Filed under: challenge, fitness, goals, resolutions, running | Tags: challenge, Duathlon, fitness, goals, monkey bars, Obstacle course, obstacle courses, running, sports, Tough Mudder, Trail running
For those who don’t know . . . Tough Mudder events are “hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie.” Check it out here: http://toughmudder.com/
And I did it!
Yes, 12 miles and 22 obstacles later, I crossed the finish line in Whistler, BC and am keen to go again!
If you know anything about my last year, I quit my VP sales job to stay home with my two boys and gave up running at the same time. I started going to ballet again in January and have done 2 fitness events this year without any training (a Duathlon and a 10km trail run). I didn’t train because I signed up the night before and wanted to “see if I can do it.” Signing up for Tough Mudder was another challenge to my self. Could I do it? Would I be able to finish? It was also an attempt to conquer my claustrophobic fears and tackle the panic I experience when I have to swim any real distance.
So my long-time friend and I signed up. We had good intentions to train, but life got in the way. Knowing I needed to, I sporadically practiced doing the monkey bars at my son’s school and was feeling pretty good that I was the only mommy who could do them (try it – they’re hard!). My team-mate didn’t train either. He had sinus surgery 3 weeks before the event and was not allowed to do any heavy-lifting or cardio. We were both pretty nervous going into the event.
Luckily for us, the stars were aligned – our assigned start time was 8:30am, the weather was cooperative and we managed to get ourselves to the event site on time (along with 15,000 other Mudders-to-be). Despite being in the mountains, it wasn’t too cold and it didn’t rain! Bag check, snack, souvenir shopping, bathroom break and it was time to start, but to get to the Start line . . . we had to climb our first wall!
Once inside the starting gates, I soon realized that this was unlike any sporting event I had ever participated in; no longer was it me against other runners or even me against the clock. Suddenly, the teams and groups of people became our allies and we were in it together.
Of all the obstacles, the ones I was most afraid of turned out to be tolerable! I swam through slushy, muddy, ice water, forced myself to crawl through several (sometimes dark) tunnels, waded knee-deep in mud, crawled on my belly and hauled myself over walls. I even survived the electric shocks. The only obstacle that kicked my butt was the monkey bars which I knew was going to be tough. At twice the distance I practiced and on an incline to the mid-point then a decline to the end; the monkey bars were the last real obstacle before running through the electric shocks. After what seemed like an eternity trying to decide which hand to begin with, I started across. About one-third of the way, my hand slipped and I lost momentum, but regained my grip only to slip off at the top – yes, I made it to the middle and then fell, splashing into the water below.
With the mud rinsed from my clothes, I caught my breath, joined my teammate and dodged electrical wires to cross the finish line where I received my coveted orange Tough Mudder headband and a complimentary beer.
Sure, I’d do it again; I might even train next time.
************************
I recently made a video for a class I was taking and thought I’d share it here; please don’t judge my first attempt at video-editing!
Now are you motivated to try it?
Filed under: challenge, fitness, goals, resolutions, running | Tags: challenge, Duathlon, fitness, goals, Obstacle course, running, sports, Tough Mudder, Trail running
For those who don’t know . . . Tough Mudder events are “hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie.” Check it out here: http://toughmudder.com/
And I did it!
Yes, 12 miles and 22 obstacles later, I crossed the finish line in Whistler, BC and am keen to go again!
If you know anything about my last year, I quit my VP sales job to stay home with my two boys and gave up running at the same time. I started going to ballet again in January and have done 2 fitness events this year without any training (a Duathlon and a 10km trail run). I didn’t train because I signed up the night before and wanted to “see if I can do it.” Signing up for Tough Mudder was another challenge to my self. Could I do it? Would I be able to finish? It was also an attempt to conquer my claustrophobic fears and tackle the panic I experience when I have to swim any real distance.
