Last but not Least!!

It is so weird that the race has come and gone so quickly. I still cannot believe it even happened. I'm afraid I'm still swimming and dreaming that it is over!

Our day started off very good. Weather at the beach was cool and foggy. Everything was wet. The ocean temperature was about 59 degrees.

Don and I got down to the beach around 7:15am and set up in the holding pen area. Got our bikes situated, ready for the transition and put my towel down with my gear ready to grab and go. Next got my racing number marked on my left arm and my age on the back of my left leg. Put my wet suit on and headed to the shore.

We got into the ocean for a warm up, such as that is in 59 degree water. The water was very calm but waves were breaking hard and the life guard had said to watch the sets and prepare to dive under the waves. But that wasn't said until after I went in for my warm up. I got crashed under a wave and was very embarassed that I got tossed around to much in the shallow water. But I learned a lesson and new how to get in properly at race time. We stayed in the water for at least 15 minutes and I thought that was enough.
The first wave started at 8am and the men up to age 24 started strong. 5 minutes later it was turn for men 34 and up and lastly 5 minutes after that all women and teams.

I started pretty well, I must say, and there were a dozen or so behind me but I learned quickly that cold water ocean swimming with adrenline pumping can slow you down. My breathing was a problem. I am not sure if I inhaled water or if it was just the cold but I was crackling with each breath. It was a little scary not being able to breathe comfortably. But I did press on. The lifeguards were so great. They monitor the route and are there for safety and rescue. They gave moral support and encouraged me to keep going. There was one young lady just ahead of me and it looked like she was having an even harder time. But she got her energy going and finished before me by a few minutes.

I kept swimming. The first buoy seemed far and the second one, I swear, was floating further away with each stroke I took.
I made it though and around the second buoy to shore. One thing could be said for being the last swimmer; you get cheers as you walk up the beach to the transition area! Heard a lot of encouraging remarks.

After walking, (I couldn't run), to my bike I took a leisurely 5 minutes to change and catch my breath. Way too long for a transition but hey, I needed oxygen.

Got on my bike and believe it or not it felt really good. My ride went pretty well. My best time practicing the route was one hour 15 minutes and I completed it after the swim in one hour 20 minutes. The bike ride was fun. The hills were tough and I was tired. I couldn't seem to pedal in 3rd gear. I had to stay in my 1st and 2nd gear and at one point was sad that I didn't have even lower gears. But, I made it. All along the route I got cheers from the volunteers and lifeguards and even the Sheriff officers and Highway Patrol who were monitoring the route. Everyone was great, getting me to press on and go faster.


Coming down the hill in Rio del Mar was fun. That marked the end of the second portion of my race. My transition was about 30 seconds and to the shore I went to start my 4 mile run. It turned out to be a four mile brisk walk. My legs just couldn't do the run thing. I was pleasantly surprised by my friend Alison who walked the route with me and on my way back my friend Ramona who tried to get me to run a strong finish. Bless her heart. She tried and I tried but the best I could do was a very slow jog through the finish line.

What a finish! There is something to be said for being last. I got cheers, my name announced and a trophy!!!
What a day.... Glad it is over, so very happy with my time 3 hours and 12 minutes and plan to rest a bit before doing anything else.
My husband plans to do the Santa Cruz Triathlon next weekend and asked me to go too. I can't even fathom that right now.

Less than 24 hours to go!!

Here it is the day before the Sandman Triathlon. Wow, I can't believe it is here already. Just a few short months ago I was contemplating this and now tomorrow is the moment of truth.
Got my race bib this afternoon after a short bike ride with my husband. So far weather prediction is good: light breeze, low clouds and low surf.
My goal is to finish strong and not finish last!! But if I am, that's OK as long as I finish.

Plan to eat a nice dinner tonight and get a good night sleep. Friends have promised to wish us well tomorrow and I hope not to disappoint them.

It is funny. I was never one to participate in any sports; I was in the band. And now at a ripe age almost 56, here I am acting like an athlete. Who would have predicted that?

Let you know how it turns out......

One week to go!!

