I am 5 weeks into my training and as the workouts get more and more intense I am reminded at our Saturday practices why I signed up to do this.
Alex McKinley is an energetic, brave 11 year old boy in 5th grade. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia on January 20th, 2005. He is now in the maintenance phase of his cancer and he seems to ge getting better, but it has been a long road for Alex and for his mother Kaori and his 8 year old brother Chirs.
When I think of the total number of miles that I will be doing in the Olympic Triathlon and I think about how far Alex has to go, my distance seems so short. Good Luck Alex!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Saturday, February 25, 2006
I Need A Nap
At 8:30 this morning I rolled into the Redhook Brewery parking lot ready for my 25 mile bike ride on the Burke Gilman Trail. It was a cold morning and from the moment I jumped onto my bike I wondered if my Jamaican blood was really cut out for this.
There were many Team in Training members out on the trail as we rode into (not literally) the marathon team. Plus, there was another large group of about 100 people that were going to be riding over 50 miles and then of course you have the people that just love to run on the trail or live in the area, so needless to say for a cold morning the Burke Gilman was very busy.
As we headed on down the trail, towards Seattle, my fingers became more and more numb. I couldn't feel anything, surprisingly my ears were doing okay and so were my feet it was just my fingers I was having a lot of trouble with. I was feeling pretty strong 3 miles into the ride and very encouraged that my body, and those pesky fingers, were going to start warming up.
For the majority of the first half of my ride I was pretty much on my own and very focused. It was at mile 11 that I had a couple pass me and decide that it was time to chat, take over the entire trail and slow down to the point where I was coasting most of the time. It was just before the turn around point that I had the opportunity to pass them, I kept it that way.
The second half of my ride didn't go as well as the first. The first problem was there was a very cold head wind that was kicking me in the butt. Then, although the trail is somewhat flat, heading back there was a slight incline and this time instead of my fingers going numb, my toes were now feeling very uncomfortable. To make matters worse, I didn't eat anything before the ride therefore my legs were beginning to run out of gas. I made it back to our meeting place but I was needing some serious nourishment and a warm fire at that point.
For my first official ride with the team and for the season, I was pleased with how things went. I am looking forward to more long rides and improving my performance.
There were many Team in Training members out on the trail as we rode into (not literally) the marathon team. Plus, there was another large group of about 100 people that were going to be riding over 50 miles and then of course you have the people that just love to run on the trail or live in the area, so needless to say for a cold morning the Burke Gilman was very busy.
As we headed on down the trail, towards Seattle, my fingers became more and more numb. I couldn't feel anything, surprisingly my ears were doing okay and so were my feet it was just my fingers I was having a lot of trouble with. I was feeling pretty strong 3 miles into the ride and very encouraged that my body, and those pesky fingers, were going to start warming up.
For the majority of the first half of my ride I was pretty much on my own and very focused. It was at mile 11 that I had a couple pass me and decide that it was time to chat, take over the entire trail and slow down to the point where I was coasting most of the time. It was just before the turn around point that I had the opportunity to pass them, I kept it that way.
The second half of my ride didn't go as well as the first. The first problem was there was a very cold head wind that was kicking me in the butt. Then, although the trail is somewhat flat, heading back there was a slight incline and this time instead of my fingers going numb, my toes were now feeling very uncomfortable. To make matters worse, I didn't eat anything before the ride therefore my legs were beginning to run out of gas. I made it back to our meeting place but I was needing some serious nourishment and a warm fire at that point.
For my first official ride with the team and for the season, I was pleased with how things went. I am looking forward to more long rides and improving my performance.
Friday, February 24, 2006
My New Wheels
Sweet Car!This is what I'm driving for 6 full days and I am loving every moment. Paul, my brother-in-law, went on a trip and needed someone to take him to the airport. I said yes, and this is what I got to borrow in return. Not a bad deal, not a bad deal at all.
This is the car (well the old model) that I learnt how to drive on and Tracey, my eldest sister, owned one so I drove it a lot. I'm very impressed with the new Coopers they have a ton of space and they are peppy. It's bringing back some good ol' memories.