So my long-time friend and I signed up. We had good intentions to train, but life got in the way. Knowing I needed to, I sporadically practiced doing the monkey bars at my son’s school and was feeling pretty good that I was the only mommy who could do them (try it – they’re hard!). My team-mate didn’t train either. He had sinus surgery 3 weeks before the event and was not allowed to do any heavy-lifting or cardio. We were both pretty nervous going into the event.
Luckily for us, the stars were aligned – our assigned start time was 8:30am, the weather was cooperative and we managed to get ourselves to the event site on time (along with 15,000 other Mudders-to-be). Despite being in the mountains, it wasn’t too cold and it didn’t rain! Bag check, snack, souvenir shopping, bathroom break and it was time to start, but to get to the Start line . . . we had to climb our first wall!
Once inside the starting gates, I soon realized that this was unlike any sporting event I had ever participated in; no longer was it me against other runners or even me against the clock. Suddenly, the teams and groups of people became our allies and we were in it together.
Of all the obstacles, the ones I was most afraid of turned out to be tolerable! I swam through slushy, muddy, ice water, forced myself to crawl through several (sometimes dark) tunnels, waded knee-deep in mud, crawled on my belly and hauled myself over walls. I even survived the electric shocks. The only obstacle that kicked my butt was the monkey bars which I knew was going to be tough. At twice the distance I practiced and on an incline to the mid-point then a decline to the end; the monkey bars were the last real obstacle before running through the electric shocks. After what seemed like an eternity trying to decide which hand to begin with, I started across. About one-third of the way, my hand slipped and I lost momentum, but regained my grip only to slip off at the top – yes, I made it to the middle and then fell, splashing into the water below.
With the mud rinsed from my clothes, I caught my breath, joined my teammate and dodged electrical wires to cross the finish line where I received my coveted orange Tough Mudder headband and a complimentary beer.
Sure, I’d do it again; I might even train next time.
Interested??
Filed under: cycling, fitness, goals, gratitude, running | Tags: challenge, cycling, Duathlon, exercise, fitness, goals, gratitude journal, Mountain bike, multisport, padded shorts, Physical fitness, resolutions, running, spin class, sports, training
After “quitting” running last fall, I have taken up ballet following a 20 year hiatus and started Dailey Method classes to get my muscles toned, but I’ve been missing the cardio high I used to get from running. The spinning classes I’d like to attend are so popular that I seldom manage to secure a spot so I dragged my old mountain bike out of storage. I haven’t ridden my bike since my 5 1/2 year old was in my womb! So I rode with the kids and felt good – keep in mind they’re not going far or fast so this is no indication of my physical fitness.
While dropping my bike off for a tune-up, I saw a flyer for a local triathlon/duathlon and stuck it in my purse. A few days later, I found it again and asked my husband “how long do you think it would take me to bike 20km?” I mapped out a 10km route and hopped on my bike; at a leisurely pace it took me about 30 minutes. Good? Bad? I have no idea; I just know it didn’t hurt. Knowing I could easily run 5km, I figured I’d challenge myself to this duathlon – the distances were reasonable: 5km run – 20km bike – 5km run.
I would casually mention the event to people and gauge its difficulty by their reaction and their level of physical fitness. One friend said it’s very well-organized and I shouldn’t have any trouble at all. A gal from my book club told me she did the triathlon at the same event and the cycle route is “uphill both ways” but again, encouraged me to go for it. I looked to my husband for reassurance that I could do it and wasn’t crazy to try.
And then I signed up.
One week prior to race day.
I know better; you’re supposed to train for an athletic event or race. I’ve run marathons, half-marathons and completed two sprint-tri’s. But I haven’t done a duathlon before and, on a whim, signed up a week before the event. Obviously, this means I didn’t train enough, but . . . my goal was to finish.
