Caripinteria Flat Ride

Megan, Kaeley, and I went on a nice long ride from East beach to up the first hill on Casitas Pass Road outside Carpinteria a nice long fairly flat ride to get some mileage in the saddle in. Check it out on mapmyride.com below.

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/ca/santa-barbara/687069719

Bike Shipping

Sorry it's been a while since I've posted on the blog. I hope everyone is still checking back periodically. Let me know how training is going!

Here in Santa Barbara, Jason and I have been riding bikes a lot and swimming as well. I got a new road bike and really enjoy it. Last Sunday we even went on two rides...logging over 40 miles around hilly Santa Barbara.

For those of you that will be flying from different locations and want to bring a bike, there is a company that will ship, build, and transport bikes to and from the triathlon. The fee is $185.00 with return shipping included. The info is found here:

http://www.tricalifornia.com/wildflower/2007/bikeshipping.htm

The other option is you can ship bikes from a local shop in CO (they have boxes) to our address here in Santa Barbara. Then we can drive all the bikes up together. We should have enough bike racks and cars. After the triathlon Jason and I could ship bikes back from one of our local shops. I think this might be cheaper than the above service. If we need to get estimates on this cost, let me know and I will check it out.

I don't want anyone feeling like the bike shipping issue might keep them from the triathlon. Let's all stick with it and I think we can work out the details. The whole point of this crazy goal is to jump-start our fitness!

On another note- we are first in line to get a condo at the lake. I will let everyone know when I have more details.

Swim fast, ride hard, and run like the wind!

I am in!!!

Megan, call me crazy, but I am so in. I found a friend to motivate me to swim and we are taking our first lessons this weekend. Yes, I do not know how to swim laps. I will keep you updated and let you know if I have any near drowning experiences. My friend is a lifeguard and promised to rescue me if I panic in the deep end.

Cool Training Sites

I'm at a technology conference this week (translation geek conference) and learned about a couple of cool sites for training. I also hear about one from my friend Kelley who wants to join in our fun. We're thinking about doind the long course relay and varying things up a bit.

Anyway, the sites:

mapmyrun.com - Uses GoogleEarth interface to allow you to plot the exact points of the runs that you already do. If you create an account, it will tell you how many calories you burned, the elevations, your pace...all kind of cool things.
mapmyride.com - Same idea, just for bike rides.

You can also use both these features in Google maps....worth taking a look at.

Running against the wind

Did I ever mention that of all the weather events that occur the only one that generally irritates me is wind. Wind just blow, literally. It doesn't make for fun outdoor activities or help things grow instead it just inhibits forward movement. Despite the feeling of distaste for the weather I went on my first full forty minute no stopping run. I guess that I am becoming somewhat of a runner. Those winds must be winds of change.

Update!

Hope training is going well for everyone! I just spent the last weekend in Mexico and needless to say my only training was laying around in a beach chair, drinking margaritas, and snorkling. But hey, we all need a break sometime.

Even though I feel a little bit like an overenthusiastic cruise director...I really am excited that so many people want to make Wildflower their goal. Not to be cheesy or anything, but I think that training for fitness events is a great way to improve people's standard of living and make people happy. Here's to working out and feeling great!

I am trying to reserve a condo on the lake for all of us during Wildflower. It will have beds, a kitchen and most importantly: showers! When I get more information I will post it here. I assume that those of you who have confirmed for the triathlon might be interested in staying in the condo. The other options at the lake are camping, RVing, or staying in hotels that are about 45 minutes away. Let me know what you are thinking.

I will keep you posted on my progress!
Megan

Blog Virgin

Okay, I think I finally figured out this whole "blog thing" (yes, this is my FIRST)! So, Megan - count me in for the Olympic distance! I may have to come visit more often though, so I can practice swimming in the ocean/lakes (I still utilize my "push" off the pool walls for part of my workout distance!!). Getting me into (and out of) a wetsuit could be another interesting feat. Thanks for getting us all motivated! In terms of training...well...I did Lookout Mountain for the first time last weekend and I ran the first team leg (10k) of the Colfax Marathon. Noticed Megan did a 500 warmup for her swim - that's half of my entire workout!! Guess I know what I need to keep working on!
Thanks again, Lori

EPIC ride

Aagje & I along with our friends Bill & Sue posted a new level of riding on Sunday, May 27th. 43 miles with a stop before the last 6 miles at the Perfect Landing (not healthy but really tastie). Bill & I had not managed enough riding so we posted an additional 18 Miles this morning.

