I’ve been making some changes around here – both inside and out. Obviously my site received a facelift but I’ve been making some other, less obvious changes, one that was even a surprise to myself!
My favorite transition – from the swim to the bike!
Transitions in triathlon are those precious minutes when you switch your mindset from one discipline to the next. It’s both an ending and a beginning, bringing you one step closer to the finish line. Without getting too deep, let’s talk about transitions!
WEEK OF JULY 18, 2016
RUNNING
I have been running for a very long time. I’ve had so many running goals, some achieved and some yet to be achieved. Since 2000-something I have always considered myself a runner but lately, I’ve been sensing a shift.
Where I used to dread (and even fear) my swim workouts, I now look forward to my time in the pool or open water. Where the bike used hurt my lady parts, I now crave hours out on the open road. I’m transitioning from runner to triathlete and it’s kinda awesome.
Cruising through my track workout to get to the pool!
I will always have a die hard love of running but I’m not sure I care about chasing down marathon PRs anymore or even a sub-19 5k. Right now, my focus is squarely on triathlon and, I’m not entirely sure how I got here, but I’m going with it!
Monday: Easy 3.66 miles before a land swim at Hershey Park | 29:52
Tuesday: 5k as part of a brick session | 23:52
Thursday: track session with 2 mile warm-up, 3 x 400 on 1:30 (actuals were 1:34, 1:28, 1:30) with 400 recovery lap in between | 30:36 | 4 miles
Sunday: 5k race as part of sprint triathlon | 7 min pace
Total = 13.66 (very low mileage week!)
CYCLING
So, I absolutely love my new bike, but some changes needed to be made. After riding about 40 miles on the first day, I realized my handle bars and seat needed some adjusting. This is where, having a rocket scientist for a coach helps. I brought my bike to her place and we tweaked it in all the right places so it was race ready for Sunday!
I also need a size up in my cycling shoes. I didn’t think it was possible for my feet could go numb when it was 90 degrees out.
It’s all about the cruelly named “Minor Hill Road” with an 18% grade hill at mile 10. Not cool.
Tuesday: 2 hour bike | 38 miles | before run
Wednesday: 5 x 3 mile loop, increasing intensity with each loop | 17.6 miles
Friday: Easy ride for bike familiarity | 12.7 miles (race loop)
Sunday: 12 mile ride as part of sprint triathlon race
Total = 80.3
SWIMMING
I’m back to swimming almost five days a week (I had a rest day before the race) but only one open water swim. It’s obviously a lot harder to complete drills in open water than the pool and, right now, I needed to drill it out! My coach tried to kill me with the speed and endurance session she planned for me last Thursday but, the joke was on her, because I made it out alive! #takethat
Then I had to skip a swim on Friday because of a biopsy on my hand. The dermatologist’s exact words were “I have no idea what that is!” Could be anything from dry skin to pre-cancerous but she thinks it’s “probably minor.”
Sitting at the dermatologist’s office on a Friday morning because being healthy is not all about the swim, bike and run…unfortunately. And yes, I have a faux-hawk. #MyHairDoesWhatItWants
Monday: land swim in Hershey
Wednesday: 2400 yards
Thursday: 3226 yards < – – the workout that almost killed me
Saturday: 2600 yards
Sunday: 400 yards as part of sprint triathlon
Total = 8,326 yards < – – o.m.g
RACING
My hometown sprint triathlon was held this past Sunday and I won the overall women’s division! It was such a great race for so many reasons but I especially loved having so many family, friends and neighbors cheering my on. You guys have no idea how helpful it is and, what an adrenaline rush, to have people screaming your name and cheering you on though each transition and the finish. THANK YOU to everyone who came out and cheered.
Full report later in the week but it was a blast!
My husband gets credit for this shot – just before I crossed the finish and just after I saw my kids!
THINGS I LOVE
Being home! I feel like we have traveled so much this summer, which is great, but I also really love having no plans and just hanging out at my house.
And no, it’s not because I’m old, I’ve always been this boring.
Outside with my feet up, fish jammies on and, coffee and a good book close by. Is this heaven?