If you're around, maybe I'll take you for a spin.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Week 4 of 21
This weekend took so much out of me that I missed my swim/run on Monday night. The rest of the weeks training will include a 45min spin class, a 1200-1500yrd swim, 6-8 miles of running and a 25 mile bike ride. At the end of the bike ride there will be a Nutrition Clinic at Redhook Brewery, of all places. I have yet to bike outside this year and although I know how to ride a bike I'm a little nervous about riding in such a large group (there are 80 of us).
As I had said a few blogs ago, it's time to step up my training. Next week I will be out of the country and away from my scheduled practices so, it will be up to me to stay focused and continue building on the program and working just a little harder.
I am having a lot of fun with this program. It has certainly gotten me back into the workout grove and if my fundraising goes well I think I may have to do another one and another one and another one. Anyone interested in joining me? Oh, and I promise I will make time for a family.
As I had said a few blogs ago, it's time to step up my training. Next week I will be out of the country and away from my scheduled practices so, it will be up to me to stay focused and continue building on the program and working just a little harder.
I am having a lot of fun with this program. It has certainly gotten me back into the workout grove and if my fundraising goes well I think I may have to do another one and another one and another one. Anyone interested in joining me? Oh, and I promise I will make time for a family.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Oh What a Beautiful Morning
Sunrise at the Sound (Mt. Rainier)This is how our morning began before we headed off to Bill's funeral (Feb. 17). It was a wonderful service with family and friends. People showed their appreciation and respect to the life of a wonderful doctor, father and husband. "Donna's the greatest...boop, boop, boop."
Thursday, February 16, 2006
It's My 2006 Goal
Every year I set a goal for myself and this year was no different. My goal for this year was to lose weight and get in shape. The only way I felt I could accomplish that was by participating in an endurance event, like a marathon or a triathlon.
When I walked into the Team in Training meeting on January 10th, my plan was to sign up for a race, and walk away with a structured training program and an experienced coach. I walked away with a lot more. This year my goal is not only to complete the Pacific Crest Olympic Triathlon on June 25th, but also to help raise awareness and money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This organization is dedicated to funding blood cancer research, providing education, and patient services. Thousands of people battle different kinds of blood cancer on a daily basis, and this is our opportunity to help.
I will be swimming .9 miles, biking 25 miles and running 6 miles in honor of Susan Dalton. I have known Susan and her family for over 3 years. Susan was diagnosed with leukemia 6 years ago at the age of 39, and was in remission for 2 years. She is currently hospitalized, battling her second case of Leukemia. She has had one eye removed and she has also gone blind in the other. Research dollars have increased the survival rate from 15% in 1965, to 46% today. With our help, hopefully these research dollars will help them find a cure in Susan’s lifetime.
By now, I hope you agree with me regarding the importance of this cause. Please help support me by giving generously. Seventy-five percent of all funds will go directly to research, and your contribution is tax deductible. Contributing money is a powerful way to get involved, when you can’t give your time. Many companies match charitable contributions, so please check with your company, and include matching forms with your donation. To make a contribution, please complete the enclosed donation form and return it to me by May 28th, or go to my website at www.active.com/donate/tntwaak/tntwaakPDugaw. If you would like, your donation can be made in honor of somebody special, just let me know their name, and I will race for them as well.
If you would like to support me through motivation, please check back here again and again and again. It will have updated information on my training. It is also a great place for you to write words of encouragement, like reminding me that leaving a warm bed at 5:30 am for cold Lake Washington is a good thing.
When I walked into the Team in Training meeting on January 10th, my plan was to sign up for a race, and walk away with a structured training program and an experienced coach. I walked away with a lot more. This year my goal is not only to complete the Pacific Crest Olympic Triathlon on June 25th, but also to help raise awareness and money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This organization is dedicated to funding blood cancer research, providing education, and patient services. Thousands of people battle different kinds of blood cancer on a daily basis, and this is our opportunity to help.
I will be swimming .9 miles, biking 25 miles and running 6 miles in honor of Susan Dalton. I have known Susan and her family for over 3 years. Susan was diagnosed with leukemia 6 years ago at the age of 39, and was in remission for 2 years. She is currently hospitalized, battling her second case of Leukemia. She has had one eye removed and she has also gone blind in the other. Research dollars have increased the survival rate from 15% in 1965, to 46% today. With our help, hopefully these research dollars will help them find a cure in Susan’s lifetime.
