Just doing my thang..

It's been a while since I wrote on here so I figured I'd jot a few things down that's been on my mind.  For the past few weeks I've been doing my typical training with my triathlon coach...lots of running, biking, and swimming.  Today I was able to swim 2000 meters while only taking two short breaks of about 15-20 seconds.  That says a lot considering the first time I ever swam after deciding to train for triathlons, I could barely swim 50 meters.  It's such an awesome feeling when you're able to see that kind of progression in yourself.  Moments like that are what help keep me going and continue to press forward towards my goals.  Today's workout was the first one in a while that's left me completely exhausted.  I biked for 1.5 hours and ran for 45 minutes this morning before work and this evening I went to the YMCA and swam 2000 meters.  I've had some people lately come up to me and ask about my training.  A lot of them say things like, "Oh, I could never do a triathlon. I'm not in any kind of shape to do that."  The truth is YOU CAN.  You can achieve whatever goal you want in life.  YOU are the only person that can stop yourself.  I love the quote, "I used to run with doubt.  Now, she can't keep up."  Leave the doubt and negativity behind and go for your goals!  It may take you a while to achieve them but trust me, the work and dedication you put into it make the finish so much sweeter.  I can't tell you enough how motivating it is when someone tells me that I inspire them to get out and train.  To be inspired is one thing but to inspire is a whole new level of motivation. There's only two weeks left until my next triathlon.  I'm getting super pumped about it because I've been training more and now that I've already done a triathlon, I have a better feel of what to expect.  I am so thrilled that I have decided to pick up this sport.  It keeps me on my toes and challenges me daily.  I hope you all find your passion and may it inspire you to be a better you inside and outside of your training. 

Happy weekend training to everyone :)

Let's get this started

Hello my name is Lindsay and I was invited by Meaghan, my sister, to join the blog. I, like the other Belles, love working out. About 14 years ago I started running with my Dad and I've been hooked since. I took a few years off but have gotten back into it heavily here in the past year. On May 26 I did the craziest race ever...the Original Mud Run. I ran with Meaghan and Ashley and we had a blast. It was a 10k mud run with 30 military style obstacles along the route. After signing up for the race I was excited but of course you have the haters that come around and do what they do best telling you how you can't do it for whatever reason. Guess what..I showed them....they were the reason I busted my butt preparing for that day and might I say we did pretty good time wise on race day. So now on my agenda I have a relay triathlon in October that I'm doing with my Dad and Meaghan AND I will be running in my first 15k two weeks following. I'm very excited if you can't tell!! My goal is to do a half marathon by 2013..we shall see!!

You can do more than you ever imagined...

Rather than shortening this into more than one post, I decided to put it all together.  Be prepared!  This has definitely been a week of memorable workouts for me, and I know it will only get better from here!

Balance

My trainer really focuses on improving my balance and strengthening my core.  Before working with her, I would definitely call myself clumsy and say that I had no balance, and may people would agree.  I’ve spent many workouts frustrated and wanting to cry because I have a really hard time doing some of the balance exercises.  Monday was the best work out ever!  My trainer straight up told me I was not going to be happy with her because of all of the balance exercises we were doing.  But I truly surprised myself and left there with a huge smile on my face!  I did squat thrusters on top of this piece of equipment used for balance and didn’t fall off.  I think she was surprised as much as I was.  I was able to do all of my hops.  With hops, I stand on one leg and hop back and forth over a line on the ground…trying to keep my balance as long as I can.  I’m learning that if I control my movements (my arms specifically), then my balance is much better.  No flopping my arms all over the place!  There was another balance exercise that I’ve been showing to everyone.  I wish I could explain it on here…maybe I’ll take a picture later.  Either way…if you keep working hard, you’ll get better…so don’t give up!!

Food

I make a protein smoothie every morning for breakfast.  It’s an easy way to get my calories in and protein as well.  My diet is pretty simple – my trainer has me eating 65% carbohydrates, 20% protein and 15% fat.  It’s been an adjustment, but I track it all in my bodybugg.  That’s the most amazing device and it has helped me so much!!  Since I’ve done it for several months, I usually am able to stay pretty close within those ranges.  Sometimes my fat may be a little low, but it’s NEVER gone over 15%.  Back to the smoothie, I usually put frozen strawberries, a banana, protein powder and unsweetened almond milk.  It’s very delicious!  Well, my trainer had her protein smoothie at the gym on Saturday and I asked what kind it was.  She had the same stuff as I did, but she had spinach and beets in hers.  My immediate response: GROSS!  But after she said you couldn’t taste it, I decided it may be worth a try.  I struggle to get enough vegetables, so why not?  She hasn’t steered me wrong yet!  And guess what?  I now add a handful or so of baby spinach to my smoothie every day!  It still tastes great!  You should give it a try.  Everyone at work says, “GROSS!”.  My new philosophy – don’t knock it til you try it.