So the Sandman Triathlon is next Sunday, August 4. Am I ready? Heck no.

I have not been too consistent with my training and quite frankly I am scared. I did an ocean swim yesterday and one last weekend. I can swim for about a mile but have to rest now and then. So, hopefully I can make my mark next weekend and have a decent time.

This week I plan to do a swim, bike and run each day but not too aggressively.
Other things to do:
Plan my transitions
Get my gear in order
Bike check
Eat well.

Until next week, wish me well!!

2 weeks until the Triathlon!

Though I haven't been posting since June 30, I have been training....somewhat. Is it possible to be lazy and competitive at the same time?

The Sharks Fitness Faceoff was great but August 4 will be my moment of truth. The Sandman Triathlon is that day and I am a bit nervous. It sounded like such a great idea a few months ago and now with the date looming I am thinking about being a spectator instead.

But, I already have a bike and wet suit so I might as well compete. 

I have been swimming and have found that it takes me about 250 yards of swimming before my body adjusts and my breathing is fine. At about 400 yards I don't feel tired but I have to admit swimming laps can be boring. I am sure that the ocean will be very different. My foray into that salt water freezer so far has been interesting to say the least. Today, we plan to go out and try our new suits. I am hopeful that my new one fits better.

End of the shortest parade in Aptos



Good friends at the parade



Since my last post we did some fun things. July 4 was fun, mostly relaxing and last weekend we went white water rafting. We road the middle fork of the American River and it was fun! That portion of the river has Tunnel Chute which was a blast. Our guide got us through it with us paddles up. Glad to say no one fell out during that rapid.  Rafting hard does require some work and my arms were sore the next day.

This weekend, like I said earlier, we will swim and maybe bike. And this coming week I will have to train a bit harder.  Not much more news, nothing more exciting to report. Enjoy the pictures!



Navigating through Tunnel Shoot





Rafters and guides



Race Day!!!!

Before I tell you about our awesome day at the Fitness Faceoff I have to share my Saturday.
Don, I and the dog went on a 4 mile jog along the beach and it took me 53 minutes which is a personal best for me. Makes me think that I can finish the triathlon which is coming up in about one month. The water in the morning was calm and there were just a few birds. We didn't go in right away. About 3pm we finally made it down to the water. Since I don't have my new wet suit yet I used my old Costco one. It was fine.
The water by 3 was choppy and the wind had picked up. It was a bit hard trying to swim and fun in a way because you were either up with the wave or under the wave. I made it about 1/4 to1/3 mile and swam to shore opting to walk back. Don decided to swim back. Little did we know that the tide was bringing in a large school of smelt, I think. The birds came back and all of a sudden there were thousands of birds circling over Don's head. Then spontaneously the birds started to dive bomb for fish!. Poor Don was in the middle of it all. It looked like a Hitchcock movie. It must have been a little much for him because he came to shore. He said he had decided to swim in after he got hit in the head a few times by the birds. While swimming to shore he waded through hundreds of those small fish. He said they were slapping his skin. I am so happy I chose to walk that distance.  I don't have a photo but wish I did. The number of birds was astonishing.

Today was a great day. Got up around 5am and got everything ready for the Faceoff event in San Jose.
Rosemary, my good friend, met me there and helped set up my booth at the fitness fare. At 7:15 am Don and Cong started there 55 or so mile ride. At 7:45 am Tammy and I started our 21 mile route. We did great. We rode for one hour and 35 minutes which is 20 minutes less than the last time we rode. The time includes stop light, stop signs and even waiting for at train. So I think we were super!!. Don and Cong did a personal best as well finishing in less than 4 hours. The weather today was HOT but it was so much fun.

We got to meet a lot of nice people including Brent Burns #88 of the Sharks and Owen Nolan, retired Sharks player. I even ran into Dan Rusanowsky, the voice of the Sharks. Funny how it feels like you know him but he doesn't know you.  The day was terrific.

Pictures posted today are from the Faceoff event.
The next big event is the Triathlon. I plan to keep blogging about my progress.