THINGS I DON’T LOVE AS MUCH
Saying good-bye to Oiselle. I will no longer be a part of the Volée team for a number of reasons (they don’t have a triathlon team for starters!) but I will definitely miss the camaraderie and support from the bird’s nest.
I had made this decision a while ago when it was announced that the Flock and Volée would now be one team, and would be charged a $100 yearly membership fee. I will absolutely continue to buy Oiselle clothing and accessories, since it’s such high quality and top notch in style points, although I will really miss my discount!
Thanks for the memories Oiselle!
READING
I just finished The Light Between Oceans and I’m not sure how I feel about it. Some parts and characters I absolutely hated but the writing was so good and the story so intriguing, I kept going back for more. I’m not sure I would recommend it, but I wouldn’t not recommend it either. #SorryNotSorry
And now I want to see the movie since it just may be better than the book…for once.
I just started All is Not Forgotten, and cannot put it down! Start reading it now. This was a book club pick but I will be in Omaha when they meet to discuss it. #Boo
RANDOM QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Nice job woman! You are kicking so much butt!” – random stranger (I think?) at the triathlon as I headed in from the bike transition to the run. Thank you!
[Tweet “Transitions in life and #racing! Who wants to make a change?”]
How was your week?
What is the last major transition you went though?
Do you identify as a runner, triathlete, swimmer, mom, barista, lounge singer…?
Even before you mentioned your transition, I could tell you were headed in that direction. I remember when you would dread the swim but over the years, your voice changed. It challenged you and you stepped up to the task. And btw – you are kicking so much butt woman!!! You raise me up yet again! 🙂
Sounds like a busy week and congrats on winning the tri. That has got to feel amazing: winning a hometown race with family cheering.
On the Oiselle front, I can relate. I guess it’s been just over a year since I left. It was sad and Oiselle was a valuable part of my life at the time. It was so odd not wearing the singlet the first time at a race though.
SENDING LOVE LOVE LOVE and thoughts of health with the biopsy.
And Congrats.
Life isnt all about the winning but it sure helps sometimes.
xoxox
Good luck with the biopsy, Allie. And congratulations on your tri! I love following your racing journey; you’re such an inspiration!
PS–That trailer…oh my goodness. What a premise!
Thanks so much Kelly! I really appreciate it!
And yes, the premise of the book is mostly what kept me reading. It was truly unbelievable yet, compelling.
Oh, that trailer gave me chills! I read the book and liked it, but now I can’t remember how it ended.
My life is in transition right now, and I feel like I write about it too much already. I’m excited for your new(ish) calling as a triathlete! Hoping the biopsy comes back clear, and that you didn’t catch something from Centennial lake 🙁
You don’t remember because it was super boring and basically just ended. Blah.
I know you are going though a serious transition right now and I feel for you mama. I don’t think you could ever write too much about it and it’s so relatable to so many parents.
I’m laughing about that last comment!! I wouldn’t be surprised!!
It’s so interesting how one transitions form one thing to another ….you are an amazing triathlete!!! I’m too new to running to be transitioning out of it, but I have to say, that after about 5 years of doing yoga just 1-2 times a week and chasing Jake, I’m just in the last year transitioning to the point of calling myself yogi in addition to runner. Before, I’ve felt like I’m a runner who does some yoga to balance it out, but that I could do without the yoga if needed…. Now I feel like both runner and yogi… because I crave the yoga just for itself…. I’m curious to see what I will call myself in 5 years…. hm… maybe you are giving me food for thought here……
So glad I gave you something to ponder and sounds like you can relate with yoga. It’s so interesting to me what the mind and body can initially reject and then crave. I love it!
How are your feet so beautiful?!?! JEEZ. And nothing wrong with transitioning from time to time. I think it’s great that you’re self aware and open to change. You’re obviously gifted at the triathlons anyway so I’d say it’s a pretty good choice. 🙂
Can’t wait to read about your win – so amazing! I have so much respect for triathletes – I just don’t know how y’all do it. So incredible. As for the team, it is sad to lose you but I think some things are just seasons and its understandable that the team was a season for you and now it’s a new season. Excited to see what comes next for you 🙂
Thanks so much Courtney! And yes, you explained it perfectly. I will definitely enjoy keeping up with the crew though you. You are such an integral part of the Oiselle team!!
