Sparta Personal Training.

This is my friend Jen. We met close to a year ago on my very first ride out on the Northern Road. I was heading out with Maureen and at our turnaround point I was introduced to both Jen and her hubby Rommel. We connected from the very first moment we met. Jen is just the nicest person, her gentle and calm demeanour are in my eyes why she makes a great personal trainer.

I will let her article tell her story. Sparta Personal Training is the name of her business - remember it - it will go far. Check out her website by clicking on Sparta Personal Training and see all she has to offer.

"I find it amazing how life turns out completely differently from the way you anticipated it would.

At university some 17 years ago (yikes!), I contemplated doing my fitness trainers course so that I could teach ‘aerobics’ (as it was called then) to make some cash. I didn’t end up doing the course at the time. So I find it amazing that now after being a lawyer for 13 years, I seem to have come almost full circle & am now (finally) in the health & fitness industry – where I know I belong J

It was also while I was at uni that I discovered my love of strength training & being in a gym. Despite that, I let the exercise lapse when I finally started working as a lawyer. After a couple of years, I found myself carrying an extra 8kgs. After being relatively lean throughout uni, this didn’t sit too comfortably. So I joined the local gym near the office. Doing weights and using the treadmill & stepper soon led to getting out doors & walking.

Before long, I started running. When I started running, I distinctly remember thinking there was no way I could imagine running for the rest of my life. It seemed too uncomfortable and quite simply, far too hard to persevere with. But somewhere along the way, I discovered a passion for endurance sports like running, triathlons, hiking & mountaineering. And now I can’t imagine not running for the rest of my life.

Having said that, it has been a very rocky road since I started running 6 years ago. It is no exaggeration to say that I have basically been injured, or recovering from an injury, since then. Needless to say, it has been very difficult to watch my friends & family set & achieve their sporting goals in that time. Many many tears have been shed over the years. The experience has been a great lesson in determination, dealing with jealousy & humility. So I understand the disappointment & frustration that comes from being injured and empathise with people who have been unable to achieve things what they want due to injury. This has really become my driving force & main motivating factor behind SPARTA - I do not want anyone else to go through what I have.

So my mission at SPARTA is to help my client’s achieve their dreams & goals by reducing their risk of injury & helping to improve their performance in their chosen sport. I do this by identifying, and then minimising, any issues with their movement which might cause injury and/or reduce their ability to achieve peak performance. I do this in a way that takes into account everything about my client’s - from their goals, lifestyle, personality, posture, strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes and available time so it is a very customised process. Getting this much input from my client’s means that they are as much a part of the training design process as I am.

In the future, I would also expand my practice & work with older adults. I have watched family members suffer from diseases that I know exercise can help to address in some way. And I know of a lot of parents, family & friends of active people who have been inspired to become more active themselves. I think older adults also appreciate the importance of their health more than others.

I love seeing the way people change physically & mentally as they set themselves a goal they don’t always believe they can achieve and then set out to achieve it. It is an extremely gratifying role; what can I say – I honestly love my work.

Jen, I am so glad we are friends. I know your clients will benefit immensely from your knowledge and patience as well as your motivating and gentle personality. You are an asset to the industry and to anyone who has you as their trainer.

Check out her website - articles and interviews galour.

Flippetty Flop.

That's what it feels like when my heart is having it's random moments. And to say that's it's distressing when it happens is an understatement. It really only happens for a few seconds, but it's enough to make me feel breathless and like my heartbeat is about to explode through the base of my neck.

So after Sunday's pathetic attempt at Cobbitty I decided it was time to get this checked. So off to the GP I went and he decided it was time to make me have a stress test as previous ECG's showed nothing at all. So thank goodness for Sarah and her being a cardiac technician and all at the local hospital.

Sarah had me booked in first thing this morning as an outpatient and I couldn't be more grateful for her organising this. She showed me around the ward in which she works and then it was time to get all the leads hooked up to my chest. She is a total natural at her job and you could plainly see that she could do this with her eyes shut. I used to have to count each intercostal space to place leads when I did ECG's - but not Sarah.

She took all the preliminary stuff down - like my pulse and lying/standing blood pressure and then after a bit of waiting around for the resident to arrive it was time to get on the treadmill and start the STRESS test. Having never had one before I was interested to see how this would pan out.

So, basically you start on a small incline at a certain speed and then at the 2minute mark I think, your blood pressure gets taken and then at the 3 min mark the incline goes up as does the speed. And this continues until you either can't anymore or you reach 21mins. I was kind of hoping that something would happen with my heart so I could prove to myself that I wasn't imagining what was happening to me.