New Goals

I had a great workout yesterday (Wednesday) with my trainer, even though I came in frustrated because of my day at work.  I left there in a great mood.  That’s one thing working out does for me!  I forget about daily stresses because I’m focused 100% on my training….very good for me!  We did a lot of lunges & jumps.  I did cardio afterwards, so my legs definitely felt like they were going to fall off.  My balance is still improving and I’m not as scared to try all of the new things she asks of me!  Anyways, have any of you seen Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition?  It’s a great show.  The trainer gives the person a goal in each stage of the journey.  If they hit that goal, they get a prize of some sort (that he establishes ahead of time).  So my trainer decided yesterday to do that with me.  We were talking about my weight loss the past few months and where I was at.  And then we were talking about my birthday, which is August 1^st.  She decided that if I lost 12 lbs this month, she’ll take me to dinner for my birthday (and show me how to eat out).  I know that sounds funny, but I struggle with trying to make the healthiest choices when eating out at times.  Restaurants don’t exactly make it easy either!  Anyways, I’m freaking out!  I lost 9 lbs last month…and I’m not sure how I even managed that.  But at the same time, where I would be as far as weight if I lost 12 lbs…would be simply awesome!  Plus, my trainer pointed out that I lost 9 lbs last month and she was out of town for a week and I was sick for a week or so and barely worked out.  Do you think it’s possible?  I will definitely keep you updated.  We will weigh in sometime at the end of the month!  I’ve got some hard work ahead of me the next several weeks!  I already increased the intensity and length of my cardio today to 90 minutes instead of 50!  I know I can do it!

5K Training

I have never been a runner.  I always admired those that could run and wished I could.  But it’s not something I’ve ever worked towards.  When I started working out in April or so, I would walk on 2.8-3.0MPH on the treadmill for 45-50 minutes.  It was a challenge at times.  This week has been full of new accomplishments.  I honestly just started running in the last several weeks.  When I started, I could run about a minute, but then I would usually give myself 4 minutes to recover.  I know it’s not much, but guess what I can do now?  Once last week and on Tuesday, I hit the 5K setting on the treadmill and went for it.  I ran 2 minutes and walked 2 minutes the whole time.  It ended in a 5K in about 46 minutes or so.  I talked to my trainer about how to increase – whether to increase the run or decrease the walk.  Today, I ran 3 minutes and walked 2.  I finished 5K in 44:34!!  It was hard, especially after the 2 to 2.5 mile mark.  I was tired, but I kept on because I knew deep down that I could.  Every time that I would hit about 30 seconds left on the run portion, I just continued to tell myself what my trainer told me, “You can do anything for 30 seconds.”  And it’s true.  And it feels so good at the end knowing that you accomplished what you set out to do and did more than you ever thought you could.  I’m going to do the 3 minutes/2 minutes one more time and then move on to 4 minutes.  I’ll be ready to run my first 5K before you know it!  You can, too!  :)

The beginning of the rest of my life...

Hey guys! My name is Pamela. When Ashley asked if I wanted to share my experiences on their blog, I wasn’t sure what to say. In my eyes, I am NO athlete. I am nowhere near the level they are at. I’m just a girl that wanted to lose weight – at least that’s how it all started. The cool thing is, though, health and fitness has become an important and crucial part of my life. It’s amazing the difference I feel if I don’t make it to the gym – it’s like something is missing in my day. And I feel so great after a tough workout with my trainer (or killing myself doing cardio).

Like I mentioned, when I started this journey (for the 2nd time) back in March, my ONLY goal was to lose weight. But the more I’ve worked with my trainer, I’m beginning to realize how strong I am and how much I am capable of. With that in mind, I’m ready to push myself to the limit and beyond! This is now more to me than losing weight – it is a new, exciting and challenging lifestyle. Without any kind of challenge, I would probably quit tomorrow!

