had so much fun!!! I just love triathlon. I PRed my best run time by like 4 minutes. had a total blast. will write about it later when my chores are all done. one of my running buds, peggy, did the run section as part of a relay. she took my beloved gary fisher home with her, along with matching helmet, and cute keen spd clip in sandals--she is going to train to do her first triathlon in a month or so.
several folks have not seen me since this race last year---everyone thinks I have lost this massive amount of scale weight since last year, when really it is only 15 pounds. amazing to me what building muscle can do! I felt very comfortable racing in a bathing suit and sports bra for the first time ever. used the skirt with snap in race number for the bike and the run.
I am just loving the fact that these triathlons used to be something I had to train specifically for--using a plan and everything. now I have the kind of fitness that allows me to just jump in and do them at any time. I totally didn't set any speed records, but I had a complete blast!
on my stove right now, a big pot of buffalo chili, cajun chicken saute with buffalo andouille sausage and brown rice. when those are done, I will saute some fresh brussel sprouts--doing them with my signature lemon/balsamic glaze. everything will get portioned and in the freezer.
am wild about this farro pasta these days, and also this white pasta that looks like a thick spaghetti, but it is hollow inside! mmm, really does a good job of absorbing sauces.
am also considering a bean dip using cannelinni beans, rosemary from jay's garden, lemon and olive oil. probably a touch of maple even. mmm. could be great on a wheat tortilla with spinach and shredded jicama.
goodday! am getting ready to drive over to my new swim team venue. this coach has a great reputation. I know him from triathlon, so we shall see.
busy day ahead!
Wow new swim coach rules! He specializes more in building fundamentals and stroke work. My former coach specializes in competitive swimming. I got a lot out of the workout today. My breathing and balance in the water felt much better. Both of these things will help my running. Scott understands my goals for the year and will build my workouts around things that improve fitness. As a triathlete himself, he gets what runners need from swimming. Monday am is slow, only three of us, so I got a lot of personal attention. And he totally thinks my Boston goal is doable this year.
Am munching the best sammich, local whole wheat bread, boars head londonport beef, Spanish pork, tomato vodka mustard, sun dried tomato strips. Golden delicious apple. Tall nonfat latte with added protein. Yum!!!!! I.luv.food.
I’ve been thinking about math lately. A lot. Runners tend to get caught up in the math of it all. average pace, mile splits, weekly distance. Marathon runners often experience acute exacerbations of math-mania. Since the average marathon training plan lasts 4-6 months, we have a lot of time to for mathobsession. We can even use prediction tables to predict our marathon finishing time based on shorter races. Or the infamous time-machine table that will tell you how fast you could have run a specific distance if you had run it during your prime running years.
When you really think about it, running and math are a natural combo. After all, as runners, we are measured by how fast we reach the finish line. Running is a fairly all or nothing venture—you cross the line before your competitor or you don’t. You meet your time goal or you don’t. So no big surprise that we tend to get a little numbers crazy.
As I reflect on some of the reasons I was attracted to running, I have to admit, one of the big reasons is the safety I feel with objective numbers. My fascination with all things scientific and predictable goes way back to high school, where I was a member of the Math Club AND the Brain Bowl. So no big surprise that running was my solution of choice to my newly discovered disease of Adult Onset Athleticism. As a proud aunt of a competitive dancer turned competitive cheerleader, I have witnessed first hand how the more subjective sports operate. How many times have I seen Bre or her team deliver a flawless routine, with few technical errors, only to be voted down by a judge on an elusive, ill-defined “style” category? Too bad for your team, coach, you picked a song that happened to be playing when the judge found out her husband was doing some playing of his own. That judge wasn’t seeing execution of style, she was planning another execution of sorts.