And sure enough as my HR got to the mid 140's I started to feel that tell tale breathlessness and then that feeling in my throat. I let Sarah know and sure enough - there it was - a couple of Ectopic beats. Another one happened a few minutes later and then nothing else. It's really funny though because I could feel like it was going to happen before it actually did it's funny thing.

I later found out that I have Ventricular Ectopic Beats - sounds scary but they are benign. According to Mikati 2010 - an ectopic beat is a small variation in the normal heartbeat that gives rise to an irregular pulse and in adults they can be common however should still be investigated.

I think the reason this had me so freaked out is that there is a huge family history of heart disease on both Mum and Dad's side. My Mum had 2 heart attacks at the age of 49 and By-pass surgery by 52.

Anyway, I couldn't be happier that even though I am experiencing some odd sensations in my ticker, that it is ok and I can get on with whatever I want. That I shouldn't fear them, just acknowledge their existence and move on. Halleluiah!!!

Now off to the GP tomorrow for it to be validated and then it's off to 70.3 with a clean bill of health.

TAPER TIME

And boy am I happy. I never thought that it would be so welcomed, but I am embracing it with both arms - like you would a long lost relative. I remember back to my younger days feeling much the same when I used to do swim squads. I was always counting down the days to the 2 weeks before a major meet like Metrops, State or Nationals. I loved dropping the intensity of sessions and having them feel more like short sprints instead of cramming in 2 x 6km swim sessions a day. The resiliency of youth is really a remarkable thing.

I have noticed that the fatigue and tiredness is really starting to play with my mind. I am wondering if I can do this. Have I done all that I can to make sure I pull my first 70.3 off without too many things going wrong. I am starting to question my ability to make it through the bike course especially after today's effort riding through Cobbitty. I know this self doubt is normal, but it feels weird as I never experienced this as a kid.

But with 13 days to go there really is nothing more I can do. From this point on it is trying to recover the body and have it feeling as fresh as I can whilst still trying to maintain some certain level of exercise as well.

I am terribly excited about Port but equally, if not more NERVOUS. The anticipation is at times overwhelming and I just want to it here already. I have been thinking alot about how I am going to get these "NERVES" under control and have started to download relaxation apps to my iPhone. I need to focus now on really relaxing the mind as this taper will give me added time to have my mind go into free fall. I need to start visualising what race day is going to be like, the sights, sounds, feelings, emotions. How I am going to feel and how I will cope if things go slightly wrong on the day. i need to feel these emotions and work through them before the day.

I have got my bike checked in for it's pre-race service for the 21st of April and need to get my Garmin checked as well. It is not even charging so thinking maybe the battery is dead. And as of tomorrow I am writing a checklist of the things I will need so I can start packing or atleast organising for the day. I have am also going to see the GP tomorrow as my palpitations are getting worse - I especially noticed it today when I went for my ride.

It starts as a breathlessness and then a tightness around the chest wall and then I can feel my heart literally pounding but missing beats or adding beats. Hard to explain but the feeling is odd. Not sure if it is electrolyte related, fatigue or what but this needs sorting now. It makes me feel breathless and I hate it. I also feel slightly odd in the head, almost as though I am not all there. So I know this needs further investigations as there is a history of heart disease in my family.

We had a huge night last night so not sure if this aggravated the situation - it was my twins 15th birthday, and they really enjoyed themselves but I did not stop at all. There was about 30 teens at home and even though they were all so well behaved I was just trying to make sure they were all well catered for. Here are my babies:

I can't believe I have 15yr olds.

But look how gorgeous they are - I am a lucky mum. What a great but excessively tiring weekend. I also wanted to post a photo of Sarah and I after our cold, wet but fun ride on Saturday. Do we look like hard core cyclists?

If you think you can't.

Then your obviously not giving yourself enough credit. Martin Luther King said:

"Faith is taking the first step

even when you don't see the whole staircase"

I guess it's all about realising your potential even when you think you have nothing more to give. It's about realising that your journey has only begun from the moment you set your sights on a goal. That beyond every small step you take towards realising your dream there is always a something more you never thought possible/imaginable.

I, never thought I could. I, never thought I had it in me. I, was the first to question my abilities when everyone around me knew better. I, now know better. I know that whenever I say I can't or feel that overwhelming feeling sense of inability that I CAN. I just have to allow myself to do it. I have to let myself be free - free of those negative thought's, free of the old me. I am capable. And last night I proved it to myself.

I was so excited about last night and to this very minute still feel a great sense of accomplishment. More so because I have been struggling a bit with my left hip and ITB, so to have squeezed this out in not the best of conditions definitely has made me realise my potential.

