The whirlwind has stopped

Okay, I'm tired. Probably mored tired than I am after a good race. The tiredness though has all been worthwhile though. I have been totally blessed to be able to spend it with family on all 3 days and eat more than my fair share of good food and definately more than my fair share of alcohol. But, if you can't do it over the festive season - WHEN CAN YOU DO IT.

On Christmas Eve we all spent it at Dad's. I had a great night - food was just delicious. Dad's partner is Lebanese and the food is always to die for - and one is never short of a good feed by any stretch of the imagination. There was Taboulleh, baby lebanese sausages, hommous, salad, My potato bake, BBQ chicken, Kibbeh (a national Lebanese dish which consists of raw meat, ground onion and wheat). Sounds gross but totally the most delicious thing I have tasted in a while.

Kids got to enjoy spending time with their friend and they really enjoyed the evening. We didn't get home on till 1:30am and by that stage I was totally knackered. Christmas Day we all woke up a little later than usual and had to wake the kids up to come open their presents. Stephen and I were chomping at the bit to see their faces when they opened up their presents. The eldest 2 got a new mobile as their last one's we bought when they were in Yr 7 and were just about on their last legs. Kyle got a PS3 game which he had been hanging out for. They also got clothes galore - will they ever stop growing.

At 11:30am we made our way to Stephen's sister's house with my Mum and once again the feast was laid out before us. BBQ chicken, Ham, x3 salads and the best damn desserts I have ever tasted. After we all rested it was time for the kids to play some classic catches whilst I got roped into it by means of just being in the way. They also played backyard cricket and tennis - that I had to play. I totally suck at tennis, so I had them running all over the place.

By 7pm we headed home and it was time to just put our feet up and rest. Another great day done and dusted. I headed to bed rather early knowing full well I was to get up nice and early for my morning girls ride.

That was not to be. As my alarm went off at 5am and my brain adjusted to being awake, I could hear the faint pitter patter of rain on our tin roof. However as I opened the window it was not a faint sprinkle but rather a decent drenching. After a text message to all - I rolled over and went back to sleep till 8am. I had slept in for the first time in ages and now I had to rush around like a headless chook to tidy everything up and get food prepared. I had another family gathering, only this time at home.

My cousin and her 2 children, my Aunt & Uncle, Mum, Stephen's Dad & brother and us 5. Only this time we did a South American BBQ - that we call ASADO. Basically the cow ribs are cut cross ways - so different to the lengthy American style pork ribs.

We also had salad, ham, chorizos, desserts - you name it and it was on the table. Mum also took the opportunity get group shots. My mum is always snap happy.

3 generations - Mum, myself, Taillah

Mum and I

My cousin Rosario and I

The clan - Top Row, mum, myself, Stephen, Evan (Stephens bro)

Middle Row, Barry (Stephens Dad, Aunty Sonia, Uncle Elbio, Rosario, Sebastian

Bottom Row, Taillah, Kyle, Kurtis, ChiQui (the dog), Lorenzo

Boxing Day was done and I am shattered. Fingers crossed the Panthers Tri Club bunch ride is on in the morning, although with the storm we have just had and the fact that it is still raining - I am not sure I will go if it is bucketing down.

I also forgot to mention the most important part of the post - and that was my Christmas present. CHECK IT OUT.

Garmin Forerunner 110

I am stoked, stoked, stoked. has to be the coolest present ever - thankyou so much Stephen for getting me this. I have to also thank Dave from the bike shop for giving my hubby my TriSuit and for both of them keeping it a secret from me. You are very, very cheeky. THANKYOU. Even my friend Sarah knew about it and held onto the secret. Wish you could have seen my eyes as I unwrapped the present. I had the best morning.

How was everyone's Christmas?

Merry Christmas to all.

Christmas has come around quite quickly this year. And with the usual organised chaos comes the inevitable questions from the kids - "which presents can we open tonight, do we have to wait till midnight, do we get to open the others as soon as we wake up on Christmas Day". All of them answered "you get to choose, yes you have to wait and yes you can apart from Nan's one".