Me with Brent Burns of the Sharks




Lucky number 406




Tammy and me with our medals




Vanessa and Marissa and me after the race




Owen Nolan and me after the race



A swim in the ocean!

Well, last weekend was eventful as far as training is concerned.

On Friday, Oslo the dog and I went on a 4 mile brisk walk on the beach. My purpose was to time the walk which worked out to one hour 11 minutes. Not bad for a walk. You see, in August I have committed to participating in a sprint triathlon and the last portion includes a 4 mile run. Since it is the last activity of the sprint, I don't anticipate a run, rather a stroll! So knowing I can at least walk it in about an hour is encouraging.  After our walk, Oslo and I just rested.

On Saturday we, the dog and I, were joined by my husband. So that meant exercise a lot. The day started with a 14 mile bike ride followed by my first foray into the ocean using a swim wetsuit.  Oh, my, goodness!  What an experience. First, I don't mind swimming but the ocean is a bit cold. So the wetsuit was a good idea...but... I could have used a bigger one. It fit and was snug and I was a little worried that I couldn't move in the water but my husband ever the optimist said don't worry it will stretch some in the water.  Ha ha.....

Made it to the beach, got my cap and goggles on and went out into the Pacific. So far so good. After getting acclimated I tried to swim. Bad idea. I couldn't move my arms to swim. It felt like my arms were tethered to my torso and every time I lifted my arm to swim it pulled back just as hard. Needless to say I was getting nowhere fast and getting winded and very tired. I must say I panicked a little. So, there I was in the water, no walls or bottom to touch, can't move my arms and listening to my dear husband say, keep going, don't give up, you're awesome! How cute.   All that was going through my head was swim to shore, give up now while you have a chance and yes I am awesome.  But, I kept going. Slow and on my back most of the time since I couldn't crawl very well. I don't know how far we swam  or how long it took but I was spent afterward.
Not ignoring the dog we took him for about a mile walk after a nice warm shower and change of clothes.


It was exciting at the beach though. After we got out of the water there must have been a huge influx of fish. There were thousands of birds just feeding close to the shore. Looked like a scene from the movie The Birds!  Very neat to watch. Even the sea lions were out snacking away.

The day was a good one. (Yes, I do complain but it helps me get through it).



Thousands of birds feeding right off shore!



Sunday on the other hand was not too bad. The four of us who will be participating in the Fitness Faceoff went for our respective rides in the morning. Don and his riding buddy left for the 55 mile route and I and my buddy went on our 21-23 mile ride.  We did pretty well, about 1 hour and 50 minutes counting stop signs, stop lights and traffic. So I think we are ready for the ride this coming Sunday. I actually can't wait. I will get my first race bib!!! I think I'll frame it. Don did the long route in about four hours! Can you believe it, I am so proud of him.

Well, less than a week to the Faceoff and Team Twinkle Toes are ready. Didn't make my fundraising goal, but we did have some very special people contribute generously. Thank you everyone!!!!!

My next adventure is white water rafting the Middle Fork of the American River in California. Plan on doing that in a few weeks. I am SO excited. And, after that the triathlon in August. That is scaring me a bit.  

Until next week, stay healthy and exercise often!!! (Oh, I did send the wetsuit back for a bigger one!!)

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all of the dads out there.  My husband and I enjoyed the day with a nice bike ride.
We rode 27 miles today, taking 2 hours and 25 minutes with a climb of 1750 feet.

Our ride took us from the beach, inland and back again. On our journey we stopped by Flora Vista Inn, a quaint, historic home on San Andreas Road in La Selva Beach.  A short detour but it let us visit with our friends who own this beautiful B&B.  Their home sits on a slight bluff above rows and rows of flower and strawberry fields. Truly beautiful and restful.

If you ever find time to stay at a B&B, check this one out.

From Flora Vista Inn we traveled south down San Andreas Road to make our way to Watsonville.
We rode past strawberry fields and orchards, mile after mile. It was a bit gusty with the wind blowing from the ocean and as it blew over the strawberry fields the air was filled with the aroma of strawberries.  It was as if someone was spraying strawberry perfume! Made the ride very enjoyable.