So excited about your race!!! Your pics were great! And wow your bike… Beastette for sure!
That’s so cool that you are feeling the total triathlete vibes. I remember when I transitioned o that and it felt good. Now I feel more like a runner but I’ll always know I was an ironman once upon a time lol. Twice! Haha!
Lastly I transitioned to momhood and it’s a whole new sport. Not for the weak! I love it. I can’t wait to get back into exercise, I’ll be ready and pumped to get pumped! And ready to get back into spinning, but more mental than physical. Right now I can’t wait to get back to teaching but know I’ve got to wait a bit longer. It’ll be totally worth the wait and I expect to come back stronger than ever. They thought I was tough before, just wait lol
Congrats on the tri! Love the Garden Party Betty Kit! If you’re looking for a triathlon team and amazing community/ support group, consider joining us at Team Betty next year!
Thank you and I LOVE Betty Designs and will definitely look into it!
Thanks so much and I would love to be a part of Team Betty! I will definitely check it out 🙂
Wait…a yard is roughly a meter, like 1 yard is 0.9 meter, right? So 8326 yards would be something like 7.5-8km? Does that mean you almost 5 miles last week? Holy s*#& you’re so strong!
Congrats on the tri! I can’t wait to read the full report.
I like just letting life organically transition me. Right now I’m really into the longer distance running, but I’m not going to force it if I suddenly change. I think it’s healthy to follow where those transitions take you and look at how you much thrive in following your natural transition into a triathlete!
Um yep, you got it! I’ve been swimming a ridiculous amount but it certainly paid off at my race on Sunday 🙂 Thanks so much Laura!!
Oh wow Allie!! I am right there with you re: Oiselle. I LOVE the team so much and I have had such a blast meeting so many incredible women, but I decided also not to continue my membership. It was a tough choice, but I think it’s good for me right now.
Yes to tri!! You are such an incredible athlete and triathlon puts such a huge smile on your face! I am so happy for you and I think you a super huge success (well, you already are – congrats on the WIN this weekend!!)
The movie – ahhh, I loved the book. I couldn’t put it down! I can’t believe the movie is coming out… I am def interested in seeing it 🙂
Sending good thoughts about the biopsy and so glad you are enjoying time at home. xoxox
I’m not surprised that you agree with me and I also feel better knowing there are some other birds flying the nest 🙂
Thanks so much Natalie and now I want to talk to you about the book!! So wish we could see the movie together…
Congrats on that tri win! You are killing it out there. It’s gotta be because you are loving on the swim. Maybe that’s what would help me–if I loved swimming…
I don’t blame you for quitting Oiselle. That’s crazy, $100 membership fee to wear and promote their products! I dropped a sock company because they decided to require us to buy their kit and wear it to every race! I think if ambassadors are promoting a company, at the very least, the company should provide us with the gear. Just MHO.
YES! Once I started to really love the swim is when it all came together. Of course I don’t love every grueling training session but I enjoy all of the swims a lot more. Not sure how it happened but just so glad it did!!
Strange things happen when companies start to grow. It’s a bit shocking to me too that people are paying THEM when they are the promoters. Of course there’s an incentive package but… Love that we are always like minded when it comes to this stuff.
I am so excited to see what is to come from you in the triathlon world!! Sending good vibes on the biopsy. I need to get in for my skin check ASAP. I go twice a year now because of my family history. Totally get it on the Oiselle thing. I was really interested in joining the Oiselle Volee but no way on the annual membership, not that important to me…but it doesn’t mean I won’t still buy their cute stuff!! Congrats on your win this weekend! So proud of you!!! xoxox
Thanks so much Sue and yes, go get checked! Of course I’m there all the time because of my vitiligo but I check everything that even looks a little off. I mean, what’s the downside? Nada.