John

Road Ride and Volleyball

On Friday, Jason decided to torture me with a fairly difficult bike ride. Needless to say, we started at our house, road down to Hope Ranch (near the beach), did a few hills there, and then had to ride BACK UP to our house. Anyone who has visited us will attest to the difficulty of this task. BUT- we were successful and I am now amped about riding my bike more. I think I need some new gear though...

After our intense ride, we decided to go to the beach and play an easy game or two of volleyball. We played for over three hours until dark. All I can say is that running, jumping, and playing in the sand is REALLY hard and a great addition to my workout regime. I think that volleyball is going to be part of my cross-training. Plus, who can go wrong with spending more time on the beach?

My first "training" related post

In need of some new music, last night I made a "kick-ass" running mix. This morning I tested it out, and let me tell ya, it worked. I did that bird sanctuary run, and instead of stopping at the first set of bathrooms like usual, I was so pumped, I ran a bit further! It was just an all around great run! I guess now I just need to start getting ready for the other two components of the race...hmmm, I hope they have lap pools in Germany...

California Coaches

It seems that training is going a bit better in California. It's the last few weeks of school, and it pretty much isn't happening, but I want to be training, so I guess that's a good sign. I'm almost counting down the days, so my schedule no longer interfers with what I'd rather be doing.

Training question for the week: Do elite marathon runners poop in their pants on the race? I would stop at a porta-potty, but for an elite that could mean losing the race. Would you need to poop? Is that why they put blankets around them when they finish? How about peeing for that matter? At what point is a race too long to just hold it?

Another great swim

I had another challening swim on Monday with Jean and Tara. It's been great getting into the water more consistently these days. Especially when you have fun people to swim with!! It seems I have the swimming and running dialed in, now that just leaves the bike...

Hail Coach Megan

Megan your enthusiasm is so infectious. You could probably convince me to do anything with just your excitement and I wouldn’t even have to know what I was signing up for. Pete and I are excited about the idea of having something to train for and being motivated to get in shape. We just aren't sure about the logistics of doing the Wildflower. It probably isn't feasible for us to get all the way from Indiana to California with our bikes and be rested and ready to race. We might have to settle for putting our training effort to use a little closer to home. What you are doing here is such an awesome idea! I wish I was closer so you could be my “Coach Megan.” But just because I’m far away doesn’t mean you’re off the hook, I’ll probably still have plenty of questions.

Willing to give it the old "College Try"

Alright, alright, alright. I am going to make my self known on this blog once and for all. I hereby agree to this cockamamie idea of participating in a triathlon. The longest organized event I have ever participated in was a five mile run. The last time I was in a pool to swim laps was ten years ago in high school. Never have I sat on a street bike out in the street with somewhere to go, but have many an hour logged on the dormant seats in a spin class. Does that count? The only wind I have felt in my hair was from the oscillating fan above the instructor, which sadly, moved further than I that day.

I guess it's time to get moving...any advice on where to begin??

It's always about the new gear. Congrats on the run. For having a dad with a running backgroud, we sure aren't runners.

I'm still trying to find time to get to Lululemon to buy pants.

Training did not happen this week. I've been to busy saying good bye to seniors.

Feel the Burn

Megan and I had a nice run along the beach. My first full thirty minute run, feel the burn baby. I think I might need to invest in some running swag, (did someone say new gear). There is something about new gear that makes me salivate, do I have an addiciton?

Goliath is the master swim dog. He sprints across the pond and back in record time. I'm pretty sure he is training to become a professional triathlete. He is going to do an Iron Dog. Swim, dig, run. The other dogs just kind of stand around and watch him. What a beast.

Any One Else Want to Give it a Tri?

I know that there are some bloggers who have registered but have not posted anything. Do any of you want to commit to the Wildflower? Post a reply here and I will put your name on the list. It will be a blast!

Another swim

Had a great swim today with Jean. We worked on kicking and pulling. Although we swam pretty fast, I still don't know if we were faster than Bjorn or Titus. They are some serious competition!

