's FREEZING

Met up with Kate and Tom and Hawk I for a swim. Tom brought me his road bike too. Tried it out and it is much lighter and seems much faster than my mountain bike. Took it home and put some different pedals on it and it is good to go. I hope to do the bike course again later this week.

Anyway, as for the lake. It's cold, but not too shocking. Hoping it will warm in the next week. The cold does hit your lungs and face and it feels better by time up numb up a bit. The lake was fairly clear and clean, not much seaweed at all which is nice. You could easily see your hands in front of you under water. Can't say that all the time about the Y. They keep that pool so HOT. Swam about 8 times back and forth between the bouys that are set up. They are about 40-50 yards between so I got a decent workout in. It is definately alot different swimming in a lake than a pool. Too bad we can't train in a lake all the time. Hope to get a few more lake swims in between now and 6/1. I recommend going out there if you can. Lifeguards are on duty and looking for customers.

Took the HOTEST shower when I got home and didn't feel the shower..

Monday.. Run and bike

After work Monday I went to Hawk I and ran around the lake. I did much better than I thought, but I did stop for a breather here and there. Ran about 2 miles and ran into one of my TRI buddies, Kate. We talked about the weather for 6/1 and how we will be lucky to have a nice day and figured we had better get into the cold lake as it will likely be cold on 6/1. Made a date for Tues 5 PM for a lake swim.

Later on Monday night I went and did my spin class. I really love this class and look forward to it each and every week. I was devestated to learn that there will be no class next week due to the holiday. I thought they were kidding me for a minute. Don't they know my race is less than two weeks away. I signed up for cycling boot camp next term at the Y. 45 minutes of spin and 30 minutes of core with Bre, the crazy cycling woman.

Bike Route

Got up early on Sunday and did the bike route. Actually, I went further than the route. It is quite flat with some small hills. Took about 45 minutes in all and there were times that I did not feel I was moving very quickly. My mountain bike is heavy and I can feel it when I ride. My training friend Tom offered his old road bike for use and I might just have to take him up on that offer. Thought about doing a "brick" work out, but that thought quickly left once I was done with the bike.

Hope everyone's training is going well.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

I finished my first 5 K


Today I completed the Komen 5 K. I am glad to report I completed it in 31:00 minutes. I was really hoping for 30 minutes, but I will take it. I must admit, I did stop about 3 different times and walked for about a minute or two. Couldn't help but think that we have all lost our minds doing this after a 400 meter swim and 10 mi bike.. That's crazy and boy oh boy that 5k is gonna hurt at the end. Needless to say, I am sore and will probably me even more sore in the AM. Back to cycling and weights tomorrow and swimming on Tuesday. Need to work on just running for 30 minutes several times a week and hopefully that will help.

Hope everyone elses training is going well.. Jess, Kathy, Linda and John.

Michelle

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Thursday

Time for spring break and it really could not come at a worse time- schedule wise. Lots of things have just popped up that we will miss in the week that we are gone. Kindergarten round up ( who the heck has this on the friday that spring breaks starts?), MSU women and their NIT final on Sat, the Korean food fest ( Sunday night at Hannah center) our student is a part of it. Also had to decline an interview for next week. I am mad about it too. Would have been a great opportunity too, but it is hard to interview if you are not here.

Great news, down to 160 and 3 lbs from goal of 157. Who knew I would get this far.

Donovan got a job with Bausch and Lomb and begins on 4/14/08 when we return.. Yea. He also messed up his knee playing basketball. Not sure why he continues to play ball already took out his ACL years ago.. I think he hurt himself more than he is leading onto as he already took the golf clubs out of the car. Not a good sign.

Hoping to do alot of beach running this week.. Have a great week.

Michelle

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Spring Break time

WOW... time flies when you are having fun. It has been along month. One week on, the next week off. Still dealing with sinus issues, etc. I have a cough that just refuses to go away. Down to our last week for this session of the TRI class. I have decided not to take the class next session and focus on doing the training on my own. I did sign up for a cycling class on Monday nights, that will force me to get the bike time in. It seems everytime I am at the Y, the bikes are always full and in use.

Been running 2.5 miles now at a decent pace. Quite happy about it really. I have decided to do the Susan Komen 5 k on April 27th, this will be my first 5 K and I am hoping to 1) finish it and 2) run the whole time with no walking. Hoping for a time of about 30 minutes.