My own experience with less math-obsessed sports was short lived, but very powerful. Last year, I was trying to transform my body. As a result of my work with Precision Nutrition, JP Fitness, and a lot of support from some good friends, I became leaner and more fit than ever. One of my assignments during my time with Precision Nutrition was to meet a new fit friend. I had been enjoying Chelle’s spin class at my local gym for a number of months prior to the assignment. I didn’t know Chelle really well, other than to know that she was around my same age, and therefore, picked great spinning music. I knew that she participated in adventure races. What I didn’t know until my assignment, was that Chelle had also dropped more than 80 pounds and was successfully maintaining that loss. We were both at a place in our weight loss and fitness where we were searching for that elusive “what comes next.” We had numerous conversations about how to take our physiques and our fitness to the next level. Our gym is owned by an IFBB pro judge and his wife, an IFBB pro fitness competitor. They hold monthly seminars for figure competitors, and women from all over the country covet those spots to work with our gym owners. Chelle and I posed the question, “what if we do the figure competitor program just to see how far we could push ourselves, physically and aesthetically?” Neither of us really wanted to be on stage exactly, but we sort of had our own Barbizon moment-“Be a Figure Competitor. Or Just Look Like One.”
So Chelle and I took the PN assignment one step closer. We each agreed to independently evaluate the figure competitor lifestyle, compare notes, and decide the next course of action. For my part, I talked to several women in my age range who were actively competing. I asked them every conceivable question about training, eating, hair, makeup, stilettos. I even took a private pilates session from an ex-pro-bodybuilder who puts on a local show every year. I left no stone unturned. Chelle did the same.
I have to admit, I was intrigued. I particularly admired how these women felt so present and confident in their physical bodies. Even though they were working out, they took extra care in choosing flattering athletic clothing. I realized that I had allowed this part of myself to become dormant during the years that I spent in an obese body. As I looked down at my baggy drape of a t-shirt and standard, old-school phys-ed issue gym shorts, I realized that as I was gaining weight, I started treating myself poorly. I refused to spend money on stylish clothes, workout or otherwise, because I was convinced that I didn’t deserve them until I reached some ideal weight or size on a chart. I decided right then and there to start treating myself as if I were a figure competitor already. Even though I was still well above the level of body fat that would be stage-appropriate, I decided to start acting as if I were already there. I found cute workout attire that flattered the body I was in at that time. Funny thing, I actually started behaving differently. I remember the first time I saw a line of demarcation in my delts—I was wearing one of my new, body-conscious figure-girl tanks. I was doing those YTWL things on a bench, and I saw my arms in motion. At first, I didn’t even realize that the reflection was mine. You can’t get light bulb moments like this in a baggy t-shirt.
So I went back to Chelle, excited at the prospect. So far, my experience with the figure girls was a home run! I was so excited about reconnecting to my inner glamour girl, and I was all but ready to sign up for the camp. But Chelle challenged me. She had also done her homework.We both agreed that the training sounded fantastic! What self-respecting jock wouldn’t become delighted at the prospect of working with one of the most respected fitness IFBB pros in the country? Chelle’s main issue was the nutrition. When we compared notes, we realized that all of the competitors that we talked to were indulging in nutrition plans that were not exactly compatible with optimal health. The clincher for Chelle was how she was going to explain her nutrition plan to her ten year old daughter. I realized that I was indulging in some selective hearing when I was talking to those women. I heard all about the clothes, the makeup, the style, the bikinis, the shoes, the training. But I had conveniently blocked out the restrictive dieting part. And the time I saw one of them face down in a large bag of Lay’s the day after her competition. The more I investigated, the harder time I had finding a mentor that did not engage in dieting behaviors that restricted entire categories of foods for extended periods of time. Chelle was right. Did I want to role model restrictive dieting for my niece? When I really assessed the nutrition plans with my scientist’s eye, I saw large gaps in essential nutrients. Depriving my 45 year old joints of essential nutrition did not feel any more respectful than re-loading those same joints with the 80 pounds of fat I had lost. When I considered how success is measured in the world of figure competition, I realized that I didn’t want to put in all of the tough effort into training for a sport, only to have the competition be solely based on what someone else thinks is attractive on a woman’s body.