So here goes – I’ve lost 30 LBS so far and would like to eventually be down 80 LBS or so. But since I’ve decided to move on to bigger goals, I’ve registered for my first TWO 5K’s! They are in mid-September and the beginning of October. I want to run them both! They are both for really great causes, and I’m very excited to be able to do them. I know that I could go out there and walk it with no problem, but since it’s all about pushing myself past my limits, I am going to be training to run them both...and hope to improve my time from one to the other! After that, I want to do a sprint triathlon like Meaghan did. I always thought that, because I was bigger, so many things were not an option for me. After watching all of the people, of all shapes, sizes and ages, finish that triathlon, I began to realize that with the right training, that is definitely something I could do as well! And it’s something I want to do!

I’m focused on the 5K’s for now, but will find a triathlon to sign up for in the near future! I can’t wait to share my journey with you. It’s tiring, just like Ashley’s & Meaghan’s, so get ready!

The halfway mark...

It's the beginning of July which means half of 2012 is already over.  I can't believe it.  This year is flying by so quickly!  This past new year's eve, I had made a commitment that "12" was my lucky number which meant only one thing...2012 was going to be my year!  As I reflect back on my accomplishments up to date, this has definitely been a fabulous year.  I have exceeded my expectations already which means this year can only get better :)

Now come with me as I take a stroll down memory lane...

My first 10K- March 10, 2012

One thing I remember about my first 10k is that it was cold and rainy.  The race started and finished near downtown Houston and it was a nice, flat course.  There were some parts where it rained so hard that I had to keep my head down to try preventing the rain from hitting me in the face and eyes.  I felt a great sense of accomplishment after I crossed the finish line.  A lot of people would have woke up that day and saw how cold and rainy it was outside and would have chosen not to race that day.  I didn't do that.  If I say I'm going to do something, I do it.

My second 10K- April 14, 2012

 The previous year I had ran in the 5K Blue Bell Run and I had a lot of fun.  This was definitely a tough course because of the numerous rolling hills but I fought through it.  I remember the huge hill that was at the end of the course and I knew that the finish line was just beyond the top of the hill and that definitely kept me going!!  Well, that and the unlimited Blue Bell snacks I knew were waiting for me after I finished :)

My third 10K- April 28, 2012

 Two words that describe why this race was hard: Heat.  Humidity.  Houston's summer heat arrived early and was making it a challenge for all of us out there that day.  Ashley ran the race also and we were both relieved when it was over.  I don't think I've seen that many people vomiting and/or passing out due to heat.  Luckily, Ashley and I completed the race safely.  I remember my motto for the race was "Pain is only temporary." I continuously said this to myself throughout the entire race. It was that very evening I made a commitment to complete my first triathlon July 1st :)  

The Original Mud Run- May 26, 2012

This run was so much fun!  I had the opportunity to do this race with Ashley and my sister so it made the run even more spectacular!  It was 6.2 miles of mud, 30 military style obstacles, and non stop entertainment.  I think one of my favorite moments was when my sister accidentally let go of the rope, causing her to fall into a pool of mud.  I remember Ashley was trying to help her get out but then Ashley fell into the mud also.  I couldn't help at first because I was laughing so hard.  I wish someone would have recorded that moment!  Lol :) I kept repeating the same two things over and over to help motivate us through the run, "My motivation is the water station!" and "Turning haters into motivators!" This was definitely one of the funnest and challenging races I've done so far!

 

My first triathlon- July 1, 2012

 If you've been following our blog, then you know that I've been triathlon training for a couple of months now.  Last Sunday I completed my first triathlon and I'm hooked! My adrenaline was pumping so much that day- more than it has ever in a race. This was my first race in which I had to fight back tears of joy after crossing the finish line. My two wonderful friends, Ashley and Pam, were there every step of the way fighting the wind and rain to show their love and support for me.  I said it multiple times and I will say it again: You two are awesome!!  Even though this was a sprint triathlon, it has helped to motivate me to keep after my goals even harder.  There were a handful of people who doubted me when I said I was going to start training for triathlons, and to those people I did, and always will, just have two words for them: WATCH ME. 

My newest addition!