Riding through Watsonville you pass familiar names such as Dole, Martinelli and Giant. Each of these big companies provide fruit to California and points beyond. Along with the large companies you have smaller growers providing crops for these larger companies. The next time you bite into a sweet strawberry, check the origin. All of the good ones are grown in Watsonville! Same with sparkling cider. The valley is loaded with apple trees and not only are they used for baking and snacking but for that delicious cider too.

Our ride was fun today. We were going to swim after our ride but warm shower and dinner won over the swimming.
The Sharks Fitness Faceoff is in 2 short weeks. I am pretty confident that I can ride the 23 miles without much difficulty. Since it is not a real race, times won't be tracked. But, I hope to ride a decent pace and finish without getting too tired.
Until next week... have fun exercising!

Getting better at the Bicycle!

Not much to reveal about last weeks training. I did manage to keep up with daily activities and on Thursday got my Yoga workout followed by a nice swim. I swam 500 yards. Wasn't as difficult as the week prior but still finding it hard to breathe. I actually felt like Zoolander at times.... seems that I can't breathe left.  I was told that swimming in the ocean it is a good idea to swim taking breaths on both the right and left side to avoid swallowing a wave. So, I tried practicing in the pool and choked! Followed by panic. So I just resigned myself to the fact that I am a one way breather.

I shared this with my daughter who teaches swim and I found out that I may be swimming incorrectly. Seems that I have been turning my head when in fact I should be turning my body. So, next swim I have to try a different approach. Wish me luck.

Saturday was another nice ride. We rode the 23 mile Fitness Faceoff route and cut off 3 minutes from our time. Plus, I wasn't as tired which must mean something good. My husband rode the 55 mile route on Sunday. Was about a 4000ft climb!! Took him just over 4 hours which I believe is phenomenal. I can't really see me doing that distance if it includes climbs.

Waiting for my swim wet suit for the ocean training. My goal for this summer is to complete the Sandman Sprint Triathlon in Aptos in August.

Until next week, eat well and have fun exercising.

Training Continues

Last weekend, Memorial Day weekend, found us in Texas. We had a great time visiting family. Also had an opportunity to experience the President George W. Bush Library in Dallas. If you find yourself in Dallas please take time to stop by. It is really very interesting. Interactive displays, beams from the twin towers on 9-11 and even a replica of the oval office. I found the exhibits to be honest and candid.

Even though it was a nice break we found time to keep up with our training. We stayed at a very nice Hilton Hotel in Southlake Texas. It had a 25 yard outdoor pool which I used to see if I could swim! If I haven't mentioned it I will be participating in my first Triathlon in August and watching people swim the 3/4 mile ocean swim is quite different than doing it myself.  I did pretty well, but have to learn how to breathe efficiently. The hotel also had a pretty nice gym so it was used 2 of the 3 days we stayed there. Actually I ate so much food that I normally don't eat, the gym was necessary.

I was able to stick with my training during the week and even swam 500 yards on Thursday night after my yoga class. Took me a while but I did it. My goal is to swim 1000 non stop by the end of July.

This past weekend included a nice bike ride. We thought we would try the race route for the Sharks Fitness Faceoff Event.  Starting off at my office on Saint John and 11th we traveled the route through San Jose, Los Gatos, Campbel and back again to San Jose. Went 23 miles and it took one hour and 45 minutes. Not too bad for a first try. I hope to ride the route again this coming weekend to decrease my time. I have to say that riding with traffic is a little scary. The race will be very early in the morning which will help a lot.

My husband will be riding the 55 mile route and wanted a little more of a work out so after we rode the shorter one he and his friend rode through San Jose down Monterey Highway to Blossom Hill up and over Silver Creek and the large hill at the Ranch. I don't know how he has such endurance. I plan to stick with my shorter route.

Sunday was a rest day, much deserved. Even watched a little hockey! I am torn between the Hawks and Kings. Not liking the Kings too much for eliminating us but it would be nice to see the Hawks fall to last years champs.

This week should be uneventful, continuing the training and such. Only one month before the race!!!

MEGA BIKING WEEKEND!!!!