We are headed on vacation on Thursday night. Driving to Gulf Shores, Alabama. We rented a house with two other families on the beach. It should be fun and we are looking forward to it. That drive should be painful, though. We are going to leave late Thurs night with the hopes that the kids will sleep most of the night or at least for the first 6-7 hours. Good luck. While on vacation I am hoping to do some beach running daily and some swimming.

John, how is the work out's going?

Monday, March 10, 2008

Spring is here... hopefully

Well this past week got yet another sinus infection and swimmer's ear. Ouch!!! I was able to get on some antibiotics and am finally feeling better. Did not work out last Wed, Thurs or Friday. I even missed my Thursday night TRI class. I always feel so guilty when I do not work out.

Saturday I went to did the Y and did the 7:45 weight work session. Oh my goodness, I have not been so sore in my life. I could not move on Sunday I hurt so bad. It was a great session with alot of strengthening and large muscle work.

Monday, today I ended up taking advantage of our new day light savings time and went out to Hawk Island for a outdoor run. I never have run outdoors and boy, was it a welcome relief from that treadmill. I am still working on the couch to 5 K program. Started week 6 with a 5 min run, 3 min walk, 8 min run, 3 min walk, 5 min run. It was a great work out. I was cold when I started, it was only 38 degrees. When I finished I was sweating a ton. Back to swimming on Tuesday with another small run I hope.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

Round #2 of the TRIclass/ Swim meet


Tri class #2 started up this week. Did the run/bike session and made it to 8:40 mile, down 1:05 seconds from my first run in January. Not bad. Seems like it is finally coming together. Also still working on the couch to 5 K program. Currently in week 5 and have a 20 min run ahead of me. That should be interesting. Ran on Sat. Did 3/4 mile, walk, 3/4 mile, walk, 3/4 mile. I was surprised I finished it. Felt good.

Swam in my first Masters Swim meet today. It was a hoot. Had a great time and swam well. Ended up with a :34 50 free, 1:15 100 free, ;38 50 back, 1:24 100 back. Those were definately not my old high school times, but they were good enough to get me two first place ribbons and two second place ribbons. The kids thought it was so cool that mommy got ribbons. They went home and placed them all around the house. Nia even made a sign for me saying "go mommy go". How's this for motivation, there was a 89 year old lady there swimming in the meet. She was awesome, slow, but awesome. I can only hope to be alive at 89 let alone swimming in a meet. There were alot of "older" people there still doing it. Pretty cool to see. Hoping to do another meet again soon. In the meantime, I will keep working on things.

That's all for now.

John how are you doing out there?

M

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Sick, Sick, Sick

Been a long week. Was able to run last Sunday, took Monday off. Tuesday had our last swim class for the session and then on Wed I got sick. Not sick, sick, but the sinus congestion sick. Did not do anything on Wed, stayed home from work on Thursday and laid low on Friday as well. Saturday, I finally got back to the gym. Was able to run a mile, non stop... it is getting easier and easier. I stopped at a mile and really should not have as I was not as tired as I should have been. Sunday ran another mile, this time it was harder and then swam about 1800 yards. Felt good to be in the pool again. Need to get ready for the swim meet next weekend. Thats all for now.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Way too cold out there today

but, I went to the YMCA anyway.

Ran-1.5 and walked another .5
Swam-1000

Felt good to get another work out in this weekend.

That's all for now... long week ahead of me.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

The weekend and my new bike clips

Friday- I did not work out. My legs were so sore from running the day before. A day off was needed.

Saturday-
Made plan last week to meet with some of the Master's team at Holt High School. Of course, I got there and none of my other partners were there. I ended up working out on my own. Followed the same work out I did on Tuesday, but with an added 1000 yards for a total of 2800. It felt great!!

Saturday night- took the kids up to the Y and the pool. Was able to get a 2.5 mile run in. No, I did not run all of it, but I did 2 min at 6.0 mph and 1 min off and continued. It was funny though, a few weeks ago I could not run a minute with out dying. 2 minutes felt easy... Maybe it is all coming together..

Hoping to get back up to the Y on Sunday for more.

My brother, John reassures me that he is doing well. Working his way up to 1000 yards in the pool and figuring out how to breathe. Sure would be nice if he lived closer ( he is in Grand Rapids) so we could work out together.