My husband is probably the worst but not in regards to his present but wanting me to open my present. Last night he was all like "Ohhhhhhh go on, pleaseeeeeee open it, your gonna love it". What fun is that I said, I want to open something on Christmas Day. So he finally relented and walked away like a sad little boy. I hate breaking his heart, but the one thing I love is opening presents Chrissy Day, after all it's only tomorrow. Before I know it, I will be up to my eye balls in unwrapped Christmas paper and enjoying seeing the kids faces light up as they see what we have gotten them.

I spent up till about 10pm last night wrapping presents, and the whole day cleaning up around the house. The kids helped heaps and in the process they got to re-arrange their rooms - I don't mind, it means I get to cull alot of the garbage which has accumulated over the year. My motto is "if it hasn't been used in a year atleast once - then it has to go". Alot of the clothes they had outgrown which were still in decent shape got given to St Vincents de Paul for people who really do need it. Each of us had about 4 bags full - Merry Xmas to whomever receives it.

Then this morning I woke up nice and early with my eldest son Kurt and I got in a 7.6km run whilst he rode his bike. God love his cotton socks he said to me as we arrived home "Wow Mum, your getting faster". Do you think he wants an extra special present..... In all honesty, he was really impressed with how far my running had progressed since the last time we did any exercise together. I feel good knowing that my son thinks so highly of me - makes me feel special.

I have also noticed my energy coming back with avengance as I have been sticking to my new eating plan and have also started back on my nutritionals from Neways. I absolutely love Ming Gold and Revenol and can't speak highly enough of how they make me feel and how much more stamina I seem to have. I can really notice when I am not on them. As with any good plan it is all about sticking to it so you can make full use of their properties.

So it is here I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and thankyou all for your kind support since I started in this blogger world. I hope each and everyone of you get spoilt rotten and share in the love over this festive season. I get to have tomorrow off and then back at it Boxing Day.

(Photo from Sabinche - Flickr)

Here I come!!!

Ok, so I have signed up for my second 70.3 - Yeppoon, without having done my first. Not sure if it was a wise decision, but something in me told me to DO IT. It had been playing on my mind for a while now and I thought if I was going to do another one after Port Macquarie then this would be the one. Heck, if I totally sucked at Number 2 then I could atleast rest and recoup at Capricorn Resort, Yeppoon.

Look at this place, it is spectacular. Capricorn Resort is nestled on 20km of secluded coral reef coastline (Great Barrier Reef) and looking out towards the neighbouring Great Keppel Islands. It has a host of things to do and see with over 25 free things to do or for extra costs you could go beach horse riding, canoe adventures and the list goes on. My kids will love this place and so will hubby. My daughter even said "whilst your out doing you stuff mum, we can rest and relax in the pool and watch you run over the bridge". Gotta love teenage motivation.

I have also calculated it to be 105 days after my Port Macquarie 70.3. Three and bit months of more training should see me get a little better at it hopefully, or atleast make it not hurt as bad. The course at Yeppoon looks really manageable too. The swim course is a straight out and back with water temps being around 22-23 degrees celsius PERFECT. Funny thing about it is that you have to walk about 1.7km to the starting point - one could use that as a bit of a warm up.

The bike leg is a 5 lap flat route. Should make for some very fast times but it could also make for some real challenging mind games. 70% of the ride is along the coastline on closed roads or closed lanes. Can't wait - if the images are anything to go by I should be totally distracted along the way.

The run which will be my hardest leg as always is set entirely within the resort grounds. It has a combination of hard and soft terrain with plenty of shade and finishes right in the middle of the resort. Once finished you get to cool down those weary muscles in the pool.

What more could I ask for in a race. Yeppoon 70.3 HERE I COME.

Tryin' something new

Since the kiddies have been on school holidays it has been a bit of a juggle trying to do the required training on the appropriate days. However, I took heed from all of your comments and am trying very hard to not stress and just make do with what I have available - and if that means mixing my days up to get it done then so be it. This creature of habit is learning a new trait - flexibility of the mind.

