Contacts

So far I have been focused on training on running, but I also need to work on swimming. To do that, however, I need to be able to see!

I have a weak residual prescription after having lasik done. I used to wear contacts, but switched to glasses about 7 years back because my eyes were drying out staring at a computer monitor all day at work. Today I saw my eye doctor and got contacts. I managed to wear them for about 6 hours today before they started to bug me.

I also ordered swim suits and caps and will be joining a gym with a pool in a few weeks.

Road ID

Last night I ordered another Road ID. For those that haven't seen a Road ID yet, it is ID that is rugged enough to wear while riding, running, or swimming, and comfortable enough to wear 24-7. Identification information is laser engraved on a stainless steel plate that comes in several forms - for the wrist, ankle, shoe, and dog tags style. They also have an option where a website and phone number along with serial and pin numbers are engraved on the tag that are used to access extensive contact and medical information.

I've been wearing a Road ID for several years. I started with the Wrist ID Sport, upgraded to the Wrist ID Elite, and now wear the Wrist ID Slim. The Wrist ID Slim is so comfortable that I never take it off. Road ID lets me carry all of my information on me in case of an accident on my bike, in my car, or any where in between.

Road ID is also a company I respect. They create a quality product at a reasonable price and provide excellent customer service, and always with good humor.

If you don't have a Road ID yet, I suggest you order one. And if you use the code ThanksPatrisha18316368 in the next 30 days, you can get $1 off. (Code can be used a total of 30 times, so act fast!)

Visit www.roadid.com to learn more and order your Road ID.

Progress!

So great to see progress already!

I forgot to put my water bottle in the fuel belt as I headed out for my run, which with my asthma, is generally a recipe for disaster. I noticed about 7 minutes in. I decided to keep going, but back off on the intensity a bit.

Amazingly, not only did I finish the workout without problems, but I even slightly increased my distance!

Can't wait to see what I can do on Friday when I have my water with me and I can really push myself.

First running lesson

I am a cyclist. I have my cycling gear down to a science, but I'm quickly learning I have some to learn when it comes to running. When I am cycling the air flow over me dries the sweat on my face. When I am running, the salty sweat drips down into my eyes, stinging quite a bit.

So today I picked up some cheap sweat bands to see if that will solve the problem.

Now to go test them!

UPDATE: It did seem to help, even if I did feel rather dorky in it.

Starting point

I anticipate loosing a few pounds and firming up this year, so I thought I would post my starting point.

Weight: 159
Chest: 37
Waist (narrowest part): 27
Abdomen (belly button): 33
Hips: 42

This is a big improvement over where I was at 3 1/2 years ago, but I put about 10lbs back on this year, so the first goal is to get those back off.

The first challenge: Running

I have never been a runner. Never. I was a goalie in the obligatory season of soccer in elementary school cause the goalie doens't need to run. I never did finish a mile without walking some in middle school gym class. In high school I was on the diving team.

I always blamed my asthma- that it's just too hard to find a running pace that doesn't get to my lungs. However, with all the biking I've done in the last few years I am beginning to realize that the asthma, while sometimes a limiting factor, doesn't actually stop me if I don't want it too.

I have recently tried running a bit. But, now I need to run half a marathon. After swimming 1.2 miles and biking 56 miles. That's way more than a bit of running.

I am starting my running training using an application I have downloaded to my iPhone. Zen Labs has several running applications designed to take you from couch potato (when it comes to running, I definitely qualify as a couch potato) to a 5k, 10k, half, or full marathon.

I have used the 5k application for a few weeks before and generally liked it. I have now upgrade to the 10k app. In 14 short weeks, it says I will be able to run a 10k.

Check out the application, and check back with me to see if I make it!

Zen Labs 10k Trainer

Superior Man Tri

So here's the tri I'm signed up for: Superior Man Tri

Description from 2012:

On August 26th, 2012, triathletes from around North America will find out what it takes to be a Superior Man! The inaugural Superior Man Triathlon will challenge even the heartiest of endurance athletes as they “Escape from the Vista Fleet” into the Bay of Lake Superior.

The 2012 Superior Man Triathlon is a long distance triathlon featuring a 1.2 mile rectangular swim from the Vista Fleet to Bayfront Festival Park, and fast bike and run courses along the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior of 56 and 13.1 miles.The transition area inside Amsoil Arena and finish line under the arches of Bayfront Park are just feet apart, set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Superior and Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge.

A journey begins...

I have signed up for the Superior Man Triathlon on August 25, 2013 in Duluth MN. The countdown on the official web site says I have 357 days before the big event. Just under one year to get ready for what will be one of the biggest challenges of my life. This will be my training log and diary for the year leading up to the triathlon.

The Superior Man Tri is a long distance triathlon, also referred to as a half-ironman distance. I will swim 1.2 miles in Lake Superior (cold!), bike 56 miles, and run 13.1 miles (really? a half marathon??).

I'm not too concerned about the bike portion, but I haven't swam in about two decades and I've never really been a runner...

Check back in once in a while and see how I'm doing!