I know you were thinking about Oiselle so glad this happened before you were in…and of course we will still buy the clothes!! 🙂
You’re funny, you don’t even know what old is!; but I’m boring too, it’s so much easier than being a busy body & running around like a chicken with your head cut off.
Embrace your fear & love it, you’ve done that with swimming, very cool:)& now you crave it! Go figure:)(I was so right,no?). I suspected long ago you were being pulled towards Triathlons, the evolution was crystal clear to me. You’re too physiologically&physically built for it.
Many topGun Triathletes of the 80s started in other sports, discovering Triathlons because of rehabbing an injury, or simply cross training to add another dimension of conditioning to their primary sport. A perfect example of this is Paula Newby-Frasier (hint?), she was a runner with an injury!
Funny you should mention the 5k & Marathon PRs. I still burn just to equal my 5k PR (17:12). I have no idea if I’ll ever be able to do that again 29 years later?; but I’m working real hard on my slow-twitch. I think you could do that easily with some specific training seeing you’re so young.
Like you, I was a runner 1st [in HS], then a swimmer [in HS], and I used to bike everywhere, all the time, so triathlons were just the perfect adrenaline rush after jumping out of airplanes for 3 years. Yeah, I’m a Triathlete just like you, but I have a love of running and swimming that will never play 2nd fiddle to Tris. Still, just ain’t nothin’ like a Triathlon!!!!!!!!!
My happiest latest transition was day798 of training (this July4th), when for some reason everything training clicked without needing 24-48hrs to recuperate2 rested state. Now I can go on a long run&b fine in a couple of hours; it’s happening@ the physio&musculoskeletal level, old or not!:)
Isn’t it just so awesome when everyone cheers for you?!
Congrats on the win and best wishes with the biopsy!
I’m an old person at heart too. Way back in the day (when I was 23), my friend and I went bar hopping around where we grew to pick a bar for our friend’s bachelorette party. After checking out three bars (and only drinking at one of them, I think), we were like, “So….should we just go to Steak n Shake and get milkshakes and fries?” Yep, too old for the bar scene at 23, ha. I’ve changed my tune a bit in NYC, but I still love a good milkshake. And sometimes I think it’d just be fun to have a backyard and sit in it. Maybe with the neighbors. Maybe not.
Yes. That exactly! Although I was a tad more “adventurous” at 23…:-)
Well now I need to read this book. But to find the time 🙂 lol ugh.
Sad about Team Oiselle, but you made them look so good and you will continue to!
I am so excited to watch your seamless transition into being a tri-athlete. Like I am so beyond impressed with you because you totally excel in every sport! I remember when the run was your only favorite part and now look at you craving the bike. Amazing <3
I know! I seriously bring it in the car with me and read for 5 min at a time or after the boys are asleep. I haven’t watched tv in days!
Thank you for saying that about Oiselle and YES, can you believe I love the bike and swim now? Who am I? 🙂
Loving the new look of your site! I agree with you too that I am also falling head over heels in love with triathlon! It is becoming more an more fun the more I ride and swim and not so hard on the body. What kind of bike did you get. I think I need to upgrade! Keep training on speedy mama!
Thanks Sandra! I bought the Cerevelo P2. I was totally against getting a Cervelo b/c I feel like everyone has one but, after my fitting, it was the best choice for my body. I guess they have smaller frames 🙂 The upgrade on the bike has really helped!! Let me know anytime if you want to chat about bikes and Fit Werx may have a shop near you…check them out for a professional fit and consultation!
So hope to someday (maybe next year?) do the Timberman with you!
Love that you’re falling in love with the triathlon! This past week at the beach I was swimming every day- not exactly laps, but it felt so amazing to swim around in the water. I just need a warm-ish pool and I’d do it 5 days a week too. I can’t handle freezing cold water!!
First female is AMAZING!!! SO proud of you!
Agreed!! However, after swimming a mile in 61 degree water that time in Maryland, I’m no longer afraid of it 🙂 Love that you were able to swim and it’s SO good for runners!
Thanks Laura.