 This past weekend I decided to purchase my first bike!  If I'm serious about my triathlon training then I believe this is a great and necessary investment.  I'm really excited about all of the adventures that are in store for me and my bike :)

I started triathlon training with the intentions of completing my triathlon last week, but somewhere down the road, I fell in love with the sport and decided that if I was going to do triathlons, I want to go beyond my original goal.  About a month ago, I started with a triathlon coach who gives me weekly training workouts.  It's tough but I know it's going to benefit me greatly in the end.  I'm signed up for three more triathlons with one of them being a relay I will be doing with my dad and sister and I've also signed up for a 15k race at the end of October as well.

 The year I've had so far has been an amazing one.  I have gone above and beyond my goal expectations and I am going to continue looking ahead and moving forward.  I'm so blessed to be surrounded by supportive family and friends who help keep me going when I feel like I can't give anymore. It's only July which means we still have half of the year left!  I can't wait to see what achievements await me on down the road this year :)

Until then....

Happy training everyone!!

Did you tri? Why yes, yes I did!

Today was an epic day for me.  I completed my first triathlon!!  I participated in the Y Freedom Triathlon in Pearland, Texas.  It was a sprint length (300 meter swim, 11 mile bike ride, 3 mile run) It rained for most of it but that was better than the heat we've been experiencing lately.

 

The swim part was at the Y in Pearland.  They had us line up on each side of the pool- one side odd number, other side even numbers.  Since it's a six lane pool, they had the odd numbers swim down and back in three lanes and even numbers swim down and back in the other three lanes.  Each lane was two way so while you're swimming there's other swimmers in your lane coming in the opposite direction. While I was waiting to begin my swim (it took a whole half hour before I began) I noticed some traffic jams in the pool and it was getting crowded in some parts so that started making me nervous.  As I stepped down into the pool and waited for them to tell me to start, I took a deep breath and remembered all the time and effort I had put into training for triathlons and I told myself, "Just breathe, Meaghan.  You got this!"  I did pretty good for the swim part.  The only problem I had was sometimes when I'd turn my head to take a breath, some water would splash into my mouth because of the other swimmers but I got through it.  I must say, I was relieved when that 300 meters was up and then I thought to myself, "Oh boy, I still have a bike and run left to do."  Lol :)

  

The bike portion went well for the most part.  I felt pretty confident with the biking and those long bike rides I had taken recently really paid off.  About halfway through, it started raining.  It wouldn't have been so bad had I not been on a bike.  The raindrops felt like little needles poking me all over.  That hurts!  Lol.  But I just kept my head down some to keep the rain out of my face and I managed.  Luckily, the rain started clearing out about the time I finished the bike ride.  I mainly just went full speed the whole time and not long before I came back to the transition site I shifted gears to make things a little easier for me so I could conserve some for my run that I had next.

I've got my happy face on because I'm only a few feet from the finish line :)

 The run part was definitely the toughest for me.  Main reasons were because my legs were fatigued from the swim and bike plus because of the rain, my shoes were soaked and it made my legs feel like I had an extra ten pounds on each of them.  Though it was hard, I pushed through it.  I started coming up to an intersection and I could hear a volunteer yelling at participants, "The finish line is right down that hill!"  That was enough motivation for me.  So I turned things up a few notches and gave it everything I had.  Before I knew it, I had crossed the finish line :)

Boy was I glad to see this!!

Two of my dear friends battled the rain and wind today and came out to support me.  Through each transition, I could hear them cheering me on.  I laughed everytime I heard Ashley yelling, "Come on, Mississippi!" It means so much to have people there to motivate you.  No matter how hard you train or how prepared you are, races are still tough so I feel so blessed to have friends who came out to show some triathlon love for me today!  Just before I crossed the finish line, I saw Ashley and Pam.  Pam had the biggest smile on her face and I could tell Ashley was about to cry.  Sure enough, when I first met up with them after I had finished, both Ashley and I had to fight back tears.  Lol.  

Pam, Me, and Ashley

As I'm writing this and reflecting back on what I accomplished today, I have to fight back the tears of joy and gratitude.  Even though I train and work my bum off to prepare for these races, it's the people around me who help motivate me and keep me going.  Every word of encouragement helps to boost me even more and allows me to go above and beyond my goals.  Most importantly, I'm grateful that Heavenly Father has blessed me with my health and helped me to find the determination inside of me that I needed to even make that initial step by stepping out of my comfort zone into the unknown by saying, "I'm going to do a triathlon."  He gave me the strength and courage I needed to accomplish this goal.

I'm officially a triathlete!!!

 

Here's to one of many triathlons I have lined up for the year!!  So what now???

Next up on my agenda....

August 5th, 2012