Saturday morning I had my usual Team in Training workout. This week it was an out and back 35 mile bike ride from Marymoor to Matthews Beach. It felt great! I think I'm finally feeling good on the bike. I'm getting use to using my gears the correct way, I'm feeling much more efficient on the bike.
At the end of practice I rushed home, took a shower and at 1:00pm I kissed Tim goodbye (He worked deligently in the garden all day Saturday). I had to make the 1:30pm ferry to Kingston. I was heading over to Fort Worden which is in Port Townsend. I was meeting up with our Adventure Guides group (work stuff). The best part is that I made it back to Seattle by about 6:30pm, that's right it was a quick trip.
On Sunday morning I felt that my house needed a little attention so I cleaned it. I love a clean house! My reward was brunch at one of our favorite spots- Wild Mountain. We hadn't been there in a while so we spent most of the time catching up with friends, we know the owner and the ladies that work there.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Friday, March 24, 2006
It's Been A Long Week
Monday was a beautiful day in Seattle. It was the first day of spring. I went to Green Lake and did my timed 2 mile run, this is my second time doing it. The good news is that after two weeks of vacation my time was 2 seconds faster. I would've liked to have been at least 30 seconds faster but at least I am consistent.
The rest of my week included a swim and a soar knee taking my running out of the training plan for this week. Haven't had much else going on. Just hanging with the hubby and reading alot. I tell ya, it's been a long week.
The rest of my week included a swim and a soar knee taking my running out of the training plan for this week. Haven't had much else going on. Just hanging with the hubby and reading alot. I tell ya, it's been a long week.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
My Weekend Workouts
Saturday, March 18th 2006:
I woke up at about 5:30 this morning, I have practice at 9am and I would love to get just a little more sleep. It's not happening, so I jump on my computer and take care of some reunion business.
My Team in Training practice this morning is at Seward Park. I will be doing my first multi-brick training. When I get to Seward it is cold, very cold but I know that my bike/run will soon warm my body. We bike a 5 mile loop, then run what I believe was 1 mile. Everyone was to complete 4 transitions, I only completed two and a half. I was close to stopping at two but, with the help of my coach I did the bike one more time and it felt good to do that. After two weeks of vacation and my lack of training, I was hitting a wall very early on.
Sunday, March 19th 2006:
It's a gorgeous day in Seattle. If you had a chance to be outside, I hope you were. I went to church in the morning then Tim and I decided that we needed to be outside so we went for a bike ride. We headed from home down the Burke Gilman Trail to the UW, about 12 miles round trip. I don't get enough time on my bike and although my legs were certainly feeling it, it was nice to be out there - so this was a nice bonus.
I woke up at about 5:30 this morning, I have practice at 9am and I would love to get just a little more sleep. It's not happening, so I jump on my computer and take care of some reunion business.
My Team in Training practice this morning is at Seward Park. I will be doing my first multi-brick training. When I get to Seward it is cold, very cold but I know that my bike/run will soon warm my body. We bike a 5 mile loop, then run what I believe was 1 mile. Everyone was to complete 4 transitions, I only completed two and a half. I was close to stopping at two but, with the help of my coach I did the bike one more time and it felt good to do that. After two weeks of vacation and my lack of training, I was hitting a wall very early on.
Sunday, March 19th 2006:
It's a gorgeous day in Seattle. If you had a chance to be outside, I hope you were. I went to church in the morning then Tim and I decided that we needed to be outside so we went for a bike ride. We headed from home down the Burke Gilman Trail to the UW, about 12 miles round trip. I don't get enough time on my bike and although my legs were certainly feeling it, it was nice to be out there - so this was a nice bonus.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
The Jamaica Trip Continues...
On Monday morning Tim and I headed down to Negril. I'd never been to the place we were staying at so we were a little worried. However, Catcha Falling Star ended up being wonderful. Our first evening in Negril we swam in the beautiful Caribbean Sea, had dinner from a roadside diner and drank wine under the stars. We were in heaven.
On our second day we decided to go snorkeling. I must admit that I got a little bored and I drove Tim crazy. After some Ackee and Saltfish for breakfast, we headed into town to look for a game of beach volleyball, we came up empty. Instead we got into a minor fender bender. So, we ate lunch at Cosmos, bought some local art and then headed back to our abode. Tim spent the evening jumping off the cliffs, I read my book. That evening we ate at the Rockhouse then relaxed in our patio hammock listening to a concert at Ricks Cafe (4 doors away).
The next day we lazed around, read and played cards. We were having the time of our lives doing whatever WE wanted to do.
Thursday morning we headed to the south coast to stay one night at Jakes in St. Elizabeth. Although we were not as happy with our room, the place is a great little hide away. Their restaurant Jack Sprat (near to the beach) played some really good music so that's where we would spend most of our time.