This Saturday and Sunday were bike days.

Saturday morning consisted of a jog along the beach with my husband and Oslo our dog. We jogged 4 miles which is quite an accomplishment since anything other than a brisk walk is tough for me. After a quick change we started on a bike ride from Seacliff beach navigating some hills in Aptos, through Seascape, Rio Del Mar and back to Seacliff. Route totaled 13.8 miles and took one hour and seventeen minutes- about 15 minutes faster than the last time we did that route!  The climb was 1264. That was a consolation for me since we did it after a jog and I was a bit tired. The weather was great, sunshine and blue skies.

 

Afterward we were so lucky to be able to watch the Sharks beat LA in the Shark Tank! What a great game. I lost my voice during that one. I must say that LA plays hard and dirty. At one point it looked like a wrestling match with the refs wearing blinders. I am so happy that Logan got the game winning goal. Penner is a whiner, boo hoo you lost. Can't wait for the Sharks to whip LA on Tuesday!

Sunday was a bit different. Weather was the same, warm and sunny with lots of people in the Santa Cruz area. My husband and I were joined by two friends who will be participating in the Fitness FaceOff with us on a ride.

We left Seacliff and traveled up Soquel through Santa Cruz up Highway one to just past Wilder Ranch. On the way we stopped and got some great cherries! That's the beauty of riding a bike; you can stop anywhere. A short ride through Wilder Ranch and then back to Santa Cruz first riding past Natural Bridges and down West Cliff drive watching the surfers and sail boats in the bay. We stopped at a dinner for lunch and then headed past the Boardwalk to make our way down East Cliff Drive, Pleasure Point and Opal Cliffs, Capitola and then Seacliff. It was a whopping 28.08 miles and took 2 hours 53 minutes and included 1430 feet of climbing. What a ride! Actually I'm not that tired and it was fun.

It was reassuring to know I could ride more than 23 miles without getting tired. The Fitness FaceOff Fundraiser is 23 miles and I don't believe that route has any real hills. Look out I may just might finish in a decent time.

I am looking forward to the race on June 30. It will be a challenge and such fun. I think we should design a racing jersey for our team.

Fun Weekend!!!

Well, this past weekend was Mother's Day and a chance for me to spend time with my daughter.
We did have time to exercise a bit; shopping, shopping and more shopping. It was fun!

But, seriously, I did have time to start my swimming; off Miami Beach.  What a nice way to start training in the ocean with water temperatures about 20 degrees warmer than here in California. My daughter, who is an excellent swimmer, gave me pointers and complimented me on my stroke. Now all I have to do is work on endurance. (Not to mention a wet suit).

Exercise was not my priority though, and I did have time to soak up the Miami culture. The second Saturday of the month hosts an artist walk called Wynwood. Artist studios are open for the public and there is a large congregation of food trucks for the evening as well. Eclectic would be a way to describe the evening. Various art forms to take in along with a dining experience that is unique at best. I have never eaten so much in one sitting! Another find was a restaurant called Serendipity 3. We each had a frozen hot chocolate which turned out to be quite good.



My daughter enjoying her chocolate



Looking a little guilty here.

 My visit was truly delightful and ended with a Mother's Day dinner at a restaurant called Versaille. It is a Cuban restaurant and I must say the best Cuban food I have ever had and reasonably priced as well.

Now, back to reality and prepping for my bike race in June. Not too much time to practice before the 25 mile Shark's Fitness Faceoff.

I must say that I am having a great time and can't wait to see how I do in a race situation. Should be interesting!?

Until next week, stay healthy.

Another Great Day at the Beach!

This Saturday we chose to exercise our upper bodies with a nice Kayak trip.

Davenport Landing is a short distance north of Santa Cruz off Highway 1.  A nice sandy shore surrounded by rocky cliffs. Since this area is not in the bay, the open water is a little rougher in my opinion. The weather was cool with a light breeze and pretty foggy. We had hoped for the fog to burn off but it just did not happen. There were plenty of surfers enjoying the waves and a few happy dogs running on the shore and into the water as well. 

