The Happy Turtle's Journey to the Start: An Ironman Tale

For those of you that believe that you have to be sleek, slim, cut and fast to be an Ironman, think again! Some of our bodies just don’t fit that mold but we have the guts to set our intention, make a plan and see it to the end. In my heart, I believe that turtles CAN fly! The turtle society is not just challenged by fitness, but by the time limits imposed by race companies insisting we keep up with the status quo so they can get to the bars before last call. Well, I suppose there has to be a cut off or us turtles might be out there for days enjoying the sun on our backs. Some stare at the turtles on the course wondering why it even embarks on such a journey and what purpose it has. It is old, weathered, wrinkled, and slow no matter how you twist it. I just know that you can train a turtle and the turtle might teach you a thing or two along the way. We are old and wise and we have a shell that cannot be broken. We want a taste of victory just like our other friends. I cannot find another creature that I am most like. Join me on my journey from start to end to help the Happy Turtle win again!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

I Survived my first TRACK WORKOUT. And the gun goes off, let the training begin!

January 18th....my first official day of training with racelab.  Wednesday mornings are track work.  I have not done track work since about 1997, the year I got married and decided I needed to run a marathon before my wedding to help get me in shape for the big event. (needless to say, I ran about 7 marathons in a 2 year period around that time including 1 on my honeymoon in Maui).  Since that time, I have been running on and off around injuries and chronic pain so I have avoided the track.  I am not yet really sure what the purpose of the track workout is for me as it helps you get stronger and faster.....but I just need to go longer.  I am sure there is a good reason.  We did Tempo Runs today where we ran off and on for 4 minutes, rest 2 in between times 5 with a warm up and cool down.  The first one was supposed to be at a comfortable pace and then the remainder a little bit faster than that.  What you think is comfortable the first time becomes more challenging and especially with other runners in front and behind you.  All and all, I thought I might lose last nights supper, but I got through it with minimal discomfort or displeasure.  It was actually kind of fun and I look forward to a month from now when I hope to be 10 lbs lighter and a little faster.

When I got home, I did a 20 mile bike ride.  I have not received my official schedule, so I have not figured out how I am going to get all my mileage in now that I am adding workouts with the racelab team.  Watch out world, the turtle is coming out of her shell.
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