So with the kids home and it being the windiest day I have seen in a while, as well as the fact that I slept in I decided to change my swim/run day to my Tuesday bike/run day. Now, I know that sounds crazy, but I did a windtrainer/run session with TopNotch in the evening. Absolutely awesome. I learnt so much - like when I get tired I start to bounce around on the saddle. This is turn makes my upper body wobble around and waste more energy then I need to. This took more focus then I thought. I had to squeeze my butt cheeks and hold my core so tight I almost forgot to breathe. Eliza would just keep saying "your bouncing Barb". One good thing is I don't toe point when I ride.

We ended up doing some one-legged drills which I had never done before. I think I held the momentum quite well as there were no clunking sounds when I would turn the peddle over. Guess that means I was using both my quads and hammies effectively. Hoping this will be part of my next month's training plan.

During the session we did a pyramid workout which consisted of 2, 4, 6, 8, 6, 4, 2 mins at race pace holding a cadence of around 90 with a 1, 2, 3, 4, 3, 2, 1 min recovery inbetween. Not bad, I think I did well. I know I am definately finding a 90 cadence much easier than I used to and I am recovering alot faster inbetween too. In 1hr 7mins I did 31.6km, not bad. Didn't feel like it.

After we did the last cool down it was then time to get off the bike, put on my runners and go for a leisurely jaunt around the oval 3 times and then up the hill and back. My legs felt heavy and wobbly but within 600m I felt okay. Either my legs are getting used to that funny sensation or I am getting better at ignoring it. Either way, it was done at a nice leisurely pace, one I would have been able to speak through.

Since starting in this wonderful world of Triathlons I have been keeping track of my kilometres through DailyMile and last week saw me accomplish the most kilometres in one week to date.

196km in one week.

Never in my wildest dreams a year ago would I have ever thought that I would accomplish so many kilometres in a week - and I know this will only grow as my training becomes for focused in the New Year. This is terribly exciting.

My swimming is coming along nicely too. Today I did a 3.6km session without too much fuss.

• 500m easy Fr/s
• 500m Fr/s with pullbouy
• 4 x 50m Fr/s building speed, 10 secs rest
• 16 x 50m Fr/s 2 x 50 on 1.20
• 2 x 50 on 1.15
• 2 x 50 on 1.10
• 2 x 50 on 1.05
• 2 x 50 on 1.00
• 2 x 50 on 55
• 2 x 50 on 50
• 2 x 50 on 45
• 6 x 200m 3 with pullbouy 3 without on 3:30
• 400m cooldown

Feeling stronger, more controlled and focused - just how I like it.

Panther Cycles Family Race Day/Enduro Race

What a night. Probably the best night I have had in a while. Not just because I got to race but because I got to spend it with the best club in the world - PTC. Yeah, I know I'm biased, but what can I say - never in my life have I had that much support out on a race field. I am used to the whole solitary, water in the ears, can't hear a thing kind of environment. So to be part of a community where all I can hear is "Go Barb, doing good" spurs me on to no end.

What made it even more fun is that I got to dress up my helmet.

I even had a pair of Jingle Bells just under my bike saddle, kind of cute and happy sounding initially, but by the end - those jingle sounds were driving me a bit batty.

The Panther Cycles Family Race Day is a yearly event. The aim of the day was to get the whole club together all at the one time - enjoying the atmosphere, spending time together, having a race and then a great feed afterwards. The race I had signed up for was the Enduro Race. Basically, it was a 250m swim, 10km cycle, 2km run TWICE OVER.

Hard as!!!!!

My heart rate had not one minute to drop to within normal realms. But really, I didn't care. What I liked was that because I knew this was a fun event there was no pressure on me (by me) to try to go all like a crazy person. In the first swim, I always position myself out in the front, but this meant I was up with all the guys - fast guys and their arms and legs. Kind of felt like a huge washing machine. Couldn't really see a thing so I followed the bubbles. I even scored a kick in the forehead which didn't hurt too bad but it left me a bit bewildered.