Needless to say, I decided to channel my math madness into splits on the track instead of grams of carbohydrate or the size of my waist. But my time with the figure girls was not wasted. I returned to the track in cute, figure flattering workout gear. I carried myself with the attitude of the figure competitor. I de-frumped my wardrobe. I even bought a pair of stilettos!
But I didn’t need those stilettos to compete this past weekend. On Saturday, I ran 11 fast miles with my pace group, in a royal blue and black running skirt designed for long distance racing with matching royal blue fuel belt, and royal blue lace locks in my running shoes. When I clicked off the GPS as we returned to the start of our route, my team-mates were only concerned about our overall pace, and not at all worried that I was looking a little soft so close to my competition the next day. On Sunday, I raced a sprint triathlon in a lime green tattoo print racing suit with matching skirt and snap in race number for the bike and the run. As I sprinted toward the finish, the race clock didn’t automatically add 2 minutes because my abs weren’t visible.
I realize that there are healthy figure competitors and unhealthy figure competitors, just as there are healthy runners and unhealthy runners. But at the end of the day, my presence at the Boston Marathon in April 2010 is not dependent on somebody’s subjective assessment of my fitness. My ability to line up at that start line in Hopkinton and run 26.2 miles to Boston is all about the math. So if you happen to catch the Boston Marathon on television, look for me. I’ll be the runner with the royal blue running skirt and the thousand watt smile. If the camera happens to zoom in, you might even see me suck in my abs and throw my shoulders back. But you won’t see stilettos until the after party.
wanted to let my fellow forum friends in on a secret. Bariatriceating.com. They have new, ready to drink protein lattes and some new protein powders. I just ordered the variety pack of lattes, the peanut butter cookie powder, and the ice cream sandwich powder. All of it has splenda, but I think I will have to have a momentary lift of the splenda ban to indulge. Nearly six years of working with hundreds of successful post ops has it's perks!
Oh and susan marias cancun chili mix makes the best chili. I used it in the buffalo chili from Sunday. I added a few things of my own. Fantastic. Not too heavy on the cumin like so many chili mixes.
And for Cajun fans, the penzeys Cajun spice was great with the chicken/buffalo andouille sausage stir fry. I added a bit of fennel seed, some coriander and Cajun mustard too. Yum
ok, so I may have turned a major corner in the world of track workouts. it is 90 effin degrees, and more than 90 percent humidity, so I wasn't really optimistic today. but I had my biggest meal for breakfast, a yummy thai chicken post weights with frank. a very light lunch at noon--cottage cheese, greek yogurt, agave syrup and walnuts. then nothing until 530. big huge gallon igloo cooler jug with ice and a bit of water. we did a warmup than 4 sets of 400/800 for a total of 3 hard miles. between each set, we got water, so I put ice down my bra and under my hat. amazing how quickly that allowed my heart rate to drop, and just seemed to keep me mentally focused as well. this is the very first track workout that I didn't have to convince myself to stay there after a few laps. my fitness is clearly improving, and my ability to tolerate heat is improving. all good. I can't wait for the weather to get cold in the fall. all of this heat training will allow my team-mates and I to kick total ass when we get to our marathon in november. oh, and I wasn't going to race this saturday, but I succumbed to peer pressure--I will be racing a 10k saturday. it is on the beach, so in sand, in the heat. it is a tough race, and very difficult to run a fast time on this course. but I will push it out and see what I have.
just discovered chia seeds. apparently the aztecs used them to fuel distance running. can't hurt--sprinkled them on whole wheat toast with earth balance spread. minestrone soup with fresh parmesan. that was all I could stomach after track. I had my post recovery bar, so I had my carbs and protein immediately after.