Swim like a fish... or like a Bjorn or a Titus

Yesterday Jason and I swam a super fun workout. Titus and Bjorn wish that they could have swam too! It was sunny and great to be outside. The entire time I sang a little song about being a fish. It was very Nemo-esque. Our workout was short and sweet, but effective:

500 warm-up
4 x 50s (on 1:00)
100 kick
100 pull
4 x 75s (on 1:45) descending
100 kick
100 pull
4 x 50s (on 1:10) descending
100 kick
100 pull
4 x 25s (on :45) underwaters or sprints
300 cool-down
total: 2200 yards

Other bloggers should post their work outs too!! I need to mix up my training.

Fartleks and 17% grades sick, sick sick. I spent my day standing in high heels eating banquet chicken. Is that a race leg? I did get the run in early, good thing for my attitude. Dad learned about a triathlon training program week in Italy. Trying to get more info about a riding, cooking and eating, wine drinking program in Tuscany. I think I can do that kind of extensive training.

Magic Shoes

So I ran yesterday and didn't hate it, and I didn't stop. I think I might have magic shoes. On a sadder note, I think Goliath tore a muscle. I don't think he liked running another couple of miles with me after having completed a triathalon in the park. But for the first time, I had to encourage the dogs up the hills, not the other way around.

Fartleks

No, I am not being vulgar. Today I ran a fartlek workout. According to the dictionary:

Fartlek: Swedish in origin, fartlek literally translates as speed-play. A system of training for distance runners in which the terrain and pace are continually varied to decrease boredom and enhance psychological aspects of conditioning. Fartleks are best if you have been running for at least a month or two and can easily run for 45-60 minutes at about a 10-12 min/mile pace. They push your cardiovascular conditioning and simulate a race situation where you might sprint at the beginning, middle (to pass someone) or at the end. It's a great way to mix up your training.

Here was my workout:
10-12 minute warm up, easy.
1 minute at 70% effort, then 1 minute recovery (still running)
2 minutes at 75% effort, then 2 minutes recovery
3 minutes at 80% effort, then 3 minutes recovery
2 minutes at 75% effort, then 2 minutes recovery
1 minute at 90% effort
10-12 minute running cool down

Feel free to share your workouts and what you do to avoid boredom! Happy running!

Songs of Cycling

So today after a few days of working to much and not being motiviated to train it was in the words of Steven Tyler, "Back in the saddle again". Todays ride encompassed 1800' feet of climbing with grades up to 17% (independently varified by my geeked out riding buddies), 13 miles of pain.

Is it sick and wrong to have Queens "Bicycle" playing in your head when pounding the pavement.

Rode my bike yesterday and thought about how to get it to California for the race. I don't like to ride strange and unfamiliar bikes. My bike and I are ONE. Plan to run tomorrow and swim on Friday. Go the distance!

WOW

I started this blog on Monday and as of Tuesday night we already have SEVEN people who want to commit to the race. Just to let everyone know, I (Coach Megan) will hold you to your word. This is going to be the best triathlon ever! I will keep everyone updated on where we can stay for that weekend.

I'll do it!

I'll do it, I don't have a bike though...well I do...will that one work? I guess I should probably start running more...and biking more...and swimming more...hmmmm there seem to be a lot of mores and dots. where do we talk about the chocolate?

I love running (NOT)

I'm sooo in. And yes, for the Olympic. I was so excited after watching the "big boys and girls" compete from my lawn chair on Saturday. After taking a year off from being a triathelete, I'm ready to get back in and get back in big. I'm signed up for two sprints this summer and may also add an Olympic at the end.

I bought new running shoes yesterday.

Count me in - I might start with the novice triathlon. Although who knows, a year from now I could be ready for the olympic with Coach Megan's help. I guess this means I need to buy a better bike... My current one might be more aerodynamic if I took the basket off though. Or should I get a car first? :)

The Wildflower Olympic distance race sounds like a great challenge for my next fitness goal. As a spectator of the 2007 race I was itching to give it a "tri". Count me in as long as I do not have to sleep in a bag on the ground. Aagje

A Year From Now...

A year from now, I want to be sore. I want to ice my legs with frozen peas, have some wicked tan lines, and feel like I accomplished something great. Call me crazy, but I want to race the Olympic distance in the Wildflower Triathlon. Who wants to join me?