Avail Alliance (2009) - 2010 Bikes | Giant Bicycles | Canada

Avail Alliance (2009) - 2010 Bikes Giant Bicycles Canada

Happy New Year.. 2009

Where has the time gone? One minute it is August, then it is January. Yikes. Happy New Year to all.

Been spending the day trying to figure out what I want to accomplish in the coming year.
A 10 K, an Olympic triathlon? I am very excited to be here in 2009 having just reached my Weight Watchers goal on 12/24/08. YEA... Almost a two year journey and I look back at how much my life an physical activity has changed. Who knew?

I have still been training, but not at the levels as I once was. Been spending most of my time cycling and doing more and more running since that is my weakness. Looking at 2009, this is what I have planned so far with a few 5K runs in between the madness.

May 9, 5/3rd run, Grand Rapids...10K
May 31, Hawk Island Triathlon, Lansing
June 28, She Rocks Triathlon, Waterloo/Jackson area
July 5, Howell Aquathon, Howell
August 9, Lansing Legislature Triathlon, Sleepy Hollow-----OLYMPIC DISTANCE EVENT!!!!

Thats all for now.

Michelle

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!!!!

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..

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

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!!!

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.

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

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??

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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?

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.