Actual track was closed to us as the local Rugby League club has booked the track so we walked a few hundred metres up the road to a 770m loop that Chris had found in the local neighbourhood. The plan was to do 5 loops with the last one being a TT. And tonight's focus was all on form.

So after a one lap warm up it was time to begin. The first and second 770m I did in 3:38. Even keel in pacing but I think Chris knew I had more in me so the 3rd one he ran with me - keeping my head focused on my form and cadence. So, consequently that 3rd one was at 3:25. Boy, I was puffed. The cold night air was starting to get to my lungs but at the same time my body was boiling.

Number 4 & 5 were both done at 3:32 but the one I am most proud of was Number 6 - the TT.

As I set off down the road I tried to make my cadence fast and light. Tried not to make too much contact with the ground and really tried to pull up using my glutes and hammies, the bits I always forget to use. Heading down the road was fun - a nice steady decline which made it feel so easy. Easy until I hit the incline on the way back up and then it was time to start using the arms. Using them to help propel me onward and upward. I shortened my stride a bit, leant forward and increased my cadence and as I turned the corner for the home stretch I gave it all I had. I didn't want to leave anything in the tank and as a result of just letting myself be free I nailed that last one in a 3:08.

Never, ever in my wildest dreams did I ever think I could run like that. I never allowed myself to realise my dream - but yesterday was my time to shine. I felt GREAT. If this is what I am capable of after 6mths of intense training I am really looking forward to the next year.

Pinch me!

Am I dreaming? Is this someone else's life I lived for 4 hrs? I almost felt as though any second I was going to wake up and it was all going to be some glorious dream I had had.

But in actual fact, it wasn't a dream - it was reality. I was sitting at a dinner for the "Celebration of Champions". Now to say that I was awe struck would have been an understatement. I think I needed a strap to help keep my jaw from hitting the floor. And it all started from the moment I entered The Intercontinental Hotel.

As usual Stephen and myself were one of the first to arrive - Stephen looked very swish in a suit and shirt - I tried to doll myself up in a red number borrowed from my best friend Susan.

And as much as I love the whole "frocked up" feeling - I kind of wished I could have worn my thongs as my feet were killing me, from the moment those heels went on. But no sooner did I lay eyes on some very important people I forgot all about my aches and pains.

As we waited around in the foyer sipping on some wine a young gorgeous girl walked in - as she turned around I said to my husband "That's Ashleigh Gentle". I couldn't get over how tiny she was. And for having competed at the Sydney ITU race held that same day - she didn't even look remotely tired - actually the more of them I saw and got to meet throughout the night - I realised how extremely fit they all were.

So as we were ushered to our table (Number 13) I couldn't help but realise that I was sitting at the table flagged for Triathlon Australia guests. Surely I couldn't have been sitting on this table - as I glanced around more times then I would like to count I came to realise that I was meant to be at this table. I met some wonderful people and realised what a close knit community the Triathlon World is. And how it didn't matter whether you were an Elite or some Mum from out west - that everyone was special because we were all just trying to do our best.

As the night progressed and presentations were handed out to the Champions:

• Emma Snowsill
• Emma Moffatt
• Emma Jackson
• Ashleigh Gentle
• Chris McCormack - unable to attend
• Mirinda Carfrae - overseas

I sat and watched in pure amazement at the accomplishments of these amazing individuals and how truly dedicated they are to what they do. I loved watching their faces as footage was being shown of them and how it appeared to make them embarrassed to watch themselves accomplishing these spectacular achievements. And I felt honoured to be in their presence.

During the whole evening we were being presented with an amazing dinner - absolutely delicious - believe me I wanted to ask for second helpings. I remember saying to Stephen I really wanted to get photos of as many as I could but felt somewhat shy - yes I know - hard to believe. And no sooner had I said that Stephen had stood up and started speaking to none other than Craig Alexander. I was in shock, disbelief, happiness, jubilation and had to try very hard to contain my excitement. Much like a giggly little school girl.

Craig is such a gentleman. He seemed genuinely interested in the fact that I was doing my first Half Ironman and wished me all the luck in my endeavours. And even said that if he spotted me out on the course up at Port that he would give me a shout out. How cool is that - I am positive that he would do that too.

I had also met Emma Jackson - who is a really nice young lady. Such a genuine soul who was really happy to take the time to take a photo with me.

The one thing I noticed that was similar amongst all the girls was how tiny they all were. Not just in height but size - I guess it doesn't help when I am close to six foot and wearing heels as well. By this stage I saw another Emma - Emma Moffatt. Another genuinely kind individual. So far everyone had asked me if I had competed in the ITU race in Sydney that day - I felt a bit funny saying no - but soon fixed that with saying I was training for my first Half Ironman. That seemed to make them smile. Next to Emma Moffatt was Brad Kahlefedlt - so I asked if I could get a photo with both. I didn't want to miss the opportunity to miss meeting any of the people I read about and who motivate and inspire me.