Not sure of my swim exit position but I do know there were a tonne of people in front of me, so by the time I got to T1 there alot of bikes already off their racks. Out on bike number one I felt okay apart from taking one corner slightly wide which saw me come face to face with the grass for a couple of seconds (what a dill). I couldn't even hide from that as one of the guys rode past and said "took that one a bit wide" - yep, sure did. Don't know what happened other than I was already tired or my manouvering skills are up S*#t creek.

As I continued cycling the normal thing happened - I kept getting passed by the guys and girls. It's amazing all I can hear is the deep swooshing sounds of their tyres as they so elegantly ride past - making it all seem so effortless - whilst I peddle like a maniac. But for all of those that passed me they all had praise to give to me. What more could a girl want.

Back into T2 and it was on with the sneakers and out for the 2km run. I was feeling okay actually. I was enjoying watching everyone as they ran past me or towards me (depending how far ahead they were). Love being in amongst the atmosphere. The camaraderie is just more than I have ever anticipated. No-one was short of encouraging words even whilst they were all hurting and pushing themselves, they all looked my way and either smiled, gave me a much needed tap on the shoulder or told me how good I was doing.

As I ran back into transition I was contemplating whether to put my swim cap on again - I decided not to - too much energy so I grabbed the goggles and headed back out. Cal (one of the officials) said "give us your best dive". With what little energy I had left I mustered up a "horsie"

This time in the water I didn't feel like a speed boat - more like a barge. My arms felt so heavy and I just couldn't get my breath, so when I finally exited the water it was a welcome relief - I know shock horror. I have never said that before. The next bike leg I think went a bit better than the first. I got to enjoy some great company for a brief period along the way - Compression Man and Shane kept me laughing.

Compression Man Rocks.

I even got to run arm in arm with this handsome chap. How lucky am I. He truly was a sight for sore eyes - those long golden locks flowing in the breeze. I was a happy girl - all the pain in my legs forgotten. Underneath all this gear is a really nice person to boot - Jason.

I didn't finish with any great times - lord knows I am no wonder triathlete - but F.U.N I had in abundance. My finishing time was 1:08:28 - I am happy. After all was said and done and I got to enjoy some great food and mingle with everyone. Unfortunately hubby got stuck at work and couldn't see me race but he made it just after I finished. We didn't end up leaving the Regatta Centre till close to 9pm as we ended up chatting (another passion of mine).

Yesterday I did my usual Saturday swim session with TopNotch. It was a really good session - we focused alot on drills - you can never get enough drills I think. Constant repetition makes for better and faster swimming.

Then this morning it was our usual bunch ride. There were 8 of us today - Me, Cloe, Elissa, Kylie, Drew, Josh, Matt and Sarah. What a great ride. Was not expecting the fella's - but it sure made for another fun ride. I got helped up one small mole hill by Drew - thankyou. I am even contemplating attempting Yarramundi. Maybe early next year. Yes I know next year is only 12 days away. Give me a couple more attempts at Cobbitty and then I will try it. But like I have said - you all will be waiting forever for me to climb those hills and you will have eaten lunch and afternoon tea AND had a nanna nap before I get to the top.

113km under the belt

I have to give a massive shout out to both Sarah and Elissa. To Sarah because she did her longest ride to date and did stupendously. Well done. And to Elissa because she did her first century ride plus some. What a great morning. My second Century Ride in a week. Too Good.

Upon returning home there was no rest for the wicked - Grocery Shopping was next on the list BLAH. But I did get spoilt by my daughter after it was all said and done - she prepared a wonderful Radox bath to soothe my weary muscles. Love you Tails. What a great weekend.

LUCKY.

This was yesterday's insane weather here at home. Aren't we supposed to be in Summer? Atleast that's what I thought until I saw these dark grey even sickly green clouds come over the horizon. Haven't seen anything like this ever - it was almost like seeing a scene out of "The Day After Tomorrow". Just glad I was scheduled a rest day or I would have been out there in that doing a run.

Can you imagine getting hit in the head with one of these!