Except . . . I forgot about daylight savings time the night before so when I set out at 9:30 to head up to the race site, I was already running an hour behind! With my adrenaline already pumping, I “warmed up” and rushed to the Start line. After a few course rules were reviewed our race officially started. The 5km run was easy, an out-and-back that was scenic enough to keep me interested without any real hills. I was on track to meet my goal of 30 minutes and got myself through the transition to my bike in a leisurely fashion. I even changed my shoes so I could clip-in to my pedals – every bit counts, right?
The bike was a double loop of reasonably flat out and back. I found myself relaxed in the saddle, enjoying the scenery, I counted 5 bald eagles overhead and then as I was passed by 2 people I had passed while running, realized, I should focus. As I embarked on my second lap, I was a little envious of all the people on their road bikes. They made it seem effortless whereas I could feel my suspension absorb just a little of every pedal. Or perhaps, they had trained for this race?
Coming around the final loop to the water station, I spotted a kid that looked like my eldest, then my husband, and finally my little guy. Is there anything better than being cheered on by your family? I actually tear up when I see other families en route, even though they’re not there for me! I was overjoyed. Stopped my bike for some slobbery kisses and encouraging hugs and then pedaled away to the transition zone to run the last 5km. Which were a little harder. Somehow there seemed to be more uphill. But I finished without injury or tears.
Later that night, checking the race results, I was thrilled to see that I beat my goal time of “under 2 hours” by a couple of minutes. 27:50 – 1:00:48 – 29:06 for a total of 1:57:42.69
I didn’t finish last overall as I had feared I might, but I was slowest in my division. Perhaps next time I’ll train.
Filed under: cycling, fitness, life, running | Tags: cycling, fitness, padded shorts, running, spectacular views, spin class
No really. It is.
Today I finally got my bike out and went for a ride. This may not sound like a big deal to many people, but it has been 6 years since I’ve used my bike! I know this because, my eldest is 5 1/2 now and the last time I was out on my bike, I was six months pregnant!
I can come up with plenty of excuses, but they are all pretty lame. I’ve had two kids and a full-time job. Life took over. My biking partner no longer gets out either (my husband!). The truth is, running was just easier. I didn’t mind the rain and there was limited gear involved. But now that I’ve lost my running mojo (I’ve run once since that post and actually enjoyed it) I need to find another form of cardio and what better than to do something I used to love!
So with a little coaxing (ok, maybe a lot) from my husband, I finally got my butt into some padded shorts, strapped my helmet on and hit the road.
And “they” are right! It just comes back. Once you know how, you don’t forget!
I even enjoyed myself despite the fact that my bike is in desperate need of a tune-up and I couldn’t use my largest gear. 45 minutes of relatively flat terrain, pavement to the beach and then gravel along the shore – no rain, no pain. Truly spectacular views of the ocean and the mountains. I’m reminded just how lucky I am to live in a great city with access to the great outdoors – I should get out there.
Now for the new fitness routine . . . ballet and biking? Sounds like a good fit. If I can’t hack the rain, there’s always a spin class!
Filed under: fitness, goals, resolutions, running | Tags: cycling, dance class, fitness, running, spin class
It’s official – I bailed! For the first time ever, I withdrew from a race.
Months ago, I registered for a 1/2 marathon which was scheduled for last Sunday and I only trained half-heartedly for it. Normally, the act of registering for an event is enough to keep me motivated, but this time, something changed. Even when I woke up early enough to get out the door, I would find a handful of other things that took priority (which doesn’t include going back to sleep). I asked some of my “running” friends for their opinion: “Would you run a half marathon without proper training?” Most of them replied “Yes, depending on how much running I’ve been doing.”
In this case, close to none. I’ve lost interest. I’m bored with the scenery on my “routes” and am lacking initiative to come up with new routes. My music is bringing me down; I’m tired of the same old songs and playlists.
This has never happened to me before, but as I thought about it and chatted with friends, I have come to realize that it’s time to shake things up. I’ve been a “runner” for as long as I can remember. But I used to also have time to ski, mountain bike, practice yoga, take aerobics classes, hike, and dance. Perhaps this is what is missing? Diversity?