oh, and the inbody 320 says I have GAINED 0.5 pounds of DRY LEAN MASS over the past 6 weeks. this bioimpedence factors hydration issues into the equation too. I did this while running 30 miles a week! funny thing is, my body actually looks like I have put on lean mass, so I don't think this result is a lie. clothes fit great, even the jeans I bought with jill fit even a bit better than when we bought them. as much as I would prefer to be in the low 140s, I think my natural tendency is to slowly put on lean and take off fat, at least at this stage and with this level of training. not complaining!!!
julie, that would be fantastic! my qualifying marathon is november this year, so, yes, I totally plan on being there!
today is my half day for patients. I will see patients in the morning, then work on some last minute touches for my 19 new students-orientation is tomorrow. then off to SHOP!!! need some summer work clothes. none from last summer fit. my delts and lats are just so massive. maybe I need to shop in a bodybuilder store!
jane, I have not one doubt that you are recomping--you are getting stronger with your lifts for sure, and that is such a good sign.
I wish we could run track in the early morning. I run best then, and it isn't so hot, but we run on the college track, so our slotted time is tuesday at 530p. the track bakes all day in the florida sun just for us!! I actually feel fantastic as soon as it is done. I just take it one lap at a time, fortunately, 3 miles of it is over pretty quickly.
So great to read your log! I can't completely relate to having any experience with subjective sports (lack of gracefulness would be an understatement), but I can totally relate to the objective. Even though I am not training or have any intentions of any running races in the near future, I always am crazy about the numbers. Ingrained early on. I always know where every mile and half mile is on my route and am constantly thinking about my mile pace...even for my 4 measly miles
I also agree with what you say about clothing and appearance. As a teen I always wore big t-shirts because I was self conscious about being so skinny (ha! those were the days) and continued to wear baggy clothes for running and working out until recently. I started feeling more comfortable in my body and decided why not at the gym, too? It is a confidence booster. I am still all about comfort but have been finding more comfortable form fitting stuff lately.
excellent!! Mini summit on patriots day in Boston! I am determined to make it. I will post as soon as I can after crossing the finish. If that clock says 4:00:59 or faster, we will totally have a jp fitness forumite celebration in Boston for anyone who wants to make the trip. I appreciate SO much the support I have received here. There is absolutely no question that I would not be in the condition I am in now without you guys. Watching everyone reach their goals, learning from the collective knowlege and experience of the forum members- simply priceless.
You go girl. And very true about treating yourself well by wearing nice clothes.. here I'm like Karla. No matter how easy it is to find neat clothes, shopping for clothes remains a dreadful chore.
As for diets.. well, there's a lot to be said for eliminiating trigger foods if those foods are bothersome (food intolerances etc.).. the main reasons for the post-competition binges that often follow isn't so much the extreme restriction of food groups, it's the extreme calorie restriction on its' own vs. the extreme discipline needed to stay focused. After coming off such an extreme diet , most people tend to go on a binge.
Thanks espi! Yah whether it is restriction of calories, restriction of food groups, or a combo of all of it, the diet/binge rollercoaster just doesn't seem like it would be a direct path to optimal wellness.
Wendy, I don't know about Boston.....between Vegas, The Arnold, The Summit....all within the first months of the year.....I don't think I can fit Boston in, too! But, I'll be there in spirit!
I know jane! I am not taking any vacation for a while to save up, which actually works out well for my students. Each of these vacays are long weekends, so I can swing it. Of course you will be there in spirit. On my blog, I wrote about my 5k PR at the local speedway. When the cars race, teammates will sometimes push eachother to victory-literally bumper to bumper. When I wrote about feeling the push from friends/mentors, you were definitely one of the people that I was thinking about when I wrote that. Your work ethic is second to none, and your challenge photos were definitely a push for me in the right direction. I am leaner and faster as a result! Good teammates inspire the best in eachother. So yeah, you will totally be with me in that run! Vegas and Arnold will be total chillax time, though, so those are the key ones!
such a successful shopping trip! found a cute maxi skirt that will be perfect for friday night reception with the new medical students. and a shirt that will be great with my new jeans for saturday night out to an art gallery then dinner
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