I was also able to get a photo with Alistair Brownlee, however am unable to post that photo till my friend Trent sends it to me. I also got to meet John Maclean. Check out his website here. This man is one amazing person - everything he has accomplished in his life is truly something to be inspired by and what a humble gentleman he is. I am fundraising for his Foundation here.

What a night. Still one day later I am on a high and feeling extremely blessed to have met all of those I did last night. Stephen and I spoke all the way home and I couldn't help but post photos of the night from my iPhone. Now isn't that a nifty little gadget.

Can't wait for Port - I wonder how many more fabulous people I will get to meet? Life is just too cool for words.

Second skin

Well, not quite yet, but it's getting there with the wetsuit. It still feels restrictive but it is less on the claustrophobic scale for which I am thankful for.

So when heading out this morning to the lakes you could definitely feel that typical Autumn feel. There was dew over the car and that unmistakable freshness in the air. I love Autumn. It was 14 degrees celcius and I started thinking how cold it would be in 3 weeks time at Port. Not that it would matter, I was still going to do it. But it just got me thinking.

Just before getting in I had to get a photo of our gorgeous lake that we are so lucky to train and race in. It was so still this morning. Not a single ripple to be seen and in certain sections it actually looked as though it were a mirror.

So as I started off swimming I kept telling myself to relax and to stop fighting the wetsuit yet again. This time it worked - I was able to keep a steady stroke and tag onto the back of Leigh. I also tried really hard to sight ever 6 strokes. It actually was a really good number of strokes to sight at - I'm all about keeping it even. Not sure what I swam the 2km in but I finished it feeling really good about myself. Next week is our last Open Water Swim before Port but at this point I think I am okay with doing it. And thank goodness for that - 2 nights ago I had a nightmare that I struggled to swim it at Port and I woke up bawling my eyes out.

After the swim I was meant to get straight out and do a 50min run but silly me forgot my runners - I was half tempted to run it barefoot but I didn't. I went home and went back to the lakes to do my run - I didn't want to run it at home. I met up with Susan and after one lap of 5km my left hip started to hurt so I decided it best to not push it. I have a huge weekend ahead anyway so didn't want to risk having to miss it.

When I came home I was absolutely starving so made myself the yummiest wrap. Actually I ate 2 of them - one just wasn't enough.

Tuna, ricotta cheese, salad, cucumber, mushroom, sweet mustard pickle

wrapped in Sundried tomato and basil wrap.

DELICIOUS.

Anyone want one?

All before brekkie.

Way back when, a couple of years ago - heck even a couple of months ago - if someone had of said to me "Barb, your going to be running a Half Marathon before most people have had breakfast" I would have laughed hysterically in their face. Even more so if that HM had nothing to do with a race - you were just running it because it was just something to do. I mean really, who in their right mind would do something like that?

ME

Yep, you read right. I did. I am now part of of those people who I once thought were out of their mind. And I like it. It was such a different feeling to that last 2hr run that was uneventful both physically and mentally. I really felt like these 21.1kms helped me mentally. By the end of it there was no self doubt left, no questioning my abilities, no NOTHING. I had just run 21.1kms before most people's brekkie. And I did it in 2hrs 1min.

And I really wish I had of taken a photo of my smile - because it was BIG. Bigger than my normal smile and that's big. What was not to smile about - the one thing that was holding me back from visualising my dream of this 70.3 was the distance in my run - and I now had conquered that. It is now not a matter of IF I can, it simply is I CAN.

I kept verbalising to myself during the run that I was a capable individual. That everything I had set myself to do I had done. That whatever pain/discomfort I was feeling I had felt before, and I still managed to accomplish my set goals. This was yet another thing that I had to chip away at kilometre by kilometre until the distance was done. And yes there was a point with 1km to go that I really started to struggle with heaviness in my legs and I questioned whether I should walk - but the one thing that Jodie keeps saying to me is that the only battle you will have to fight will be with your mind. And with those words playing havoc in my mind - I just kept pushing. Footstep over footstep I pushed on till that 21.1km came up on my Garmin. And with that I did a little jig on the side of the road.

Yes, I know - if I still had energy to do a jig then I still had more energy to keep running, but that feeling of exhilaration I am sure is much like a painkiller. I walked the remaining 200m to my home damn proud of my first ever Half Marathon. I was now a Half Marathoner. WOOHOO.

I shall wear that title with honour. Heck, I even think I am going to go buy myself a medal and have the date, time and distance engraved on it to hang on my wall. Yesterday is a day I want to remember forever.