My husband and I use ocean kayaks, the sit on top type, and haven't gotten wet suits yet.

Since we had to push off from the shore I fully anticipated getting a little wet, but in actuality I got drenched.

I waited for a relatively calm spot to try and launch and with a push from my husband made it into the water staring directly into a large breaking wave. Whoosh! Wet!, followed by yet another one. Oh, well. It's only water. Much to my surprise my windbreaker kept the water from soaking my skin.

The effort was worth it though as I paddled out to see whales! Yes, whales. They were beautiful, just skimming the water shooting water and air from their blow holes and twisting and turning. They were so very close and exciting to watch.  There were at least 3 of them by my count and we watched them for at least 20 minutes or more before they continued on north. There was a kayak group out there as well and we heard their guide say that the whales like to rest in that area, rub on the sand and play a little before continuing their journey north.

That was our only sighting on Saturday. We paddled for a while and headed back to shore. I think my husband was worried that I would tip if I got caught in a wave and he volunteered to go first to help me if I needed it. But, I felt brave and went first. It was a blast! I caught a wave and was literally lifted to shored. What fun. We had surf kayaked before and this was the closest I came to that since that adventure.

Safe to shore we carried our kayaks back to the truck and headed home. It was such a great Saturday with lots of surprises.

I hope to get back on my bike soon and take a long ride. But for the remainder of this week it will be my usual routine of walk/run and my fantastic yoga class on Thursday.  Hope to write again next week.

The Journey Begins!

My goal is to participate in the Sandman Sprint Triathlon in Aptos California August 4, 2013 at the Seacliff State Beach. What a goal for me considering I am not very athletic and about to start my 56th year of life!!! (I can't wrap myself around that number).
My wonderful husband has been participating since 2009 and he is my inspiration. My first race though will be in June for the Sharks Foundation Fundraiser. I plan to ride the 25 mile street route and my husband will ride the 50 mile route. So, first things first.

Step one is getting a bike and that I did at Calmar in Santa Clara. My husband bought me a VITA by Specialized and it is soo great. Of course the color is perfect and Specialized was smart enough to have matching helmet and water bottle cage. I almost bought the jacket too but may save that for later. I am a very athletic shopper!

Step two is to actually get on the bike and go for a ride. That we did this weekend. We rode the race route from last year just to see if I could navigate the hills. We started at the beach and rode 14.66 miles in 1:35 which is a little longer than it takes me to ride the same distance on a stationary bike at the gym. The total climb was about 1300 feet. I really have to improve that time or I will surely be the last person at the finish line. My husband can do that route about 30 minutes faster. The downhill scares me a bit. I may need to replace my brakes sooner than later.

Step three is to keep it up. So I plan to continue my daily walk/run program and my Thursday Yoga class until next weekend when we will ride again. The swimming part will come a little later. I have to push myself to get into a pool first just to see if I can survive a 3/4 mile swim. Then the ocean. Oh, my, how cold!! So far I think I am holding up pretty well. The walk/run is getting easier and my yoga class is a kick. We have such a peppy instructor, Kendall who describes her yoga class as 'Yoga on Crack'! She is gearing us up for a 5 minute plank in June. I sure hope my abs and arms can make it. Not too worried about the legs. The only other thing I have to do is get good shoes. I know, I am a podiatrist and that should have been the first thing but you know how it is. I'm sure a plumber has lousy plumbing. I was thinking about trying the Newton. One of my patients was telling me about the shoe. It is a shoe that is geared to forefoot running. I plan on getting a pair to see how it works. I have a hallux limitus on the right side and shoes are difficult for me at best. The forefoot running shoe could be a problem but it is worth a try. Barefoot or minimalist shoes are out for me. Well, it was a great day today. Fog to start but then bright warm sun later. I learned a couple of things today on my first ride with a new bike. First, when going downhill close your mouth. Bugs really don't taste very good. Second, secure your water bottle. If not your husband has to go back and find it. And third, don't give up. There were a couple of good climbs that I almost got off the bike and walked it, but I didn't and feel really proud of myself.
Until next weekend- eat well and be healthy!