The wind was so strong and fierce and coming in horizontally that these babies were hitting my windows, making holes in the courtyard roof and denting my car so bad that it now looks like it has cellulite - poor little Jeep. So after it was all said and done the clean up around the home began and taking loads of photos for insurance purposes was a definate must.

The poor dogs didn't know what happened - they had scurried into the cubby house and not a peep was heard from them until it was all over. When they finally did emerge, they tip toed through the backyard smelling all the hail and looking up at the sky. Don't blame them really, there was still lightening and thunder to be heard and seen in the distance.

There were reports of flash flooding everywhere, roofs collapsing, power outages, and lots of debris all through town. Fingers crossed we don't get a repeat of this weather today as we have our club race. It's known as the Panthers Cycle Family Race Day - all for fun and we get to dress up too. Will post photo's on next post. Lets just say my helmet is very cute.

My main concern though is if I can run. My legs are totally trashed from Wednesday's track session. Why is it my calf muscles always feel as though they have been ripped to bits after track? I guess after 14 x 200's done on a constant 48-49secs would do it. I know, they don't sound fast but that's holding a fairly decent pace for me - so I am super happy with my efforts. And I think I am recovering alot faster inbetween sets too. Good thing too Eliza said to me only on the 10th 200 that I was starting to look a bit tired and sit in my stride versus being nice and upright. A couple of months ago I would have been tired on the 2nd one. So things are definately looking up.

I have also been very busy putting together a Playlist for the club race. Fingers crossed everyone likes it. It's quite an eclectic mix of favourites as well as requests from our clubbies. I think I am now well rounded in the Top 100's list from the 70's right through to today's stuff.

Is it any wonder.

All I can say is "can't believe I was actually able to do what I was doing" considering my carbohydrate intake was well below par. And it's no wonder I was feeling so down mentally but most of all physically for a while. My nutritionist Rebecca said my carbohydrate intake based on 7gms per kg of bodyweight should be 469gms. After filling out my food diary for a couple of days it was estimated that I was only getting around the 160-180gms - RIDICULOUS.

I wasn't doing it on purpose - I am just not a big bread eater, or pasta eater, or potato eater. And really not having a big knowledge of foods I was just not going for things that were going to be fuelling me for my next workout. And so instead of going into each workout with my muscle glycogen stores all topped up I was trying to squeeze out most of my workouts on depleted muscles. No wonder everything hurt and I was starting to hit the proverbial wall earlier on in nearly all of my workouts.

So now I am armed with a Meal Plan and a list of Carbohydrate Foods for Fuelling and Recovery that I can eat whilst I am on my longer training sessions. It states that endurance athletes should be trying to consume between 30-60g of Carbs every hour after the first 60mins of exercise. So now that I have my list it is time to start getting creative with the different types of foods I can eat whilst on the bike and order myself the High 5 Energy Gels (these are the only ones I like). Two of these gels would give me 46g of carbs without that disgusting aftertaste that most seem to give me. I also really only like the Orange Flavour, but Summer Fruits are too bad either.

I also need to weigh myself a few times pre/post long activities. The goal is to lose less than 2% of my total bodyweight in fluid. Anything over that is not acceptable. And of course I forgot to do this this morning when I headed out for my bike ride at 0600hrs. Brain wasn't in gear at that time of the morning but I did do a 2hr bike ride before hubby left for work and managed to ride 48km. I also ate an Uncle Toby's Muesli Bar which gave me 20.2g of carbs and had 500mls of Staminade which gave me 30.4g - a good total for the hour of 50.6g. For breakfast before I left I also had 3 Weetbix, a cup of coffee and a glass of water. So I think I was pretty set for the first hour.

Needless to say I also need to hydrate well which I have been doing religiously now. My hubby ended up hiring one of those Water Cooler Stations and it is perfectly positioned next to my computer considering I spend alot of time writing - remember this is my passion. So, no sooner is my glass empty I just turn around and refill it. Rebecca has also said that hydration is really important not only for the obvious reasons but also because I am increasing the intake of fibrous foods this could upset the gut - so fluids will keep things happening - literally.

~Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are.~

~Bernice Johnson Reagon~