After countless minutes of research (it’s hard to find hours for this task before the family wakes up), I have determined that I need some new music on my iPod and a new cardio workout which either occurs before the kids are up or after my husband returns from work OR offers childminding. Enter spin class and dancing!
I am really excited about returning to dance in particular. I am registering for a weekly ballet class and, as fate would have it, purchased a Groupon yesterday for 10 drop-in classes at a local dance studio where I’ll be able to try out some other dance styles.
Plus, indoor cycling at spin class is not only a great workout, but it will get me in shape for hitting the trails come spring and potentially for that pesky Olympic distance triathlon that sits on my 40 Before 40 list!
Progress report pending . . .
Filed under: cycling, family, fitness, ideas, life, running, travel | Tags: cycling, family, fitness, ideas, life, running, travel
I love watching “The Tour” (as we refer to it in our house). The excitement, the competition, the scenery, and the tension. Before my husband and I were married, I knew little about the Tour de France – it’s a bike race in France, right? But in 2004, while eloping in Italy, I was stuck in a road block caused by the Giro D’Italia passing through a quaint hillside Tuscan village. And a Tour de France fan was born.
This is the 98th year of the Tour and over a 3 week period the best road cyclists in the world will cover a total distance of 3,430.5 kms (roughly 2132 miles). Can you think of any physical activity that you could maintain day after day for 3 weeks? You can actually watch them get leaner as the weeks go on. Having run several marathons, I cannot imagine going out again the next day, and the next again to do it all over again! 
So, you’re asking yourself now, what kind of personal Tour de France have I embarked on? No, I’m not getting keen in to road cycling – in fact, I was on my mountain bike last week with my 4 1/2-year-old son for the first time since he was in my belly!
I have decided to celebrate the Tour by sampling French wines! Yes, while they race toward Paris enduring blood, sweat, and tears, I am going to sip French wine with my husband while watching the most recent PVR’d stage.
It’s not easy staying on top of this race. Each day there are at least 4 hours of footage to get through and I have two kids and a limited ability to stay awake past 9pm. But I’m addicted. And I’m trying some new wines. Does it get any better?
Sadly, I didn’t make any tasting notes on the bottles we’ve tried (that would distract me from watching the race), but I did jot down their names and can say that I enjoyed each one.
Paul Mas Estate, Syrah Viognier, Nicole Vineyard 2008
Croix du Mayne Cahors, Eleve en fut de chene, 2008
Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Cuvee les deux Papis, 2006, Alex Gambal
Les Costes, Nobles Terres, Cotes Du Rhone, 2008
By the way, here’s the link to the Tour website in case you are interested:
http://www.letour.fr/us/homepage_horscourseTDF.html
There is a lot to learn and I’m still pausing the race to ask questions (or top up my glass), but I highly recommend recording the early morning version with Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen as commentators – they are great!
Cheers!
Filed under: family, fitness, ideas, kids, life, running | Tags: family, fitness, ideas, kids, life, organized, running
What a great way to start the day – going for a run on a glorious, sunny, but not-yet-hot morning.
As I lay in bed contemplating my plans for the day, my husband said “are you going for a run?” My response? “I don’t think so, I’ve got too much to do before the kids get up – I’ll go later – you go get ready for work.” How I miss the freedom of being able to just go whenever I want, but with children, work and projects, I always find excuses. A moment later, still lying in bed, I heard the footfall of a runner passing my house. Then my runner’s envy crept in. That was all the motivation I needed. My husband said “are you sure?” Next, I was up and dressed and out the door.
It was 6:30 a.m. as I hit the sidewalk; with great music in my ears I started running. My running playlist is varied; sometimes I don’t really hear it at all. Other times I rely heavily on the music to keep me going. Today I was keenly aware of the scent of flowers as the day began, the lack of cars on the streets, and the view of the mountains against the blue sky. How lucky I am!
To live in this beautiful city. To be able to run. To be healthy. To be alive.
mypostcardsfromhome 