Got so motivated that I took my bike into the bike shop today. Got some clip pedals put on it and two water bottle holders. Also bought a bike helmet and some biking gloves. Wow, you could put a ton of $$$ into biking. I was also checking out the Tri and Road bikes. Those are amazing and alot of money. My man at the shop reassured me that my bike would be just fine for me to begin with. Now I am ready to get on the road and use it. Sure wish this snow would go away!!!

Oh yea... and the best news of all. Went to my WW meeting today. Down to 164. That puts me officially out of the Athena ( big girl division) of the Tri race... Yea!!! 7 lbs from goal.

Thursday.. dreaded running day

I look forward the bike/ run class, yet I dread every minute of it. Once I am done, I feel great. Had a great bike session. Running wise, Jerry, our coach had us working on our VO2 Max. I have no idea what it stands for , but I know it is about breathing and getting out as much CO2 and intaking as much O2 as possible. Who knew running was so technical. After our 5 min warmup we did a painful set of 5 min@ 70%, 1 min rest, 4 min @75%, 1 min rest, 3 min @ 80 %, 1 min rest, 2 min @ 90%, 1 minute rest and 1 minute @ 100%. Wow. I was glad I completed it, but it was a bear.

After class, Jerry came up to me and complimented me on how well I was doing. He also asked me how much weight I have lost over the past several weeks as he said I looked much slimmer than day 1. To my surprise, the weight has been pealing off with the added running. Lost an additional 6 lbs. Anyway, It was nice to hear I was doing good.

We only have two more weeks left of the class. I do plan on signing up again. It keeps me motivated and honest in my workouts.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Long weekend

Had a long weekend with no working out whatsoever... Women's Expo Friday night. Saturday, was WW weigh in ( down to 165) yea!!! school carnival, birthday party, sledding and a trip to Grand Rapids on Sat. Went to a friend's school aution on Sat. night. I was a great event and I got some wonderful ideas for IHM. Sunday visit family in GR and back to Lansing for a meeting with our new Korean friends. Met Bokyung and her boyfriend " Joseph". I don't remember his Korean name, but she just calls him Joseph. They were too cute and will be coming over for a visit this weekend. Then of course there was superbowl. I did well in regards to snacks, etc. It was hard to restrain, but I did it.

Got back to business on Monday. Went to Y and ran/walk for 2.25 miles. Mostly run 3 minutes and walk 1 minute and repeat. It went well

Tuesday- Swam 1800 yards in the Tri Class. Even got to run the class as Tom, the instructor was gone.

Wed- not sure what I will do on Wed, likely a day off. Have training all day and a party in the evening.

Thurs- Run/Bike Tri class..... I can feel the pain already.

M

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Couch to 5K program

Not sure if anyone has seen this program. It is all over the internet. How to get someone like me, on or from the couch to running a 5 K. I thought I would give this program a try. It's 3 days a week for 9 weeks. So, in 2 months I will be running a 5 K. Ha... we will see.

Here is the work out for this week:

5 min walk warm up
Alternate 60 sec of jogging and
90 seconds of walking for a total of 20 minutes.

Tried this today, but did not have the paperwork with me on the tread mill. I ended up doing it in reverse. Did 90 seconds running and 60 seconds walking for 20 minutes.

I was definately sweating like a pig after 20 minutes.

Thursday into the weekend

Thursdays bike/run session was a tough one. Biked for 35 minutes. She did alot of simulated race biking. Then did some tempo running for over 1.5 miles. I actually did pretty good. I was not first, but definately not last. Still have alot of running work to do. Supposed to do a 3.5 mile run this week. HA!!!

Friday- DID NOT DO A THING.. took a well needed day off

Saturday AM- 9:15 swim practice with the Master's team. Went to Holt HS. What a nice pool. It was nice and "cool" where as the YMCA is a very HOT pool. We did some serious swimming..300 warm up, 6x150's, 10x50's kick, 10x75 (50 swim/ 25 pull) then a warm down. It was a great work out. In all about 2500 yards. The most I have done in a while.

Sunday- Trying to get motivate to go to the YMCA and run. Running out of time as the kids gym is only open until 5 PM.. Better go now.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Why do runners look like they are in pain?