By now, I hope you agree with me regarding the importance of this cause. Please help support me by giving generously. Seventy-five percent of all funds will go directly to research, and your contribution is tax deductible. Contributing money is a powerful way to get involved, when you can’t give your time. Many companies match charitable contributions, so please check with your company, and include matching forms with your donation. To make a contribution, please complete the enclosed donation form and return it to me by May 28th, or go to my website at www.active.com/donate/tntwaak/tntwaakPDugaw. If you would like, your donation can be made in honor of somebody special, just let me know their name, and I will race for them as well.
If you would like to support me through motivation, please check back here again and again and again. It will have updated information on my training. It is also a great place for you to write words of encouragement, like reminding me that leaving a warm bed at 5:30 am for cold Lake Washington is a good thing.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
When You Love Somebody
It's been an emotionally draining week, especially for Tim and his family. Seattle is back to beautiful days with snow expected over the weekend. Bill's funeral is going to be on Friday and many of Tims siblings will be here. I'm excited to meet two more of the twelve kids, to think that in over 2 years of knowing the family I only have 2 members left to meet- whew.
My training is going relatively well. We had a 2 mile timed run on Monday, didn't do too badly, and I have swim practice tonight. I'm feeling that I will need to step it up a little next week, it's been about 3 weeks of training and although I'm feeling really good I don't feel as if I'm doing enough. I feel as if I should be further along.
Always remember to tell the people you care for, I love you.
My training is going relatively well. We had a 2 mile timed run on Monday, didn't do too badly, and I have swim practice tonight. I'm feeling that I will need to step it up a little next week, it's been about 3 weeks of training and although I'm feeling really good I don't feel as if I'm doing enough. I feel as if I should be further along.
Always remember to tell the people you care for, I love you.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
A Little Snow Fall
Our Front YardWe have had 3-4 full days of beautiful clear skies and sunshine. Last night when I went for my run it was so cold that at 2 miles I was still freezing my butt off, literally. That cold brought us a little snow last night, certainly not an east coast blizzard, but it's always nice to wake up to a little white on the ground. I've been told that Saturday we should expect more... and we thought spring was here.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Be Healthy in 2006
I've made a decision that 2006 is my year to really feel good about myself and to just be healthy. Therefore I have signed myself up for an Olympic Distance Triathlon. I will be swimming 0.9 miles in a cold lake, biking 25 miles of some of the most beautiful country and running 6 miles with views to kill. All of this will be taking place in Bend, Oregon on June 25th at the Pacific Crest Triathlon. So, if you're in the area you are welcome to join me, and my cheer team - Tim.
I began swimming again. For all of you that didn't know, I was a pretty good swimmer and water polo player in high school. Anyhow, I've got myself back in the pool 1-2 days a week and it has not been easy. I'm running around 3 days a week, thank God for the great weather we've been having in Seattle and I'm biking around 1-2 days a week.
It has certainly been a commitment and I probably wouldn't know what I was doing and wouldn't be as motivated if I hadn't signed up for this race through Team in Training, more to come on this in a later blog.
Yes it has been a grand start to the new year and I look forward to continuing my training and just feeling good.
I began swimming again. For all of you that didn't know, I was a pretty good swimmer and water polo player in high school. Anyhow, I've got myself back in the pool 1-2 days a week and it has not been easy. I'm running around 3 days a week, thank God for the great weather we've been having in Seattle and I'm biking around 1-2 days a week.
It has certainly been a commitment and I probably wouldn't know what I was doing and wouldn't be as motivated if I hadn't signed up for this race through Team in Training, more to come on this in a later blog.
Yes it has been a grand start to the new year and I look forward to continuing my training and just feeling good.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Hold Your Heads' Up High, Seahawk Fans
Great job to the Seattle Seahawks, they moved that ball and they played like NFC Champions. It was hard watching them lose yesterday but I just know the NFL playoffs and the world have not seen the last of the Seahawks. It's been a fun football year and I look forward to the start of the 2006/07 season in September. "Go Hawks!"
Sunday, February 05, 2006
It's Superbowl Sunday!
It's a beautiful day in Seattle and after a windy day yesterday, today the sun is trying hard to show itself. It's game day and for many of us Seahawk fans we will be watching the game from home or at fun filled parties. Tim has decided that as a Seahawk fan since 1976 (their inception) a party will not do this year, he must have peace and quiet around him as this is a serious game and he needs to watch all plays and hear all commentary. All I can say is "Go Hawks!"
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