Heading back into Kingston, the following day, we stopped at Lovers Leap and we ate lunch at Little Ochi. Our final weekend in Jamaica was spent with the family. We even had an opportunity to take the kids to Dunns River Falls, we did have fun.
So that's our vacation, it was a time we both deserved and we both enjoyed.
Mi cay wait fi go back home.
For more pictures check out Shutterfly.
On our second day we decided to go snorkeling. I must admit that I got a little bored and I drove Tim crazy. After some Ackee and Saltfish for breakfast, we headed into town to look for a game of beach volleyball, we came up empty. Instead we got into a minor fender bender. So, we ate lunch at Cosmos, bought some local art and then headed back to our abode. Tim spent the evening jumping off the cliffs, I read my book. That evening we ate at the Rockhouse then relaxed in our patio hammock listening to a concert at Ricks Cafe (4 doors away).
The next day we lazed around, read and played cards. We were having the time of our lives doing whatever WE wanted to do.
Thursday morning we headed to the south coast to stay one night at Jakes in St. Elizabeth. Although we were not as happy with our room, the place is a great little hide away. Their restaurant Jack Sprat (near to the beach) played some really good music so that's where we would spend most of our time.
Heading back into Kingston, the following day, we stopped at Lovers Leap and we ate lunch at Little Ochi. Our final weekend in Jamaica was spent with the family. We even had an opportunity to take the kids to Dunns River Falls, we did have fun.
So that's our vacation, it was a time we both deserved and we both enjoyed.
Mi cay wait fi go back home.
For more pictures check out Shutterfly.
Friday, March 17, 2006
The Food...The Workouts
Steamed Garlic Crab, Jerked Shrimp and BammyTim constantly reminds himself how much he loves the food in Jamaica, it is all good and let's just say that our workouts did not exceed the amount of good food we ate. So needless to say we did eat well and we did put on a little weight.
I know I have a triathlon that I'm working towards, so I will share with you my limited time of training. I did a total of 4 workouts while on vacation, my initial plan for my 14 days on the island was to do at least 8, so I was 50% there. I did a 1600m swim, and three runs that were 3-plus miles. I cannot lie it's been a while since I have run in heat like that. I truly missed that amount of sweat running down my face, my back and my arms. I do wish I had done a few more workouts but the hammock just kept on calling my name.
Tomorrow I will share with you our wonderful getaway in Negril at Catcha Falling Star.
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Home Sweet Home
Courtney the Performer
Luke the Sports Star
Stuart the Star Baller
I've decided that with the amount of pictures and information I have to share about our trip I'm not going to overwhelm you all at once, so I will give it to you in pieces.
I arrived in Jamaica 4 days before Tim and that time was spent with my family. I had the opportunity to watch my two nephews, Stuart and Luke, play football and on Sunday I went to watch my niece do her synchronize swimming. When Tim arrived late Sunday evening we had ourselves some good Jamaican food (more to come) and a quiet evening with mummy.
It's Cold Out There
Tim and I had a wonderful time in Jamaica and although it is nice to be back home, it's always hard to say goodbye.
The moment we departed the plane the cold hit us, we had gotten so use to the warm sun beating down on us that we had to pull out the warm coats and get into bundle mode. It's wonderful to be home, sleeping in our own beds and having a different pair of shoes to wear (limited clothes when you travel) but our trip was really jam packed and fun. My next entry will have pictures and a review of our time in our second home.
The moment we departed the plane the cold hit us, we had gotten so use to the warm sun beating down on us that we had to pull out the warm coats and get into bundle mode. It's wonderful to be home, sleeping in our own beds and having a different pair of shoes to wear (limited clothes when you travel) but our trip was really jam packed and fun. My next entry will have pictures and a review of our time in our second home.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Soon Come
Tim and I are going to be in Jamaica for 2 wonderful weeks. I arrive on Thursday (March 2nd)and spend a few days in Kingston with my family. Tim arrives on Sunday, after a business meeting in Miami. We head to Negril (Catcha Falling Star) on Monday morning for 4 nights and then we will spend one night in St. Elizabeth at Jakes. Our final weekend in town we plan on seeing family and friends. During the entire visit, I plan on eating as much good Jamaican food as I can.
As for my training, the good news is that my sister, Lisa, is also training for a triathlon so I plan on tagging along with her. When I'm off in the country I will play tennis and run.
I'm not sure how much blogging I plan on doing, you might get an update on the trip and then again I am in Jamaica so you might not.
Layta
As for my training, the good news is that my sister, Lisa, is also training for a triathlon so I plan on tagging along with her. When I'm off in the country I will play tennis and run.
I'm not sure how much blogging I plan on doing, you might get an update on the trip and then again I am in Jamaica so you might not.
Layta
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
The Training Continues...
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!
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!
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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