Because they are. Went to the Y today. Girls had swim class so I was able to go upstairs and use the treadmill. Was able to do 1 mile, non stop. I was able to get my required 3 miles in for the running coach this week. Ran on Friday, Monday and Wed. I was pretty proud of myself. Then I ran into one of the girls in my Tri class. She said we were supposed to run all 3 miles at the same time. Oops! Not possible, yet.

Have the bike/ run session tonight. Time for some burn...

Monday, January 21, 2008

Day off

Enjoyed the day off. Dropped off the kids and went to the YMCA. I was able to run 1 mile with out stopping. Yea!!. Then swam 1000 yards. Felt great. Was glad that my running is starting to come along, but still has a long way to go. Ran into Linda, my WW leader at the YMCA. She is also doing the Hawk I tri and is training for it.

Ended up going to the grocery store (with out kids) which is like heaven and then going to see the Kite Runner movie. Excellent book and good movie. Very moving and inspiring.

Headed to get the kids and then back to the YMCA for basketball class.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Spare Time and new shoes

Went to Playmakers Sidewalk sale today. Wow, they had lots of shoes. Bought some new Brooks, my first pair of official running shoes. I was anxious to break them in. Unfortunately there was no time today between work and my Pure Romance business ( in home parties for women). Had a 6 PM party on Friday night.

Went to the party and unfortunately only 5 people showed up. All smokers.. Yuck!! Made a few dollars and was out of there in less than an hour. It's amazing home much smoke 4 women can generate. It's really gross. Less than an hour and I could smell smoke all over myself. Anyway, It worked out well as I went from there directly to the YMCA. I have started just carrying all my gear in my car so I am always ready to work out if I need to, works out nice. Now there is no excuse not to work out. Friday night at the YMCA, boy has my life changed. Anyway, the machines were all empty so I was able to get on the treadmill. Ran 1 mile, walked 1/2 mile and tried to run another 1/2 mile and ended up walking most of it.

Thats all for now.

M

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Training, January 16, 2008

Was invited to meet up with some local masters swimmers. I didn't have much time so I was only able to squeeze in about 1200 yards. The pool is a 33 yard pool, it was much different that swimming in a regular 25 yard pool

200 warm up
6x50 swim
6x50 pull
6x50 kick
cool down

Then after picking up the little people "Kids" took them to their swim class at the YMCA where I :

Bike- 7.0 miles

January 16th, 2007 thoughts

First post on the blog, but just wanted to update you on my status.

Joined a Tri class at the local YMCA. On Tuesdays we swim. On Thursdays we Run and Bike.

I was a swimmer in high school a mere 17 years ago. I just got back into the water in October 2007. It definately feels great to be swimming again. I missed the training, sets, smell of chlorine. I have also hooked up with some Master's swimmers at the YMCA and am doing some training with them as well.

As for biking.. we have a stationary bike at home and I have been riding on that since last year when I started WW. I am working more on sets, hills, etc to push up that heart rate. Had the first bike/ spin class last week. Wow was that intense to actually get that butt up and off the bike. It was cool and I am looking forward to learning more about biking.

Then there is running. I don't run. In the past, in my old softball days, I ran from 1st base to 2nd base with an occassional triple in there, but that was the extent of it. Last week I ran my first mile that I can ever remember. It was painful and I completed in 9 min 45 seconds. I can definately improve in this area. My legs hurt for 3 days afterwards.

That's all for now.

Introduction


My name is Michelle and I am currenty in training for my first triathlon.
This photo to the left is what motivated me to lose weight and set a goal not only for weight loss, but to complete a triathlon.



Completing a triathlon is something that I always wanted to do, but never thought I could do. Everytime I thought about doing one, an excuse appeared and diverted me somewhere else. Usually it diverted me to the kitchen or anywhere with food. With that said, I am also a current member of Weight Watchers. I just completed one year on plan and have lost over 40 lbs. For the last 4 months I have maintained my weight with much frustration. I am hoping this additional exercise and training will put me over the edge and lose that additional 10 lbs so I can get to a wonderful 157 goal weight.. Not bad as I started at 207. Ouch!!



Triathlon date is 6/1/08, Hawk I Tri in Lansing, Michigan. I registered 1/1/08 with the resolution to complete this journey. I am not worried about time or what place I finish, but I would just like to cross that finish line. This is a sprint triathlon with a 400 meter swim, 10 mile bike and 3.2 mile run.



Forgot to metion one thing.... I don't run.. Wish me luck.



Michelle